bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic overview of Freedom of Information Act requests to the Department of Health and Human Services from 2008 to 2017
Authors: Egilman Alexander C. , Wallach Joshua D. , Morten Christopher J. , Lurie Peter , Ross Joseph S. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides access to unreleased government records that can be used to enhance the transparency and integrity of biomedical research. We characterized FOIA requests to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) agencies, including request outcomes, processing times, backlogs, and costs.

Methods
Using HHS FOIA annual reports, we extracted data on the number of FOIA requests received and processed by HHS agencies between 2008 and 2017, as well as request outcomes. Processing times were reported in three time increments, < 1–20, 21–60, or 61+ days, and trends in backlog status were also described. Information about costs and fees collected were aggregated.

Results
Between 2008 and 2017, 69.6% of 530,094 HHS FOIA requests were received by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), 18.9% by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and 11.6% by all other HHS agencies. During this period, CMS processed 374,728 requests, FDA 114,938, and other HHS agencies 61,890. CMS and FDA reduced backlogged requests by 9396 (89.7%) and 4289 (65.3%), respectively, leaving backlogs of 1081 and 2279 requests at the end of 2017. CMS fully or partially granted 60.3% of requests whereas FDA fully or partially granted 72.4%. Of all requests to CMS, 82.0% were considered simple and 18.0% complex; 82.2% of simple requests and 54.9% of complex requests were processed in 20 days, and 5.6% and 29.9% were processed in 61+ days. In contrast, 60.2% of requests to FDA were considered simple and 39.8% complex; 28.8% of simple requests and 9.0% of complex requests were processed in 20 days, and 58.3% and 81.5% were processed in 61+ days. The costs to HHS associated with FOIA requests totaled $446.4 million ($809 per processed request), increasing from $28.1 million ($423 per request) in 2008 to $53.3 million ($1544 per request) in 2017. In total, HHS collected $8.5 million in fees (1.9% of total costs).

Conclusions
FOIA is frequently used to obtain information about HHS and its agencies. With growing costs, minimal fees collected, and lengthy processing times, HHS agencies’ FOIA programs might be made more efficient through greater proactive record disclosure.
Can propofol procedural sedation implementation increase the acceptance of spinal anesthesia during cesarean section?
Authors: Mazy Alaa , Madkour Nadia , Shaalan Hesham 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundParturients are highly anxious preoperatively. The worries of spinal anesthesia may preclude its acceptance despite being recommended. Procedural sedation is not a routine during regional blocks, but it is sensible that anesthesiologists should provide their blocks comfortably. The proposal is that implementing the propofol procedural sedation (PPS) may increase the acceptance rate of spinal anesthesia for cesarean section.MethodsIn this prospective observational study, the patients who refused spinal anesthesia primarily were interrogated to implement PPS for painless comfortable spinal anesthesia. Their acceptance rate was the primary outcome. In the sitting position, propofol 0.7 mg/kg and 20 mg increments were used as required. Patients were well supported and monitored. Data were compared by Mann-Whitney, chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Friedman’s ANOVA tests as appropriate.ResultsThe acceptance rate of spinal anesthesia increased from 17 to 93%. During PPS, the mean values of minimal mean blood pressure were not significantly decreased, while the mean values of the heart rate slightly increased. The minimal values of oxygen saturation showed no significant reduction compared to the basal values. Patients expressed a marked relief of anxiety and high satisfaction.ConclusionThe use of propofol procedural sedation was effective in increasing the acceptance rate of spinal anesthesia during CS with safety and high patient’s satisfaction.
Economic analysis and marketing margin of pistachios in Turkey
Authors: AŞKAN Emine 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
In this study, producer and consumer prices and the marketing structure of pistachios in Turkey were examined. Between 2003 and 2017, production, consumption, foreign trade, price fluctuations, and marketing were emphasized. It was determined that the number of fruit trees in pistachios increased. According to current and real prices, pistachio marketing margins are calculated, and producer and consumer chain indexes are calculated according to current prices and compared with annual inflation rates. Supply and demand models related to pistachio were estimated and interpreted statistically.

Results
As a result, the real price of walnut and periodicity on the amount of pistachio production, on the consumption of Pistachio, the costumer real price of pistachio, population, and periodicity were determined to be effective.

Conclusion
Demand elasticity in pistachio (1.055) was found to be greater than supply elasticity (0.306), and consumers’ sensitivity to price changes was much higher than that of producers.
Effects of columbite/tantalite (COLTAN) mining activities on water quality in Edege-Mbeki mining district of Nasarawa state, North Central Nigeria
Authors: Isah Mohammed Engha , Abdulmumin Nuhu Abdulkadir , Elaoyi Paul D. , Audu Ephraim 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The release of environmental pollutants such as heavy metals due to mining activities has received worldwide condemnation. Therefore, understanding the contamination of both surface and groundwater in Edege-Mbeki mining district is very important for the health and wellbeing of its people. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine the physicochemical parameters of water samples and the level of heavy metals in Edege-Mbeki Columbite/Tantalite (COLTAN) mining site, North Central Nigeria.

Results
A total of 15 water samples were collected and analyzed in triplicate. The concentrations of five heavy metals (Ni, Mn, Pb, Cd, and Fe) in surface and groundwater samples were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA-6800 Shimadzu). The physicochemical properties of the water samples were also examined. The results of the water quality assessments show that the water samples were contaminated with alarming levels of Pb, Cd and Ni. Mean concentrations were Ni (0.008 mg/L), Mn (0.087 mg/L), Pb (0.324 mg/L), Cd (0.029 mg/L), and Fe (0.839 mg/L) in Edege-Mbeki groundwater, while the surface water (mining ponds) had Ni (0.102 mg/L), Mn (0.099 mg/L), Pb (0.358 mg/L), Cd (0.025 mg/L), and Fe (6.99 mg/L). The groundwater samples in Mararaban-Edege which served as the control site had mean concentration levels of Ni (0.032 mg/L), Mn (0.096 mg/L), Pb (0.122 mg/L), Cd (0.039 mg/L), and Fe (0.608 mg/L). The range of pH was found to be from 5.6 ± 0.02 to 6.5 ± 0.12, turbidity was between 39.27 ± 0.29 and 2271 ± 0.00 NTU, and conductivity ranged from 39.27 ± 0.29 to 757.33 ± 5.69 μS/cm, TDS from 25.0 ± 2.3 to 450.67 ± 6.03 mg/L while dissolved oxygen (DO) values from 3.1 ± 0.3 to 3.5 ± 0.3 mg/L.

Conclusion
This study confirmed that surface and ground water samples in Edege-Mbeki and Mararaban-Edege are not fit for human consumption and other domestic use. Hence, government and community leaders must provide alternative means of water for the people of these communities.
Fuel dynamics and reburn severity following high-severity fire in a Sierra Nevada, USA, mixed-conifer forest
Authors: Lydersen Jamie M. , Collins Brandon M. , Coppoletta Michelle , Jaffe Melissa R. , Northrop Hudson , Stephens Scott L. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
High-severity fire in forested landscapes often produces a post-fire condition of high shrub cover and large loads of dead wood. Given the increasing patch size of high-severity fire and the tendency for these areas to reburn at high severity in subsequent wildfires, post-fire management often targets restoration of these areas. However, these areas are challenging to manage, in part due to limited knowledge of post-fire fuel dynamics over space and time and uncertainties in how specific fuel components such as snags and logs influence future fire severity. In this study, we used high-resolution aerial imagery collected nine years after a wildfire to measure snags, logs, and shrub cover within high-severity patches, and to assess how fuel development influenced reburn severity in a subsequent wildfire.

Results
The abundance of snags, logs, and shrubs following high-severity fire varied with elevation and slope steepness; however, generalized additive models explained only 6 to 21% of their variation over the post-fire landscape. High densities of both snags and logs were associated with high reburn severity in a subsequent fire, while shrub cover had a marginally insignificant (P = 0.0515) effect on subsequent fire severity.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that high levels of large dead wood, which is often not considered in fire behavior modeling, corresponded with repeated high-severity fire effects. Future research should leverage the increasing availability of high-resolution imagery to improve our understanding of fuel load patterns in space and time and how they may impact landscape resilience to facilitate management planning for post-fire forest landscapes.
Exploring physiological signals on people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy for an active trunk support: a case study
Authors: Verros Stergios , Peeters Laura , Bergsma Arjen , Hekman Edsko E. G. , Verkerke Gijsbertus J. , Koopman Bart F. J. M. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Arm support devices are available to support people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), but active trunk support devices are lacking. An active trunk support device can potentially extend the reach of the arm and stabilize the unstable trunk of people with DMD. In a previous study, we showed that healthy people were able to control an active trunk support using four different control interfaces (based on joystick, force on feet, force on sternum and surface electromyography). All four control interfaces had different advantages and disadvantages. The aim of this study was to explore which of the four inputs is detectably used by people with DMD to control an active trunk support.

Results
The results were subject-dependent in both experiments. In the active experiment, the joystick was the most promising control interface. Regarding the static experiment, surface electromyography and force on feet worked for two out of the three subjects.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first time that people with DMD have engaged in a control task using signals other than those related to their arm muscles. According to our findings, the control interfaces have to be customised to every DMD subject.
Analytic time-of-flight positron emission tomography reconstruction: two-dimensional case
Authors: Zeng Gengsheng L. , Li Ya , Huang Qiu 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner, the time-of-flight (TOF) information gives us rough event position along the line-of-response (LOR). Using the TOF information for PET image reconstruction is able to reduce image noise. The state-of-the-art TOF PET image reconstruction uses iterative algorithms. Analytical image reconstruction algorithm exits for TOF PET which emulates the iterative Landweber algorithm. This paper introduces such an algorithm, focusing on two-dimensional (2D) reconstruction. The proposed algorithm is in the form of backprojection filtering, in which the backprojection is performed first, and then a 2D filter is applied to the backprojected image. For the list-mode data, the backprojection is carried out in the event-by-event fashion, and a profile function may be used along the projection LOR. The 2D filter depends on the TOF timing resolution as well as the backprojection profile function. In order to emulate the iterative algorithm effects, a Fourier-domain window function is suggested. This window function has a parameter, k, which corresponds to the iteration number in an iterative algorithm.
Silica applied as mixed matrix membrane inorganic filler for gas separation: a review
Authors: Setiawan Wahyu Kamal , Chiang Kung-Yuh 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe trade-off relationship between gas permeability and selectivity is well-known as the primary barrier to developing polymeric membranes for the gas separation process. Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) can be promoted as a solution to produce the desired membrane for gas separation processes. The general idea for synthesizing MMMs is to induce the thermal, electrical, mechanical, and molecular sieve properties of these nano materials into the base membrane. The incorporation of silica particles with molecular sieving properties in the polymer matrix is expected to lead to higher permeability and/or higher selectivity, compared to polymeric membranes. This paper reviews various types of silica incorporated into a polymer matrix and their gas transport mechanisms, MMM preparation methods and effect of silica on MMM characteristics and gas separation performance. MMM gas transport models after silica incorporation are also reviewed. In addition, the challenges and future works in developing MMMs with silica particles as inorganic filler are discussed.
Stable Immune Response Induced by Intradermal DNA Vaccination by a Novel Needleless Pyro-Drive Jet Injector
Authors: Chang Chinyang , Sun Jiao , Hayashi Hiroki , Suzuki Ayano , Sakaguchi Yuko , Miyazaki Hiroshi , Nishikawa Tomoyuki , Nakagami Hironori , Yamashita Kunihiko , Kaneda Yasufumi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDNA vaccination can be applied to the treatment of various infectious diseases and cancers; however, technical difficulties have hindered the development of an effective delivery method. The efficacy of a DNA vaccine depends on optimal antigen expression by the injected plasmid DNA. The pyro-drive jet injector (PJI) is a novel system that allows for adjustment of injection depth and may, thus, provide a targeted delivery approach for various therapeutic or preventative compounds. Herein, we investigated its potential for use in delivering DNA vaccines. This study evaluated the optimal ignition powder dosage, as well as its delivery effectiveness in both rat and mouse models, while comparing the results of the PJI with that of a needle syringe delivery system. We found that the PJI effectively delivered plasmid DNA to intradermal regions in both rats and mice. Further, it efficiently transfected plasmid DNA directly into the nuclei, resulting in higher protein expression than that achieved via needle syringe injection. Moreover, results from animal ovalbumin (OVA) antigen induction models revealed that animals receiving OVA expression plasmids (pOVA) via PJI exhibited dose-dependent (10 μg, 60 μg, and 120 μg) production of anti-OVA antibodies; while only low titers (< 1/100) of OVA antibodies were detected when 120 μg of pOVA was injected via needle syringe. Thus, PJI is an effective, novel method for delivery of plasmid DNA into epidermal and dermal cells suggesting its promise as a tool for DNA vaccination.
Modalidades de interacción y valores sociales emergentes en niños
Authors: Roncancio Moreno Mónica , Aristizabal Danna 
Published: December 2019

Los valores sociales han sido estudiados desde diferentes perspectivas. En la mayoría de investigaciones se intenta determinar que tan cooperativa o individualista es una sociedad. La presente investigación tiene como propósito identificar la emergencia de valores sociales en niños, durante un proceso de interacción entre pares, desde una perspectiva de la psicología sociocultural. Con el uso de una metodología cualitativa, se trabajó con 66 niños y niñas de tres ciudades colombianas que se enfrentaron a una situación semiestructurada que implicaba la construcción de un objeto (en solitario o conjuntamente). Todas las parejas fueron grabadas en video. Después del análisis microgenético (categorías emergentes), se identificaron cuatro modalidades de realización de la tarea, preinteraccional, interaccional-individual (convergente), interaccional-individual (ambivalente) e interaccional-cooperativa (convergente). Los resultados indican que la mayoría de las modalidades se centraron en el trabajo individual, privilegiando las metas personales de los sujetos con algunos momentos de cooperación. Se sugiere explorar a profundidad la dinámica de las relaciones entre pares en los contextos escolares.
Exercício físico regular e depressão em idosos
Authors: Hernandez José Augusto Evangelho , Voser Rogério Da Cunha 
Published: December 2019

Na velhice, a capacidade aeróbica, a força muscular, a flexibilidade, o equilíbrio, o tempo de reação e movimento, a agilidade e a coordenação são gradativamente reduzidos. Isso pode acarretar inúmeras dificuldades para a realização das tarefas cotidianas e para a independência funcional dessas pessoas. Esses idosos sentem-se, com frequência, inúteis, ansiosos, frustrados, mal-humorados, irritados e, até, deprimidos. Por outro lado, a prática de atividades físicas regulares pode trazer melhorias para a saúde física e mental dos praticantes. Esta pesquisa investigou a relação entre o exercício físico regular e a depressão em indivíduos idosos. Participaram da pesquisa 160 pessoas de 60 a 85 anos de idade, sendo 84 praticantes de tipos variados de atividades físicas regulares e 76 sedentários. Para avaliar a depressão foi usada Escala de Depressão para Idosos, constituída pelas dimensões cognitiva-afetiva e somática-motora. Nos resultados, os idosos sedentários apresentaram graus médios mais elevados sem todas as dimensões da depressão comparados com os praticantes de exercícios físicos regulares. Na discussão, são abordadas as hipóteses neurofisiológicas e psicossociais para explicar os efeitos positivos do exercício regular sobre o humor dos praticantes.
USO PROBLEMÁTICO DE SUBSTÂNCIAS PSICOATIVAS, ANSIEDADE, ESTRESSE E DEPRESSÃO ENTRE ESTUDANTES DE ENFERMAGEM
Authors: Silva Pires Priscilla Larissa , Soares Gabriel Terencio , De Brito Isadora Eufrásio , De Lima Caio Augusto , De Barros Junqueira Marcelle Aparecida , Pillon Sandra Cristina 
Published: December 2019

Introdução: Os universitários são mais suscetíveis ao desenvolvimento de doenças mentais devido à constante presença de fatores estressores durante a graduação. Os transtornos mentais são responsáveis por cerca de 13% das doenças no mundo, sendo que 90% dos casos são classificados como transtornos mentais comuns, como depressão, ansiedade e a somatização. As diversas cobranças, exigências e pressões internas e externas durante a graduação podem levar o acadêmico a desistir da futura profissão ou até mesmo desenvolver doença psíquica, que frequentemente, associam-se ao uso abusivo de substância psicoativa. Objetivo: O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as associações entre uso problemático de álcool e de outras drogas, estresse, ansiedade e depressão em estudantes de enfermagem. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, transversal, com abordagem quantitativa realizado com 202 estudantes de enfermagem de uma universidade pública de Minas Gerais. Para coleta de dados foi utilizado um instrumento contendo informações sociodemográficas, Teste de triagem do envolvimento com álcool, cigarro e outras substâncias e Escala de estresse, depressão e ansiedade. Resultados: O uso de risco do álcool, tabaco e maconha foram às substâncias mais usadas e associadas ao estresse, depressão e ansiedade em níveis mais severos. A depressão foi correlacionada positivamente com uso de álcool, tabaco e maconha; estresse com uso de álcool e/ou maconha e ansiedade com maconha. Conclusão: A promoção de saúde mental, prevenção do uso de drogas entre jovens universitários durante a graduação é fundamental, com vistas à oferta de estratégias de prevenção ao uso de drogas e acolhimento desses estudantes.
High-precision differential measurement of dye concentration based on two cascaded fiber Bragg gratings
Authors: Gu Hong , Li Xiang , Wang Xudong , Liu Xue 
Published: December 2019

A high-precision differential detection system based on two cascaded fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) is proposed to detect dye concentration. In this system, two low-quality common FBGs are connected in a series, and one is corroded by 20% hydrofluoric solutions for 210 min. A novel demodulation method–differential measurement–is proposed to improve the sensitivity of the sensor. The working point is not in the central but in the waist region of the reflection spectra of the etched FBG, which has the best sensitivity and minimal nonlinearity (

∼

0.018

%

). After adopting the differential measurement, the detection precision of the dye concentration has been obviously improved. According to our analysis, the theoretical limit sensitivity of the sensor can reach

7
×

10

−
4

p
p
m

.
Characterizing the bending deformation of polymer utilizing the diffraction spectrum of a holographic grating on a flexible substrate
Authors: Yu Dan , He Yuhang , Liu Hongpeng , Wang Baohua , Li Li , Wang Rui , Luo Suhua 
Published: December 2019

A volume grating based holographic sensor on a flexible substrate for real-time characterization of the bending deformation of polymer has been studied. Two kinds of deformations, i.e., unilateral and bilateral bending, are analyzed by using the diffraction spectrum of a transmission grating. The dependence of the peak wavelength on the angle displacement in unilateral bending presents a linear relationship. The relation between the peak wavelength and the curvature radius in bilateral bending is also a linear relationship. The maximum bending angle is 18 deg in unilateral bending, and the curvature radius reduces to 44 mm in bilateral bending. The diffraction spectrum coverage is up to 200 nm. In straightening a curved grating, the spatial width of the rainbow spectrum presents a linear relation to the curvature radius. The sensing feedback of bending deformation provides an effective method for characterizing the bending movement of polymer. It can even qualitatively present the deformation by observing the center color and its width with the naked eye. The optical measurement of bending deformation further validates the practical applicability of the holographic sensor.
SWCNT-SA mode-locked Tm:LuYO3 ceramic laser delivering 8-optical-cycle pulses at 2.05  µm
Authors: Zhao Yongguang , Wang Li , Wang Yicheng , Zhang Jian , Liu Peng , Xu Xiaodong , Liu Ying , Shen Deyuan , Bae Ji Eun , Park Tae Gwan , Rotermund Fabian , Mateos Xavier , Loiko Pavel , Wang Zhengping , Xu Xingguang , Xu Jun , Mero Mark , Griebner Uwe , Petrov Valentin , Chen Weidong 
Published: December 2019

Passive mode locking of a

T
m

:

L
u
Y
O

3

ceramic laser in the 2 µm spectral region is demonstrated by employing a single-walled carbon nanotube-saturable absorber. Almost chirp-free pulses as short as 57 fs, i.e., 8 optical cycles are produced at a repetition rate of 72.6 MHz (63 mW average power). The corresponding optical spectrum centered at 2045 nm, exhibits a bandwidth of 80 nm, which corresponds to almost chirp-free pulses. To the best of our knowledge, the results represent the shortest pulses generated by mode-locked Tm solid-state lasers.