bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maturity Model for IT Managed Services
Authors: Wattal Suneel 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
There is a growing trend for Enterprises to engage Managed Service Providers in order to outsource their IT related activities. The delivery capability of an MSP needs to be assessed in a standardized manner, which can be achieved by way of conceiving a Maturity model for the purpose. A study was conducted to develop a Maturity model for Managed Service providers. This model was implemented on a specific environment and the results were documented. The model had to undergo a few iterations and was refined during the implementation.
Controlling Over Enhancement of Images Using Histogram Equalization Technique
Authors: Raheja Anisha , Chawla Rashmi , Gupta Shailender , Vashist Akshar 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Contrast Enhancement is a powerful technique to procure high quality images with outstanding contrast enrichment and an appreciable improvement in visual quality. A multitude of contrast enhancement schemes based on Histogram Equalization accomplished to improve image perceptibility are available in literature. Although these perform quite well, but image over enhancement is a stumbling block, which cannot be overlooked. This paper is an effort to resolve the above problem by incorporating a novel recursive approach, taking Histogram Equalization (HE) as the base methodology for improving the subjective quality of image. The proposed mechanism searches those portions of image where contrast enhancement is actually required, thus avoiding over enhancement. Furthermore, contrast adjustment is performed on the overall image so as to suppress the excessively enhanced regions. A simulator is designed in MATLAB 2016a to fulfil the defined purpose. The comparison results of proposed technique with already reported ones show that ours is better than others in terms of the performance metrics, Contrast Improvement Index(CII) and Colour Enhancement Factor (CEF).
Hazardous Wastes and its Impact on Human Health
Authors: Hasan M A , Mallick J , Ahmed M , Saleem M 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Urban sprawl, population growth, rising living standards, and industrialization has resulted in waste generation in developing countries. Many solid waste sources contribute to hazardous waste which poses many pollution problems. The purpose of this study is to understand hazardous waste and its impact on human health and to address hazardous waste issues. The results revealed that hazardous waste, when incorrectly treated, processed and disposed of, has a significant impact on public health and the environment. Air pollution, water supply depletion and the spread of human diseases are the worst effects of insufficient waste management. It makes cities untidy and dirty, affects people’s health, harms flora and fauna, and hinders the economy of the countries. Some of the prevention such as hazardous waste handling, dilution, a tube-well structure using well-logging methods and other forms of geophysical monitoring designed specifically for the contaminated area, as well as the different treatment systems, could also be advised.
Tests of Electrical Motor for Installation in the Wheel Hub of an Electric Car
Authors: Bedkowski B , Dukalski P , Jarek T , Wolnik T 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The article presents the construction of test stand for testing an electric permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) with an external rotor. The results of laboratory tests such as temperature rise tests for various motor parameters (such tests allow to determine temperatures in important motor components during different driving conditions - calculated for Fiat Panda III) and load tests with the determination of efficiency maps in the entire range have been presented. It was assumed that the car’s drive is fitted with two motor in the rear axle.
Definition of Contact Stresses and Gaps in the Hinges of Chain Gears
Authors: Belousov Yu V , Shambina S L , Rekach F V 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The article discusses the issues of determining contact stresses in the hinges of chain gears. It is necessary to know these stresses to assess the hinges’ wear resistance, since the wear of hinges (joints) is the most common cause of chain gears’ damage. In this regard, the focus was made on determining the necessary gap between the bushing and the roller of the chain gears. This gap significantly affects the largely determines the distribution pattern and magnitude of the stresses in the hinge, and, consequently, the wear resistance of chain gears. A method for calculating the maximum contact stress in the hinges of chain gears has been developed. It was proved that a decrease of the gap in the hinges influence in the following way: the contact angle between the roller and the bushing increases and the maximum contact stresses become lower. However, for real contact angles, the contact stresses greatly exceed the permissible average specific pressure, causing increased wear on the joints (hinges). One of the possible ways to solve this problem is to use transitional fittings in hinges, in which the gaps and tightness are relatively small. When pressing the rollers into the bushings, microroughnesses are cut from the contact surfaces, and the tightness in the connection practically disappears. Some examples of determining gaps and contact stresses in the hinges of chain gears are given.
Image potential states of germanene
Authors: Borca Bogdana , Castenmiller Carolien , Tsvetanova Martina , Sotthewes Kai , Rudenko Alexander N , Zandvliet Harold J W 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
We have measured the two-dimensional image potential states (IPS) of a germanene layer synthesized on a Ge2Pt crystal using scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy. The IPS spectrum of germanene exhibits several differences as compared to the IPS spectrum of pristine Ge(001). First, the n = 1 peak of the Rydberg series of the IPS spectrum of germanene has two contributions, labelled n = 1-
and n = 1+
, respectively. The peak at the lower energy side is weaker and is associated to the mirror-symmetric state with opposite parity. The appearance of this peak indicates that the interaction between the germanene layer and the substrate is very weak. Second, the work function of germanene is about 0.75 eV lower in energy than the work function of Ge(001). This large difference in work function of germanene and pristine Ge(001) is in agreement with first-principles calculations.
Atomic scale structure and its impact on the band gap energy for Cu2Zn(Sn,Ge)Se4 kesterite alloys
Authors: Ritter Konrad , Eckner Stefanie , Preiß Cora , Gurieva Galina , Bischoff Thomas , Welter Edmund , Botti Silvana , Schorr Susan , Schnohr Claudia S 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Kesterite based materials gain more and more relevance in the pursuit of affordable, efficient and flexible absorber materials for thin film photovoltaics. Alloying Cu2ZnSnSe4 with Ge could allow controlled band gap engineering as already established for Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 based solar cells. This study investigates the local atomic arrangements of Cu2Zn(Sn,Ge)Se4 alloys by means of low temperature Extended x-ray Absorbtion Fine Structure Spectroscopy. The element specific bond lengths are used together with x-ray diffraction data to derive the anion positions of the different local configurations. Ab initio theoretical calculations are performed to predict the influence of structural parameters such as anion position and lattice constants on the band gap energy. Combining the results of the experimental and theoretical studies suggests that the overall influence of the structural changes on the band gap bowing due to alloying is significant yet smaller than the total non-linear change of the band gap energy. Consequently, it is concluded, that band gap bowing stems from both structural and electronic changes.
Earlier onset of flowering and increased reproductive allocation of an annual invasive plant in the north of its novel range
Authors: Helsen Kenny , Acharya Kamal Prasad , Graae Bente Jessen , De Kort Hanne , Brunet Jörg , Chabrerie Olivier , Cousins Sara A O , De Frenne Pieter , Hermy Martin , Verheyen Kris , Pélabon Christophe 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background and Aims
It remains unclear whether invasive species can maintain both high biomass and reproductive output across their invaded range. Along latitudinal gradients, allocation theory predicts that faster flowering onset at high latitudes results in maturation at smaller size and thus reduced reproductive output. For annual invasive plants, more favourable environmental conditions at low latitudes probably result in stronger competition of co-occurring species, potentially driving selection for higher investment in vegetative biomass, while harsher climatic conditions and associated reproductive uncertainty at higher latitudes could reduce selection for vegetative biomass and increased selection for high reproductive investment (stress-gradient hypothesis). Combined, these drivers could result in increased or constant reproductive allocation with increasing latitude.

Methods
We quantified life-history traits in the invasive annual plant Impatiens glandulifera along a latitudinal gradient in Europe. By growing two successive glasshouse generations, we assessed genetic differentiation in vegetative growth and reproductive output across six populations, and tested whether onset of flowering drives this divergence.

Key Results
Trait variation was mainly caused by genetic differentiation. As expected, flowering onset was progressively earlier in populations from higher latitudes. Plant height and vegetative biomass also decreased in populations from higher latitudes, as predicted by allocation theory, but their variation was independent of the variation in flowering onset. Reproductive output remained constant across latitudes, resulting in increased reproductive allocation towards higher latitudes, supporting the stress-gradient hypothesis. We also observed trait genetic differentiation among populations that was independent of latitude.

Conclusions
We show that an annual invasive plant evolved several life-history traits across its invaded range in ~150 years. The evolution of vegetative and reproductive traits seems unconstrained by evolution of flowering onset. This genetic decoupling between vegetative and reproductive traits possibly contributes to the invasion success of this species.
Molecular phylogenetic insights into the evolution ofEriosema(Fabaceae): a recent tropical savanna-adapted genus
Authors: Cândido Elisa Silva , Vatanparast Mohammad , de Vargas Wanderleia , Bezerra Luísa M P A , Lewis Gwilym P , Mansano Vidal F , Simões André O , Silva Marcos J , Stirton Charles , Tozzi Ana Maria G A , Fortuna-Perez Ana Paula 
Published: June 2020

AbstractEriosema comprises c. 150 species and has a pantropical distribution and two centres of diversity, Africa and America. The species occur in tropical savannas and grasslands, including the cerrado in Brazil. They have adapted to these environments by developing specialized underground organs, and an abundance of trichomes. Here we present the first comprehensive molecular phylogenetic analysis of Eriosema, including species from its entire distribution range and generating 391 new DNA sequences. We sampled 140 species from nine genera of Cajaninae, of which 94 (60% of the genus) were Eriosema. Our analyses were based on the nuclear ITS and plastid rpl32 and trnQ regions, and used maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of individual and combined data sets. In all analyses, Eriosema was resolved as monophyletic, but its interspecific relationships are not well resolved. Rhynchosia is not monophyletic, and some African Rhynchosia spp. emerged together as sister to Eriosema. Our study supports the monophyly of Adenodolichos, Dunbaria, Flemingia and Cajanus, but Chrysoscias and Bolusafra formed a clade that is sister to a group of Rhynchosia spp. Paracalyx was resolved as paraphyletic and nested among African Rhynchosia spp. Divergence time analysis suggested that the Eriosema lineages diverged 6.5–10.7 Mya. Two major lineages have diversified in Eriosema, one including most of the African species (4.41–6.68 Mya), the other mainly composed of the South American cerrado species (3.56–5.78 Mya). These results revealed that Eriosema is a recent and tropical savanna-adapted group, and its diversification occurred in the late Miocene in parallel with the expansion of C4 grasslands.
Identification of a potential non-coding RNA biomarker signature for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Joilin Greig , Gray Elizabeth , Thompson Alexander G , Bobeva Yoana , Talbot Kevin , Weishaupt Jochen , Ludolph Albert , Malaspina Andrea , Leigh P Nigel , Newbury Sarah F , Turner Martin R , Hafezparast Majid 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective biomarkers for the clinically heterogeneous adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are crucial to facilitate assessing emerging therapeutics and improve the diagnostic pathway in what is a clinically heterogeneous syndrome. With non-coding RNA transcripts including microRNA, piwi-RNA and transfer RNA present in human biofluids, we sought to identify whether non-coding RNA in serum could be biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Serum samples from our Oxford Study for Biomarkers in motor neurone disease/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis discovery cohort of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients (n = 48), disease mimics (n = 16) and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 24) were profiled for non-coding RNA expression using RNA-sequencing, which showed a wide range of non-coding RNA to be dysregulated. We confirmed significant alterations with reverse transcription-quantitative PCR in the expression of hsa-miR-16-5p, hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-92a-3p, hsa-piR-33151, TRV-AAC4-1.1 and TRA-AGC6-1.1. Furthermore, hsa-miR-206, a previously identified amyotrophic lateral sclerosis biomarker, showed a binary-like pattern of expression in our samples. Using the expression of these non-coding RNA, we were able to discriminate amyotrophic lateral sclerosis samples from healthy controls in our discovery cohort using a random forest analysis with 93.7% accuracy with promise in predicting progression rate of patients. Importantly, cross-validation of this novel signature using a new geographically distinct cohort of samples from the United Kingdom and Germany with both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and control samples (n = 156) yielded an accuracy of 73.9%. The high prediction accuracy of this non-coding RNA-based biomarker signature, even across heterogeneous cohorts, demonstrates the strength of our approach as a novel platform to identify and stratify amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.
Capillary Electrophoresis Method for Determination of Escitalopram Oxalate in Urine Samples and Different Dosage Forms
Authors: Badulla Wafa F S , Dal Poçan Arın G , Atkoşar Zeki , Arlı Göksel 
Published: June 2020

AbstractApplication of capillary electrophoresis (CE) has become a rapidly growing analytical technique for the estimation of drugs in pharmaceutical dosage forms and biological fluids. In this study, an effective and sensitive method was developed for the determination of escitalopram oxalate (ESC-OX) by CE with diode-array detection at 200 nm. The separation was achieved by a fused silica capillary with 40 cm effective length (48.5 cm total, 75 μm i.d.). The background electrolyte was composed of 15 mM phosphate buffer (pH 2.5). The applied potential was 22.5 kV, and the samples were injected at 50 mbar pressure for 10 s. Metoprolol was used as an internal standard (IS). The migration time under these optimum conditions was 6.51 ± 0.07 and 6.73 ± 0.08 min for ESC-OX and IS, respectively, with total run time 7 min. The method was validated for linearity, precision, accuracy, specificity and sensitivity. The limit of detection was calculated as 3.85 and 5.07 ng mL−1 for standard and urine samples, respectively. The developed method was employed successfully for the determination of ESC-OX in different pharmaceutical dosage forms and spiked human urine after simple liquid–liquid extraction with good recovery.
A Genotyping Study in Benin Comparing the Carriage of Plasmodium falciparum Infections Before Pregnancy and in Early Pregnancy: Story of a Persistent Infection
Authors: Jafari-Guemouri Sayeh , Courtois Laura , Mama Atika , Rouas Baptiste , Neto Braga Gabriel , Accrombessi Manfred , Massougbodji Achille , Ding Xavier C , Tuikue Ndam Nicaise , Fievet Nadine , Briand Valérie 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Malaria infections in the first trimester of pregnancy are frequent and deleterious for both mother and child health. To investigate if these early infections are newly acquired or already present in the host, we assessed whether parasites detected before pregnancy and those detected in early pregnancy are the same infection.

Methods
We used data from the preconceptional “RECIPAL” study (Benin, 2014–2017). Sixty-three pregnant women of 411 included who had a malaria infection detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction both before pregnancy and at the first antenatal care (ANC) visit were selected for this study. Two highly polymorphic markers, msp-2 and glurp, and a fragment-analysis method were used to enumerate the Plasmodium falciparum genotypes and to quantify their proportions within isolates. An infection was considered as persistent when identical msp-2 and glurp genotypes were found in the corresponding prepregnancy and early-pregnancy samples.

Results
The median time between the 2 malaria screenings was 3 months. The median gestational age at the first ANC visit was 6.4 weeks. Most infections before pregnancy were submicroscopic infections. Based on both msp-2 and glurp genotyping, the infection was similar before and in early pregnancy in 46% (29/63) of cases.

Conclusions
Almost half of P. falciparum infections detected in the first trimester originate before pregnancy. Protecting young women from malaria infection before pregnancy might reduce the prevalence of malaria in early pregnancy and its related poor maternal and birth outcomes.
Identification of a class of index models: A topological approach
Authors: Fosgerau Mogens , Kristensen Dennis 
Published: June 2020

Summary
We establish nonparametric identification in a class of so-called index models by using a novel approach that relies on general topological results. Our proof strategy requires substantially weaker conditions on the functions and distributions characterising the model than those required by existing strategies; in particular, it does not require any large-support conditions on the regressors of our model. We apply the general identification result to additive random utility and competing risk models.
Significant decrease in lipid core burden index following balloon dilation was associated with the leakage of cholesterol crystals in a patient: a case report
Authors: Moriya Soshi , Isoda Kikuo , Dohi Tomotaka , Okazaki Shinya 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used for analysis the composition of the atherosclerotic plaque in coronary arteries. However, meaning of significant decrease in max lipid core burden index at 4 mm (max LCBI4mm) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is poorly understood.

Case summary
A 64-year-old male with unstable angina underwent coronary angiography, which demonstrated a hazy tight culprit lesion in the mid-right coronary artery. Pre-intervention NIRS–intravascular ultrasound (NIRS–IVUS) and chemogram showed plaque with high lipid burden at the culprit lesion. Then, we used a distal protection device before PCI because of high max LCBI4mm in the lesion. After pre-dilation with a scoring balloon, repeat NIRS–IVUS interrogation revealed an almost complete disappearance of the yellow signal and decrease in max LCBI4mm (from 537 to 44) significantly, suggesting decrease in the lipid content of the plaque. Finally, a drug-eluting stent deployment followed by inflation of a non-compliant balloon led to an excellent result. After PCI, we detected trapped large amounts of debris on retrieval of the filter. Pathological diagnosis confirmed that trapped material was lipid-rich plaque including cholesterol crystals.

Discussion
This is the first report directly demonstrated that significant decrease in max LCBI4mm at culprit lesion should be associated with the leakage of cholesterol crystals from lipid-rich plaque during PCI in the clinical patient.
Dysphagia as an early sign of cardiac decompensation in elderly: case report
Authors: Matta Anthony , Elenizi Khaled , Carrié Didier , Roncalli Jerome 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Several clinical entities may be misdiagnosed in elderly if we consider dysphagia as a normal aging process in our daily practice. On top of usual aetiologies like motor dysfunction, investigations may uncover serious underlying conditions.

Case summary
We report an unusual case where dysphagia was the warning sign for acute heart failure in a 76-year-old patient known to have dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced ejection fraction. It was due to an external oesophageal compression by the left atrium. A transthoracic echocardiography, an enhanced thoracic computed tomography-scan and esophagogastroduodenoscopy were used for the diagnosis. Diuretics were the cornerstone treatment with symptomatic improvement.

Discussion
Despite the fact that cardiovascular dysphagia is an uncommon medical entity, but it remains a potential differential diagnosis, especially in elderlies with high risk for atrial enlargement.
COVID19: a case report of thrombus in transit
Authors: Janus Scott E , Hajjari Jamal , Cunningham Michael J , Hoit Brian D 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
The global pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused significant morbidity and mortality, not only through devastating lung injury, but also due to multiple malfunctions in the cardiovascular system. The primary aetiology is believed to be mediated through lung alveolar injury; however, a few published reports have linked SARS-CoV-2 to significant organ dysfunction, venous thrombo-embolism, and coagulopathy. In view of the fact that the utility of tissue plasminogen activator in this population is not well studied, we present this case of rapid improvement in oxygenation after successful lytic therapy for thrombus in transit in this patient with SARS-CoV-2.

Case summary
We discuss a patient admitted with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Due to the development of dramatic hypoxia, he underwent echocardiography which demonstrated extensive thrombus in transit. He received successful thrombolytic therapy with tissue plasminogen activator, with subsequent improvement in oxygenation. The patient was successfully discharged home on 2 L of oxygen via nasal cannula, and continues to improve at follow-up with his cardiologist and primary care physician.

Conclusion
This case not only highlights embolic causes of hypoxia in SARS-CoV-2, but demonstrates the important utility of an echocardiogram and tissue plasminogen activator in this population.