bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Indigenous System of Soil Fertility Management in a Typical Farm Settlement in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Akinloye Kehinde, F. , Akinloye Florence, Y. , Orimoogunje Oluwagbenga, O. I. , Adeleke Benjamin, O. 
Published: June 2020

Lives on earth depends on soil for survival and functioning as soil provides the basis for livelihood, however, this essential resource has been totally degraded and depleted due to human mismanagement and thus hampering its productivity potential. Therefore, this study focused on the knowledge of the peasant farmer’s indigenous system of soil fertility management with a view to documenting and comparing the indigenous and scientific knowledge adopted by farmer in assessing soil nutrient availability status in Ago-Owu farm settlement. The physico-chemical analysis of the soil samples for soil characterization and land dynamics are in agreement with the indigenous knowledge in operation in the study area. The study concluded that it is essential to integrate the traditional knowledge base as a complimentary component to the modern methods for effective management of soil fertility as an essential resource.
Challenges and opportunities in population monitoring of cheetahs
Authors: Linden Daniel W. , Green David S. , Chelysheva Elena V. , Mandere Salim Mandela , Dloniak Stephanie M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPopulation monitoring is key to wildlife conservation and management but is challenging at the spatial and temporal extents necessary for understanding changes. Noninvasive survey methods and spatial capture–recapture (SCR) models have revolutionized wildlife monitoring by providing the means to acquire data at large scales and the framework to generate spatially explicit predictions, respectively. Despite opportunities for improved monitoring, challenges can remain in the study design and model fitting phases of an SCR approach. Here, we used a search‐encounter design with multi‐session SCR models to collect spatially indexed photographs and estimate changes in density of cheetahs between 2005 and 2013–2016 in the Masai Mara National Reserve (MMNR) in Kenya. Our SCR models of cheetah encounters suggested little change in cheetah density from 2005 to 2013–2016, with some evidence that density fluctuated annually in the MMNR. The sampling period length (5 vs. 10 months) and timing (early, late, full year) over which spatial encounters were modeled did not alter inferences about density when sample sizes were adequate (>20 spatially distinct encounters). Our average density estimate of ~1.2 cheetahs/100 km2 is consistent with the impression that the MMNR provides important cheetah habitat in Africa. During most years, spatial distribution of vegetation greenness (proxy for ungulate habitat quality) accounted for important variation in encounter rates. The search‐encounter design here could be applied to other regions for cheetah monitoring. While snapshot estimates of population size across time are useful for wildlife monitoring, open population models may better identify the mechanisms behind temporal changes.
Predictive quality assurance of a linear accelerator based on the machine performance check application using statistical process control and ARIMA forecast modeling
Authors: Puyati Wayo , Khawne Amnach , Barnes Michael , Zwan Benjamin , Greer Peter , Fuangrod Todsaporn 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPurposeA predictive linac quality assurance system based on the output of the Machine Performance Check (MPC) application was developed using statistical process control and autoregressive integrated moving average forecast modeling. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of predictive quality assurance based on MPC tests that allow proactive preventative maintenance procedures to be carried out to better ensure optimal linac performance and minimize downtime.Method and MaterialsDaily MPC data were acquired for a total of 490 measurements. The initial 85% of data were used in prediction model learning with the autoregressive integrated moving average technique and in calculating upper and lower control limits for statistical process control analysis. The remaining 15% of data were used in testing the accuracy of the predictions of the proposed system. Two types of prediction were studied, namely, one‐step‐ahead values for predicting the next day's quality assurance results and six‐step‐ahead values for predicting up to a week ahead. Results that fall within the upper and lower control limits indicate a normal stage of machine performance, while the tolerance, determined from AAPM TG‐142, is the clinically required performance. The gap between the control limits and the clinical tolerances (as the warning stage) provides a window of opportunity for rectifying linac performance issues before they become clinically significant. The accuracy of the predictive model was tested using the root‐mean‐square error, absolute error, and average accuracy rate for all MPC test parameters.ResultsThe accuracy of the predictive model is considered high (average root‐mean‐square error and absolute error for all parameters of less than 0.05). The average accuracy rate for indicating the normal/warning stages was higher than 85.00%.ConclusionPredictive quality assurance with the MPC will allow preventative maintenance, which could lead to improved linac performance and a reduction in unscheduled linac downtime.
Rheumatic Conditions as Risk Factors for Self‐Harm: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Prior James A. , Paskins Zoe , Whittle Rebecca , Abdul‐Sultan Alyshah , Chew‐Graham Carolyn A. , Muller Sara , Bajpai Ram , Shepherd Tom A. , Sumathipala Athula , Mallen Christian D. 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveTo examine the risk of self‐harm in rheumatic conditions.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis were identified from 1990 to 2016 and matched to patients without these conditions. Incident self‐harm was defined by medical record codes following a rheumatic diagnosis. Incidence rates (per 10,000 person‐years) were reported for each condition, both overall and year‐on‐year (2000–2016). Cox regression analysis determined risk (hazard ratio [HR] and 95% confidence interval [95% CI]) of self‐harm for each rheumatic cohort compared to the matched unexposed cohort. Initial crude analysis was subsequently adjusted and stratified by age and sex. Due to nonproportionality over time, osteoarthritis was also stratified by disease duration (<1 year, ≥1 to <5 years, ≥5 to <10 years, and ≥10 years).ResultsThe incidence of self‐harm was highest in patients with fibromyalgia (HR 25.12 [95% CI 22.45–28.11] per 10,000 person‐years) and lowest for osteoarthritis (HR 6.48 [95% CI 6.20–6.76]). There was a crude association with each rheumatic condition and self‐harm, except for ankylosing spondylitis. Although attenuated, these associations remained after adjustment for fibromyalgia (HR 2.06 [95% CI 1.60–2.65]), rheumatoid arthritis (HR 1.59 [95% CI 1.20–2.11]), and osteoarthritis (1 to <5 years HR 1.12 [95% CI 1.01–1.24]; ≥5 to <10 years HR 1.35 [95% CI 1.18–1.54]). Age and sex were weak effect modifiers for these associations.ConclusionPrimary care patients with fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis (but not ankylosing spondylitis) are at increased risk of self‐harm compared to people without these rheumatic conditions. Clinicians need to be aware of the potential for self‐harm in patients with rheumatic conditions (particularly fibromyalgia), explore mood and risk with them, and offer appropriate support and management.
Perspectives of Patients With Rheumatic Diseases in the Early Phase of COVID‐19
Authors: Antony Anna , Connelly Kathryn , De Silva Thilinie , Eades Laura , Tillett William , Ayoub Sally , Morand Eric 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveTo determine health perceptions of patients with rheumatic diseases in the early phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.MethodsRheumatology patients at a single center received via text message the Australian Rheumatology Association COVID‐19 information sheet and an invitation to participate in a deidentified survey. Patient concerns regarding risks conferred by their rheumatologic disease or medications, impact of receiving the information sheet on the likelihood of staying on medication, and acceptance of telehealth were ascertained.ResultsA total of 2,630 patients received the text message, and the survey response rate was 21% (n = 550). The mean ± SD age of the participants was 52 ± 15.2 years, and 75.3% were female. Participants’ highest ranked concern was that their medications would increase the severity of their COVID‐19 symptoms (76.1%). The highest levels of concern were seen in patients taking combination conventional synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and/or a biologic/targeted synthetic DMARD. There was no association between prednisolone dose and concern. While 63% of patients planned to continue their antirheumatic medications, a further 30% were more likely to continue taking their medications because of receiving the information. Telehealth was acceptable to 98.4% of patients, but 28.1% felt this was only appropriate while infection control measures were in place.ConclusionConcerns regarding the risk of COVID‐19 among patients taking antirheumatic drugs are common. Proactive dissemination of information is needed to address misconceptions related to medication risk, improve medication adherence, and minimize the risk of flares. Telehealth is acceptable to most patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Cognitive Function Trajectories in Association With the Depressive Symptoms Trajectories in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Over Time
Authors: Touma Zahi , Moghaddam Bahar , Su Jiandong , Katz Patricia 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveCognitive function may change over time in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and cognitive function trajectories have not been well studied. We aimed to identify cognitive function trajectories in SLE and describe them with depressive symptoms trajectories, and we also aimed to identify baseline factors associated with class membership in the dual trajectories.MethodsLongitudinal data from the University of California San Francisco Lupus Outcomes Study were analyzed. Two outcome trajectories were studied jointly, the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test–Revised and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) (administered annually). Univariate/multivariable logistic regression analyses examined baseline factors associated with class memberships.ResultsA total of 755 patients were studied, and 4 latent classes were identified: 1) low CES‐D scores and low cognitive scores (no depression plus cognitive impairment; 20%), 2) lowest CES‐D scores and highest normal cognitive scores (no depression plus normal cognition; 48%), 3) highest CES‐D scores and lowest cognitive scores (depression plus cognitive impairment; 9%), and 4) high CES‐D scores and cognitive score at borderline (depression plus borderline cognition; 23%).ConclusionIn all, 4 distinct classes of dual cognitive function and depressive symptoms were identified. Persistently low cognitive performance in 28% of patients (classes 1 and 3) did not significantly improve over 7 years. Cognitive impairment was associated with depression status in 9% of patients (class 3). Other factors also predicted latent class membership: ethnicity, education, disease activity, physical functioning, and bodily pain. These results highlight the importance of periodic assessment of cognitive function and of different aspects relevant for assessing and managing cognitive function over time in SLE.
In Situ Spectroscopy of Calcium Fluoride Anchored Metal–Organic Framework Thin Films during Gas Sorption
Authors: Mandemaker Laurens D. B. , Rivera‐Torrente Miguel , Geitner Robert , Vis Carolien M. , Weckhuysen Bert M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSurface‐mounted metal–organic frameworks (SURMOFs) show promising behavior for a manifold of applications. As MOF thin films are often unsuitable for conventional characterization techniques, understanding their advantageous properties over their bulk counterparts presents a great analytical challenge. In this work, we demonstrate that MOFs can be grown on calcium fluoride (CaF2) windows after proper functionalization. As CaF2 is optically (in the IR and UV/Vis range of the spectrum) transparent, this makes it possible to study SURMOFs using conventional spectroscopic tools typically used during catalysis or gas sorption. Hence, we have measured HKUST‐1 during the adsorption of CO and NO. We show that no copper oxide impurities are observed and also confirm that SURMOFs grown by a layer‐by‐layer (LbL) approach possess Cu+ species in paddlewheel confirmation, but 1.9 times less than in bulk HKUST‐1. The developed methodology paves the way for studying the interaction of any adsorbed gases with thin films, not limited to MOFs, low temperatures, or these specific probe molecules, pushing the boundaries of our current understanding of functional porous materials.
Enantioselective Cobalt‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Hydroacylation of 1,6‐Enynes
Authors: Whyte Andrew , Bajohr Jonathan , Torelli Alexa , Lautens Mark 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe report a cobalt‐catalyzed hydroacylation of 1,6‐enynes with exogenous aldehydes in a domino sequence to construct enantioenriched ketones. The products were obtained in good yields with excellent regio‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselectivity. Furthermore, the chiral products served as valuable precursors to access complex spirocyclic scaffolds with three contiguous stereocenters. The asymmetric hydroacylation process exhibited no C−H crossover and no KIE, thus indicating that the C−H bond cleavage was not involved in the turnover‐limiting step.
CO2‐resistant SDC‐SSAF oxygen selective dual‐phase hollow fiber membranes
Authors: Zhang Shude , Li Claudia , Meng Xiuxia , Tan Xiaoyao , Zhu Zhonghua , Sunarso Jaka , Liu Shaomin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCe0.85Sm0.15O1.925–Sm0.6Sr0.4Al0.3Fe0.7O3‐δ (SDC‐SSAF) hollow fiber membranes aimed for oxyfuel application are fabricated via a phase inversion‐sintering technique using powders synthesized from EDTA–citrate complex method. Oxygen ions transport is revealed to be the limiting step that determines the overall oxygen transport rate in SDC‐SSAF. SDC‐SSAF hollow fiber membrane attained a maximum flux of 2.6 ml min−1 cm−2 at 950°C under an oxygen partial pressure difference of 1/0.02 atm (feed/permeate). Variation in oxygen partial pressure on the permeate side exerts larger influence on the oxygen permeation flux relative to the change on the feed side. Stability tests over 100 h demonstrate stable oxygen permeation flux under both He and CO2 sweep conditions.
Electrospun PCL and PLA hybrid nanofibrous scaffolds containing Nigella sativa herbal extract for effective wound healing
Authors: Sharifi Mohaddeseh , Bahrami Seyed Hajir , Nejad Nahid Hemmati , Milan Peiman Brouki 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBlack seed (Nigella sativa [NS]) is used in traditional medicine as an antibacterial agent. In this study, novel hybrid scaffolds were manufactured from poly(ɛ‐caprolactone[PCL])/ Poly(lactic acid [PLA]) with NS extract by double‐nozzle electrospinning for wound healing application. Optimal conditions were found using response surface methodology including feed rate 0.8 ml/hr, voltage 20 kV and PLA 8% /PCL 10% concentrations. The effect of NS extract on the properties of the scaffold was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, and mechanical test. The PLA‐PCL/NS 20% beadles, and smooth nanofibrous web was obtained as the optimum scaffold with an average diameter of 638 ± 69 nm and the contact angle of 44°. In addition, the biological properties of the scaffolds such as antibacterial against Staphylococcus aureus (gram‐positive) and Escherichia coli (gram‐negative) bacteria, MTT assay, extract release, and cell growth (human mesenchymal stem cells) were examined. Incorporation of NS extract into the nanofibers caused to enhance the biological properties, cell viability and cell proliferation without toxicity.
Tailoring double‐layered fibrous mat of modified polypropylene/cotton fabric for the function of directional moisture transport
Authors: Xu Jinhao , Xin Binjie , Wang Chun , Zheng Yuansheng , Chen Chuoming , Zhou Mengjuan , Tian Xu , Du Xuanxuan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIt has been widely acknowledged that the moisture (sweat) management in the textile is a crucial performance to adjust human comfort. Herein, a double‐layered fibrous mat of modified polypropylene (PP)/cotton fabric for the function of directional moisture transport was reported. The PP fibers were deposited on the surface of cotton fabric via melt‐electrospinning to form as‐prepared fibrous mat, wherein the PP mat was used as the inner layer and the cotton fabric acted as the outer layer. The as‐prepared fibrous mats were modified by means of plasma treatment and grafting hydrophilic groups for the sake of converting natural hydrophobicity of PP fibers into moderate wettability. After these treatments, sweat can be transport from the inner layer to the out layer rather than accumulating on the surface of the PP layer, while the capillary action of the cotton fabric on sweat was further enhanced. The directional moisture transport was systematically characterized by a moisture management tester and the experimental results exhibited remarkable accumulative one‐way transport index (1,103.1%), outstanding overall moisture management capacity (0.91) within 120 s and high water vapor transport rate (11.3 kg d−1 m−2). Besides, the obtained fibrous mat also provided decent wearability, showing the great application prospects in the moisture (sweat) management of textiles.
Teaching the finite element method fundamentals to undergraduate students through truss builder and truss analyzer computational tools and student‐generated assignments mini‐projects
Authors: Bishay Peter L. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe finite element method (FEM) is one of the most important numerical methods used to solve various engineering problems in many physics' domains. In this study, engineering students enrolled in “Computer‐Aided Analysis and Design” course were first introduced to FEM through a simple computer code for analyzing two‐dimensional (2D) and 3D trusses. Computational tools called “Truss Builder” and “Truss Analyzer” were provided to help modeling and analyzing large and complicated trusses. Students were then asked to generate assignments for their peers on analyzing 2D and 3D trusses that simulate real‐world structures or practical applications of their choice in two mini projects. In each mini project, each student selected a practical truss problem and, then, chose questions on this truss from a pool of questions designed to check the students' ability to navigate through the computer code, understand the results of the analysis, and investigate the effects of the various parameters on the results. Students exchanged their assignments with their peers, solved their peers' assignments, and then graded the solutions of their peers and discussed the mistakes. The proposed approach has been assessed through a comparison of exam scores with the scores of a previous cohort that was taught FEM traditionally and took the same exam. The assessment results showed that the improved performance of the students who were part of this intervention, compared to those who were not, is statistically significant. The anonymous students' written comments also supported the hypothesis that this new approach is more engaging to students compared to traditional approaches.
Experiences from turning Linux into an instructional operating system
Authors: Ramos‐Cabrer Manuel , Pazos‐Arias José Juan , López‐Nores Martín , Gil‐Solla Alberto , Blanco‐Fernández Yolanda 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe curriculum proposal for degrees related to Computer Science from the two main professional associations worldwide in information and communication technologies dedicate a considerable number of hours to operating system (OS) concepts, and so do the curricula defined by most universities. Nevertheless, the practical teaching of OS at an undergraduate level is currently a controversial issue. Some universities consider that the use of a real OS implies too steep a learning curve and its complexity can prevent an appropriate learning of the main concepts. Other universities consider that the use of an educational OS or the development of a simplified one from scratch are activities too far away from the reality that students will encounter in their professional lives. This paper presents a solution adopted at the University of Vigo, that tries to get the advantages of both approaches and avoid their drawbacks. It is based on combining small lab practices to acquire theoretical concepts and a medium‐sized project to deal with the complexity of a real OS. We designed a new laboratory environment for teaching OS, which greatly facilitates the development of applications to test features both provided by Linux and developed by students, minimizing the effort required to create testing scenarios, and hiding, as far as necessary, less important OS details. We also show the results of the evaluation process carried out during the last academic years.
Health‐related quality of life in long‐term prostate cancer survivors after nerve‐sparing and non‐nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy—Results from the multiregional PROCAS study
Authors: Adam Salome , Martin‐Diener Eva , Camey Bertrand , Egger Hayoz Céline , Konzelmann Isabelle , Mohsen Mousavi Seyed , Herrmann Christian , Rohrmann Sabine , Wanner Miriam , Staehelin Katharina , Strebel Räto T. , Randazzo Marco , John Hubert , Schmid Hans‐Peter , Arndt Volker 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundNerve‐sparing (NS) surgery was developed to improve postoperative sexual and potentially urological outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP). However, it is largely unknown how NSRP affects health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) including urinary and sexual outcomes in prostate cancer (PC) survivors 5‐10 years after diagnosis in comparison with Non‐NSRP.MethodsThe study population included 382 stage pT2‐T3N0M0 PC survivors 5‐10 years post diagnosis, who were identified from the multiregional Prostate Cancer Survivorship in Switzerland (PROCAS) study. Briefly, in 2017/2018, PC survivors were identified via six population‐based cancer registries based in both German‐ and French‐speaking Switzerland. HRQoL and PC‐specific symptom burden was assessed using the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and EORTC QLQ‐PR25 questionnaires. Differences in HRQoL outcomes between survivors treated with NSRP (uni‐ & bilateral) and Non‐NSRP were analyzed with multivariable linear regression adjusted for age, years since diagnosis, cancer stage, comorbidities at diagnosis, and further therapies, if appropriate. Multiple imputation was performed to minimize the bias due to missing data.ResultsFive to ten years after diagnosis, PC survivors treated with NSRP and Non‐NSRP reported similar symptom burden and comparable HRQoL function scores. The only significant differences were reported for sexual activity, whereas PC survivors who underwent NSRP reported statistically significant (P = .031) higher sexual activity than those on Non‐NSRP. NSRP and Non‐NSRP reported similar scores for urinary symptoms and all other HRQoL outcomes.ConclusionsOur results support nerve‐sparing techniques as an option to improve postoperative sexual, but not urinary outcomes after RP in long‐term PC survivors.