bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning Accelerators: A Case Study
Authors: Bolhasani Hamidreza , Jassbi Somayyeh Jafarali 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In the recent years, deep learning has become one of the most important topics in computer science. Deep learning is a growing trend in the edge of technology and its applications are now seen in many aspects of our life such as object detection, speech recognition, natural language processing, etc. Currently, almost all major sciences and technologies are benefiting from the advantages of deep learning such as high accuracy, speed and flexibility. Therefore, any efforts for improving performance of related techniques is valuable. Deep learning accelerators are considered as hardware architecture, which are designed and optimized for increasing the speed, efficiency and accuracy of computers that are running deep learning algorithms. In this paper, after reviewing some backgrounds about deep learning, a well-known accelerator architecture named MAERI is investigated. By using an open source tool called MAESTRO, the performance of a deep learning task is measured and compared on two different data flow strategies: NLR and NVDLA. Measured performance indicators of novel optimized architecture, NVDLA shows higher L1 and L2 computation reuse and lower total runtime (cycles) in comparison to the other one.
Novel mutation in the TGFBI gene in a Moroccan family with atypical corneal dystrophy
Authors: BENBOUCHTA Yahya , CHERKAOUI Imane , TAZI Habiba , ELORCH Hamza , OUHENACH Mouna , ZRHIDRI Abdelali , SADKI Khalid , SEFIANI Abdelaziz , LYAHYAI Jaber , BERRAHO Amina 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Corneal dystrophy (CDs) is a heterogeneous group disease, genetically determined non-inflammatory bilateral corneal diseases (usually limited to the cornea). CD is characterized by a large variability in the age of onset, evolution and visual impact and the accumulation of insoluble deposits at different depths of the cornea. Clinical symptoms revealed bilaterally multiple superficial, epithelial, and stromal anterior granular opacities, in different stages of severity among three patients of this family. 99 genes are involved in (CDs).The aim of this study is to identify pathogenic variant caused atypical corneal dystrophy in a large Moroccan family and to describe the clinical phenotype with their severe different stages of evolution.Methods: In this study, we report a large Moroccan family with fourteen individuals affected by corneal dystrophy. Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) was performed in the propositus (IV-7) which had corneal pain since the age of 18, associated with a decrease in visual acuity with anterior epithelial and stromal corneal dystrophy, in the form of microvacuole and poorly individualized anterior opacities, with fuzzy edges and an unevenness of the epithelial layers taking the sawtooth appearance. The familial segregation was done by Sanger sequencingResults: Whole exome sequencing showed a novel heterozygous mutation (c.1772C>A; p.Ser591Tyr) in TGFBI gene. Clinical examinations demonstrated bilaterally multiple superficial, epithelial and stromal anterior granular opacities; in different stages of severity among three patients of this family. Conclusions: This report presents a novel mutation in TGFBI gene, found in all family members affects with different phenotypic aspects. This mutation is associated with Thiel-Behnke corneal dystrophy and therefore, it could be considered as a novel phenotype genotype correlation, which will help in genetic counseling for this family
Beach boys in Sri Lanka: Multiple HIV risk behaviours and potential for HIV bridging
Authors: Bozicevic Ivana , Manathunge Ariyaratne , Beneragama Sriyakanthi , Gadjaweera Chathrini 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: There are limited data globally on HIV in men who engage in casual and transactional sex with female tourists. Methods: In 2018 we carried out a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) survey among beach boys in Galle, Sri Lanka, to determine prevalence of HIV and other infections, HIV risk behaviours and utilisation of HIV prevention services. Eligibility criteria included men who cruise in and around beach areas and who had anal and/or vaginal sex with female or male tourists in the 12 months before the survey. Results: We recruited 373 beach boys. Married were 49.6%, while 45.7% were single and 4.7% divorced, separated or widowed. A lower percentage of beach boys reported regular partners in the past 12 months (52.3%) compared to casual partners (95.4%). Condom use at last sex with a casual partner was higher (76.7%) compared to condom use with regular partners (58.3%). Condom use at last sex with a tourist was reported by 75.3%. Ever receiving money, goods or services in exchange for sex was reported by 39.7%. For 85.5% of beach boys who sold sex, the last paying partner was a tourist (85.5%) and a woman (82.0%). In the past 12 months before the survey, 32.3% of beach boys paid money for sex, and 99.5% did so from women. Ever been tested for HIV was reported by 35.3%, and 69.1% of those were tested in the six months before the survey. In the adjusted multivariate analysis, significant correlates of never testing for HIV were lack of comprehensive knowledge about HIV and unprotected last sexual intercourse with tourists. The prevalence infections was: HIV, 0.3% (95% CI 0.0-0.4%); syphilis, 0.5% (0.0-1.2%); herpes virus type-2, 5.0% (2.5%-7.5%). Conclusions: There is low level HIV and syphilis prevalence among beach boys in Galle but high level of sexual risk taking. Beach boys may be acting as a bridge for HIV transmission between higher-risk groups (paying female tourists, men who have sex with men) and lower-risk heterosexual female population in Sri Lanka. More research is needed in South-East Asia on men who trade sexual services to female and male tourists.
Stakeholder Perceptions About the Establishment of Medical Simulation-Based Learning at a University in a Low Resource Setting: A Qualitative Study in Uganda
Authors: Najjuma Josephine Nambi , Bajunirwe Francis , Twine Margaret , Namata Tamara , Kyakwera Catherine , Cherop Moses , Data Santorino 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Simulation based learning (SBL) is a technique where teachers recreate real life clinical experiences for health care teams for purposes of gaining clinical skills in a safe environment. There is evidence that SBL is superior to the traditional clinical teaching methods for acquisition of clinical skills. Although it is well established in resource rich settings, there is limited experience in resource limited settings and there is uncertainty regarding how SBL will be perceived among the stakeholders in medical education. As part of the steps leading to implementation of a SBL program at a university in Uganda, we sought to describe the perceptions of various stakeholders regarding the introduction of SBL methodology into learning at a medical school in Uganda.Methods: We conducted a formative qualitative assessment using key informant interviews (KIIs) among faculty members and university administrators and focus group discussions (FGDs) among medical and nursing students at Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Data were collected till saturation point and were transcribed and analyzed manually using a thematic approach.Results: We conducted 7 KIIs and 3 FGDs. Overall, findings were categorized into four broad themes: 1. Current challenges of medical education 2. Prior experience and understanding of medical simulation 3. Opportunities arising from introduction of medical simulation; and 4. Drawbacks to establishment of medical simulation. Overall, our data show there was significant buy-in from the institution for SBL, stakeholders were upbeat about the prospects of having a new method of teaching, which they perceived as modern to complement the traditional methods. There was significant knowledge but very limited prior experience of medical simulation. Also, there was some concern regarding how students and faculty would embrace training on lifeless objects, the human resources needed and sustainability of simulation-based learning in the absence of external funding.Conclusion: Stakeholders perceive SBL positively and are likely to embrace the learning methods. Concerns about human resource needs and sustainability need to be addressed to ensure acceptability.
Integrative Application of an Educational Wiki and Flipped Classrooms: Student Learning Outcomes and Impacts on Doing Academic Group-Works
Authors: Khoynaroud Ali Ahmadian , Akbarzadeh Amirhossein , Ghojazadeh Morteza , Ghaffarifar Saeideh 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Active participation in group works is an invaluable way to realize collaborative learning; however, there are several challenges attributed to the traditional way of doing group works. This study explores the synergistic effects of flipped classrooms and a wiki-authoring group activity on students’ learning outcomes and the quality and quantity of their group-work.Methods: In this action research, 205 master students of a medical school were involved in a course blended with flipped classrooms. While learning from online and in-class activities, students did their group work on an educational wiki or in a conventional way. Using SPSS 21.0 and employing independent samples t or Mann –Whitney U tests, the educational impacts of the course were compared in two groups.Results: Students in the wiki-group were more satisfied with the course. Both quantity and quality of the group work among students in the wiki group was outweighed those among the students in the non-wiki group. Univariate linear regression analysis of the models between students' satisfaction with flipped classrooms and the quality of their participation in doing their group as well as their attitude towards the group work showed that the changes in the quality of the wiki students' group work and their attitude were dependent on the changes of their satisfaction with flipped classrooms.Conclusions: This study provides evidence that a wiki-authoring group work is effective in achieving student learning outcomes and integrating a wiki with flipped classrooms increases wiki accomplishment. Collaborating on a wiki activity improves both quality and quantity of group works among students.
Dietary Addition of Astragalus Fermented by Lactobacillus Plantarum Improved Laying Performance, Egg Quality, Antioxidant and Immunological Status and Intestinal Microbiota in Laying Hens
Authors: Shi Hongtao , Wang Baiyu , Bian Chuanzhou , Han Yingqian , Qiao Hongxing 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

In the era of increased antibiotic resistance and ever stricter control on antibiotic use, it is urgent to develop green, safe and non-residue alternatives to antibiotics applied to the poultry industry. To this end, we supplied the potential Lactobacillus Plantarum (L. Plantarum) fermented Astragalus in the diet of laying hens, with a final addition of 3‰. Its effects have been assessed on laying performance, egg quality, antioxidant and immunological status and intestinal microbiota, and are compared to the control group, to the Astragalus group containing 3‰ unfermented Astragalus, and to the L. Plantarum group containing 2% L. Plantarum (1 × 108 CFU/mL).
Results

During the second half of the experimental period (15 to 28 days), the egg production rate was significantly higher in the fermented Astragalus group than that in the other groups, with the fermented Astragalus group having the lowest feed conversion ratio. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed among treatments on egg quality. Fermented Astragalus-treated hens exhibited significantly increased catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in serum, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum. Furthermore, fermented Astragalus supplementation resulted in a significant increase in ileal microbiota abundance relative to control.
Conclusions

Feeding laying hens with L. Plantarum fermented Astragalus has beneficial effects on production, antioxidant potential, immunity and ileal microbiota. L. Plantarum fermented Astragalus is expected to be a novel feed additive used in poultry production.
Mycophenolate mofetil reduces epidural fibrosis by regulating TGF-β1/Smad2/3 axis to repress the proliferation, migration and differentiation of fibroblasts
Authors: Zhu Dongming , Zhang Jie , Zhang Xiaobo , Liu Yun , Yan Lianqi , Sun Yu 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Excessive fibroblasts proliferation is believed as a major reason in the process of epidural fibrosis, which is known as a troublesome complication of lumbar laminectomy clinically. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a kind of immunosuppressant, previous studies had shown that it has the function of preventing fibrosis, but the role and mechanism are still unclear. In this study, we determined the repressed effect of MMF on fibroblasts proliferation, migration and differentiation in surgical-induced epidural fibrosis and the underlying mechanism.
Methods

In vitro, the impacts of MMF on cell viability were measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and the fibroblasts proliferation rates were determined by using EdU incorporation, cell cycle assays and western blot. Additionally, the impacts of MMF on fibroblasts migration and differentiation were analyzed by cell wound scratch assay, transwell assay, immunofluorescence analysis and western blot. In vivo, we built epidural fibrosis models in rats and locally applied MMF. Histological and immunohistochemical staining were used to determine the effect of MMF on reducing epidural fibrosis and fibroblasts functions.
Results

CCK-8 assay demonstrated that MMF repressed fibroblasts proliferation in a time- and a dose-dependent manner. EdU incorporation assay and cell cycle analysis proved the inhibition effect of MMF on the proliferation of fibroblasts. Cell wound scratch assay, transwell assay and immunofluorescence proved the inhibition effect of MMF on the migration and differentiation of fibroblasts. Western blotting analysis proved that MMF inhibited the expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad2 and p-Smad3. The expression of proliferation proteins, migration proteins and differentiation proteins were downregulated. In addition, histological and immunohistochemical stain showed that MMF reduces epidural fibrosis by repressing the proliferation, migration and differentiation of fibroblasts.
Conclusion

MMF could inhibit the proliferation, migration and differentiation of fibroblasts, it reduced surgical-induced epidural fibrosis as well. TGF-β1/Smad2/3 axis may be the latent mechanism in MMF reduced epidural fibrosis. It might provide a new notion for mitigating surgery-induced epidural fibrosis.
Incorporating operational research in programmes funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in four sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Camacho Salvador , Maher Dermot , Kamau Edward Mberu , Saric Jasmina , Segura Luis , Zachariah Rony , Wyss Kaspar 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
The current study builds upon a previous situation analysis of the extent to which grants from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) are being utilized to support operational research and implementation research (OR/IR) activities in recipient countries. The objective of this follow-up study was to identify approaches and pathways to implement an OR component into grants to the Global Fund, in four sub-Saharan African countries. Special focus was given to the Structured Operational Research and Training IniTiative (SORT IT).
Methods
The conceptual framework was based on an analysis to identify elements supporting and blocking the integration of OR, called force field analysis, and a behavioural change assessment covering aspects such as opportunity, motivation, capability and triggers to do the integration. Data were collected through online surveys and stakeholder interviews both via telephone/online conference tools and in person in four countries with a high burden of malaria and tuberculosis. This countries were Ghana, Sierra Leone, the United Republic of Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The stakeholders included programme managers, implementation partners, representatives from international organisations, academic and governmental research institutions and other individuals involved in the countries’ needs assessment and National Strategic Plan development.
Results
We identified opportunities to integrate OR into the countries’ programmes during the funding process, the country’s needs assessment being the most important one, including the need of OR-related capacity. Both the force field analysis and the behavioural change assessment showed that the necessary elements to integrate OR were present in the countries. Motivation, capability and efficiency were found to be a managerial value omnipresent across stakeholders. However, those elements were influenced by the tendency to favour tangible assets over any abstract ones, such as increasing organisational capacity in OR.
Conclusions
In each of the countries assessed, there is potential to integrating OR into the programmes supported by the Global Fund. However, given the relative lack of OR-related capacity and skills encountered, a capacity strengthening tool, such as SORT IT, would be of benefit helping to identify and carry forward OR activities sustainably.
Understanding the spatial unevenness of regional renewable energy deployment: insights for policy design
Authors: Laurentis Carla De , Pearson Peter JG 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

This paper suggests that renewable energy (RE) deployment processes and their spatial unevenness can be explained by analysing the socio-material dimensions of RE. It explains how particular regional RE paths come to be favoured or hampered, and identifies factors that have contributed to these different outcomes. The paper shows the merit of investigating regional agency in energy research.
Methods

Using a novel analytical framework, the research performs a comparative case study analysis of selected regions in Italy and the UK, drawing on data obtained via documentary analysis and extensive in-depth interviews.
Results

The factors that explain regional variation in RE deployment are highlighted, providing evidence of how the distinctive features of RE deployment in five different regions arose and could be identified. The paper shows that understanding the socio-material dimensions of RE offers opportunities to understand the spatial unevenness of RE deployment at the regional levels and how to address it. While some regions have managed to successfully align their strategies and governance in order to maximise their RE potential, others have been less effective. The key features that influence the pace and direction of RE deployment at the regional level are i) the ways in which targets and resource availability are seen as drivers for RE deployment, ii) the degree of political autonomy in planning and the capacity to facilitate consenting processes at sub-regional levels, iii) the political will for RE expansion, elite consensus and the presence of relevant industry actors, and iv) the participation and involvement of regional government, even in the absence of formal regulatory powers, in shaping essential energy infrastructure investment.
Conclusion

While institutional capacity, planning and governance, the variety of actors and interests, compelling visions and credible expectations are all necessary prerequisites for coherent policy outcomes, the effects and degree of success can vary. This variance is influenced by the peculiarities and specificities of the regional contexts in which RE projects emerge. By identifying which aspects tend to constrain or enable RE deployment at the regional level, the paper helps to reveal the policy challenges that emerge and how they might be addressed.
Changing Medical Education Scenario: A wakeup call for reforms in Anatomy Act
Authors: Lalwani Rekha , Kotgirwar Sheetal , Athavale Sunita A. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Anatomy Act provides legal ambit to medical educationist for the procurement of cadavers. The changing medical education scenario and socio-demographic change has necessitated an urgent review of the concerned legal framework. Suitable amendments addressing the current disparities and deficiencies are long overdue.Methods Anatomy Act in India is a state act and which ensures provision of unclaimed /donated bodies for Medical Education and research. The methodology included three components namely:· Comparison of various Anatomy Acts clause by clause.· Feedback from anatomists.· Formulation of comprehensive model Anatomy Act. Results Various acts studied showed discrepancies in purpose of the act, roles and duties of stake holders, regulation for body donation, procedure to handle unclaimed bodies, disposal of dissected bodies etc. None of the acts defines a donor and neither addresses the issue of transport of anatomical material. Only ten states have a clause for body donation. Acts of only six states have been amended over last 50 years. Three states denied having an act. The whole exercise of review of acts, extensive feedback received from end-users and taking into account global good practices, culminated in drafting of a comprehensive model Anatomy act.Conclusion India, with the largest number of medical colleges is not only at forefront but also a hub of medical education in Southeast Asia region. A legal reform can be a torch bearer to promote ethical and transparent practices for obtaining cadavers for other countries of the region with similar socio-demography and shall also motivate anatomic fraternity across the globe for critical analysis of their respective anatomy acts.
Impact of Temperature Variability on Childhood Allergic Rhinitis in a Subtropical City of China
Authors: Wang Xu , Cheng Jian , Ling Li , Su Hong , Zhao Desheng , Ni Hong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Many studies have shown an association of childhood respiratory diseases with short-term temperature variability such as diurnal temperature range (DTR) and temperature change between two neighboring days (TCN). However, the impact of temperature variability on allergic rhinitis (AR) has not been investigated so far. This study sought to evaluate the short-term effect of temperature variability (i.e., TCN and DTR) on AR, as well as to identify vulnerable subpopulations.Method: We collected daily data on emergency room visits and outpatients for AR and weather variables in Hefei, China during 2014–2016. A distributed lag non-linear model that controlled for long-term trend and seasonality, mean temperature, relative humidity, day of week was used to fit the associations of AR with DTR and TCN. Stratified analyses by age, gender and occupation were also performed.Results: During the study period, there were a total of 53538 cases and the average values of DTR and TCN were 8.4 °C (range: 1.0 °C to 21.2 °C) and 0 °C (range: -12.2 °C to 5.9 °C), respectively. While we did not observe an adverse effect of DTR on AR, TCN was significantly associated with increased risk of AR. Specifically, a large temperature drop between two adjacent days (3.8 °C, 5th percentile of TCN) has a delayed and short-lasting effect on AR, with the estimated relative risk of 1.02 (95% confidence interval: 1.01 to 1.04) at lag 12. Moreover, boys and children older than 15 years seemed to be more vulnerable to the effect of TCN.Conclusions: This study provided evidence of an adverse effect of large temperature drops between two adjacent days on childhood AR. Attention paid to boys and older children may help prevent AR attacks.