bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facial UV map completion for pose-invariant face recognition: a novel adversarial approach based on coupled attention residual UNets
Authors: Na In Seop , Tran Chung , Nguyen Dung , Dinh Sang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Pose-invariant face recognition refers to the problem of identifying or verifying a person by analyzing face images captured from different poses. This problem is challenging due to the large variation of pose, illumination and facial expression. A promising approach to deal with pose variation is to fulfill incomplete UV maps extracted from in-the-wild faces, then attach the completed UV map to a fitted 3D mesh and finally generate different 2D faces of arbitrary poses. The synthesized faces increase the pose variation for training deep face recognition models and reduce the pose discrepancy during the testing phase. In this paper, we propose a novel generative model called Attention ResCUNet-GAN to improve the UV map completion. We enhance the original UV-GAN by using a couple of U-Nets. Particularly, the skip connections within each U-Net are boosted by attention gates. Meanwhile, the features from two U-Nets are fused with trainable scalar weights. The experiments on the popular benchmarks, including Multi-PIE, LFW, CPLWF and CFP datasets, show that the proposed method yields superior performance compared to other existing methods.
Impact of an e-learning module on personal protective equipment knowledge in student paramedics: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Suppan Laurent , Stuby Loric , Gartner Birgit , Larribau Robert , Iten Anne , Abbas Mohamed , Harbarth Stephan , Suppan Mélanie 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Prehospital professionals such as emergency physicians or paramedics must be able to choose and adequately don and doff personal protective equipment (PPE) in order to avoid COVID-19 infection. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of a gamified e-learning module on adequacy of PPE in student paramedics.

Methods
This was a web-based, randomized 1:1, parallel-group, triple-blind controlled trial. Student paramedics from three Swiss schools were invited to participate. They were informed they would be presented with both an e-learning module and an abridged version of the current regional prehospital COVID-19 guidelines, albeit not in which order. After a set of 22 questions designed to assess baseline knowledge, the control group was shown the guidelines before answering a set of 14 post-intervention questions. The e-learning group was shown the gamified e-learning module right after the guidelines, and before answering post-intervention questions. The primary outcome was the difference in the percentage of adequate choices of PPE before and after the intervention.

Results
The participation rate was of 71% (98/138). A total of 90 answer sets was analyzed. Adequate choice of PPE increased significantly both in the control (50% [33;83] vs 25% [25;50], P = .013) and in the e-learning group (67% [50;83] vs 25% [25;50], P = .001) following the intervention. Though the median of the difference was higher in the e-learning group, there was no statistically significant superiority over the control (33% [0;58] vs 17% [− 17;42], P = .087). The e-learning module was of greatest benefit in the subgroup of student paramedics who were actively working in an ambulance company (42% [8;58] vs 25% [− 17;42], P = 0.021). There was no significant effect in student paramedics who were not actively working in an ambulance service (0% [− 25;33] vs 17% [− 8;50], P = .584).

Conclusions
The use of a gamified e-learning module increases the rate of adequate choice of PPE only among student paramedics actively working in an ambulance service. In this subgroup, combining this teaching modality with other interventions might help spare PPE and efficiently protect against COVID-19 infection.
Impact of lockdown on COVID-19 prevalence and mortality during 2020 pandemic: observational analysis of 27 countries
Authors: Meo Sultan Ayoub , Abukhalaf Abdulelah Adnan , Alomar Ali Abdullah , AlMutairi Faris Jamal , Usmani Adnan Mahmood , Klonoff David C. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to assess the impact of 15 days before, 15 days during, and 15 days after the lockdown on the trends in the prevalence and mortality in 27 countries during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
Twenty-seven countries were randomly selected from the different continents. The information on the trends in the prevalence and mortality due to COVID-19 pandemic in 27 countries was obtained from World Health Organization and lockdown data were obtained from concerned countries and their ministries. The impact of lockdown for 15 days before, 15 days during, and 15 days after the lockdown on the prevalence and mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 27 countries was analyzed.

Results
The findings showed that 15 days after the lockdown there was a trend toward a decline, but no significant decline in the mean prevalence and mean mortality rate due to the COVID-19 pandemic compared to 15 days before, and 15 days during the lockdown in 27 countries. The mean growth factor for number of cases was 1.18 and for mortality rate was 1.16.

Conclusions
The findings indicate that 15 days after the lockdown, daily cases of COVID-19 and the growth factor of the disease showed a declined trend, but there was no significant decline in the prevalence and mortality.
Integration of remote sensing and bioclimatic data for prediction of invasive species distribution in data-poor regions: a review on challenges and opportunities
Authors: Ahmed Nurhussen , Atzberger Clement , Zewdie Worku 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPrediction and modeling using integrated datasets and expertise from various disciplines greatly improve the management of invasive species. So far several attempts have been made to predict, handle, and mitigate invasive alien species impacts using specific efforts from various disciplines. Yet, the most persuasive approach is to better control its invasion and subsequent expansion by making use of cross-disciplinary knowledge and principles. However, the information in this regard is limited and experts from several disciplines have sometimes difficulties understanding well each other. In this respect, the focus of this review was to overview challenges and opportunities in integrating bioclimatic, remote sensing variables, and species distribution models (SDM) for predicting invasive species in data-poor regions. Google Scholar search engine was used to collect relevant papers, published between 2005–2020 (15 years), using keywords such as SDM, remote sensing of invasive species, and contribution of remote sensing in SDM, bioclimatic variables, invasive species distribution in data-poor regions, and invasive species distribution in Ethiopia. Information on the sole contribution of remote sensing and bioclimatic datasets for SDM, major challenges, and opportunities for integration of both datasets are systematically collected, analyzed, and discussed in table and figure formats. Several major challenges such as quality of remotely sensed data and its poor interpretation, inappropriate methods, poor selection of variables, and models were identified. Besides, the availability of Earth Observation (EO) data with high spatial and temporal resolution and their capacity to cover large and inaccessible areas at a reasonable cost, as well as progress in remote sensing data integration techniques and analysis are among the opportunities. Also, the impacts of important sensor characteristics such as spatial and temporal resolution are crucial for future research prospects. Similarly important are studies analyzing the impacts of interannual variability of vegetation and land use patterns on invasive SDM. Urgently needed are clearly defined working principles for the selection of variables and the most appropriate SDM.
ANZAED eating disorder treatment principles and general clinical practice and training standards
Authors: Heruc Gabriella , Hurst Kim , Casey Anjanette , Fleming Kate , Freeman Jeremy , Fursland Anthea , Hart Susan , Jeffrey Shane , Knight Rachel , Roberton Michelle , Roberts Marion , Shelton Beth , Stiles Garalynne , Sutherland Fiona , Thornton Chris , Wallis Andrew , Wade Tracey 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionEating disorders are complex to manage, and there is limited guidance around the depth and breadth of knowledge, skills and experience required by treatment providers. The Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED) convened an expert group of eating disorder researchers and clinicians to define the clinical practice and training standards recommended for mental health professionals and dietitians providing treatment for individuals with an eating disorder. General principles and clinical practice standards were first developed, after which separate mental health professional and dietitian standards were drafted and collated by the appropriate members of the expert group. The subsequent review process included four stages of consultation and document revision: (1) expert reviewers; (2) a face-to-face consultation workshop attended by approximately 100 health professionals working within the sector; (3) an extensive open access online consultation process; and (4) consultation with key professional and consumer/carer stakeholder organisations.RecommendationsThe resulting paper outlines and describes the following eight eating disorder treatment principles: (1) early intervention is essential; (2) co-ordination of services is fundamental to all service models; (3) services must be evidence-based; (4) involvement of significant others in service provision is highly desirable; (5) a personalised treatment approach is required for all patients; (6) education and/or psychoeducation is included in all interventions; (7) multidisciplinary care is required and (8) a skilled workforce is necessary. Seven general clinical practice standards are also discussed, including: (1) diagnosis and assessment; (2) the multidisciplinary care team; (3) a positive therapeutic alliance; (4) knowledge of evidence-based treatment; (5) knowledge of levels of care; (6) relapse prevention; and (7) professional responsibility.ConclusionsThese principles and standards provide guidance to professional training programs and service providers on the development of knowledge required as a foundation on which to build competent practice in the eating disorder field. Implementing these standards aims to bring treatment closer to best practice, and consequently improve treatment outcomes, reduce financial cost to patients and services and improve patient quality of life.
Educational diversity and individual pay: the advantages of combining academic and VET graduates in the workplace
Authors: Tuor Sartore Simone N. , Backes-Gellner Uschi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This study analyzes how worker pay is related to educational diversity, i.e., diversity in the educational composition of work groups in terms of the different types of vocational and academic education. As previous research shows that various types of diversity have positive effects in the workplace, a positive effect due to ‘educational diversity’ also seems plausible. We provide novel empirical evidence on the relation between the educational diversity of work groups and productivity, or more precisely, individual workers’ pay. Using theoretical considerations drawn from diversity research, we develop hypotheses on the relation between a group’s educational diversity and individual workers’ pay. Drawing on an exceptionally large set of employer-employee data with more than 87,000 employers and 1,200,000 employees, we test our hypotheses and find that the educational diversity of work groups—and thus work groups with workers of different types of vocational and academic education—is positively related to individual workers’ pay. Thus, educational diversity in the form of a combination of academic and Vocational Education and Training (VET) graduates in the workplace seems to be advantageous for the workers involved. Our findings suggest that educational diversity is especially beneficial in groups with high levels of task complexity and shorter organizational tenure.
Breeding habitat loss reveals limited foraging flexibility and increases foraging effort in a colonial breeding seabird
Authors: Kavelaars Marwa M. , Baert Jan M. , Stienen Eric W. M. , Shamoun-Baranes Judy , Lens Luc , Müller Wendt 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Habitat loss can force animals to relocate to new areas, where they would need to adjust to an unfamiliar resource landscape and find new breeding sites. Relocation may be costly and could compromise reproduction.

Methods
Here, we explored how the Lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus), a colonial breeding seabird species with a wide ecological niche, responds to the loss of its breeding habitat. We investigated how individuals adjusted their foraging behaviour after relocating to another colony due to breeding site destruction, and whether there were any reproductive consequences in the first years after relocation. To this end, we compared offspring growth between resident individuals and individuals that recently relocated to the same colony due to breeding habitat loss. Using GPS-tracking, we further investigated the foraging behaviour of resident individuals in both colonies, as well as that of relocated individuals, as enhanced foraging effort could represent a potential driver of reproductive costs.

Results
We found negative consequences of relocation for offspring development, which were apparent when brood demand was experimentally increased. Recently relocated gulls travelled further distances for foraging than residents, as they often visited more distant foraging sites used by residents breeding in their natal colony as well as new areas outside the home range of the residents in the colony where they settled.

Conclusions
Our results imply that relocated individuals did not yet optimally adapt to the new food landscape, which was unexpected, given the social information on foraging locations that may have been available from resident neighbours in their new breeding colony. Even though the short-term reproductive costs were comparatively low, we show that generalist species, such as the Lesser black-backed gull, may be more vulnerable to habitat loss than expected. Long term studies are needed to investigate how long individuals are affected by their relocation in order to better assess potential population effects of (breeding) habitat loss.
Clinical and mutational profiles of adult medulloblastoma groups
Authors: Wong Gabriel Chun-Hei , Li Kay Ka-Wai , Wang Wei-Wei , Liu Anthony Pak-Yin , Huang Queenie Junqi , Chan Aden Ka-Yin , Poon Manix Fung-Man , Chung Nellie Yuk-Fei , Wong Queenie Hoi-Wing , Chen Hong , Chan Danny Tat Ming , Liu Xian-Zhi , Mao Ying , Zhang Zhen-Yu , Shi Zhi-Feng , Ng Ho-Keung 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Adult medulloblastomas are clinically and molecularly understudied due to their rarity. We performed molecular grouping, targeted sequencing, and TERT promoter Sanger sequencing on a cohort of 99 adult medulloblastomas. SHH made up 50% of the cohort, whereas Group 3 (13%) was present in comparable proportion to WNT (19%) and Group 4 (18%). In contrast to paediatric medulloblastomas, molecular groups had no prognostic impact in our adult cohort (p = 0.877). Most frequently mutated genes were TERT (including promoter mutations, mutated in 36% cases), chromatin modifiers KMT2D (31%) and KMT2C (30%), TCF4 (31%), PTCH1 (27%) and DDX3X (24%). Adult WNT patients showed enrichment of TP53 mutations (6/15 WNT cases), and 3/6 TP53-mutant WNT tumours were of large cell/anaplastic histology.
Adult SHH medulloblastomas had frequent upstream pathway alterations (PTCH1 and SMO mutations) and few downstream alterations (SUFU mutations, MYCN amplifications). TERT promoter mutations were found in 72% of adult SHH patients, and were restricted to this group. Adult Group 3 tumours lacked hallmark MYC amplifications, but had recurrent mutations in KBTBD4 and NOTCH1. Adult Group 4 tumours harboured recurrent mutations in TCF4 and chromatin modifier genes. Overall, amplifications of MYC and MYCN were rare (3%). Since molecular groups were not prognostic, alternative prognostic markers are needed for adult medulloblastoma. KMT2C mutations were frequently found across molecular groups and were associated with poor survival (p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis identified histological type (p = 0.026), metastasis (p = 0.031) and KMT2C mutational status (p = 0.046) as independent prognosticators in our cohort. In summary, we identified distinct clinical and mutational characteristics of adult medulloblastomas that will inform their risk stratification and treatment.
Commentary on “time-dependent selected reaction monitoring-based GC-MS/MS method for estimation of genotoxic impurities in a new antibacterial agent: alalevonadifloxin mesylate”
Authors: Snodin D. J. , Teasdale A. , Elder D. P. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The references cited in this article to justify the analysis of alkyl mesylates in alalevonadifloxin mesylate (ALA) are considered totally inappropriate since they all present evidence showing that such esters are not formed during the synthesis of a sulfonic-acid salt using an alcohol as solvent. Relevant mechanistic and kinetic data, first published over a decade ago, demonstrate that no alkyl-sulfonate impurities are produced when an equimolar amount of methanesulfonic acid is added to the base form of a drug substance dissolved in ethanol (or a similar alcohol solvent), and so confirmatory assay data should not be required.
Variation in which key motivational and academic resources relate to academic performance disparities across introductory college courses
Authors: Blatt Lorraine , Schunn Christian D. , Votruba-Drzal Elizabeth , Rottman Benjamin Margolin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundDifferences in post-secondary academic outcomes along dimensions of gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status are a major concern. Few studies have considered differences in patterns of academic outcomes and underlying mechanisms driving disparities across different STEM disciplines. Using data from about 4000 undergraduates in introductory STEM courses at a large, urban university in the eastern United States, this study examines how differences in course grades by gender, race/ethnicity, and parent education vary in introductory chemistry, physics, and psychology courses. In addition, structural equation modeling techniques examine whether academic resources and discipline-specific motivational attitudes are important mediators of demographic differences in course grades.ResultsThis study finds that women have higher course grades than men on average in psychology, and men have marginally higher grades than women in physics. In addition, students whose race/ethnicity is represented or overrepresented in these courses (students who are White and or Asian) have higher course grades in chemistry and physics and marginally higher grades in psychology on average compared with underrepresented students (who are Black, Latinx, Native American, Pacific Islander, and or other racial/ethnic backgrounds). Further, first-generation college students have lower course grades in physics and psychology on average than students with a college-educated parent. The largest average differences in course performance are about half a full letter grade (e.g., the difference between a B and an A−). This study also finds that some demographic differences in physics and chemistry performance are linked to math resources whereas some disparities in psychology are more related to verbal resources. In addition, the results suggest discipline-specific self-efficacy is a motivational attitude associated with course performance in chemistry, physics, and psychology, while discipline-specific interest is only relevant in chemistry.ConclusionsOverall, the findings emphasize that there are demographic differences in post-secondary course performance on average, and academic resources and motivational attitudes help explain these differences. Importantly, the specific findings differ across chemistry, physics, and psychology. Understanding these pathways and how they are similar and different across disciplines within STEM is crucial for developing interventions aimed at attenuating disparities in post-secondary academic outcomes.
Performance evaluation of the particle swarm optimization algorithm to unambiguously estimate plasma parameters from incoherent scatter radar signals
Authors: Martínez-Ledesma Miguel , Jaramillo Montoya Francisco 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSimultaneously estimating plasma parameters of the ionosphere presents a problem for the incoherent scatter radar (ISR) technique at altitudes between ~ 130 and ~ 300 km. Different mixtures of ion concentrations and temperatures generate almost identical backscattered signals, hindering the discrimination between plasma parameters. This temperature–ion composition ambiguity problem is commonly solved either by using models of ionospheric parameters or by the addition of parameters determined from the plasma line of the radar. Some studies demonstrated that it is also possible to unambiguously estimate ISR signals with very low signal fluctuation using the most frequently used non-linear least squares (NLLS) fitting algorithm. In a previous study, the unambiguous estimation performance of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was evaluated, outperforming the standard NLLS algorithm fitting signals with very small fluctuations. Nevertheless, this study considered a confined search range of plasma parameters assuming a priori knowledge of the behavior of the ion composition and signals with very large SNR obtained at the Arecibo Observatory, which are not commonly feasible at other ISR facilities worldwide. In the present study, we conduct Monte Carlo simulations of PSO fittings to evaluate the performance of this algorithm at different signal fluctuation levels. We also determine the effect of adding different combinations of parameters known from the plasma line, different search ranges, and internal configurations of PSO parameters. Results suggest that similar performances are obtained by PSO and NLLS algorithms, but PSO has much larger computational requirements. The PSO algorithm obtains much lower convergences when no a priori information is provided. The a priori knowledge ofNeand$${T}_{e}/{T}_{i}$$Te/Tiparameters shows better convergences and “correct” estimations. Also, results demonstrate that the addition of$${N}_{e}$$Neand$${T}_{e}$$Teparameters provides the most information to solve the ambiguity problem using both optimization algorithms.