bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Analysis Of Content And Task Dimensions Of Mathematics Items Designed To Measure Level Of Concept Attainment
Authors: Harris Margaret L. , Romberg Thomas A. 
Published: August 2020

Content and task dimensions of mathematics items, developed to measure concept attainment using a crossed design involving 30 concepts and 12 tasks, were studied using factor-analytic techniques. Conventional factor analyses were performed separately for boys (N = 195) and girls (N = 196) for concept scores and for task scores. Also, 3-mode factor analyses were performed.The main conclusions drawn from the results of the conventional factor analyses are that all 30 of the concepts are measures of a single functional relationship existing among the concepts, and that all 12 tasks are measures of a single underlying ability or latent trait. The 3-mode results indicate that there are no important concept-task interactions for the idealized persons, thus it is reasonable to regard the concepts and the tasks as being 2 independent modes.
Tactics of Interfacing
Authors: Fedorova Ksenia 
Published: August 2020

How digital technologies affect the way we conceive of the self and its relation to the world, considered through the lens of media art practices.
In Tactics of Interfacing, Ksenia Fedorova explores how digital technologies affect the way we conceive of the self and its relation to the world. With the advent of ubiquitous computing, the self becomes an object of technological application, increasingly defined by data received from tracking technologies. Subtly, these technologies encourage versions of ourselves that are easier to interpret computationally. Fedorova views these shifts in self-perception through the lens of contemporary media art practices, examining a range of artistic tactics that enable embodied and intimate experiences of machinic operations on our lives.
At the center of Fedorova's analysis are the mechanisms that structure the relations between the self and the world at the level of the interface; she considers “interfacing” a process in which interrelation happens and different agencies play off against each other. She discusses such topics as interfaciality and the face as a medium; self-image and the boundaries of the self, understood through technological mediation of an embodied experience; the relation between the self and the other, reshaped by algorithmic technologies; and the augmentation and alteration of spatial perception.
The artworks Fedorova discusses present scenarios of interfacing that range from responsive environments to artificial intelligence conversational agents. She shows that art and aesthetic experience offer fruitful ways to reflect on the effects of contemporary technological culture, enabling encounters that shift our perspectives on the boundaries of the self and challenge the very capacity to feel human.
The long-term outcomes of deceased-donor liver transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis: a two-center study in China
Authors: Chen Lin , Shi Xiaodong , Lv Guoyue , Sun Xiaodong , Sun Chao , Cai Yanjun , Niu Junqi , Jin Jinglan , Liu Ning , Li Wanyu 
Published: August 2020

Background & Aims
Factors that influence the outcomes after deceased-donor liver transplantation (DDLT) for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) are not well known. We aimed to clarify these effects on the outcomes after DDLT.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed patients with PBC who underwent DDLT from March 2006 to July 2018 at the organ transplantation center of the First Hospital of Jilin University and the First Central Hospital of Tianjin. Changes in liver function were assessed posttransplantation. Recurrence, survival rate, and complications were recorded at follow-up. The effect of liver transplantation on survival and recurrence was evaluated using univariate and/or multivariate Cox regression analyses.

Results
In total, 69 patients with PBC undergoing DDLT were included in this study. At 4 weeks posttransplant, all liver function tests were normal. During a median follow-up time of 32 months, 5-year overall survival and recurrence rates were estimated as 95.1% and 21.8%, respectively. A recipient aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) greater than 2 was negatively associated with survival (P = 0.0018). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that age younger than 48 years was an independent risk factor for recurrent PBC in recipients undergoing liver transplantation (hazard ratio 0.028, 95% confidence interval 0.01–0.71, P = 0.03). Posttransplant infections (62%) and biliary tract complications (26%) were the most common complications.

Conclusion
Liver transplantation is an effective treatment for patients with PBC. Liver function normalizes by 4 weeks posttransplant. Although posttransplant survival rate is high, recurrence is possible. To some extent, survival rate and recurrence rate can be predicted by APRI and age, respectively.
Comparative assessment of single-stage and two-stage anaerobic digestion for biogas production from high moisture municipal solid waste
Authors: Markphan Wattananarong , Mamimin Chonticha , Suksong Wantanasak , Prasertsan Poonsuk , O-Thong Sompong 
Published: August 2020

Background
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a suitable process for treating high moisture MSW with biogas and biofertilizer production. However, the low stability of AD performance and low methane production results from high moisture MSW due to the fast acidify of carbohydrate fermentation. The effects of organic loading and incineration fly ash addition as a pH adjustment on methane production from high moisture MSW in the single-stage AD and two-stage AD processes were investigated.

Results
Suitable initial organic loading of the single-stage AD process was 17 gVS L−1 at incineration fly ash (IFA) addition of 0.5% with methane yield of 287 mL CH4 g−1 VS. Suitable initial organic loading of the two-stage AD process was 43 gVS L−1 at IFA addition of 1% with hydrogen and methane yield of 47.4 ml H2 g−1 VS and 363 mL CH4 g−1 VS, respectively. The highest hydrogen and methane production of 8.7 m3 H2 ton−1 of high moisture MSW and 66.6 m3 CH4 ton−1 of high moisture MSW was achieved at organic loading of 43 gVS L−1 at IFA addition of 1% by two-stage AD process. Biogas production by the two-stage AD process enabled 18.5% higher energy recovery than single-stage AD. The 1% addition of IFA into high moisture MSW was useful for controlling pH of the two-stage AD process with enhanced biogas production between 87–92% when compared to without IFA addition. Electricity production and energy recovery from MSW using the coupled incineration with biogas production by two-stage AD process were 9,874 MJ ton−1 MSW and 89%, respectively.

Conclusions
The two-stage AD process with IFA addition for pH adjustment could improve biogas production from high moisture MSW, as well as reduce lag phase and enhance biodegradability efficiency. The coupled incineration process with biogas production using the two-stage AD process was suitable for the management of MSW with low area requirement, low greenhouse gas emissions, and high energy recovery.
Satellite tracking reveals a new migration route of black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis) in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Wang Ye , Mi Chunrong , Guo Yumin 
Published: August 2020

Background
The black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) is a vulnerable species and the only species that lives in the plateau. Five migration routes of different populations have been identified, but for cranes wintering in Nyingchi Prefecture, Tibet, the migration route and breeding/summering area are still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatio-temporal migration patterns of black-necked cranes in this area and to identify important areas for conservation.

Methods
In 2016, we fitted seven black-necked cranes in Nyingchi with GPS-GSM satellite transmitters to record their migration routes. We used ArcGIS 10.2 to visualize important stopover sites and the ‘ggplot’ function in R to analyze the migration patterns.

Results
From March 2016 to May 2019, we recorded nine spring migration and four autumn migration tracks from five individuals. Four individuals spent the breeding/summering season in Qinghai Lake, while the other spent the breeding/summering season in the Jinzihai Wetland of Dulan County, Qinghai Province. Detailed spatio-temporal information showed that the spring migration lasted 8.7 ± 4.6 days and covered 1,182.5 ± 90.4 km, while the autumn migration lasted 30 ± 10.6 days and covered 1,455.7 ± 138 km. Basom Lake and the Shazhuyu River were the most important stopover sites during the spring and autumn migrations, respectively. The cranes spent 4.4 ± 3.7 days in Basom Lake and 26.3 ± 10.7 days in the Shazhuyu River. The black-necked cranes mainly migrated during the daytime (>85 % of the fly points), and 81 % (17/21) of all stopover and roosting sites were in the valley or at lakeside swamps. Only 17.7% (516 / 2,914) of the data points for stopover and roosting sites were in protected areas.

Main conclusions
Our study revealed the breeding/summering areas and migration routes of the black-necked cranes wintering in Nyingchi. These results contribute to a better understanding of the annual spatio-temporal migration patterns and the development of conservation plans for this vulnerable species.
Dynamic visual attention characteristics and their relationship to match performance in skilled basketball players
Authors: Jin Peng , Li Xiawen , Ma Bin , Guo Hongbo , Zhang Zhongxi , Mao Lijuan 
Published: August 2020

Background
Dynamic visual attention is important in basketball because it may affect the performance of players and thus the match outcome. The goals of this study were to investigate the difference in dynamic visual attention characteristics between highly skilled basketball players and nonathletic college students and to explore the relationship between visual attention and game-related performance among the basketball players.

Methods
In total, 24 highly skilled basketball players and 24 nonathletic college students participated in a multiple object tracking task. The task was conducted so that either the number of targets that were visually tracked or the speed at which a given number of tracked targets moved was altered to examine the difference in dynamic visual attention characteristics between the basketball players and nonathletic college students. The relationship between visual tracking speed (VTS) and game-related statistics, including assists, steals, mistakes, fouls and points scored recorded for every match during the season, was assessed among the basketball players by using Pearson correlations.

Results
A significant main effect of target tracking load was observed (P < 0.001), with visual tracking performance significantly decreased as target number increased. In addition, the speed at which the targets moved had a significant effect on visual tracking performance (P < 0.001), with tracking performance significantly decreased as target speed increased. However, no significant difference was observed in the abilities of basketball players and nonathletic college students to simultaneously track up to six targets. By contrast, a significant interaction between group and target speed was found (P < 0.001), with the visual tracking accuracy of basketball players significantly greater than that of college students at the higher target speeds examined (P < 0.001). Among basketball players, there were positive, large, and statistically significant correlations in the accuracy in VTS trials and the number of assists (P < 0.001) and between the accuracy in VTS trials and the number of steals (P < 0.001).

Conclusion
The advantage of skilled basketball players to handle dynamic visual information in a multiple object tracking task was not attributable to the target number but to the target speed. Those athletes with greater dynamic visual attention were more likely to successfully assist or to steal the ball, enhancing performance of the athlete as well as contributing to a more successful team match. These findings may inform basketball training programs to improve player and team performances during matches.
Activities of Macrolides in Combination with Vitamin D against Bacillus cereus Isolated from Soil of a Lanfill Site in Nsukka South East Nigeria
Authors: Osmond Ekwebelem C. , Obinna Nnorom-Dike V. 
Published: August 2020

Background: The fast moving world of antibiotics resistance is now a big concern, since our antibiotics are in danger of extinction. This is a concern to us because; an empty ‘antibiotic pipeline’ leads to devastating future.
Aim: The aim of this study was to isolate Bacillus cereus from soil contaminated with various toxic and domestic wastes and investigate its sensitivity to macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin ERY and azithromycin AZM) in combination with vitamin D supplement.
Methodology: Five soil samples were collected from a landfill site and serially diluted up to 10ˉ6. B. cereus was isolated from the soil sample using Mannitol egg Yolk Polymyxin agar medium (MYP), a selective nutrient medium for B. cereus isolation. The sensitivity of B. cereus to erythromycin and azithromycin was screened in Mueller-Hinton agar (MHA) containing varying concentrations (5, 10, 20 mg/ml) of vitamin D. Agar without vitamin D (0.00mg/ml) served as the control. The activities of ERY and AZM in combination with vitamin D were determined by measuring the zones of inhibition.
Results: In vitro antibiotic susceptibility tests on our isolate showed maximum sensitivity to ERY and maximum resistance to AZM with 0.00 mg/ml (no combination) of vitamin D. Contrarily, ERY was found to be least active, with the zones of inhibitions decreasing from 28mm to 16mm, with increasing concentration of vitamin D. On the other hand, AZM achieved maximum sensitivity from 12mm to 25mm, with increasing concentration of vitamin D.
Conclusion: The activities appeared to be important but dose-dependent. So, the systematic use of Vitamin D in combination with macrolide antibiotics may be efficient in treating food and soil infections caused B. cereus. However, in vivo evaluation of these activities is needed.
Comparative Economic Analysis of Zero Budget Natural Farming for Kharif Groundnut under Central Dry Zone of Karnataka, India
Authors: Naik A. H. Kumar , Brunda S. , Chaithra G. M. 
Published: August 2020

This research work is mainly focused on comparative economic analysis of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) for Kharif Groundnut under Central Dry Zone of Karnataka. The purpose of conducting the study is to examine the cost of cultivation for ZBNF with other treatments. This is mainly due to farmers are facing high cost of cultivation by practicing conventional farming as it is highly depends on external inputs. ZBNF is low cost technology where, farming is practiced by using jeevamrutha, beejamrutha, mulching and whapsa etc. The Groundnut experiment was conducted at ZAHRS, Babbur Farm, Hiriyur during Kharif 2019-20 in order to estimate economics for different treatments. Each treatment was having different input usage. For calculating economics of each treatment, conventional cost of cultivation method was followed (i.e. calculation of Variable cost, Fixed cost, Gross returns, Net returns and B:C).The results of economic analysis revealed that the per hectare yield (17.46 q/ha) total cost ( 53,019), gross returns ( 88,871), net returns ( 35,852) and B:C (1.68) were found to be highest in RPP among all treatments i.e. ZBNF, OPS and Control. The cost of cultivation of ZBNF 22.55 per cent lesser than RPP. The B:C ratio was found to be more in ZBNF (1.66) than OPS (1.58).This is due to highest cost for purchase of excess quantity of FYM in case of OPS. It is concluded from the study that RPP was best treatment among all treatments. This is due to highest yield, net returns and B:C was found in RPP treatment as compared to all treatments. In the economic point of view, there was reduction in total cost in case of ZBNF with fewer yields as compared to RPP.
Are BRAF V600E and K-Ras Mutations Associated With Tumor Aggressiveness in Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer?
Authors: Ünver Mutlu , Makay Özer , Kısım Aslı , Emiroğlu Gülruh , Aktaş Ayşegül , Atmaca Harika , Köse Timur , Karaca Burçak , Ertan Yeşim , Uslu Rüçhan , İçöz Gökhan , Akyıldız Mahir , Yılmaz Mustafa 
Published: August 2020

Aim:
Many clinical studies have shown an association between B-type rapidly growing fibrosarcoma kinase [BRAF(V600E)] mutation and aggressive clinicopathologic features, although some results from others are controversial. Besides, Kirsten rat sarcoma (K-Ras) mutations are more common in endemic iodine deficiency regions, as our country is. However, use of the biologic markers are questioned in clinical practice; they are beginning to be used for the management of patients with thyroid nodules and cancers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of the BRAF(V600E) mutation in tumor samples and its relationship to high-risk clinicopathologic features.

Methods:
From 2000 to 2007, 82 patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC) who underwent surgery in Ege University were enrolled retrospectively in the study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze associations between BRAF(V600E) and K-Ras mutations and clinicopathologic features. We identified 82 patients with WDTC (male:female = 1:3.2).

Results:
The median follow-up was 96 months. The mean age was 46.4 (16–80). None of the all analyzed prognostic factors—age; sex; lymph node metastasis; multifocality; multicentricity; invasion; tumor diameter; and tumor, node, metastasis staging—were correlated with BRAF(V600E) mutation status in the univariate analysis. Meanwhile, none of the analyzed prognostic factors were correlated with K-Ras mutation status.

Discussion:
Although many studies suggest BRAF(V600E) and K-Ras mutations as prognostic factors in WDTC, our results are controversial. BRAF(V600E) and K-Ras mutations have no significant effects on tumor aggressiveness in Turkish patients with WDTC. Our results underline that it is too early to reach a conclusion that BRAF(V600E) and K-Ras mutations are involved with poor clinical outcomes.
Polyhedral Fenestration Technique Used for Combined Partial Hepatectomy and Cyst Fenestration for Polycystic Liver Disease: A Small Case Series
Authors: Sato Yoshiki , Morioka Daisuke , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Horii Nobutoshi , Miyake Kentaro , Murakami Takashi , Oyama Norio , Togo Shinji 
Published: August 2020

Objective:
To assess the safety and efficacy of “polyhedral fenestration technique” (PFT), which we newly developed, in combined hepatectomy and cyst fenestration (CHCF) for symptomatic polycystic liver disease (PLD).

Summary of background data:
CHCF for PLD has been reportedly less efficacious for its invasiveness because 50% to 70% patients suffered recurrent symptoms after CHCF.

Methods:
Patient characteristics, intra- and early postoperative variables were compared between 5 PLD patients undergoing CHCF performed with PFT (PLD group) and 95 patients with diseases other than PLD receiving hepatectomy without biliary reconstruction during the same period (Control group) to assess safety of PFT. Chronological changes in total liver volume (TLV) measured by computed tomography (CT) volumetry as well as recurrent symptoms after CHCF were investigated to assess long-term outcomes.

Results:
Although ≧ Clavien-Dindo grade 2 complications were more common in the PLD group than in the Control group (PLD vs Control, 5/5[100%] vs 27/95[28%], p=0.004), patient characteristics, intra-, and early postoperative variables, including ≧ Clavien-Dindo grade 3 complications, were comparable among the 2 groups. Postoperative observational period of the 5 PLD patients ranged 30 to 88 months with a median of 63. CT volumetry revealed that TLV continued to reduce up to 1 year after surgery and thereafter retained less than 0.5 times of preoperative TLV in all patients. Recurrent liver enlargement or recurrent symptoms were not observed in any of the 5 PLD patients.

Conclusions:
Although our case series was very small, newly-developed PFT in CHCF for PLD yielded acceptable safety and excellent long-term outcomes.
Renal Artery Perfusion Evaluation Before Transplantation via a 3-Dimensional Image Analysis System
Authors: Tomita Koichi , Nakamura Yuki , Yokoyama Takayoshi , Chiba Naokazu , Kihara Yu , Konno Osamu , Iwamoto Hitoshi , Kawachi Shigeyuki 
Published: August 2020

Background:
The perfusion areas of renal arteries in renal transplantation are assessed via subjective observations during perfusion in a bench surgery; however, this evaluation method lacks reliability and objectivity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the perfusion area of each main and side artery kidney graft using a 3-dimensional (3D) image analysis system.

Methods:
We enrolled 50 patients who had undergone living kidney transplantation with multiple renal artery grafting at our center between 2005 and 2017. All computed tomography images from donors were retrospectively analyzed using a 3D image analysis system. We then calculated the artery perfusion areas associated with the artery reconstruction method used.

Results:
The perfusion areas of side arteries, which were evaluated after surgery, were statistically different among cases employing different reconstruction methods (P &lt; 0.001). The perfusion area of the ligated side arteries (volume, 10 mL; proportion, 6.1%) was smaller than that of the ligated side arteries where different reconstruction methods were used.

Conclusion:
A 3D image analysis system could provide an accurate visual representation of the vasculature prior to living donor transplantation. It could also enable calculation of perfusion area for each artery and preoperative prediction of the need for arterial reconstruction, thereby promoting safe kidney transplantation surgery.
Factors Affecting Conversion From Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy to Open Cholecystectomy at a Tertiary Care Facility in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nouh Thamer , Alanazi Faris , Abunayan Abdulellah S. , Alsaadoun Abdallah F. , Alsehly Mohamed A. , Almanie Mohammed A. , Alhawassi Sami , Altuwaijri Talal A. 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Despite the growing importance and increased use of laparoscopy for gallbladder diseases in Saudi Arabia, several factors reportedly result in conversion to open surgery. This leads to increased operative time and increased hospital resource utilization, and, importantly, it impacts patient welfare. Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy and its conversion rates have been investigated in Saudi Arabia, there is little information on the factors associated with this conversion. Therefore, we analyzed the prevalence and factors associated with the conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy.

Materials and methods:
This was a quantitative, retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study. We reviewed the health care records of all patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the study period (January 2014–December 2015). We analyzed patient demographics, preoperative factors, ultrasound findings, and intraoperative factors associated with higher conversion rates. We calculated means, SDs, and medians for numerical variables and percentages and frequencies for nominal variables. The χ2 and two-tailed t tests were used to compare the categorical and continuous variables, respectively, between patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and those who underwent conversion to open cholecystectomy to analyze their relationship with the possibility of conversion. Statistical significance was considered at P &lt; 0.05.

Results:
Age &gt; 40 years, diabetes, history of admission for gallstones, and increased total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase levels were the preoperative factors and adhesions, bleeding, and stone spillage were the intraoperative factors associated with conversion.

Conclusion:
Recognizing the factors for conversion would improve treatment planning and help predict when conversion may be necessary.