bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Auto-diagnosis of COVID-19 using Lung CT Images with Semi-supervised Shallow Learning Network
Authors: Konar Debanjan , Panigrahi Bijaya Ketan , Bhattacharyya Siddhartha , Dey Nilanjan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Infection of Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) on lung cells and human respiratory systems have raised real concern to the human lives during the current pandemic spread across the world. Recent observations on CT images of human lungs infected by COVID-19 is a challenging task for the researchers in finding suitable image patterns for automatic diagnosis. In this paper, a novel semi-supervised shallow learning network model comprising Parallel Quantum-Inspired Self-supervised Network (PQIS-Net) with Fully Connected (FC) layers is proposed for automatic segmentation followed by patch-based classifications on segmented lung CT images for the diagnosis of COVID-19 disease. The PQIS-Net model is incorporated for fully automated segmentation of lung CT scan images obviating pre-trained convolutional neural network models for feature learning. The PQIS-Net model comprises a trinity of layered structures of quantum bits inter-connected through rotation gates using an 8-connected second-order neighborhood topology for the segmentation of wide variation of local intensities of the CT images. Intensive experiments have been carried out on two publicly available lung CT image data sets thereby achieving promising segmentation outcome and diagnosis efficiency (F1-score and AUC) while compared with the state of the art pre-trained convolutional based models.
Evaluating context-specific evidence-based quality improvement intervention on lymphatic filariasis mass drug administration in Northern Ghana using the RE-AIM framework
Authors: Manyeh Alfred , Tobias Tobias , Ramaswamy Rohit , Baiden Frank , Ibisomi Latifat 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundOver a decade of implementing a global strategy to eliminate lymphatic filariasis in Ghana through mass drug administration, the disease is still being transmitted in 22 districts out of an initial 98 endemic districts identified in 2000. A context-specific evidence-based quality improvement intervention was implemented in the Bole District of Northern Ghana after an initial needs assessment. This study aimed to evaluate the process and impact of the intervention on implementation of lymphatic filariasis mass drug administration in Bole District of Northern Ghana. MethodThe study used the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework based on a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the context-specific evidence-based quality improvement intervention. Results The findings of the evaluation showed that there was an improvement in social mobilization and sensitization, knowledge about LF and MDA process, willingness to ingest the medication, and adherence to the DOT Strategy. We observed a 6.3% increase in the district MDA coverage and reduction in self-reported adverse drug reaction. The level of reach, effectiveness and adoption as the district, sub-district and at the individual participants’ level suggest that the CEQI intervention is feasible to implement in LF hotspot districts based on initial context-specific needs assessment. ConclusionThe study provided the groundwork for future application of the RE-AIM framework to evaluate the implementation of context-specific evidence-based quality improvement intervention to improve LF MDAs towards the elimination of LF as a public health problem.
M-BiRank: Co-ranking developers and projects using multiple developer-project interactions in open source software community
Authors: Yan Dengcheng , Qi Bin , Zhang Yiwen , Shao Zhen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Social collaborative coding is a popular trend in software development and such platforms as GitHub provides rich social and technical functionalities for developers to collaborate on open source projects through multiple interactions. Developers often follow popular developers and projects for learning, technical selection and collaboration. Thus identifying popular developers and projects is very meaningful. In this paper, we propose a multiplex bipartite network ranking model, M-BiRank, to co-rank developers and projects using multiple developer-project interactions. Firstly, multiple developer-project interactions such as commit, issue and watch is extracted and a multiplex developer-project bipartite network is constructed. Secondly, a random layer is selected from this multiplex bipartite network and initial ranking scores are calculated for developers and projects using BiRank. Finally, initial ranking scores diffuse to other layers and mutual reinforcement is taken into consideration to iteratively calculate ranking scores of developers and projects in different layers. Experiments on real world GitHub dataset show that M-BiRank outperforms traditional single layer PageRank and BiRank.
Clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 patients: a French cross-sectional study in primary care
Authors: Sebo Paul , Tudrej Benoit , Lourdaux Julie , Cuzin Clara , Floquet Martin , Haller Dagmar M , Maisonneuve Hubert 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The early identification of patients suffering from SARS-CoV-2 infection in primary care is of outmost importance in the current pandemic.Aim: To gain a better understanding of the specific symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection in primary care.Design and setting: We conducted a cross-sectional study between March 24 and May 7, 2020, involving consecutive patients undergoing RT-PCR testing in two community-based laboratories in Lyon (France) for a suspicion of COVID-19.Methods: We examined the association between various symptoms and a positive test using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, adjusted for clustering within the laboratories.Results: Of the 1561 patients tested, 1543 agreed to participate (participation rate: 99%). Among them, 253 were positive for SARS-Cov-2 (16%). In multivariate analysis, loss of taste (OR 3.8 [95%CI 3.3-4.4], p-value<0.001), loss of smell (OR 3.0 [95%CI 1.9-4.8], p-value<0.001), muscle pain (OR 1.6 [95%CI 1.2-2.0], p-value 0.001) and dry nose (OR 1.3 [95%CI 1.1-1.6], p-value 0.01) were significantly associated with a positive result. The strength of association with taste and smell disorders was higher for symptom combinations (OR 6.5 [95%CI 3.9-10.8] for loss of taste and smell, OR 6.7 [95%CI 5.9-7.5] for loss of taste or smell). In contrast, sore throat (OR 0.6 [95%CI 0.4-0.8], p-value 0.003), stuffy nose (OR 0.7 [95%CI 0.6-0.7], p-value<0.001), diarrhea (OR 0.6 [95%CI 0.5-0.6], p-value<0.001) and dyspnea (OR 0.5 [95%CI 0.3-0.7], p-value<0.001) were inversely associated with a positive test.Conclusion: Our data could further facilitate targeted screening and contribute to the triage and early identification of new clusters of cases.
Effectiveness of Nicergoline in Preventing Acoustic Trauma
Authors: Klamkam Pana , Pagcharoenpol Rongrat , Treesaranuwattana Treewit , Silpsrikul Pichayen , Jaruchinda Pariyanan , Wasuwat Piyalarp 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: In Thailand, military personnel attending the annual firing practice are at risk for acoustic trauma (AT). Presently, hearing protection devices have been approved to prevent AT. Furthermore, N-acetyl-cysteine or magnesium were proved to be beneficial for hearing protective effect. However, the study of the effectiveness of nicergoline on preventing AT is limited. The study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of nicergoline in preventing AT.Methods: The study employed a randomized controlled trial design. Two hundred twenty-four participants were evaluated for general physical status, hearing threshold level and blood chemistry. The inform consent form was explained and signed, and participants were allocated to 2 groups. The study group (n=118) was prescribed nicergoline 30 mg twice daily for 2 weeks before the firing practice and 1 week after firing practice while the controlled group (n=106) was prescribed placebo. All participants had to wear the silicone ear plugs. The postfiring practice audiograms were measured within 48 hours. Aural symptoms (tinnitus and aural fullness) and the side effects of the medication were also recorded.Results: The incidence of AT was detected in 14 ears, 10 ears from the placebo group (p=0.075). The postfiring practice audiograms showed the average hearing threshold level of the study group significantly improved than that of the control group across all frequencies (p<0.05). Moreover, the audiograms from the placebo group worsened at 250Hz and 6,000 Hz (p<0.05). The presence of tinnitus and aural fullness in the study group occurred over a shorter period than that in the placebo group. Conclusion: The incidence of AT occurred in both groups. The effectiveness of nicergoline from this study demonstrated reduced tinnitus after firing practice. Furthermore, the hearing threshold significantly improved in the study group. Trial registration: Registered 16 October 2019 – Retrospectively registered, TCTR20200519002. http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th
A polo-like kinase modulates cytokinesis and flagella biogenesis in Giardia lamblia
Authors: Park Eun-Ah , Kim Juri , Shin Mee Young , Park Soon-Jung 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Polo-like kinases (PLKs) are conserved serine/threonine kinase, regulating cell cycle. Giardia lamblia PLK (GlPLK) role in its cell has not been yet studied. Here, the function of GlPLK was investigated to provide the insight of roles in Giardia cell division, especially during cytokinesis and in flagella formation.
Methods
To access the function of GlPLK, Giardia trophozoites were treated with PLK-specific inhibitor, GW843286X (GW) or anti-glplk morpholino, then growth of the cells was monitored and phenotypic characteristics of GlPLK-inhibited cells were observed by using mitotic index and flow cytometry assay. Transgenic G. lamblia expressing GlPLK as a hemagglutinin (HA)-tagging was constructed and used for immunofluorescence assay to detect the localization of GlPLK, followed by the subcellular fractionation. Furthermore, kinase assay was performed to assess the phosphorylation activities of GlPLK by purified proteins or in vitro synthesized proteins. To elucidate the role of phosphorylated GlPLK, the phosphorylation residues were mutated and expressed in Giardia trophozoites.
Results
After incubating trophozoites with 5 µM GW, the percentages of cells with four nuclei and/or longer flagella were increased. Immunofluorescence assays indicated that GlPLK was mainly localized at basal bodies and transiently localized at mitotic spindles in the dividing cells. Fractionation experiments demonstrated that GlPLK is present in the nuclear fraction, as did the centromeric histone H3. Morpholino-mediated GlPLK knockdown resulted in the same phenotypes as those observed in GW-treated cells, i.e., increased mitotic index and flagella length. Kinase assays using mutant recombinant GlPLKs indicated that mutation at Lys51 or at both Thr179 and Thr183 resulted in loss of kinase activity. Giardia expressing these mutant GlPLKs also demonstrated defects in cell growth, cytokinesis, and flagella.
Conclusions
These data indicated that GlPLK plays roles in Giardia cell division, especially during cytokinesis, and in flagella formation.
Assessment of pelvic floor and abdominal muscles three months postpartum: A reliability study
Authors: Vesting Sabine , Olsén Monika Fagevik , Gutke Annelie , Rembeck Gun , Larsson Maria EH 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Pregnancy and childbirth often result in alterations of core muscles, and women may require postpartum assessment of pelvic floor muscle function and abdominal wall changes, e.g. diastasis recti abdominis (DRA). However, there is currently no gold standard for postpartum assessment of these muscles´ function. Here we aimed to evaluate the reliability of clinically applicable methods for assessing pelvic floor muscles and DRA after pregnancy.

Methods

We recruited 222 postpartum women from Swedish antenatal and childbirth centers, and via social media. Pelvic floor and DRA assessment were performed via observation and palpation at three rehabilitation centers in Sweden. At each center, two independent physiotherapists performed the assessments in random order.

Results

Assessment of the maximal voluntary contraction and pelvic floor muscle endurance revealed kappa values ranging from 0.49–0.69. Assessments of voluntary contraction by observation, involuntary contraction, and voluntary relaxation yielded inconsistent results, with slight-to-moderate weighted kappa values ranging from 0.10–0.51. DRA assessment by caliper yielded ICC values of 0.73–0.83 after physiotherapists underwent 2 months of training in applying this assessment method. The standard error of measurements for this method was about 4 mm, and the minimal detectable change was 12 mm. Assessments of DRA depth and bulging showed moderate kappa values of 0.43–0.51, with reservation for some inconsistency between the centers.

Conclusions

Palpation of maximal voluntary contraction and pelvic floor muscle endurance are reliable postpartum assessment methods. With some experience and training, a caliper is a reliable instrument for assessing the postpartum DRA width. Additional research is needed to identify a reliable assessment method for pelvic floor muscle functions other than voluntary contraction, and for DRA depth and bulging.
Energy from biomass: alternative for the reduction of atmospheric emissions
Authors: Galvis Martinez John Freddy , Torrado Gómez Luz Marina , SERRANO GUZMAN MARIA FERNANDA , Solarte Vanegas Norma Cristina , Perez Ruiz Diego Dario 
Published: June 2020

Biomass produces the same amount of emissions of carbon dioxide absorbed during its growth that means that emits the same amount of CO2 processing during part of its life cycle, making it neutral emissions of carbon compounds. The mass use of this energy source in developing countries with high agricultural potential is not considered feasible. This article from a research project describes the processes for biomass utilization and environmental benefits of using this energy resource that has been booming in different countries. It is concluded that although it is feasible the inclusion of biomass for energysupply, exists a lack of guidelines for sustainable use.
Threshold Detection Scheme Based on Parametric Distribution Fitting for Optical Fiber Channels
Authors: Usman Mohammed , Wajid Mohd , Shamim Muhammad Z. , Ansari Mohd D. , Gunjan Vinit K. 
Published: June 2020

Background:
When data is transmitted by encoding it in the amplitude of the transmitted
signal, such as in Amplitude Shift Keying, the receiver makes a decision on the transmitted data by
observing the amplitude of the received signal.

Objective:
Depending on the level of the received signal, the receiver has to decode the received data,
with minimum probability of error. For binary transmission, this is achieved by choosing a decision
threshold.

Methods:
A threshold detection mechanism is evaluated in this paper, which uses parametric probability
distribution fitting to the received signal.

Results:
Based on our earlier work on visible light communication, the idea is extended to a fiber
optic channel and it is found that in a fiber optic channel, the threshold value obtained by fitting a
Rayleigh distribution to the received data results in error probability approaching zero.

Conclusion:
It is found that the proposed threshold estimation method works well for both equal as
well as unequal apriori probabilities of the binary symbols. The proposed method of threshold detection
is adaptive when the apriori probabilities for 1’s and 0’s change.
Welding Training for Youth Organization in Dayeuh Village
Authors: Saepudin Asep , Sholih Hilman , Pracoyo Wisnu , Dharmanto Asep , Wilarso W. 
Published: June 2020

During quite a high job competition, each individual must improve their abilities in various fields of science and skills. Development of human resources to improve product quality and selling value. Human Resources (HR) that are not supported by soft skills and hard skills will reduce the ability to work, of course, needed by young people with a higher desire to improve hard skills and soft skills. This welding training, one of the STTMC programs aimed at improving the quality of young people in STTMC and surrounding areas. Whereas in the industrial environment increasing human resources to compete in labor competition. In building good relationships between universities and communities around the industry. Also, we can equip young people with the skills needed in the fields of welding, entrepreneurship, industry, and the world of projects. Where the majority of the world of work requires smart people and have the ability in the field of hard skills. Through this training, it can help the difficulties of young people in the field of welding in the industrial world and efforts to improve the ability of the field of welding skills by collaboration between STTMC and PT. CG Power Indonesia.
ANALISIS PENGUJIAN KELAYAKAN PEMBIAYAAN BAIâ€™ BITSAMAN AJIL DALAM MEREDUKSI TINGKAT PEMBIAYAAN BERMASALAH PADA BAITUL QIRADH BAITURRAHMAN BAZNAS MADANI
Authors: Zuliani Rafiza 
Published: June 2020

This research aims to find the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of Baitul Qiradh Baiturrahman Baznas Madani in the assessment process of Bai' Bitsaman Ajil financing and its influence in reducing the non-performing financing. The research employed descriptive analysis method in which the data presented systematically, factually and accurately into a research report. The sources of data obtained through the research literature by examining and studying various related literatures. Data was gathered through interview and documentation study. The findings showed that the Baitul Qiradh did not fully execute the procedure in accordance with the predefined SOP as the differences was still be found. In assessment of the prospective customers for the financing, Baitul Qiradh utilized the principle of 5C + 1C, namely character, capacity, capital, collateral, condition of economy, and constraint. In addition, the assessment was also include the aspects of judicial, market and marketing, technical, financial, assurance and management. The assessment has significantly reduced the number of non-performing financing at the Baitul Qiradh.
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Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mencari jawaban terhadap Standar Operasional Prosedur (SOP) Baitul Qiradh Baiturrahman Baznas Madani dalam proses pengujian kelayakan yang dilakukan pada pemohon pembiayaan baiâ€™ bitsaman ajil dan pengaruhnya terhadap jumlah pembiayaan bermasalah. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode deskriptif dengan cara mencari fakta-fakta yang kemudian dianalisa dan dipaparkan secara sistematis, faktual dan akurat dalam bentuk laporan penelitian. Sumber data diperoleh melalui penelitian kepustakaan, yaitu dengan menelaah dan mempelajari berbagai referensi yang berhubungan dengan judul seperti dari buku dan laporan Baitul Qiradh. Serta melalui penelitian lapangan, yaitu dengan melakukan wawancara dan memperoleh data dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Baitul Qiradh Baiturrahman Baznas Madani tidak sepenuhnya menjalankan SOP yang telah ditetapkan karena ada perbedaan pada praktiknya. Dalam melakukan pengujian kelayakan terhadap calon nasabahnya yang memohon pembiayaan, Baitul Qiradh menggunakan prinsip 5C+1C, yaitu character, capacity, capital, collateral, condition of economy, dan constraint serta menilai aspek yuridis, aspek pasar dan pemasaran, aspek teknis, aspek keuangan, aspek jaminan dan aspek manajemen. Pengaruh pengujian kelayakan tersebut sangat besar dalam mereduksi pembiayaan bermasalah pada Baitul Qiradh.
A Review of the PCAOB's Enforcement Program: 2005–2017
Authors: Hollingsworth Carl W. , Irving James H. 
Published: June 2020

SUMMARY
This study examines the PCAOB's Division of Enforcement from 2005 to 2017, a time period when it expanded from a $5 million to a $22 million program area. We find that a pronounced increase in disciplinary orders issued during the latter years of the sample period is attributable to serious audit deficiencies and misconduct by triennially inspected audit firms, non-U.S. audit firms, and firms auditing brokers and dealers. We also find that more than two-thirds of the violations of PCAOB auditing standards described in these disciplinary orders pertain to failures in general audit principles and responsibilities, obtaining audit evidence, and review and communication. Finally, we find that the PCAOB levies punitive sanctions on an overwhelming majority of audit personnel and audit firms cited in these disciplinary orders. Overall, our results indicate that the PCAOB's enforcement function has actively disciplined audit personnel and audit firms that breached their professional obligations.
Data Availability: Publicly available.
Do Audit Fees Reflect Unique Characteristics of Individual Executives?
Authors: Lauck John R. , Rakestraw Joseph R. , Stein Sarah E. 
Published: June 2020

SYNOPSIS
We examine whether audit fees reflect characteristics of individual executives incremental to known determinants of fees. Using a novel executive effects approach, we find that unexplained audit fees exhibit a statistically and economically significant association with executive effects after controlling for factors related to the firm and environment. Specifically, executive effects represent between 20 and 39 percent of the total variation in unexplained audit fees. Our tests also show only limited evidence that observable proxies are associated with the auditor's perception of an executive's style, which suggests that our analysis identifies unobservable traits that cannot be captured by typical measures in archival research (e.g., gender, age, educational background, and board membership). Collectively, our study highlights the importance of executive characteristics in the determination of audit fees and suggests that future research may benefit from additional consideration of individual executives' influence on the pricing of audit services.
Data Availability: Data used in this study are available from public sources identified in the document.
Pilates: efeitos na forca e imagem corporal de mulheres sedentárias
Authors: Souza Catiane , Detogni Schmit Emanuelle Francine , Wagner Neto Edgar Santiago , Couto de Sá Cloud Kennedy , Fagundes Loss Jefferson 
Published: June 2020

O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a imagem corporal e a força de praticantes inexperientes ao longo de 30 sessões de Pilates. Participaram 19 mulheres sedentárias sem contato prévio com o método e idade entre 21 e 35 anos, submetidas a 30 sessões de Pilates em turmas de quatro alunas, duas vezes por semana. As avaliações foram realizadas em cinco momentos: antes do período controle de um mês, antes da intervenção, após dez sessões, após 20 sessões e após 30 sessões. Foi avaliada a força de preensão palmar como representativa da força geral, de forma complementar a força dos extensores do tronco e a imagem corporal que foi avaliada pela diferença da imagem de corpo considerada atual e ideal, a partir de uma Escala de Imagem Corporal. Ao longo de trinta sessões de método Pilates a força dos extensores da coluna apresentou diferença estatística e tamanho de efeito grande entre o período pré e pós-intervenção (. = 9,50; . = -0,537; z = -3,311; p = 0,001). A imagem corporal e a preensão palmar não foram alteradas.