bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal conductivity mapping of oxidized SiC/SiC composites by time‐domain thermoreflectance with heterodyne detection
Authors: Ji Xiaoyang , Cheng Zhe , Pek Ella K. , Cahill David G. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSilicon carbide/silicon carbide (SiC/SiC) composites are often used in oxidizing environments at high temperatures. Measurements of the thermal conductance of the oxide layer provide a way to better understand the oxidation process with high spatial resolution. We use time‐domain thermoreflectance (TDTR) to map the thermal conductance of the oxide layer and the thermal conductivity of the SiC/SiC composite with a spatial resolution of 3 μm. Heterodyne detection using a 50‐kHz‐modulated probe beam and a 10‐MHz‐modulated pump suppresses the coherent pick‐up and enables faster data acquisition than what has previously been possible using sequential demodulation. By analyzing the noise of the measured signals, we find that in the limit of small integration time constants or low laser powers, the dominant source of noise is the input noise of the preamplifier. The thermal conductance of the oxide that forms on the fiber region is lower than the oxide on the matrix due to small differences in thickness and thermal conductivity.
Using model selection to choose a size‐based condition index that is consistent with operational welfare indicators
Authors: Rey Sonia , Treasurer Jim , Pattillo Connie , McAdam Bruce J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractQuantitative and qualitative measures of fish health and welfare are essential for management of both wild capture and aquaculture species. These measures include morphometric body condition indices, energetic condition and aquaculture operational welfare indicators (OWIs). Measures vary in ease of measurement (and may require destructive sampling), and it is critical to know how well they correlate with fish health and welfare so appropriate management decisions can be based on them. Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) is a new farming species that needs nondestructive OWIs to be developed and validated. In this study, we developed a C. lumpus fin damage score. Four different body condition indexes based on individual weight relative to either length–weight relationships or relative to other fish in its local environment were tested (using model selection) as predictors of individual fin damage. Results showed severity of fin damage was predicted by small size relative to the other individuals in the tank or cage. Body condition based on length–weight relationship was not found to predict fin damage, indicating that using established indices from fisheries or from other species would not predict welfare risks from fin damage. Implications are that especially in hatchery conditions grading will improve the condition index, and is expected to mitigate fin damage, but that low weight at length was not of use in predicting fin damage. Model selection to choose between a suite of possible indices proved powerful and should be considered in other applications where an easily measured index is needed to correlate with other health measures.
Sovereign Risk and the Bank Lending Channel: Differences across Countries and the Effects of the Financial Crisis
Authors: CANTERO‐SAIZ MARÍA , SANFILIPPO‐AZOFRA SERGIO , TORRE‐OLMO BEGOÑA 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis article analyses how sovereign risk affects the bank lending channel of monetary policy, and tests whether these effects differed before, during, and after the onset of the financial crisis. This issue was analysed only in the eurozone during the sovereign debt crisis. However, these results are difficult to extrapolate to other countries. First, Europe is the only developed region that has experienced sovereign risk concerns. Second, it has a centralised monetary regime controlled by the European Central Bank, so it is more difficult to adapt monetary decisions to the specific level of sovereign risk in each country. To overcome these limitations, our analysis is based on two country scenarios: (1) developed countries (eurozone vs. noneurozone countries); and (2) developing countries. We find that the role of sovereign risk in the transmission of monetary policy is very complex, and its significance not only varied before, during, and after the global financial crisis, but also in developed and developing countries.
Good hearing outcome in children recovering from non‐polio enteroviral meningitis
Authors: Choong Chew Thye , Lee Elis Y , Tan Henry K K , Lazaroo Derek , Tan Natalie W H 
Published: April 2021

AimEvaluation of hearing outcome in children following non‐polio enteroviral meningitis (EVM).MethodsWe reviewed hearing outcome of children, aged ≤15 years, with EVM managed at our institution over a 4‐year period from July 2008 to July 2011 and January–December 2015. Children with concomitant bacterial infections, and those who required intensive care, or with a prior history of hearing impairment or immunodeficiency were excluded. Data on demographics, medical history, presentation and outcome of hearing screen were collected. The children attended post‐meningitis review and hearing screen utilising transient‐evoked otoacoustic emission testing at 8–10 weeks. Children who failed the transient‐evoked otoacoustic emission testing and those with caregiver concerns were referred to otolaryngology for comprehensive audiologic evaluation.ResultsThe study cohort consisted of 179 children, aged from 3 days to 15 years, of whom 158 (89%) were younger than 90 days of age. Eleven were preterm infants. A total of 158 children had received intravenous gentamicin at 5–7.5 mg/kg/day for a median duration of 2 days. All 179 study participants were found to have good hearing post EVM.ConclusionHearing outcome in children recovering from EVM is good.
Examining differences in parents' perceptions of children's physical activity versus screen time guidelines and behaviours
Authors: Jarvis Jocelyn W , Berry Tanya R , Carson Valerie , Rhodes Ryan E , Lithopoulos Alexander , Latimer‐Cheung Amy E 
Published: April 2021

AimMost Canadian and Australian children do not meet Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG) or Screen Time Guidelines (STG). Regarding the social issue advertising believability model (SIABM), parental support for these behaviours may depend upon how believable parents find guideline messages. The aim of the study was to examine differences in parents' SIABM variables and perceived behavioural control for PAG and STG messages.MethodsData were collected online; 499 Canadian parents with at least one child aged 5–11 years (75.6% mothers) participated. Differences in model variables were analysed using analyses of variance.ResultsParents demonstrated greater issue involvement, attitudes towards the issue, parental support attitudes and perceived behavioural control for the PAG compared to the STG (d > 0.10). Mothers believed the messages more and had more favourable attitudes towards the issues as compared to fathers (d > 0.21).ConclusionsParents' evaluations of PAG messages and corresponding supportive behaviours were generally more positive than STG. Future messages should emphasise supportive behaviours for screen time reduction that are feasible and enjoyable for children.
Predictors and age‐dependent pattern of psychologic problems in childhood atopic dermatitis
Authors: Hou Alexander , Silverberg Jonathan I. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesLittle is known about the predictors and trends of psychological comorbidities in childhood atopic dermatitis (AD), or whether they occur in an age‐dependent pattern. We hypothesized racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities lead to increased psychological problems among children with AD and psychological comorbidities occur in an age‐dependent manner.MethodsWe analyzed cross‐sectional data on 228 898 children aged 2‐17 years from the 1997‐2018 National Health Interview Survey.ResultsChildren with AD had higher proportions of depression/sadness (17.2% vs 12.6%; odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.44 [1.37‐1.51]), attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder (ADD/ADHD) (10.0% vs 7.1%; 1.46 [1.38‐1.55]), emotional/behavioral difficulties (29.9% vs 23.5%; 1.77 [1.69‐1.84]), feelings of frequent worry (38.8% vs 23.5%; 1.66 [1.58‐1.74]), and autism (1.9% vs 0.9%; 2.00 [1.75‐2.29]). Among children with AD, psychologic comorbidity was associated with atopic comorbidities and multimorbidity and white race, households with lower income and education, and no insurance coverage. In children with or without AD, the prevalence of autism peaked during pre‐adolescence; ADD/ADHD and emotional/behavioral difficulties peaked in adolescence; and depression/sadness and feelings of frequent worry increased steadily throughout childhood without plateau.ConclusionAtopic dermatitis was associated with multiple psychologic disorders, particularly among those with atopic comorbidities, white race, and low household income. Psychologic comorbidities increased in an age‐dependent pattern, though similar to children without AD.
Implementation outcomes of national decentralization of integrated outpatient services for severe non‐communicable diseases to district hospitals in Rwanda
Authors: Niyonsenga Simon Pierre , Park Paul H. , Ngoga Gedeon , Ntaganda Evariste , Kateera Fredrick , Gupta Neil , Rwagasore Edson , Rwunganira Samuel , Munyarugo Antoine , Mutumbira Cadet , Dusabayezu Symaque , Eagan Arielle , Boudreaux Chantelle , Noble Christopher , Muhimpundu Marie Aimee , Ndayisaba F. Gilles , Nsanzimana Sabin , Bukhman Gene , Uwinkindi Francois 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesEffective coverage of non‐communicable disease (NCD) care in sub‐Saharan Africa remains low, with the majority of services still largely restricted to central referral centres. Between 2015 and 2017, the Rwandan Ministry of Health implemented a strategy to decentralise outpatient care for severe chronic NCDs, including type 1 diabetes, heart failure and severe hypertension, to rural first‐level hospitals. This study describes the facility‐level implementation outcomes of this strategy.MethodsIn 2014, the Ministry of Health trained two nurses in each of the country’s 42 first‐level hospitals to implement and deliver nurse‐led, integrated, outpatient NCD clinics, which focused on severe NCDs. Post‐intervention evaluation occurred via repeated cross‐sectional surveys, informal interviews and routinely collected clinical data over two rounds of visits in 2015 and 2017. Implementation outcomes included fidelity, feasibility and penetration.ResultsBy 2017, all NCD clinics were staffed by at least one NCD‐trained nurse. Among the approximately 27 000 nationally enrolled patients, hypertension was the most common diagnosis (70%), followed by type 2 diabetes (19%), chronic respiratory disease (5%), type 1 diabetes (4%) and heart failure (2%). With the exception of warfarin and beta‐blockers, national essential medicines were available at more than 70% of facilities. Clinicians adhered to clinical protocols at approximately 70% agreement with evaluators.ConclusionThe government of Rwanda was able to scale a nurse‐led outpatient NCD programme to all first‐level hospitals with good fidelity, feasibility and penetration as to expand access to care for severe NCDs.
Bio‐electrochemical evaluation of two‐stage constructed wetland microbial fuel cells with high strength raw domestic wastewater and simultaneous energy recovery
Authors: Thakur Somil , Das Bhaskar 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn the present study, two‐stage constructed wetland microbial fuel cell (CW‐MFC) systems were investigated for the treatment of raw domestic wastewater and bioelectricity generation under continuous regime and high organic loading in the presence and absence of Canna indica plant species. Results showed that two‐stage reactors with and without plant produced maximum cell voltage of 0.39, 0.59 V, and 0.27, 0.47 V respectively under OLR of 1.2–3.2 kgCOD/m3/d while maximum NERs obtained by systems were 6.85, 4.10, 5.24, 2.28 Wh/kgCOD. Moreover, the highest COD removal efficiencies of 82.29% and 55.72% were achieved for system with plant and without plant respectively. Overall, two‐stage systems showed enhanced utilization of wastewater biomass in to bioelectricity and better pollution removal with Canna indica plant. This work is particularly significant in most of the developing countries where the untreated sewage is of similar COD and TSS range.
Active Older Adults Keep Aerobic Capacity and Experience Small Reductions in Body Strength During Confinement Due to COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Bohn Lucimere , Barros Duarte , Borges-Machado Flávia , Carrapatoso Susana , Pizarro Andreia N. , Carvalho Joana 
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study was to observe the home-confinement effects on physical fitness, physical activity (PA), and body composition in active older adults, and to compare physical fitness and PA according to quality of life (QoL) during confinement. A total of 72 physically active older adults (61.1% females; 74.24 ± 5.57 years) were assessed pre- and postconfinement for aerobic capacity (6-min walk test), lower (30-s sit-to-stand), and upper (30-s arm-curl) body strength, PA (short-version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and QoL (EQ-5D-visual analogue scale). The pre- and postconfinement comparisons show declines in upper (−2.24 ± 0.45 repetitions;p < .001; η2 = .276) and lower body strength (−2.65 ± 0.42 repetitions;p < .001; η2 = .378) in both genders, but not in aerobic capacity. Ninety percentage of older adults perceived a decline in PA. Older adults reporting high QoL increased 19.27 ± 97.04 m in the 6-min walk test, while the participants with low QoL reduced 28.32 ± 63.27 m (p = .018; η2 = .090). Previously active older adults did not have their aerobic capacity decrease significantly despite a decline in upper and lower body strength during an 11-week home confinement period.
Factors associated with the disbursements of development assistance for health in low-income and middle-income countries, 2002–2017
Authors: Moitra Modhurima , Cogswell Ian , Maddison Emilie , Simpson Kyle , Stutzman Hayley , Tsakalos Golsum , Dieleman Joseph , Micah Angela E 
Published: April 2021

IntroductionIn 2017, development assistance for health (DAH) comprised 5.3% of total health spending in low-income countries. Despite the key role DAH plays in global health-spending, little is known about the characteristics of assistance that may be associated with committed assistance that is actually disbursed. In this analysis, we examine associations between these characteristics and disbursement of committed assistance.MethodsWe extracted data from the Creditor Reporting System of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and the WHO National Health Accounts database. Factors examined were off-budget assistance, administrative assistance, publicly sourced assistance and assistance to health systems strengthening. Recipient-country characteristics examined were perceived level of corruption, civil fragility and gross domestic product per capita (GDPpc). We used linear regression methods for panel of data to assess the proportion of committed aid that was disbursed for a given country-year, for each data source.ResultsFactors that were associated with a higher disbursement rates include off-budget aid (p<0.001), lower administrative expenses (p<0.01), lower perceived corruption in recipient country (p<0.001), lower fragility in recipient country (p<0.05) and higher GDPpc (p<0.05).ConclusionSubstantial gaps remain between commitments and disbursements. Characteristics of assistance (administrative, publicly sourced) and indicators of government transparency and fragility are also important drivers associated with disbursement of DAH. There remains a continued need for better aid flow reporting standards and clarity around aid types for better measurement of DAH.
Spillover effects of adult children’s schooling on parents’ smoking cessation: evidence from China’s compulsory schooling reform
Authors: Xie Liyang , Xu Wei , Zhou Yi 
Published: April 2021

ObjectiveAs elderly parents today will share a longer life with their children than ever before, the spillover effects of children’s human capital on parents’ well-being become increasingly important. This study investigated whether children’s schooling leads parents to give up smoking and whether the effects were moderated by their education or child–parent contact frequency.MethodsUsing data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, we conducted an instrumental variable (IV) analysis using China’s compulsory schooling reform in the 1980s as a natural experiment.ResultsThe IV estimates suggest that elderly parents of more highly educated children are more likely to quit smoking. Moreover, the effects are more significant among parents who had not finished primary school and also slightly stronger among parents who live close to their children or meet their children frequently.DiscussionOur findings add to current evidence regarding spillover effects of education on smoking cessation. A child’s education may exert an impact through the spillover of health knowledge.
Dental attendance and behavioural pathways to adult oral health inequalities
Authors: Guarnizo-Herreño Carol C , Scholes Shaun , Heilmann Anja , O'Connor Rhiannon , Fuller Elizabeth , Shen Jing , Watt Richard G , Morris Steve , Wildman John , Tsakos Georgios 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundWhile inequalities in oral health are documented, little is known about the extent to which they are attributable to potentially modifiable factors. We examined the role of behavioural and dental attendance pathways in explaining oral health inequalities among adults in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.MethodsUsing nationally representative data, we analysed inequalities in self-rated oral health and number of natural teeth. Highest educational attainment, equivalised household income and occupational social class were used to derive a latent socioeconomic position (SEP) variable. Pathways were dental attendance and behaviours (smoking and oral hygiene). We used structural equation modelling to test the hypothesis that SEP influences oral health directly and also indirectly via dental attendance and behavioural pathways.ResultsLower SEP was directly associated with fewer natural teeth and worse self-rated oral health (standardised path coefficients, −0.21 (SE=0.01) and −0.10 (SE=0.01), respectively). We also found significant indirect effects via behavioural factors for both outcomes and via dental attendance primarily for self-rated oral health. While the standardised parameters of total effects were similar between the two outcomes, for number of teeth, the estimated effect of SEP was mostly direct while for self-rated oral health, it was almost equally split between direct and indirect effects.ConclusionReducing inequalities in dental attendance and health behaviours is necessary but not sufficient to tackle socioeconomic inequalities in oral health.
Real-time ultrasound-guided low thoracic epidural catheter placement: technical consideration and fluoroscopic evaluation
Authors: Kim Doo-Hwan , Lee Jong-Hyuk , Sim Ji Hoon , Jeong Wonyeong , Lee Dokyeong , Kwon Hye-Mee , Choi Seong-Soo , Jeong Sung-Moon 
Published: April 2021

Background and objectiveThoracic epidural analgesia can significantly reduce acute postoperative pain. However, thoracic epidural catheter placement is challenging. Although real-time ultrasound (US)-guided thoracic epidural catheter placement has been recently introduced, data regarding the accuracy and technical description are limited. Therefore, this prospective observational study aimed to assess the success rate and describe the technical considerations of real-time US-guided low thoracic epidural catheter placement.Methods38 patients in the prone position were prospectively studied. After the target interlaminar space between T9 and T12 was identified, the needle was advanced under real-time US guidance and was stopped just short of the posterior complex. Further advancement of the needle was accomplished without US guidance using loss-of-resistance techniques to normal saline until the epidural space was accessed. Procedure-related variables such as time to mark space, needling time, number of needle passes, number of skin punctures, and the first-pass success rate were measured. The primary outcome was the success rate of real-time US-guided thoracic epidural catheter placement, which was evaluated using fluoroscopy. In addition, the position of the catheter, contrast dispersion, and complications were evaluated.ResultsThis study included 38 patients. The T10–T11 interlaminar space was the most location for epidural access. During the procedure, the mean time for marking the overlying skin for the procedure was 49.5±13.8 s and the median needling time was 49 s. The median number of needle passes was 1.0 (1.0–1.0). All patients underwent one skin puncture for the procedure. The first-pass and second-pass success rates were 76.3% and 18.4%, respectively. Fluoroscopic evaluation revealed that the catheter tips were all positioned in the epidural space and were usually located between T9 and T10 (84.2%). The cranial and caudal contrast dispersion were observed up to 5.4±1.6 and 2.6±1.0 vertebral body levels, respectively. No procedure-related complications occurred.ConclusionReal-time US guidance appears to be a feasible option for facilitating thoracic epidural insertion. Whether or not this technique improves the procedural success and quality compared with landmark-based techniques will require additional study.Trial registration numberNCT03890640.
Timing ofMycobacterium tuberculosisexposure explains variation in BCG effectiveness: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Trauer James M , Kawai Andrew , Coussens Anna K , Datta Manjula , Williams Bridget M , McBryde Emma S , Ragonnet Romain 
Published: April 2021

RationaleThe heterogeneity in efficacy observed in studies of BCG vaccination is not fully explained by currently accepted hypotheses, such as latitudinal gradient in non-tuberculous mycobacteria exposure.MethodsWe updated previous systematic reviews of the effectiveness of BCG vaccination to 31 December 2020. We employed an identical search strategy and inclusion/exclusion criteria to these earlier reviews, but reclassified several studies, developed an alternative classification system and considered study demography, diagnostic approach and tuberculosis (TB)-related epidemiological context.Main resultsOf 21 included trials, those recruiting neonates and children aged under 5 were consistent in demonstrating considerable protection against TB for several years. Trials in high-burden settings with shorter follow-up also showed considerable protection, as did most trials in settings of declining burden with longer follow-up. However, the few trials performed in high-burden settings with longer follow-up showed no protection, sometimes with higher case rates in the vaccinated than the controls in the later follow-up period.ConclusionsThe most plausible explanatory hypothesis for these results is that BCG protects against TB that results from exposure shortly after vaccination. However, we found no evidence of protection when exposure occurs later from vaccination, which would be of greater importance in trials in high-burden settings with longer follow-up. In settings of declining burden, most exposure occurs shortly following vaccination and the sustained protection observed for many years thereafter represents continued protection against this early exposure. By contrast, in settings of continued intense transmission, initial protection subsequently declines with repeated exposure toMycobacterium tuberculosisor other pathogens.