bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum holography with undetected photons
Authors: Basset Marta Gilaberte , Töpfer Sebastian , Fuenzalida Jorge , Torres Juan P. , Steinlechner Fabian , Gräfe Markus
Published: January 2022

Holography is a versatile tool in optical sensing and imaging. We report on a quantum holography approach that allows to record holograms on the single photon level without recording the photons illuminating the object.
Single-photon Calibration of an Integrated Multiarm Interferometer via Neural Netowrks
Authors: Cimini Valeria , Polino Emanuele , Valeri Mauro , Gianani Ilaria , Spagnolo Nicolò , Corrielli Giacomo , Crespi Andrea , Osellame Roberto , Barbieri Marco , Sciarrino Fabio
Published: January 2022

Technological quantum sensors requires the development of a calibration procedure that is self-consistent and easily adaptable to different scenarios. Neural networks provide a handy solution in particular when dealing with large systems operating in a noisy environment.
Online identification of quantum states
Authors: Sentis Gael , Martínez-Vargas Esteban , Muñoz-Tapia Ramon
Published: January 2022

We discuss online strategies for discriminating pure states with zero error when n copies of the states are provided. We rederive the binary case and extend the analysis to ternary symmetric states.
Quantum Entropic Causal Inference
Authors: Javidian Mohammad Ali , Aggarwal Vaneet , Bao Fanglin , Jacob Zubin
Published: January 2022

Inferring causality from observational data alone is one of the most important and challenging problems in statistical inference. We propose a greedy algorithm for quantum entropic causal inference that unifies classical and quantum causal inference.
Real-time optimization of quantum state engineering protocol
Authors: Suprano Alessia , Zia Danilo , Polino Emanuele , Giordani Taira , Innocenti Luca , Ferraro Alessandro , Paternostro Mauro , Spagnolo Nicoló , Sciarrino Fabio
Published: January 2022

We applied an optimization algorithm to dynamically engineer qudit states through a Quantum Walk based protocol. Our approach allows us to consider experimental imperfections and to adapt the algorithm in presence of external perturbations.
All-Fiber Source and Sorter for Multimode Correlated Photons
Authors: Sulimany Kfir , Bromberg Yaron
Published: January 2022

We use spontaneous four wave mixing to generate multimode photon pairs in a few mode fiber. We show the photons are correlated in the fiber mode basis using an all-fiber mode sorter.
Two-Rebit Entanglement: Theory and Experiment
Authors: Sperling Jan , Prasannan Nidhin , De Syamsundar , Barkhofen Sonja , Brecht Benjamin , Silberhorn Christine
Published: January 2022

We characterize entanglement over real and complex, composite quantum systems. Methods are formulated and applied to simultaneously certify inseparability and separability for two rebits and two qubits, respectively.
High-efficiency and fast photon-number-resolving SNSPD
Authors: Stasi Lorenzo , Gras Gaetan , Berrazouane Riad , Bussieres Felix
Published: January 2022

We present a full characterization (efficiency, dark count, recovery time, jit-ter, POVM matrix) of a photon-number-resolving detector based on parallel SNSPD. We construct a model based only on the pixels efficiencies to compute the POVM.
Experimental high-rate multiplexed quantum communication
Authors: Bohmann Martin , Ortega Evelyn , Pseiner Johannes , Neumann Sebastian P. , Achatz Lukas , Bulla Lukas , Selimovic M. , Dovzhik Krishna , Ursin Rupert
Published: January 2022

We introduce a general scheme for increasing secure key rates in entanglement-based cryptography exploiting multiple degrees of freedom. We experimentally exemplify this scheme through spatial and wavelength multiplexing. Scalability of our approach is demonstrated.
Resolving Two Bright Correlated Thermal Point-Sources
Authors: Karuseichyk Ilya , Sorelli Giacomo , Gessner Manuel , Walschaers Mattia , Treps Nicolas
Published: January 2022

We present an analytical expression for the sensitivity of point-sources' separation estimation for correlated thermal sources for both spatial mode demultiplexing and direct imaging. The result obtained does not rely on the assumption of low-intensity sources.
Subwavelength-resolution Imaging with Undetected Photons using Thin Sources of Photon Pairs
Authors: Santos Elkin A. , Saravi Sina , Pertsch Thomas , Setzpfandt Frank
Published: January 2022

We present an imaging scheme with undetected photons that overcomes the diffraction limit by transferring near-field information at the wavelength that illuminates the object to the far-field of its paired wavelength generated in a thin photon-pair source.
Sensing with few photons: the power of correlations in lossy SU(1,1) interferometers
Authors: Santandrea M. , Luo K. H. , Stefszky M. , Sperling J. , Herrmann H. , Brecht B. , Silberhorn C.
Published: January 2022

This work explores the phase uncertainty of lossy SU(1,1) interferometers in the low gain regime. We show that coincidence measurement can reach the lowest phase uncertainty possible in the system, regardless of the internal losses.
Optimal detection of ultra-broadband bi-photons with quantum nonlinear SU(1,1) interference
Authors: Nechushtan Nir , Zhang Hanzhong , Meller Mallachi , Pe'er Avi
Published: January 2022

SU(1,1) interference is a major tool for quantum detection of squeezed light. We optimize the interference visibility experimentally based on the phase matching and beam parameters. We demonstrate near-ideal visibility (loss-limited) over an octave bandwidth.
Adaptive two-phase estimation on a photonic integrated device
Authors: Valeri Mauro , Polino Emanuele , Poderini Davide , Spagnolo Nicolò , Sciarrino Fabio , Gianani Ilaria , Corrielli Giacomo , Crespi Andrea , Osellame Roberto
Published: January 2022

Efficient adaptive multiphase estimation has been demonstrated experimentally on an integrated three-arm interferometer injected by single photons. Bayesian learning and Sequential Monte Carlo approximation have been employed as machine learning tools to achieve this goal.
Cavity Protected Multifrequency Polaritons in a Cold Atomic System
Authors: Bourdel Pierre-Antoine , Baghdad Mohamed , Schwartz Sylvain , Poulain Constance , Reichel Jakob , Long Romain
Published: January 2022

We generate multifrequency polaritons in a cold atom optical cavity interface by modulating the emitters frequency. The polaritons coherence time is protected by the cavity which prevents the mixing with dark states.
Time-energy uncertainty relation for noisy quantum metrology
Authors: Faist Philippe , Woods Mischa P. , Albert Victor V. , Renes Joseph M. , Eisert Jens , Preskill John
Published: January 2022

We derive a fundamental trade-off relating the accuracy loss of a quantum clock due to a noise channel to the information about the energy of the clock that leaks to the environment.
The role of two-photon entanglement in sum-frequency generation
Authors: Merkouche Sofiane , Soudachanh Amy , Landes Tiemo , Allgaier Markus , Thiel Valérian , Raymer Michael , Smith Brian J.
Published: January 2022

The theory of sum-frequency generation (SFG) as a two-photon measurement process is used to infer the role of two-photon entanglement in this process, and an experimental setup and preliminary data are presented as a way towards quantifying the dependence of SFG on entanglement.
Development of a Wide-field Quantum Diamond Microscope for Imaging Dynamics of Cell Adhesion
Authors: Xu Feng , Hou Yong , Zhang Shuxiang , Chu Zhiqin
Published: January 2022

A wide-field quantum diamond microscope was established to investigate the dynamics of cell adhesive ligands. The cells deform the ligands labeled with molecular magnets, which could be quantitatively readout through NV spin relaxometry.
Security analysis of continuous-variable quantum key distribution using m-PSK classical modulation schemes
Authors: Gong Yupeng , Jin Anran , Li He , Wonfor Adrian , Penty Richard
Published: January 2022

We theoretically prove the security of using classical m-psk modulation protocol for the transmission of continuous-variable quantum key distribution and discuss the performance of classical digital communication protocols for CVQKD
Quantum-enabled communication without a phase reference
Authors: Zhuang Quntao
Published: January 2022

A phase reference has been a standard requirement in quantum sensing and communication protocols. We show that quantum communication and entanglement- assisted communication without a phase reference are possible, when a short-time memory effect is present [1].
Determinants of neonatal near misses among neonates admitted to Guji and Borena zones selected public hospitals, Southern Ethiopia, 2021: A facility based unmatched case control study design
Authors: Fikrie Anteneh , Amaje Elias , Bonkiye Amana Jilo , Golicha Wako Wako , Aliyo Alqeer , Utura Takala , Sirage Nurye , Loka Boko
Published: January 2022

There is little available evidence that quantifies the determinats of NNM in Ethiopia despite an increasing magnitude of neonatal mortality. Therefore, this study was designed to provide concrte evidence about the determinats of NNMS among neonates admitted to Guji and Borena Zones Public Hospitals, Southern Ethiopia, 2021. A facility based unmatched case control study design was conducted on 402 (134 cases and 268 controls) selected neonates admitted to Bule Hora, Adola and Yabelo General Hospitals from February 1-March 31, 2021. Cases were consecutively selected. Whereas for each case, two controls were selected by systematic random sampling technique. The data collection included a pretested and structured face-to-face interviewer administered questionnaire with a supplementation of maternal and neonatal medical records with checklists. Then the data were coded and entered in to Epi data version 3.1 and then exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science IBM version 25 for analysis. The descriptive statistics run and the results of the data were presented using frequencies, and tables. Bivariable and multi variable logistic regression was used for the analsysis of the data. Finally, Adjusted Odds Ratio together with 95% Confidence Intervals and p value <0.05 was used to declare the significance of all statistic. A total of 134 cases (neonatal near misses) and 268 controls (normal neonate) were participated in this study to make a response rate of 100% for both cases, and controls. In this study rural residence (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.96), previous history of neonatal death (AOR = 4.85, 95%CI: 2.24,10.49), birth interval ≤ 2 years (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.11) and history of abortion (both induced and miscarriage) (AOR = 1.97, 95%CI: 1.17, 3.31) were found to be statistically significant at a p-value of <0.05. History of prior abortion history of prior neonatal death and short birth interval (≤ 2 years) were identified to be the determinats of NNMs. High quality antenatal and intrapartum continuum of care should be provided for women and neonates. Additionally, contraceptive utilization should be encouraged for a women to space the births of their children.
Neural responses associated with attentional engagement and disengagement from threat in high socially anxious children: Evidence from temporal-spatial PCA
Authors: Wauthia Erika , D’Hondt Fabien , Blekic Wivine , Lefebvre Laurent , Ris Laurence , Rossignol Mandy
Published: January 2022

Background

Cognitive models indicated that social anxiety disorder (SAD) would be caused and maintained by a biased attentional processing of threatening information. This study investigates whether socially anxious children may present impaired attentional engagement and disengagement from negative emotional faces, as well as their underlying event-related potential responses.

Methods and findings

Fifteen children with high levels of social anxiety (HSA; 9 boys; mean age = 9.99y; SD = 1.14) and twenty low socially anxious children (LSA; 16 boys; mean age = 10.47y; SD = 1.17) participated in a spatial cueing task in which they had to detect targets following neutral/disgusted faces in a valid or invalid location. No group effect was reported on reaction times [p>.05]. However, electrophysiological data showed lower P3a amplitude in HSA children compared with the LSA group when processing facial stimuli. They also reported larger N2 amplitudes for valid-disgusted targets and a larger P3a amplitude for the invalid-disgusted ones.

Conclusion

In terms of electrophysiological data, our results validated, the hypothesis of attentional disengagement difficulties in SAD children. We also confirm the idea that high levels of social anxiety are associated with cognitive control impairments and have a greater impact on the processing efficiency than on the performance effectiveness.
What are the risk factors of hospital length of stay in the novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) patients? A survival analysis in southwest China
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Liu Yuanyuan , Wei Luyi , Ji John S. , Liu Yang , Liu Runyou , Zha Yuxin , Chang Xiaoyu , Zhang Lun , Liu Qian , Zhang Yu , Zeng Jing , Dong Ting , Xu Xinyin , Zhou Lijun , He Jun , Deng Ying , Zhong Bo , Wu Xianping
Published: January 2022

Background

The global epidemic of novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) has resulted in substantial healthcare resource consumption. Since patients’ hospital length of stay (LoS) is at stake in the process, an investigation of COVID-19 patients’ LoS and its risk factors becomes urgent for a better understanding of regional capabilities to cope with COVID-19 outbreaks.

Methods

First, we obtained retrospective data of confirmed COVID-19 patients in Sichuan province via National Notifiable Diseases Reporting System (NNDRS) and field surveys, including their demographic, epidemiological, clinical characteristics and LoS. Then we estimated the relationship between LoS and the possibly determinant factors, including demographic characteristics of confirmed patients, individual treatment behavior, local medical resources and hospital grade. The Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox Proportional Hazards Model were applied for single factor and multi-factor survival analysis.

Results

From January 16, 2020 to March 4, 2020, 538 human cases of COVID-19 infection were laboratory-confirmed, and were hospitalized for treatment, including 271 (50%) patients aged ≥ 45, 285 (53%) males, and 450 patients (84%) with mild symptoms. The median LoS was 19 (interquartile range (IQR): 14–23, range: 3–41) days. Univariate analysis showed that age and clinical grade were strongly related to LoS (P<0.01). Adjusted multivariate analysis showed that the longer LoS was associated with those aged ≥ 45 (Hazard ratio (HR): 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60–0.91), admission to provincial hospital (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54–0.99), and severe illness (HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.48–0.90). By contrast, the shorter LoS was linked with residential areas with more than 5.5 healthcare workers per 1,000 population (HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05–1.65). Neither gender factor nor time interval from illness onset to diagnosis showed significant impact on LoS.

Conclusions

Understanding COVID-19 patients’ hospital LoS and its risk factors is critical for governments’ efficient allocation of resources in respective regions. In areas with older and more vulnerable population and in want of primary medical resources, early reserving and strengthening of the construction of multi-level medical institutions are strongly suggested to cope with COVID-19 outbreaks.
PET metabolic tumor volume as a new prognostic factor in childhood rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Fayolle Helio , Jehanno Nina , Lauwers-Cances Valerie , Castex Marie-Pierre , Orbach Daniel , Mognetti Thomas , Nadège Corradini , Payoux Pierre , Hitzel Anne
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Childhood RMS is a rare malignant disease in which evaluation of tumour spread at diagnosis is essential for therapeutic management. F-18 FDG-PET imaging is currently used for initial RMS disease staging.

Materials and methods

This multicentre retrospective study in six French university hospitals was designed to analyse the prognostic accuracy of MTV at diagnosis for patients with RMS between 1 January 2007 and 31 October 2017, for overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). MTV was defined as the sum of the primitive tumour and the largest metastasis, where relevant, with a 40% threshold of the primary tumour SUVmax. Additional aims were to define the prognostic value of SUVmax, SUVpeak, and bone lysis at diagnosis.

Results

Participants were 101 patients with a median age of 7.4 years (IQR [4.0-12.5], 62 boys), with localized disease (35 cases), regional nodal spread (43 cases), or distant metastases (23). 44 patients had alveolar subtypes. In a univariate analysis, a MTV greater than 200 cm3 was associated with OS (HR = 3.47 [1.79;6.74], p<0.001) and PFS (HR = 3.03 [1.51;6.07], p = 0.002). SUVmax, SUVpeak, and bone lysis also influenced OS (respectively p = 0.005, p = 0.004 and p = 0.007) and PFS (p = 0.029, p = 0.019 and p = 0.015). In a multivariate analysis, a MTV greater than 200 cm3 was associated with OS (HR = 2.642 [1.272;5.486], p = 0.009) and PFS (HR = 2.707 [1.322;5.547], p = 0.006) after adjustment for confounding factors, including SUVmax, SUVpeak, and bone lysis.

Conclusion

A metabolic tumor volume greater than 200 cm3, SUVmax, SUVpeak, and bone lysis in the pre-treatment assessment were unfavourable for outcome.
Developing lactic acid bacteria starter cultures for wholemeal rye flour bread with improved functionality, nutritional value, taste, appearance and safety
Authors: Litwinek Dorota , Boreczek Jakub , Gambuś Halina , Buksa Krzysztof , Berski Wiktor , Kowalczyk Magdalena
Published: January 2022

Starter cultures composed of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were developed based on the genotypic and phenotypic characterisation of isolates belonging to dominant groups of bacteria in spontaneous rye wholemeal sourdoughs. Combinations of strains have been evaluated on an industrial scale in the sourdough fermentation process. Wholemeal rye bread was prepared using sourdoughs obtained with 3 new starter cultures, and compared to bread made using the commercial culture (LV2). All newly developed cultures used for the preparation of wholemeal rye bread allowed to obtain better quality products as compared to the LV2 based bread. The best results were obtained when the culture containingLactiplantibacillus plantarum2MI8 and exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producingWeissella confusa/cibaria6PI3 strains was applied. The addition of yeast during sourdough breads production, especially the one prepared from mentioned above starter culture, significantly improved their organoleptic properties, their volume and crumb moisture was increased, and also the crumb acidity and hardness was reduced. Fermentation of rye wholemeal dough, especially without the yeast addition, resulted in a significant reduction in the content of higher inositol phosphates as compared to the applied flour, which is associated with improved bioavailability of minerals. The results of this study prove that the investigated new starter cultures can be successfully applied in wholemeal rye bread production.
The source of financial contagion and spillovers: An evaluation of the covid-19 pandemic and the global financial crisis
Authors: Gunay Samet , Can Gokberk
Published: January 2022

This study investigates the reaction of stock markets to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 (GFC) and compares their influence in terms of risk exposures. The empirical investigation is conducted using the modified ICSS test, DCC-GARCH, and Diebold-Yilmaz connectedness analysis to examine financial contagion and volatility spillovers. To further reveal the impact of these two crises, the statistical features of tranquil and crisis periods under different time intervals are also compared. The test results show that although the outbreak’s origin was in China, the US stock market is the source of financial contagion and volatility spillovers during the pandemic, just as it was during the GFC. The propagation of shocks is considerably higher between developed economies compared to emerging markets. Additionally, the results show that the COVID-19 pandemic induced a more severe contagious effect and risk transmission than the GFC. The study provides an extensive examination of the COVID-19 pandemic and the GFC in terms of financial contagion and volatility spillovers. The results suggest the presence of strong co-movements of world stock markets with the US equity market, especially in periods of financial turmoil.
Comparing public attitudes, knowledge, beliefs and behaviours towards antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance in Australia, United Kingdom, and Sweden (2010-2021): A systematic review, meta-analysis, and comparative policy analysis
Authors: Hawkins Olivia , Scott Anna Mae , Montgomery Amy , Nicholas Bevan , Mullan Judy , van Oijen Antoine , Degeling Chris
Published: January 2022

Background

Social and behavioural drivers of inappropriate antibiotic use contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Recent reports indicate the Australian community consumes more than twice the defined daily doses (DDD) of antibiotics per 1000 population than in Sweden, and about 20% more than in the United Kingdom (UK). We compare measures of public knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) surrounding AMR in Australia, the UK and Sweden against the policy approaches taken in these settings to address inappropriate antibiotic use.

Methods

National antimicrobial stewardship policies in Australia, Sweden, and the UK were reviewed, supplemented by empirical studies of their effectiveness. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and CINAHL databases for primary studies of the general public’s KAP around antibiotic use and AMR in each setting (January 1 2011 until July 30 2021). Where feasible, we meta-analysed data on the proportion of participants agreeing with identical or very similar survey questions, using a random effects model.

Results

Policies in Sweden enact tighter control of community antibiotic use; reducing antibiotic use through public awareness raising is not a priority. Policies in the UK and Australia are more reliant on practitioner and public education to encourage appropriate antibiotic use. 26 KAP were included in the review and 16 were meta-analysable. KAP respondents in Australia and the UK are consistently more likely to report beliefs and behaviours that are not aligned with appropriate antibiotic use, compared to participants in similar studies conducted in Sweden.

Conclusions

Interactions between public knowledge, attitudes and their impacts on behaviours surrounding community use of antibiotics are complex and contingent. Despite a greater focus on raising public awareness in Australia and the UK, neither antibiotic consumption nor community knowledge and attitudes are changing significantly. Clearly public education campaigns can contribute to mitigating AMR. However, the relative success of policy approaches taken in Sweden suggests that practice level interventions may also be required to activate prescribers and the communities they serve to make substantive reductions in inappropriate antibiotic use.
Impact of a high-risk multimorbidity integrated care implemented at the public health system in Chile
Authors: Zamorano Paula , Muñoz Paulina , Espinoza Manuel , Tellez Alvaro , Varela Teresita , Suarez Francisco , Fernandez Maria Jose
Published: January 2022

During recent years, multimorbidity has taken relevance because of the impact of causes in the system, people, and their families, which has been a priority in the health care plan. Interventions strategies and their implementation are still an emerging topic. In this context, Centro de Innovación en Salud ANCORA UC, together with Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Sur Oriente, implemented as a pilot study High-Risk Multimorbidity Integrated Care strategy. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of this strategy in terms of health services utilization and mortality. A cohort study was conducted with high-risk patients with multimorbidity, stratified by ACG®, intervened between April 2017 and December 2019. The studied population was 3,933 patients who belonged to similar size and location primary care centers. The impact analysis was performed used generalized linear models. Results showed that intervened patients had a significantly lower incidence in mortality (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.40–0.77), hospital admissions, length of stay, and the number of hospital emergency consultancies. With the proper barriers and facilitators of a real context intervention, the implementation process allowed the systematization and consolidation of the intervention provided in this study. The training for new roles and the constant implementation support from the Centro de Innovación en Salud ANCORA UC team were essential in the progress and success of the intervention. A complete description of the high-risk intervention strategy is provided to contribute to this emerging topic and facilitate its scale-up. We can conclude that this complex intervention was feasible to be implemented in a real context. The Ministry of Health has taken the systematization and consolidation of the conditions for the national scale-up.
Effects of replacement therapies with clotting factors in patients with hemophilia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Delgado-Flores Carolina J. , García-Gomero David , Salvador-Salvador Stefany , Montes-Alvis José , Herrera-Cunti Celina , Taype-Rondan Alvaro
Published: January 2022

Background

Different prophylactic and episodic clotting factor treatments are used in the management of hemophilia. A summarize of the evidence is needed inform decision-making.

Objective

To compare the effects of factor replacement therapies in patients with hemophilia.

Methods

We performed a systematic search in PubMed, Central Cochrane Library, and Scopus. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to December 2020, which compared different factor replacement therapies in patients with hemophilia. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed whenever possible. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021225857).

Results

Nine RCTs were included in this review, of which six compared episodic with prophylactic treatment, all of them performed in patients with hemophilia A. Pooled results showed that, compared to the episodic treatment group, the annualized bleeding rate was lower in the low-dose prophylactic group (ratio of means [RM]: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.43), intermediate-dose prophylactic group (RM: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.36), and high-dose prophylactic group (RM: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.13). With significant difference between these subgroups (p = 0.003, I2= 82.9%). In addition, compared to the episodic treatment group, the annualized joint bleeding rate was lower in the low-dose prophylactic group (RM: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.43), intermediate-dose prophylactic group (RM of 0.14, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.27), and high-dose prophylactic group (RM of 0.08, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.16). Without significant subgroup differences. The certainty of the evidence was very low for all outcomes according to GRADE methodology. The other studies compared different types of clotting factor concentrates (CFCs), assessed pharmacokinetic prophylaxis, or compared different frequencies of medication administration.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that prophylactic treatment (at either low, intermediate, or high doses) is superior to episodic treatment for bleeding prevention. In patients with hemophilia A, the bleeding rate seems to have a dose-response effect. However, no study compared different doses of prophylactic treatment, and all results had a very low certainty of the evidence. Thus, future studies are needed to confirm these results and inform decision making.
Financial vulnerability and the impact of COVID-19 on American households
Authors: Bruce Carol , Gearing Maeve E. , DeMatteis Jill , Levin Kerry , Mulcahy Timothy , Newsome Jocelyn , Wivagg Jonathan
Published: January 2022

In May 2020, Westat, in partnership with Stanford University School of Medicine, conducted a nationally-representative household survey of American attitudes and behaviors regarding COVID-19. In this article, we examine what the Coronavirus Attitudes and Behaviors Survey tells us about the impact of COVID-19 on financial status and how this impact varies by demographic characteristics, the presence of health risk factors, and financial status (including employment factors). The survey reveals significant inequality in financial impact, as those who were most financially vulnerable prior to the pandemic found themselves under greater financial strain, while those who were more financially secure have experienced a neutral or even positive impact of the pandemic on household finances. These findings have important implications for public policy as policymakers seek to target aid to those who need it most.
High prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of salmonella species and extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli from raw cattle meat at butcher houses in Hawassa city, Sidama regional state, Ethiopia
Authors: Worku Woyinshet , Desta Moges , Menjetta Tadesse
Published: January 2022

Background

Food-borne diseases related to the consumption of meat and its products had public health importance worldwide. The problem became worst in Ethiopia as the result of the tradition of eating raw cattle meat. Salmonella species and Escherichia coli are important food-borne pathogens associated with meat contamination. Hence the current study aimed to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella species and Extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli from raw cattle meat at butcher houses in Hawassa city, Sidama regional state, Ethiopia.

Method

A cross-sectional study was done on the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Salmonella species and Extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing E.coli from raw cattle meat at butcher houses in Hawassa city from September to December 2020. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire and raw cattle meat and swab samples were collected from meat cutting equipment. The collected samples transported using icebox to Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences Microbiology Laboratory for identification. Samples were grown on different culture media and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were determined by using Kirby disc diffusion method. Data were entered and analyzed into SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics were done and P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Result

The overall prevalence of salmonella and ESBL producing E.coli among 556 samples collected from 278 butcher houses was 36 (6.47%) (95% CI: 1.68–1.79) of which 13 (2.3%) were ESBL producing E.coli and 23(4.1%) were salmonella species. Poor hand washing practice (AOR = 2.208; 95% CI: 1.249–3.904) and touching birr while selling meat (AOR = 0.75; 95% CI: (0.433–1.299) were found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of salmonella species and E.coli on cattle meat. The isolates showed moderate levels of resistance (60–70%) against Amoxicillin/ clavulanic acid and high susceptibility (85–100%) against gentamicin, cotrimoxazole, ceftazidime, and tetracycline and the overall multidrug resistance was 33.3%.

Conclusion

This study revealed moderately high prevalence of salmonella and E.coli due to poor hygiene and sanitation practices in the butcher shops. Furthermore, the existence of ESBL producing E.coli isolates clearly indicate the possible threat to public health. Therefore, inspection by the right agencies must be implemented in order to prevent food-borne outbreaks and antimicrobial resistance.
A stochastic contact network model for assessing outbreak risk of COVID-19 in workplaces
Authors: Guo Xi , Gupta Abhineet , Sampat Anand , Zhai Chengwei
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically shifted the way people work. While many businesses can operate remotely, a large number of jobs can only be performed on-site. Moreover as businesses create plans for bringing workers back on-site, they are in need of tools to assess the risk of COVID-19 for their employees in the workplaces. This study aims to fill the gap in risk modeling of COVID-19 outbreaks in facilities like offices and warehouses. We propose a simulation-based stochastic contact network model to assess the cumulative incidence in workplaces. First-generation cases are introduced as a Bernoulli random variable using the local daily new case rate as the success rate. Contact networks are established through randomly sampled daily contacts for each of the first-generation cases and successful transmissions are established based on a randomized secondary attack rate (SAR). Modification factors are provided for SAR based on changes in airflow, speaking volume, and speaking activity within a facility. Control measures such as mask wearing are incorporated through modifications in SAR. We validated the model by comparing the distribution of cumulative incidence in model simulations against real-world outbreaks in workplaces and nursing homes. The comparisons support the model’s validity for estimating cumulative incidences for short forecasting periods of up to 15 days. We believe that the current study presents an effective tool for providing short-term forecasts of COVID-19 cases for workplaces and for quantifying the effectiveness of various control measures. The open source model code is made available at github.com/abhineetgupta/covid-workplace-risk.
Travel time prediction of urban public transportation based on detection of single routes
Authors: Zhang Xinhuan , Lauber Les , Liu Hongjie , Shi Junqing , Xie Meili , Pan Yuran
Published: January 2022

Improving travel time prediction for public transit effectively enhances service reliability, optimizes travel structure, and alleviates traffic problems. Its greater time-variance and uncertainty make predictions for short travel times (≤35min) more subject to be influenced by random factors. It requires higher precision and is more complicated than long-term predictions. Effectively extracting and mining real-time, accurate, reliable, and low-cost multi-source data such as GPS, AFC, and IC can provide data support for travel time prediction. Kalman filter model has high accuracy in one-step prediction and can be used to calculate a large amount of data. This paper adopts the Kalman filter as a travel time prediction model for a single bus based on single-line detection: including the travel time prediction model of route (RTM) and the stop dwell time prediction model (DTM); the evaluation criteria and indexes of the models are given. The error analysis of the prediction results is carried out based on AVL data by case study. Results show that under the precondition of multi-source data, the public transportation prediction model can meet the accuracy requirement for travel time prediction and the prediction effect of the whole route is superior to that of the route segment between stops.
Optimizing renewable-based energy supply options for power generation in Ethiopia
Authors: Boke Megersa Tesfaye , Moges Semu Ayalew , Dejen Zeleke Agide
Published: January 2022

Ethiopia unveiled homegrown economic reform agenda aimed to achieve a lower-middle status by 2030 and sustain its economic growth to achieve medium-middle and higher-middle status by 2040 and 2050 respectively. In this study, we evaluated the optimal renewable energy mix for power generation and associated investment costs for the country to progressively achieve upper-middle-income countries by 2050. Two economic scenarios: business as usual and Ethiopia’s homegrown reform agenda scenario were considered. The study used an Open Source energy Modeling System. The model results suggest: if projected power demand increases as anticipated in the homegrown reform agenda scenario, Ethiopia requires to expand the installed power capacity to 31.22GW, 112.45GW and 334.27GW to cover the current unmet and achieve lower, medium and higher middle-income status by 2030, 2040 and 2050 respectively. The Ethiopian energy mix continues to be dominated by hydropower and starts gradually shifting to solar and wind energy development towards 2050 as a least-cost energy supply option. The results also indicate Ethiopia needs to invest about 70 billion US$ on power plant investments for the period 2021–2030 to achieve the lower-middle-income electricity per capita consumption target by 2030 and staggering cumulative investment in the order of 750 billion US$ from 2031 to 2050 inclusive to achieve upper-middle-income electricity consumption rates by 2050. Ethiopia has enough renewable energy potential to achieve its economic target. Investment and financial sourcing remain a priority challenge. The findings could be useful in supporting decision-making concerning socio-economic development and investment pathways in the country.
Assessment and influencing factors analysis of economic system vulnerability of the Belt and Road Initiative countries
Authors: Li Zhihui , Wu Jia , Cui Xiaolin , Mi Zhaojuan , Peng Lu
Published: January 2022

Economic vulnerability is an important indicator to measure regional coordination, health and stability. Despite the importance of vulnerabilities, this is the first study that presents 26 indicators selected from the dimensions of the domestic economic system, external economic system and financial system in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries. A quantitative analysis is conducted to analyze the characteristics of spatial heterogeneity of vulnerability of the economic subsystems and the comprehensive economic system of the BRI countries and the main influencing factors of the comprehensive economic system vulnerability (CESV) are identified based on obstacle degree model. The results show that the CESV of the East Asia, South Asia and ASEAN countries are lower than that of the Middle Eastern Europe, Central Asia and West Asia countries. The CESV of the BRI countries are generally in the middle level and the average vulnerability index of highly vulnerable countries is twice as much as that of lowly vulnerable countries. In addition, in terms of the vulnerability of the three subsystems, the spatial distribution of vulnerability of the domestic economic system (DESV) and financial system (FSV) is basically consistent with the spatial distribution pattern of CESV, both of which are low in East Asia and South Asia and high in West Asia and Central Asia. While, the vulnerability of external economic system (EESV) shows a different spatial pattern, with vulnerability of West Asia, Central Asia and ASEAN higher than that of East Asia and South Asia. The main obstacle factors influencing the CESV of BRI countries include GDP growth rate, saving ratio, ratio of bank capital to assets, service industry level, industrialization level and loan rate. Therefore, the key way to maintain the stability and mitigate the vulnerability of the economic system of BRI countries is to focus on the macroeconomic development and operation, stimulate the economy and market vitality, promote the development of industries, especially the service and secondary industries, and optimize the economic structure, banking system and financial system.
The effects of social capital on wage income: a multi-country analysis
Authors: Hermann Zoltán , Kopasz Marianna
Published: January 2022

We analyze the effect of individual social capital on wage income in European countries. A number of studies have already tested the earnings effects of social ties but the majority of them have been limited to small samples and/or to certain occupations. The major contribution of the paper is its assessment of the earnings effects of social capital in a multi-country context using a large international dataset, the EU-SILC. We estimate individual level earnings regressions for a pooled sample and for individual countries as well. Three indicators are used to measure social capital: memberships in voluntary organizations, the frequency of contacts with friends and frequency of contacts with relatives. Results indicate a significant positive association between social capital and wage income both for the pooled sample and the majority of the countries individually. The effect of social capital is stronger for post-socialist countries than for other countries while it is almost missing in the Nordic countries. Comparing the effects of memberships in voluntary organizations, friendship and kinship ties provides some support for the strength of weak ties hypothesis.
Julius Rezler, the arbitrator
Authors: Reeves T. Zane
Published: January 2022

At the Hungarian Academy of Sciences on May 27 2011 a conference was devoted to the memory of Gyula Rézler/Julius Rezler (1911-2001), one of the founding fathers of Hungarian economic sociology. The note below was presented at this conference. It deals with Rézler’s late period, when he acted as an experienced arbitrator and mediator in the U.S.
Gender Inequalities in Higher Education. Evidence from the “Partium” Region
Authors: Fényes Hajnalka
Published: January 2022

In this paper, the vertical segregation in tertiary education is investigated by gender (the percentage of boys and girls in Bachelor’s and Master’s training is compared) first. Then the differences in social mobility are examined by gender in higher education. Finally, the acquired cultural capital of students is compared by gender. The research is based on new quantitative empirical research in a borderland Central - Eastern - European region, called “Partium”. Our results show that the vertical segregation at the two stages of tertiary education can not be detected, and the advantage of girls in participation is even larger in Master’s training than in Bachelor’s training in the “Partium” region. Furthermore, girls’ social mobility is higher at both stages of the training (but in Master’s training their advantage is slightly smaller). Finally, the girls’ acquired cultural capital is superior to the boys’ in accordance with the literature (but boys are in the lead in using ICT). Overall, our results show that boys are in a disadvantageous situation in tertiary education concerning several aspects.
Formal and informal volunteering in Hungary. Similairities and differences
Authors: Perpék Éva
Published: January 2022

There are several studies on volunteerism in Hungary but its formal (organizational) and informal (non-organizational) statistical differentiation has still not been in focus yet. Two comprehensive questions of my article are the following: is there a real, “qualitative” difference between Hungarian formal and informal volunteers. If yes, which is the more up-to-date form contributing to community development and local development? My general hypothesis is that the group of organizational and non-organizational volunteers significantly differs from each other, and formal volunteerism is the frame which rather corresponds to current needs. This means that: (1) formal volunteerism is the type which strengthens frequency of activity more effectively; (2) it is preferred by higher social status holders; (3) and it is moved by “modern” motivations. These expectations are tested on databases recorded on voluntary work and donation in 1994 and 2005. The hypotheses are essentially confirmed, the contradictions are discussed in more detail below.
“I would like to see that one is able to say I’m proud of being a citizen of the EU…” – the way Hungarian people see Europe and the European Union
Authors: Göncz Borbála
Published: January 2022

This paper explores the concepts of Europe, Europeanism and European Union, their meaning to Hungarians, how people define them and how they relate to these concepts through the analysis of qualitative in-depth interviews. The main question is whether the discourse, expressing attitudes towards Europe and the European Union, are of symbolic or utilitarian character. The symbolic way to relate to the EU is based on principles, an ideological or an emotional approach of the subject, while the pragmatic or utilitarian logic is based on rational cost-benefit analysis. The main argument of this current paper is that the way Hungarians tend to relate to the EU is rather utilitarian and it is the utilitarian logic that represents the relevant frame to understand people’s attitudes on the subject.
Integral economics and the exploration of indigenous knowledge
Authors: Ghosal Somnath
Published: January 2022

The ever-increasing pressures on tropical forests due to the increasing population of socio-economically deprived communities dwelling in forest fringe areas are not only a matter of ecological concern, but also affect the sustainable livelihoods of these communities. Alternative sources of income are urgently needed for these communities. Forest is the principal natural resource for the Purulia, Bankura and West Midnapur districts of West Bengal, India. More sustainable harvesting of forest products, particularly Non-Timber Forest Products(NTFPs) and the production of value added products would therefore be the best possible way to improve the existing economic conditions of deprived forest fringe communities and save native forest biodiversity for the future.
Socio-economic empowerment of communities by grassroots organizations: The case of the Harambee self help groups in Kenya
Authors: Muko Ochanda Richard
Published: January 2022

The study contributes to the discourse on grassroots organizations by studying the traditional Harambee Self Help Groups in Kenya in the light of social enterprise and third sector discourses. Data for this study was provided by provincial administration of Riruta Location in Nairobi, Kenya. The location archives comprised of self-help groups (SHGs) registration forms, constitutions, dispute processes, correspondences, proposals and minutes.The study found that unit increases in resource mobilization activities, organizational meetings, governmental recognition in terms of registrations, membership and village outreaches had positive influence on the expected changes in the number of economic empowerment activities in a significant way. Unit decreases in networking and unit increases in challenges had a negative influence.This study attempts to equate the Harambee SHGs to social enterprises, studies their entrepreneurial dynamic within the Kenyan third sector and examines their historical and current contribution in the country.
On Viviana A. Zelizer: Economic lives. How culture shapes the economy (2011, Princeton University Press, Princeton)
Authors: Faludi Julianna
Published: January 2022

This recent book contains the essence of the outstanding work of Zelizer concerning her analysis of economic institutions from the perspective of culture and society. Economic activities are viewed using a micro-habitual approach according to which our casual habits and everyday actions are embodied in monetary transactions which reflect power relations and social structures. The earnings and expenditure of a loving couple or the resources that a household allocates to a child, etc., represent economic dilemmas which involve our most intimate ties as parents, children, partners and lovers.
The Fixed Point: A Review of John von Neumann’s Methodology
Authors: Kőhegyi Gergely
Published: January 2022

This paper gives an overview of John von Neumann’s methodology and provides a criticism of the ’ordinary’ historical explanations concerning von Neumann’s writings. His broad multidisciplinary works are traditionally analysed within separate fields, completely detached from social and multidisciplinary context. This can often lead to oversimplified historical explanations. As an illustration I discuss a lesser-known article, which plays a central role in general economics in the postwar period. This is, however, the only one which concerns directly theoretical economics. I review the possible explanations concerning his motivations to write this article and propose a different historical approach to outline his exceptional train of thoughts.