bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo simulation fused with target distribution modeling via deep reinforcement learning for automatic high-efficiency photon distribution estimation
Authors: Ma Jianhui , Piao Zun , Huang Shuang , Duan Xiaoman , Qin Genggeng , Zhou Linghong , Xu Yuan 
Published: December 2020

Particle distribution estimation is an important issue in medical diagnosis. In particular, photon scattering in some medical devices extremely degrades image quality and causes measurement inaccuracy. The Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm is regarded as the most accurate particle estimation approach but is still time-consuming, even with graphic processing unit (GPU) acceleration. The goal of this work is to develop an automatic scatter estimation framework for high-efficiency photon distribution estimation. Specifically, a GPU-based MC simulation initially yields a raw scatter signal with a low photon number to hasten scatter generation. In the proposed method, assume that the scatter signal follows Poisson distribution, where an optimization objective function fused with sparse feature penalty is modeled. Then, an over-relaxation algorithm is deduced mathematically to solve this objective function. For optimizing the parameters in the over-relaxation algorithm, the deep

Q

-network in the deep reinforcement learning scheme is built to intelligently interact with the over-relaxation algorithm to accurately and rapidly estimate a scatter signal with the large range of photon numbers. Experimental results demonstrated that our proposed framework can achieve superior performance with structural similarity

>
0.94

, peak signal-to-noise ratio

>
26.55

dB

, and relative absolute error

<
5.62
%

, and the lowest computation time for one scatter image generation can be within 2 s.
Monitoring training and recovery responses with heart rate measures during standardized warm-up in elite badminton players
Authors: Schneider Christoph , Wiewelhove Thimo , McLaren Shaun J. , Röleke Lucas , Käsbauer Hannes , Hecksteden Anne , Kellmann Michael , Pfeiffer Mark , Ferrauti Alexander 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
To investigate short-term training and recovery-related effects on heart rate during a standardized submaximal running test.

Methods
Ten elite badminton players (7 females and 3 males) were monitored during a 12-week training period in preparation for the World Championships. Exercise heart rate (HRex) and perceived exertion were measured in response to a 5-min submaximal shuttle-run test during the morning session warm-up. This test was repeatedly performed on Mondays after 1–2 days of pronounced recovery (‘recovered’ state; reference condition) and on Fridays following 4 consecutive days of training (‘strained’ state). In addition, the serum concentration of creatine kinase and urea, perceived recovery–stress states, and jump performance were assessed before warm-up.

Results
Creatine kinase increased in the strained compared to the recovered state and the perceived recovery–stress ratings decreased and increased, respectively (range of average effects sizes: |d| = 0.93–2.90). The overall HRex was 173 bpm and the observed within-player variability (i.e., standard deviation as a coefficient of variation [CV]) was 1.3% (90% confidence interval: 1.2% to 1.5%). A linear reduction of -1.4% (-3.0% to 0.3%) was observed in HRex over the 12-week observational period. HRex was -1.5% lower (-2.2% to -0.9%) in the strained compared to the recovered state, and the standard deviation (as a CV) representing interindividual variability in this response was 0.7% (-0.6% to 1.2%).

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that HRex measured during a standardized warm-up can be sensitive to short-term accumulation of training load, with HRex decreasing on average in response to consecutive days of training within repeated preparatory weekly microcycles. From a practical perspective, it seems advisable to determine intra-individual recovery–strain responses by repeated testing, as HRex responses may vary substantially between and within players.
José Lutzenberger e a luta pela Amazônia
Authors: Pereira Elenita Malta , Fiuza Denis Henrique , Fritz Sara Rocha 
Published: December 2020

Este artigo trata da atuação do engenheiro agrônomo e ambientalista brasileiro José Lutzenberger na proteção da floresta Amazônica nas décadas de 1970, 1980 e 1990. Lutzenberger participou de conferências nacionais e internacionais, denunciou projetos do governo brasileiro na mídia e formulou críticas duras à devastação da floresta e seus povos. Em sua militância internacional, por meio de palestras e eventos, difundiu a teoria da Gaia, um dos fundamentos de sua concepção ecológica, e nos anos 1990 foi convidado pelo então presidente Fernando Collor para assumir a Secretaria Nacional do Meio Ambiente, por meio da qual trabalhou na defesa da Amazônia e dos povos indígenas. Entre 1970 e 1990, a Amazônia passa a receber destaque cada vez maior em conferências sobre meio ambiente e na imprensa internacional, tornando-se temática de preocupação global, ao lado das mudanças climáticas e da camada de ozônio. Através da Biografia Histórica e da História Ambiental, analisamos a trajetória de José Lutzenberger, um ator global nesse contexto, cuja atuação é nosso fio condutor para a abordagem das principais lutas empreendidas pelos movimentos ambientalistas brasileiros e de outros países em defesa da grande floresta.
Phytobioactives as An Alternate Approach to Prevent Retention of Fetal Membrane
Authors: Bharadwaj Meenal , Singh K.V. , Sharma Vandana , Agrawal Saurabh 
Published: December 2020

Background: Postparturient apathy has always been a matter of concern for livestock owners keeping in view the associated problems and its consequential effects on production. In the present study, the efficacy of a polyherbal preparation on timely expulsion of fetal membranes was attempted in periparturient cows.Methods: The dairy animals were divided into 3 groups; first group of animals received herbal preparation once a day for 5 days as a prophylactic measure. The second group of animals was given herbal tonic as a therapy/treatment in cases where expulsion of fetal membranes was delayed. The third group served as control. Blood was collected at regular interval to assess innate immune response. Result: The herbal formulation succeeded in complete expulsion of fetal membranes within 3hrs and emerged as a promising prophylactic tool in preventing retention of placenta, with added effect in enhancing innate immunity as monitored by evident rise in leucocytic population. The animals in which the herbal formulation was given as therapy responded with expulsion of fetal membranes within 7-8 hours post treatment while in the control group complications were evident and required technical assistance in many cases. Administration of herbal liquid reduced the cases of ROP, enhanced local immune response as well as brought about an upgradation in the general health condition of the animals.
Pola Penerimaan Peserta Didik Baru Berbasis Zonasi di SMPN dan SMAN Pamekasan
Authors: Arif Saiful 
Published: December 2020

Kebijakan baru pemerintah dalam dunia pendidikan dengan menggunakan pola zonasi pada penerimaan peserta didik baru di sekolah, menimbulkan banyak reaksi dan penolakan dari masyarakat, bahkan pada tahun ajaran baru 2019/2020, ketika kebijakan ini dilaksanakan, banyak gejolak yang hampir secara nasional terdapat unjuk rasa terhadap pola ini. Artikel ini berusaha menyajikan persoalan di sekitar pelaksanaan zonasi yang menjadi kebijakan pemerintah secara nasional, dengan mengambil potret di Pamekasan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi tentang respon masyarakat, respon sekolah, dan optimalisasi pemerataan pendidikan pola zonasi pada peneriman peserta didik baru pada sekolah di Pamekasan. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif diskriptif dengan sumber data kepala sekolah, guru, peserta didik, orang tua, dan masyarakat. Pengumpulan data menggunakan wawancara mendalam, observasi langsung, dan analisis dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian yang diperoleh adalah sebagian besar respon masyarakat dan sekolah di Pamekasan tidak setuju dengan pola zonasi, diantara alasan yang diberikan adalah menutup peluang anak yang memiliki prestasi tinggi yang berada di luar zona tidak bisa masuk di sekolah yang dipandang favorit yang ada di jantung kota, serta ternyata pola zonasi belum sepenuhnya optimal memeratakan pendidikan kepada semua sekolah.(The government's new policy in the world of education by appying school zoning policy in the admission of new students in schools causes a lot of reactions and resistance from the community, esspecially, in the new academic year 2019/2020. This policy raises many turmoils such as demonstrations against it. This article attempts to present the issues surrounding the implementation of school zoning as a national government policy, by focusing its' implementation in Pamekasan. This study aims to identify community responses, school responses, and optimization of the distribution of zoning pattern education in the admission of new students to schools in Pamekasan. This study used a descriptive qualitative approach with data sources for principals, teachers, students, parents, and the community. Collecting data used are in-depth interviews, direct observation, and documentation analysis. The results of the research obtained that most of the community and school responses in Pamekasan do not agree with the school zoning, among the reasons given is closing the opportunities for children with high achievement living outside the zone cannot enter the favorites schools locating in the center of the city. Moreover, the school zoning has not been optimally distributing the quality of education to all schools).
De la acción política a la ética de la reflexión
Authors: Grande López Ricardo 
Published: December 2020

Hannah Arendt fue una de las teóricas más reconocidas del totalitarismo. Su pensamiento nos ofrece un conjunto de herramientas conceptuales que nos permiten comprender algunos de los problemas actuales que enfrentan nuestras democracias. Nociones como "acción política", "banalidad del mal", "el derecho a tener derechos" o su análisis de la propaganda política, permiten arrojar luz sobre el problema de los refugiados y los peligros de los discursos de la extrema derecha que actualmente ocupa un amplio espacio político. El autor del presente libro reconstruye el pensamiento de Arendt tomando como eje central la noción de "banalidad del mal" y recorriendo las principales reflexiones de la pensadora sobre la democracia, el totalitarismo y las facultades humanas.
A lo largo del libro, el autor defiende la tesis de que el pensamiento de Hannah Arendt puede entenderse como una dialéctica entre la vida activa y la vida contemplativa. Esta reconstrucción dialéctica del pensamiento de Arendt permite plantear la posibilidad de una ética de la reflexión en la que el pensamiento se convierte en el último reducto para la acción política cuando el espacio público en el que esta se materializa ha quedado completamente destruido.
El autor ofrece mediante este libro una introducción al pensamiento de Hannah Arendt recorriendo los temas fundamentales de su obra como el problema del mal, la condición humana, la responsabilidad política, el pensamiento, la voluntad y el juicio, entre otros.

Ricardo Grande López es Graduado en Filosofía por la Universitat de les Illes Balears y obtuvo el título de Máster en Lógica y Filosofía de la Ciencia por la Universidad de Granada. Ha trabajado como profesor de Filosofía y Psicología en el IES Marqués de Villena (Navarra) y en el IES Gil de Zático (Jaén). Actualmente trabaja como profesor de Filosofía y Psicología en el IES Cástulo de Linares (Jaén).
A Mathematical Model for Predicting Long-Term Productivity of Channel-Fractured Shale Gas/Oil Wells
Authors: Yang Xu , Guo Boyun , Timiyan Tamaralayefa A. 
Published: December 2020

SummaryThis study focuses on the development of an analytical model to predict the long-term productivity of channel-fractured shale gas/oil wells. The accuracy was verified by comparing productivity calculated by the proposed model with numerical results. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to analyze significant parameters on the performance of channel fracturing. Field application of the model was conducted using production data obtained from an Eagle Ford Formation dry gas well, which was completed using channel fracturing. The procedure for estimating reservoir and stimulation parameters from production data was provided. The results indicated that the equivalent fracture width obtained from our model is consistent with the inversion of cubic law. Comparison with numerical simulations demonstrated that the proposed model might under- or overestimate well productivity, with mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) values of less than 8%. Sensitivity analysis indicated that, with the increase of fracture width, fracture half-length, and matrix permeability, the productivity of channel-fractured wells increases disproportionately. In addition, well productivity will increase as the ratio of the pillar radius to the length of channel fracture decreases, provided that the proppant pillars are stable and the fracture width is held constant. Under the conditions of smaller fracture width and larger matrix permeability, the effect of using channel fracturing to increase well productivity is more significant. However, as the fracture width becomes large, the benefits of channel fracturing will diminish. The case study indicated that the shale gas productivity estimated by the proposed model matches well with field data, with MAPE and R2 of 12.90% and 0.93, respectively. The proposed model provides a basis for optimizing the design of channel fracturing.
Understanding the Patient Journey to Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhang Yichen , Simoff Michael , Ost David , Wagner Oliver , Lavin James , Nauman Beth , Hsieh Mei-Chin , Wu Xiao-Cheng , Pettiford Brian , Shi Lizheng 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective: This research describes the clinical pathway and characteristics of patients with and without a lung cancer diagnosis from identification of a solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) through diagnosis or 1 year follow-up using linked data from an electronic medical record and the Louisiana Tumor Registry. Materials and Methods: REACHnet is one of 9 clinical research networks (CRNs) in PCORnet®, the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network and includes electronic health records for over 8 million patients from multiple partner health systems. Data from Ochsner Health System and Tulane Medical Center were linked to Louisiana Tumor Registry (LTR), a statewide population-based cancer registry, for analysis of patient’s clinical pathways between July 2013 and 2017. Patient characteristics and health services utilization rates by cancer stage were reported as frequency distributions. The Kaplan-Meier product limit method was used to estimate the time from index date to diagnosis by stage in lung cancer cohort. Results: A total of 30,559 potentially eligible patients were identified and 2,929 (9.58%) had primary lung cancer. Of these, 1,496 (51.1%) were documented in LTR and their clinical pathway to diagnosis was further studied. Time to diagnosis varied significantly by cancer stage. A total of 24,140 patients with an SPN were identified in REACHnet and 15,978 (66.6%) had documented follow up care for one year. 1,612 (10%) had no evidence of any work up for their SPN. The remaining 14,366 had some evidence of follow up, primarily office visits and additional chest imaging. Conclusion: In both populations multiple biopsies were evident in the clinical pathway. Despite clinical workup, 70% of patients in the diagnosed population had stage III or IV disease. In the non-diagnosed population, only 66% received follow up care for their SPN diagnosis.
Validity of a Simple Footprint Assessment Board for Diagnosing the Severity of Flatfoot: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Toyooka Seikai , Shimazaki Naoya , Yasui Youichi , Ando Shuji , Nakagawa Takumi , Kawano Hirotaka , Miyamoto Wataru 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: A simple, non-quantitative, and cost-effective diagnostic tool would enable the diagnosis of flatfoot without need for specialized training. A simple footprint assessment board that investigates which toe the cord passes through from the centre point of the heel to the most lateral point of the medial contour of the footprint has been developed to assess flatfoot. The purpose of this study was to verify the validity of a simple footprint assessment board for flatfoot.Methods: Thirty-five consecutive patients with foot pain, foot injury, or any associated symptoms who underwent computed tomography (CT) were analysed prospectively. At the time of the CT scan, a footprint analysis using a simple footprint assessment board was performed. The results for the arch height evaluated by CT using the navicular index was compared to those evaluated with the simple footprint assessment board by regression analysis.Results: The navicular index generally decreased as the score of the simple footprint assessment board increased. As the scores of the simple footprint assessment board decreased by approaching the great toe, the navicular index was higher, which is indicative of a higher likelihood of flatfoot. The scores derived from the simple footprint assessment board was correlated with the navicular index measured by CT, not only when the result of simple footprint assessment board was set as a non-continuous variable but also when the result was set as a continuous variable.Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that a simple footprint assessment board can be potentially useful to detect flatfoot.Trial Registration: retrospectively registered.
The role of fractional excretion of sodium and urinary osmolality in Acute Kidney Injury in liver transplant
Authors: Lima Camila , Macedo Etienne 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective

We analysed urinary osmolality and the fractional excretion of sodium (FeNa) in the perioperative period of liver transplant (LT) and their association with on renal impairment, dialysis and mortality.
Methods

We aimed to determine the pattern of elevation of urinary (U) osmolality and FeNa levels in the perioperative period of liver transplant and how these are associated with the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes- (KDIGO) criteria, AKI severity, differential diagnosis in acute tubular necrosis (ATN), need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) and mortality. We assessed the biomarkers in the perioperative period: pre-operative, after portal reperfusion (APR), and at 6, 18, 24 and 48 hours after LT.
Results

Of the 100 enrolled patients, 87 developed AKI in the first week after LT, with 59 considered KDIGO stages 2 and 3 as defined by severe AKI and 75 defined as ATN; 34 were dialyzed, and 21 died within 60 days after LT. The FeNa was also useful for differential diagnosis in ATN, but the values remained below 1%, with an increased median in poor outcomes: severe AKI, ATN, need-RRT and non-survival. For predicting need-RRT, FeNa achieved an AUC of 0,78 (CI 0,66–0,90). The APR U osmolality measurement showed differences in all outcomes (with p < 0,05), and high osmolality was revealed to be a renal protective factor and found to predict need for RRT and mortality with AUCs of 0,11 (CI 0,02–0,20) and 0,21 (CI 0,07–0,34), respectively.
Conclusion

The increase in FeNa reveals a loss of Na secretion capacity and even in liver disease patients it has been shown a tool that aided the differential diagnosis if the cutoff value was adjusted. Osmolarity demonstrated the maintenance of urine concentration capacity by nephrons. More large studies should confirm these results.
Atmospheric Ageing of Inorganic Sea Spray Aerosol: Implications for Hygroscopicity and Cloud Activation Potential
Authors: Rosati Bernadette , Christiansen Sigurd , Dinesen Anders , Roldin Pontus , Massling Andreas , Nilsson E. , Bilde Merete 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Sea spray aerosol (SSA) contributes significantly to natural aerosol particle concentrations globally, in marine areas even dominantly. The potential changes of the omnipresent inorganic fraction of SSA due to atmospheric ageing is largely unexplored. We demonstrate that ageing of liquid NaCl and artificial sea salt aerosol by exposure to ozone and UV light leads to a substantial decrease in hygroscopicity and cloud activation potential. The results point towards surface reactions that are more crucial for small particles and the formation of salt structures with water bound within the aerosols, termed hydrates. Our findings suggest an increased formation of hydrate forming salts during ageing and the presence of hydrates in dried SSA. Field observations indicate a reduced hygroscopic growth of sub-micrometre SSA in the marine atmosphere compared to pure NaCl which is typically attributed to organic matter or sulphates. Aged inorganic sea salt offers an additional explanation for reduced hygroscopicity and cloud activation potential.
Prevalence &amp; Natural History of Tricuspid Regurgitation in Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation Patients
Authors: Koren Ofir , Darawsha Henda , Rozner Ehud , Turgeman Yoav 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundFunctional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) is most often secondary to left-sided heart pathology involving the mitral valve. We studied the incidence, clinical impact, risk factors, and natural history of patients who developed FTR due to an ischemic cause of mitral regurgitation (IMR). We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on data collected from January 2012 to December 2014. Patients diagnosed with IMR were eligible for the study. The mean follow-up was five years.RESULTSThe study group consisted of 134 patients with IMR divided into two groups based on FTR development (FTR vs non-FTR group). Forty patients were diagnosed with FTR (30.1%). FTR patients were older (63.0 ± 10.4 vs 57.1 ± 11.0, respectively, p<0.05) with a high incidence of previous coronary artery disease (p<.006). Severe IMR, high pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), and failed revascularization were significant predictors of FTR development (p<.001, p<.005, p<.003, respectively). Low systolic left ventricle function was a predictor for FTR progression.CONCLUSIONClinical observations showed that FTR development due to IMR is common. Elderly patients with ischemic heart disease are at particularly high risk. FTR incidence and severity are directly proportional to the severity of IMR. FTR tends to deteriorate in about one-fifth of IMR patients and is mainly affected by the left ventricular systolic function.