bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incentives and Support Programs to Improve Adherence to Tuberculosis Treatment
Authors: Wells Charlotte , Severn Melissa 
Published: March 2021

Three overviews of reviews and 11 systematic reviews were identified regarding the clinical effectiveness of adherence incentives in those who require assistance to complete their tuberculosis treatment.
Four evidence-based guidelines were identified that provided recommendations regarding the use of adherence incentives in those who require assistance completing their tuberculosis treatment.
The reported clinical effectiveness of adherence incentives for patients with tuberculosis was mixed. There were no detrimental effects of providing incentives, but there was also no conclusive evidence pointing to a clinical benefit. The overall quality of the included reviews was moderate to high.
The included guidelines recommended that incentives and enablers be included as a part of a patient-centred strategy for treatment and for patients with active tuberculosis or patients at high risk; however, the evidence formulating these recommendations was of low certainty or quality. Two of the included guidelines were of high methodological quality, and 2 were of lower methodological quality.
Rapid Testing for the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Rifampicin Resistance: A Review of Cost-Effectiveness
Authors: Subramonian Anusree , Severn Melissa 
Published: March 2021

The evidence regarding the cost-effectiveness of the Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and resistance to rifampicin (Xpert MTB/RIF) test compared with smear microscopy in diagnosing tuberculosis is summarized in this report.
Results from the included 6 studies showed that Xpert MTB/RIF testing is a cost-effective option compared with sputum smear microscopy. However, the generalizability of the results to the Canadian setting are unclear because of the clinical data source populations, willingness-to-pay thresholds, and assumptions used in the analyses.
There is a lack of evidence regarding the cost-effectiveness of Xpert MTB/RIF testing compared with mycobacterial cultures or culture-based susceptibility testing.
An overview of wind-energy-production prediction bias, losses, and uncertainties
Authors: Lee Joseph C. Y. , Fields M. Jason 
Published: March 2021

Abstract. The financing of a wind farm directly relates to the preconstruction energy yield assessments which estimate the annual energy production for the farm. The accuracy and the precision of the preconstruction energy estimates can dictate the profitability of the wind project. Historically, the wind industry tended to overpredict the annual energy production of wind farms. Experts have been dedicated to eliminating such prediction errors in the past decade, and recently the reported average energy prediction bias is declining. Herein, we present a literature review of the energy yield assessment errors across the global wind energy industry. We identify a long-term trend of reduction in the overprediction bias, whereas the uncertainty associated with the prediction error is prominent. We also summarize the recent advancements of the wind resource assessment process that justify the bias reduction, including improvements in modeling and measurement techniques. Additionally, because the energy losses and uncertainties substantially influence the prediction error, we document and examine the estimated and observed loss and uncertainty values from the literature, according to the proposed framework in the International Electrotechnical Commission 61400-15 wind resource assessment standard. From our findings, we highlight opportunities for the industry to move forward, such as the validation and reduction of prediction uncertainty and the prevention of energy losses caused by wake effect and environmental events. Overall, this study provides a summary of how the wind energy industry has been quantifying and reducing prediction errors, energy losses, and production uncertainties. Finally, for this work to be as reproducible as possible, we include all of the data used in the analysis in appendices to the article.
Bitcoin Returns and the Frequency of Daily Abnormal Returns
Authors: Caporale Guglielmo Maria , Plastun Alex , Oliinyk Viktor 
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates the relationship between Bitcoin returns and the frequency of daily abnormal returns over the period from June 2013 to February 2020 using a number of regression techniques and model specifications including standard OLS, weighted least squares (WLS), ARMA and ARMAX models, quantile regressions, Logit and Probit regressions, piecewise linear regressions, and non-linear regressions. Both the in sample and out-of-sample performance of the various models are compared by means of appropriate selection criteria and statistical tests. These suggest that, on the whole, the piecewise linear models are the best, but in terms of forecasting accuracy they are outperformed by a model that combines the top five to produce “consensus” forecasts. The finding that there exist price patterns that can be exploited to predict future price movements and design profitable trading strategies is of interest both to academics (since it represents evidence against the EMH) and to practitioners (who can use this information for their investment decisions).
The Intergenerational Transfer of Infant Mortality in Northern Norway during the 19th and Early 20th Centuries
Authors: Sommerseth Hilde Leikny 
Published: March 2021

This paper is one of a series of five studying the intergenerational transfer of infant mortality down the maternal line. All five studies share the same theoretical and methodological design, and use data derived from a standard database format: the Intermediate Data Structure (IDS). The data for the research reported in this paper were derived from a longitudinal dataset covering the 19th and 20th century population of the province of Troms in Northern Norway. Our results suggest that there was an element of intergenerational transmission in women’s risk of experiencing an infant death; the children of a woman whose mother had had a high number of infant deaths also had a greater risk of dying before their first birthday. The risk of an infant death occurring among the children of daughters from such ‘high risk’ families was at least 30 per cent higher than that amongst infants born to the daughters of mothers who had experienced zero infant deaths.
An Exploratory Study on Digital Transformation and Communication within the Moroccan Firms
Authors: Bassim Houda 
Published: March 2021

Starting from the beginning of the third millennium, firms around the world in various economic sectors have been powerfully affected by the evolution process of digital technology and associated internet developments.
The use of Internet and new digital technologies has been considered as a great revolution that will allow companies to benefit from new opportunities, in order to extend their activities and profitability, specifically through decreases in costs. While some companies have been investing rapidly in this new filed with the aim to take advantages of new opportunities, others seem to fail in following such developmental pattern.
The main research question in the present paper is to understand perceptions of a sample of Moroccan firms operating in Casablanca, regarding the currently observed process of communication-based digital transformation worldwide. In this sense, our study turns to be exploratory, that is based on open interviews, within a focus group of professionals in the digital sector, rather than on collected data and effective orientations. Such exploratory analysis will be followed by upcoming empirical studies for a more comprehensive understanding of the profession.
Our research paper aspires thereby to better grasping the process of digitalization of communication channels among the firms’ professionals, as selected. The ultimate target is to know how well firms are evolving in utilizing newly integrated digital tools, with respect to innovation and trademarks.
To address this issue in an exploratory perspective, we have resorted to a focus group-based enquiry with six professionals of firms operating in Casablanca. The methodological framework relies upon qualitative data, as collected through the conducted interviews.
The major research finding of the present paper is that the pattern of digital transformation and communication seems to follow the one observed worldwide. Nevertheless, in spite of strong customers’ expectations, some hesitations and inadequate fundraising allocations partially explain the relative slowness of the process. In terms of policy implications, a suitable public-private partnership is still needed so as Morocco can foster digital transformation for economic and social development as well as improvements in the population’s standards of life, especially through investment in human capital for better attractivity-generating progress.
What’s in the Kitchen: Conventional Household Practices during Minor Health Problems
Authors: Bhatt Yamini , Kulshrestha Kalpana 
Published: March 2021

Objective: The Food habits of the people are the outcome of the general beliefs and are deep-rooted in the minds of the people of any community. Home remedies coming from the kitchen are the basis of treating commonly occurring illnesses for a long time. The present study was aimed to study the long-established household practices that are followed for the cure of minor health problems in North India (Uttarakhand) and assess their usage trends over three generations.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Methods: The study was done in three districts of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, namely Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal and Haridwar. The respondents were categorized in three age group range as- 20-34 years, 35-55 years and above 56 years. A structured diet recall interview schedule was prepared for the collection of data. The subjects were asked about the previous and current practices followed for the cure of minor health problems.
Results: A list of local food items used during various ailments like Cold/ Cough, Fever, Constipation, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Jaundice was prepared. A number of commonly used spices were used for the treatment along with few special recipe preparations. Among the age group above 56 years and 35-55 years, the percentage of respondents following traditional household practices during minor health problems and considering them better than medicine was more in rural areas while among 20-34 years of age group, the percentage was more for the urban population. It was noticed that the number of respondents following these practices slightly decreased through the generations, and are still practiced among the youngest age group interviewed (60.53% of rural and 66.67% of urban subjects).
Conclusion: Documentation and validation of these household remedies is required so that they can be used for the low-cost treatment of many common ailments.
Adolescents’ Perception, Practice and Coping Strategies during COVID-19 Pandemic in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogubuike Chigozirm 
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 is perceived as a major threat to public health and a danger to the economy globally, affecting people’s lives by influencing their everyday behaviour and causing feelings of panic anxiety, depression, and often triggering intense fear. The study was aimed at determining the perception, practice and coping strategies of adolescents in Rivers state, Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adolescent via an online Google doc questionnaire administered through WhatsApp instant messaging and about 200 responses were received within two month. About (45%) were middle adolescent (14-16 years), 52% were females, 74% in secondary school and 64% from monogamous family. Majority (66%) believed in the existence COVID-19, 36% of the adolescents perceived it was a deadly disease, 17% said it was a pandemic, 18% reported is a deadly virus that kills people fast and 6% said is a disease that ruined the whole world. About 54% were worried and perceived they might be infected with coronavirus. Majority (94%) practiced one or more forms of COVID-19 preventive practices. Following the coping strategies, majority of the adolescents used more of emotion-focused way of coping than problem-focused way of coping. The male gender used more of problem focused way of coping than the female gender. Findings of this research are useful to better understand the coping strategies utilized by adolescents and help formulate intervention strategies to tackle various psychosocial problems during COVID-19 among adolescents.
Governance and the New Corona Virus (COVID-19) Outbreak in the World: Empirical Evidence
Authors: Ghislain Melingui Bate Adalbert Abraham , Messsono Omang Ombolo , Homère Nsoga Nsoga Mermoz , Blaise Tsomb Tsomb Etienne Inédit 
Published: March 2021

Aims: This paper aims to analyze the effect of public governance on the spread and mortality of the new corona virus. It focuses on the effects of differences observed in government’s responsiveness on the spread and mortality of this pandemic around the world.
Sample: Our study is based on a sample of 129 countries from December, 8th 2019 to May 5th, 2020.
Methods: The Ordinary Least Squares method is applied to cross-sectional data. We also proceed by descriptive statistics and scatter analyses to access the effect of public governance on the spread and the mortality of the Covid-19.
Results: The results obtained show that government response time favors the speed of spread, level of infection, and mortality related to the Covid-19. The results indicate that countries in which governments have reacted early have lower levels of contamination and deaths than those that reacted late. Finally, our results suggest that the stringency of early government measures is a capital factor explaining the spread and mortality of this virus. Our results are robust to regional specificities, which distinguish relatively more resilient developing countries from developed countries with higher levels of contagion and mortality. Then, we recommend for all categories of countries a greater speed and rigour in government responsiveness in the management of pandemic diseases.
Detection of Unspecified Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis via Metabolite Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Kim Elliot , Kouznetsova Valentina L. , Tsigelny Igor F. 
Published: March 2021

The current standard of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially, Crohn’s disease (CD), diagnosis is set through an invasive endoscopy procedure. However, serum metabolites hold potential as useful biomarkers for non-invasive diagnosis and treatment of IBDs. The goal of this research was to elucidate the biomarkers including metabolites and genes related to IBDs, to show their distinguishing and common features, and to create a machine-learning (ML) model for recognition of each disease. We explored metabolic pathways and gene–metabolite networks related to unspecified-IBD (uIBD), Crohn’s diseaseand ulcerative colitis (UC). P38 MAPK, ERK1/2, AMPK, and proinsulin were found to be closely related to the pathology of IBDs. The best performing ML model, trained on filtered disease-specific metabolite datasets, was able to predict metabolite class with 92.17% accuracy. Through examination of IBD-related serum, significant relationships between the inputted metabolites and certain metabolic and signaling pathways were found, which can be pinpointed and used to increase accuracy of disease diagnoses. Development of a ML model including metabolites and their chemical descriptors made it possible to achieve considerable accuracy of prediction of the IBDs. Our results elucidate a large variety of metabolites, genes, and pathways that could be used for better understanding of IBDs’ molecular mechanisms.
Study of Cardiovascular Diseases Risk in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Can Be Comparable with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Abdalla Reham M. , Elsawy Abdallah A. , Alshafi Mohamed H. , Eissa Abdelmoteleb T. 
Published: March 2021

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease. Cardiovascular manifestations are common in SLE, which may have a wide range of severity and one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common metabolic diseases. One of the major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases is DM, which is the most common cause of death among diabetic patients.
Aim of the Work: evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis as a predictor for CVD in patients with SLE and DM.
Methods: 50 SLE patients, 50 T2DM patients, 50 diabetic SLE patients and 50 healthy controlled subjects were enrolled in this study. They were undergone to Doppler examination of the extra-cranial portion of the carotid and femoral arteries measuring the intima-media thickness.
Result: In SLE the subclinical atherosclerosis was present in 22% of patients and was significantly associated with older age (p˂0,001), high blood pressure (p=0,023), overweight (p=0,004), proteinuria (p˂0,001), total cholesterol (p=0,004), active disease (p=0,007), high SLEDAI score (p˂0,001) and long duration of SLE (p˂0,001); whereas in diabetic patients the subclinical atherosclerosis was documented in 24% and was significantly associated with older age (p˂0,001), overweight (p˂0,001), proteinuria (p˂0,001), low hemoglobin (p=0,041), total cholesterol (p=0,001), LDL (p˂0,001), uncontrolled diabetes (p=0,005) and long duration of diabetes (p=0,001) but in SLE diabetic patients the subclinical atherosclerosis was documented in 44% of patients.
Conclusion: Subclinical atherosclerosis is frequent in patients with SLE and increases with increased disease activity. Subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE diabetic patients was significantly more than that in SLE or diabetic patients.
Mangrove growth response to experimental warming is greatest near the range limit in northeast Florida
Authors: Chapman Samantha K. , Feller Ilka C. , Canas Gabriela , Hayes Matthew A. , Dix Nicole , Hester Mark , Morris Jim , Langley J. Adam 
Published: March 2021

AbstractShrubs are invading into grasslands around the world, but we don’t yet know how these shrubs will fare in a warmer future. In ecotonal coastal wetland ecosystems, woody mangroves are encroaching into herbaceous salt marshes owing to changes in temperature, precipitation, and sediment dynamics. Increasing mangrove biomass in wetlands often increases carbon storage, which is high in these productive ecosystems, but little is known about how mangrove growth will change in response to warming. To address this knowledge gap, we deployed warming experiments at three coastal wetland sites along a latitudinal gradient in northeast Florida where Avicennia germinans, black mangroves, are encroaching into salt marshes. We achieved air temperature warming (+1.6°C during the day) at all three sites and measured stem elongation, canopy height and area changes, and leaf and node number. After 2 yr of warming, we found that mangrove growth rate in height increased due to warming. Warming increased stem elongation by 130% over unwarmed control plots after 1 yr at the northern site. Mangrove growth in canopy area did not respond to warming. Site differences in growth rate were pronounced, and mangrove growth in both height and area were lowest at the northern site, despite greater impacts of warming at that site. We also found that area‐based relative growth rate was five times higher across all treatments than height‐based relative growth rate, indicating that mangroves are growing wider rather than taller in these ecotonal environments. Our findings indicate that the growth effect of experimental warming depends on site characteristics and growth parameter measured. We also propose that differential mangrove growth across the three sites may be driven by biotic factors such as the identity of the salt marsh species into which mangroves are encroaching. Our results suggest that, as seen in other ecosystems, wetland plants may respond most strongly to warming at their poleward range edge.
Advanced textured monocrystalline silicon substrates with high optical scattering yields and low electrical recombination losses for supporting crack‐free nano‐ to poly‐crystalline film growth
Authors: de Vrijer Thierry , Smets Arno H. M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCrystalline silicon tandem devices with perovskites, CIGS, and nanocrystalline silicon, as well as the TOPCon design, are incompatible with the conventional pyramidal surface texture of silicon. This is a result of crack formation in nano to polycrystalline growth on large sharp surface features. In this work, three texturing approaches are investigated, using alkaline and/or acidic wet chemical etches, that can lead to the crack‐free growth of nano to polycrystalline materials on textured surfaces. In this work, we show that without acidic smoothening, the fraction of <111> pyramidal surface coverage has to remain relatively small to prevent crack formation during crystalline growth on these surfaces. Applying an acidic etch as a function of time continuously smoothens surface features. This shifts the reflection to wider scattering angles and results in higher total reflected intensity with respect to the conventional texture, making it an interesting option for a wide variety of tandem pv applications. Finally, we demonstrate crater‐like features on a <100> monocrystalline silicon surface using an etching process including a sacrificial layer. These craters increase light scattering into wider angles, but to a lesser extent than the former approach. In terms of passivation, we demonstrate the positive effect of a post deposition hydrogen treatment. Initial dilution of the silane plasma improves passivation on a <111> surface, but is detrimental to passivation on a <100> surface, likely because the hydrogen dilution results in epitaxial growth at the c‐Si/a‐Si:H hetero‐interface. A minority carrier lifetime of over 3 ms has been achieved for all texturing approaches, after deposition of a 15 nm a‐Si:H layer on both sides of the wafer, for different a‐Si:H deposition and annealing schemes.
PyRad: A software shell for simulating radiolysis with Qball package
Authors: Andreadi Nikolai , Mitrofanov Artem , Eliseev Artem , Matveev Petr , Kalmykov Stepan , Petrov Vladimir 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe assessment of the radiolytic stability of media is an important task in the fields of nuclear power engineering and radiochemistry. Such studies must be carried out in special laboratory conditions with the use of sources of ionizing radiation, which may increase personal doses of the staff. In addition, difficulties arise in studying the products of irradiated media. While it is impossible to abandon experiments to obtain reliable results in this area, computational methods of quantum chemistry can reduce the number of experiments and help understand the mechanisms of the reactions that occur during radiolysis. Here we would like to present a software shell of the Qb@ll program performing time‐dependent density functional theory simulations of the radiolysis process.