Widespread Survey Research Articles

No amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis detected in four introduced populations of the midwife toad Alytes obstetricans in eastern England

The amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis threatens amphibian species globally as the causative agent of chytridiomycosis, with the introduction of non-native species being one of the pathways that the pathogen can spread to naive populations. We have monitored and screened the common midwife toad Alytes obstetricans in four separate populations in eastern England, to investigate the potential threats to local amphibians. Forty-eight toads across all life stages were swabbed between May 2018 and August 2020, and screened for the presence of B. dendrobatidis DNA using qPCR. None of the samples tested were positive, indicating that it is unlikely that any of the A. obstetricans swabbed were infected with B. dendrobatidis. The populations surveyed represent only a small part of the species range in Britain, consequently a more widespread survey is recommended to increase confidence that British A. obstetricans are free of B. dendrobatidis.

Survey content validation evaluating the dissemination and implementation of deprescribing guidelines.

Policies, protocols and processes within organisations can facilitate or hinder guideline adoption. There is limited knowledge on the strategies used by organisations to disseminate and implement evidence-based deprescribing guidelines or their impact. We aimed to develop an online survey targeting key organisations involved in deprescribing guideline endorsement, dissemination, modification or translation internationally. Survey questions were drafted, mirroring the six components of the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Content validation was undertaken and established by a panel of clinicians, researchers and implementation experts. A 52-item survey underwent two rounds of content validation. The minimum threshold (I-CVI > 0.78) for relevance and importance was met for 39 items (75%) in the first round and 44 of 48 items (92%) in the second round. The expert panel concluded that the adoption, implementation and effectiveness survey sections were largely relevant and important to this topic, whereas the reach and maintenance sections were harder to understand and may be less pertinent to the research question. A 44-item survey investigating dissemination and implementation strategies for deprescribing guidelines has been developed and its content validated. Widespread survey distribution may identify effective strategies and inform dissemination and implementation planning for newly developed guidelines.

A widespread Survey on Machine Learning Techniques and User Substantiation Methods for Credit Card Fraud Detection

A widespread Survey on Machine Learning Techniques and User Substantiation Methods for Credit Card Fraud Detection

A widespread survey on machine learning techniques and user substantiation methods for credit card fraud detection

A widespread survey on machine learning techniques and user substantiation methods for credit card fraud detection

COVID‐19‐related loneliness, social isolation and burden in informal caregivers worldwide

AbstractBackgroundInformal caregivers may experience high levels burden. Prior to COVID‐19, loneliness and social isolation, and especially the discordance between them, were recognized for rapid aging‐related cognitive decline. The COVID‐19 has significantly increased social isolation and loneliness in caregivers. Thus, we aimed to explore the variables that were associated with higher care burden among all caregivers and only among caregivers for people living with dementia, and whether the increased burden could be associated with a discrepancy between loneliness and social isolation.Method‘Comparing Loneliness and Isolation in COVID‐19’ was an online global survey of over 20,000 respondents, including 5243 caregivers across 50 countries with enduring brain or/and physical health conditions. We first used a multilevel modelling to identify risk factors associated with higher burden. Then, we defined profiles of discrepancy between loneliness and social isolation, based on the differences between standardized score on a scale of loneliness and of social connectedness and estimated the association between the discrepancy and higher burden.ResultIn our sample, 74% of caregivers were female, 44% were caring for people with dementia, and 22% for people with multiple conditions, including dementia. The most prevalent age group was 60‐69 years old. Factors significantly associated with higher care burden were being female, having poorer financial situation, worse mental health during the pandemic, caring for people with dementia or intellectual disabilities, caring in the same home, being diagnosed with COVID, and changes of care abilities. 40% of caregivers consistently reported high level of loneliness and social isolation, 38% reported consistent lower levels of both, and two groups reported discordance (low levels of loneliness and high social isolation in 13%; high levels of loneliness and mild social isolation in 12%). The latter group was at the highest risk of self‐reported increased and intense care burden.ConclusionThis represents the largest, most widespread survey on the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on caregivers of people with long‐term conditions to date and reflects the importance of capturing the nuances in the relationship between loneliness and social isolation in caregivers. It will be an important resource for support agencies and to inform policy.

Validation of the All Wales Covid-19 Risk Assessment tool in Practice

Background:
 The All-Wales Covid-19 Risk Assessment tool (WRA) was developed to support managers in undertaking individual risk assessments for employees in public facing work settings, and put in place appropriate mitigation. Although a tool for all employees, it’s development was prompted in part by the observation that Covid-19 was disproportionately affecting Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) employees, particularly those in health and social care settings. This simple, self-administered tool estimates an individual’s risk of severe Covid-19 disease by scoring personal risk factors, based on those previously identified in the emerging literature. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of this tool, by measuring concordance between an individual respondants self perceived risk and the risk indicated by the tool in a sample of healthcare professionals.
 Methods:
 The WRA was distributed amongst BAME healthcare professionals around Wales, UK with additional questions to understand participant concordance with the risk stratification from the tool. Statistical analyses were applied to establish the degree of concordance. The initial survey was followed by a more widespread survey across Wales where the sample size of the respondents was 3728
 Results:
 A total of 136 participants responses were included in the analyses. The majority of participants were below 50 years of age (median age, range), male, and of BAME ethnicity. The weighted kappa coefficient indicated significant concordance between the tool outcome and respondent’s self perceived risk (k=) . Younger respondents considered themselves at lower risk, which was correctly predicted by the tool. The association between risk tool outcome and self-perceived risk was not affected by participant characteristic.
 Of the larger Welsh cohort of 3728 respondents, 93.8% felt that the tool correctly identified their risk and was in concordance with their own risk perception. 
 Conclusions:
 There was a high level of concordance between the tool user's self-perceived risk and risk assessment tool outcome. Where there was disagreement, self-perception of risk was lower than that of the tool, indicating a more precautionary approach taken by the tool. The high concordance provides user confidence that the All Wales Covid-19 risk assessment tool is likely to provide a correct risk stratification and mitigation strategies in this occupational group.

A widespread survey of avian haemosporidia in deceased wild birds of Japan: the hidden value of personally collected samples.

Widespread surveys of avian haemosporidia (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon) in wild birds have substantially advanced information on the haemosporidian fauna of Japan. However, many areas and bird species remain insufficiently investigated. Bird carcasses collected for personal specimen collection seldom reach academic audience particularly in the veterinary field. The presence of avian haemosporidia was investigated in these personally collected bird carcasses, in order to better understand the avian haemosporidian fauna in Japan. Bird carcasses were donated through personal contact upon approval of the study. Tissue samples were collected from the birds and examined for haemosporidian parasites using nested-PCR targeting the cytochrome b gene. One hundred and forty-three birds of 85 species were donated, including 34 species and two subspecies that were molecularly or collectively investigated for the first time in Japan. Avian haemosporidian DNA was detected from 37 of the 134 tested birds (27.61%). In 8 bird species, avian haemosporidia was detected for the first time. Twenty-nine lineages were detected, including 8 novel and 9 known lineages detected in Japan for the first time. Furthermore, 16 lineages were detected from novel host species. While information that could be drawn was limited and risk management of zoonotic diseases needs re-consideration, these findings expanded information on the host range and distribution of several lineages. Collectively, this method of investigation using personally collected bird samples can provide important additions to more fully understand the avian haemosporidian fauna of Japan, as well as other areas with limited investigations.

Accounting for both automated recording unit detection space and signal recognition performance in acoustic surveys: A protocol applied to the cryptic and critically endangered Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis)

AbstractResearch into the suitability of autonomous recording units (ARUs) when surveying for vocal species is increasing. Simultaneously, there has been extensive research into methods for efficiently extracting signals of interest from the acoustic data sets that accrue from the deployment of ARUs. For some species, bioacoustic monitoring supported by computerised signal detection offers the only effective and efficient method for widespread survey. In these circumstances, the detection space of both the ARU and the performance of the signal detection process must be considered concurrently, but typically, these two elements have been considered separately. Here, using the Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) as a case study, we consider both ARU detection space and the signal detection process to develop a robust and repeatable survey protocol for the species. After developing a call recogniser for the Night Parrot, we test its performance on a data set of Night Parrot calls given at a known distance from an array of ARUs. Having established a relationship between ARU type, recogniser performance and distance, we determine the sampling radius of an ARU for a given recogniser score cut‐off, and the associated probability of detecting a Night Parrot that calls within that sampling radius. Using these data, we outline how to develop a robust and repeatable survey protocol for the Night Parrot, with a defined probability of detection. This protocol could be adapted for other scenarios where deployment of ARUs is necessary to determine a species’ status and distribution.

COVID‐19‐related loneliness and social isolation in caregivers of people with brain health challenges: The CLIC‐Caregiver Global Survey

BackgroundPrior to COVID‐19, >90% of caregivers of people with brain health challenges (dementia, mental ill health, intellectual disability) experienced high levels of distress, burden, loneliness and social isolation. The COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly increased these impacts, particularly since these caregivers are often older and physically vulnerable themselves. The aim of this cross‐sectional study is to explore coping and caregiver burden, loneliness and social isolation in caregivers of people with brain health challenges during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodCLIC‐Caregiver was a cross‐sectional, online, and global survey (June 2nd ‐ November 15th, 2020) using self‐administered questionnaires directed at informal caregivers of people with long‐term brain health challenges. The study was embedded within a larger survey of loneliness and social isolation for general public (‘Comparing Loneliness and Isolation in COVID‐19’ (CLIC)), including validated loneliness and isolation tools. Translated into ten different languages such as Arabic, French, Romanian, etc, the survey was disseminated over 100 countries. Respondents were included in the CLIC‐caregiver sub‐study if they answered yes to the question ‘Do you provide care and support to a family member or friend with a long‐term or life‐limiting health problem or disability (including mental health)’. The CLIC project received the initial global ethical approval from Ulster University. The data were fully anonymized.ResultFrom the CLIC main study, 5243 (25%) identified themselves as caregivers. This proportion varied in different countries, from 12 % in Romania to 65% in France. 2323 (44%) had care recipients with dementia, 1761 with physical conditions (disability or long‐term illness), 832 with enduring mental health problems, and 404 with intellectual disability. Measures of caregiver burden, loneliness and social isolation will be compared across geographic regions, sociodemographic factors, and risk factors for poor outcomes sought. Findings will be distributed to relevant stakeholders in the form of a project report, with region and country‐specific outcomes. This will support recommendations and actions supporting caregivers of people with brain health challenges.ConclusionThis represents the largest, most widespread survey on the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on caregivers of people with long‐term conditions to date. It will be an important resource for support agencies and to inform policy.

The development of early monitoring tools to detect aquatic invasive species: eDNA assay development and the case of the armored catfish Hypostomus robinii

AbstractIntroductions of invasive non‐native species (and their subsequent impacts) are recognized as a major threat to native flora and fauna. This is especially true in island ecosystems such as the tropical island of Martinique. In 2018, one such aquatic invasive species, the suckermouth catfish Hypostomus robinii (Loricariidae), was reported for the first time in two of the islands rivers. H. robinii is a popular freshwater aquarium fish and native to tropical and sub‐tropical South America. Since its initial discovery, a growing number of populations have been found, suggesting a larger distribution of this species through Martinique's hydrographic network. Here, we developed a novel survey technique (utilizing environmental DNA) and conducted a widespread survey across the island to assess the distribution of this invasive species. We were able to detect H. robinii in 22% of sites surveyed (18 out of 83) via our eDNA‐based assay. The presence of these fish was confirmed using traditional trapping at 14 of these sites. Additionally, we used occupancy modeling to investigate the impact of different environmental covariates on the detection efficiency of the novel assay and the potential impacts of false positives and negatives. We highlight a decrease in the detection probability when water volume filtered increases. That said, the eDNA‐based method proves a useful tool for the detection of this invasive fish species and monitoring its spread for management purposes.

Does religious morality predict party affiliation better than political ideology? An empirical approach using psycho-social metrics constructed through item response modeling

ABSTRACT In the current era of more extreme political and religious views coming into the mainstream, this paper investigates whether party affiliation is associated with the concept of religious morality more than political ideology. To answer this research question, we construct an empirical scale of religious morality based on data from opinion polls, which remain among the most efficient and widespread survey methods to capture psycho-social data at large scales. Classification models, using ideology and religious morality as predictors, respectively, were compared on their performance in predicting party affiliation. Response data on just four questions from a national opinion poll were used to demonstrate the viability of constructing a parametric scale using item response modeling approaches. Results show that even with ‘small data’, a measurement-based and data-driven approach can produce classification models that are both statistically precise and accurate. Finally, we discuss the findings and the implications for both politics and psycho-social measurement.

State-of-the-Art Reviews of Meta-Heuristic Algorithms with Their Novel Proposal for Unconstrained Optimization and Applications

A widespread survey of numerous traditional meta-heuristic algorithms has been investigated category wise in this paper. Where, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and differential evolution (DE) is found to be an efficient and powerful optimization algorithm. Therefore, an extensive survey of recent-past PSO and DE variants with their hybrids has been inspected again. After this a novel PSO (called, nPSO) and DE (namely, nDE) with their innovative hybrid (termed as, ihPSODE) is proposed in this paper for unconstrained optimization problems. In nPSO introducing a new linearly decreased inertia weight and gradually decreased and/or increased acceleration coefficient as well a different position update equation (by introducing a non-linear decreasing factor. And in nDE a new mutation strategy and crossover rate are introduced. In view of that, convergence characteristic of nPSO and nDE provides different approximation to the solution space. Further, instead of naive way proposed hybrid ihPSODE integrating merits of nPSO and nDE. In ihPSODE after initialization and calculation identify best half member and discard rest of members from the population. In current population apply nPSO to maintain exploration and exploitation. Then to enhance local search ability and improve convergence accuracy applies nDE. Hence, proposed ihPSODE has higher probability of avoiding local optima and it is likely to find global optima more quickly due to relating superior capability of the anticipated nPSO and nDE. Performance of the proposed hybrid ihPSODE as well as its anticipated integrating component nPSO and nDE are verified on 23 basic, 30 CEC 2014 and 30 CEC 2017 unconstrained benchmark functions plus 3 real world problems. The several numerical, statistical and graphical as well as comparative analyses over many state-of-the-art algorithms confirm superiority of the proposed algorithms. Finally, based on overall performance ihPSODE is recommended for unconstrained optimization problems in this present study.

WITHDRAWN: An extensive survey on signed, unsigned truncated multiplier

Abstract This work confers a widespread survey on the recent developments in Signed, Unsigned Truncated Multiplier, considering various aspects such as modeling, simulation tools and applications especially in signal processing and image processing, highlighting the future directions. Applications such as audio and signal processing, SDR and so on, based on the signal processing and image processing in the recent years of development of technology can function with high efficacy in performance and greatly compactable in terms of area. There could be more signal noises and fluctuations in the digital signal processing applications which use all types of gadgets. Besides, these applications occupy larger areas in VLSI implementation due to the arithmetic operation of Adders and Multiplier design. This survey paper gives a complete roadmap to design an efficient truncated multiplier which can be useful for both signed and unsigned operations. Finally provides a complete roadmap for truncated multiplier for signal processing applications.

Global Cognitive Performance and Assessment of Memory Functions in Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Cognitive problems in patients with obstructive sleep apnea have been suspected since the 1980s. Several studies have investigated different cognitive domains. A similar widespread survey has not been done in the Bulgarian population. This study aimed to evaluate global cognitive functioning and memory function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and to examine the potential influence of comorbidities on cognitive functions. The study examined the neurocognitive profile of 103 consecutive patients newly diagnosed with OSA and 31 healthy controls. A list of inclusion and exclusion criteria was developed. Sleep breathing was examined in both groups. The other methods were: a medical history of patients, clinical examination, neuropsychological assessment, statistical analysis. The study found that the global cognitive functioning of patients with OSA and the memory function was impaired. Short-term memory has been found affected predominantly. Only obesity was distinguished as a major factor relevant to the severity of cognitive changes in the study group. A statistically significant difference between the groups with and without obesity was found for the applied memory tests, except for the delayed recall and word recognition. The duration of exposure to hypoxia and sleep fragmentation is important for the severity of cognitive deficits. The results confirmed this theory showing that this factor is among the major severity factors. The study found that the global cognitive functioning of patients with OSA, as well as memory function, were impaired. The role of comorbidities is complex and far from clear.

Changes in Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Practices in Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Results From a North American Survey

Changes in Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Practices in Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Results From a North American Survey

Health and Lifestyle Factors of Australian Medical Radiation Workers: A Pilot Study Using Nuclear Medicine Technologists.

The health effects of chronic low-dose radiation exposure are a subject of worldwide debate. These effects are difficult to assess because all low-dose exposure mechanisms must be accounted for, including background exposure, personal medical examinations, and environmental exposure such as aviation, as well as lifestyle choices contributing to disease. The current literature recommends investigation of lifestyle factors to fill in these gaps. The aim of this study was to pilot-test a survey developed to assess health and lifestyle factors for Australian medical radiation workers. Methods: A cohort of nuclear medicine technologists (NMTs) was selected to test the survey. The survey consisted of 53 questions relating to demographics, employment, lifestyle, and health. Data from the 2017-2018 Australian National Health Survey were used to compare the lifestyle choices and health of the participants with those of the Australian general population. Results: In total, 101 participants pilot-tested the survey. Overall, Australian NMTs make better lifestyle choices (more exercise, more vegetable intake, lower rates of smoking and alcohol consumption) resulting in lower rates of obesity than the Australian general population. NMTs had a higher reported health status than the Australian population, with lower levels of psychologic distress. Given the low age of NMTs participating in the study, the cancer incidence rate may be higher than that reported for the Australian general population; however, a larger sample size is required to provide more definitive results. Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of conducting a widespread survey to assess health and lifestyle factors for the Australian medical radiation worker cohort. Comparison of survey results with data for the entire Australian population have highlighted the potential to increase the number of lifestyle questions.

‘Nosce te ipsum’: An Italian national survey to explore choice's differences in End of Life (EoL) care between healthcare professionals and general public

BackgroundThe current debate regarding decision-making at the End-of-Life (EoL) is increasing remarkably and has spread all over the world. However, literature has paid little attention to describe choice's differences in EoL care between healthcare professionals and general public. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore the difference between choices in EoL care made by healthcare professionals and those of the general public within the Italian context. Setting and participantsIn 2017, an Italian widespread survey was conducted using a snowball sampling. A total of 2038 participants completed the survey, 55.64% of which were the general public. ResultsThe main differences related to specific EoL choices made by healthcare professionals and the general public. In particular, healthcare professionals were more likely to avoid cardiopulmonary resuscitation and mechanical forms of breathing in terminal-stage conditions, and they were also more likely to be favorable towards the use of opioids to avoid suffering. Overall, healthcare professionals were also more likely to make a choice rather than express a ‘not sure’ answer. ConclusionThe higher percentage of participants in the general public group that chose ‘not sure’ highlighted the importance of addressing and enhancing people's self-awareness. More cross-national investigation should help to frame the understanding of the choice's differences in EoL care between healthcare professionals and general public.

Broad‐scale occurrence of a subsidized avian predator: Reducing impacts of ravens on sage‐grouse and other sensitive prey

Abstract Expanding human enterprise across remote environments impacts numerous wildlife species. Anthropogenic resources provide subsidies for generalist predators that can lead to cascading effects on prey species at lower trophic levels. A fundamental challenge for applied ecologists is to disentangle natural and anthropogenic influences on species occurrence, and subsequently develop spatially explicit models to help inform management and conservation decisions. Using Bayesian hierarchical occupancy models, we mapped the broad‐scale occurrence of common ravens Corvus corax as a function of natural and anthropogenic landscape covariates using >15,000 point count surveys performed during 2007–2016 within the Great Basin region, USA. Raven abundance and distribution is substantially increasing across the American west due to unintended anthropogenic resource subsidies. Importantly, ravens prey on eggs and chicks of numerous species including greater sage‐grouse Centrocercus urophasianus, an indicator species whose decline is at the centre of national conservation strategies and land‐use policies. Anthropogenic factors that contributed to greater raven occurrence were: increased road density, presence of transmission lines, agricultural activity, and presence of roadside rest areas. Natural landscape characteristics included lower elevations with greener vegetation (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), greater stream and habitat edge densities, and lower percentages of big sagebrush Artemisia tridentata spp. Interactions between anthropogenic sources of nesting substrate and food subsidies suggested that raven occurrence increased multiplicatively when these resource subsidies co‐occurred. Overall, the average probability of raven occurrence estimated within sagebrush ecosystems of the study area was c. 0.83. Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate how anthropogenic factors can be disentangled from natural effects when making spatially explicit predictions of subsidized predators occurring across expansive landscapes. This approach can guide management decisions where subsidized predators overlap sensitive prey habitats. For example, we identify areas where elevated raven occurrence coincides with breeding sage‐grouse concentration areas and appears to be largely driven by anthropogenic factors. Management applications could focus on reducing raven access to anthropogenic subsidies in these areas, while prioritizing habitat improvements for sage‐grouse elsewhere. Our approach is applicable to other species where widespread survey data are available.

Distributions and multiple sources of chlorinated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the air over Japan

Chlorinated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (ClPAHs) have been detected in the air at discrete sites in Japan, but there is no information on their distributions throughout Japan. This study was a widespread survey of atmospheric concentrations of ClPAHs throughout Japan. The majority of 24 species of ClPAHs were detected in either the gas or particle phase at all sampling sites. The concentrations were weakly related to human population densities. The relationships between total concentrations of ClPAHs and PAHs suggested that atmospheric ClPAHs at ~70% of the sites were derived from common sources of PAHs. A ternary diagram based on diagnostic ratios of 1-chloropyrene, 7-chlorobenz[a]anthracene, and 6-chlorobenzo[a]pyrene normalized to 3-chlorofluoranthene suggested that waste combustion was the likely source of ClPAHs in summer and that vehicular emissions and coal burning were the likely sources of ClPAHs in winter. A heat map analysis estimated from the concentrations of individual compounds at each site suggested that there were three categories of sources at the sites: i) common sources of ClPAHs and PAHs that had moderate impacts, ii) common sources of ClPAHs and PAHs that had high impacts, and iii) specific sources of ClPAHs.

An investigation into domestic energy consumption behaviour and public awareness of renewable energy in Qatar

Governments around the world are trying to find viable solutions for reducing carbon emissions and pollution, one of the primary sources of which is domestic household consumption. Although Qatar is rich in fossil fuel energy resources, there is a strategic drive towards sustainability to decrease energy consumption overall whilst increasing the nation’s dependence on clean and renewable energy. One of the areas to enhance sustainability is through reducing and managing the energy demands and habits of domestic users. This research examines the current energy use in Qatar with a view to making recommendations in regard to challenging and improving consumer behaviour in respect to energy efficiency. A mixed methods approach was untaken consisting of both qualitative and quantitative data. Quantitative data was gathered from a wide spread survey of n = 410 Qatari based consumers in regard to their energy consumption behaviour, investigating avenues for enabling sustainable behaviour change. The qualitative data was been collected by interviewing a panel of energy experts in Qatar. The purpose of this research study is to gain valuable insight into Qatari resident’s energy consumption behaviour and perception of renewable energy and sustainability. The results will help to identify solutions to Qatar’s high consumption of electricity per capita. This study has further implications amongst similar nations and states to address energy consumptions where there is a natural abundance of fossil fuel energy resources. This study has found that user’s education and awareness of the environmental impact is dependent on efficient energy monitoring and usage. However, due to the presence of energy subsidies in Qatar, citizens are not inclined to modify their energy consumption behaviour through economic means. This suggests that a greater awareness of the effects of excessive energy use is required through sustainability education to motivate behaviour change. The results of this study were analysed using self-determination and hierarchal needs theories, indicating that education and public engagement and awareness are the best options for domestic energy conservation in Qatar.