bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Clinical Characteristics of 77 COVID-19 Deaths
Authors: Wang Kaige , Qiu Zhixin , Liu Dan , Luo Jianfei , Liu Jiasheng , Fan Tao , Liu Chunrong , Tian Panwen , Wang Ye , Ni Zhong , Zhang Shumin , Li Weimin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Purpose: For the emerging pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), no clear description on its deaths’ clinical characteristics and causes of death is available. Hence, this study analyzed clinical characteristics of 77 COVID-19 deaths, providing data support to further understand this disease.Method: A retrospective analysis of 77 COVID-19 deaths in East Branch, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from February 1 to March 7, 2020 was performed in clinical characteristics, laboratory results, causes of death, and subgroup comparison. Results: Totally 72.7% of the deaths (male-female ratio: 51:26, average age at death: 71, mean survival time: 17.4 days) had hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease, and other comorbidities. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and sepsis were the main causes of death. Increases in C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer and lactic acid (LAC), and decreases in lymphocyte, cluster of differentiation (CD) 4+ and CD8+ cells were common in laboratory results. Subgroup analysis showed: 1) Most female deaths had cough and diabetes. 2) The male proportion in young and middle-aged deaths was higher; while elderly deaths were more prone to myocardial injury and elevated CRP. 3) There was no statistical difference between short-term and non-short-term survival subgroups. 4) CRP and LDH increased and CD4+ and CD8+ cells decreased significantly in patients with hypertension.Conclusions: The majority of COVID-19 deaths are males, especially the elderly with underlying diseases. The main causes of death include ARDS and sepsis. Most female deaths have cough and diabetes. Myocardial injury is common in elderly deaths. Patients with hypertension are prone to increased inflammatory index, tissue hypoxia and cellular immune injury.Authors Kaige Wang and Zhixin Qiu contributed equally to this work.
Usage of statistical modeling techniques in surface and groundwater level prediction
Authors: Kenda Klemen , Peternelj Jože , Mellios Nikos , Kofinas Dimitris , Čerin Matej , Rožanec Jože 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The paper presents a thorough evaluation of the performance of different statistical modeling techniques in ground- and surface-level prediction scenarios as well as some aspects of the application of data-driven modeling in practice (feature generation, feature selection, heterogeneous data fusion, hyperparameter tuning, and model evaluation). Twenty-one different regression and classification techniques were tested. The results reveal that batch regression techniques are superior to incremental techniques in terms of accuracy and that among them gradient boosting, random forest and linear regression perform best. On the other hand, introduced incremental models are cheaper to build and update and could still yield good enough results for certain large-scale applications.
Water resource security evaluation of the Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: Liu Junlong , Chen Jin , Yuan Zhe , Xu Jijun , Wang Yongqiang , Lin Yuru 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
To reasonably evaluate the water resource security state, this research built a water resource security evaluation index system of the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) based on the driving force-pressure-state-impact (DPSI) concept framework, established a water resource security evaluation model by combining the entropy weight method with the fuzzy set pair analysis method and conducted quantitative evaluations of the water resource security states from 2008 to 2016. All the work above was based on the comprehensive consideration of the water resource characteristics in different areas of the YREB, following the index system construction principles. The results have shown that on the whole, the water resource security state of the YREB has generally undergone a process from getting worse to getting better in the latest nine years. From the aspect of the percentages of the water resource security grades, the spatial distribution of water resource security in the YREB is highest in the downstream area, second in the middle reaches, and lowest in the upper reaches. From the aspect of the DPSI security evaluation results, the driving force and state of the water resource are the important factors affecting the water resource security of the YREB.
Functional Chitosan-based Materials for Biological Applications
Authors: Ma Jiliang , Zhong Linxin , Peng Xinwen , Xu Yongkang , Sun Runcang 
Published: April 2020

Background:
Bio-based materials, as the plentiful and renewable resources for
natural constituents which are essential for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, have
not been exploited adequately yet. Chitosan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide obtained
from chitin, which has recently attracted widespread attention owing to its excellent activity.
This review shows the methods of extraction and modification of chitosan and provides recent
progress of synthesis and use of chitosan-based materials in biological applications.

Methods:
By consulting the research literature of the last decade, the recent progresses of
functional chitosan-based materials for biological applications were summarized and divided
into the methods of extraction chitosan, the chemical modification of chitosan, chitosan-based
materials for biological applications were described and discussed.

Results:
Chemical modification of chitosan broadens its applications, leading to developing
numerous forms of chitosan-based materials with excellent properties. The excellent bioactivity
of chitosan-based material enables it serves potential applications in biomedical fields.

Conclusion:
Chitosan-based materials not only exhibit the excellent activities of chitosan but
also show other appealing performance of combined materials, even give the good synergistic
properties of chitosan and its composite materials. Further studies are needed to define the
ideal physicochemical properties of chitosan for each type of biomedical applications. The
development of various functional chitosan-based materials for biological applications will be
an important field of research, and this kind of material has important commercial value.
Ethnopharmacological Applications of Mango (Mangiferaindica L.) Peel - A Review
Authors: Umamahesh Katike , Gandhi Arumugam D. , Reddy Obulam V.S. 
Published: April 2020

Background:
Mango peel is a major by-product of mango (Mangifera Indica L.) fruit that
belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is a tropical or subtropical fruit and is a potent source of polyphenolic
contents. In traditional medicines, mango peel extract has been commonly used, either singly
or in combination with other plant extracts against different ailments since ancient times.

Methods:
An electronic database search for accepted articles in Pubmed, Google Scholar, Researchgate,
Google, Scopus and Science Direct was used to review the scientific inputs by searching
appropriate keywords. Some information was obtained from books and databases on medicinal plants
used in different periods.

Results:
Numerous reports revealed that mango peel contains a wide spectrum of phytochemical compounds
like polyphenolics and flavonoids. A mango peel is a potential source of antioxidant, antiinflammatory,
antidiabetic, antibacterial and antiproliferative properties. This review suggests that
mango peel could be a potential drug to treat various clinical conditions in the future.

Conclusion:
In this review, a number of phytochemicals have been summarized for their pharmacological
properties and the mechanisms of action, and the possible potential therapeutic applications of
mango peel against various diseases are also discussed.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Benzodioxol Derivatives as Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
Authors: Jaradat Nidal , Hawash Mohammed , Abualhasan Murad 
Published: April 2020

Background:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most
widely used therapeutics; they are competitive inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (COX), the enzyme
which mediates the conversion of arachidonic acid to inflammatory prostaglandins.

Objective:
In this study, new benzodioxol derivatives with different core cycles and functional
groups (i.e., aryl acetate, aryl acetic acid and diazepine) were designed, synthesized, identified and
evaluated for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, as a preliminary screening study to
identify the most potent and more selective groups.

Methods:
The synthesized compounds were identified using FTIR, HRMS, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR,
and evaluated for their inhibitory activity against ovine COX-1 and COX-2 using an in vitro cyclooxygenase
(COX) inhibition assay kit.

Results:
Six compounds were synthesized as a preliminary screening study to identify
which was the most potent and more selective group towards COX-2 versus COX-1, compared
to ketoprofen as non-selective NSAIDs. The compounds have three different groups: aryl acetate,
aryl acetic acid and diazepine. The results showed that the most potent compound against the COX-
1 enzyme was 4b (which has diazepine and 2-chlorophenyl) with IC50 = 0.363 μM, and the selectivity
ratio of 4b was found to be better than ketoprofen. In contrast, compound 4a (which has diazepine
and 3-chlorophenyl) was the most selective with a COX-1/COX-2 ratio value of 0.85 in comparison
with a ketoprofen ratio value of 0.20.

Conclusion:
In general, the synthesized library has moderate activity against both enzymes (i.e.,
COX-1 and COX-2). Moreover, all six compounds have better COX-2 inhibition selectivity compared
to the commercial drug ketoprofen.
Oleanolic Acid Derived from Plants: Synthesis and Pharmacological Properties of A-ring Modified Derivatives
Authors: Wu Tingjuan , Yao Xu , Wang Guan , Liu Xiaohe , Chen Hongfei , Yang Zehua , Zheng Xing 
Published: April 2020

Background:
Oleanolic Acid (OA) is a ubiquitous product of triterpenoid compounds.
Due to its inexpensive availability, unique bioactivities, pharmacological effects and non-toxic
properties, OA has attracted tremendous interest in the field of drug design and synthesis. Furthermore,
many OA derivatives have been developed for ameliorating the poor water solubility and bioavailability.

Objective:
Over the past few decades, various modifications of the OA framework structure have led
to the observation of enhancement in bioactivity. Herein, we focused on the synthesis and medicinal
performance of OA derivatives modified on A-ring. Moreover, we clarified the relationship between
structures and activities of OA derivatives with different functional groups in A-ring. The future application
of OA in the field of drug design and development also was discussed and inferred.

Conclusion:
This review concluded the novel achievements that could add paramount information
to the further study of OA-based drugs.
The Burden of Anaemia Among Women in Jordan
Authors: Al-Eisawi Zaynab , Rababah Eman 
Published: April 2020

Background:
Anaemia is a leading haematological disorder and one of the most common
health problems worldwide affecting over a billion people. Anaemia leads to the lowered ability
of the blood to carry oxygen. In this study, we focused particularly on the prevalence of anaemia
in students currently enrolled at the Hashemite University/Jordan, shining light on the overall
prevalence in this age group elsewhere. These individuals are at an increased risk of developing
anaemia and are a nutritionally susceptible part of the population.

Methods:
Complete blood counts were determined for a total of two hundred students. Questionnaires
were also completed by students regarding their life-style and dietary habits.

Results:
A significant 27% of female students were found to be anaemic. 17% of females had mild
type of anaemia, whereas 10% of females tested suffered from moderate anaemia. The percentage
of anaemia among males was also determined and found to be insignificant with only 2% of male
students affected. A direct link was found between anaemia and a lack of consumption of foods rich
in iron and/or over-consumption of foods that inhibit iron absorption. An inverse correlation was
also observed with body mass index (BMI).

Conclusion:
Prevention of anaemia is particularly relevant in females and may be implemented by
different but complementary means such as education workshops, iron fortification of foods and the
adaption of lifestyle habits.
Quantum Patterns of Genome Size Variation in Angiosperms
Authors: Luo Liaofu , Zhang Lirong 
Published: April 2020

Aims:
The discontinuous pattern of genome size variation in angiosperms is an unsolved
problem related to genome evolution. In this study, we introduced a genome evolution operator
and solved the related eigenvalue equation to deduce the discontinuous pattern.

Background:
Genome is a well-defined system for studying the evolution of species. One of the
basic problems is the genome size evolution. The DNA amounts for angiosperm species are highly
variable, differing over 1000-fold. One big surprise is the discovery of the discontinuous
distribution of nuclear DNA amounts in many angiosperm genera.

Objective:
The discontinuous distribution of nuclear DNA amounts has certain regularity, much
like a group of quantum states in atomic physics. The quantum pattern has not been explained by
all the evolutionary theories so far and we shall interpret it through the quantum simulation of
genome evolution.

Methods:
We introduced a genome evolution operator H to deduce the distribution of DNA
amount. The nuclear DNA amount in angiosperms is studied from the eigenvalue equation of the
genome evolution operator H. The operator H is introduced by physical simulation and it is
defined as a function of the genome size N and the derivative with respect to the size.

Results:
The discontinuity of DNA size distribution and its synergetic occurrence in related
angiosperms species are successfully deduced from the solution of the equation. The results agree
well with the existing experimental data of Aloe, Clarkia, Nicotiana, Lathyrus, Allium and other
genera.

Conclusion:
The success of our approach may infer the existence of a set of genomic evolutionary
equations satisfying classical-quantum duality. The classical phase of evolution means it obeys the
classical deterministic law, while the quantum phase means it obeys the quantum stochastic law.
The discontinuity of DNA size distribution provides novel evidences on the quantum evolution of
angiosperms. It has been realized that the discontinuous pattern is due to the existence of some
unknown evolutionary constraints. However, our study indicates that these constraints on the
angiosperm genome essentially originate from quantum.
Examining HIV and STIs Related Knowledge Among Male Adolescents in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsubaie Ali Saad R. 
Published: April 2020

Background:
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) is a major global cause of acute illness, long-term disability and death, with serious medical and psychological consequences. Knowledge and awareness about the transmission of sexual disease play an important role in the prevention of the disease. Very little is known about HIV and STI in adolescents and associated factors in Saudi Arabia.

Objective:
The aim of this study was to examine the association between self-rated STI knowledge and HIV and STI knowledge test scores, as well as to investigate the association between adolescents’ HIV and STI knowledge and their demographic background and sexually related behaviors.

Methods:
A multi-stage cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire, recruiting 453 male adolescents (15 and 20 years) from private and public male high schools in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia.

Results:
More than half (53.4%) of the adolescents reported their STI knowledge as excellent or good (42%). However, based on the total score scale of HIV and STI knowledge, 64.3% had a poor level of knowledge. The sexual information sources commonly cited were friends (70%) and internet (40.0%); and the least cited sources were fathers (16%) and mothers (15%). The logistic regression analysis revealed that adolescents’ father and mother education (>12 years) were positively associated with adolescent’s HIV and STI knowledge level (OR= 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.4, p= 0.040) and (OR= 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.8, p= 0.010). No significant association was found between adolescents’ HIV and STI knowledge and their sexual behaviors and attitudes.

Conclusion:
Findings suggest that a high proportion of male adolescents have poor HIV and STI related knowledge. Poor knowledge and reliance on potentially unreliable informational sources coupled with an over-estimate perception of STI expertise suggests that improvements in STI and HIV education should be addressed. Additional research is needed to help identify factors (beyond knowledge) associated with sexual behavior and attitudes that may increase the risk for STIs and HIV among adolescents.
Financial innovations and sanitation services: the battle between low-income users and shareholders
Authors: De Oliveira Alberto 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
This article aims to show how changes in the model for financing basic sanitation affect social inequality and urban segregation, and to discuss alternatives that minimise the impact these changes have on low-income populations. The investigation focuses on mediations between sanitation policy and general urban policies in the more ample process of valorising capital, involving different scales of geography and forms of state action. Widespread privatisation and public–private partnerships have altered the role that rates charged to users play in financing sanitation systems. This, in turn, has an impact on low-income populations’ access to these systems. The study concludes that new models of financing tend to privilege spaces in the city that are attractive to private capital, and that investments in sanitation are supported by financial innovations that depend on the collective force of remunerating shareholders and maintaining investors’ expectations. Finally, the article approaches solutions that ensure low-income families’ access to public services, with special emphasis on subsidised rate systems based on the stratification of urban areas adopted in Colombia. The article concludes that this experiment presents both positive and negative aspects that may serve as starting points toward potential solutions for Brazil.
The Dilemmas of Rural Planning and Planners in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Popoola Ayobami Abayomi , Magidimisha Hangwelani Hope 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The focus on urban planning continues to flood the global literature. However, there is continued silence and neglect with regard to rural planning. The study examined the state of rural planning in Oyo State, Nigeria. Primary data was sourced using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Questionnaires were administered to two hundred and fifty (250) rural households in six (6) rural local government areas (LGAs) of Oyo State. It was revealed that rural areas remain neglected and behind in planning activities. A majority of respondents believe that no planning takes place in the rural communities in which they reside. The study concludes that improved communication on planning issues between the tiers of the bureau of physical planning and urban development offices remains the route to effective planning. Improved capacity building (expertise) and training are suggested for rural planners. It is also suggested that understanding the local culture is important in contributing towards effective and responsive rural planning.
Evaluation of enterprise investment attractiveness under circumstances of economic development
Authors: Ilyash Olha , Yildirim Osman , Smoliar Liubov , Doroshkevych Dariia , Vasylciv Taras , Lupak Ruslan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
This article introduces a step-by-step methodology for evaluating an enterprise’s investment attractiveness in the context of economic development, using appropriate valuation parameters at macro, meso and micro levels. A system of indicators of macro-level investment attractiveness has been formed based on the criteria of socio-economic and legal attractiveness and investment risks. The indicators for assessing investment attractiveness of the industry have been grouped by the criteria of: prospects of the industry, positioning of the enterprise in the industry market, and sectoral investment risks. The indicators of investment attractiveness have been systematised with the use of three-dimensional current and operational analysis, as well as the method of risk assessment, which helped to determine the area of reaction to risk zones of the enterprise’s investment potential. The research allowed us to assess the position of a company in the market and to predict the risks of investing in the chemical industry.
Waveform Impact on Wireless Power Transfer Efficiency using Low-Power Harvesting Devices
Authors: Eidaks Janis , Litvinenko Anna , Aboltins Arturs , Pikulins Dmitrijs 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The paper addresses the impact of peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) and spectrum of the waveform, as well as load resistance on the performance of low-power harvesting device in a real-life wireless power transfer (WPT) scenario. In the current study, a combination of the classic voltage doubler circuit for RFDC conversion and premanufactured device for DC-DC conversion is used. For the investigation of conversion efficiency and harvesting device performance, three types of waveforms are used: single tone, multicarrier signals with low PAPR and multicarrier signal with high PAPR. In order to generate high-PAPR signal, subcarriers with the same amplitude and phase are summed, whereas for generation of low PAPR signal the phases of the subcarriers are chosen pseudo-randomly. Over-the-air transmission in 865 MHz ISM band is made using directional antennas and all multicarrier waveforms have equal 5 MHz bandwidth. To evaluate the performance of harvesting device and conversion efficiency, the average voltages at the input and output of the RF-DC converter as well as at the output of the DC-DC converter with corresponding input and load impedance are measured. The experiments have shown that the employed multicarrier signals can greatly improve the performance of harvesting device during WPT under certain conditions, which are discussed in the paper.