bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Culture of the Sakas of Semirechye: Contemporary State and Current Issues of Study
Authors: Estemesov Ernar A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose. The article describes the history and analysis of the main issues in the study of archaeological sites of the Saka period in Semirechye. They are presented by three main types on this territory: burial and memorial complexes, settlements and hoards. The first type of monuments includes numerous burial mounds, where the elite burials of “royal” type and ordinary burials are located. Both social groups are combined by the unity of funeral rites, and the main differences are the complexity of architecture, memorial practices, and richness of burial equipment in the “royal” type burial mounds. The second category of monuments is presented by the settlements that are mostly small in size. The constructions like half dugouts were discovered on them, which gave a rich ceramic material. The third type of monuments of the Saka period in Semirechye includes numerous hoards of bronze items. Some of them are represented by the cult objects (sacrificial tables, lamps and cauldrons) that mark the places of worship. A significant percentage of the hoards contain items of weapons, horse equipment and household purposes and, apparently, serve as offerings to the spirits. However, despite the considerable progress in the study of the Saka monuments of the Semirechye Region, the main problem is their cultural attribution at this time. Some researchers suggest that the independent Saka archaeological culture was formed and developed on the territory of Semirechye in the Early Iron Age, while others believe that the Saka monuments of this region belong to the broader historical and cultural community that also covers the neighboring regions of Kyrgyzstan and Xinjiang.
Results Another important issue in the study of the Saka sites of Semirechye is to clarify the chronology of burial and memorial complexes. Up to now, the significant database of radiocarbon dates has been accumulated, which allows us to consider the chronological positions of a wide range of monuments in a new way. It was of great importance to obtain such dates from several burials of Karatuma necropolis, which showed that it belonged to the Saka period, since burial monuments of this appearance are traditionally dated back to the Wusun period.
Conclusion. The necessity of solution of these problems is an urgent task for further research of burial and settlement objects of the Saka period in this region.
Case of the week: Updating a cervical MR scan avoided unnecessary cervical surgery
Authors: Epstein Nancy E.
Published: March 2021

Background:

As spinal surgeons, we have all likely seen cases in which lumbar disc herniations regressed/resolved on successive MR studies. Here, we present a patient whose original cervical MR showed a large C4-C5 cervical disc herniation that completely resolved on the follow-up MR obtained 9 months later, thus avoiding cervical surgery.

Case Description:

A young patient (e.g. <30 years old) sustained multiple prior traumatic events over the past 3 years. The last episode 9 months ago resulted in the performance of an MR scan that demonstrated a significant central C4-C5 disc herniation with cord/root compression. Despite pain and mild radiculopathy, the patient had no focal neurological deficit, and did not undergo surgery. When the patient recently consulted multiple spinal orthopedists and neurosurgeons, the uniform recommendation was for a C4-C5 anterior cervical discectomy/ fusion (ACDF). However, a telemedicine consultation with a spinal neurosurgeon resulted in a follow-up cervical MR scan that demonstrated cervical disc resorption, and, therefore, no need for cervical surgical intervention. When the new study showed full resolution of the C4-C5 disc, the telemedicine and local neurosurgeon agreed that cervical surgery was unnecessary.

Conclusion:

The spinal literature shows that predominantly lumbar disc herniations (LDH) spontaneously regress on MR studies 34.7–95% of the time over 6–17 month intervals, with full resolution being seen in 43–75% of cases. As cervical disc herniations likely demonstrate similar resorption/resolution on successive MR studies, old cervical MR examinations should probably be updated/repeated in patients who are being considered for cervical surgical intervention. If/when cervical discs have resorbed, cervical surgery may be avoided.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE IN REDUCING ENGLISH LANGUAGE ANXIETY IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Authors: Avhustiuk Mariia M.
Published: March 2021

The aim of the paper is to outline some possible ways of psychological assistance in defining and reducing foreign language anxiety in university students. In this context the analysis focuses on a theoretical study of language anxiety in the psychological literature and states its role in learning foreign languages and studying in university in general, highlights and explains some reasons of language anxiety, analyses its peculiarities and effect on the efficacy of learning foreign languages. Moreover, we aim at defining some possible ways of detection, prevention, and reducing foreign language anxiety trying to analyse some existent in psychological literature methods and practical questionnaires. To do this, we divide some practical methods available in the scientific psychological literature into the questionnaires aimed at detecting and preventing language anxiety (“Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale” (FLCAS), “Language Learners’ Anxiety and Motivation”, “The Anxiety Scale”, “Test Anxiety Scale”, “Fear of Negative Evaluation”, etc.) and questionnaires that help reduce language anxiety (“Foreign Language Speaking Anxiety Scale”, “The Self-Regulated Foreign Language Learning Questionnaire”, “SWOT Analysis”, “Self-Regulation Questionnaire”, “Metacognitive Awareness Inventory”, “Promoting Student Metacogniton about Learning”, etc.). We also mention impact of self-regulated learning and importance of playing activities (games) during efficient learning, specify the role of fossilization. Practical implication of the paper is to provide the results of the students of the International Relations Department (N = 153) who voluntarily answered the questions of the adapted and translated into Ukrainian version of the “Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale” (FLCAS). Our findings suggest that significant English language anxiety is experienced by many students. Finally, some implications for the next studies are proposed.
Makroekonomik değişkenler ve içsel faktörler ile bankaların finansal performansı arasındaki ilişki: Türkiye için ampirik bir araştırma
Authors: DEMİREL Bilge Leyli , ÇİL KOÇYİĞİT Seyhan , KEVSER Mustafa
Published: March 2021

Bu çalışmanın amacı Borsa İstanbul (BIST)’da faaliyet gösteren bankaların finansal performansı ile makroekonomik değişkenler ve içsel faktörler arasındaki ilişkiyi araştırmaktır. Bu amaçla BIST’de faaliyet gösteren bankaların 2005-2017 dönemine ilişkin verileri analiz edilmiş ve regresyon yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Bankaların finansal performans göstergeleri olarak aktif karlılık oranı (ROA), öz kaynak karlılık oranı (ROE), Tobin’s Q (TOBIN) oranı ve fiyat/kazanç (F/K) oranı araştırmada yer almış olup, çalışmanın bağımlı değişkenleridir. Makroekonomik değişkenler olarak enflasyon ve işsizlik kullanılmıştır. Toplam aktifler, finansal kaldıraç ve yaş değişkenleri araştırmanın içsel faktörleridir ve makroekonomik değişkenler ile birlikte araştırmanın bağımsız değişkenlerini oluşturmaktadır. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre finansal performans göstergeleri olan aktif karlılık oranı (ROA), öz kaynak karlılık oranı (ROE), Tobin’s Q (TOBIN) oranı ve fiyat/kazanç (F/K) oranı toplam aktifler, finansal kaldıraç ve yaş değişkenleri ile istatistiki olarak anlamlı bir ilişkiye sahiptir. Buna karşın söz konusu finansal performans göstergeleri ile makroekonomik değişkenler arasında anlamlı bir ilişki tespit edilememiştir. Tahmin edilen tüm modellerde finansal performans göstergeleri ile toplam aktifler arasında anlamlı ve pozitif yönlü bir ilişki tespit edilmiştir. Finansal performans göstergeleri ile finansal kaldıraç oranı ve yaş arasında negatif yönlü bir ilişki bulunmaktadır. Buna göre bankaların toplam aktiflerini istikrarlı bir şekilde büyütmeleri bankaların finansal performansını olumlu yönde etkilemekte ve karlılığı arttırıcı bir faktör olarak öne çıkmaktadır.
Chan-Lam Amination of Benzylic Secondary and Tertiary Boronic Esters
Authors: Grayson James D. , Dennis Francesca M. , Robertson Craig , Partridge Benjamin
Published: March 2021

The Cu-catalysed coupling of arylboronic acids with amines, known as the Chan-Lam reaction, is used widely to prepare aryl amines. In contrast, alkyl variants of this reaction, while highly desirable, are underdeveloped. Herein, we report a Chan-Lam coupling reaction of benzylic boronic esters with primary and secondary anilines to form valuable alkyl amine products. Both secondary and tertiary boronic esters can be used as coupling partners, with mono-alkylation of the aniline occurring selectively. This is a rare example of a transition metal-mediated transformation of a tertiary alkylboron reagent. The method is operationally simple and tolerates a broad range of functional groups. Initial investigation into the reaction mechanism suggests that transmetallation from B to Cu occurs through a single electron, rather than a two-electron process.
Stacking Disorders in MixedAlkali Honeycomb Layered Oxide NaKNi2TeO6 and Feasibility for Mixed-Cation Transport
Authors: Masese Titus , Miyazaki Yoshinobu , Rizell Josef , Kanyolo Godwill Mbiti , Chen Chih-Yao , Ubukata Hiroki , Kubota Keigo , Sau Kartik , Ikeshoji Tamio , Huang Zhen-Dong , Yoshii Kazuki , Takahashi Teruo , Ito Miyu , Senoh Hiroshi , Hwang Jinkwang , Alshehabi Abbas , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Yashima Masatomo , Fujii Kotaro , Matsunaga Toshiyuki , Shikano Masahiro , Uchimoto Yoshiharu , Tassel Cedric , Hagiwara Rika , Kageyama Hiroshi , Saito Tomohiro
Published: March 2021

We demonstrate the feasibility of using a combination of alkali atoms (Na and K) to develop a robust mixed-alkali honeycomb layered oxide NaKNi2TeO6. Through a series of atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy in multiple zone axes, we reveal for the first time the local atomic structural disorders characterised by aperiodic stackings and incoherency in the alternating arrangement of Na and K atoms. Our findings indicate great structural versatility that renders NaKNi2TeO6 an ideal platform for investigating other fascinating properties such as mixed ionic transport and intriguing electromagnetic and quantum phenomena amongst honeycomb layered oxides. Finally, we unveil the possibility of inducing mixed Na- and K-ion transport electrochemistry of NaKNi2TeO6 at high voltages (~ 4V), thus epitomising it as a competent cathode candidate for the emerging dendrite-free batteries based on NaK liquid metal alloy as anodes. The results not only betoken a new avenue for developing functional materials with fascinating crystal versatility, but also prefigure a new age of ‘dendrite-free’ energy storage system designs that rely on mixed-cation electrochemistry.
BAR-based Multi-dimensional Nonequilibrium Pulling for Indirect Construction of QM/MM Free Energy Landscapes: Varying the QM Region
Authors: Sun Zhaoxi , Liu Zhirong
Published: March 2021

The indirect construction of the free energy landscape at Quantum mechanics (QM)/ molecular mechanics (MM) levels provides a feasible alternative to the direct QM/MM free energy simulations. The main idea under the indirect method is constructing a thermodynamic cycle, exploring the configurational space at a computationally efficient but less accurate low-level Hamiltonian, and performing an alchemical correction to obtain the thermodynamics at an accurate but computationally demanding high-level Hamiltonian. In our previous works, we developed a multi-dimensional nonequilibrium free energy simulation framework to obtain QM/MM free energy landscapes indirectly. Specifically, we considered obtaining semi-empirical QM (SQM) results by combining the MM results and the MM-to-SQM correction and obtaining the QM results by combining the SQM results and the SQM-to-QM correction. In this work, we explore the possibility of changing the region for electronic structure calculations in the multi-scale QM/MM treatment, which could also be considered as a change of the level of theory. More generally, the multi-dimensional nonequilibrium Hamiltonian-variation/perturbation framework could be used to obtain transformations between different Hamiltonians of interest, such as changing the QM theory, the size of the QM region, and the basis set simultaneously.
Fragment Molecular Orbital Based Interaction Analyses on Complexes Between RBD Variants and ACE2
Authors: Akisawa Kazuki , Hatada Ryo , Okuwaki Koji , Kitahara Shun , Tachino Yusuke , Mochizuki Yuji
Published: March 2021

The spike protein plays an important role in the infection of SARS-CoV-2 to human cells, and the binding affinity of receptor binding domain (RBD) to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is of special interest. In this report, we present a series of interaction analyses for the RBD - ACE2 complex (PDB ID: 6M0J) and mutated complexes of UK (B.1.1.7 lineage), South Africa (B1.351) and Brazil (B1.1.248) types, based on the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) calculations. The effects of mutations are investigated in terms of inter-fragment interaction energies (IFIEs), indicating the higher affinities of RBD variants with ACE2.
Chemistry and Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Ogilvie J. F.
Published: March 2021

Of quantum physics, quantum chemistry and quantum mechanics, the latter is least useful for both chemical education and the practice of chemistry as a science concerned with the reactions and properties of chemical substances. We show that quantum mechanics must be viewed as a collection of methods, numbering at least thirteen, that one might apply for calculations on a system of an atomic scale. Instead of quantum mechanics we advocate the quantum laws or laws of discreteness, which have simple roots in laws of conservation and which have practical applications in various areas of observations of chemical phenomena. We conclude that quantum mechanics is largely irrelevant for the general practice of chemistry.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding hand hygiene among Medical Students and Nurses - A questionnaire based survey in tertiary care hospital
Authors: Deepika Kanyal  , Lata Kanyal Butola
Published: March 2021

Hand hygiene is a milestone to control infectious diseases and prevent cross transmission of microorganism and reduces the incidence of healthcare associated infections, improved hand hygiene practice has been recognized as an important public health measure. The study was carried out in a Tertiary care teaching hospital over a period of three months. A total two seventy six (276) students were included in this study. A descriptive approach was adopted, including collection of information through questionnaire based survey. Structured knowledge questionnaires were prepared according to W.H.O. criteria. The present study concluded that the knowledge regarding hand hygiene was found to be average, 186 (67.4%) of the medical students and nurses attending tertiary care hospital, whereas 190 (68.8%) had average score for attitude of hand hygiene and 173 (62.7%) had average score for practice of hand hygiene. So frequent orientation, regular training, workshops, seminars and hand hygiene education should be given mandatory for all the students and staffs for understanding the importance of hand hygiene were improved hand hygiene practice should reduce the healthcare cost which help in preventing hospital acquired infections.
EVALUATION OF INFLUENCE OF CORONA ON LIGHTNING SURGE
Authors: M. Abugalia Ahmed
Published: March 2021

Lightning overvoltages are caused either by direct strokes to the phase conductor [back flashover] or as a result of strokes to earth very closed to the line which produce. Induced lightning surges. This paper focuses on the simulation of the effect of corona model on different conductors used in transmission line design when subjected to the lightning surge, Kudyan non-linear model corona used for this purpose. Mothematical model of Lightning Surge and analytical representation of current wave shape are evaluated.
COMPUTER NETWORK ROUTING CONFIGURATION BASED ON INTELLIGENT ALGORITHM
Authors: Arslan Ahmad
Published: March 2021

With the rapid development of Internet, people are not satisfied with sharing information only on the local network; instead, they intend to maximize the use of various types of network resources in different regions in the world. Therefore, routing technology has become a crucial part of network technology, and it has become the most important network equipment. On the basis of relevant domestic and foreign theories and researches, in view of the existing problems, a computer network routing configuration method based on intelligent algorithm was proposed in this paper; meanwhile, the feasibility of the method was verified by simulation experiment.
CONSTRUCTION OF LORA DATA POWER SENSOR FROM GIOT AND ACSIP USING SQL TECHNIQUE
Authors: Yudho Satrio
Published: March 2021

LoRa is one of developing data commuication infrastructures which can be enabled sensors on a large scale, wide area operations, and low energy consumption.the benefit of Low energy consumption in LoRa impacted on the length of data, the spread factor and the type of operation. by the challanges in smart building, LoRa can be best solution to cover wide area sensor network. and one of the critical points is how to ensure the data can be trusted. The purpose of this research is to observe the data taken from the power used in single phase electrical in residential consumers. the LoRa infrastructure used to deliver the data is using GioT and Acsip as the gateway and End Node, then involving SQL technique as a programming tools to refine the data.
Galilean covariance and the spin-orbit interaction
Authors: Petronilo G. X. A. , Ulhoa S. C. , Santana A. E.
Published: March 2021

We have used the Pauli-Schr\"{o}dinger equation in its covariant form, that is, written in the light-cone of a five-dimensional De Sitter space-time. Following standard procedures, the analogue of the Dirac equation is derived, standing for a galilean spin 1/2 particle in the presence of a external field. Some results are important to be mention, such as the expected g-factor, but in a galilean (not Lorentz) context. In addition, considering interaction, the Pauli-Hartree-Fock equation is obtained following in parallel to the ideas used to construct the Dirac-Hartree-Fock equation.
FOREIGN EXPERIENCE IN REGULATING THE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT SYSTEM
Authors: Mukhtar Yernur , Toluev Yuri
Published: March 2021

The relevance of this research topic lies in the fact that public procurement requires in-depth consideration and comprehensive analysis, including the scientific and methodological level of analysis. The use of special legal documents in public procurement and the specific procedure for the execution of these documents is not a factor in the full understanding of this direction, including the economic assessment of the entire process. An economic and statistical approach using system analysis is required, which was used by the authors of the scientific article as the proposed research methodology. One of the main parts of the progressive process of commodity exchange in the economies of the analyzed countries is the mechanism for building public procurement. Currently, the problem of material and technical support of public needs in developed countries is solved as a result of logistics processes in the system of public procurement through the acquisition and supply of goods, works, and services, tangible and intangible resources. The article submits a review of foreign experience in building a public procurement system with special features characteristic of this region of the world, presented as an object of research. Country aspects in the object under study and allowed the authors to formulate the relevant main results and conclusions concerning various parties in the public procurement system, which determined the further strategy to improve the procurement system of the government and international integration union. Key words: public procurement (PP), regulation of the public procurement system, government orders, entrepreneurship, international regional institutions, regulation of the public procurement system, procurement, USA, European Union (EU), Poland, Germany, World Bank.
THE APPLICATION OF FOREIGN METHODS OF INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN THE SYSTEM OF STATE GOVERNANCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Baikushikova Gulnara , al-Hoderi Mukhamed , Mukhtarova K. S. , Balgabayeva Z. B. , Chukubayev Y. S.
Published: March 2021

Within the framework of the public administration system effectiveness in the provision of services to the population, the authors consider topical issues of improving the quality of the work of such a social sector as public transport. It is noted that the state reform of public transport demonstrates high efficiency in implementing a set of tasks (development of digitalization of the industry, renovation of transport parks, etc.). However, in the field of transport services, there are still open meta related to the need to optimize their practical activities. An important point in the study is the analysis of the features in assessing the degree of satisfaction with transport services consumers. These features are largely due to the quality of the driver himself, who is the subject of providing services to vehicle users, and the key role of passengers who are able to objectively assess the work of social services. The article discusses various methods of increasing efficiency, including in the field of transport management. The Kazakhstani experience of research and application of these and other approaches to improving the efficiency of public transport management is considered. Having considered this practice, it is proposed to introduce an assessment of the satisfaction of public transport passengers; to implement the research objectives, the authors proposed a methodology based on the results of a survey of the population in an online format. In the presence of an integrated mobile application, this methodology will make it possible to introduce an estimated indicator of passenger satisfaction with completed trips. The result of these measures should be an improvement in the quality of services provided by public transport, which, in turn, will stimulate the abandonment of private vehicles in favor of public ones, significantly improve the environmental situation in the city, and also be able to relieve the traffic of city streets during almost all working hours. In the context of the state program for the implementation of the "smart" urban transport project, the maximum optimization of the existing system and the achievement of the ultimate goal of ensuring comfortable and safe travel by public transport is possible. Keywords: public administration, efficiency, key performance indicators, KPI system, KPI system algorithm, customer satisfaction, efficiency assessment, quality of services to the population, social work.
REVISITING THE EXPORT-LED GROWTH HYPOTHESIS USING ARDL APPROACH: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Ahmad Shah Imtiyaz , Ahmad Najar Shabir , Ahmad Khan Bilal
Published: March 2021

The paper aims to examine the impact of exports on Kazakhstan's economic growth. The effect of exports is determined through a neoclassical production function, examining exports' role after controlling the labour force and capital formation. The analysis is based ARDL model on testing for the short-run and long-run effects of independent variables. The long-run coefficient of exports is 0.38, while the short-run coefficient is 0.28 and statistically significant. Therefore, exports impact positively on G.D.P. per capita in both the short-run and long-run. Also, coefficient of error correction term (E.C.M.) is negative and statistically significant, showing the speed of adjustment towards equilibrium from short-run to long-run. Therefore, Kazakhstan's government should focus on increasing the exports that can increase the G.D.P. per capita better.
Media Potbangtar Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Menghitung Luas Bangun Datar pada Siswa Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Istafada Istafada
Published: March 2021

Kurangnya pemahaman konsep matematika yang diterima siswa akan menyebabkan hasil belajar matematika siswa juga rendah. Guru sebagai salah satu sumber belajar berkewajiban menyediakan lingkungan belajar yang kreatif bagi siswa di kelas. Salah satu kegiatan yang harus dilakukan guru adalah memilih dan menentukan media yang sesuai dengan pembelajarannya. Pada penelitian ini mempunyai tujuan mengetahui peningkatan hasil belajar dalam menghitung luas bangun datar dengan menggunakan media potbangtar. Penelitian ini menggunakan penelitian tindakan (action research) sebanyak dua putaran. Setiap putaran terdiri dari 4 tahap yaitu rancangan, kegiatan dan pengamatan, refleksi dan revisi. Data yang diperoleh berupa hasil tes evaluasi dan lembar observasi kegiatan belajar mengajar. Dari hasil analisis data didapatkan bahwa hasil belajar siswa meningkat dari siklus I ke siklus II, yaitu 75,61 ke 80,49 dan ketuntasan belajar siswa juga mengalami peningkatan dari siklus I (85,37%) ke siklus II menjadi (95,12%). Simpulan dari penelitian ini adalah penggunaan media potbangtar dalam pembelajaran menghitung luas bangun datar sangat efektif sehingga hasil belajar siswa kelas V SDN MIJI 4 kota Mojokerto meningkat.
International travel and acquisition of multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae: a systematic review
Authors: Hassing Robert Jan , Alsma Jelmer , Arcilla Maris S. , van Genderen Perry J. , Stricker Bruno H. , Verbon Annelies
Published: March 2021

International travel is considered to be an important risk factor for acquisition of multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (MRE). The aim of this systematic review was to determine the effect of international travel on the risk of post-travel faecal carriage of MRE. Secondary outcomes were risk factors for acquisition of MRE. A systematic search for relevant literature in seven international databases was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles needed to report on (i) foreign travel, (ii) screening of asymptomatic participants, (iii) antimicrobial susceptibility data and (iv) faecal Enterobacteriaceae carriage. Two researchers independently screened the abstracts, assessed the full article texts for eligibility and selected or rejected them for inclusion in the systematic review. In case of disagreement, a third researcher decided on inclusion. Eleven studies were identified. In all studies, a high prevalence (> 20%) of carriage of MRE after international travel was found. The highest prevalence was observed in travellers returning from southern Asia. Foreign travel was associated with an increased risk of carriage of MRE. Further research is needed to assess if this leads to an increase in the number of infections with MRE. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42015024973.
First outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST398 in a Dutch hospital, June 2007
Authors: Wulf M WH , Markestein A , van der Linden F T , Voss A , Klaassen C , Verduin C M
Published: March 2021

We describe the first outbreak of non-typable methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus on a surgical ward in the Netherlands in June 2007. Nine cases of infection and/or colonisation were found among patients and healthcare workers.
A cluster of hepatitis B infections associated with incorrect use of a capillary blood sampling device in a nursing home in the Netherlands, 2007
Authors: Gotz H M , Schutten M , Borsboom G J , Hendriks B , van Doornum G , de Zwart O
Published: March 2021

In July 2007, two residents of a nursing home were diagnosed with acute Hepatitis B virus infection. To identify risk factors for HBV infection a retrospective cohort study among residents was performed. Case finding included discharged diabetes patients and those receiving home care. Among 32 residents one case of chronic hepatitis B was found that could be identified by genotyping as the source patient for the acute cases. Diabetes and finger sticks were risk factors for HBV infection. Most likely the cause of transmission was a multiclix finger stick device developed for use in individual patients but used in multiple patients. Education and training in the use of new equipment and hygiene audits remain the cornerstones in infection control practices.
A cluster of Legionnaires’ disease linked to an industrial plant in southeast Norway, June-July 2008
Authors: Borgen K , Aaberge I , Werner-Johansen Ø , Gjøsund K , Størsrud B , Haugsten S , Nygård K , Krogh T , Høiby E  A , Caugant D  A , Kanestrøm A , Simonsen Ø , Blystad H
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Emergence and spread of vancomycin resistance among enterococci in Europe
Authors: Werner G , Coque T M , Hammerum A M , Hope R , Hryniewicz W , Johnson A , Klare I , Kristinsson K G , Leclercq R , Lester C H , Lillie M , Novais C , Olsson-Liljequist B , Peixe L V , Sadowy E , Simonsen G S , Top J , Vuopio-Varkila J , Willems R J , Witte W , Woodford N
Published: March 2021

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) first appeared in the late 1980s in a few European countries. Nowadays, six types of acquired vancomycin resistance in enterococci are known; however, only VanA and to a lesser extent VanB are widely prevalent. Various genes encode acquired vancomycin resistance and these are typically associated with mobile genetic elements which allow resistance to spread clonally and laterally. The major reservoir of acquired vancomycin resistance is Enterococcus faecium; vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis are still rare. Population analysis of E. faecium has revealed a distinct subpopulation of hospital-acquired strain types, which can be differentiated by molecular typing methods (MLVA, MLST) from human commensal and animal strains. Hospital-acquired E. faecium have additional genomic content (accessory genome) including several factors known or supposed to be virulence-associated. Acquired ampicillin resistance is a major phenotypic marker of hospital-acquired E. faecium in Europe and experience has shown that it often precedes increasing rates of VRE with a delay of several years. Several factors are known to promote VRE colonisation and transmission; however, despite having populations with similar predispositions and preconditions, rates of VRE vary all over Europe.
Hepatitis A in the European Union: responding to challenges related to new epidemiological patterns
Authors: Payne L , Coulombier D
Published: March 2021

In the European Union (EU), the overall incidence of hepatitis A has decreased over the last 10 years from 15.1 per 100,000 population in 1996 to 3.9 per 100,000 in 2006. However, reduction in circulation of HAV leads to decreased acquisition of immunity and, in the absence of universal vaccination, an accumulation of susceptible individuals. The impact of increasing susceptibility of the general population on the risk for outbreaks is clearly illustrated in independent outbreaks in Czech Republic, Latvia and Slovakia in 2008, described in three of the articles published in this week’s issue of Eurosurveillance.
A swimming pool-related outbreak of pharyngoconjunctival fever in children due to adenovirus type 4, Gipuzkoa, Spain, 2008
Authors: Artieda J , Piñeiro L , González M C , Muñoz M J , Basterrechea M , Iturzaeta A , Cilla G
Published: March 2021

An outbreak of pharyngoconjunctival fever affecting 59 children was detected in a municipality of northern Spain in July 2008. The outbreak was related to insufficient doses of water disinfectant in the municipal swimming pool. Adenovirus was detected in the pharyngeal swabs of five of six affected children and the four strains that were sequenced were all Adenovirus type 4.
Hepatitis A seroprevalence in Tuscany, Italy
Authors: Gentile C , Alberini I , Manini I , Rossi S , Montomoli E , Pozzi T , Rizzo C , Alfonsi V
Published: March 2021

Information regarding the current seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) is useful for the control of HAV infections. The objective of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies among children (1-5 years old) and young adults (15-20 years old) in Tuscany, in central Italy. A total of 565 sera were collected in three years 1992, 1998 and 2004, equally distributed between the two age groups. The overal proportion of those that tested positive for anti-HAV antibodies was 8.3%. The proportion of immune children (1-5 years old) statistically significantly increased over the years. The percentage of immune subjects among 15-20-year-old young adults varied over the years, not showing a significant statistical trend, nevertheless our findings indicate that in a low endemicity area, adolescents and young adults are becoming increasingly susceptible to HAV infection. On-going monitoring of immunity to HAV is necessary for detecting trends over time.
International network for capacity building for the control of emerging viral vector-borne zoonotic diseases: ARBO-ZOONET
Authors: Ahmed J , Bouloy M , Ergonul O , Fooks A. R. , Paweska J , Chevalier V , Drosten C , Moormann R , Tordo N , Vatansever Z , Calistri P , Estrada-Peña A , Mirazimi A , Unger H , Yin H , Seitzer U
Published: March 2021

Arboviruses are arthropod-borne viruses, which include West Nile fever virus (WNFV), a mosquito-borne virus, Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), a mosquito-borne virus, and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), a tick-borne virus. These arthropod-borne viruses can cause disease in different domestic and wild animals and in humans, posing a threat to public health because of their epidemic and zoonotic potential. In recent decades, the geographical distribution of these diseases has expanded. Outbreaks of WNF have already occurred in Europe, especially in the Mediterranean basin. Moreover, CCHF is endemic in many European countries and serious outbreaks have occurred, particularly in the Balkans, Turkey and Southern Federal Districts of Russia. In 2000, RVF was reported for the first time outside the African continent, with cases being confirmed in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. This spread was probably caused by ruminant trade and highlights that there is a threat of expansion of the virus into other parts of Asia and Europe. In the light of global warming and globalisation of trade and travel, public interest in emerging zoonotic diseases has increased. This is especially evident regarding the geographical spread of vector-borne diseases. A multi-disciplinary approach is now imperative, and groups need to collaborate in an integrated manner that includes vector control, vaccination programmes, improved therapy strategies, diagnostic tools and surveillance, public awareness, capacity building and improvement of infrastructure in endemic regions.
Development of a new nomenclature for Salmonella Typhimurium multilocus variable number of tandem repeats analysis (MLVA)
Authors: Larsson J T , Torpdahl M , Petersen R F , Sørensen G , Lindstedt B A , Nielsen E M
Published: March 2021

Multilocus variable number of tandem repeats analysis (MLVA) has recently become a widely used highly discriminatory molecular method for typing of the foodborne pathogen Salmonella Typhimurium. This method is based on amplification and fragment size analysis of five repeat loci. To be able to easily compare MLVA results between laboratories there is a need for a simple and definitive nomenclature for MLVA profiles. Based on MLVA results for all human S. Typhimurium isolates in Denmark from the last five years and sequence analysis of a selection of these isolates, we propose a MLVA nomenclature that indicates the actual number of repeat units in each locus. This nomenclature is independent of the equipment used for fragment analysis and, in principle, independent of the primers used. A set of reference strains is developed that can be used for easy normalisation of fragment sizes in each laboratory.
First identification of tick-borne encephalitis in Denmark outside of Bornholm, August 2009
Authors: Fomsgaard A , Christiansen C B , Bødker R
Published: March 2021

The incidence of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Scandinavia is increasing and spreading geographically. Following two clinical cases of TBE hospitalised after tick bites in northern Zealand, Denmark, specific IgM and IgG antibodies against tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) were demonstrated in acute serum samples of these patients. TBEV was identified by RT-PCR in ticks collected from the same location. This is the first report of TBEV in Ixodes ricinus leading to clinical cases in Denmark outside of Bornholm island.
Measles outbreak in Styria, Austria, March-May 2009
Authors: Kasper S , Holzmann H , Aberle S W , Wassermann-Neuhold M , Gschiel H , Feenstra O , Allerberger F , Schmid D
Published: March 2021

In the last week of March 2009, five measles cases among students of an anthroposophic school were reported to the public health authorities in the Austrian province of Styria where only five cases had been reported in the whole of 2008. A descriptive epidemiological investigation of the measles outbreak was performed. Between 2 March and 10 May 2009, 37 cases of measles were identified in Styria: 33 confirmed outbreak cases and four probable outbreak cases. The measles outbreak spread from the general population (12 cases) to an anthroposophic community (25 cases). Cases outside of the anthroposophic community were mostly over 10 years of age (10/12). Thirty-five cases were unvaccinated, and two of the 37 had received one dose of measles, mumps, rubella vaccine. Following a measles outbreak in Salzburg in 2008 with 394 cases, this outbreak reemphasises the continued need for additional vaccination campaigns in population groups over the age of 10 years.
Pandemic influenza A(H1N1) 2009 vaccines in the European Union
Authors: Johansen K , Nicoll A , Ciancio B  C , Kramarz P
Published: March 2021

Pandemic vaccines from four manufacturers are now available for use within the European Union (EU). Use of these vaccines will protect individuals and reduce the impact on health services to more manageable levels. The majority of the severely ill will be from known risk groups and the best strategy will be to start vaccinating in line with the recommendation from the European Union Health Security Committee prioritising adults and children with chronic conditions, pregnant women and healthcare workers. The composition of authorised vaccines is reviewed in this article. The vaccine strain in all authorised pandemic vaccines worldwide is based on the same initial isolate of influenza A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)v but the vaccines differ in conditions for virus propagation, antigen preparation, antigen content and whether they are adjuvanted or not. The vaccines are likely to be effective since no significant genetic or antigenic drift has occurred and there are already mechanisms for estimating clinical effectiveness. Influenza vaccines have good safety records and no safety concerns have so far been encountered with any of the vaccines developed. However, special mechanisms have been devised for the early detection and rigorous investigation of possible significant side effects in Europe through post-marketing surveillance and analysis. Delivery of the vaccines to the risk groups will pose difficulties where those with chronic illnesses are not readily identifiable to the healthcare services. There is considerable scope for European added value through Member States with excess vaccines making them available to other states.
Influenza-like illness surveillance using a deputising medical service corresponds to surveillance from sentinel general practices
Authors: Coory M , Grant K , Kelly H
Published: March 2021

Standard sources of data for influenza surveillance include notifications of laboratory-confirmed cases and notifications from sentinel general practices. These data are not always available in a timely fashion, leading to proposals to use more immediate data sources such as over-the-counter drug sales, ambulance call-outs and web searches to monitor influenza-like illness (ILI). We aimed to assess data from a deputising medical service as another source of data for timely syndromic influenza surveillance. We measured the extent of agreement between the weekly percentage of patients with ILI reported from sentinel general practices and the corresponding weekly percentage reported from a deputising medical service in Victoria, Australia over ten years, from 1999 to 2008. There was good agreement between the two data sources, with suitably narrow limits of agreement. The deputising medical service did not use a standardised definition of ILI and is not supplemented by laboratory confirmation of suspected cases. Nevertheless, the results of this study show that such data can provide low cost and timely ILI surveillance.
Listeriosis outbreak caused by acid curd cheese ‘Quargel’, Austria and Germany 2009
Authors: Fretz R , Sagel U , Ruppitsch W , Pietzka A T , Stöger A , Huhulescu S , Heuberger S , Pichler J , Much P , Pfaff G , Stark K , Prager R , Flieger A , Feenstra O , Allerberger F
Published: March 2021

We report an outbreak of listeriosis in Austria and Germany due to the consumption of ‘Quargel’ cheese produced by an Austrian manufacturer. At the time of writing this report, the outbreak was known to account for 14 outbreak cases in 2009, including four cases with lethal outcome. On 23 January 2010, the cheese product was voluntarily withdrawn from the market.
First evidence of a food poisoning outbreak due to staphylococcal enterotoxin type E, France, 2009
Authors: Ostyn A , De Buyser M L , Guillier F , Groult J , Félix B , Salah S , Delmas G , Hennekinne J A
Published: March 2021

At the end of 2009, six food poisoning outbreaks caused by staphylococci were reported in France. Soft cheese made from unpasteurised milk was found to be the common source of the outbreaks. Staphylococcal enterotoxin type E was identified and quantified in the cheese using both official and confirmatory methods of the European Union Reference Laboratory (EU-RL). To our knowledge, this is the first report of food poisoning outbreaks caused by staphylococcal enterotoxin type E in France.
Impact of the routine varicella vaccination programme on varicella epidemiology in Germany
Authors: Siedler A , Arndt U
Published: March 2021

Routine varicella vaccination with one dose for children of 11 to 14 months was recommended in Germany in 2004 to reduce disease incidence and severe complications. A country-wide varicella sentinel surveillance system was initiated in 2005 to detect trends of disease frequency and vaccine uptake and to evaluate the vaccination programme. A convenient sample of about 1,000 paediatricians and general practitioners was recruited to report on a monthly basis on varicella cases by age groups seen in their practice, and on varicella vaccine doses administered. Sentinel data from April 2005 to March 2009 show a reduction of 55% of varicella cases in all ages; 63% in the age group 0-4 years and 38% in 5-9 year-olds. The number of vaccine doses per reporting unit in all regions and physician groups increased during the same period. The number of reported cases as well as administered vaccines differed between physician groups and regions with different reimbursement policies. Where reimbursement was settled early and vaccine doses were increasing varicella cases started to decrease early as well. Besides reimbursement policies the availability and vaccination schedules influenced vaccine uptake. Sentinel surveillance provided valid data on trends for varicella associated morbidity, vaccine uptake and the age distribution of cases. The results confirm that following the introduction of routine varicella vaccination, varicella morbidity started to decline in Germany.
Pathways to clean hands: highlights of successful hand hygiene implementation strategies in Europe
Authors: Magiorakos A P , Leens E , Drouvot V , May-Michelangeli L , Reichardt C , Gastmeier P , Wilson K , Tannahill M , McFarlane E , Simon A
Published: March 2021

Hand hygiene is the most effective way to stop the spread of microorganisms and to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAI). The World Health Organization launched the First Global Patient Safety Challenge - Clean Care is Safer Care - in 2005 with the goal to prevent HAI globally. This year, on 5 May, the WHO’s initiative SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands, which focuses on increasing awareness of and improving compliance with hand hygiene practices, celebrated its second global day. In this article, four Member States of the European Union describe strategies that were implemented as part of their national hand hygiene campaigns and were found to be noteworthy. The strategies were: governmental support, the use of indicators for hand hygiene benchmarking, developing national surveillance systems for auditing alcohol-based hand rub consumption, ensuring seamless coordination of processes between health regions in countries with regionalised healthcare systems, implementing the WHO's My Five Moments for Hand Hygiene, and auditing of hand hygiene compliance.
Impact of emergency oral rabies vaccination of foxes in northeastern Italy, 28 December 2009–20 January 2010: preliminary evaluation
Authors: Capello K , Mulatti P , Comin A , Gagliazzo L , Guberti V , Citterio C , De Benedictis P , Lorenzetto M , Costanzi C , Vio P , Zambotto P , Ferri G , Mutinelli F , Bonfanti L , Marangon S
Published: March 2021

Fox rabies re-emerged in northeastern Italy in 2008, in an area bordering Slovenia. In 2009, the infection spread westward to Veneto region and in 2010 to the provinces of Trento and Bolzano. Aerial emergency oral fox vaccination was implemented in the winter 2009-10. Since this vaccination was performed at altitudes below the freezing level, a statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate its impact. Of the foxes sampled following the vaccination campaign, 77% showed a rabies antibody titre of ≥0.5 IU/ml.
Antibiotics for the common cold: expectations of Germany’s general population
Authors: Faber M S , Heckenbach K , Velasco E , Eckmanns T
Published: March 2021

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Community outbreak of group B meningococcal disease in southwest France – December 2008 to September 2009
Authors: Delisle E , Larrieu S , Simões J , Laylle N , De Pommerol M , Taha M  K , Termignon J L , Parent du Châtelet I
Published: March 2021

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The Hajj: communicable and non-communicable health hazards and current guidance for pilgrims
Authors: Memish Z A
Published: March 2021

The Hajj has become the epicenter of mass migration of millions of Muslims of enormous ethnic diversity. No other mass gathering can compare, either in scale or in regularity. Communicable disease outbreaks of various infectious diseases have been reported repeatedly, during and following the Hajj. The Hajj 2010 starts in the first week of November 2010 and this report is a timely reminder that many infectious diseases can be avoided or averted by adopting appropriate prophylactic measures.