bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of bovine abortion and stillbirth/perinatal mortality - similar diagnostic challenges, different approaches
Authors: Mee John F.
Published: September 2020

This pracademic paper reviews current bovine foetopathy (abortion and stillbirth) case definitions, reporting and triage, and causes and time-of-death and proposes veterinary practitioner-focused investigative standard operating procedures (SOPs). Issues of under- and over-triage and intra-institutional SOP harmonisation are also discussed. It is proposed that an ‘observable abortion’ (120–260 days of gestation) is a more practitioner-friendly definition of abortion for reporting and benchmarking purposes and that the term ‘peristillbirth’ can replace stillbirth and perinatal mortality. Diagnosis of bovine foetopathy involves an investigative triad of the farmer, veterinary practitioner and the veterinary diagnostic laboratory. However, the poor sensitivity of abortion reporting undermines the value of currently adopted scanning/passive surveillance; parallel active surveillance/sentinel herd models should also be employed. The approach to abortion investigation differs from that of peristillbirth. The former should include collecting a herd and case history, examination and sampling of dam and cohorts and sampling of the foetus and placenta. A sample selection decision tree is provided to assist test selection. In peristillbirths, non-infectious and periparturient causes-of-death are more important hence the anamnesis must focus on peristillbirth risk factors and calving management. The foetopsy, while including the sampling menu appropriate to aborted foetuses, must also include a detailed internal and external examination of the carcass for lesions indicative of periparturient causes-of-death. In addition, for aborted foetuses the time-of-death is not important as the foetus is generally not viable; however, for the peristillbirth the time-of-death is critical as it provides useful information for the farmer to address modifiable risk factors and to alter their perinatal management. Reporting of the ultimate cause-of-death is more useful to prevent future abortions and peristillbirths though the proximate cause-of-death is often reported in the absence of a complete clinical anamnesis. Finally, the common reasons for diagnosis not reached (DNR) and the limitations of current investigative approaches are discussed.
Simulation-based education for teaching aggression management skills to health care providers in the acute health care setting: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Mitchell Marijke , Bernie Charmaine , Newall Fiona , Williams Katrina
Published: September 2020

Background

Clinical aggression episodes, that is aggression and externalising behaviours that create risk, in acute care hospitals are increasing. Acute care staff are often not confident or trained in the management of aggression. Various aggression management training formats have been described in practice including face to face training, written learning resources, web- and media-based training resources, and simulation training. The aim of this systematic review is to assess whether simulation-based training is effective in increasing de-escalation knowledge, skills, and behaviour of staff working in the acute care setting.

Methods

We designed and registered a study protocol for a systematic review of studies evaluating simulation-based training for the management of patients with aggression. We will include randomised controlled trials, non-randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and observational studies including health care professionals and trainees in acute health care settings. Comprehensive searches will be conducted in the following databases (from January 1980 onwards): PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library. The reference lists of selected studies, trial registers, and leading journals will also be searched. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. Potential discrepancies will be resolved through discussion. The primary outcomes will include patient outcomes (e.g. frequency of clinical aggression), quality of care (e.g. frequency of emergency situations, physical/chemical/mechanical restraint), and adverse effects (e.g. patient/family complaints, patient harms, staff harms). Secondary outcomes will include workplace resource use, health care provider-related outcomes, knowledge (de-escalation techniques), performance, attitudes, and satisfaction. The study methodological risk of bias will be appraised using appropriate tools. A narrative synthesis will be performed for included studies. If feasible, we will conduct random-effects meta-analysis of data. Additional analyses will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity (e.g. participant characteristics, interventions, and follow-up).

Discussion

This systematic review will identify, evaluate, and integrate the evidence on simulation-based training programmes for acute care health professionals on managing clinical aggression. The results of this study will inform the implementation of effective training strategies. Implications for future research will be discussed.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO registration number CRD42020151002
New generating functions of I-function satisfying Truesdell’s $F_{q}$-equation
Authors: Bhat Altaf Ahmad , Tassaddiq Asifa , Jain D. K. , Naaz Humera
Published: September 2020

In this paper we first obtain various new forms of the q-analogue of the I-function satisfying Truesdell’s ascending and descending $F_{q}$

F
q

-equation. Then we use these forms to obtain new generating functions for the q-analogue of the I-function. Some particular cases of these results in terms of the q-analogue of the I-function, H-function and G-function have also been obtained.
New general Grüss-type inequalities over σ-finite measure space with applications
Authors: Iqbal Sajid , Adil Khan Muhammad , Abdeljawad Thabet , Samraiz Muhammad , Rahman Gauhar , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we establish some new integral inequalities involving general kernels. We obtain the related broad range of fractional integral inequalities. Also, we apply the Young inequality to find new forms of inequalities for generalized kernels. These new and motivated results generalize the results for fractional integrals such that fractional integral of a function with respect to an increasing function, Riemann–Lioville fractional integrals, Erdélyi–Kober fractional integrals, Hadamard fractional integrals, generalized factional integral integrals in addition to the corresponding k-fractional integrals.
Microsaccadic modulation evoked by emotional events
Authors: Kashihara Koji
Published: September 2020

Saccadic eye movements can allude to emotional states and visual attention. Recent studies have shown that microsaccadic responses (i.e., small fixational eye movements) reflect advanced brain activity during attentional and cognitive tasks. Moreover, the microsaccadic activity related to emotional attention provides new insights into this field. For example, emotional pictures attenuate the microsaccadic rate, and microsaccadic responses to covert attention occur in the direction opposite to a negative emotional target. However, the effects of various emotional events on microsaccadic activity remain debatable. This review introduces visual attention and eye movement studies that support findings on the modulation of microsaccadic responses to emotional events, comparing them with typical microsaccadic responses. This review also discusses the brain neuronal mechanisms governing microsaccadic responses to the attentional shifts triggered by emotion-related stimuli. It is hard to reveal the direct brain pathway of the microsaccadic modulation, especially in advanced (e.g., sustained anger, envy, distrust, guilt, frustration, delight, attraction, trust, and love), but also in basic human emotions (i.e., anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise). However, non-human primates and human studies can uncover the possible brain pathways of emotional attention and microsaccades, thus providing future research directions. In particular, the facilitated (or reduced) attention is common evidence that microsaccadic activities change under a variety of social modalities (e.g., cognition, music, mental illness, and working memory) that elicit emotions and feelings.
Nitrite inhalants use, sexual behaviors and HIV/syphilis infection among men who have sex with men in Chongqing, China
Authors: Chen Jin , Huang Yu-Ling , Chen Huai-Liang , Xia Ji
Published: September 2020

Background

Emerging evidence indicates nitrite inhalants have become increasingly prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM). The present study aimed to describe the prevalence and correlates of nitrite inhalants use and its association with risky sexual behaviors and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/syphilis infection among MSM in Chongqing, a city in China where MSM were burdened with the highest pooled HIV prevalence in the country.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Chongqing between March 2019 and February 2020. Information of demographics, drug use, sexual behaviors and HIV testing was collected through an anonymous survey. Blood samples were drawn from each participant for the diagnoses of HIV and syphilis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors correlated with nitrite inhalants use and its relationship with risky sexual behaviors and HIV/syphilis infection.

Results

Of the 1151 eligible participants, 18.9% (218) reported use of at least one type of recreational drugs in the past 6 months, and nitrite inhalants were the most commonly used substance (17.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.6–20.2%). The proportions of participants reported engaging in group sex and practicing condomless internal ejaculation during anal sex in the past six months were 5.8% (95% CI: 4.4–7.2%) and 41.7% (95% CI: 38.7–44.7%), respectively. The general prevalence of HIV and syphilis infection among the enrolled MSM were 16.8% (95% CI: 14.7–19.0%) and 12.6% (95% CI: 10.7–14.4%), respectively. Factors positively associated with nitrite inhalants use included: age ≤ 25 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.10–3.94), monthly individual income ≥ CNY 3000 (Chinese Yuan) (aOR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.18–3.22), preferring receptive anal intercourse (aOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.34–3.84) and versatile anal intercourse (aOR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.64–4.13), age at first anal intercourse < 18 (aOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.21–2.67), engaging in group sex in the past six months (aOR = 9.34, 95% CI: 4.95–17.63), having multiple male sex partners in the past 6 months (aOR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.50–3.58), practicing CIE during anal sex in the past six months (aOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.19–2.46), HIV infection (aOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.11–2.66) and syphilis infection (aOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.23–3.17).

Conclusions

This study found that nitrite inhalants were the most commonly used recreational substance among MSM and nitrite inhalants use were associated with higher probability of HIV and syphilis infection. Therefore, increased attention and counselling should be given to nitrite inhalants-using MSM.
The role of smalt in complex pigment mixtures in Rembrandt’s Homer 1663: combining MA-XRF imaging, microanalysis, paint reconstructions and OCT
Authors: van Loon A. , Noble P. , de Man D. , Alfeld M. , Callewaert T. , Van der Snickt G. , Janssens K. , Dik J.
Published: September 2020

As part of the NWO Science4Arts REVISRembrandt project (2012–2018), novel chemical imaging techniques were developed and applied to the study of Rembrandt’s late experimental painting technique (1651–1669). One of the unique features in his late paintings is his abundant use of smalt: a blue cobalt glass pigment that he often combined with organic lake pigments, earth pigments and blacks. Since most of these smalt-containing paints have discolored over time, we wanted to find out more about how these paintings may have originally looked, and what the role of smalt was in his paint. This paper reports on the use of smalt in complex pigment mixtures in Rembrandt’s Homer (1663), Mauritshuis, The Hague. Macroscopic X-ray fluorescence imaging (MA-XRF) assisted by computational analysis, in combination with SEM-EDX analysis of paint cross-sections, provides new information about the distribution and composition of the smalt paints in the painting. Paint reconstructions were carried out to investigate the effect of different percentages of smalt on the overall color, the drying properties, translucency and texture of the paint. Results show that the influence of (the originally blue) smalt on the intended color of the paint of the Homer is minimal. However, in mixtures with high percentages of smalt, or when combined with more transparent pigments, it was concluded that the smalt did produce a cooler and darker paint. It was also found that the admixture of opaque pigments reduced the translucent character of the smalt. The drying tests show that the paints with (cobalt-containing) smalt dried five times faster compared to those with glass (without cobalt). Most significantly, the texture of the paint was strongly influenced by adding smalt, creating a more irregular surface topography with clearly pronounced brushstrokes. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used as an additional tool to reveal differences in translucency and texture between the different paint reconstructions. In conclusion, this study confirmed earlier assumptions that Rembrandt used substantial amounts of smalt in his late paintings, not for its blue color, but to give volume and texture to his paints, to deepen their colors and to make them dry faster.
Prevalence and incidence rate of tuberculosis among HIV-infected patients enrolled in HIV care, treatment, and support program in mainland Tanzania
Authors: Majigo M. , Somi G. , Joachim A. , Manyahi J. , Nondi J. , Sambu V. , Rwebembera A. , Makyao N. , Ramadhani A. , Maokola W. , Todd J. , Matee M. I.
Published: September 2020

Background

Despite improvements in access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), mortality in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) is still high and primarily attributed to tuberculosis (TB) infection. In Sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 80% of HIV-related mortality cases are associated with TB. Relatively little is known about the incidence of TB among PLHIV in Tanzania and the determinant factors. We report the prevalence and incidence rate of confirmed TB and determine association with selected demographic and program-related factors based on data in the national HIV care and treatment program from 2011 to 2014.

Methods

We used the Tanzania National AIDS Control Programme database to obtain information on all HIV clients enrolled in the HIV care and treatment program between January 2011 and December 2014. We analyzed retrospective cohort data to assess the prevalence and TB incidence rate per 1000 person-years. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for putatively associated factors.

Results

Over 4 years, there were 22,071 confirmed cases of pulmonary TB in 1,323,600 person-years. The overall TB incidence was around 16.7 (95% CI 16.4–16.9) cases per 1000 person-years. The annual incidence rate decreased by 12.4 % from 17.0 (95% CI 16.5–17.4) in 2011 to 14.9 (95% CI 14.5–15.4) in 2014. The TB incidence rate was higher in persons not using ART and in males than in females. The incidence of TB was higher in patients with advanced HIV disease and decreased with increasing age. The overall prevalence of TB was 2.2%, with a peak prevalence of 2.5% in 2013 and was higher among children < 15 years (3.2%) in the same year.

Conclusion

The study found an overall decrease in the incidence of TB in PLHIV. Our results emphasize the need for early initiation of ART and the provision of TB preventive therapy for those PLHIV without active TB after intensified TB case-finding.
A systematic review and meta-analysis on the global prevalence of microsporidia infection among dogs: a zoonotic concern
Authors: Taghipour Ali , Bahadory Saeed , Khazaei Sasan
Published: September 2020

Background

Microsporidiosis is an emerging zoonotic disease that is considered a global public health concern. Dogs are suggested as one of potential reservoirs for transmitting the microsporidia infection to humans. However, there is little data on distribution of microsporidia in dogs. The current study aimed to evaluate the global prevalence and genetic diversity of microsporidia infection among the dog population.

Methods

We searched four major databases for studies reporting the prevalence of microsporidia in dogs until 30 May 2020. A random-effects model was used to estimate the overall and the subgroup-pooled prevalence of microsporidia across studies.

Result

Finally, a total of 32 studies (including 37 datasets) from 17 countries were included in this meta-analysis. The overall prevalence (95% CI) of microsporidia infection was estimated at 23.1% (13.5–36.8%) using microscopic methods, 20.9% (14.6–29%) using serological methods, and 8.4% (6.1–11.5%) using molecular methods. Molecular methods showed that the highest number of reports was related to Enterocytozoon bieneusi with a pooled prevalence of 6.5% (4.9–8.7%). Considering E. bieneusi genotypes, most studies reported the PtEb IX (10 studies) and the D (eight studies) genotypes.

Conclusion

These results emphasize the role of a dog as a reservoir host for human-infecting microsporidia. In addition, monitoring programs for human-infecting microsporidia in animals with close contact to humans should be considered.
Tuberculosis in migrants – screening, surveillance and ethics
Authors: Scandurra Gabriella , Degeling Chris , Douglas Paul , Dobler Claudia C. , Marais Ben
Published: September 2020

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading infectious cause of human mortality and is responsible for nearly 2 million deaths every year. It is often regarded as a ‘silent killer’ because it predominantly affects the poor and marginalized, and disease outbreaks occur in ‘slow motion’ compared to Ebola or coronavirus 2 (COVID-19). In low incidence countries, TB is predominantly an imported disease and TB control in migrants is pivotal for countries to progress towards TB elimination in accordance with the World Health Organisations (WHO’s) End TB strategy. This review provides a brief overview of the different screening approaches and surveillance processes that are in place in low TB incidence countries. It also includes a detailed discussion of the ethical issues related to TB screening of migrants in these settings and the different interests that need to be balanced. Given recognition that a holistic approach that recognizes and respects basic human rights is required to end TB, the review considers the complexities that require consideration in low-incidence countries that are aiming for TB elimination.
The management of subacute and chronic vascular aphasia: an updated review
Authors: Msigwa Samwel Sylvester , Cheng Xianglin
Published: September 2020

Background

Post-stroke aphasia (PSA) is an impairment of the generation or comprehension of language due to acute cerebrovascular lesions. Subacute phase span the 7th day to 24 weeks post-onset while > 6 months is termed chronic phase. Language recovery does not arise immediately in chronic PSA, unlike the acute phase. The majority of the treatment modalities in these two PSA phases are still in the infancy stage, facing dilemmas and considered experimental requiring constant updates. Hence, we aimed to upgrade the existing literature regarding available PSA management options, advances, and drawbacks pertaining to subacute and chronic phases.

Main text

In this review, we analyzed the management options for subacute and chronic vascular aphasia. MEDLINE, through PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were explored for English studies by utilizing the terms “stroke aphasia” Plus “vascular aphasia”; 160,753 articles were retrieved. The latest studies, published from 2016 to July 2020, were selected. Article headings and abstracts were analyzed for relevance and filtered; eventually, 92 articles were included in this review. Various management options were extracted as follows: noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS), technology-based therapies, speech-language therapy (SLT), pharmacotherapy, music-based therapies, and psychosocial interventions.

Conclusion

The PSA therapy evolves towards more intense SLT therapy, yet the optimal dosage of the emerging high-intensity therapies is controversial. As spinal and cerebellar NIBS, Telespeech, and E-mental health mark PSA's future, distinct pharmacological options remain a dilemma. Across the continuum of care, PSA–depression comorbidity and inadequate PSA post-discharge education to patient’s families are the significant therapeutic challenges. Future therapeutic mechanisms, optimal dose/timing, and tolerability/safety exploration are obliged.
Superior mesenteric artery outcomes after large fenestration strut relocation with the Zenith Fenestrated endoprosthesis
Authors: Mirza Aleem K. , Sullivan Timothy M. , Skeik Nedaa , Manunga Jesse
Published: September 2020

Background

The Zenith® Fenestrated (ZFen) stent-graft is frequently configured with a strut-spanning large fenestration for superior mesenteric artery (SMA) incorporation. This has led some to relocate struts to create a strut-free fenestration and place a bridging stent. The aim of this study was to compare SMA outcomes with and without large fenestration strut relocation.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of a prospective database of patients undergoing fenestrated endovascular repair with ZFen between 2013 and 2019. Those with SMA incorporation using large fenestrations were included and separated into strut relocation (SR) and no relocation (NR) groups. Endpoints included procedural metrics, technical success, major adverse events, and target-vessel instability.

Results

A total of 121 patients (77% male; mean age 76.1 ± 7.1 years) met inclusion criteria, including 94 with SR (78%) and 27 with NR (22%). A total of 369 target-vessels were incorporated, with a mean of 3.0 ± 0.2 per patient, and no differences between groups. Mean operative time, contrast volume, estimated blood loss, fluoroscopy time and radiation dose were lower (p < 0.001) with SR, attributed to increased experience with time. Overall technical success (SR: 100%, NR: 96%, p = 0.22) was 99%. At a mean follow-up of 32 months, there were two endovascular interventions for mesenteric ischemia. One resulted in SMA dissection requiring bypass in the NR group, the other was successful ballooning of the bridging stent with symptom resolution in the SR group.

Conclusions

Relocating the spanning struts does not negatively impact procedural metrics or midterm outcomes. It may facilitate future endovascular interventions.
Responses of Driver-Athletes to Repeated Driving Stints
Authors: POTKANOWICZ EDWARD S. , FERGUSON DAVID P. , GREENSHIELDS JOEL T.
Published: September 2020

Having overcome old societal stereotypes, the race car driver is now recognized as a true athlete. Research in driver science continues to contribute to this change by expanding its scope to examine multiple forms of racing, such as endurance racing, which challenges the driver-athlete beyond that of a traditional race.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine and quantify the effect of repeated driving stints on the physiologic, metabolic, and hormonal responses of three professional endurance driver-athletes.

Methods

Core body temperature, HR, and physiological strain index were recorded during the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race using the Equivital Life Monitor system. Blood glucose was monitored continuously during the event using a FreeStyle Libre Pro (Abbott, Alameda, CA). Alpha-amylase and cortisol were sampled immediately before the beginning of a stint and immediately after.

Results

First-stint overall and individual driver-athlete responses were similar to those reported in the literature. Later-stint responses diverged from the literature. Reductions in initial core temperature, absence of increases in HR and physiological strain index, and altered glucose and hormonal responses were each observed in the later stint.

Conclusion

The data support previous research showing that motorsports has a measurable physiological, metabolic, and hormonal effect on the driver-athlete. This study also shows that multiple stints elicit responses that deviate from the published literature on single-stint events. This study is also particularly interesting in that it represents one of the first times that longitudinal data have been gathered on endurance racing driver-athletes.
Recruiting students for the COVID-19 emergency response: lessons from eight African countries
Authors: Mkenda Vera , Woolhouse Mark , Mutapi Francisca , Banda Geoffrey
Published: September 2020

Background: This paper examines how African countries can innovatively use pre-qualified undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as retired clinical, laboratory and epidemiological technocrats in dealing with medical emergency situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: An online questionnaire was sent to key informants in six universities and two research institutions working with the Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA) program eight African countries.  The return rate was 88.9% and data was analysed using the framework method.

Results: Students and other personnel trained in the medical and health professions are a valuable resource that can be mobilised by African governments during medical emergency situations. These are found in research, academia, non-governmental organisations, and government.  However, without clear plans and mechanisms for recruiting, supervising and remunerating or reimbursing the costs of engaging someone not employed by the government, the legitimation and authority for such recruitment becomes a challenge. Currently, postgraduate students in the biomedical sciences are the most preferred because of their level of experience and exposure to medical techniques. They also have a degree certificate, which serves as a quality and competence assurance tool. Engagement of postgraduate medical students undergoing their residence programmes also seems a lot easier. While on the other hand, undergraduate students, who are the majority, are considered underexposed and with low technological capabilities. They also lack certificates needed to ensure competence, although we argue that not all tasks during pandemics require specialized skills.

Conclusion: As a step towards strengthening national disaster preparedness capacities, African governments need to develop plans that clarify protocols for engaging, training, supervising and protecting students, especially undergraduates and those taking non-biomedical courses. Such plans may form part of the National Pandemic Response Plan, while considering both specialised and non-specialized roles of emergency response.
A case series analysing patients with dental anxiety: a patient-centered model based on psychological profiling
Authors: Tizzoni Riccardo , Veneroni Laura , D'Aloia Alfonso , Tizzoni Marta , Clerici Carlo Alfredo
Published: September 2020

Anxiety and distress can jeopardize dental care experience of patients and may affect the clinical result. Although a wide range of sedation and analgesia techniques are currently available to relieve distress and pain during dental procedures, operative models to choose the most effective sedation-analgesic strategies are still insufficient.

This case series proposes a patient-centered model to optimize patients’ cooperation during dental care delivery. We describe how to achieve correct anaesthesia by using the least sedative procedure, accounting for the dental procedure needed and patient’s psychological profile.

Five patients were considered as paradigmatic to show the balance between patients’ subjective experiences and the clinical procedures: a patient with low stress, good compliance (case 1); a patient with moderate stress and reduction in compliance (case 2); anxious patient (case 3); a patient with acute anxiety and emotional distress (case 4); anguished patient (case 5).

A multimodal treatment of emotional and behavioural condition and a patient-centered model approach contributed to achieve the best patient satisfaction in the five cases detailed here.
Biocuration - mapping resources and needs
Authors: Holinski Alexandra , Burke Melissa L. , Morgan Sarah L. , McQuilton Peter , Palagi Patricia M.
Published: September 2020

Background: Biocuration involves a variety of teams and individuals across the globe. However, they may not self-identify as biocurators, as they may be unaware of biocuration as a career path or because biocuration is only part of their role. The lack of a clear, up-to-date profile of biocuration creates challenges for organisations like ELIXIR, the ISB and GOBLET to systematically support biocurators and for biocurators themselves to develop their own careers. Therefore, the ELIXIR Training Platform launched an Implementation Study in order to i) identify communities of biocurators, ii) map the type of curation work being done, iii) assess biocuration training, and iv) draw a picture of biocuration career development.

Methods: To achieve the goals of the study, we carried out a global survey on the nature of biocuration work, the tools and resources that are used, training that has been received and additional training needs. To examine these topics in more detail we ran workshop-based discussions at ISB Biocuration Conference 2019 and the ELIXIR All Hands Meeting 2019. We also had guided conversations with selected people from the EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute.

Results: The study illustrates that biocurators have diverse job titles, are highly skilled, perform a variety of activities and use a wide range of tools and resources. The study emphasises the need for training in programming and coding skills, but also highlights the difficulties curators face in terms of career development and community building.

Conclusion: Biocurators themselves, as well as organisations like ELIXIR, GOBLET and ISB must work together towards structural change to overcome these difficulties. In this article we discuss recommendations to ensure that biocuration as a role is visible and valued, thereby helping biocurators to proceed with their career.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-harm and suicidal behaviour: a living systematic review
Authors: John Ann , Okolie Chukwudi , Eyles Emily , Webb Roger T. , Schmidt Lena , McGuiness Luke A. , Olorisade Babatunde K. , Arensman Ella , Hawton Keith , Kapur Nav , Moran Paul , O'Connor Rory C. , O'Neill Siobhan , Higgins Julian P.T. , Gunnell David
Published: September 2020

Background:The COVID-19 pandemic has caused morbidity and mortality, as well as, widespread disruption to people’s lives and livelihoods around the world. Given the health and economic threats posed by the pandemic to the global community, there are concerns that rates of suicide and suicidal behaviour may rise during and in its aftermath. Our living systematic review (LSR) focuses on suicide prevention in relation to COVID-19, with this iteration synthesising relevant evidence up to June 7th2020.

Method: Automated daily searches feed into a web-based database with screening and data extraction functionalities. Eligibility criteria include incidence/prevalence of suicidal behaviour, exposure-outcome relationships and effects of interventions in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outcomes of interest are suicide, self-harm or attempted suicide and suicidal thoughts. No restrictions are placed on language or study type, except for single-person case reports.

Results:Searches identified 2070 articles, 29 (28 studies) met our inclusion criteria, of which 14 articles were research letters or pre-prints awaiting peer review. All articles reported observational data: 12 cross-sectional; eight case series; five modelling; and three service utilisation studies. No studies reported on changes in rates of suicidal behaviour. Case series were largely drawn from news reporting in low/middle income countries and factors associated with suicide included fear of infection, social isolation and economic concerns.  

Conclusions:  A marked improvement in the quality of design, methods, and reporting in future studies is needed. There is thus far no clear evidence of an increase in suicide, self-harm, suicidal behaviour, or suicidal thoughts associated with the pandemic. However, suicide data are challenging to collect in real time and economic effects are evolving. Our LSR will provide a regular synthesis of the most up-to-date research evidence to guide public health and clinical policy to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on suicide.

PROSPERO registration:CRD4202018332601/05/2020
Transition from child-centred to adult-oriented healthcare systems for young people with neurodisability: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Fortune Jennifer , Murphy Paul , Merchant Nabil , Kerr Claire , Kroll Thilo , Walsh Aisling , Norris Meriel , Lavelle Grace , Ryan Jennifer
Published: September 2020

Background:The transition from child-centred to adult-oriented healthcare is a challenging time for young people with neurodisability. As the prevalence of neurodisability increases, greater numbers of young people will eventually transfer to the adult healthcare system. While there is a growing recognition of the importance of providing quality, transitional care, little is known about how to manage and optimise this process for young people with neurodisability. The objective of this scoping review is to examine and map existing literature related to the transition from child-centred to adult-oriented healthcare systems for young people with neurodisability.

Methods:Systematic literature searches of OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Web of Science will be conducted from inception to present. A structured iterative search of grey literature will be conducted. This review will consider all study designs examining the transition from child to adult health services in neurodisability. Two reviewers will independently screen each retrieved title and abstract and assess full-text articles against the inclusion criteria to determine eligibility. Data will be extracted and synthesised quantitatively and qualitatively. The process and reporting will follow PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

Conclusion:This review will provide a broad and systematically mapped synthesis of the extent and nature of the available published and unpublished literature on transition from child-centred to adult-oriented healthcare systems in neurodisability. The results will be used to determine gaps in the current evidence base in order to prioritise areas for future research.
GALLERIA MELLONELLA L. GARBAGE SORTING MECHANIZATION TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Sokolov Vladislav , Osokina Anastasiya , Kasatkin Vladimir
Published: September 2020

In the modern world, insects are widely used for scientific and industrial purposes. For their cultivation in the laboratory, various plants have been developed, the main disadvantage of which is poor-quality sorting from garbage. Therefore, the question of cultivating and sorting the larvae of bee moth (Galleria mellonella L.) in laboratory conditions for the purpose of further use as a model object in various fields of biological sciences and medical purposes is relevant. The effect of the temperature gradient and exposure on the movement of G. mellonella larvae from the heated compartment of the plant was determined by their reproduction into the cold by the number of individuals that moved for 10, 15, and 20 minutes at 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 0С, visual counting. At 35 0С, regardless of the exposure time, the larvae remained on a honeycomb frame; at 40 ° C and 45 0С, on average, 11.5% and 31.8% of individuals, respectively, moved. The higher the temperature gradient, the faster the larvae moved into the cold compartment. More larvae passed from the lower frame to it than from the upper one. The difference at a temperature of 45 ° C averaged 2%, 50 0С - 18.7%, 55 0С - 0.4%. The optimum temperature gradient for sorting larvae is 50 ... 55 0С during an exposure of 15 ... 20 minutes, in this case more than 98% of the larvae were transferred to the cold compartment. The use of an infrared electric heating system will optimize the breeding process of G. mellonella larvae and ensure their high-quality sorting
THEORY AND PRACTICE OF RURAL FARMS DIGITALIZATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF TATARSTAN
Authors: Subaeva Asiya , Aleksandrova Natal'ya
Published: September 2020

The article presents an analysis of various approaches to defining the concept of “digital economy”. It is revealed that in practice it includes a very wide list of categories related to the processes of informatization and computerization of society. An economic approach is proposed that allows determining the economic efficiency of the introduction of digital technologies in the region’s farms, which will become an effective tool for line Ministries and departments in assessing the effectiveness of measures to introduce digital technologies in the agar sector. As an indicator of social production and the achievement of the greatest results with the least cost of living and materialized labor per unit of output produced can be expressed as the difference between the additional operating profit (effect) obtained after mastering digital technologies and the sum of the current costs of their development. The developed methodology was tested on the example of 4 typical agricultural enterprises of Tukaevskiy, Bugulminskiy, Zelenodolskiy and Arskiy municipal districts of the Republic of Tatarstan, located in different climatic zones. The average decrease in the production cost of 1 centner of grain crops after the development of digital technologies in these farms in 2019 amounted to 13%.
BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF DRY SUBSTANCE OF ABOVE-GROUND BIOMASS AND RAPE SEEDS
Authors: Medvedev Vladimir , Hakimov Evgeniy , Fatyhov Il'dus , Vafina El'mira
Published: September 2020

The aim of the study was to analyze the biochemical composition of dry matter of aboveground biomass and seeds of Akkord spring rape to determine their value when used for feed. Rape was grown in 2016–2019 on sod-podzolic medium loamy soil of middle Urals with a humus content of 1.96 ... 2.25%, mobile phosphorus and potassium 166 ... 268 and 175 ... 273 mg/kg, respectively, рНKCl - 5.4 ... 5.7. The meteorological conditions of the growing season in 2016 were characterized as moderately arid and insufficiently wet (GTC - 0.51 ... 0.73), 2017 - moderately warm and humid (GTK - 1.94 ... 2.36), 2018 - optimal moist (GTK - 1.10 ... 1.70). We analyzed samples of dry matter of the aboveground biomass harvested during the budding period – beginning of flowering, as well as seeds in the phase of full ripeness. The concentration of most of the 70 evaluated chemical elements in seeds, with the exception of magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, bromine, was lower than in the aboveground biomass. Of the regulated elements (Hg, Cd, Pb, As, Cu, Xn, Fe, Sb, Se, Ni, Cr, Mo, Co) in the dry matter of green mass and seeds used for animal feed, the minimum permissible concentration did not exceed the established norms for all elements. The content of crude protein (22.8%), feed units (1.36 per 1 kg), metabolizable energy (13.0 MJ/kg) in rape seeds exceeded the values of these indicators in the dry matter of aboveground biomass –11.2%; 0.75 feed units and 9.6 MJ, respectively. The amino acid content also tended to increase in the seeds compared to the dry matter content of green mass: the total content of 13 amino acids was 14.14% and 6.40%. The removal of nitrogen from 1 ton of dry matter of aboveground biomass and rapeseed was, respectively, 30.9 and 58.2 kg, phosphorus - 6.5 and 25.5 kg, potassium - 22.0 and 40.5 kg
CHANGE IN FERTILITY INDICATORS OF GRAY FOREST SOIL AND CROP PRODUCTIVITY IN THE CROP ROTATION LINK WHEN APPLYING FERTILIZERS
Authors: Shakirov Rafil , Bikmuhametov Zakirzhan , Hisamiev Fidail , Safiollin Faik
Published: September 2020

The purpose of the work is to study the effect and aftereffect of various types and rates of fertilizers on the change in the main fertility indicators of gray forest soil, as well as the productivity of the crop rotation link. The experiments were carried out in the grain-row unit (spring wheat - corn - spring wheat - peas) of a nine-field grain-herb-row crop rotation. The scheme of the experiment provided for the study of the following options: the calculated doses of mineral fertilizers for the formation of 4 t/ha of spring wheat grain, 40 t/ha of green mass of corn, 3 t/ha of pea grain, thermally treated granulated chicken manure in doses 1, 2, 3 t/ha, bedding manure in a dose equivalent to 3 t/ha of granulated droppings, buckwheat stubble green manure sown after harvesting winter rye. Under the influence of 1-2-3 t/ha of granulated chicken manure, the content of nitrogen (Nг) in the soil increased, compared with the control, by 73.1-81.1-112.0%, respectively, phosphorus (P2O5) - by 69.3- 79.8-91.3%, potassium (K2O) - by 90.3-140-188%; in the first year of aftereffect, Nг increased by 42.6-50.5-58.4%, P2O5- by 28.6-39.3-52.1%, K2O - by 56.1-84.8-170, 7%; in the second year of aftereffect Nг - by 13.1-21.3-44.0%, P2O5- by 40.1-51.2-74.4%, K2O - by 63.3-124.1-133.1 %. When manure was applied (42 t/ha), the amount of Nг, P2O5, K2O decreased, compared to 3 t/ha of granulated chicken manure, in the year of action, respectively, by 43.4, 19.0 and 42.2%, in the first year of aftereffect - by 16.6, 22.1, 48.1%. In the second year of the aftereffect, the values of these indicators when using manure and 3 t/ha of granulated chicken manure were equivalent. In the variant with the incorporation of buckwheat green manure, the content of mobile forms of macronutrients varied similarly to manure. Under the influence of 1, 2 and 3 t/ha of granulated chicken manure, the productivity of the crop rotation link increased, compared with the control, by 78.5, 104.3, 122.6%, respectively. The effect from the action and three years of aftereffect of 42 t/ha of manure was below the level of 3 t/ha of of granulated chicken manure by 12% (productivity growth 110.6%), buckwheat green manure - at the level of 1 t/ha of granulated chicken manure (productivity growth 80.6%) ... Depending on the type and norms of fertilizers, the profitability of production was 54 ... 196%
Approximation Algorithms forD-optimal Design
Authors: Singh Mohit , Xie Weijun
Published: September 2020

Experimental design is a classical statistics problem, and its aim is to estimate an unknown vector from linear measurements where a Gaussian noise is introduced in each measurement. For the combinatorial experimental design problem, the goal is to pick a subset of experiments so as to make the most accurate estimate of the unknown parameters. In this paper, we will study one of the most robust measures of error estimation—the D-optimality criterion, which corresponds to minimizing the volume of the confidence ellipsoid for the estimation error. The problem gives rise to two natural variants depending on whether repetitions of experiments are allowed or not. We first propose an approximation algorithm with a 1/e-approximation for the D-optimal design problem with and without repetitions, giving the first constant-factor approximation for the problem. We then analyze another sampling approximation algorithm and prove that it is asymptotically optimal. Finally, for D-optimal design with repetitions, we study a different algorithm proposed by the literature and show that it can improve this asymptotic approximation ratio. All the sampling algorithms studied in this paper are shown to admit polynomial-time deterministic implementations.
On the Existence of System-Optimum–Inducing Tolling Functions for Transportation Networks
Authors: Lin Xi , He Fang , Li Meng , Liu Yulin
Published: September 2020

A category of congestion pricing that charges travelers based on their trips’ some particular measurable attribute has been proposed in the literature to avoid the difficulty of pricing individual links on dense urban networks. To dig into such pricing’s theoretical performance, given any readily measurable attribute, this paper aims to propose a general mathematical framework for determining the existence of the tolling functions that can induce the system optimum of a transportation network. Specifically, we first formulate tolled network equilibrium as variational inequality. Then, in the elastic demand case, we prove that determining the existence of the system-optimum–inducing tolling functions is equivalent to solving a linear programming problem. In the fixed demand case, we provide a mixed integer linear programming formulation and show that the existence is confirmed if and only if its optimal objective function value equals zero. To enhance computational efficiency, we also derive valid inequalities for the formulation. Furthermore, we identify a special case in which determining the existence in the fixed demand case can be reduced to solving a linear programming problem similarly to the one in the elastic demand case. Finally, numerical examples, using distance- and emission-based tolls, are presented to derive important insights and demonstrate the proposed approaches’ potential of solving large-scale problems.
Apresentação
Authors: Barros Fernando Monteiro de , Corrêa Irineu E. Jones , Ribas Maria Cristina Cardoso , Levin Orna Messer
Published: September 2020

Apresentação do número 40(2020)
Some results on relative dual Baer property
Authors: AMOUZEGAR Tayyebeh , TRİBAK Rachid
Published: September 2020

Let $R$ be a ring.

In this article, we introduce and study relative dual Baer property.

We characterize $R$-modules $M$ which are $R_R$-dual Baer, where $R$ is a commutative principal ideal domain.

It is shown that over a right noetherian right hereditary ring $R$, an $R$-module $M$ is $N$-dual Baer for

all $R$-modules $N$ if and only if $M$ is an injective $R$-module.

It is also shown that for $R$-modules $M_1$, $M_2$, $\ldots$, $M_n$ such that $M_i$ is $M_j$-projective for all

$i > j \in \{1,2,\ldots, n\}$, an $R$-module $N$ is $\bigoplus_{i=1}^nM_i$-dual Baer if and only if $N$ is

$M_i$-dual Baer for all $i\in \{1,2,\ldots,n\}$.

We prove that an $R$-module $M$ is dual Baer if and only if $S=End_R(M)$ is a Baer ring

and $IM=r_M(l_S(IM))$ for every right ideal $I$ of $S$.
Wavelet-transform-based speckle vector tracking method for X-ray phase imaging
Authors: Qiao Zhi , Shi Xianbo , Celestre Rafael , Assoufid Lahsen
Published: September 2020

We introduce a new X-ray speckle-vector tracking method for phase imaging, which is based on the wavelet transform. Theoretical and experimental results show that this method, which is called wavelet-transform-based speckle-vector tracking (WSVT), has stronger noise robustness and higher efficiency compared with the cross-correlation-based method. In addition, the WSVT method has the controllable noise reduction and can be applied with fewer scan steps. These unique features make the WSVT method suitable for measurements of large image sizes and phase shifts, possibly under low-flux conditions, and has the potential to broaden the applications of speckle tracking to new areas requiring faster phase imaging and real-time wavefront sensing, diagnostics, and characterization.