bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Solar Cycle Related Variation in Solar Diﬀerential Rotation and Meridional Flow in Solar Cycle 24
Authors: Imada Shinsuke , Matoba Kengo , Fujiyama Masashi , Iijima Haruhisa 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
We studied temporal variation of the diﬀerential rotation and poleward meridional circulation during solar cycle 24 using the magnetic element feature tracking technique. We used line-of-sight magnetograms obtained using the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager aboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory from May 01, 2010 to March 26, 2020 (for almost the entire period of solar cycle 24, Carrington Rotation from 2096 to 2229) and tracked the magnetic element features every 1 hour. We also estimated the diﬀerential rotation and poleward meridional flow velocity profiles. The observed profiles are consistent with those of previous studies on diﬀerent cycles. Typical properties resulting from torsional oscillations can also be observed from solar cycle 24. The amplitude of the variation was approximately ±10 m s−1. Interestingly, we found that the average meridional flow observed in solar cycle 24 is faster than that observed in solar cycle 23. In particular, during the declining phase of the cycle, the meridional flow of the middle latitude is accelerated from 10 to 17 m s−1, which is almost half of the meridional flow itself. The faster meridional flow in solar cycle 24 might be the result of the weakest cycle during the last 100 years.
Health services utilisation and out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures in public and private facilities in Pakistan: An empirical analysis of the 2013-14 OOP Health Expenditure Survey
Authors: Khalid Faraz , Raza Wajeeha , Hotchkiss David R. , Soelaeman Rieza H. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background As low- and middle-income countries progress towards Universal Health Coverage, there is an increasing focus on measuring out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure and health services utilisation within countries. While there have been several reforms to improve health services coverage and financial protection in Pakistan, there is limited empirical research comparing OOP expenditure and health services utilisation between public and private facilities and exploring their determinants, a knowledge gap addressed in this study. Methods We used data from 2013-14 OOP Health Expenditure Survey, a population-based household survey carried out for Pakistan’s National Health Accounts. The analysis included 7,969 encounters from 4,293 households. We conducted bivariate analyses to describe patterns of care utilisation, estimated annualized expenditures by type and sector of care, and assessed expenditure composition. We used multivariable logistic regression modeling to identify factors associated with sector of care and generalized linear model (GLM) with log link and gamma distribution to identify determinants of OOP expenditures stratified by type of care (inpatient and outpatient). Results Most encounters (82.5%) were in the private sector and were for outpatient visits (85%). Several public-private differences were observed in annualized expenditures and expenditure components. Logistic regression results indicate males, wealthier individuals, Punjab and Sindh residents, and those in smaller households were more likely to access private outpatient care. In the inpatient model, rural residents were more likely to use a private provider, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa residents were less likely to use private care. GLM results indicate private sector inpatient expenditures were approximately PKR 6,660 (USD 61.8) higher than public sector expenditures, but no public-private differences were observed for outpatient expenditures. Several demographic factors were significantly associated with outpatient and inpatient expenditures. Of note, expenditures increased with increasing wealth, decreased with increasing household size, and differed by province and region. Conclusions This is the first study comprehensively investigating how healthcare utilisation and OOP expenditures vary by sector, type of care, and socio-economic characteristics in Pakistan. The findings are expected to be particularly useful for the next phase of social health protection programs and supply side reforms, as they highlight sub-populations with higher OOP and private sector utilization.
Perceptions of Firearms in a cohort of Women Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Central Pennsylvania
Authors: Leuenberger Laura , Lehman Erik , McCall-Hosenfeld Jennifer 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Almost one-half of U.S. women will experience intimate partner violence (IPV), defined as physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner. IPV is associated with an increased risk of homicide, with firearms as the most commonly used weapon. We designed this study to better understand the correlation of interpersonal trauma exposures and demographic factors on firearm perceptions among a cohort of IPV-exposed women. Methods: 267 women in central Pennsylvania with exposure to IPV were surveyed about perceptions of gun access, safety, and gun presence in the home. Trauma variables included IPV type, IPV recency, unwanted sexual exposure, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Multivariable analyses examined three questions examining firearm perceptions controlling for trauma exposures and demographics. Results: Ease of firearm acquisition: Women who were older (mean 44.92 years +/- SD 12.05), compared to women who were younger (40.91 +/- SD 11.81 years) were more likely to describe it as easy or very easy to acquire a gun (aOR 1.05, 95%CI 1.004, 1.10). Perceived safety in the proximity of a gun: Women with the highest ACE score were less likely to feel safe with a gun nearby (aOR 0.31, 95%CI 0.14,0.67). Odds of guns in the home: Women who were divorced or separated (aOR 0.22, 95%CI 0.09,0.54), women were widowed or single (aOR0.23, 95%CI 0.08,0.67), and women who were partnered (aOR 0.45 95%CI 0.20, 0.97) had lower odds of having a gun in the home, compared to married women. There was no significant effect of the trauma variables on the odds of having a gun at home. Conclusions: Women with more severe childhood trauma felt less safe around firearms, but trauma exposures did not predict the perception of gun prevalence in the local community or gun ownership. Instead, the demographic factor of marriage predicted presence of a gun in the home.
Results from the First Kuwait National Bariatric Surgery Report
Authors: Al-Sabah Salman , Haddad Eliana Al , Jumaa Taleb , Abbad Jassim Al , Salam Fareed , Abbas Mustafa , Kandari Mubarak Al , Ozairi Aws Al 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background Currently, more than 30% of the population in the gulf demonstrate a body mass index(BMI) exceeding 30. This burden of obesity has proven to take a toll on the population; therefore, we created the first Kuwait National Bariatric Surgery Database to report on bariatric surgeries performed in Kuwait.Methods Data was collected from the six public hospitals in Kuwait. This data was then submitted to a merged National Registry. Data web portal were used to upload, merge, and analyze the data.Results The average age for participants was 32.6 years. The average preoperative BMI was 45.9kg/m2 for males and 43.3kg/m2 for females. 16.4% of males and 12.3% of females presented with type 2 diabetes, while the most prevalent obesity related disease was a poor functional status in both males and females (90.8% and 90.5%, respectively). Most procedures performed in Kuwait are sleeve gastrectomy. The most encountered in-hospital complication after primary bariatric surgery was bleeding (1.5%), with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) having the highest recorded rate of post-operative complications (3.6% bleeding). The overall rate of operative complications was 2.6%, which was most prevalent post-RYGB (10.3%) and lowest post-sleeve gastrectomy (2.5%).Conclusion The importance of tracking and documenting the journey and change in the rates of obesity and effectiveness of bariatric procedures in individual countries with significantly high obesity rates is imperative to be able to create a plan of action to tackle this worldwide epidemic. This report will be able to provide the population with an accurate accounting that demonstrates further the safety of bariatric/metabolic surgery.
Spatial and temporal influence of rainfall on crustal pore pressure based on seismic velocity monitoring
Authors: Andajani Rezkia Dewi , Tsuji Takeshi , Snieder Roel , Ikeda Tatsunori 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Crustal pore pressure, which controls the activities of earthquakes and volcanoes, varies in response to rainfall. The status of pore pressure can be inferred from observed changes in seismic velocity. In this study, we investigate the response of crustal pore pressure to rainfall in southwestern Japan based on time series of seismic velocity derived from ambient noise seismic interferometry. To consider the heterogeneity of the area, rainfall and seismic velocity obtained at each location were directly compared. We used a band-pass filter to distinguish the rainfall variability from sea level and atmospheric pressure, and then calculated the cross-correlation between rainfall and variations in S-wave velocity (Vs). A mostly negative correlation between rainfall and Vs changes indicates groundwater recharge by rainfall, which increases pore pressure. The correlations differ between locations, where most of the observation stations with clear negative cross-correlations were located in areas of granite. On the other hand, we could not observe clear correlations in steep mountain areas, possibly because water flows through river without percolation. This finding suggests that geographical features contribute to the imprint of rainfall on deep formation pore pressure. We further modelled pore pressure change due to rainfall based on diffusion mechanism. A strong negative correlation between pore pressure estimated from rainfall and Vs indicates that the Vs variations are triggered by pore pressure diffusion in the deep formation. Our modelling results show a spatial variation of diffusion parameter which controls the pore pressure in deep formation. By linking the variations in seismic velocity and crustal pore pressure spatially, this study shows that seismic monitoring may be useful in evaluating earthquake triggering processes or volcanic activity.
Measles Outbreak in Complex Emergency: Estimating Vaccine Effectiveness and Evaluation of the Vaccination Campaign in Borno State, Nigeria, 2019
Authors: Baptiste Anne Eudes Jean , Wagai John , Luce Richard Ray , Masresha Balcha Girma , Klinkenberg Don , Veldhuijzen Irene , Oteri Joseph , Dieng Boubacar , Ogbodo Caroline , Mele Sule , Audu Musa Idowu , Braka Fiona , Hahné Susan , Sanders Lieke E.A.M. , Hak Eelko 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: From January to May 2019, large measles outbreaks affected Nigeria. Borno state was the most affected, recording 15,237 suspected cases with the state capital of Maiduguri having 1,125 cases investigated and line-listed by March 2019. In Borno state, 22 of the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs or Districts), including 37 internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps were affected. In response to the situation, an outbreak response immunization (ORI) campaign was conducted in the 13 most affected LGAs. In addition to conventional vaccination teams, special teams were deployed in security compromised areas, areas with migrants, and for nomadic and IDPs. Here we describe the outbreak and the ORI campaign. We also assess the measles-containing vaccine (MCV) coverage and vaccine effectiveness (VE) in order to quantify the population-level impactMethods: We reviewed the ORI activities, and conducted an analysis of the surveillance and the outbreak investigation reports. We assessed VE of MCV by applying the screening-method. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to assess the effect of final classification of cases on the VE of MCV. The MCV coverage was assessed by a post-campaign coverage survey (PCCS) after completion of the ORI through a quantitative survey in the 12 LGAs that were accessible. . Results: Of the total 15,237 reported measles cases, 2,002 cases were line-listed and investigated, and 737 were confirmed for measles by week 9 of 2019. Of the investigated cases 67.3% (n = 1,348) were between 9 and 59 months of age. Among the 737 confirmed cases, only 9% (n = 64) stated being vaccinated with at least 1 dose of MCV. The overall VE for MCV was 98.4 (95%CI: 97.8 – 98.8). No significant differences were observed in the VE estimates of lab-confirmed and epi-linked cases when compared to the original estimates. The aggregated weighted vaccination coverage was 85.7% (95% CI: 79.6 – 90.1).Conclusion: The experience in Borno demonstrates that adequate VE can be obtained in conflict-affected areas. In complex emergency affected by measles outbreaks, health authorities may consider integration with other health strategies and the engagement of security personnel as part of the ORI activities.
Machine Learning and Statistical Approaches for Classification of Risk of Coronary Artery Disease using Plasma Cytokines.
Authors: Saharan Seema Singh , Nagar Pankaj , Creasy Kate Townsend , Stock Eveline O. , Feng James , Malloy Mary J. , Kane John P. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAs per the 2017 WHO fact sheet, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the primary cause of death in the world, and accounts for 31% of total fatalities. The unprecedented 17.6 million deaths caused by CAD in 2016 underscores the urgent need to facilitate proactive and accelerated pre-emptive diagnosis. The innovative and emerging Machine Learning (ML) techniques can be leveraged to facilitate early detection of CAD which is a crucial factor in saving lives. The standard techniques like angiography, that provide reliable evidence are invasive and typically very expensive and risky. In contrast, ML model generated diagnosis is non-invasive, fast, accurate and affordable. Therefore, it can be used as a supplement or precursor to the conventional methods. This research demonstrates the implementation of K Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) and Random Forest ML algorithms to achieve a targeted “At Risk” CAD classification using an emerging set of 35 cytokine biomarkers that are strongly indicative predictive variables that can be potential targets for therapy. To ensure better generalizability, mechanisms such as data balancing, k-fold cross validation for hyperparameter tuning, feature selection via feature importance identification were integrated within the models.ResultsA total of 5 classifiers were developed, with two built using 35 cytokine predictive features and three built using a subset of cytokines, selected by variable importance techniques namely Random Forest, ReliefF and Boruta. The best Area under Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) based accuracy of .99 was achieved by the Random Forest classifier with 35 cytokine biomarkers. The second-best AUROC accuracy was achieved by the k-NN model using cytokines selected by the Random Forest variable importance selection mechanism.ConclusionsPresently, as large-scale efforts are gaining momentum to enable early, fast, reliable, affordable, and accessible detection of individuals at risk for CAD, the application of powerful ML algorithms can be leveraged as a supplement to the conventional treatments such as angiography. The early detection can be further improved by incorporating 65 novel and sensitive cytokines biomarkers. Investigation of the emerging role of cytokines in CAD can materially enhance the detection of risk and the discovery of mechanisms of disease that can lead to new therapeutic modalities.
Evaluation of patients' satisfaction on booking appointment system in dental school of Isfahan during 2018
Authors: Nilchian Firouzeh , ataie zahra , Jamshidian Hamid 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: With the development of technology in recent years, booking appointment software systems have gained special and significant popularity among physicians and patients. As Medical university of Isfahan is one of the leading universities of the country the results of this study could be very important for the use of other health systems in different states of country. This research aimed to assess the patients’ satisfaction of the booking appointment system services of Isfahan dentistry faculty, considering its different types of booking systems and patient satisfaction. Methods: The study was descriptive and cross-sectional. The questionnaire was prepared using Zhang study in 2014 and the standard Forward-Backward translation method. In order to investigate the validity, the opinions of the professors of Isfahan Dental School were taken and the professional opinions of the individuals were applied. The questionnaire was distributed among patients referring to the dental school who had undergone the initial examination. After completing the data, SPSS software version 20 and descriptive and analytical statistical tests were used to analyze the data (a = 0.05).Results: In this study, independent t-test, Kruscal-Wallis test and Pearson correlation test were used to investigate the data. The Kruscal-Wallis test showed that overall satisfaction was significantly higher in patients who booked appointment online than in other patients (P = 0.003). The independent t-test showed that the mean scores of patient satisfaction with staff behavior (P = 0.03) and satisfaction with the waiting time (P = 0.01) were significantly different between native, non-native and passenger patients.Conclusion: Most of the people surveyed were generally relatively satisfied with the booking appointment services. Most of them surveyed came in person to queue. Most people cited cheap services as the main reason for their visits. Most people cited telephone busy signal as the reason for not using the telephone booking system.
Does Post-operative Radiotherapy Improve the Treatment Outcomes of Intracranial Hemangiopericytoma? A Retrospective Study
Authors: Xiao Jianbiao , Ding Yi , Xu Lanwei , Wang Wei , Chen Fen , Wu Xuehui , Zhou Yangshu , Zhou Qiyuan , Zhang Fengjiao , Li Junpeng , Liang Li , Jen Yee-Min 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of post-operative radiotherapy on the results in patients with intracranial hemangiopericytoma (HPC). Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed 66 intracranial HPC patients treated between 1999 and 2019 including 29 with surgery followed by radiotherapy (11 with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and 18 with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)) and 37 with surgery alone. Chi-squared test was used to compare the clinical characteristic between the groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine prognostic factors of survival. Twenty-nine of the 37 surgery alone patients were matched to the 29 patients with postoperative radiotherapy by using Propensity score method. Results: The crude local control rates were 58.6% in the surgery plus post-operative radiotherapy group (PORT) and 67.6% in the surgery alone group (p = 0.453). In the subgroup analysis of the PORT patients, local controls were 72.7% in the IMRT group and 50% in the SRS group (p = 0.228). The median OS in the PORT and surgery groups were 122 months and 98 months, respectively (p = 0.169). The median RFS was 96 months in the PORT group and 72 months in the surgery alone group (p = 0.714). Regarding radiotherapy technique, the median OS and RFS of the SRS group were not significantly different from those in the IMRT group (p = 0.256, 0.960). The median RFS were 112 and 72 months for pathology grade II and III patients, respectively (p = 0.001). Propensity score matching did not change the observed results. Conclusion: PORT did not improve the local control rates nor the survivals. The local control rates after IMRT and SRS were similar even though the IMRT technique had a much higher biological dose compared with the SRS technique. PORT may not be indicated for intracranial HPC patients with a complete resection margin.
Global Research Trends at the Intersection of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Traditional, Integrative, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Ng Jeremy Y. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and responsible for a global pandemic. Despite there being no known vaccines or medicines that prevent or cure COVID-19, many traditional, integrative, complementary and alternative medicines (TICAMs) have been touted as the solution, as well as researched as a potential remedy globally. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of global research trends at the intersection of TICAM and COVID-19. Methods: SCOPUS, MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED and PSYCHINFO databases were searched on June 5, 2020, with results being exported on the same day. All publication types were included, however, articles were only deemed eligible if they made mention of one or more TICAMs for the potential prevention, treatment, and/or management of COVID-19. The following eligible article characteristics were extracted: title; author names, affiliations, and countries; DOI; publication language; publication type; publication year; journal (and whether it is TICAM-focused); impact factor, and TICAMs mentioned. Results: A total of 178 eligible articles were published by 856 unique authors at 541 affiliations across 43 countries. The most common countries associated with author affiliation included China, United States, Italy and India. The vast majority of articles were published in English, followed by Chinese. Eligible articles were published across 100 journals, of which 24 were TICAM-focussed; only 69 journals had a 2018 impact factor, which ranged from 0.672-59.102. A total of 180 TICAMs were mentioned across eligible articles, with the most common ones including: Traditional Chinese Medicine (n=64), vitamin D (n=44), melatonin (n=10), general herbal medicine (n=9), and vitamin C (n=8). Conclusions: This study provides researchers and clinicians with a greater knowledge of the characteristics of articles that been published globally at the intersection of COVID-19 and TICAM to date. At a time where safe and effective vaccines and medicines for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 have yet to be discovered, this study may aid to guide the identification and exploration of understudied TICAM therapies that may hold potential in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.