bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is lung density associated with severity of COVID-19?
Authors: Bressem Keno K. , Adams Lisa C. , Albrecht Jakob , Petersen Antonie , Thieß Hans-Martin , Niehues Alexandra , Niehues Stefan M. , Vahldiek Janis L. 
Published: January 2021

IntroductionEmphysema and chronic obstructive lung disease were previously identified as major risk factors for severe disease progression in COVID-19. Computed tomography (CT)-based lung-density analysis offers a fast, reliable, and quantitative assessment of lung density. Therefore, we aimed to assess the benefit of CT-based lung density measurements to predict possible severe disease progression in COVID-19.Material and methodsThirty COVID-19-positive patients were included in this retrospective study. Lung density was quantified based on routinely acquired chest CTs. Presence of COVID-19 was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Wilcoxon test was used to compare two groups of patients. A multivariate regression analysis, adjusted for age and sex, was employed to model the relative increase of risk for severe disease, depending on the measured densities.ResultsIntensive care unit (ICU) patients or patients requiring mechanical ventilation showed a lower proportion of medium- and low-density lung volume compared to patients on the normal ward, but a significantly larger volume of high-density lung volume (12.26 dl IQR 4.65 dl vs. 7.51 dl vs. IQR 5.39 dl, p = 0.039). In multivariate regression analysis, high-density lung volume was identified as a significant predictor of severe disease.ConclusionsThe amount of high-density lung tissue showed a significant association with severe COVID-19, with odds ratios of 1.42 (95% CI: 1.09-2.00) and 1.37 (95% CI: 1.03-2.11) for requiring intensive care and mechanical ventilation, respectively. Acknowledging our small sample size as an important limitation; our study might thus suggest that high-density lung tissue could serve as a possible predictor of severe COVID-19.
Melatonin Use in Pediatrics: Evaluating the Discrepancy in Evidence Based on Country and Regulations Regarding Production
Authors: Skrzelowski Michelle , Brookhaus Amanda , Shea Leticia A. , Berlau Daniel J. 
Published: January 2021

Melatonin manufacturers in the United States have begun producing melatonin products specifically targeted for use in the pediatric population. This paper aims to critically evaluate the evidence available regarding the use of melatonin in children based on where the clinical trials are performed and the regulations regarding the production of melatonin in that country.Melatonin is regulated differently around the world with the least amount of regulation placed on OTC supplements in the United States. The majority of studies evaluating melatonin use in the pediatric population are conducted with children who have comorbidities, such as autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Evidence supporting the use of US formulations of melatonin in the otherwise healthy pediatric population is non-existent. Based on the lack of safety regulations in place in the United States and the lack of evidence regarding US melatonin products, they should be used sparingly in the otherwise healthy pediatric population, if they are used at all.
Efficacy of Low-Dose Epinephrine Continuous Infusion in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Lee Gloria , Kaiser Jeffrey R. , Moffett Brady S. , Rodman Emily , Toy Cynthia , Rios Danielle R. 
Published: January 2021

OBJECTIVES
Although epinephrine is used in the neonatal intensive care unit, few data exist on efficacy of doses &lt;0.05 mcg/kg/min. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of low-dose epinephrine continuous infusion at doses &lt;0.05 mcg/kg/min in infants.

METHODS
Single-center, retrospective review of hypotensive infants from 2011–2018. Charts were reviewed for initial and maximum epinephrine doses, additional vasoactive agents, short-term efficacy, and adverse effects. The primary outcome was percentage of patients initiated on low-dose epinephrine whose dose did not require titration to ≥0.05 mcg/kg/min.

RESULTS
A total of 115 patients met study criteria with 131 distinct occurrences of low-dose epinephrine initiation. Most patients were unresponsive to other vasopressors at the time of epinephrine initiation. The median (IQR) starting dose of low-dose epinephrine was 0.01 (0.01–0.04) mcg/kg/min and median (IQR) maximum dose was 0.04 (0.02–0.08) mcg/kg/min. Fifty-five percent were responders. Patients in this cohort demonstrated significant improvement of blood pressure and urine output (p &lt; 0.001) without adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS
Low-dose epinephrine infusion may be considered as an alternative treatment to standard starting doses in hypotensive neonatal intensive care unit patients.
Prevention of Withdrawal in Pediatric Patients Receiving Long-term Dexmedetomidine Infusions
Authors: Berrens Zachary J. , Sauro Ashley L. , Tillman Emma M. 
Published: January 2021

OBJECTIVE
Determine if the addition of clonidine was associated with a decreased incidence of dexmedetomidine withdrawal in patients who received prolonged dexmedetomidine infusions.

METHODS
This was a retrospective observational cohort study conducted at a single-center PICU in an academic children's hospital. Children 1 month to 18 years of age who received dexmedetomidine infusion for 5 days or longer were included in the study.

RESULTS
Fifty patients met the inclusion criteria with 15 patients who received clonidine and 35 who received a dexmedetomidine wean alone. Withdrawal criteria included blood pressure changes, heart rate changes, and documented agitation. Overall, there was no difference in change in blood pressure or documented agitation between groups. Patients who did not receive clonidine had a greater number of heart rate readings above normal for age following discontinuation of the infusion, yet this was not statistically significant. Potentially more importantly, the addition of clonidine did not impact the duration of dexmedetomidine wean or the PICU length of stay after dexmedetomidine discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS
The addition of clonidine while weaning a long-term dexmedetomidine infusion did not lead to lower blood pressures or agitation, but did lead to decreased percentage of heart rates above the age-appropriate range. The clinical significance of this is unknown, and further investigation is warranted. The addition of clonidine did not decrease time to weaning off dexmedetomidine or shorten PICU length of stay.
Corporate Social Responsibility, Intangibles, and Dynamic Performance of the U.S. Airlines
Authors: Wang Wei-Kang , Wu Sheng-Fu , Nourani Mohammad , Kweh Qian Long , Chen Janya 
Published: January 2021

La Responsabilidad Social Corporativa, los Intangibles y el Desempeño Dinámico de las Aerolíneas Estadounidenses.
En este estudio se emplea en primer lugar el enfoque del análisis dinámico de la envolvente de datos (DEA) para medir el rendimiento operativo de la industria aeronáutica de los Estados Unidos en el período 2006-2014. Examinamos si las aerolíneas incluidas en la base de datos de Kinder, Lydenberg y Domini (KLD) tienen una mayor eficiencia que las aerolíneas no incluidas en la base de datos de KLD. Las siete dimensiones de la responsabilidad social de las empresas (RSE) disponibles en la base de datos KLD se utilizan para representar la RSE. Así, a través de un gráfico de radar, también documentamos la medida en que las compañías aéreas han aplicado cada una de las dimensiones de la RSE. Este estudio también explora la relación entre la RSE y el rendimiento operativo de las aerolíneas. Nuestros hallazgos muestran una relación indirecta entre la RSE y el rendimiento operativo, que se basa en el efecto mediador de los intangibles, después de tener en cuenta el posible problema de la endogeneidad. Los hallazgos de este estudio pueden proporcionar directrices para hacer frente a los problemas de RSE en la industria de las aerolíneas y para implementar políticas de RSE.
This study first employs the dynamic data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach to measure the operating performance of the U.S. airline industry for the period 2006-2014. We examine whether airlines included in the Kinder, Lydenberg, and Domini (KLD) database have higher efficiencies than airlines not included in the KLD database. The seven corporate social responsibility (CSR) dimensions available in the KLD database are used to proxy for CSR. Through a radar graph, we thus also document the extent to which the airlines have implemented each of the dimensions of CSR. Next, this study explores the relationship between CSR and the operating performance of the airlines. Our findings show an indirect relationship between CSR and operating performance, which relies on the mediating effect of intangibles, after accounting for potential endogeneity problem. The findings of this study can provide guidelines for coping with CSR issues in the airline industry and for implementing CSR policies.
Researching COVID-19 tracing app acceptance: incorporating theory from the technological acceptance model
Authors: Velicia-Martin Felix , Cabrera-Sanchez Juan-Pedro , Gil-Cordero Eloy , Palos-Sanchez Pedro R. 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe expansion of the coronavirus pandemic and the extraordinary confinement measures imposed by governments have caused an unprecedented intense and rapid contraction of the global economy. In order to revive the economy, people must be able to move safely, which means that governments must be able to quickly detect positive cases and track their potential contacts. Different alternatives have been suggested for carrying out this tracking process, one of which uses a mobile APP which has already been shown to be an effective method in some countries.ObjectiveUse an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) model to investigate whether citizens would be willing to accept and adopt a mobile application that indicates if they have been in contact with people infected with COVID-19. Research Methodology: A survey method was used and the information from 482 of these questionnaires was analyzed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling.ResultsThe results show that the Intention to Use this app would be determined by the Perceived Utility of the app and that any user apprehension about possible loss of privacy would not be a significant handicap. When having to choose between health and privacy, users choose health.ConclusionsThis study shows that the extended TAM model which was used has a high explanatory power. Users believe that the APP is useful (especially users who studied in higher education), that it is easy to use, and that it is not a cause of concern for privacy. The highest acceptance of the app is found in over 35 years old’s, which is the group that is most aware of the possibility of being affected by COVID-19. The information is unbelievably valuable for developers and governments as users would be willing to use the APP.
Role of public entrepreneurship in the progress of agricultural produces in Himalayas
Authors: Parrey Imtiyaz Rasool 
Published: January 2021

Villagers living in the Western Himalayan region of Uttarakhand are primarily dependent upon subsistence farming. They follow the practice of growing crops and raising livestock sufficient only for one's own use, without any surplus for trade. With the growing financial needs of the villagers, some portion of their produces is now readily available for marketing. While doing so a farmer gets easily entrapped into the web of the middleman, who provides him anticipatory loans in lieu of the agricultural produces grown by him and a promise to handover those produces at a much lower prices. Under this process farmers are totally debarred from getting a real fair price for their agricultural produces which otherwise they could have fetched in the absence of a middleman. This paper showcases a real experiment done by one of the authors of this paper in which a Farmer’s Producer Organization was established with hundreds of local farmers. Farmer’s Producer Organization is ensuring true monetary value for their agricultural produces by eliminating middleman and ensuring value addition to their produces. This paper critically analyses a case of formation of a Farmer’s Producer Organization in Mukteshwar area of District Nainital, Uttarakhand. Paper also throws light over its working and the challenges being faced by new generation Farmers. Key Words: Traditional farming, Framer’s Producer Organization, Middleman, Livelihood security.
The Principal Curvatures and the Third Fundamental Form of Dini-Type Helicoidal Hypersurface in 4-Space
Authors: G¨uler Erhan 
Published: January 2021

We consider the principal curvatures and the third fundamental form of Dini-type helicoidal hypersurface D(u, v, w) in the four dimensional Euclidean space E4. We find the Gauss map e of helicoidal hypersurface in E4. We obtain characteristic polynomial of shape operator matrix S. Then, we compute principal curvatures ki=1;2;3, and the third fundamental form matrix III of D.
Effects of Sesame Seed Oil (Black /White) as a Natural Antioxidant on the Oxidative and Frying Stability of Linseed Oil
Authors: Prakash Karnika , Naik Satya Narayan , Yadav Upasana 
Published: January 2021

Aims: In today's scenario, the oil industry is striving for natural and newly synthesized bioactive compounds due to their distinct nutritional, safety and health benefits over chemically synthesized antioxidants. Sesame seeds are conventionally perceived as the wealthy source of bioactive lignans. Both water-soluble and oil-soluble lignans in sesame oil (SO) and sesame cake have been proclaimed to have therapeutic benefits on humans. On the contrary, linseed oil (LO) due to its high concentration of alpha-linolenic acid is prone to oxidation. To enhance the oxidative stability index (OSI) shelf life of LO, optimal formulations and admixtures of bioactive components with different mechanisms were studied.
Study Design: Different combinations of oil bends were prepared using SO and LO and the quality characteristics were compared with the pure oils.
Place and Duration of Study: Centre for Rural development and technology, Indian Institute of Technology – Delhi, Delhi (India)
Methodology: Physical and biochemical analysis for the oil blends and pure oils were done. Along with that sensory and shelf life analysis of the fried products were also done using standard procedures.
Results: The oxidative stability of all the oil blends and pure oils were measured at 110°C, 120°C and 130°C. Out of all the ratios, 50:50 wt/wt of LO, WSO, BSO and their blends were exposed to deep fat frying. After frying blends were evaluated for physical and biochemical analysis. Fried potato chips were evaluated for its sensory attributes, moisture loss and fat absorption.
Conclusion: It is proposed that the OSI of LO was upgraded by blending. No significant changes were observed in the FTIR and SF/USF acid ratios of the blends and pure oils throughout the frying days implicit satisfying OSI. Sensory attributes, moisture loss and fat absorption exhibit no significant differences between potato chips fried in WSO, BSO and blends BSO: LO, WSO: LO over 5 days of frying.
Amino Acids Profile and Vitamin D Measurement in Hypertension in Egyptian Population
Authors: Saleem Tahia H. , Ali Hosam H. , Farouk Ahmed , Atta Sara A. , Mikhail Maher F. , Fakhry Michel E. 
Published: January 2021

Objective: To investigate the association between plasma free amino acids (PFAAs) profile changes, vitamin D concentration and hypertension and evaluate the clinical utility of this association for nascent hypertension before the development of complications.
Methods: 70 subjects were enrolled in this study; 50 of them were hypertensive (25 were with uncontrolled hypertensive and 25 were with controlled hypertensive), the other 20 subjects were healthy controls.
Results: Circulating levels of Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs); (valine, leucine, and isoleucine), Aromatic amino acids (AAAs); (phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan), homocysteine, aspartic, ornithine, asparagine and lysine were elevated significantly in both uncontrolled and controlled hypertensive subgroups in comparison with control group. On the contrary, the results showed marked decline in the concentration of threonine, serine, methionine, and arginine amino acids in the two hypertensive subgroups compared to control group. Moreover, there was a marked decrease of vitamin D level in hypertensive population in comparison with control.
Conclusion: There is obvious association between PFAAs profile changes, hypovitaminosis D and hypertension.
Investigating the Determinants of Work-life Balance (WLB): Insights from Generation Y Employees in Sri Lanka
Authors: Tennakoon W. D. N. S. M. , Senarathne R. B. C. P. 
Published: January 2021

Aims: Previous studies show a significant attitudinal difference between Generation Y and others in the context of Work-Life Balance. The present study aimed at finding promising factors and the magnitude of them in affecting Work-Life Balance of Generation Y employees.
Study Design: The study was a quantitative, cross-sectional inquiry of the determinants of Work-Life Balance which equipped an email survey (N = 213).
Place and Duration of Study: The was primarily based on Kandy District of Sri Lanka. Approximately, the study stood for six months (February 2019 to August 2019).
Methodology: Determinants of Work-Life Balance, namely; Flexibility & freedom, Motivation, Job satisfaction, Feedback & support and Technological adaption were tested for their influence over Work-Life Balance. The survey instrument had 32 items of which the responses were measured against a five-point Likert scale. A Google form of the instrument was e-mailed to respondents (85.2% response rate). Data was analyzed using univariate and multivariate techniques.
Results: Results of multiple regression analysis detected Job satisfaction (β = .287; p < .001), Flexibility & freedom (β = .198; p < .001) and Feedback & support (β = .181; p < .001) as principal determinants of the Work-Life Balance of Generation Y employees. Technological adaption (p >.001) and Motivation (p > .001) found insignificant in affecting Work-Life Balance of Generation Y employees.
Conclusion: The study was theoretically profound as it refined determinants of Work-Life Balance determinants specific to Generation Y. Practically, findings are useful in crafting any action plan towards enhancing Work-Life Balance of Generation Y employees who are currently the most active group in the workforce.
Effect of Enzymatic Hydrolysis on the Antioxidant Activity of Red and Green Seaweeds and Characterization of the Active Extracts
Authors: Habeebullah Sabeena Farvin K. , Alagarsamy Surendraraj , Sattari Zainab , Al‐Haddad Sakinah , Fakhraldeen Saja , Al‐Ghunaim Aws , Al‐Yamani Faiza 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn the present study, the effect of enzymatic hydrolysis on the antioxidant activity of three red seaweeds (Chondria cornuta, Chondria dasyphylla, and Murrayella periclados) and two green seaweeds (Cladophora sp. and Ulva lactuca) from the Kuwait coast were evaluated. The seaweeds were hydrolyzed with five carbohydrases and three proteases, and the resulting extracts were tested for antioxidant activity. The total phenolic content and yield of the extracts varied greatly depending upon the species and enzyme used for hydrolysis. Of the 40 enzymatic extracts screened for antioxidant activity, the Viscozyme and Alcalase extracts of M. periclados, Neutrase and Ultraflo extracts of Cladophora sp., and Neutrase extracts of C. cornuta had high antioxidant activity compared to other enzymatic extracts in various in vitro assays. Fractionation of the extracts revealed that the radical scavenging and reducing power of the extracts were mainly due to phenolic fractions. In contrast, the iron‐chelating ability was mainly due to protein fractions. The level of prevention of lipid oxidation in the liposome model system varied for different fractions of extracts and did not correlate with total phenolic content and other antioxidant properties. The results of the study show that, by hydrolyzing seaweeds with specific enzymes, customized seaweed extracts with specific bioactivity could be obtained.
Effect of Ag2S nanoparticles on optical, photophysical, and electrical properties of P3HT thin films
Authors: Khan Mohd Taukeer , Almohammedi Abdullah , Shkir Mohd , Aboud Salman Walid 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn the present work, optical, electrical, and photophysical properties of poly(3‐hexylthiophen)/silver sulphide (P3HT/Ag2S) nanocomposites thin films were investigated. New amorphous dispersion formula was used to fit the experimental ellipsometer data and it was observed that the both refractive index (n) and absorption index (k) increased for hybrid films compared with pure P3HT film. The photophysical properties of fabricated films were examined by recording the photoluminescence (PL) and time resolved fluorescence spectra. The PL quenching in hybrid films signalled the formation of a charge transfer complex between host (P3HT) and guest (Ag2S). The fluorescence average life time was noted to drop to 94 ps for hybrid P3HT:Ag2S 1:2 film compared with 126 ps for pristine P3HT. Finally, the electrical properties of fabricated films were measured using the Hall effect systems. The surface resistivity (ρ) of pure P3HT thin films was found to be 9.70 × 104 Ω.cm, which decreased slightly for Ag2S/P3HT hybrid films.
Netrin‐1 regulates ERK1/2 signaling pathway and autophagy activation in wear particle‐induced osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Wang Lei , Gao Zhibiao , Zhang Jie , Huo Yulong , Xu Qiang , Qiu Yusheng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundArtificial joint replacement surgery is often accompanied by osteolysis induced aseptic loosening around the prosthesis. Wear particles from joint replacement are thought to be one of the main factors leading to local inflammation and osteolysis at the prosthesis site. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of osteoclast formation and dissolution induced by wear particles and the potential roles of Netrin‐1, the ERK1/2 pathway and autophagy activation in this process.MethodsThe messenger RNA levels in cells and tissues were detected with real‐time quantitative PCR. The western blotting was used to detect the expression of proteins. A CCK‐8 kit was used to detect the viability of RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, an air pouch model of bone resorption was established. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of TRAP and Netrin‐1 in rat bone tissue. Cell culture supernatants were collected in the rat air pouch model of bone resorption, and the levels of RANKL and OPG were detected with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of TRAP and Netrin‐1 in bone tissue were examined by immunohistochemistry.ResultsTitanium wear particles induced osteoclast formation and autophagy activation. Moreover, blocking autophagy suppressed the osteoclastogenesis after exposure to wear particles in vitro. The activation of the ERK1/2 pathway and the overexpression of Netrin‐1 were both found to play important roles in osteoclastogenesis mediated by autophagy. Moreover, 3‐MA effectively decreased the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines mediated by wear particles.ConclusionBlockade of autophagy inhibits the osteoclastogenesis and inflammation induced by wear particles, thus potentially providing novel treatment strategies for abnormal osteoclastogenesis and aseptic prosthesis loosening induced by wear particles.