bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The social protection of platform workers in Romania: Meeting the growing demand for affordable and adequate coverage?
Authors: Roşioru Felicia 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn a changing world of work, platform workers struggle to gain adequate protection, and effective access to the benefits provided by the social security system form a part of this. Social security benefits in Romania are particular in that access is based on a person having a professional income, regardless of the legal status of the worker (subordinate or self‐employed). As a rule, all workers are covered in the event of illness and changing family circumstances as well as for pensions. In contrast, coverage for self‐employed workers for unemployment benefits, work injury and occupational disease benefits, paid leave in the event of illness, protection against the risks related to pregnancy or to care for a sick child is voluntary. Given the diffusion of platform work, the article addresses the specific situation of platform workers in Romania, formally covered by the social security system, but who face obstacles related to eligibility criteria, administrative formalities, the risk of the automatic termination of work and intermittent work patterns.
Making recovery meaningful for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Trustam Emma , Chapman Philippa , Shanahan Paul 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundA recovery approach within mental health services has gained momentum. Its meaning for adults with intellectual disabilities recovering from mental health disorders is less understood. Peoples' experiences of recovery were explored to help inform recovery‐focused recommendations for clinical practise.MethodA qualitative design using interpretative phenomenological analysis was applied. Nine interviews with people with intellectual disabilities who had experienced mental health disorders were conducted.ResultsTwo themes that emerged focusing on entry to service and the recovery experience. Subthemes for entry to service included unfair treatment, valuing information and managing expectations. The recovery experience subthemes were therapeutic alliance, self‐management, emotional development, autonomy, connectedness, positive identity and a belief in recovery.ConclusionsHearing peoples' experiences directly allowed the current themes to emerge in the context of living with lifelong disabilities. This article adds to the sparse literature and highlights considerations for recovery‐based interventions for people with intellectual disabilities.
Association of increased levels of omentin‐1 and carotid intima‐media thickness with early signs of cardiovascular risk in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A prospective case control study
Authors: Alanya Tosun Şebnem , Gurbuz Tugba , Cebi Aysegul , Tosun Alptekin , Gokmen Oya , Usta Murat 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimOmentin‐1, an adipokine primarily secreted from visceral adipose tissue, regulates metabolic homeostasis, whereas carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) is a valid marker for early diagnosis of atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is related to levels of omentin‐1 and CIMT and demonstrate the association with cardiovascular risk.MethodsA prospective case–control study was performed on 47 PCOS patients and 35 healthy subjects. Hormonal and metabolic parameters, levels of serum omentin‐1, and CIMT were evaluated in the two groups.ResultsThe right, left, total CIMT, and levels of serum omentin‐1 were significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the healthy controls (p = 0.015, p = 0.009, p = 0.021, and p = 0.002, respectively). Using multiple linear and backward elimination regression analyses, serum omentin‐1 was found to be independently associated with age and Ln‐transformed homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and cardiovascular parameters were independently associated with body mass index (BMI). In the PCOS group, the means of right, left, and total CIMT were significantly higher in the subgroup with BMI levels ≥25 kg/m2 compared to the subgroup with BMI levels <25 kg/m2 (p < 0.001 for all comparisons).ConclusionA significant increase in CIMT is associated with cardiovascular risk in patients with PCOS. Levels of serum omentin‐1 were found to be significantly higher in early PCOS cases at a younger age, acting as a protective acute‐phase reactant.
Knowledge Acquisition of Self-Organizing Systems With Deep Multiagent Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Ji Hao , Jin Yan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSelf-organizing systems (SOS) can perform complex tasks in unforeseen situations with adaptability. Previous work has introduced field-based approaches and rule-based social structuring for individual agents to not only comprehend the task situations but also take advantage of the social rule-based agent relations to accomplish their tasks without a centralized controller. Although the task fields and social rules can be predefined for relatively simple task situations, when the task complexity increases and the task environment changes, having a priori knowledge about these fields and the rules may not be feasible. In this paper, a multiagent reinforcement learning (RL) based model is proposed as a design approach to solving the rule generation problem with complex SOS tasks. A deep multiagent reinforcement learning algorithm was devised as a mechanism to train SOS agents for knowledge acquisition of the task field and social rules. Learning stability, functional differentiation, and robustness properties of this learning approach were investigated with respect to the changing team sizes and task variations. Through computer simulation studies of a box-pushing problem, the results have shown that there is an optimal range of the number of agents that achieves good learning stability; agents in a team learn to differentiate from other agents with changing team sizes and box dimensions; the robustness of the learned knowledge shows to be stronger to the external noises than with changing task constraints.
Determination of the Inverse Kinematics Branches of Solution Based on Joint Coordinates for Universal Robots-Like Serial Robot Architecture
Authors: Schreiber Louis-Thomas , Gosselin Clément 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This paper introduces a classification of the inverse kinematics solutions (or robot postures) of six degrees-of-freedom serial robots with a geometry based on or similar to Universal Robots’ arms. The solution of the inverse kinematics problem is first presented briefly, and the equations required to classify the robot postures(branches) based on the joint coordinates are then introduced.
Experimental Study on the Heat Transfer Performance of a Stainless-Steel Heat Pipe With Sintered Fiber Wick
Authors: Mo Haijun , Zhao Hang , Wang Xiaowu , Cao Rui , Wan Zhenping , Tao Sulian 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
A kind of stainless-steel heat pipe with sintered fiber wick is investigated with the aim to improve the heat dissipation when it is used in spent fuel pools in nuclear power plants. The effects of test angle, porosity, and the filling rate on the heat transfer performance of the heat pipe are studied. At a test angle of 90 deg, the permeability plays an important role in the power limit since gravity can provide the necessary driving force. Larger porosity involves poor heat conductivity although it results in better permeability. When the test angle is zero, gravity is no longer the driving force. In this case, the evaporation section can still avoid dry burning because part of the evaporation section is dipped in deionized water. Therefore, permeability and filling ratio are two important factors influencing the power limit. Filling rate determines the vapor-flowing space. When the test angle is smaller than zero, gravity becomes a resistance force. Then, the lag tension and the filling rate exert the greatest influence on the performance of the heat pipe. Smaller porosity corresponds to a smaller contact angle.
“You Kick Like A Girl!” The Effects of Gender Stereotypes on Motor Skill Learning in Young Adolescents
Authors: Mousavi Seyyed Mohammadreza , Gray Laura , Beik Sahar , Deshayes Maxime 
Published: October 2021

This study investigated the effect of gender stereotypes on (a) a soccer learning task based on accuracy (i.e., shooting on different size targets) among young adolescents and (b) the strategy used to score as many points as possible. After performing 10 baseline trials, 45 young adolescents were randomly divided into three groups: positive stereotype, negative stereotype, and control. Then, they performed five blocks of 10 trials and two retention tests, 1 and 3 days after the stereotype manipulation to assess the relatively permanent consequences of stereotype effects. Results showed that when the negative stereotype was induced, participants performed worse during the acquisition phase and the first retention test. The positive stereotype only had a positive effect on performance during the second retention test. These findings provide the first evidence of the effect of gender stereotypes on motor learning tasks requiring accuracy among young adolescents.
Why is Kangaroo Mother Care not yet scaled in the UK? A systematic review and realist synthesis of a frugal innovation for newborn care
Authors: Stefani Giulietta , Skopec Mark , Battersby Cheryl , Harris Matthew 
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveKangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a frugal innovation improving newborn health at a reduced cost compared with incubator use. KMC is widely recommended; however, in the UK, poor evidence exists on KMC, and its implementation remains inconsistent.DesignThis Systematic Review and Realist Synthesis explores the barriers and facilitators in the implementation of KMC in the UK.Data sourceOVID databases, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus and Google Scholar were searched.Eligibility criteriaStudies were UK based, in maternity/neonatal units, for full-term/preterm children. First screening included studies on (1) KMC, Kangaroo Care (KC) or skin-to-skin contact (SSC) or (2) Baby Friendly Initiative, Small Wonders Change Program or family-centred care if in relation to KMC/KC/SSC. Full texts were reviewed for evidence regarding KMC/KC/SSC implementation.ResultsThe paucity of KMC research in the UK did not permit a realist review. However, expanded review of available published studies on KC and SSC, used as a proxy to understand KMC implementation, demonstrated that the main barriers are the lack of training, knowledge, confidence and clear guidelines.ConclusionThe lack of KMC implementation research in the UK stands in contrast to the already well-proven benefits of KMC for stable babies in low-income contexts and highlights the need for further research, especially in sick and small newborn population. Implementation of, and research into, KC/SSC is inconsistent and of low quality. Improvements are needed to enhance staff training and parental support, and to develop guidelines to properly implement KC/SSC. It should be used as an opportunity to emphasise the focus on KMC as a potential cost-effective alternative to reduce the need for incubator use in the UK.
Recruiters’ perspectives and experiences of trial recruitment processes: a qualitative evidence synthesis protocol
Authors: Farrar Nicola , Elliott Daisy , Jepson Marcus , Houghton Catherine , Young Bridget , Donovan Jenny , Rooshenas Leila 
Published: October 2021

IntroductionRecruitment to randomised trials (RCTs) is often challenging. Reviews of interventions to improve recruitment have highlighted a paucity of effective interventions aimed at recruiters and the need for further research in this area. Understanding the perspectives and experiences of those involved in RCT recruitment can help to identify barriers and facilitators to recruitment, and subsequently inform future interventions to support recruitment. This protocol describes methods for a proposed qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) of recruiters’ perspectives and experiences relating to RCT recruitment.Methods and analysisThe proposed review will synthesise studies reporting clinical and non-clinical recruiters’ perspectives and experiences of recruiting to RCTs. The following databases will be searched: Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycInfo, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ORRCA and Web of Science. A thematic synthesis approach to analysing the data will be used. An assessment of methodological limitations of each study will be performed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Assessing the confidence in the review findings will be evaluated using the GRADE Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (GRADE-CERQual) tool.Ethics and disseminationThe proposed QES will not require ethical approval as it includes only published literature. The results of the synthesis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and publicised using social media. The results will be considered alongside other work addressing factors affecting recruitment in order to inform future development and refinement of recruitment interventions.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020141297.
Gut microbiome, enteric infections and child growth across a rural–urban gradient: protocol for the ECoMiD prospective cohort study
Authors: Lee Gwenyth O , Eisenberg Joseph N S , Uruchima Jessica , Vasco Gabriela , Smith Shanon M , Van Engen Amanda , Victor Courtney , Reynolds Elise , MacKay Rebecca , Jesser Kelsey J , Castro Nancy , Calvopiña Manuel , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T , Cevallos William , Trueba Gabriel , Levy Karen 
Published: October 2021

IntroductionThe functional consequences of the bacterial gut microbiome for child health are not well understood. Characteristics of the early child gut microbiome may influence the course of enteric infections, and enteric infections may change the composition of the gut microbiome, all of which may have long-term implications for child growth and development.Methods and analysisWe are conducting a community-based birth cohort study to examine interactions between gut microbiome conditions and enteric infections, and how environmental conditions affect the development of the gut microbiome. We will follow 360 newborns from 3 sites along a rural–urban gradient in northern coastal Ecuador, characterising enteric infections and gut microbial communities in the children every 3 to 6 months over their first 2 years of life. We will use longitudinal regression models to assess the correlation between environmental conditions and gut microbiome diversity and presence of specific taxa, controlling for factors that are known to be associated with the gut microbiome, such as diet. From 6 to 12 months of age, we will collect weekly stool samples to compare microbiome conditions in diarrhoea stools versus stools from healthy children prior to, during and after acute enteric infections, using principal-coordinate analysis and other multivariate statistical methods.Ethics and disseminationEthics approvals have been obtained from Emory University and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito institutional review boards. The findings will be disseminated through conference presentations and peer-reviewed journals.
Paediatric tuberculosis preventive treatment preferences among HIV-positive children, caregivers and healthcare providers in Eswatini: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Hirsch-Moverman Yael , Strauss Michael , George Gavin , Mutiti Anthony , Mafukidze Arnold , Shongwe Siphesihle , Dube Gloria Sisi , El Sadr Wafaa M , Mantell Joanne E , Howard Andrea A 
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveIsoniazid preventive therapy initiation and completion rates are suboptimal among children. Shorter tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment (TPT) regimens have demonstrated safety and efficacy in children and may improve adherence but are not widely used in high TB burden countries. Understanding preferences regarding TPT regimens’ characteristics and service delivery models is key to designing services to improve TPT initiation and completion rates. We examined paediatric TPT preferences in Eswatini, a high TB burden country.DesignWe conducted a sequential mixed-methods study utilising qualitative methods to inform the design of a discrete choice experiment (DCE) among HIV-positive children, caregivers and healthcare providers (HCP). Drug regimen and service delivery characteristics included pill size and formulation, dosing frequency, medication taste, treatment duration and visit frequency, visit cost, clinic wait time, and clinic operating hours. An unlabelled, binary choice design was used; data were analysed using fixed and mixed effects logistic regression models, with stratified models for children, caregivers and HCP.SettingThe study was conducted in 20 healthcare facilities providing TB/HIV care in Manzini, Eswatini, from November 2018 to December 2019.ParticipantsNinety-one stakeholders completed in-depth interviews to inform the DCE design; 150 children 10–14 years, 150 caregivers and 150 HCP completed the DCE.ResultsDespite some heterogeneity, the results were fairly consistent among participants, with palatability of medications viewed as the most important TPT attribute; fewer and smaller pills were also preferred. Additionally, shorter waiting times and cost of visit were found to be significant drivers of choices.ConclusionPalatable medication, smaller/fewer pills, low visit costs and shorter clinic wait times are important factors when designing TPT services for children and should be considered as new paediatric TPT regimens in Eswatini are rolled out. More research is needed to determine the extent to which preferences drive TPT initiation, adherence and completion rates.
How can we strengthen mental health services in Swedish youth clinics? A health policy and systems study protocol
Authors: Richter Sundberg Linda , Christianson Monica , Wiklund Maria , Hurtig Anna-Karin , Goicolea Isabel 
Published: October 2021

IntroductionStrengthening first-line mental healthcare services for youth remains a priority for the Swedish government. The government is currently investigating how different sectors involved can be strengthened, but evidence is scarce. Youth clinics play a key role in these discussions, being one of the most trusted services for youth. However, analysis of organisational functions and coordination with other services is important to strengthen youth clinics’ role in first-line mental healthcare. This study investigates these challenges and aims to analyse the integration of mental healthcare within youth clinics to identify strategies to strengthen first-line mental healthcare for youth in Sweden.Methods and analysisThis study adopts a health policy and systems approach. In the first phase, a formative realist evaluation is conducted to ascertain what works in terms of integrating mental healthcare services within youth clinics, for what type of youth subpopulations and under what circumstances. National-level stakeholders will be interviewed to elicit the programme theory that explains how the intervention is supposed to work. The programme theory will then be tested in three–five cases. The cases will be comprised of youth clinics and their stakeholders. Quantitative and qualitative information will be gathered, including via visual methodologies and questionnaires. The second phase includes a concept mapping study, engaging stakeholders and young people to build consensus on strategies to strengthen the integration of mental healthcare into youth clinics.Ethics and disseminationThe Swedish Ethical Review Authority has approved the study (2019-02910 and 2020-04720). The results will be published in open-access peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences.
Total hip arthroplasty versus progressive resistance training in patients with severe hip osteoarthritis: protocol for a multicentre, parallel-group, randomised controlled superiority trial
Authors: Frydendal Thomas , Christensen Robin , Mechlenburg Inger , Mikkelsen Lone Ramer , Overgaard Søren , Ingwersen Kim Gordon 
Published: October 2021

IntroductionHip osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Although, being considered as the surgery of the century up to 23% of the patients report long-term pain, and deficits in physical function and muscle strength may persist after THA. Progressive resistance training (PRT) appears to improve multiple outcomes moderately in patients with hip OA. Current treatment selection is based on low-level evidence as no randomised controlled trials have compared THA to non-surgical treatment. The primary aim of this trial is to investigate whether THA followed by standard care is superior to 12 weeks of supervised PRT followed by 12 weeks of optional unsupervised PRT for improving hip pain and function in patients with severe hip OA.Methods and analysisThis is a protocol for a multicentre, parallel-group, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled superiority trial conducted at four hospitals across three healthcare regions in Denmark. 120 patients aged ≥50 years with clinical and radiographic hip OA found eligible for THA by an orthopaedic surgeon will be randomised to THA followed by standard care, or 12 weeks of PRT (allocation 1:1). The primary outcome will be change in patient-reported hip pain and function, measured using the Oxford Hip Score, from baseline to 6 months after initiating the treatment. Key secondary outcomes will be change in the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales, University of California Los Angeles Activity Score, 40 m fast-paced walk test, 30 s chair stand test and occurrence of serious adverse events. Patients declining participation in the trial will be invited into a prospective observational cohort study.Ethics and disseminationThe trial has been approved by The Regional Committees on Health Research Ethics for Southern Denmark (Project-ID: S-20180158). All results will be presented in peer-reviewed scientific journals and international conferences.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04070027).