bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perceptual and Acoustic Characteristics of Speech Clarity with and Without a Facemask
Authors: Nguyen Duy Duong , Chacon Antonia , Payten Christopher , Black Rebecca , Sheth Meet , McCabe Patricia , Novakovic Daniel , Madill Catherine 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Some studies have found that the speech of speakers wearing facemasks has reduced intelligibility. Although it has been found that facemasks attenuated high-frequency energy, no study has examined the effects of masks on spectral characteristics of vowels or voiceless fricative consonants. The present study investigated auditory perceptual rating of speech clarity and acoustic-phonetic measures of vowels and voiceless fricative consonant production in 16 health care workers who produced standardized voice tasks without and with wearing either a standard surgical mask or a KN95 mask. Voice samples were perceptually rated for speech clarity and were acoustically analysed for root-mean-square amplitude (ARMS), spectral moments of two voiceless fricatives /s/ and /ʃ/, and ARMS and amplitude of the first three formants (A1, A2, and A3). Speech produced whilst wearing either a surgical or KN95 mask was significantly less clear than without a mask, with KN95 showing greater impact than surgical masks. In both fricatives, ARMS was lower in the surgical mask and KN95 mask conditions compared to the non-mask condition. None of the amplitude measures of vowels were affected by facemasks. Linear regression models indicated that perception of speech produced by mask users was mainly affected by modification of voiceless fricative consonant characteristics.
Role of LRG1 in the Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Prognosis of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Hua Jie , Meng Qingcai , Liang Chen , Wei Miaoyan , Liu Jiang , Zhang Bo , Wang Wei , Xu Jin , Yu Xianjun , Shi Si 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to explore the role of leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) in the biological function and prognosis of pancreatic cancer.Methods: LRG1 was detected in serum and tissue specimens from patients with pancreatic cancer by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. LRG1-overexpressing and LRG1-knockdown cell lines were established with lentiviral vectors containing LRG1-overexpression and shRNA plasmids, respectively. Colony formation, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), wound healing, Transwell migration, and in vivo tumorigenicity assays were conducted to assess proliferation and migration of the pancreatic cancer cells. RNA sequencing was performed to identify potential downstream molecules of LRG1.Results: Serum LRG1 levels were significantly elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer compared with healthy controls. The mRNA and protein levels of LRG1 were higher in cancer tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. High LRG1 expression was significantly associated with shorter overall survival and found to be an independent risk factor for poor prognosis. Additionally, LRG1 dramatically promoted cell proliferation and migration in vitro and accelerated tumor growth in vivo. By RNA sequencing, we identified Deltex (DTX)-3-like E3 ubiquitin ligase (DTX3L) as a potential downstream molecule of LRG1. Further validation experiments confirmed a positive correlation between LRG1 and DTX3L.Conclusions: LRG1 is a valuable prognostic marker for pancreatic cancer that plays a crucial role in cell proliferation and migration. Targeting LRG1 or the downstream molecule DTX3L provides a novel strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Optical Coherence Tomography and Visual Evoked Potentials in Evaluation of Optic Chiasm Decompression
Authors: Poczos Pavel , Česák Tomáš , Jirásková Naďa , Macháčková Markéta , Čelakovský Petr , Adamkov Jaroslav , Gabalec Filip , Soukup Jiří , Kremláček Jan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Chiasmal compression is a known cause of visual impairment, often leading to surgical decompression of the optic chiasm (OC). A prospective study was held at University Hospital in Hradec Králové to explore the benefits of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in OC compression. 16 patients with OC compression, caused by different sellar pathologies, were included. The main inclusion criterion was the indication for decompressive surgery. Visual acuity (VA), visual field (VF), retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness, and peak time and amplitude of pattern-reversal (P-VEPs) and motion-onset VEPs (M-VEPs) were measured pre- and postoperatively. The degree of OC compression was determined on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. For M-VEPs, there was a significant postoperative shortening of the peak time (N160) (p < 0.05). P100 peak time and its amplitude did not change significantly. The M-VEPs N160 amplitude showed a close relationship to the VF improvement. Thinner preoperative RNFL does not present a statistically important limiting factor for better functional outcomes. The morphological status of the sellar region should be taken into consideration when one evaluates the chiasmal syndrome. M-VEPs enable detection of functional changes in the visual pathway better than P-VEPs.
Measuring Vietnamese social work students’ and non-social work students’ attitudes toward poverty and poor population
Authors: Tien Le Minh 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The paper reports the results collected from social work students (SW) and nonsocial work students (NSW) of Ho Chi Minh City Open University (OU) through attitudes toward poverty and poor people in Vietnam. The Attitude toward Poverty Short Form (ATP-SF) 21-item (ATP-SF) scale, developed by Yun & Weaver (2010), was used for the data collection. The sample of this study comprises 180 students enrolled in three disciplines: social work (n = 86), law (n = 34), foreign language (n = 30) and economics (n = 30). The questionnaire was used to collect the data for the study. Cronbach’s alpha and independent t-tests were run to compare means between two groups of students. All students voluntarily participated in the survey. Results: A total of 180 social work students and nonsocial work students at Ho Chi Minh City Open University in Vietnam were surveyed. Among them, 86 were social work students, and the other 94 students were from law (n = 34), foreign language (n = 30) and economics (n = 30). The survey results showed that when looking for causes of poverty, social work students and nonsocial work students put the most emphasis on structural factors of poverty. However, social work students, compared with nonsocial work students, consider personal deficiency and stigma more important.
Fabrication of Multifunctionalized Graphene Oxide Doped Alginate Hybrid Spheres for Enhanced Fluoride Adsorption
Authors: Jeyaseelan Antonysamy , Viswanathan Natrayasamy 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this present investigation, amine functionalized graphene oxide (AGO) doped on alginate (Alg) polymeric matrix gives AGO@Alg hybrid spheres was developed to explore its potential towards fluoride retention. The vital characterization techniques namely FTIR, TGA, SEM and XPS analysis of AGO@Alg hybrid spheres were acquired to identify its physicochemical properties. The liable parameters for fluoride adsorption onto AGO@Alg hybrid spheres were optimized in a batch mode to attain enhance defluoridation capacity (DC). The prepared AGO@Alg hybrid spheres follow the electrostatic interaction mechanism on defluoridation. The adsorption isotherms (Fruendlich, Langmuir, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) models), kinetics (reaction and diffusion based models) and thermodynamic parameters (ΔS°, ΔG° and ΔH°) were surveyed at 303, 313 and 323 K. To lessen the cost-effectiveness of AGO@Alg hybrid spheres the recyclability test was conducted. The aptness of AGO@Alg hybrid spheres was also scrutinized for the fluoride contaminated field sample collected from fluoride endemic village.
Novel fructooligosaccharides of Dioscorea alata L. tuber have prebiotic potentialities
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Biplab , Mitra Prashanta Kumar , Mandal Vivekananda , Mandal Narayan Chandra 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Dioscorea alata L. (Dioscoreaceae) is a versatile and popular tuber crop vegetable used across the globe. The main aim of the study is to extract and characterize the fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) fractions from the tuber of this plant and evaluate their prebiotic properties. The soluble FOSs were fractionated by the conventional solid-phase extraction method and were characterized by FT-IR, HPTLC, and ESI-MS analyses. In addition, the beneficial health attributes of these fractions were checked for prebiotic properties in vitro and in vivo in Swiss albino mice. The FT-IR, HPTLC, and ESI-MS analyses of the FOSs from the hot water and 80% ethanol fractions showed that both are rich in inulin-like prebiotics. Furthermore, these FOSs showed an excellent prebiotic activity score comparable to standard prebiotics, inulin. In addition, these FOSs had enhanced in vitro cholesterol-binding activities in the presence of probiotics LAB strains and had antioxidant efficacies. In vivo treatment in Swiss albino mice, these FOSs had significantly lowered total serum cholesterol, serum LDL, serum VLDL, triglyceride, and significantly enhanced serum HDL level and enhanced IgA mediated immunomodulation. The results were also more significant than the standard prebiotics, inulin. They also influenced the gut colonization of probiotic LAB strains. Thus, the study revealed that the FOSs from the storage tuber of D. alata possess some novel prebiotic that could contribute to human nutrition. This is the first report of the prebiotic FOS characterization from this plant.
Do Older Patients with Stage IB Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Obtain Survival Benefit from Surgery? A Propensity Score Matching Study Based on the SEER Database
Authors: Ye Xian , Liu Yang , Wang Yan , Cui Xiaohong , Xie Hongjun , Song Lining , Ding Zihan , Yang Lei , Zhang Haijian 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Although surgery is the preferred treatment method for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), more than a third of older patients with stage IB NSCLC didn’t receive surgical treatment. Methods: Data of patients with NSCLC was downloaded from the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database, converted from the 7th edition staging to those of the 8th edition staging, and then screened out older patients (aged ≥65 years at diagnosis) with stage IB NSCLC. The propensity score matching (PSM) method was were balanced the distribution proportions of clinical characteristics between the surgery and no surgery groups.Results: After 1:1 propensity score matching, the distribution proportions of clinical characteristics were balanced between the surgery and no surgery groups (P > 0.05, all). The overall survival and disease-specific survival of patients in the surgery group were significantly better than those in the no-surgery group (P < 0.001, both). Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed that receiving surgery was a protective factor for overall survival and disease-specific survival of patients in all clinical character-related subgroups. Ultimately, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that gender, tumor size, tumor grade, and tumor classification were independent prognostic factors for overall survival and disease-specific survival in patients undergoing surgery. Conclusions: Older patients with Stage IB NSCLC should opt for surgery without hesitation. This study is expected to provide strong evidence-based medical evidence for the surgical treatment of these patients.
A New Strategy for Fabricating Low Haze p-Type Cui Film
Authors: You Ruisong , Luo Shulin , Liu Weixin , Sun Hui 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
As an intrinsic p-type transparent conductor with a wide band gap of 3.1 eV, γ-CuI full of potential has gradually attracted the attention of researchers. However, γ-CuI films deposited by various techniques generally present high haze with a frosted-glass-like appearance, significantly hampering the device’s performance. Herein, a new strategy is proposed, where truly p-type CuI thin films with low haze were successfully synthesized at room temperature. The specular transmittance of CuI film above 85% in the visible region (400-800 nm) can be achieved. The haze of the as-prepared γ-CuI films can be as low as 0.7%. Meanwhile, the as-prepared CuI film possesses a FOM as high as 230 MΩ -1 . This ideal stable p-type optoelectronic performance was a significant achievement among various typical p-type transparent conductive films.
Ultrasound imaging features of bronchial anthracofibrosis
Authors: lu xiaofeng , liu daishun , cai xiaoyan , zeng qingshong , zou li , du zuoli , zhou guoqi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose

To determine the ultrasound imaging characteristics of participants with bronchial anthracofibrosis (BAF) and identify clinical markers for prevention and treatment.
Methods

We randomly selected 1,243 participants (including 113 with BAF) who underwent bronchoscopy and treatment at our institution from April 2018 to October 2019. BAF was classified as flat, deep seated retracted, or mucosal protrusion type, based on microscopy. Ultrasound probes were used to determine the maximum thickness of the tube wall and submucosa. The average values of the submucosal and bony tissue areas of the BAF subtypes were compared.
Results

The BAF group included 13 participants with a history of tuberculosis (11.5%) and 57 with biofuel exposure (50.4%). The average exposure time was 17.4 ± 6.2 years; BAF accounted for 10% of bronchoscopies performed. The maximum tube-wall thicknesses of the deep-seated retracted (17.3 ± 5.7) and black protruding (19.3 ± 5.4) groups were significantly greater than that of the flat group (12.5 ± 5.0; P < 0.05). The maximum thicknesses of the submucosa in the deep-retracted (9.8 ± 3.0) and black protruding (14.5 ± 5.0) groups were significantly greater than that of the flat group (6.6 ± 3.5; P < 0.05). The ratios of bone tissue in the flat and black protruding groups were 33.3 ± 9.3% and 34.9 ± 12.1%, respectively; the ratio in the deep-seated retracted group (65.2 ± 8.7%) was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The flat type showed no significant change (P > 0.05).
Conclusion

Differences in BAF airway remodeling among the different subtypes may lead to varying clinical symptoms. Analyzing the characteristics of BAF airway remodeling and the regulatory pathway may provide new clues for treatment.
Uptake of HIV Testing and Counselling among the Youth in Kintampo South District, Ghana
Authors: Kabiri Mukasa , Akuffo Kwadwo Owusu , Nortey Priscillia , Eusebi Paolo , Danso-Appiah Anthony 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

HIV/AIDS remains a threat to global development and human security. Sub-Saharan Africa is the worst affected, with an estimated 25.7 million people living with HIV as at 2018 and the youth accounting for 33% of new infections. Despite the high proportion, there is paucity of data on testing and counselling among the youth and which factors influence their decision are largely unknown. This study assessed factors influencing uptake of HIV testing and counselling among the youth aged 15 to 24 years in Kintampo South District in Ghana.
Methods

This was a cross-sectional study involving the youth who have lived in the Kintampo South District for not less than 6 months. A total of 309 respondents aged 15 to 24 years were drawn from four sub-districts of the six administrative sub-districts by simple random sampling. Simple proportions and logistic regression analyses were performed to elucidate factors influencing uptake of HIV testing and counselling. The level of acceptable statistical significance used was p < 0.05.
Results

Overall, the proportion of the youth 15 to 24 years who ever tested for HIV was 50.2%. Lack of confidentiality and privacy, inconvenient facility opening hours, fear of positive results, and perceived poor attitude and mistrust of health service providers reportedly were the main barriers to uptake of HIV testing and counselling. Further logistic regression analyses showed that demographic factors including age, marital status and occupation as well as ever heard of HIV testing and counselling, convenience of test, willingness to test, importance of test and location of test, were key determinants of HIV testing and counselling.
Conclusion

Giving that about half of the respondents had never had a test and did not know their infection status, has serious implications for HIV control in the Kintampo South District. Even though a significant number of the youth showed interest in knowing their infection status, this did not reflect uptake of HIV testing. Public health effort targeted to the youth should be intensified to increase HIV testing and counselling among the youth in the Kintampo South District.
Design and Numerical Verification of Four States Polarization-independent Grating Coupler Using a Double-Layer Approach for a Single-photon Source based on HPW
Authors: Khaleel Farooq Abdulghafoor , Tawfeeq Shelan Khasro 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this paper, a double-layer approach is proposed to design a compact four states polarization-independent grating coupler (GC). The proposed polarization-independent GC is designed to couple a 700 nm polarized light propagated in a 150 nm Gallium Phosphide (GaP) waveguide to a polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF). The double-layer approach is based on the deposition of GaP gratings designed to couple the transverse magnetic (TM) light over the GaP gratings designed to couple the transverse electric (TE) light. The two layers are separated by a Hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) with an optimum thickness of 20 nm. The proposed method resulted in relatively high coupling efficiencies (CEs) of 39.2%, 31.1%, and 23.3% for the TE, TM, and 45º/-45º linearly polarized light, respectively. The polarization-dependent loss (PDL) is 1 dB, 1.26 dB, and 2.26 dB corresponds to TE-TM, TM-45º/-45º, and TE-45º/-45º, respectively. The performance of the double-layer approach is numerically verified by the two-dimensional (2D) finite element algorithm (FEM) using COMSOL software. The proposed method suggests a novel and simple approach to design a compact four states polarization-independent GC that could be used in integrated (on-chip) photonic communication circuits.
Forecasting Modeling Studies For Predicting New Leprosy Cases: Protocol For A Scoping Review
Authors: Ascef Bruna de Oliveira , de Oliveira Gustavo Laine Araújo , Coriolano Carmelita Ribeiro Filha , Junior Haliton Alves de Oliveira 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes. Mathematical models and statistical methodology could have a role to play in decision-making for maintaining the gains in elimination programs. Diverse forecasting modeling studies of leprosy cases have been reported in the literature, but there are distinct approaches and settings for predicting the cases being proposed. The purpose of this study is to complete a scoping review to identify and synthesize forecasting modeling studies of leprosy cases. Methods: A scoping review methodology will be applied following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and will be reported according to PRISMA-ScR. We will perform a systematic search from inception until June 2021 and we will include the following electronic databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Lilacs. Data will be extracted and recorded on a calibrated predefined data form and will be presented in a tabular form accompanied by a descriptive summary. The Prediction model study Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) will be used. Discussion: This scoping review will identify and map the methodological characteristics and further evidence from modeling studies for predicting leprosy cases. Thereby contributing to a scientific basis for researchers to inform, design, and conduct appropriate models for predicting cases of leprosy. This information could be used to enhance national surveillance systems and to target specific policies. Systematic review registration: This scoping review was registered in the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/W9375).
Development of the technology of juice fruit and vegetable products enriched with collagen
Authors: Verkhivker Ya. G. , Myroshnichenko E. M. , Pavlenko S. I. 
Published: July 2021

The beauty and aging of the human body is associated with such a protein substance as collagen. Our body’s ability to produce this biologically active component naturally and in the right amount becomes limited as we age. Collagen slows down the aging process of the skin, prevents injury, promotes wound healing, improves the absorption of amino acids, can help maintain or improve the biophysical properties of the skin (elasticity, moisture), reduce transepidermal water loss and solve the problem of skin roughness. The purpose of the research work is the development of the technology, recipes for food products — fruit and vegetable juices, drinks, enriched with animal or plant collagen. As a result, the assortment and quality of different types of collagen (tomato, beef, pork and fish) were studied. The organoleptic characteristics of this food additive were studied and the most preferred collagen sample for drinks was selected. The required amount of this substance has been determined, while ensuring the required quality of the drinks. The preservation of the active properties of various types of collagen in a drinking product was investigated. It was proved that beef collagen in an amount of 5% to the mass of the drink retains its active properties as much as possible, in terms of fractional composition — salt, alcohol, alkaline protein fractions. It has been shown that the amino acids methionine, tryptophan and hydroxyproline, which confirm the presence of collagen in the product, are contained in ready-made juice drinks enriched with collagen of beef origin. This type of collagen makes it possible to obtain drinks of “potable” quality, which is confirmed by organoleptic and physicochemical indicators. In general, the studies have shown that a new assortment of juice-containing fruit and vegetable products supplies the important biologically active component (collagen) to the human body.