bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of demographic equality of access to family intervention for psychosis in specialist community mental healthcare teams
Authors: Mankiewicz Pawel D , Reid Jordan , Hughes Eleanor Anne , Attard Angelica
Published: August 2021

Background/Aims

UK mental health services must provide evidence-based psychological treatments, including family intervention, to every service user diagnosed with psychosis. Although healthcare managers are required to ensure equitable delivery of prescribed core treatments, in practice equality of access remains debatable. This study investigates equality of access to family intervention for psychosis. Subsequent treatment uptake and engagement are also examined. The role of healthcare records in equality management is considered.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of electronic medical records of 244 service users across four specialist early intervention teams in London in 2018 was undertaken using binary logistic regression and multiple linear regression. Bonferroni adjustment was applied to control for type 1 errors.

Results

Participants were found to have equal access to the nationally endorsed treatment across all demographic variables. Likewise, treatment uptake and engagement were equally distributed.

Conclusions

An overall compliance with national policies was shown, demonstrating that equal provision of core treatment for psychosis is achievable. As discrepancies in record keeping were shown to impede the data extraction process, suggestions were made for the management of electronic medical records in mental healthcare services.
The impact of SMS reminders on adherence to medication and care plans after coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Bikmoradi Ali , Omidvar Safoora , Roshanaei Ghodratollah , Khatiban Mahnaz
Published: August 2021

Background/Aims

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery requires specialised long-term follow up, and non-adherence to a care plan may lead to complications. This study aimed to assess the effects of SMS reminders on adherence to medication and care plans among patients who had been discharged from hospital after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Methods

A randomised controlled trial was performed in Iran, with eligible patients divided into an intervention (n=40) and a control (n=40) group. All participants completed a questionnaire measuring their adherence to their medication and care plan 1 day before discharge from the hospital. The intervention group received SMS reminders about their treatment plan plus routine care, while the control group received routine care only. The study lasted for 6 weeks. One week after the completion of the intervention period, both groups filled in the questionnaire again and the results were compared. Independent and paired t-tests were used to assess the significance of results.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups before the intervention. Compared to baseline, the intervention group had significantly improved adherence to their medication and care plans (P<0.001) after the intervention. These improvements were significantly greater than those seen in the control group (P<0.001).

Conclusions

An SMS reminder is a useful and cost-effective way to improve adherence to medication and care plans among patients discharged from hospital after coronary artery bypass graft surgery, as part of follow-up care.
Evidence-based strategies to promote vaccine acceptance
Authors: While Alison
Published: August 2021

Vaccine hesitancy can undermine a vaccination programme. Alison While looks at the strategies that can be used to promote vaccination uptake

The success of a vaccination programme depends upon its coverage so that it provides herd immunity. Vaccine hesitancy has the potential to undermine a vaccine programme. Evidence suggests that some strategies are more effective in promoting vaccination uptake. Nurses should help in the promotion of vaccination uptake using evidence-based interventions and through ‘Making Every Contact Count’.
Spirometry going forward – should we restart?
Authors: Loveridge Chris
Published: August 2021

It has been advised that spirometry should restart. Chris Loveridge explains how she has adapted her practice as we move towards the new normal
One-thousandth-level laser power stabilization based on optical feedback from a well-designed high-split-ratio and nonpolarized beam splitter
Authors: Jie Wang , Guangyao Huang , Guochao Wang , Yaning Wang , Mei Hu , Qixue Li , Lingxiao Zhu , Xinghui Li , Shuhua Yan , Jun Yang
Published: August 2021

Laser power stabilization plays a significant role in atomic and molecular physics, quantum precision measurement, and optical sensing and measurement. In the classical method of using a feedback control loop to stabilize the laser power, the beam splitter is the conjunction element to connect the feedback beam inside the loop and the output beam outside the loop. The stability of its split ratio will directly affect the result of power stabilization, especially in demand of high split ratios for high-efficiency output. For the compatibility of a high split ratio and high stability in a power-stabilized system, we designed and manufactured a high-split-ratio nonpolarized plate beam splitter, whose split ratio was insensitive to variations of beam intensity, polarization, and ambient temperature. Based on the optical feedback of the designed beam splitter, the light intensity was closed-loop controlled by an acousto-optic modulator; finally, the power outside the loop was stabilized as well. The output power was stabilized at 537 mW and a 6 h long-term test was performed. The relative stability of laser power outside the loop in terms of root mean square and peak to peak was

2.72

×

10

−
4

and

1.60

×

10

−
3

, respectively. The relative Allan standard deviation reached

2.78

×

10

−
5

at an average time of 200 s. These results will greatly benefit many practical fields that require laser power stabilization with high split ratios and one-thousandth-level stability.
Multistate transformations of a femtosecond fiber laser based on a pure fiber saturable absorber
Authors: Wu Qianchao , Chen Lifang , Wu Zheng , Yao Yong
Published: August 2021

The graded index multimode-fiber step-index multimode fiber-graded index multimode fiber (GIMF-SIMF-GIMF) structure was designed as a saturable absorber (SA). To obtain optical pulses that meet the requirements of different applications, the multistate transformations of a femtosecond fiber laser based on GIMF-SIMF-GIMF SA were numerically and experimentally researched. The fiber laser can self-start mode-locking; its fundamental repetition rate of fiber laser is 10.35 MHz. The fiber laser can deliver three different optical pulses, namely, the conventional soliton, second-order bound state, and noise-like pulse. The duration of soliton is 421.2 fs; the energy of noise-like pulse is 197.10 pJ. The experimental and simulated results show that the output states of the fiber laser can be switched by adjusting the pump power.
Ultra-broadband contactless imaging power meter
Authors: Aouali A. , Chevalier S. , Sommier A. , Ayadi M. , Batsale J.-C. , Balageas D. , Pradere C.
Published: August 2021

Knowledge of the spatial and temporal distribution of heat flux is of
great interest for the quantification of heat sources. In this work,
we describe the development of a new ultra-broadband contactless
imaging power meter based on electromagnetic to infrared technology.
This new sensor and the mathematical processing of images enable the
reconstruction of both spatial and amplitude distributions through a
wide spectral range of sources. The full modeling of the
thermoconverter based on 3D formalism of thermal quadrupoles is
presented first before deriving a reduced model more suitable for
quick and robust inverse processing. The inverse method makes it
possible to simultaneously identify the heat losses and the spatial
and temporal source distribution for the first time, to the best of
our knowledge. Finally, measurements of multispectral sources are
presented and discussed, with an emphasis on the spatial and temporal
resolution, accuracy and capabilities of the power meter.
Enhancement of efficiency on the Pancharatnam–Berry geometric phase metalens in the terahertz region
Authors: Chen Peng , Fang Bo , Li Jianmin , Jing Xufeng , Kong Ming , Hong Zhi
Published: August 2021

Traditional terahertz lenses face high thickness, low transmittance,
difficult processing, and other problems that are not conducive to
mass production and integration. Here, we propose a wideband
all-dielectric Pancharatnam–Berry geometric phase cell structure to
construct a metasurface flat lens. However, when the geometrical phase
element structure rotates, the transmission efficiency of the periodic
element structure obviously decreases, which will lead to the decrease
of the efficiency of the designed flat lens. In order to improve the
efficiency, we propose to add a layer of tapered microstructure on the
flat substrate to greatly improve the transmission efficiency of the
element structure, thus leading to the improvement of the efficiency
of the metasurface lens. By comparing the metasurface lens with
conical and planar substrates, the metasurfaces with conical structure
can greatly improve the transmission efficiency at broadband and wide
angle ranges.
Nanopatterning of silicon via the near-field enhancement effect upon double-pulse femtosecond laser exposure
Authors: Hong Quan , Zhang Jin , Wang Sumei , Chu Zhuyuan , Wang Mengmeng , Sun Jiaxin , Guo Qitong
Published: August 2021

Utilizing the near-field enhancement effect of a polystyrene microsphere, direct ablation of nanohole arrays by a temporal-shaping femtosecond (fs) laser pulse is presented. The nanohole arrays, which are circular, regular, and free of cracks, were processed without extra post-processing, and their average diameter decreased gradually, as the double-pulse delay increased until 2500 fs. The simulated results by a plasma model and finite difference time domain solution demonstrate that the size decrease of the structure is attributed to the increase of the ablation threshold of silicon. Through fs laser near-field fabrication, the FWHM of nanoholes can be reduced to approximately 50 nm (

λ

/

16

) and even to 23 nm when using the second harmonic laser at a wavelength of 400 nm.
Optimal closed-loop deep brain stimulation using multiple independently controlled contacts
Authors: Weerasinghe Gihan , Duchet Benoit , Bick Christian , Bogacz Rafal
Published: August 2021

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a well-established treatment option for a variety of neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. The symptoms of these disorders are known to be associated with pathological synchronous neural activity in the basal ganglia and thalamus. It is hypothesised that DBS acts to desynchronise this activity, leading to an overall reduction in symptoms. Electrodes with multiple independently controllable contacts are a recent development in DBS technology which have the potential to target one or more pathological regions with greater precision, reducing side effects and potentially increasing both the efficacy and efficiency of the treatment. The increased complexity of these systems, however, motivates the need to understand the effects of DBS when applied to multiple regions or neural populations within the brain. On the basis of a theoretical model, our paper addresses the question of how to best apply DBS to multiple neural populations to maximally desynchronise brain activity. Central to this are analytical expressions, which we derive, that predict how the symptom severity should change when stimulation is applied. Using these expressions, we construct a closed-loop DBS strategy describing how stimulation should be delivered to individual contacts using the phases and amplitudes of feedback signals. We simulate our method and compare it against two others found in the literature: coordinated reset and phase-locked stimulation. We also investigate the conditions for which our strategy is expected to yield the most benefit.
A Warburg-like metabolic program coordinates Wnt, AMPK, and mTOR signaling pathways in epileptogenesis
Authors: Alqurashi Roaya S. , Yee Audrey S. , Malone Taylor , Alrubiaan Sumaiah , Tam Mary W. , Wang Kai , Nandedwalla Rozena R. , Field Wesley , Alkhelb Dalal , Given Katherine S. , Siddiqui Raghib , Baleja James D. , Paulson K. Eric , Yee Amy S.
Published: August 2021

Epilepsy is a complex neurological condition characterized by repeated spontaneous seizures and can be induced by initiating seizures known as status epilepticus (SE). Elaborating the critical molecular mechanisms following SE are central to understanding the establishment of chronic seizures. Here, we identify a transient program of molecular and metabolic signaling in the early epileptogenic period, centered on day five following SE in the pre-clinical kainate or pilocarpine models of temporal lobe epilepsy. Our work now elaborates a new molecular mechanism centered around Wnt signaling and a growing network comprised of metabolic reprogramming and mTOR activation. Biochemical, metabolomic, confocal microscopy and mouse genetics experiments all demonstrate coordinated activation of Wnt signaling, predominantly in neurons, and the ensuing induction of an overall aerobic glycolysis (Warburg-like phenomenon) and an altered TCA cycle in early epileptogenesis. A centerpiece of the mechanism is the regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) through its kinase and Wnt target genes PDK4. Intriguingly, PDH is a central gene in certain genetic epilepsies, underscoring the relevance of our elaborated mechanisms. While sharing some features with cancers, the Warburg-like metabolism in early epileptogenesis is uniquely split between neurons and astrocytes to achieve an overall novel metabolic reprogramming. This split Warburg metabolic reprogramming triggers an inhibition of AMPK and subsequent activation of mTOR, which is a signature event of epileptogenesis. Interrogation of the mechanism with the metabolic inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose surprisingly demonstrated that Wnt signaling and the resulting metabolic reprogramming lies upstream of mTOR activation in epileptogenesis. To augment the pre-clinical pilocarpine and kainate models, aspects of the proposed mechanisms were also investigated and correlated in a genetic model of constitutive Wnt signaling (deletion of the transcriptional repressor and Wnt pathway inhibitor HBP1). The results from the HBP1-/- mice provide a genetic evidence that Wnt signaling may set the threshold of acquired seizure susceptibility with a similar molecular framework. Using biochemistry and genetics, this paper outlines a new molecular framework of early epileptogenesis and advances a potential molecular platform for refining therapeutic strategies in attenuating recurrent seizures.
Whole brain and deep gray matter structure segmentation: Quantitative comparison between MPRAGE and MP2RAGE sequences
Authors: Droby Amgad , Thaler Avner , Giladi Nir , Hutchison R. Matthew , Mirelman Anat , Ben Bashat Dafna , Artzi Moran
Published: August 2021

Objective

T1-weighted MRI images are commonly used for volumetric assessment of brain structures. Magnetization prepared 2 rapid gradient echo (MP2RAGE) sequence offers superior gray (GM) and white matter (WM) contrast. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the agreement of whole brain tissue and deep GM (DGM) volumes obtained from MP2RAGE compared to the widely used MP-RAGE sequence.

Methods

Twenty-nine healthy participants were included in this study. All subjects underwent a 3T MRI scan acquiring high-resolution 3D MP-RAGE and MP2RAGE images. Twelve participants were re-scanned after one year. The whole brain, as well as DGM segmentation, was performed using CAT12, volBrain, and FSL-FAST automatic segmentation tools based on the acquired images. Finally, contrast-to-noise ratio between WM and GM (CNRWG), the agreement between the obtained tissue volumes, as well as scan-rescan variability of both sequences were explored.

Results

Significantly higher CNRWGwas detected in MP2RAGE vs. MP-RAGE (Mean ± SD = 0.97 ± 0.04vs. 0.8 ± 0.1 respectively;p<0.0001). Significantly higher total brain GM, and lower cerebrospinal fluid‏ volumes were obtained from MP2RAGE vs. MP-RAGE based on all segmentation methods (p<0.05 in all cases). Whole-brain voxel-wise comparisons revealed higher GM tissue probability in the thalamus, putamen, caudate, lingual gyrus, and precentral gyrus based on MP2RAGE compared with MP-RAGE. Moreover, significantly higher WM probability was observed in the cerebellum, corpus callosum, and frontal-and-temporal regions in MP2RAGE vs. MP-RAGE. Finally, MP2RAGE showed a higher mean percentage of change in total brain GM compared to MP-RAGE. On the other hand, MP-RAGE demonstrated a higher overtime percentage of change in WM and DGM volumes compared to MP2RAGE.

Conclusions

Due to its higher CNR, MP2RAGE resulted in reproducible brain tissue segmentation, and thus is a recommended method for volumetric imaging biomarkers for the monitoring of neurological diseases.
Efficacy of probiotic adjuvant therapy for irritable bowel syndrome in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Hua-Lan , Zou Li-Li , Chen Mao-bing , Wang Hua , Shen Wen-Ming , Zheng Qi-Han , Cui Wei-Yan
Published: August 2021

Objective

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects children’s quality of life and learning. The purpose of this research was to systematically evaluate the efficacy of probiotic adjuvant therapy for IBS in children.

Methods

The Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Clinical Trials databases were electronically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published prior to January 2021 exploring the use of probiotic adjuvant therapy for IBS in children. Strict screening and quality evaluations of the eligible articles were performed independently by 2 researchers. Outcome indexes were extracted, and a meta-analysis of the data was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 and STATA 16 software. Finally, the risk of bias in the included studies was assessed with the RCT bias risk assessment tool recommended in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (5.1.0).

Results

A total of nine RCTs were included. In children, probiotics significantly reduced the abdominal pain score (I2 = 95%, SMD = -1.15, 95% (-2.05, -0.24), P = 0.01) and Subject’s Global Assessment of Relief (SGARC) score (I2 = 95%, MD = -3.84, 95% (-6.49, -1.20), P = 0.004), increased the rate of abdominal pain treatment success (I2 = 0%, RR = 3.44, 95% (1.73, 6.87), P = 0.0005) and abdominal pain relief (I2 = 40%, RR = 1.48, 95% (0.96, 2.28), P = 0.08), and reduced the frequency of abdominal pain (I2 = 2%, MD = -0.82, 95% (-1.57, -0.07), P = 0.03). However, we found that it might not be possible to relieve abdominal pain by increasing the daily intake of probiotics.

Conclusions

Probiotics are effective at treating abdominal pain caused by IBS in children, however, there was no significant correlation between abdominal pain and the amount of probiotics ingested. More attention should be given to IBS in children, and a standardized evaluation should be adopted.
Age, sex, and other demographic trends in sexual behavior in the United States: Initial findings of the sexual behaviors, internet use, and psychological adjustment survey
Authors: Roberts Hannah , Clark Angus , Sherman Carter , Heitzeg Mary M. , Hicks Brian M.
Published: August 2021

It remains unclear how the seemingly ubiquitous use of the internet impacts user’s offline personal relationships, particularly those that are romantic or sexual. Therefore, we conducted a national online survey to better understand the associations among internet use, sexual behavior, and adjustment called the Sexual Behaviors, Internet Use, and Psychological Adjustment Survey (SIPS). Here, we report patterns of sexual behavior in a sample of adults (N = 1987; ages 18–70) in the United States to establish its representativeness and consistency with similar recent surveys. We found age- and sex-related trends in oral, vaginal, and anal sex in terms of prevalence, frequency, number of partners, and age of initiation consistent with prior studies. We also detected differences in sexual behaviors based on relationship status and sexual orientation, but small and relatively few significant differences across racial and ethnic groups. The results confirm and expand upon trends identified in prior national surveys of sexual behavior, establishing the representativeness of the SIPS sample for use in future research examining the links among sexual behaviors and romantic relationships, internet use, and adjustment.
Evaluating the antidiabetic effects of R-verapamil in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus mouse models
Authors: Chen Yu-Syuan , Weng Shao-Ju , Chang Shu-Hsien , Li Rou-Ying , Shane Guang-Tzuu , Hsu Jui-Pao , Yeh Sheng-Wen , Chang Ai-Ching , Lee Meng-Ju
Published: August 2021

The global incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing. Types 1 and 2 DM are associated with declining β-cell function. Verapamil (50% S-verapamil and 50% R-verapamil) can treat DM by downregulating thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), which induces islet β-cell apoptosis. However, it may also induce cardiovascular side effects as S-verapamil is negatively inotropic. In contrast, R-verapamil only weakly induces adverse cardiac effects. In this study, we aimed to determine the antidiabetic efficacy and cardiovascular safety of R-verapamil. We examined R- and S-verapamil binding throughin vitrostudies. Streptozotocin-induced type 1 anddb/dbtype 2 DM mouse models were used to assess the antidiabetic efficacy of verapamil. IL-6, blood glucose (BG), Txnip expression, and β-cells were evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, while body weight, BG, and serum insulin were measured in thedb/dbmice. In the type 1 DM study, 100 mg/kg/day R-verapamil and racemic verapamil lowered BG, downregulated Txnip expression, and reduced β-cell apoptosis. In the type 2 DM study, the optimal R-verapamil dosage was 60 mg/kg/day and it lowered BG and raised serum insulin. However, efficacy did not increase with R-verapamil dosage. R-verapamil combined with metformin/acarbose improved BG and serum insulin more effectively than metformin/acarbose alone or verapamil combined with acarbose. R-verapamil had weaker cardiovascular side effects than S-verapamil. R-verapamil was 9.0× and 3.4× less effective than S-verapamil at inhibiting atrial inotropy and ileal contractility, respectively. It was also 8.7× weaker than S-verapamil as an agonist of somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2), inhibiting ileal neurogenic contraction. Hence, R-verapamil may be an optimal DM treatment as it is safe, improves glycemic control, and preserves β-cell function both as monotherapy and in combination with metformin or acarbose. R-Verapamil has potential for delaying or arresting DM progression and improving patients’ quality of life.
Analysis for bearing performance and construction mechanical behavior of supporting structure for the large cross-section tunnel by half bench CD method
Authors: Zhao Rui
Published: August 2021

Based on the engineering practice of large cross-section highway tunnel, this paper reveals the space-time coordinated evolution law of the construction mechanical characteristics and deformation distribution of the support structure in the construction by half bench CD method through field test. At the same time, the mechanical response calculation model of the supporting structure in the partial excavation is constructed, and the mechanical characteristics of the support structure in the partial excavation process are analyzed by above mechanical calculation model. Then, the mechanical and deformation distribution of the feet-reinforcement bolt in the steel frame—foot-reinforcement bolt combined support system is analyzed under different levels of surrounding rock load and different structural parameters of the feet-reinforcement bolt. The research results show that: (1) The internal force of the supporting structure changes most obviously during the excavation of Part Ⅰ, Part Ⅱ and Part Ⅲ, and the internal force of the support structure gradually tends to be stable after a slight increase in the excavation of Part Ⅳ and Part Ⅴ; (2) The horizontal deformation and vertical deformation of the support structure mainly occur in the excavation process of Part Ⅰ, Part Ⅱ and Part Ⅲ, and the excavation of Part Ⅳ and Ⅴ has little effect on the deformation response of the structure. The vertical displacement of the supporting structure is larger than the horizontal displacement, and the dynamic response of the temporary diaphragm structure during tunnel excavation is shrinkage-expansion-shrinkage-expansion; (3) The bending strain of each measuring point decreases with the increase of the distance from the loading point, and the bending strain of section 1 and section 2 is much larger than that of the other three sections; (4) With the increase of the angle, the section position with strain close to 0 gradually moves to the deeper position of the bolt, and the axial strain of each section on the bolt gradually changes from positive strain to negative strain.
Pharmacological treatments of Chinese herbal medicine for irritable bowel syndrome in adults: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wu Yun-bo , Dai Yun-kai , Zhang Ling , Pan Huai-geng , Chen Wei-jing , Li Ru-liu , Hu Ling
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Plenty of clinical studies have suggested the value of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but their efficacy and safety have not been systematically concluded yet. This article aimed to compare and rank the therapeutic effect and safety of CHM with routine pharmacotherapies and placebo in the treatment of IBS.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials regarding CHM to treat IBS were searched in six databases from inception to Jan 31, 2020. A network meta-analysis was conducted to analyze the data of included publications. The quality assessment was assessed by Cochrane Handbook and GRADEpro software. The risk ratio was calculated for dichotomous outcomes while the standardized mean difference was used for continuous variables with 95% credible intervals. A Funnel plot was performed to evaluate publication bias. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve was conducted to rank the included interventions. Data were analyzed with STATA 15.0 and Review Manager 5.3.

Result

3194 records were searched, and 28 eligible trials involving 3323 patients ere identified. Compared with conventional therapies and placebo, Jianpi-Chushi therapy showed significant improvement in adequate relief and IBS symptom severity scale; Shugan-Jianpi therapy showed the best efficacy in relieving the abdominal pain and abdominal distension; Wenshen-Jianpi therapy had a better effect on avoiding adverse effects and improving stool character.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that CHM could be beneficial for patients with IBS in relieving their clinical symptoms and should be recommended as alternative therapies. The quality of evidence in this study based on the GRADE system was “low”.
Rotavirus A infection in pre- and post-vaccine period: Risk factors, genotypes distribution by vaccination status and age of children in Nampula Province, Northern Mozambique (2015-2019)
Authors: Chissaque Assucênio , Bauhofer Adilson Fernando Loforte , Cossa-Moiane Idalécia , Sitoe Ezequias , Munlela Benilde , João Eva Dora , Langa Jerónimo S. , Chilaúle Jorfélia José , Boene Simone Salvador , Cassocera Marta , Guimarães Esperança Lourenço , Kellogg Timothy A. , Gonçalves Luzia , de Deus Nilsa
Published: August 2021

Mozambique introduced the monovalent rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix®, GSK Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium) in September 2015. Previous analysis, showed that Nampula province continues reporting a high frequency of Rotavirus A (RVA) infection and the emergence of G9P[6], G9P[4] and G3P[4] genotypes. This analysis aimed to determine the RVA frequency; risk factors; genotype distribution by vaccination status and age between pre- and post-vaccine periods in children under-five years old with diarrhea in Nampula. A cross-sectional, hospital-based surveillance study was conducted in the Hospital Central de Nampula in Mozambique. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected to assess factors related to RVA infection in both periods. Stool specimens were screened to detect RVA by ELISA, and positive samples were genotyped. Between 2015 (pre-vaccine period) and 2016–2019 (post-vaccine period), 614 stool specimens were collected and tested for RVA in which 34.9% (67/192) were positive in pre-vaccine period and 21.8% (92/422) in post-vaccine (p = 0.001). In the post-vaccine period, age, year, and contact with different animal species (chicken, duck, or multiple animals) were associated with RVA infection. RVA infection was higher in children partially vaccinated (40.7%, 11/27) followed by the fully vaccinated (29.3%, 56/191) and the unvaccinated (15.3%, 21/137) (p = 0.002). G1P[8] and G9P[4] were common in vaccinated children less than 12 months. The present analysis showed that RVA infection reduced slightly in the post-vaccine period, with a high proportion of infection and genotype diversity in children, under 12 months of age, vaccinated. Further research on factors associated with RVA infection on vaccinated compared to unvaccinated children and vaccination optimization should be done.
The effects of the Otago Exercise Programme on actual and perceived balance in older adults: A meta-analysis
Authors: Chiu Huei-Ling , Yeh Ting-Ting , Lo Yun-Ting , Liang Pei-Jung , Lee Shu-Chun
Published: August 2021

Objective

Falls are serious issues in older populations. Balance problems are a major cause of falls and may lead to fear of falling and decreased balance confidence. The Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) is an effective fall prevention program that benefits balance function and fear of falling. The primary aim of the meta-analysis was to investigate the effectiveness of the OEP intervention on actual balance performance (i.e., static, dynamic, proactive or reactive balance) and perceived balance ability (i.e., balance confidence or fear of falling) for older adults; the secondary aim was to examine which OEP protocol most improves balance in older adults.

Methods

A systematic electronic review search was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of the OEP on actual balance performance and perceived balance ability in healthy older adults, and examining which OEP training protocol and intervention format most improves balance.

Results

A total of 12 RCTs were included in the analyses. The OEP exerted significant effects on static balance (Hedges’s g = 0.388; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.131 to 0.645), dynamic balance (g = -0.228; 95% CI = -0.352 to -0.1.4), proactive balance (g = 0.239; 95% CI = 0.061 to 0.416) and perceived balance (g = -0.184; 95% CI = -0.320 to -0.048) in older adults. Subgroup analysis indicated that the group format for the OEP was more effective for improving static (p = 0.008), dynamic (p = 0.004) and perceived balance (p = 0.004) than was the individual format. Sessions of >30 minutes were more effective in improving static (p = 0.007) and perceived balance (p = 0.014) than were sessions of ≤30 minutes. However, the effects of the OEP on balance were unrelated to the types of control group, training frequency and training period.

Discussion

The OEP is helpful for improving actual balance including static, dynamic, and proactive balance; enhancing confidence in balance control; and reducing fear of falling in older adults. In particular, administrating the OEP in a group setting in >30-minute sessions may be the most appropriate and effective exercise protocol for improving balance.
COVID-19, government measures and hospitality industry performance
Authors: Aharon David Yechiam , Jacobi Arie , Cohen Eli , Tzur Joseph , Qadan Mahmoud
Published: August 2021

This study explores the interplay between public measures adopted by the U.S. government to combat COVID-19 and the performance of the American hospitality industry. The recent global pandemic is a natural experiment for exploring the role of government interventions and their direct impact on hospitality stock returns in the U.S. financial market. Overall, our findings show that most of the government interventions were associated with a negative response in the returns of the hospitality industry, a response that became more negative as the COVID-19 pandemic evolved. Similar patterns were also detected for other industries such as entertainment and transportation that are closely related to hospitality. The findings we document are fundamental to understanding the trends and fluctuations in hospitality stocks in the current crisis and any similar crisis in the future.
Fe-based superconducting transition temperature modeling by machine learning: A computer science method
Authors: Hu Zhiyuan
Published: August 2021

Searching for new high temperature superconductors has long been a key research issue. Fe-based superconductors attract researchers’ attention due to their high transition temperature, strong irreversibility field, and excellent crystallographic symmetry. By using doping methods and dopant levels, different types of new Fe-based superconductors are synthesized. The transition temperature is a key indicator to measure whether new superconductors are high temperature superconductors. However, the condition for measuring transition temperature are strict, and the measurement process is dangerous. There is a strong relationship between the lattice parameters and the transition temperature of Fe-based superconductors. To avoid the difficulties in measuring transition temperature, in this paper, we adopt a machine learning method to build a model based on the lattice parameters to predict the transition temperature of Fe-based superconductors. The model results are in accordance with available transition temperatures, showing 91.181% accuracy. Therefore, we can use the proposed model to predict unknown transition temperatures of Fe-based superconductors.
Free food in the gallery: Understanding Tiravanija
Authors: Pang Zora
Published: August 2021

Artists interrupting or intervening in art museum displays with food as a medium or theme is a distinct strand of contemporary art practice. In this article, we travel through fragments of the history of food-art with a few examples of different genres and forms, demonstrating that art history can be explained in other ways than through the already recognized art genres. Based on my experience in-person with Untitled (Lunch Box), an interpretation of Tiravanija’s ephemeral work is provided using the model of communicative action theorized by Habermas, which was first applied to contemporary art by art scholar Grant Kester (). Tiravanija’s practice uses food to create situations for communicative actions to happen and is an approach to institutional critique. The last section provides a critical account against Bishop’s criticism of Tiravanija, arguing that Bishop’s understanding of art is based on instrumental rationality. On the other hand, Tiravanija’s approach is based on value rationality and is a more timely approach in the contemporary context of late-stage capitalism.
Media Literacy A Scientometric Study Based on Web of Science during 1989 2020
Authors: Bapte Vishal Dattatray
Published: August 2021

The study aims to do the scientometric analysis of global research output of media literacy during last 30 years. These 30 years produced 1038 documents on media literacy which have been cited 15.37 per cent citation per item. Most of the articles were published during the block 2017-2020. Multiple co-authorship has been the trend in media literacy research. Primack, B (18), Austin, E. W. (17) and Hobbs, K. (14) are identified as the most prolific authors. Communicar with 96 publications is the most productive journal. Korea, South Africa and Norway registered the highest multiple collaboration ratio (MCR). USA, United Kingdom and Australia are the leading countries in terms of citations received. The co-authorship network reflects 175 clusters about the authors who came together to contribute on media literacy. Further co-occurrence of keywords is given on the basis of author keywords in which media literacy had the total link strength (TLS) of 729 with 329 documents.
Disinformation on Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19) A Content Analysis of News Published on Fact Checking Sites in India
Authors: Patra Raj Kishore , Pandey Neha
Published: August 2021

This paper focuses on the spread of disinformation on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and creating the larger phenomena of information disorder. It analyses an array of definitional meaning and disinformation on COVID-19, which has been identified and grounded with valid information by the fact-checkers. The study’s aim is to explore and analyse the intents behind the circulation of misleading information (intended and unintended) on COVID-19. For the study, quantitative content analysis and qualitative discourse analysis methods were utilised to explore the extent of the misleading information on COVID-19. Further, in-depth interviews were conducted with fact-checkers, media professionals, academicians, and a psychologist to understand the purpose of disinformation and its impact on society at large. The study’s findings propose that fact-checking is a crucial method to identify fake/misleading information, which can be counter acted by accurate and verified information. This paper argues that holding journalists, fact-checkers, the Government, and the citizens’ accountable, is necessary to counter the threat of disinformation about the pandemic.
Awareness about Media and Information Literacy among Research Scholars of Pondicherry University
Authors: Logeswari A. , Ramaiah Chennupati K. , Shimray Somipam R. , Deepti Chennupati
Published: August 2021

Media and Information Literacy (MIL) emphasises a critical approach to literacy to enables people to question critically what they have read, heard and learned. It is requireed in all levels of education and more so to reserach scholars. The aim of the study is to find the awareness and use of MIL tools by research scholars of Pondicherry University. The objectives are: a) to identify the level of awareness in MIL among research scholars; b) to assess the usefulness and relevance of MIL among research scholars; c) to identify the training needs of research scholars in MIL; d) to determine the problems faced by the researches scholars of Pondicherry University while using MIL tools; and e) to suggest the best methods of delivering MIL training to the research scholars of Pondicherry University. The survey method and quesionanire tool are used in conducting this study. Of the total 13 schools, due to time limiation research scholars working in 10 schools were taken as sample. A majority of the respondents are aware of the term MIL and that enables them to save time. Most of the respondents use journals/papers followed by internet for conducting research. The majority (75.49 %) of them preferred 1-2 weeks of workshop-based training on MIL. MIL syllabus may cover media literacy (75.49 %), information literacy (86.27 %), computer literacy (77.45 %), digital literacy (54.9 %), literary literacy (71.57 %), and news literacy (73.53 %). A majority (62.74 %) of the scholars do not know on MIL initiatives in India. Therefore, UGC may have to take necessary steps in implementing the same.
Media and Information Literacy
Authors: Singh Jagtar , Ramaiah Chennupati K.
Published: August 2021

Paul G. Zurkowski was the first to introduce the term information literacy in 1974 to describe the techniques and skills necessary for utilizing “a wide range of information tools and primary sources”. It also included the ability to measure information value to “mold information to [meet] needs” and to create solutions to problems.1-2 Since then, media literacy and information literacy has gained a base in advanced countries. But UNESCO is now promoting the composite concept of media and information literacy (MIL). To promote MIL and MIL research, it has founded the MIL Alliance and the Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue (MILID UniTwin) to enable people to use information critically, ethically and legally in quality decision-making. Other useful initiatives of UNESCO include “MIL MOOC; Media and Information Literacy: Critical-thinking, Creativity, Literacy, Intercultural, Citizenship, Knowledge and Sustainability (MIL CLICKS); MIL Policy and Strategy Guidelines; MIL Curriculum for Teachers; MIL Indicators; MIL Framework; and MIL Week Feature Conference and Youth Agenda Forum. The International Federation of Library Association and Institutions (IFLA) has its programme entitled 'Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE)' and developed the MIL Guidelines. IFLA/FAIFE' programme is committed to ensure freedom of access to information and freedom of expression to empower people to realize their “right to be.”3 There are many models and standards to promote information literacy and MIL but MIL is not yet effectively imbedded in the developing countries. Hence, to sensitize the stakeholders about the concept and practice of MIL in India, this theme issue of the DESIDOC Journal of Information Technology (DJLIT) has been planned.
Diverse Representations to The Sum of Powers of Two as a Means For Enhancing Interest and Creative Thinking in Mathematics Study
Authors: Dagan Miriam , Satianov Pavel , Teicher Mina
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we present several different approaches to formula for the sum of integer powers of two in accordance with different representations of this sum or different algebraic methods for its computation. Our long-term experience shows the effectiveness of discussion on this theme for enhancing interest and creative thinking of the students about solutions of various problems, not only in mathematics but also in others fields of knowledge.
The crystal structure of 5-chloro-2-(quinolin-8-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione, C17H9ClN2O2
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Yu , Feng Song-Hao , Wang Jing-Jing
Published: August 2021

C17H9ClN2O2, triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P‾{1}$

(no. 2), a = 7.8944(4) Å, b = 8.0678(5) Å, c = 12.6285(9) Å, α = 74.627(6)°, β = 78.654(5)°, γ = 63.569(5)°, V = 691.58(8) Å3, Z = 2, R

gt
(F) = 0.0431, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1309, T = 293(2) K.
Application of common reflection surface (CRS) to velocity variation with azimuth (VVAz) inversion of the relatively narrow azimuth 3D seismic land data
Authors: Muhtar Lucky Kriski , Triyoso Wahyu , Fatkhan Fatkhan
Published: August 2021

The fracture direction and its intensity are critical properties related to hydrocarbon characterization and identification. Both these properties have an essential role in identifying the direction of hydrocarbon migration, determining the sweet spot area, and optimizing the drilling design. The velocity variation with azimuth (VVAz) is a well-known method to estimate the fracture direction and its intensity. This method is of widespread interest because it predicts the properties based on seismic data without any practical constraints. Despite this interest, the technique requires rich azimuth 3D seismic data in our case, which is rare. This study aims to apply regularization and interpolation by including the wave front attributes based on the Common Reflection Surface (CRS) method before the VVAz inversion. The motivation of using the CRS method is to enrich the current azimuth of the 3D seismic data and improve the S/N ratio. The synthetic and the real 3D seismic data are evaluated to examine the interpolation scheme of the proposed CRS method’s performance. Based on the evaluation of the 3D seismic data after regularization, the amplitude versus offset (AVO) phenomena, and the VVAz inversion results are relatively consistent (or matched) with the model. A similar result is found for the case of real 3D seismic data. A significant positive correlation between the fracture intensity of FMI and the real seismic data of about 0.9 is obtained. Therefore, CRS can be used as a regularization and interpolation method before the VVAz inversion of the relatively narrow azimuth 3D seismic data.
An Ethnographic Exploration of Son Preference and Inheritance Practices in Montenegro
Authors: Kiščenko Diāna
Published: August 2021

Montenegro is one of the 10 countries in the world with the most imbalanced sex ratio at birth, pointing to the existence of son preference in Montenegrin society. While, over the last decade, international and local organizations have raised awareness of this issue, empirical studies about this phenomenon in Montenegro are scarce. The author conducts an ethnographic exploration into women’s experience of son preference in central Montenegro by presenting their personal and intimate perspective. The resulting paper suggests that son preference is shaped by and manifests through the inheritance practice of property being passed on to the male heir. Through her analysis, the author demonstrates how ideas about gender roles, family planning, housing and inheritance strategies swing back and forth between ‘traditional’ and ‘modern,’ ‘backward’ and ‘progressive.’
Three metal(II) complexes constructed using the 2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)quinoline ligand
Authors: Sahki Feriel Aouatef , Bouchouit Mehdi , Bouacida Sofiane , Messaadia Lyamine , Caytan Elsa , Chibani Aissa , Roisnel Thierry , Bouraiou Abdelmalek
Published: August 2021

2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)quinoline (BQ) as ligand and three coordination compounds of formula {Zn(BQ)Cl2} (1), {Pb(BQ)Cl2}
n
(2) and {[Cu(BQ)2(OC(O)CH3)]OC(O)CH3 · CH3COOH} (3) have been synthesized and fully characterized. The complexes crystallize in triclinic space group

P

1
‾

$P‾{1}$

. In complexes 1 and 2, the coordination geometry is a distorted tetrahedral environment around the zinc center and a distorted sixfold coordination geometry around the lead center, respectively. In complex 3 the central Cu(II) center is in a trigonal bipyramidal coordination geometry. The Cu(II) ion is surrounded by two bidentate 2-(2′-quinolyl)benzimidazole (BQ) ligands and one coordinated acetate molecule. One further acetate anion associated by a strong hydrogen bond with a molecule of acetic acid balances the charge of the compound.