bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deposit mobilization and its determinants: evidence from commercial banks in Ethiopia
Authors: Banke Nesru Kasim , Yitayaw Mekonnen Kumlachew
Published: September 2022

Deposit mobilization is the most important service and an integral part of banking operations. In Ethiopia, mobilizing savings through intense deposit collection has been regarded as the major task of banking. However, managing deposits is impossible without understanding and controlling the factors that influence them. Thus, this study examined the bank-specific and macroeconomic determinants of deposit mobilization in Ethiopian banking sectors using balanced panel data of 14 commercial banks from 2011 to 2020. Secondary data sources from sampled commercial bank audited financial statements were used to achieve the stated objective. A quantitative approach and explanatory design were employed. The model result demonstrated that loan to deposit ratio, capital adequacy, economic growth, inflation, population growth, and political stability have a negative and statistically significant effect on commercial bank deposit mobilization. On the other hand, the bank's profitability has a positive and statistically significant impact on commercial bank deposit growth. The study suggests that Ethiopian commercial banks need to improve deposit mobilization by paying more attention to internal factors controlled by management, while keeping in mind the influence of the overall economic and political dynamic. This study provides useful insights for bank managers, owners, analysts, policymakers, depositors, and other stakeholders on the deposit growth of commercial banks and its determinants. Meanwhile, academic researchers and students may use the findings and suggestions to conduct a study in the banking area. Unlike the previous studies, the present study examined the effect of population growth and political stability on deposit mobilization and contributes to the limited stock of existing knowledge in the area.
The effect of change leadership on employees’ readiness to change: the mediating role of organizational culture
Authors: Engida Zimbelachew Masresha , Alemu Abebe Ejigu , Mulugeta Meselu Alamnie
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to look into the impact of change leadership on employee readiness to change in a few public organizations in Ethiopia's Amhara national regional state. The study's population consists of 2546 employees from eight public organizations that had begun implementing various change initiatives. Quantitative survey method was applied to conduct this study. A total of 514 employees were chosen for the survey using a simple random sampling technique. The measurement instruments' reliability and validity were tested using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis methods. The data were analyzed, and the hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling method. Change leadership and organizational culture, as well as organizational culture and employee readiness to change, were found to have a significant relationship. However, change leadership has no direct effect on employees' readiness to change, and organizational culture does not affect the relationship between change leadership and employee readiness to change. The study will add knowledge and provide a base for future research.
Endoscopic permeatal “push-through” myringoplasty: hearing gain and graft uptake
Authors: Gharib Fadi Mahmoud , Naseer Usama Abdel , Elessi Ahmed Monir Jamal , Algarf Tareq Muhammad
Published: September 2022

Background

Endoscopic myringoplasty allows full visualization of the external ear canal, tympanic membrane, and middle ear without the need to reposition the patient’s head. The endoscope allows accessing hidden areas and structures not properly viewed by the microscope such as sinus tympani, facial recess, and hypotympanum. It also provides sharp, magnified image and shortens the duration of the surgery. The postoperative pain and morbidity are reduced and hence the hospital stay.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of the endoscopic-assisted permeatal transperforation “push-through” myringoplasty by assessing the graft take rate and hearing results.

Our study included twenty patients (14 females and 6 males) with chronic suppurative otitis media without cholesteatoma that underwent endoscopic-assisted permeatal transperforation myringoplasty.

Results

The case was considered '”successful'” if there was complete healing of the tympanic membrane and improvement of hearing. Graft uptake success rates were 85% with P-value 0.132. Average air-bone gap (A-B gap) preoperative was 18.20 dB; average A-B gap 1-month postoperative was 7.75 dB.

Conclusion

Endoscopic transcanal myringoplasty provided sharp, magnified visualization and operability as it avoids retroauricular skin incision and minimizes surgical procedures to expose hidden areas. There is less bleeding, a shorter operating time, less postoperative morbidity, and minimal postoperative care.
A recurring error in evaluating the effects of different pesticides, pollutants and fertilizers with a zero level
Authors: Moreau Gaétan
Published: September 2022

Background

The Quenouille-Addelman solution has been proposed to properly analyze linear models with a crossed or factorial arrangement of treatments that includes a qualitative/categorical and a quantitative factor with a zero level, a situation particularly prevalent in ecotoxicological studies. However, a review of the recent literature reveals that this solution isn’t used, perhaps due to a lack of recognition that zero-level factors can produce incomplete factorial arrangements.

Results

Using practical examples, I demonstrate that the conclusions of a study can be substantially altered if the Quenouille-Addelman solution is not used when warranted.

Conclusions

Suspecting that the lack of a detailed method may have contributed to the underutilization of the solution, I describe how to apply the solution using current statistical software packages and discuss how the solution can be adapted to address some experimental situations not previously considered.
A methodology to creating semi-artificial city driving cycle: case study of Istanbul
Authors: Aydın Muhammet , Soruşbay Cem
Published: September 2022

This study describes the methodology of creating Semi - Artificial City Cycle (SACC), which can be used for emission tests of road vehicles; sustainability of hybrid electric vehicle (HEV); or emission inventories of the city. This methodology uses the half-hour frequency traffic data of Istanbul to calculate the average speeds and travel distances of urban, rural and highway segments. Then, calculated average data convert into instantaneous time—velocity distribution by random time—speed values, which are appropriate for acceleration/deceleration of real-world driving. In addition, in this study, the obtained artificial cycles and the regulation cycle are modelled in the AVL Cruise software to compare, and the driving dynamics of the city are examined. The SACC has different acceleration/deceleration distribution, average driving speeds, trips and travel times than regulation tests. However, according to the simulation results, the same fuel consumption and CO2 emission factors are obtained with the regulation test, except for the highway segment.
Shear retrofitting with manually made NSM FRP sheets (MMFRP) of RC beams
Authors: Abdelmohaymen Mohamed G. , Salem Hamed M.
Published: September 2022

This paper presents an experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed carbon manually made fibre-reinforced polymer (MMFRP) folded sheet for shear strengthening of nine RC beams using near-surface mounted (NSM) method, in addition to an unstrengthened control beam. In the laboratory, MMFRP folded sheets were manually manufactured. MMFRP is made by folding an FRP sheet into appropriate groove widths. Carbon MMFRP folded sheets with varying strip amounts, FRP areas and development lengths increase the shear strength of rectangular-reinforced concrete (RC) beams. Double, triple and quadruple strips of FRP were intended to test the enhancement of strength capacity when the strip quantity was just increased without modifying the FRP area and development length. In addition, different FRP areas and development lengths were used to analyse the FRP area and development length of NSM-FRP strips. The advantages of beam strengthening employing different MMFRP folded sheets are explored based on experimental findings. In comparison with the control beam, beams with double, triple and quadruple strips demonstrate 68%, 59% and 74% improvements in shear load-carrying capacity, respectively. However, the study discovered that if the number of strips, FRP area or development length is raised, the member’s shear strength capability is estimated to improve.
Motivation for COVID-19 vaccination among international students in Russia
Authors: Nikolaev E. , Petunova S.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

After Russia decided to start COVID-19 vaccination of international students who are getting their education on its territory, they received an opportunity to get a single dose of COVID-19 Sputnik Light vaccine. What motives can such international students have for being vaccinated in the situation of uncertainty?

Objectives

Our goal is to define the structure of motivation for COVID-19 vaccination among international students who are getting education at different departments of the university.

Methods

In October 2021, we surveyed 409 international students getting education at Ulianov Chuvash State University in Cheboksary, who agreed to COVID-19 vaccination.

Results

Those who applied for vaccination were mostly 3rd year students (32.03%) and 4th year ones (21.52%). 8 students out of the surveyed (1.96%) had been vaccinated outside Russia, 4 – in Russia (0.98%). 8.56% of the pool had had COVID-19, 57.7% had not, 33.74% could not give a certain answer. Main motives for COVID-19 vaccination were: unwillingness to be ill (57.21%), unwillingness to have any limitations imposed (22.98%), unwillingness, especially of medical students, to have problems in their studies (12.22%), inclination towards following their relatives’ advice (5.13%), desire to follow the surrounding people’s example (1.98%). In personal conversations, the students often expressed their wish for being vaccinated with a 2-component Sputnik V vaccine for a better protection from illness.

Conclusions

The survey of the international students’ motives showed that most of them have positive attitude to COVID-19 vaccination and feel inclined to be vaccinated with a Russian vaccine in order to reduce the risk of getting ill.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The human brain in the transhumanist mindset. A neuroethical critique of the neuroscience paradigm
Authors: Galvañ J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Neuroscience advances open the debate on improving brain functionality and human behavior. Transhumanism advocates the use of biotechnology for the betterment of man, transcending into another nature. Neuroethics marks limits of the application and experimentation in neuroscience, also proposing an interdisciplinary philosophical reflection valuing the multidimensionality of human mind.

Objectives

To analyze the transhumanist approach of domining human nature controlling cognitive and moral functions through technique. A critique from neuroethics in an interdisciplinary key to evaluate the complexity of mental functionality and the derived issues that go beyond the scientific scope, with the help of philosophy.

Methods

A bibliographic review on neuroscience and neuroethics is carried out, finding a core consensus in the warning of the biopsychosocial complexity of the set of realities that shape the human being, facing a reductionist vision of neuroscience.

Results

Despite the advances in biotechnology and neuroscientific research, the transhumanist approach of brain enhancement transgressing human reality and reducing its nature to a mechanical question that can be controlled through psychopharmacological resources, becomes dystopian due to the lack of ontological continuity in the deconstruction of the human being in a set of neural circuits, and the lack of consideration of all the dimensions that configure the human mind and existence.

Conclusions

An interdisciplinary vision is necessary to analyze the human mind, avoiding falling into the brain reductionism of the neuroscientific paradigm, for an holistic understanding of the human mind and behaviors, beside the integration of a philosophical reflection to join neurobiology and moral dimensions, in a humanist return from transhumanism.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
European Psychiatric Association guidance on assessment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia
Authors: Vita Antonio , Gaebel Wolfgang , Mucci Armida , Sachs Gabriele , Erfurth Andreas , Barlati Stefano , Zanca Federico , Giordano Giulia Maria , Birkedal Glenthøj Louise , Nordentoft Merete , Galderisi Silvana
Published: September 2022

Background

Impairment in a wide range of cognitive abilities has been consistently reported in individuals with schizophrenia. Both neurocognitive and social cognitive deficits are thought to underlie severe functional disabilities associated with schizophrenia. Despite the key role in schizophrenia outcome, cognition is still poorly assessed in both research and clinical settings.

Methods

In this guidance paper, we provide a systematic review of the scientific literature and elaborate several recommendations for the assessment of cognitive functions in schizophrenia both in research settings and in real-world clinical practice.

Results

Expert consensus and systematic reviews provided guidance for the optimal assessment of cognitive functions in schizophrenia. Based on the reviewed evidence, we recommend a comprehensive and systematic assessment of neurocognitive and social cognitive domains in schizophrenia, in all phases of the disorder, as well as in subjects at risk to develop psychosis. This European Psychiatric Association guidance recommends not only the use of observer reports but also self-reports and interview-based cognitive assessment tools. The guidance also provides a systematic review of the state of the art of assessment in the first episode of psychosis patients and in individuals at risk for psychosis.

Conclusion

The comprehensive review of the evidence and the recommendations might contribute to advance the field, allowing a better cognitive assessment, and avoiding overlaps with other psychopathological dimensions. The dissemination of this guidance paper may promote the development of shared guidelines concerning the assessment of cognitive functions in schizophrenia, with the purpose to improve the quality of care and to obtain recovery.
Sandwich meta-panel based on grooved corrugation for low-frequency sound absorption
Authors: Sun Wei , Ren Shuwei , Liu Yiyang , Lei Ye , Wang Haitao , Zeng Xiangyang
Published: September 2022

In this work, a novel sandwich meta-panel (SMP) with grooved corrugations is proposed to efficiently attenuate low-frequency sound waves under deep subwavelength thickness (e.g.,

at 133 Hz). Most innovatively, SMP possesses tremendous mechanical characteristics (e.g., high bending stiffness) simultaneously, stemming from its corrugation core configuration. A theoretical prediction for sound absorption with an explicit expression of effective length is built, as well as a direct numerical simulation model. The theoretical and numerical results coincide well with each other, and demonstrate the SMPs' great capacity of manipulating low-frequency sound waves. Further, the SMPs can be tuned flexibly through altering perforation diameter, channel length and folding number, and multiple diverse unit cells can be coupled to get wide high-absorption bands (e.g.,

from 203 Hz to 249 Hz). The SMPs pave a new way for coiled-up space metastructures to engineering applications, with simple layout and perspicuous designing guidance.
Chiral active matter
Authors: Liebchen Benno , Levis Demian
Published: September 2022

Chiral active matter comprises particles which can self-propel and self-rotate. Examples range from sperm cells and bacteria near walls to autophoretic L-shaped colloids. In this perspective article we focus on recent developments in chiral active matter. After briefly discussing the motion of single particles, we discuss collective phenomena ranging from vortex arrays and patterns made of rotating micro-flocks to states featuring unusual rheological properties.
Weekly Somapacitan is Effective and Well Tolerated in Children With GH Deficiency: The Randomized Phase 3 REAL4 Trial
Authors: Miller Bradley S , Blair Joanne C , Rasmussen Michael Højby , Maniatis Aristides , Kildemoes Rasmus Juul , Mori Jun , Polak Michel , Bang Rikke Beck , Böttcher Volker , Stagi Stefano , Horikawa Reiko
Published: September 2022

Context

Somapacitan, a once-weekly reversible albumin-binding GH derivative, is evaluated in children with GH deficiency (GHD).

Objective

To demonstrate efficacy and safety of somapacitan vs daily GH.

Methods

REAL4 is a randomised, multinational, open-labeled, active-controlled parallel group phase 3 trial, comprising a 52-week main trial and 3-year extension (NCT03811535).

Setting

Eighty-six sites across 20 countries.

Patients

200 treatment-naïve patients were randomized and exposed.

Interventions

Patients were randomized 2:1 to somapacitan (0.16 mg/kg/wk) or daily GH (Norditropin; 0.034 mg/kg/d), administered subcutaneously.

Main outcome measures

The primary endpoint was annualized height velocity (HV; cm/y) at week 52. Additional assessments included HV SD score (SDS), height SDS, bone age, IGF-I SDS, patient-reported outcomes, and safety measures.

Results

Estimated mean HV at week 52 was 11.2 and 11.7 cm/y for somapacitan and daily GH, respectively. Noninferiority was confirmed. Changes in HV SDS, height SDS, bone age, and IGF-I SDS from baseline to week 52 were similar between treatment groups. At week 52, mean IGF-I SDS values were similar between treatment groups and within normal range (–2 to +2). Safety of somapacitan was consistent with the well-known daily GH profile. Low proportions of injection-site reactions were reported for somapacitan (5.3%) and daily GH (5.9%). Both treatments similarly reduced disease burden from baseline to week 52, whereas a greater treatment burden reduction was observed for somapacitan.

Conclusions

Similar efficacy for somapacitan compared to daily GH was demonstrated over 52 weeks of treatment with comparable safety and mean IGF-I SDS levels in treatment-naïve children with GHD.
Freshwater adaptation in prickly sculpin (Pisces: Cottidae): intraspecific comparisons reveal evidence for water pH and Na+ concentration driving diversity in gill H+-ATPase and ion regulation
Authors: Liu Shuang , Wilson Jonathan M. , Taylor Eric B. , Richards Jeffrey G.
Published: September 2022

Phenotypic divergence is a hallmark of adaptive radiation. One example involves differentiation in physiological traits involved in ion regulation among species with contrasting lifestyles and living in distinct environments. Differentiation in ion regulation and its ecological implications among populations within species are, however, less well understood. To address this knowledge gap, we collected prickly sculpin (Cottus asper) from distinct habitat types including coastal rivers connected to estuaries, coastal lakes and interior lakes, all from British Columbia, Canada. We tested for differences in plasma Na+ and Cl−, gill Na+/K+-ATPase and H+-ATPase activity and protein abundance as well as changes in body mass and arterial blood pH in fish sampled from the field and acclimated to two different freshwater conditions in the laboratory: artificial lake water (ALW) and ion-poor water (IPW). We also tested for links between environmental water chemistry and the physiological characteristics associated with ion regulation. Transfer to IPW resulted in upregulation of gill Na+/K+-ATPase and H+-ATPase activity as well as increases in gill H+-ATPase protein expression level in each habitat compared with that in the common ALW treatment. Despite the presence of population-within-habitat-type differences, significant habitat-type effects were revealed in most of the ion regulation characteristics examined under different acclimation conditions. Significantly lower plasma Cl− was detected in fish from coastal rivers than in fish from the other two habitat types during the IPW treatment, which was also significantly lower compared with that in ALW. Similarly, gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity was lower in the coastal river populations in IPW than in fish from coastal and interior lakes, which was not in accordance with the protein expression in the gill. For gill H+-ATPase, fish from interior lake populations had the highest level of activity across all habitat types under all conditions, which was related to the protein levels in the gill. The activity of gill H+-ATPase was positively correlated with the combined effect of water Na+ and pH under the ALW treatment. Our results suggest that variation in habitat may be an important factor driving differences in gill Na+/K+-ATPase and H+-ATPase activity across populations of C. asper. Further, the combined effect of water Na+ and pH may have played a key role in physiological adaptation in C. asper during post-glacial freshwater colonization and dispersal.
Muscle preactivation and the limits of muscle power output during jumping in the Cuban tree frog Osteopilus septentrionalis
Authors: Marsh Richard L.
Published: September 2022

Previous studies of jumping in frogs have found power outputs in excess of what is possible from direct application of muscle power and concluded that jumping requires the storage and release of elastic strain energy. Of course, the muscles must produce the work required and their power output should be consistent with known muscle properties if the total duration of muscle activity is known. Using the Cuban tree frog, Osteopilus septentrionalis, I measured jumping performance from kinematics and used EMG measurements of three major jumping muscles to determine the duration of muscle activity. Using the total mass of all the hindlimb muscles, muscle mass-specific work output up to 60 J kg−1 was recorded. Distributed over the duration of the jump, both average and peak muscle mass-specific power output increased approximately linearly with the work done, reaching values of over 750 and 2000 W kg−1, respectively. However, the muscles were activated before the jump started. Both preactivation duration and EMG amplitude increased with increasing amounts of work performed. Assuming the muscles could produce work from EMG onset until toe-off, the average muscle mass-specific power over this longer interval also increased with work done, but only up to a work output of 36 J kg−1. The mean power above this value of work was 281 W kg−1, which is approximately 65% of the estimated maximum isotonic power. Several reasons are put forward for suggesting this power output, although within the known properties of the muscles, is nevertheless an impressive achievement.
The effect of an artificial intelligence algorithm on chest X-ray interpretation of radiology residents
Authors: Pekçevik Yeliz , Orbatu Dilek , Güngör Fatih , Yıldırım Oktay , Yaşar Eminullah , Yimer Mohammed Abebe , Şişman Ali Rıza , Emiroğlu Mustafa , Dao Lan , Cohen Joseph Paul , Sevinç Süleyman
Published: September 2022

Objective:

Chest X-rays are the most commonly performed diagnostic examinations. An artificial intelligence (AI) system that evaluates the images fast and accurately help reducing workflow and management of the patients. An automated assistant may reduce the time of interpretation in daily practice. We aim to investigate whether radiology residents consider the recommendations of an AI system for their final decisions, and to assess the diagnostic performances of the residents and the AI system.

Methods:

Posteroanterior (PA) chest X-rays with confirmed diagnosis were evaluated by 10 radiology residents. After interpretation, the residents checked the evaluations of the AI Algorithm and made their final decisions. Diagnostic performances of the residents without AI and after checking the AI results were compared.

Results:

Residents’ diagnostic performance for all radiological findings had a mean sensitivity of 37.9% (vs 39.8% with AI support), a mean specificity of 93.9% (vs 93.9% with AI support). The residents obtained a mean AUC of 0.660 vs 0.669 with AI support. The AI algorithm diagnostic accuracy, measured by the overall mean AUC, was 0.789. No significant difference was detected between decisions taken with and without the support of AI.

Conclusion:

Although, the AI algorithm diagnostic accuracy were higher than the residents, the radiology residents did not change their final decisions after reviewing AI recommendations. In order to benefit from these tools, the recommendations of the AI system must be more precise to the user.

Advances in knowledge:

This research provides information about the willingness or resistance of radiologists to work with AI technologies via diagnostic performance tests. It also shows the diagnostic performance of an existing AI algorithm, determined by real-life data.
Challenges and opportunities for advanced neuroimaging of glioblastoma
Authors: Henssen Dylan , Meijer Frederick , Verburg Frederik A. , Smits Marion
Published: September 2022

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive of glial tumours in adults. On conventional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, these tumours are observed as irregular enhancing lesions with areas of infiltrating tumour and cortical expansion. More advanced imaging techniques including diffusion-weighted MRI, perfusion-weighted MRI, MR spectroscopy and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging have found widespread application to diagnostic challenges in the setting of first diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up. This review aims to educate readers with regard to the strengths and weaknesses of the clinical application of these imaging techniques. For example, this review shows that the (semi)quantitative analysis of the mentioned advanced imaging tools was found useful for assessing tumour aggressiveness and tumour extent, and aids in the differentiation of tumour progression from treatment-related effects. Although these techniques may aid in the diagnostic work-up and (post-)treatment phase of glioblastoma, so far no unequivocal imaging strategy is available. Furthermore, the use and further development of artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools could greatly enhance neuroradiological practice by automating labour-intensive tasks such as tumour measurements, and by providing additional diagnostic information such as prediction of tumour genotype. Nevertheless, due to the fact that advanced imaging and AI-diagnostics is not part of response assessment criteria, there is no harmonised guidance on their use, while at the same time the lack of standardisation severely hampers the definition of uniform guidelines.
Metallurgical Study of Iron Artifacts from Guryong-ri Site in Ungcheon, Boryeong
Authors: Choi Eun Young , Cho Nam Chul
Published: September 2022

In the 6th and 7th centuries, 5 iron artifacts excavated form the Baekje Stone Tomb in Guryong-ri site, Ungcheon, Boryeong, were studied. The sample were metal microscopic observation, SEM-EDS analysis and Raman micro-spectroscopy analysis were conducted to understand the metallurgical characteristics. The microstructure observation showed the presence of ferrite and pearlite throughout, and differences in carbon content existed depending on the direction. Non-metallic inclusions were in the form of long lines, and most of them were wüstite, fayalite. It is indicated that the artifacts were forge welded using hypoeutectoid steel, with signs of carburizing and decarburizing processes. Some crystals with high P22O5, TiO2, CaO content were identified as sarcopside, ulvöspinel, and perovskite, respectively, through Raman spectroscopy. A comparison of the results with previous studies on the sites of Bujang-ri site in Seosan and Bongseon-ri site in Seocheon, which are adjacent sites in the coastal area, revealed that, while heat treatment technology was available, the artifacts were not heat-treated considering the purpose for use for these artifacts. The chemical composition of the non-metallic inclusions P2O5, TiO2, CaO were plotted in proportions to SiO2 and compared with adjacent sites. Considering that the P2O5/SiO2 ratio was widely distributed, the refining technology was not uniform. In addition, the TiO2/SiO2 ratio was found to be higher than that of other sites, meaning that a titanium-containing ore was used to manufacture the artifacts, unlike in surrounding sites, but it is not detected in all artifacts, so it may have been affected by various factors such as furnace walls in addition to raw materials. Although slag formers were used, considering the CaO/SiO2 ratio and the (Al2O3/SiO2)/(CaO/SiO2) ratio, which appear to be similar to the surrounding sites, but it is possible that CaO containing raw ore was used because it is also affected by the components of raw ore. As a result of the study, it is highly likely that ore different from that of the surrounding sites was used for production, but a more comprehensive comparative study with the surrounding sites is needed in the future.
Factors associated with the intention of telehealth service utilization among Bangladeshi people: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kabir Humayun , Hasan Md. Kamrul , Akter Nahida , Marma U Swai Ching , Alam Tohidul , Tutul Ariful Haque , Biswas Lila , Ara Rawshan , Mitra Dipak Kumar
Published: September 2022

Background: Telehealth is comprised of telecommunications and electronic information systems to support and maintain long-distance healthcare services. Although it has not been thoroughly explored, the intention of using the service among the general public is critical to its success. We investigated the factors associated with the intention to utilize telehealth services among the general population of Bangladesh.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between May 22, 2021 and June 15, 2021 in Bangladesh, where the total number of participants was 1038. The Pearson chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used to examine the unadjusted relationship between the explanatory variables and the intention to use telehealth services. A multinomial logistic regression model was fitted to determine the adjusted association. Shapiro-Wilk tests were used to check the normality of continuous data. Data were processed and analyzed by software STATA-16.

Results: The probability of utilizing the service increased significantly with increasing knowledge, perceived benefit, and predisposition levels among respondents. However, when perceived concern increased, the likelihood of utilizing the service dropped significantly. Age, marital status, educational status, profession, residence, and perceived health status were significantly associated with the participants’ intention to utilize the telehealth service.

Conclusions: The influencing aspects of telehealth service utilization should be recognized by the respective authorities. Possible activities to enhance usability among people are also recommended.
Prediction of the effects of the top 10 synonymous mutations from 26645 SARS-CoV-2 genomes
Authors: Boon Wan Xin , Sia Boon Zhan , Ng Chong Han
Published: September 2022

Background: The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had led to a global pandemic since December 2019. SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded RNA virus, which mutates at a higher rate. Multiple works had been done to study nonsynonymous mutations, which change protein sequences.  However, there is little study on the effects of SARS-CoV-2 synonymous mutations, which may affect viral fitness. This study aims to predict the effect of synonymous mutations on the SARS-CoV-2 genome.  

Methods: A total of 26645 SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences retrieved from Global Initiative on Sharing all Influenza Data (GISAID) database were aligned using MAFFT. Then, the mutations and their respective frequency were identified.  Multiple RNA secondary structures prediction tools, namely RNAfold, IPknot++ and MXfold2 were applied to predict the effect of the mutations on RNA secondary structure and their base pair probabilities was estimated using MutaRNA. Relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis was also performed to measure the codon usage bias (CUB) of SARS-CoV-2. 

Results: A total of 150 synonymous mutations were identified. The synonymous mutation identified with the highest frequency is C3037U mutation in the nsp3 of ORF1a.. Of these top 10 highest frequency synonymous mutations, C913U, C3037U, U16176C and C18877U mutants show pronounced changes between wild type and mutant in all 3 RNA secondary structure prediction tools, suggesting these mutations may have some biological impact on viral fitness. These four mutations show changes in base pair probabilities. All mutations except U16176C change the codon to a more preferred codon, which may result in higher translation efficiency.

Conclusion:   Synonymous mutations in SARS-CoV-2 genome may affect RNA secondary structure, changing base pair probabilities and possibly resulting in a higher translation rate. However, lab experiments are required to validate the results obtained from prediction analysis.
Chromosome-scale assembly of the yellow mealworm genome
Authors: Eleftheriou Evangelia , Aury Jean-Marc , Vacherie Benoît , Istace Benjamin , Belser Caroline , Noel Benjamin , Moret Yannick , Rigaud Thierry , Berro Fabrice , Gasparian Sona , Labadie-Bretheau Karine , Lefebvre Thomas , Madoui Mohammed-Amin
Published: September 2022

Background: The yellow mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor, is a promising alternative protein source for animal and human nutrition and its farming involves relatively low environmental costs. For these reasons, its industrial scale production started this century. However, to optimize and breed sustainable new T. molitor lines, the access to its genome remains essential.

Methods: By combining Oxford Nanopore and Illumina Hi-C data, we constructed a high-quality chromosome-scale assembly of T. molitor. Then, we combined RNA-seq data and available coleoptera proteomes for gene prediction with GMOVE.

Results: We produced a high-quality genome with a N50 = 21.9Mb with a completeness of 99.5% and predicted 21,435 genes with a median size of 1,780 bp. Gene orthology between T. molitor and Tribolium castaneum showed a highly conserved synteny between the two coleoptera and paralogs search revealed an expansion of histones in the T. molitor genome.

Conclusions: The present genome will greatly help fundamental and applied research such as genetic breeding and will contribute to the sustainable production of the yellow mealworm.
Developing the University of Tartu in Estonia into a well-networked Patient Safety Research Centre (PATSAFE): A study protocol
Authors: PÕLLUSTE Kaja , Calsbeek Hiske , Orrego Carola , Ballester Marta , Suñol Rosa , Vall-Roqué Helena , Kangasniemi Mari , Läänelaid Siim , Starkopf Joel , van Tuijl Anne , Wollersheim Hub , Freimann Tiina , Mägi Liisi , Bañeres Joaquim , Fernández-Maillo María del Mar , Emond Yvette , Lember Margus
Published: September 2022

Background: Patient safety (PS) is a serious global public health problem affecting all countries. Estimates show that around 10 percent of the patients are harmed during hospital care, resulting in 23 million disability-adjusted life years lost per year. Experts emphasize research advancements as a key precondition for safer care.

Aim: The Patient Safety Research Centre (PATSAFE) project enhances the Institute of Clinical Medicine of the University of Tartu’s (ICM-UT) research potential and capacities in PS in order to improve and strengthen knowledge and skills in methods, techniques and experience for PS research.

Methods: A strategic partnership with Avedis Donabedian Research Institute in Spain, and IQ Healthcare in the Netherlands, both international leaders in PS research, enables the development of a long-lasting knowledge exchange, allowing the ICM-UT to capitalise on its current achievements and to overcome gaps in scientific excellence in the field of PS research. These twining activities will strengthen and raise the research profile of the ICM-UT academic staff and early-stage researchers (ESRs), by implementing the hands-on training on methods, techniques, and experience in PS research. The project also encourages the active participation of ESRs in PS research by increasing their soft skills, to ensure the continuity and sustainability of PS research in ICM-UT. Finally, development of the research strategy on PS contributes to the long-term sustainability of PS research in Estonia. To implement these activities, PATSAFE foresees a comprehensive strategy consisting of knowledge exchange, soft research skills capacity building, strategic planning, and strong dissemination and exploitation efforts.

Expected results: As a result of the project, ICM-UT will have the capacity to carry out PS research using the appropriate methodology and the competences to apply state-of-the-art evidence-based strategies for PS research.
The potential for linking cohort participants to official criminal records: a pilot study using the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)
Authors: Boyd Andy , Teyhan Alison , Cornish Rosie P. , Croft Jazz , Thomas Richard , Brennan Iain , Macleod John
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Linking longitudinal cohort resources with police-recorded records of criminal activity has the potential to inform public health style approaches to policing, and may reduce potential sources of bias from self-reported criminal data collected by cohort studies. A pilot linkage of police records to the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) allows us to consider the acceptability of this linkage, its utility as a data resource, differences in self-reported crime according to consent status for data linkage, and the appropriate governance mechanism to support such a linkage.

Methods: We carried out a pilot study linking data from the ALSPAC birth cohort to Ministry of Justice (MoJ) records on criminal cautions and convictions. This pilot was conducted on a fully anonymous basis, meaning we cannot link the identified records to any participant or the wider information within the dataset. Using ALSPAC data, we used summary statistics to investigate differences in socio-economic background and self-reported criminal activity by consent status for crime linkage. We used MoJ records to identify the geographic and temporal concentration of criminality in the ALSPAC cohort.

Results: We found that the linkage appears acceptable to participants (4% of the sample opted out), levels of criminal caution and conviction are high enough to support research, and that the majority of crimes occurred in Avon & Somerset (the policing area local to ALSPAC). Those who did not respond to consent requests had higher levels of self-reported criminal behaviour compared to participants who provided explicit consent.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that data linkage in ALSPAC provides opportunities to study criminal behaviour and that linked individual-level records could provide robust research in the area. Our findings also suggest the potential for bias when only including participants who have explicitly consented to data linkage, highlighting the limitations of opt-in consent strategies.
Yiddish varieties in the Livonian contact area
Authors: Verschik Anna
Published: September 2022

The aim of this article is to discuss the Yiddish varieties of Courland and Estonia in the general context of the co-territorial languages: Baltic German, Latvian, Livonian, and Estonian. As a rule, discussion of Yiddish in the region is mostly based on the classical descriptions of the Yiddish varieties from the beginning of the 20th century. It is demonstrated that common features in phonology and lexicon of Courland (and Estonian) Yiddish and Baltic German are, in fact, regional and attested at least in varieties of Estonian but often in Latvian and Livonian as well. It is argued that due to the multilingualism of Jews in the region, a wider perspective of modern contact linguistics and multilingualism and analysis is needed. In the 20th century, multilingual speech was a norm at least among Estonian Jews, and, based on fieldwork data from the 1990s among multilingual Estonian Jews, there is no clear preference of insertional or alternational code-switching. However, if alternational code-switching is preferred in a community, it might explain the low number of conventionalised lexical borrowings (as is the case for Latvian borrowings in Yiddish).

Kokkuvõte. Anna Verschik: Jidiši keelekujud liivi kontaktalal. Artikli eesmärk on kirjeldada Kuramaa ja Eesti jidiši keele variante naaberkeelte (s.o. baltisaksa, läti, liivi ja eesti keele) kontekstis. Reeglina põhineb kohalike jidiši keelekujude analüüs nn klassikalistel, 20. sajandi algusest pärit kirjeldustel. Artiklis näidatakse, et fonoloogilised ühisjooned Kuramaa ja Eesti jidišis ja baltisaksa keeles on tegelikult regionaalsed ning esinevad vähemalt eesti keeles, aga tihtilugu ka läti ja liivi keeles. Kuna tegu on mitmekeelsusega, oleks vaja laiemat, moodsa kontaktlingvistika põhist analüüsi. 20. sajandil oli vähemalt Eesti juutidele omane nn mitmekeelne kõne ning 1990ndatel kogutud välitööandmete põhjal saab väita, et ei ole kindlalt domineerivat koodivahetuse tüüpi (sisestav vs. vahelduv). Kuid siis, kui kogukonnas domineerib vahelduv koodivahetus, seletab see leksikaalsete laenude väikest arvu (nagu nt läti laenude puhul jidišis).

Kubbõvõttõks. Anna Verschik. Jidiš kīelvīțõd līvõ kīel kontaktõd arāl. Kēra merk um kēraldõ Kurmō ja Ēstimō jidiš kīel variantidi kāimad kīeld (s.t. Baltijmōd saksā, lețkīel, līvõ ja ēsti kīel) kontekstõs. Kūožpēļizt jidiš kīelvīțõd analīz alīzõks ātõ n.n. irdizt 20. āigastsadā īrgandõks kēraldõkst. Kēra nägțõb, ku ītizt fonolōgij eņtšsuglitõd Kurmō ja Ēstimō jidišõs ja Baltijmōd saksā kīels āt regionālizt ja nǟdõb ka ēsti kīels, saggõld ka lețkīels ja līvõ kīels. 20. āigastsadās Ēstimō zīḑõdõn vȯļ ummi n.n. setmiņkēļi rõk, ja 1990. āigastis kūoŗdõd tieut pǟl vaņtlõs võib kītõ, ku kīels pūtõb ikšāinagi dominīeriji kōd vaidimiz tīp (sizzõlpandõb vs. mõitantiji). Sīegid siz, až kubgõns dominīerõb mõitantiji kōd vaidimi, se sēļțab piškīzt leksikālizt täpīņtõkst luggõ (nägț. lețkīel täpīņtõkst jidiš kīels).
Spoon-shaped pendants in the culture of the Livonians and inhabitants of Ancient Russia in the 11th–13th centuries: preliminary study results
Authors: Spirgis Roberts , Kuznetsova Valentina , Sobolev Vladislav
Published: September 2022

In the culture of the ancient Livonians and Russians there was a particular group of pendants in the shape of household utensils, mostly made of copper alloys. This article deals with spoon-shaped pendants discovered in the settlements and burials of the second part of the 11th–13th century. Spoon-shaped pendants were rather rare for ancient Livonians. We have collected information about 19 finds from the Daugava region. In the territory of ancient Russia, about one hundred items have been found. In the historiography, spoon-shaped pendants were regarded as pagan amulets associated with the idea of satiation, wealth, and well-being. In our opinion, due to the late date of the items and their widespread distribution in Christian lands, they could be miniatures of the Eucharist spoons used in Orthodox communion.

Kokkuvõte. Roberts Spirģis, Valentina Kuznetsova, Vladislav Sobolev: Lusikakujulised ripatsehted 11.–13. sajandi liivi kultuuris ja muistse Venemaa asukatel: esialgsed uurimistulemused. Muistsete liivlaste ja venelaste kultuuris oli eripärane rühm majapidamisesemete kujulisi ripatseid, mis oli tehtud peamiselt vasesulamitest. See artikkel vaatleb lusikakujulisi ripatseid, mida on leitud 11. sajandi teise poole kuni 13. sajandi asulakohtadest ja haudadest. Lusikripatsid olid muistsetel liivlastel üsna haruldased. Autorid on kogunud teavet 19 leiu kohta Daugava piirkonnast. Muinasvene alalt on leitud kokku ligikaudu sada sellist eset. Historiograafias on lusikripatseid peetud paganlikeks amulettideks, mida on seostatud külluse, tervise ja heaolu taotlusega. Autorite arvates võisid hilise esinemisaja ja kristlikes maades laialdase leviku tõttu olla need aga armulaualusika miniatuursed kujutised ortodoksses ühenduses.

Kubbõvõttõks. Roberts Spirģis, Valentina Kuznetsova, Vladislav Sobolev: Kōjvīțlizt tänktõkst 11.–13. āigastsadā līvõd kultūrs ja muiniz Krīevmō jelānikād jūs. Ežmizt tuņšlimizt rezultātõd. Līvõd ja muinizt krīevõd kultūrs īžki kūož um pǟmizõld bronzõst vaļmõstõd kuodažād vīțlizt tänktõkst gruppõn. Kēras sōbõd vaņtõltõd tänktõkst-kōjd, mis sōbõd lieudtõd 11. ā.s. tuoiz pūol – 13. ā.s. jeltõbkūožis agā matūkstkūožis. Līvõd jūs tänktõkstkōjḑi līedab ōrald. Kēras ātõ īdõkubbõ pandõd tieutõd iļ 19 lieudtõd tänktõkst Vēna joug immõrgouțs. Muinizõs Krīevmōl um lieudtõd immõr sadā tänktõkst. Tieudlizõs kērandõksõs aŗŗõbõd, ku tänktõkst-kōjd ātõ pagānd amuletõd, mis ātõ mõttõltõd rikūz ja jõvāvȯlmiz lūomiz pierāst. Sīen vastõ rõkāndõb se, ku tänktõkst ātõ obbizt ja jo laigāld lieudtõb rištusk mōši. Sīepierāst autōrd aŗŗõbõd, ku tänktõkst-kōjd võikst vȱlda pareiznikād usk jumāllōda liturgijs kȭlbatõb kōjd miniatūrd.
Acquired Amegakaryocytic Thrombocytopenia Progressingto Aplastic Anaemia
Authors: Hussain Syed Ather , Fatima Huda , Faisal Hafsa , Bansal Meenakshi
Published: September 2022

Acquired amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (AAMT) is a rare disorder of the bone marrow characterized by a lack of megakaryocytes and preservation of other cell lines. It can occur due to an intrinsic stem cell defect or secondary to viral infections, autoimmune disorders, lymphoproliferative disorders or environmental toxins. With time, it can progress to aplastic anaemia (AA) and can have a poor prognosis. No standard guidelines exist for the treatment of AAMT progressing to AA. Herein, we report a rare case of AAMT leading to AA and review the handful of cases previously published in the literature.