bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crop diversification analysis on red pepper dominated smallholder farming system: evidence from northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Dessie Abebe Birara , Abate Tadie Mirie , Mekie Taye Melese , Liyew Yigrem Mengist 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Ethiopia is the homeland of various crops due to its diverse and suitable agro-ecological zones. As a result, smallholder farmers grow multiple crops on a small piece of land both for consumption and commercial purposes in different portions of Ethiopia, including the northwestern part of the country. However, crop diversification status and extent of farmers were not well understood. Therefore, this study examined determinants of crop diversification in a pepper-dominated smallholder farming system in northwest Ethiopia.

Methods
Primary data was collected through a semi-structured interview schedule administered on 385 crop producers selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Moreover, the survey was supplemented by using secondary data, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Methods such as the descriptive, inferential statistics, and econometrics model were used for analyzing the data.

Results
The average crop diversification index was 0.77, and most smallholder farmers (92.46%) used crop diversification as a strategy for risk reduction, nutritional improvement, consumption, and commercial needs. Moreover, the Tobit model result revealed that the status and intensity of crop diversification were significantly influenced by farmland, sex, age, land fragmentation, distance to development center, market distance, and non-/off-farm income participation.

Conclusion
Generally, most farm households used crop diversification as a norm and best strategy for minimizing risk, income source, nutritional and livelihood improvement. Therefore, crop producers, agricultural experts, the Ethiopian government, and partner organizations should give special attention to extension service, market, and infrastructure development to enhance the role of agricultural diversification for households.
Identification of subgroups of terror attacks with shared characteristics for the purpose of preventing mass-casualty attacks: a data-mining approach
Authors: Singer Gonen , Golan Maya 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSecurity and intelligence agencies around the world invest considerable resources in preventing terrorist attacks, as these may cause strategic damage, national demoralization, infringement of sovereignty, and government instability. Recently, data-mining techniques have evolved to allow identification of patterns and associations in criminal data that were not apparent using traditional analysis. The aim of this paper is to illustrate how to use interpretable classification algorithms to identify subgroups (“patterns”) of terrorist incidents that share common characteristics and that result in mass fatalities. This approach can produce insights far beyond those of conventional macro-level studies that use hypothesis-testing and regression models. In addition to this methodological contribution, from a practical perspective, exploring the characteristics identified in the “patterns” can lead to prevention strategies, such as alteration of the physical or systemic environment. This is in line with situational crime prevention (SCP) theory. We apply our methodology to the Global Terrorism Database (GTD). We present three examples in which terror attacks that are described by a particular pattern (set of characteristics) resulted in a high probability of mass casualties, while attacks that differ in just one of these characteristics (i.e., month of attack, geographical area targeted, or type of attack) resulted in far fewer casualties. We propose exploration of the differentiating characteristic as a means of reducing the probability of mass-fatality terrorist incidents.
Arboreal route navigation in a Neotropical mammal: energetic implications associated with tree monitoring and landscape attributes
Authors: de Guinea Miguel , Estrada Alejandro , Nekaris K. Anne-Isola , Van Belle Sarie 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlthough navigating along a network of routes might constrain animal movement flexibility, it may be an energetically efficient strategy. Routinely using the same route allows for visually monitoring of food resources, which might reduce the cognitive load and as such facilitate the process of movement decision-making. Similarly, locating routes in areas that avoid costly landscape attributes will enhance their overall energy balance. In this study we determined the benefits of route navigation in an energy minimiser arboreal primate, the black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra).MethodsWe monitored five neighbouring groups of black howler monkeys at Palenque National Park, Mexico from September 2016 through August 2017. We recorded the location of the focal group every 20 m and mapped all travel paths to establish a route network (N = 1528 travel bouts). We constructed linear mixed models to assess the influence of food resource distribution (N = 931 trees) and landscape attributes (slope, elevation and presence of canopy gaps) on the location of routes within a route network.ResultsThe number of food trees that fell within the visual detection distance from the route network was higher (mean: 156.1 ± SD 44.9) than randomly simulated locations (mean: 121.9 ± SD 46.4). Similarly, the number of food trees found within the monkey’s visual range per meter travelled increased, on overage, 0.35 ± SE 0.04 trees/m with increasing use of the route. In addition, route segments used at least twice were more likely to occur with increasing density of food resources and decreasing presence of canopy gaps. Route segments used at least four times were more likely to occur in elevated areas within the home ranges but only under conditions of reduced visual access to food resources.ConclusionsRoute navigation emerged as an efficient movement strategy in a group-living arboreal primate. Highly used route segments potentially increased visual access to food resources while avoiding energetically costly landscape features securing foraging success in a tropical rainforest.
Use of percutaneous microwave ablation for the treatment of bone tumors: a retrospective study of clinical outcomes in 47 patients
Authors: Wu Min-hao , Xiao Ling-fei , Yan Fei-fei , Chen Shi-Liang , Zhang Chong , Lei Jun , Deng Zhou-ming 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to evaluate the short-term clinical performance and safety of percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) techniques for the treatment of bone tumors.MethodsThis single-institution retrospective study investigated 47 cases of bone tumors treated by MWA from June 2015 to June 2018. The study included 26 patients (55.3%) with benign bone tumors and 21 patients (44.7%) with malignant bone tumors. The tumors were located in the spine or sacrum (15, 31.9%), the upper extremities (6, 12.8%), the lower extremities (17, 36.2%) and the pelvis (9, 19.1%). Outcomes regarding clinical efficacy, including pain relief, quality of life, and intervention-related complications, were evaluated before and after MWA using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) scoring system.ResultsOf the 47 patients included in this study, all of them completed follow-up examinations, with a mean follow-up duration of 4.8 ± 1.6 months (range, 2–9 months). Significantly improved VAS and SF-36 scores were recorded after the initial treatment (P<0.001), suggesting that almost 100% of patients experienced pain relief and an improved quality of life following surgery. No major intervention-related complications (e.g., serious neurovascular injury or infection) occurred during or after the treatment. We recorded only three minor posttreatment complications (6.4%, 3/47), which were related to thermal injury that caused myofasciitis and affected wound healing.ConclusionIn our study, the short-term efficacy of MWA was considerably favorable, with a relatively low rate of complications. Our results also showed that MWA was effective for pain relief and improved patients’ quality of life, making it a feasible treatment alternative for bone tumors.
Spatial change detection using normal distributions transform
Authors: Katsura Ukyo , Matsumoto Kohei , Kawamura Akihiro , Ishigami Tomohide , Okada Tsukasa , Kurazume Ryo 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSpatial change detection is a fundamental technique for finding the differences between two or more pieces of geometrical information. This technique is critical in some robotic applications, such as search and rescue, security, and surveillance. In these applications, it is desirable to find the differences quickly and robustly. The present paper proposes a fast and robust spatial change detection technique for a mobile robot using an on-board range sensors and a highly precise 3D map created by a 3D laser scanner. This technique first converts point clouds in a map and measured data to grid data (ND voxels) using normal distributions transform. The voxels in the map and the measured data are then compared according to the features of the ND voxels. Three techniques are introduced to make the proposed system robust for noise, that is, classification of point distribution, overlapping of voxels, and voting using consecutive sensing. The present paper shows the results of indoor and outdoor experiments using an RGB-D camera and an omni-directional laser scanner mounted on a mobile robot to confirm the performance of the proposed technique.
Life-threatening bleeding with intussusception due to gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a case report
Authors: Kim Min Sung , Woo In Teak , Jo Young Min , Lee Jin Hyung , Park Byung Sam 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Massive intraluminal bleeding requires urgent intervention and management. However, the source of bleeding on the small intestine is difficult to determine. Intestinal tumor with intussusception is a rare and normally not an urgent condition. Herein, we present a rare case of intestinal intussusception with massive bleeding due to jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) that required emergency surgical treatment.

Case presentation
A 51-year-old male was admitted to the emergency department complaining of abdominal pain and acute hematochezia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy could not determine the source of the bleeding site. Abdominal pelvic computed tomography (AP-CT) revealed GIST with intussusception, strongly suggestive of distal jejunal bleeding. Unresponsive transfusion with low blood pressure and continuous hematochezia led to emergency laparotomy. GIST, which was the leading point for intussusception, was located in the jejunum and showed mucosal ulceration of approximately 3.5 cm in diameter. Following resection and functional anastomosis, histology revealed a GIST with low mitotic count (< 5 per 50HPF). Moreover, immunochemical analysis revealed positivity for c-kit (CD117) and DOG-1. There were no complications 2 months after surgery.

Conclusions
Intussusception associated with GIST is a rare finding that can be life-threatening if it occurs with an ulcer. This case showed that the early detection of bleeding and emergency surgery could prevent severe complications.
In vivo and in silico evaluation of analgesic activity of Lippia alba
Authors: Aziz Md. Abdullah , Mehedi Manna , Akter Mst. Irin , Sajon Sadiur Rahman , Mazumder Kishor , Rana Md. Sohel 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
This study was conducted to evaluate the analgesic activity of different extracts of Lippia alba (L. alba) along with in silico evaluation of analgesic activity of the isolated compounds from L. alba against cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme and ADME/T analysis of isolated compounds.

Method
In vivo analgesic activity of different extracts of L. alba was evaluated by acetic acid-induced writhing, tail immersion and hot plate on Swiss albino mice of either sex. In silico activity of the isolated compounds and ADME/T analysis were performed by Schrödinger-Maestro (Version 10.1) and OSIRIS Data warrior (version 4.6.1) softwares.

Results
Three different extracts (Methanolic extract: ME; Petroleum ether extract: PEE; Dichloromethane extract: DCME) of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg doses were used in the experiments to evaluate analgesic activity. In acetic acid-induced writhing test, significant results were seen for PEE (500 mg/kg) and DCME (500 mg/kg), which were 53.09 ± 2.87 & 50.09 ± 4.24%, respectively. In tail immersion test, the best latency time was found at + 60 min for PEE (500 mg/kg) which is (5.65 ± 0.25) sec. For hot plate test, DCME at a dose 500 mg/kg showed the highest increase in latency time, which was 13.48 ± 0.33 s. In the case of in silico evaluation of analgesic activity, the compounds such as geranial, neral, (E)-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, mussaenide, and 8-epi-loganin meet the condition of Lipinski’s rule of five. Among these safe compounds, 8-epi-loganin showed the best docking score of − 8.17 kcal/mol against cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme (PDB ID: 6COX), which was almost similar to that of the standard drug, Celecoxib (− 11.11 kcal/mol).

Conclusion
In conclusion, L. alba can be a potent source of analgesic medicine and further modification and simulation studies are required to establish the effectiveness of 8-epi-loganin.
Morphology of powerful suction organs from blepharicerid larvae living in raging torrents
Authors: Kang Victor , Johnston Richard , van de Kamp Thomas , Faragó Tomáš , Federle Walter 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundSuction organs provide powerful yet dynamic attachments for many aquatic animals, including octopus, squid, remora, and clingfish. While the functional morphology of suction organs from some cephalopods and fishes has been investigated in detail, there are only few studies on such attachment devices in insects. Here we characterise the morphology and ultrastructure of the suction attachment organs of net-winged midge larvae (genusLiponeura; Diptera: Blephariceridae) – aquatic insects that live on rocks in rapid alpine waterways where flow speeds can reach 3 m s− 1– using scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and X-ray computed micro-tomography (micro-CT). Furthermore, we study the function of these organs in vivo using interference reflection microscopy.ResultsWe identified structural adaptations important for the function of the suction attachment organs inL. cinerascensandL. cordata. First, a dense array of spine-like microtrichia covering each suction disc comes into contact with the substrate upon attachment, analogous to hairy structures on suction organs from octopus, clingfish, and remora fish. These spine-like microtrichia may contribute to the seal and provide increased shear force resistance in high-drag environments. Second, specialised rim microtrichia at the suction disc periphery were found to form a continuous ring in close contact and may serve as a seal on a variety of surfaces. Third, a V-shaped cut on the suction disc (“V-notch“) is actively opened via two cuticular apodemes inserting on its flanks. The apodemes are attached to dedicated V-notch opening muscles, thereby providing a unique detachment mechanism. The complex cuticular design of the suction organs, along with specialised muscles that attach to them, allows blepharicerid larvae to generate powerful attachments which can withstand strong hydrodynamic forces and quickly detach for locomotion.ConclusionThe suction organs fromLiponeuraare underwater attachment devices specialised for resisting extremely fast flows. Structural adaptations from these suction organs could translate into future bioinspired attachment systems that perform well on a wide range of surfaces.
Application of botulinum toxin in maxillofacial field: Part III. Ancillary treatment for maxillofacial surgery and summary
Authors: Kwon Kyung-Hwan , Shin Kyung Su , Yeon Sung Hee , Kwon Dae Gun 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBotulinum toxin (BTX) has various therapeutic indications: bruxism, square jaw, facial wrinkle, oral ulcer and maxillofacial pain, etc. In this paper, we will discuss the effectiveness of using BTX in dental implant surgery and orthognathic and orthodontic treatment. We summarized the clinical application of botulinum toxin in the maxillofacial field at the finale.
Post mortem coronary angiography in a preemie heart – a case report
Authors: Qasim Amna , Balaguru Duraisamy , Aly Ashraf M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundPostmortem coronary angiography has been used in forensic medicine for several decades but its use has never been documented in neonatal hearts. The objective of this case is to report the use of postmortem coronary angiography as a diagnostic modality for neonates suspected to have complex congenital heart anomalies.Case presentationA 36-week-old female infant required extracorporeal membranous oxygenation for persistent hypotension on day 1 of life. A congenital echocardiogram (ECHO) on day 3 of life revealed multiple anomalous vascular structures within the interventricular septum. The infant passed away on day 4 of life after the parents elected to withdraw support. A consent for autopsy was taken from the parents and a postmortem coronary angiography was performed. The coronary vessels were injected with Iodixanol contrast via a 24 G angiocath under fluoroscopy. The anomalous septal vessels were identified as dilated coronary artery and vein. No other anomalies were identified.ConclusionPostmortem coronary angiography complements other imaging procedures in understanding the nature of some complex congenital heart defects and in determining the cause of death in such neonates.
Spiculosiphon oceana (foraminifera) and its affinity to intermediate stress conditions in the Panarea hydrothermal complex (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Esposito Valentina , Canese Simonepietro , Scotti Gianfranco , Bo Marzia , De Vittor Cinzia , Andaloro Franco , Romeo Teresa 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSpiculosiphon oceana Maldonado, López-Acosta, Sitjà, Aguilar, García & Vacelet, 2013 is a Mediterranean endemic giant stalked foraminifer described as a potential bio-indicator of acidic environments, thanks to its ability to cope with stressful chemical conditions. Here, we present the first record and the first video images of living specimens of this giant foraminifera in the Panarea Volcanic Complex (PVC; southern Tyrrhenian Sea), representing the third discovery worldwide. Specimens of S. oceana were identified through microscopic and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) image analyses, in two different areas characterised by water column physico-chemical parameters typical of the non-vented areas, but with some evidence of hydrothermal alteration. This new finding enhances knowledge on the ecology of S. oceana, enlarges its known spatial distribution, and corroborates its affinity to intermediate stress conditions related to hydrothermal activity.
Multiparametric quantitative and texture 18F-FDG PET/CT analysis for primary malignant tumour grade differentiation
Authors: Novikov Mykola 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is a successfully used imaging modality in oncology. The aim of the study was to investigate a connection of epithelial tumour differentiation grade with both semiquantitative and quantitative metabolic PET data focusing on creation of multiparametric model of tumour grade prediction utilising both standardised uptake value-based and texture-based 18F-FDG PET parameters and to investigate an influence of different image segmentation techniques on these parameters and modelling.

Methods
18F-FDG PET/CT data from 84 patients with epithelial malignant tumours was retrospectively analysed to create sets of both conventional semiquantitative (based on standardised uptake values), volumetric, and quantitative texture metabolic parameters of primary tumours with four different segmentation techniques.

Results
Most of the calculated volumetric and texture parameters showed to be influenced by segmentation technique. There was no significant difference in values of only three parameters, in all four segmentation methods: homogeneity, energy, and sphericity. Almost every extracted parameter in all segmentation technique subsets showed significant ability to discriminate individual tumour grade versus the subset of remaining two tumour grades. No parameters were able to discriminate all three tumour grades separately simultaneously or without the overlapping of threshold values. Group method of data handling (GMDH) modelling included all the above-mentioned extracted parameters. The highest value to discriminate tumour grade was achieved using ITK-SNAP segmentation, with an accuracy ranging from 91 to 100%.

Conclusions
Multiparametric modelling with GMDH utilising both semiquantitative and quantitative texture metabolic PET parameters seems to be an interesting tool for non-invasive malignant epithelial tumours grade differentiation.
HCC screening: assessment of an abbreviated non-contrast MRI protocol
Authors: Chan Michael Vinchill , McDonald Stephen J. , Ong Yang-Yi , Mastrocostas Katerina , Ho Edwin , Huo Ya Ruth , Santhakumar Cositha , Lee Alice Unah , Yang Jessica 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) guidelines recommend ultrasound screening in high-risk patients. However, in some patients, ultrasound image quality is suboptimal due to factors such as hepatic steatosis, cirrhosis, and confounding lesions. Our aim was to investigate an abbreviated non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (aNC-MRI) protocol as a potential alternative screening method.

Methods
A retrospective study was performed using consecutive liver MRI studies performed over 3 years, with set exclusion criteria. The unenhanced T2-weighted, T1-weighted Dixon, and diffusion-weighted sequences were extracted from MRI studies with a known diagnosis. Each anonymised aNC-MRI study was read by three radiologists who stratified each study into either return to 6 monthly screening or investigate with a full contrast-enhanced MRI study.

Results
A total of 188 patients were assessed; 28 of them had 42 malignant lesions, classified as Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System 4, 5, or M. On a per-patient basis, aNC-MRI had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 97% (95% confidence interval [CI] 95–98%), not significantly different in patients with steatosis (99%, 95% CI 93–100%) and no steatosis (97%, 95% CI 94–98%). Per-patient sensitivity and specificity were 85% (95% CI 75–91%) and 93% (95% CI 90–95%).

Conclusion
Our aNC-MRI HCC screening protocol demonstrated high specificity (93%) and NPV (97%), with a sensitivity (85%) comparable to that of ultrasound and gadoxetic acid contrast-enhanced MRI. This screening method was robust to hepatic steatosis and may be considered an alternative in the case of suboptimal ultrasound image quality.