bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Well-being, Interventions and Support during Epidemics (WISE): Protocol for a qualitative longitudinal study of older adults’ experiences during COVID-19
Authors: Guzman Viveka , Foley Ronan , Pertl Maria , Doyle Frank
Published: February 2021

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has the potential to trigger multiple stress domains and lead to long-term repercussions in an individual’s quality of life, health and well-being. Stressors from the pandemic are likely to be experienced in many ways by older adults with heterogeneous life experiences and supports available. In this context, it is necessary to tease out the underlying mechanisms leading to positive and negative well-being and mental health across interdependent individual, social and environmental factors. The aim of the present study is to explore community-dwelling older adults’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on mental health and psychosocial well-being.

Methods: An exploratory longitudinal qualitative study will be conducted with data collected through written submissions, sitting interviews and walk along interviews with older adults living in Irish community settings. Data collection will take place 3 to 10 weeks apart to enable the exploration of individuals’ responses to the evolving social, economic and environmental circumstances derived from the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland.  An iterative thematic analysis will be carried out to identify data themes, linkages, and explanations within a socio-ecological framework.

Ethics and dissemination:  Ethical approval has been granted by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Research Ethics Committee (REC202011028). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal publications, oral presentations at relevant conferences, and in consultation with Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) contributors. A lay summary of findings and infographic will be distributed to multiple stakeholders including our PPI panel, older people, caregivers, community organisations, charities and media.
Marketing in public catering
Authors: Grigoryan Ekaterina , Sokolova Elena , Pikanina Galiya
Published: February 2021

The textbook reveals the specifics of conducting marketing activities in public catering enterprises. The article considers the marketing complex of a public catering enterprise, as well as the methods of marketing research, strategic analysis, planning and marketing management. Each chapter of the textbook is accompanied by control questions, situational and test tasks that allow you to most effectively master the marketing tools and apply them in practice. The textbook also presents practical methods of marketing management, real-world examples and cases that contribute to the consolidation of the acquired knowledge and the independent development of marketing management skills in public catering enterprises. Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation and the current bachelor's degree program in the areas of training 19.03.04 "Product technology and catering", 38.03.02 " Management "(profile"Marketing"). It can be useful and interesting for students, undergraduates, postgraduates, as well as teachers of marketing disciplines and practitioners.
Tax incentives for industrial production
Authors: Gereev Roman , Pinskaya Milyausha
Published: February 2021

The monograph is devoted to the analysis of tax incentives, the use of which will help to achieve the economic goals of the state in the field of industrial support. The theoretical foundations of tax incentives for industrial development are considered, the effectiveness of tax incentives is evaluated, and measures to improve state financial support for industrial production are proposed. It is intended for a wide range of readers: specialists involved in tax risk management, economists in the field of industrial production, consultants in the field of taxation and tax administration, students and teachers of economic universities.
TRABAJAR EN TIEMPOS DE COVID. FRICCIONES DE LO ESENCIAL EN LA PRODUCCIÓN ALIMENTARIA. EL CASO DE LOS FRUTOS ROJOS EN LA PROVINCIA DE HUELVA.
Authors: Castillero Quesada Soledad
Published: February 2021

The pandemic caused by Covid-19 is generating a state of emergency in which, for the first time, a series of professions and professionals are considered key workers. This is the case of the food sector and the different people and spaces it encompasses. In Andalusia, the declaration of lockdown coincided with one of the agricultural campaigns that best illustrates the functioning of the agri-food industry today: berry growing season. This article shows how the classification of this work as essential by the Government during the first period of lockdown did not translate into appropriate improvements in the socio-labor conditions of workers in this sector. Following a qualitative ethnographic methodology based on in-depth interviews with agricultural workers, the article analyzes the contrasts that emerged between the classification of this activity as essential and the real circumstances that prevailed during the work carried out.
¿ESTÉTICAS HABITACIONALES DE LA EMERGENCIA?: UNA REFLEXIÓN SOBRE LAS CASAS EN ARGENTINA EN TIEMPOS DE COVID-19.
Authors: Blanco Esmoris María Florencia
Published: February 2021

This paper proposes the notion of housing aesthethics of emergency to highlight the way in which people develop material tactics of certainty through modifying their homes in times of crisis, in this case, related to the Covid-19 virus. To this end, I present some vignettes of my own ethnographic research conducted in the Municipality of Morón (Buenos Aires, Argentina) and references from social anthropology —and beyond— to articulate reflections on housing and the future. Thereby I introduce questions about people’s daily changes and their practical translations. Specifically, how they find certainty ‘in the provisional’, composing specific domestic landscapes. This essay seeks to enhance understanding of how aesthetic production —understood in broader terms— constitutes a mode of living in times of crisis.
Disaggregated Sales and Stock Returns
Authors: Agarwal Sumit , Qian Wenlan , Zou Xin
Published: February 2021

Using transaction-level credit-card spending from a large U.S. financial institution, we show that disaggregated sales provide accurate and persistent signals of customer demand relevant to a firm’s stock pricing. After controlling for earnings and sales surprises, one interquintile increase in the adjusted customer spending during a firm’s fiscal quarter leads to a 1.5 percentage point increase in the 60-day post–earnings announcement cumulative abnormal return. The predictability concentrates in consumer-oriented firms, especially those relying more on indirect sales distribution channels. We also find a stronger return response to spending from high-FICO-score, high-liquidity, and loyal customers. The transmission speed of disaggregated sales information is slower than that of the earnings information, and small firms or firms far from their end customers exhibit a more delayed price response. Finally, the return implications of adjusted customer spending extend to firms along the production chain.

This paper was accepted by Haoxiang Zhu, finance.
Why Are Firms with Lower Performance More Volatile and Unpredictable? A Vulnerability Explanation of the Bowman Paradox
Authors: Becerra Manuel , Markarian Garen
Published: February 2021

This study investigates the negative relationship between firm risk and accounting performance known in the strategy field as the Bowman paradox, which has been generally attributed to differences across firms in their willingness to take risk. Most research to date relies on the behavioral theory of the firm to suggest that underperformers take greater risks to increase their performance to their reference point. As an alternative explanation, we suggest that the Bowman paradox may result from the inherent vulnerability of low performers to negative external shocks. Our panel analysis of 2,681 U.S. firms from 1980 to 2010 confirms that firms with lower performance within their industry are more affected by negative shocks to the economy. The asymmetric vulnerability of low performers to external events makes their overall accounting performance more volatile and difficult to predict by market analysts, even if all firms have a similar attitude toward risk taking and capabilities to manage change. Our vulnerability explanation is also supported by our empirical analysis of the 2008 global financial crisis as a natural experiment. Furthermore, we find strong evidence of a negative risk–return relationship using different methods to control for their endogeneity.
Tunable white light emission of an anti-ultraviolet rare-earth polysiloxane phosphors based on near UV chips
Authors: Wang Yongchao , Zhang Yining , Li Dongxin , Zhang Aiqin , Wang Hua , Jia Husheng , Xu Bingshe
Published: February 2021

A novel white-light copolymer matched with 365 nm chips is prepared by bonding the vinyl-functionalized complexes Eu(TTA)2(Phen)(MAA), Tb(p-BBA)3(UA) and Zn(BTZ)(UA) to polysiloxaneprepolymer(synthesized by polycondensation of vinyltrimethoxysilane and diphenylsilanediol) through a technical route of polymerization after coordination. Its structure was characterized by infrared and ultraviolet. Under the excitation of 365 nm, when the ratio of the tricolor complexes is controlled to be 0.5: 3: 1.5, white light copolymer with CIE color coordinates of (0.327, 0.321) was obtained and packaged to get white light LED devices. After aging, the CIE color coordinates of the device change from (0.325, 0.329) to (0.341, 0.348), the color rendering index changes from 91 to 88, and the correlated color temperature changes from 5967 K to 5612 K. The loss of brightness is only 10.4%, which shows good resistance to UV aging. Moreover, the initial decomposition temperature of the copolymer is 235°C. The above results show that the bonding-type anti-ultraviolet copolymer phosphor has potential application in near ultraviolet LEDs.
Smith-Purcell radiation based on the transmission enhancement of a subwavelength hole array with inner tunnels
Authors: Zhang Ping , Zhao Deqiang , Wang Xiaosong , Wang Shaomeng , Sakai Yusuke , Zhang Yaxin , Tang Mingchun , Yong Yin , Meng Lin , Gong Yubin
Published: February 2021

The use and control of the extraordinary optical transmission through subwavelength hole arrays has enormous application potential in photonic devices. In this paper, we propose a subwavelength hole array with inner tunnels, for which the Smith-Purcell radiation (SPR) with this enhanced transmission phenomenon in THz is excited when the transmission peak locates in the SPR band. The SPR is monitored using particle-in-cell simulations in order to analyze the mechanisms responsible for improving the radiation coherence. Analysis of the electron energy loss reveals that the proposed subwavelength hole array with inner tunnels outperforms a conventional subwavelength grating array with respect to SPR generation efficiency. As SPR plays a significant role in research on particle diagnosis and terahertz radiation sources, the performance of the proposed structure suggests that it has high application potential.
Experimental investigation of quasi-static mode degradation in a high power large mode area fiber amplifier
Authors: Xie Lianghua , Zhang Chun , Liu Yu , Li Haokun , Chu Qiuhui , Song Huaqing , Wu Wenjie , Shen Benjian , Li Min , Feng Xi , Huang Shan , Tao Rumao , Wang Jianjun , Zhang Xiaoming , Zhu HeYuan
Published: February 2021

In this work, quasi-static mode degradation in high power fiber amplifiers has been investigated experimentally. An increase of M2 from 1.3 to 2.6 with distortion of the beam profile is observed, which results in the signal spectra and backward light characterization departing from the traditional phenomena. The amplifier has been operated at the same input pump power of 705 W for nearly 2.2 hours to investigate the relationship between quasi-static mode degradation and photodarkening. The evolution of M2 factor/beam profile, mode correlation coefficient and output laser power at different working times indicate that the quasi-static mode degradation in the high power fiber amplifiers is dependent on photodarkening and evolves on the scale of tens of minutes. A visible green light has been injected to photobleach the gain fiber for 19 hours, which reveals that the quasi-static mode degradation has been suppressed simultaneously. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detail report of photodarkening-induced quasi-static degradation in high power fiber amplifiers.
Analysis of multiple scattering errors in LISST-VSF volume scattering function measurements using Monte Carlo simulations and experimental data
Authors: Ugulen Håvard S. , Sandven Håkon , Hamre Børge , Kristoffersen Arne S. , Sætre Camilla
Published: February 2021

A Monte Carlo algorithm has been developed to investigate the effects of multiple scattering on the volume scattering function measured by the LISST-VSF instrument. The developed algorithm is compared to experimental results obtained from bench-top measurements using

508

nm

spherical polystyrene beads and Arizona test dust as scattering agents. The Monte Carlo simulation predicts measured volume scattering functions at all concentrations. We demonstrate that multiple scattered light can be a major contributor to the detected signal, resulting in errors in the measured volume scattering function and its derived inherent optical properties. We find a relative error of 10% in the scattering coefficient for optical depths ∼0.4, and it can reach 100% at optical depths ∼2.
Single-cycle pulse compression in dense resonant media
Authors: Arkhipov Rostislav , Arkhipov Mikhail , Demircan Ayhan , Morgner Uwe , Babushkin Ihar , Rosanov Nikolay
Published: February 2021

We propose here a new approach for compression and frequency up-conversion of short optical pulses in the regime of extreme nonlinear optics in optically dense absorbing media, providing an alternative route to attosecond-scale pulses at high frequencies. This method is based on dynamics of self-induced transparency (SIT) pulses of nearly single cycle duration, leading to single-cycle-scale Rabi oscillations in the medium. The sub-cycle components of an incident pulse behave as separate SIT-pulses, approaching each other and self-compressing, resulting in the threefold compression in time and frequency up-conversion by the same factor. As we show, the scheme can be cascaded, staying at the subsequent stage with nearly the same compression and up-conversion ratio. In this way, as our simulations show, after only few micrometers of propagation, a 700 nm wavelength single cycle pulse can be compressed to a pulse of 200 attoseconds duration located in XUV frequency range.
Implantation energy- and size-dependent light output of enhanced-efficiency micro-LED arrays fabricated by ion implantation
Authors: Xu Feng , Tan Yi , Xie Zili , Zhang Baoshun
Published: February 2021

A new process is presented for fabricating enhanced-efficiency micro-pixelated vertical-structured light-emitting diode (µVLED) arrays based on ion-implantation technology. High-resistivity selective regions are locally introduced in the n-GaN layer by ion implantation and then used as effective and non-destructive electrical isolation for realizing µVLED arrays with ultra-small pixel diameters. The implantation energy-dependent and size-dependent opto-electrical characteristics of fluorine (F-) implanted µVLED arrays are investigated systematically. The results show that the optimally designed F- ion implantation not only can achieve smaller reverse leakage current but also can realize ion-induced thermal relaxation effectively and is more suited for fabricating high-resolution µVLED arrays with higher optical output power. For the F--implanted µVLED array with pixel diameters of 10 µm, a measured output power density reaches a value of 82.1 W cm−2 at a high injection current density of 220 A cm−2, before power saturation. Further, the output power densities and external quantum efficiencies of F--implanted µVLED arrays with pixel diameters less than 10µm show strong dependences on pixel size due to the presence of defects-related SRH process. So, the high-efficiency µVLED arrays with ultra-small pixel sizes could be fabricated by an appropriately designed ion implantation combined with control of defect densities to meet the industrial requirement of microdisplay applications.
Controllable double-helical microstructures by photonic orbital angular momentum for chiroptical response
Authors: Ni Jincheng , Hu Yanlei , Liu Shunli , Lao Zhaoxin , Ji Shengyun , Pan Deng , Zhang Chenchu , Xu Bing , Li Jiawen , Wu Dong , Chu Jiaru
Published: February 2021

Three-dimensional helical microstructures are abundant in nature and can be applied as chiral metamaterials for advanced nanophotonics. Here we report a flexible method to fabricate double-helical microstructures with single exposure by recording the chirality of incident optical vortices. Two coaxial optical vortices can interfere to generate a helical optical field, confirmed by the numerical simulation. The diameters of double-helical microstructures can be tailored by the magnitude of topological charges. This fast manufacturing strategy provides the opportunity to efficiently yield helical microstructures. Finally, the chirality of double-helical microstructures can be reversibly read by optical vortices, demonstrating a strong chiroptical response.
A Bayesian reanalysis of the effects of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin on viral carriage in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Hulme Oliver James , Wagenmakers Eric-Jan , Damkier Per , Madelung Christopher Fugl , Siebner Hartwig Roman , Helweg-Larsen Jannik , Gronau Quentin F. , Benfield Thomas Lars , Madsen Kristoffer Hougaard
Published: February 2021

Gautret and colleagues reported the results of a non-randomised case series which examined the effects of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin on viral load in the upper respiratory tract of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) patients. The authors reported that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) had significant virus reducing effects, and that dual treatment of both HCQ and azithromycin further enhanced virus reduction. In light of criticisms regarding how patients were excluded from analyses, we reanalysed the original data to interrogate the main claims of the paper. We applied Bayesian statistics to assess the robustness of the original paper’s claims by testing four variants of the data: 1) The original data; 2) Data including patients who deteriorated; 3) Data including patients who deteriorated with exclusion of untested patients in the comparison group; 4) Data that includes patients who deteriorated with the assumption that untested patients were negative. To ask if HCQ monotherapy was effective, we performed an A/B test for a model which assumes a positive effect, compared to a model of no effect. We found that the statistical evidence was highly sensitive to these data variants. Statistical evidence for the positive effect model ranged from strong for the original data (BF+0 ~11), to moderate when including patients who deteriorated (BF+0 ~4.35), to anecdotal when excluding untested patients (BF+0 ~2), and to anecdotal negative evidence if untested patients were assumed positive (BF+0 ~0.6). The fact that the patient inclusions and exclusions are not well justified nor adequately reported raises substantial uncertainty about the interpretation of the evidence obtained from the original paper.
Performance of a deep-learning algorithm for referable thoracic abnormalities on chest radiographs: A multicenter study of a health screening cohort
Authors: Kim Eun Young , Kim Young Jae , Choi Won-Jun , Lee Gi Pyo , Choi Ye Ra , Jin Kwang Nam , Cho Young Jun
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study evaluated the performance of a commercially available deep-learning algorithm (DLA) (Insight CXR, Lunit, Seoul, South Korea) for referable thoracic abnormalities on chest X-ray (CXR) using a consecutively collected multicenter health screening cohort.

Methods and materials

A consecutive health screening cohort of participants who underwent both CXR and chest computed tomography (CT) within 1 month was retrospectively collected from three institutions’ health care clinics (n = 5,887). Referable thoracic abnormalities were defined as any radiologic findings requiring further diagnostic evaluation or management, including DLA-target lesions of nodule/mass, consolidation, or pneumothorax. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of the DLA for referable thoracic abnormalities using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity using ground truth based on chest CT (CT-GT). In addition, for CT-GT-positive cases, three independent radiologist readings were performed on CXR and clear visible (when more than two radiologists called) and visible (at least one radiologist called) abnormalities were defined as CXR-GTs (clear visible CXR-GT and visible CXR-GT, respectively) to evaluate the performance of the DLA.

Results

Among 5,887 subjects (4,329 males; mean age 54±11 years), referable thoracic abnormalities were found in 618 (10.5%) based on CT-GT. DLA-target lesions were observed in 223 (4.0%), nodule/mass in 202 (3.4%), consolidation in 31 (0.5%), pneumothorax in one 1 (<0.1%), and DLA-non-target lesions in 409 (6.9%). For referable thoracic abnormalities based on CT-GT, the DLA showed an AUC of 0.771 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.751–0.791), a sensitivity of 69.6%, and a specificity of 74.0%. Based on CXR-GT, the prevalence of referable thoracic abnormalities decreased, with visible and clear visible abnormalities found in 405 (6.9%) and 227 (3.9%) cases, respectively. The performance of the DLA increased significantly when using CXR-GTs, with an AUC of 0.839 (95% CI, 0.829–0.848), a sensitivity of 82.7%, and s specificity of 73.2% based on visible CXR-GT and an AUC of 0.872 (95% CI, 0.863–0.880, P <0.001 for the AUC comparison of GT-CT vs. clear visible CXR-GT), a sensitivity of 83.3%, and a specificity of 78.8% based on clear visible CXR-GT.

Conclusion

The DLA provided fair-to-good stand-alone performance for the detection of referable thoracic abnormalities in a multicenter consecutive health screening cohort. The DLA showed varied performance according to the different methods of ground truth.
Searching for biological feedstock material: 3D printing of wood particles from house borer and drywood termite frass
Authors: Plarre Rudy , Zocca Andrea , Spitzer Andrea , Benemann Sigrid , Gorbushina Anna A. , Li Yuexuan , Waske Anja , Funk Alexander , Wilbig Janka , Günster Jens
Published: February 2021

Frass (fine powdery refuse or fragile perforated wood produced by the activity of boring insects) of larvae of the European house borer (EHB) and of drywood termites was tested as a natural and novel feedstock for 3D-printing of wood-based materials. Small particles produced by the drywood termite Incisitermes marginipennis and the EHB Hylotrupes bajulus during feeding in construction timber, were used. Frass is a powdery material of particularly consistent quality that is essentially biologically processed wood mixed with debris of wood and faeces. The filigree-like particles flow easily permitting the build-up of wood-based structures in a layer wise fashion using the Binder Jetting printing process. The quality of powders produced by different insect species was compared along with the processing steps and properties of the printed parts. Drywood termite frass with a Hausner Ratio HR = 1.1 with ρBulk = 0.67 g/cm3 and ρTap = 0.74 g/cm3 was perfectly suited to deposition of uniformly packed layers in 3D printing. We suggest that a variety of naturally available feedstocks could be used in environmentally responsible approaches to scientific material sciences/additive manufacturing.
Prevalence, incidence and residual risk of transfusion transmitted viruses (HBV, HCV and HIV infections) in Lithuanian blood donors from 2004 to 2018: The incidence/window-period model study
Authors: Grubyte Samanta , Urboniene Jurgita , Nedzinskiene Laura , Jelinskaite Auguste , Zagminas Kestutis , Ambrozaitis Arvydas , Jancoriene Ligita
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Estimation of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transfusion risk in blood donors is essential for monitoring the safety of the blood supply and the impact of new screening tests. Due to improvements in donor selection and continuing progress in screening assays, residual risk of virus transmission has significantly decreased over the past years. It is not practical and sometimes even not possible to measure residual risk in blood donors directly and mathematical models are used. The aim of this study was to calculate the prevalence, incidence rates of HBV, HCV and HIV infections and analyse evolution of their transmission residual risk from 2004 to 2018 at the National Blood Center of Lithuania.

Materials and methods

Data from the archives of the National Blood Center of Lithuania from 2004 to 2018 was retrospectively analysed. The residual risk was calculated for each virus and year by applying the incidence/window-period model suggested by World Health Organization. For the analysis of the residual risk yearly trends a linear regression was used.

Results

A total of 754,755 blood donors and 1,245,568 donations were included in the analysis and represented a 2.06 donations per donor over 15 years. Average residual risk for HBV, HCV and HIV respectively was 570.04, 807.14 and 35.72 per 1,00,000 donations. During the study period, there was statistically significant downward trend in the residual risk for every analysed virus.

Discussion

Residual risk of virus transmission has been steadily decreasing over past 15 years in Lithuanian donors, but the current risk remains quite high. It is difficult to establish how much the risk is affected by statistical assumptions or virus prevalence in general population. However, results of this study indicate the need of the population screening program of transfusion transmitted viruses.
Resource allocation for depression management in general practice: A simple data-based filter model
Authors: Hobden Breanne , Carey Mariko , Sanson-Fisher Rob , Searles Andrew , Oldmeadow Christopher , Boyes Allison
Published: February 2021

Background

This study aimed to illustrate the potential utility of a simple filter model in understanding the patient outcome and cost-effectiveness implications for depression interventions in primary care.

Methods

Modelling of hypothetical intervention scenarios during different stages of the treatment pathway was conducted.

Results

Three scenarios were developed for depression related to increasing detection, treatment response and treatment uptake. The incremental costs, incremental number of successes (i.e., depression remission) and the incremental costs-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were calculated. In the modelled scenarios, increasing provider treatment response resulted in the greatest number of incremental successes above baseline, however, it was also associated with the greatest ICER. Increasing detection rates was associated with the second greatest increase to incremental successes above baseline and had the lowest ICER.

Conclusions

The authors recommend utility of the filter model to guide the identification of areas where policy stakeholders and/or researchers should invest their efforts in depression management.
A new one-parameter lifetime distribution and its regression model with applications
Authors: Eliwa M. S. , Altun Emrah , Alhussain Ziyad Ali , Ahmed Essam A. , Salah Mukhtar M. , Ahmed Hanan Haj , El-Morshedy M.
Published: February 2021

Lifetime distributions are an important statistical tools to model the different characteristics of lifetime data sets. The statistical literature contains very sophisticated distributions to analyze these kind of data sets. However, these distributions have many parameters which cause a problem in estimation step. To open a new opportunity in modeling these kind of data sets, we propose a new extension of half-logistic distribution by using the odd Lindley-G family of distributions. The proposed distribution has only one parameter and simple mathematical forms. The statistical properties of the proposed distributions, including complete and incomplete moments, quantile function and Rényi entropy, are studied in detail. The unknown model parameter is estimated by using the different estimation methods, namely, maximum likelihood, least square, weighted least square and Cramer-von Mises. The extensive simulation study is given to compare the finite sample performance of parameter estimation methods based on the complete and progressive Type-II censored samples. Additionally, a new log-location-scale regression model is introduced based on a new distribution. The residual analysis of a new regression model is given comprehensively. To convince the readers in favour of the proposed distribution, three real data sets are analyzed and compared with competitive models. Empirical findings show that the proposed one-parameter lifetime distribution produces better results than the other extensions of half-logistic distribution.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) prediction model derived from plasma and CSF biomarkers
Authors: Khosla Radhika , Rain Manjari , Sharma Suresh , Anand Akshay
Published: February 2021

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative disorder of motor neurons which leads to complete loss of movement in patients. The only FDA approved drug Riluzole provides only symptomatic relief to patients. Early Diagnosis of the disease warrants the importance of diagnostic and prognostic models for predicting disease and disease progression respectively. In the present study we represent the predictive statistical model for ALS using plasma and CSF biomarkers. Forward stepwise (Binary likelihood) Logistic regression model is developed for prediction of ALS. The model has been shown to have excellent validity (94%) with good sensitivity (98%) and specificity (93%). The area under the ROC curve is 99.3%. Along with age and BMI, VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), VEGFR2 (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2) and TDP43 (TAR DNA Binding Protein 43) in CSF and VEGFR2 and OPTN (Optineurin) in plasma are good predictors of ALS.
Assessment of perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with severe versus simple malaria
Authors: Kwizera Alfred , Ntasumumuyange Diomede , Small Maria , Rulisa Stephen , Moscovitz Alexandra N. , Magriples Urania
Published: February 2021

Objective

Malaria in pregnancy is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. The objective was to compare outcomes of simple and severe malaria and to determine whether they vary by trimester or severity of infection.

Methods

Prospective cohort study performed in 3 hospitals in Rwanda. Both hospitalized and non-hospitalized pregnant patients with confirmed malaria were enrolled and followed until 7 days postpartum. Demographic, clinical manifestations and perinatal outcomes were recorded.

Results

There were 446 pregnant women with confirmed malaria and outcome data; 361 (80.9%) had simple malaria. Severe malaria was more common as pregnancy progressed; out of 85 with severe malaria, 12.9%, 29.4% and 57.6% were in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters (p<0.0001). Overall, a normal term delivery occurred in 57.6%, with preterm delivery in 24.9% and abortion in 13.5%. Adverse perinatal outcomes increased with trimester of infection (p<0.0001). Eight of the 9 early neonatal deaths had 3rd trimester infection (p<0.0001). There were 27 stillbirths; 63.7% were associated with 3rd trimester infection. A significant difference in perinatal outcomes between simple and severe malaria was seen: 64% of women with simple malaria had a normal term delivery as compared to 30.6% with severe malaria (p<0.0001). All complications were significantly greater with severe malaria.

Conclusion

Overall poor outcomes are seen in malaria with significant differences in perinatal outcomes between simple and severe malaria and by trimester of infection. In addition to vector control and exposure prevention, efforts need to be made in screening, treatment education and monitoring pregnancies affected by malaria.
Consultation rate and chlamydia positivity among ethnic minority clients at STI clinics in the Netherlands
Authors: Ostendorf S. B. , Kampman C. J. G. , Hoebe C. J. P. A. , van der Velden J. , Hautvast J. L. A. , van Jaarsveld C. H. M.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Although ethnic minority clients (EMs) from STI endemic countries have a higher risk for STI, little is known about their STI clinic consultation rate proportionality. The aim of this study was to assess consultation and chlamydia positivity rates among different EMs visiting STI clinics in the Netherlands.

Methods

We calculated consultation rates in EM groups by dividing the number of STI consultations by the total number of inhabitants in the region belonging to an EM, then compared the EM rates to native Dutch rates. Factors associated with chlamydia positivity were analysed using multivariate regression analysis.

Results

A total of 23,841 clients visiting an eastern Netherlands STI clinic between 2011 and 2013 were included in the analysis, of which 7% were EMs. The consultation rate of native Dutch clients was 22.5 per 1000, compared to 8.5 per 1000 among EMs. Consultation rates in all EMs were lower than in Dutch clients, except for Antillean or Aruban EMs and Latin American EMs.

The chlamydia positivity rate among all clients was 15.5%, and Antillean or Aruban ethnicity (27.1%) EMs had the highest rates. Multivariate analysis identified the following factors associated with chlamydia positivity: Eastern or Northern European EM, African EM, Antillean or Aruban EM, STI related symptoms, heterosexual preference, partner in a risk group, receiving a partner notification, and having had three or more partners in the past six months.

Conclusion

On a population level, most EMs visit STI clinics less often than native Dutch clients, but they have a higher rate of positive chlamydia diagnoses. STI clinics should increase outreach activities for EM clients because they are insufficiently reached by current practices, but contribute substantially to chlamydia incidence rates.
A deep learning approach for lower back-pain risk prediction during manual lifting
Authors: Snyder Kristian , Thomas Brennan , Lu Ming-Lun , Jha Rashmi , Barim Menekse S. , Hayden Marie , Werren Dwight
Published: February 2021

Occupationally-induced back pain is a leading cause of reduced productivity in industry. Detecting when a worker is lifting incorrectly and at increased risk of back injury presents significant possible benefits. These include increased quality of life for the worker due to lower rates of back injury and fewer workers’ compensation claims and missed time for the employer. However, recognizing lifting risk provides a challenge due to typically small datasets and subtle underlying features in accelerometer and gyroscope data. A novel method to classify a lifting dataset using a 2D convolutional neural network (CNN) and no manual feature extraction is proposed in this paper; the dataset consisted of 10 subjects lifting at various relative distances from the body with 720 total trials. The proposed deep CNN displayed greater accuracy (90.6%) compared to an alternative CNN and multilayer perceptron (MLP). A deep CNN could be adapted to classify many other activities that traditionally pose greater challenges in industrial environments due to their size and complexity.
The effect of using light emitting diodes and fluorescent lamps as different light sources in growth inhibition tests of green alga, diatom, and cyanobacteria
Authors: Okamoto Akira , Imamura Miyuki , Tani Kazune , Matsumoto Takeru
Published: February 2021

Aquatic organisms have been used to investigate the safety of chemicals worldwide. One such assessment is an algal growth inhibition test. Algal growth inhibition tests are commonly performed using a growth chamber with fluorescent lamps as the lighting source, as test guidelines require continuous uniform fluorescent illumination. However, fluorescent lamps contain mercury, which has been identified as hazardous to humans and other organisms. The Minamata Convention (adopted in 2013) requires reduction or prohibition of products containing mercury. On the other hand, light-emitting diodes do not contain mercury and provide a photosynthetically effective wavelength range of 400–700 nm which is an adequate light intensity for algal growth. Light-emitting diodes are thus preferable to fluorescent lamps as a potential light source in algal growth inhibition tests. In this study, we investigated if light-emitting diodes could be substituted for fluorescent lamps in growth inhibition studies with green alga (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata), diatom (Navicula pelliculosa), and cyanobacteria (Anabaena flos-aquae). Algal growth inhibition tests were performed using five different chemicals known to have different modes of action and are assigned as reference substances in the test guidelines. The results of each algal test showed similar values between light-emitting diodes and fluorescent lamps in terms of conditions for the growth inhibition rate and percent inhibition in yield of each chemical. It was therefore concluded that using light-emitting diodes instead of fluorescent lamps as a lighting source had no effect on the algal growth inhibition test results.
Cerebros, mentes y robots: una aproximación a través del cine del siglo XXI
Authors: Mohedano del Pozo Rosa Belén , Biscaia Fernández José Miguel
Published: February 2021

La neuroética aplicada y fundamental y el transhumanismo neurotecnológico son disciplinas académicas relativamente nuevas, a medio camino entre las humanidades y las neurociencias. En el presente estudio se ha realizado un análisis descriptivo sobre el interés del certamen de los premios Óscar por obras que han tratado estas temáticas a lo largo del siglo XXI. Los resultados obtenidos indican que el 16,8 % de las 107 películas estudiadas muestran personajes u ofrecen temáticas relacionadas con la neurociencia, la neurología, las ciencias cognitivas y de la computación, todas ellas áreas científicas de vanguardia que tendrán un importante impacto biomédico y social en los próximos años
El último concierto (2012): la fisioterapia en enfermedad de Parkinson para desacelerar la caída de una estrella de la música clásica
Authors: Guillermo-Durán Montserrat , Cámara-Oropeza Ileana , Méndez-Domínguez Nina
Published: February 2021

El último concierto/ A Late Quartet (2012) es una película del género dramático dirigida por Yaron Zilberman. Este filme protagonizado por Christopher Walken, relata la historia de un cuarteto de cuerda, el cuál tras 25 años de éxito y fama mundial, atraviesa fuertes adversidades cuando el creador del cuarteto, Peter Mitchell, está padeciendo los primeros síntomas del Párkinson, una enfermedad que en poco tiempo pondrá fin a su pasión y a sus sueños como intérprete. Pero ¿qué hubiera podido ofrecerse para el manejo de Peter desde la fisioterapia y rehabilitación? ¿El impacto de esta profesión en la calidad de vida, pudiera ayudar a mitigar la cuesta debajo de un gran músico con enfermedad de Párkinson que se ubica en la cima de su carrera? El objetivo del presente artículo es describir las alternativas basadas en evidencia que la fisioterapia y rehabilitación pueden ofrecer a los pacientes con enfermedad de Párkinson.
Fosfomycin Susceptibility in Multidrug Resistant Urinary Escherichia coli Isolates
Authors: Hareendranath Greeshma
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND Escherichia coli is one of the most important causes of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Increased antibiotic resistance may limit the therapeutic options for the treatment of these infections. Fosfomycin trometamol is a phosphonic acid derivative, which acts primarily by interfering with bacterial peptidoglycan synthesis with broad spectrum of activity against agents causing urinary tract infection with good antibiofilm activity and limited reports of resistance and hence is increasingly called upon for the treatment of multi drug resistant (MDR) organisms causing UTI. There are limited studies from India regarding the efficacy of this drug; so, the study was conducted to determine the in vitro efficacy of fosfomycin against uropathogenic MDR E. coli. METHODS This was a prospective study done in the Department of Microbiology, Government T.D. Medical College, Alappuzha, over a period of 1 year from April 2018 to March 2019. A total of 150 MDR urine samples were processed by routine microbiological methods and after identification of E. coli urinary isolates, antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed and results were interpreted following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines (CLSI). Fosfomycin sensitivity was tested by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. RESULTS Among the 150 MDR urinary E. coli isolates, 148 (98 %) were sensitive to fosfomycin in our study. The susceptibility rate of fosfomycin was clearly higher than other commonly used drugs for UTI. All extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) producing E. coli were sensitive to this drug. The susceptibility for nitrofurantoin was fair, whereas for ampicillin, norfloxacin, cefotaxime and trimethoprim / sulphamethoxazole was found poor. Relatively better rates of resistance were observed for parenteral antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS With an enormous increase in the bacterial pathogens resistant to first-line antibiotics, there has been a revival in the use of fosfomycin. The convenience of a single dose regimen, a good activity proven invitro, and minimal propensity for development of resistance pathogens makes fosfomycin an attractive regimen for the treatment of uncomplicated community and hospital acquired UTIs. In this regard, with the existing limited options for treating MDR organisms, fosfomycin finds its utility acting as an effective and promising option in the treatment of UTIs due to MDR pathogens in the future.
Effect of Temperature Variation of Intrathecal Bupivacaine on Shivering in Parturients Undergoing Spinal Anaesthesia
Authors: Herniques Karen , Raipure Amrusha Mukesh , Ruparel Dipakkumar Hiralal , Tirpude Naresh
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND Shivering is commonly encountered complication following spinal anaesthesia leading to discomfort and interference with monitoring during caesarean section. There is no definite aetiology for this and hence no definite treatment is available. Hence, we wanted to study effect of temperature variation of spinal inject on post spinal shivering during caesarean section. METHODS This prospective randomized double-blind study was conducted on 80 parturients posted for elective caesarean section allocated to two groups of 40 each receiving 2.0 mL of 0.5 % hyperbaric bupivacaine with temperature of 220 C (group I) or 370 C (group II) intrathecally at L3 - L4 interspace. Onset of shivering, its severity and incidence were noted. Data was analysed using various tests and P-value < 0.05 was considered as significant and P-value < 0.01 was considered highly significant. RESULTS Demographic characters, surgical parameters as well as onset time of sensory blockade, maximum sensory blockade, time to achieve maximum sensory and motor blockade were comparable in the two groups. Shivering was present in 57.5 % of patients in group I and 32.5 % in group II and this difference was statistically significant. Overall, shivering percentage was 45 % although difference in mean onset time was not significant in the two groups. Grades of shivering were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Warm solutions used intrathecally can reduce incidence of shivering following spinal anaesthesia in caesarean section although it doesn’t influence intensity of shivering. KEY WORDS Neuraxial Anaesthesia, Temperature Variation, Post Spinal Shivering
Vállalati vezetők innovációs érzékenysége, szemlélete és szándékaik – egy felmérés tapasztalatai (Managers' innovation sensivity, approach, and purposes – experience of a survey)
Authors: Bánfi Tamás , Boros Áron , Lovas Anita
Published: February 2021

A magyar vállalatok innovatív képességét felmérő kérdőíves kutatások eltérő eredményeket adtak, ami a piaci szereplők eltérő innováció-értelmezésével magyarázható. A szerzők feltevése szerint a vállalati vezetők jellemzően innovatívnak tartják magukat, és ez alapján jelentős részük fejlesztéseket tervez a jövőben, amelyhez pályázati forrásokat kívánnak igénybe venni. A gyakorlati életben az innováció fogalmát a tudományos definíciónál tágabban értelmezik, a vállalatnál bevezetett újdonságokat (például a piaci versenytársaktól átvett új terméket) is innovációnak értékelik. A vállalati növekedést a finanszírozási nehézségek korlátozzák. A támogatások, a hitelek és a kockázati tőke jellegű források eltérő mértékben játszanak szerepet a vállalatok életében. A szerzők tanulmányukban a vállalatok innovatív tevékenysége és a különböző források megléte közötti kapcsolatot, valamint a pályázati rendszerhez fűződő vállalati tapasztalatokat vizsgálják. /===/ Questionnaire surveys of innovation abilities of the Hungarian enterprises have given different results, which could be explained by different innovation interpretation of the market players. According to the authors' hypothesis the managers consider themselves innovative, and many of them plan developments in the future to realize them with tender sources. In the practice idea of innovation is broader interpreted than the scientific definition, and novelties introduced at the companies (eg. a new product taken over from competitors) is also considered innovation. Corporate growth is limited by financing difficulties. Supports, credits and sources of venture capital character play a role int he corporate life to different extent. Authors investigate the connection between the innovative activity of companies and the existence of several sources, and corporate experience linked to tendering system.
Etoricoxib for generalized osteoarthritis. Case report
Authors: Dydykina I. S. , Kovalenko P. S. , Kudinsky D. M.
Published: February 2021

The article discusses the treatment of patients with primary generalized osteoarthritis (OA), a common joint lesion of different localization. Clinical guidelines are presented that provide guidance on various drug and non-drug approaches in the treatment of primary generalized OA. In accordance with the modern understanding of the pathogenesis of OA, the role of inflammation and the influence of various pro-inflammatory factors, the priority of anti-inflammatory therapy, primarily non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), is justified. A clinical case of a 5-year observation of a patient with primary generalized OA and low compliance to treatment with symptom-modifying slowacting drugs is described. For articular syndrome exacerbations etoricoxib (Kostarox®) was mainly used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent at a dose of 60 mg / day for 7–14 days with a good effect. Due to self-isolation and inability to visit a doctor during COVID-19 pandemic, the patient took etoricoxib for a long time (up to 200 days) for severe neck- and backpain relief, the duration of some courses was up to3 months. We discuss the possibility of etoricoxib use not only in the «on demand» mode, but also for a long time – until the effect is achieved.