bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three-phase distribution transformer connections modeling based on matrix operation method by phase-coordinates
Authors: Zhang Zhigang , Mo Mingrui , Wu Caizhu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper proposes a matrix operation method for modeling the three-phase transformer by phase-coordinates. Based on decoupling theory, the 12 × 12 dimension primitive admittance matrix is obtained at first employing the coupling configuration of the windings. Under the condition of asymmetric magnetic circuits, according to the boundary conditions for transformer connections, the transformers in different connections enable to be modeling by the matrix operation method from the primitive admittance matrix. Another purpose of this paper is to explain the differences of the phase-coordinates and the positive sequence parameters in the impedances of the transformers. The numerical testing results in IEEE-4 system show that the proposed method is valid and efficient.
An improvement of convergence rate in the local limit theorem for integral-valued random variables
Authors: Siripraparat Tatpon , Neammanee Kritsana 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLet $X_{1}, X_{2}, \ldots , X_{n}$

X
1

,

X
2

,
…
,

X
n

be independent integral-valued random variables, and let $S_{n}=\sum_{j=1}^{n}X_{j}$

S
n

=

∑

j
=
1

n

X
j

. One of the interesting probabilities is the probability at a particular point, i.e., the density of $S_{n}$

S
n

. The theorem that gives the estimation of this probability is called the local limit theorem. This theorem can be useful in finance, biology, etc. Petrov (Sums of Independent Random Variables, 1975) gave the rate $O (\frac{1}{n} )$
O
(

1
n

)
of the local limit theorem with finite third moment condition. Most of the bounds of convergence are usually defined with the symbol O. Giuliano Antonini and Weber (Bernoulli 23(4B):3268–3310, 2017) were the first who gave the explicit constant C of error bound $\frac{C}{\sqrt{n}}$

C

n

. In this paper, we improve the convergence rate and constants of error bounds in local limit theorem for $S_{n}$

S
n

. Our constants are less complicated than before, and thus easy to use.
Dynamics of a stochastic population model with predation effects in polluted environments
Authors: Song Guanghai 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe present paper puts forward and probes a stochastic single-species model with predation effect in a polluted environment. We propose a threshold between extermination and weak persistence of the species and provide sufficient conditions for the stochastic persistence of the species. In addition, we evaluate the growth rates of the solution. Theoretical findings are expounded by some numerical simulations.
Factors that facilitate multigenerational exchanges in regional locations: a cross‐sectional study in Niigata City, Japan
Authors: Morita Kumiko , Kobayashi Minako , Aoki Rieko , Nagamine Hitomi , Yamamoto Harumi , Ohtake Fumi , Hoki Mika , Sumita Hiroko , Maruyama Kayo , Mitsuhashi Kayoko , Sasaki Akiko 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
In the process of community building, it is important to create a place for multigenerational exchanges. To promote multigenerational exchanges in regional locations, it is essential to clarify whether such exchanges are related to government infrastructure, regional characteristics, and social capital, and how these exchanges contribute to community building.

Methods
A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted with representatives from 455 Chiiki no Cha-no-Ma (literal translation “community living room,” and hereafter “Cha-no-Ma”) in Niigata City, Japan. Responses were received from 405 representatives (response rate: 89.0 %), and 401 agreed to participate (4 declined). The survey details included basic information (e.g., date each location was established, frequency of meetings, number of caretakers and participants, qualifications of the representative), activities reflecting local culture, a social capital scale, the effects of the Cha-no-Ma implemented by the representative (12 items), challenges for management (16 items), and the implementation of multigenerational exchanges.

Results
Most of the age groups that participated in the Cha-no-Ma were elderly, and multigenerational exchanges took place in 125 locations (31.5 %). Items that had a significant connection to the implementation of multigenerational exchanges were “Frequency of meetings” (p < 0.001) and “Activities reflecting local culture” (p = 0.026). Binomial logistic regression analysis indicated that a high frequency of meetings was associated with the implementation of multigenerational exchanges (Odds ratio = 3.839).
There was a significantly higher ratio of implementation of multigenerational exchanges when the effects were a “connection with the region” (p = 0.006) and “conversations with different generations” (p = 0.004), and when the challenge was “no support from residents” (p = 0.002).

Conclusions
Cha-no-Ma participation is low among young people. The following ideas can be considered in order to increase multigenerational exchanges in regional locations. These exchanges may be promoted by increasing the frequency of meetings with qualified personnel and by adding activities that reflect local culture, such as festivals and making local foods. This community-based study clearly indicates that implementing multigenerational exchanges is an important activity for community building because it is related to connection within the community.
Patients with severe schistosomiasis mansoni in Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Nigo Maurice M. , Odermatt Peter , Nigo David Wully , Salieb-Beugelaar Georgette B. , Battegay Manuel , Hunziker Patrick R. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Severe hepatosplenic complications arise in patients with chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection after heavy exposure to disease agents in endemic areas. These complications are rarely reported and, hence, underestimated.

Case presentation
We report on eight patients with severe morbidity associated with S. mansoni infection in Ituri Province, northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The patients were identified during a community-based survey in 2017; one patient was seen at the district hospital. After taking the patients’ history, a clinical examination and an abdominal ultrasonographical examination were performed. S. mansoni infection was diagnosed in fecal (Kato-Katz technique) and urine (point-of-case circulating cathodic antigen test) samples. These eight patients with severe intestinal and hepatosplenic complications were identified from four villages with high S. mansoni infection prevalence and related morbidity. The patients’ ages ranged from 19 to 57 years; four patients were women. Three patients reported hematemesis. Two patients were severely anemic. All patients reported non-specific abdominal symptoms, such as diarrhea (six patients), abdominal pain (seven patients), and blood in the stool (five patients), as well as weight loss (two patients). Abdominal ultrasonography revealed ascites in four patients. All patients had portal hypertension with hepatomegaly (seven patients) or splenomegaly (five patients). Of the six patients with a discernable liver parenchyma pattern, five displayed pattern F and three patient displayed pattern E. Liver parenchyma was not visible for two patients with severe ascites. An S. mansoni infection was confirmed in six patients, with infection intensity ranging from light to heavy. All S. mansoni positive patients were treated with praziquantel (40 mg/kg body weight) and referred to the district hospital for follow-up. One patient with severe ascites died two weeks after we saw her. Due to security and accessibility reasons, the villages could not be visited again and the patients were lost to follow-up.

Conclusions
Our observations of patients with severe schistosomiasis document the severe degree of endemicity of S. mansoni in the province and suggest an urgent need for adequate schistosomiasis control measures that target vulnerable population groups and address severe complications.
Quality of life after Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy
Authors: Nakai Marianne Yumi , Menezes Marcelo Benedito , de Carvalho Julia Vilas Boas Gonçalves , Dias Lucas Porto Maurity , de Barros Silva Leandro Augusto , Tenório Lucas Ribeiro , Gonçalves Antonio José 
Published: March 2021

Background Supracricoid partial laryngectomy has good oncologic results in the treatment of advanced laryngeal cancer with the advantage of preserving larynx phonatory function when compared with total laryngectomy. However the rehabilitation could be a challenge, especially regarding swallowing function. Is supracricoid partial laryngectomy associated with better quality of life than total laryngectomy? Methods Survey study that included 33 patients (16 total laryngectomy and 17 supracricoid partial laryngectomy) with advanced larynx cancer surgically treated and fully rehabilitated. The quality of life were evaluated with EORTC QLQ C30 and H&N 35 instrument. Results Patients who underwent supracricoid partial laryngectomy obtained better scores in global health status-quality of life and general activities and had lower levels of sensory and speech-related symptoms. Conclusion SPL was associated with better quality of life when compared with TL. Graphical Abstract
Insight into the current practice of ototoxicity monitoring during cisplatin therapy
Authors: Santucci N. M. , Garber B. , Ivory R. , Kuhn M. A. , Stephen M. , Aizenberg D. 
Published: March 2021

Background The aim of this study is to evaluate the current state of ototoxicity monitoring for patients receiving cisplatin chemotherapy in an academic medical center with particular attention to how closely monitoring adheres to national ototoxicity guidelines. Methods Case series including retrospective medical records review of patients (age > 18) treated with cisplatin at University of California Davis Medical Center between January 2014 and August 2017. Patient and ototoxicity related variables were analyzed. Patients that underwent a transfer of care during treatment and with less than 3 months of follow-up were excluded. Results Three hundred seventy-nine patients met study criteria, of which 104 (27.4%) had a prior history of hearing loss. Prior to treatment, 196 (51.7%) patients were counseled regarding the ototoxic nature of cisplatin and 92 (24.3%) patients had a pretreatment audiogram. During treatment, 91 (24%) patients had documented otologic complaints. Only 17 patients (4.5%) patients had an audiogram ordered during their cisplatin treatment period. 130 (34.3%) patients had otologic complaints following cisplatin treatment. Audiograms were ordered for 20 (7.8%), 13 (5.1%), and 16 (6.2%) patients at 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups, respectively. No patients in the study cohort received baseline, treatment, and post-treatment audiograms as recommended by national ototoxicity monitoring protocols. Patients with Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) represented the largest subgroup that received cisplatin ( n = 122, 32.2%) and demonstrated higher rates of ototoxicity counseling ( n = 103, 84.4%) and pretreatment audiograms ( n = 70, 57.4%) compared to the non HNC group ( n = 36, 36.2%, P < 0.0001 and n = 22, 8.5%, P < 0.0001). Conclusions There is poor adherence to national ototoxicity monitoring guidelines at a large academic medical center. This is a missed opportunity for intervention and aural rehabilitation. Improved education and collaboration between otolaryngology, audiology, and medical oncology is needed to develop and promote an effective ototoxicity-monitoring program. Graphical Abstract
The effect of using online language-support resources on L2 writing performance
Authors: Shin Dongkwang , Kwon Suh Keong , Lee Yongsang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLanguage learners today have access to a much wider choice of resources and language-support tools that aid their writing processes. While research on the convenience and flexibility of the writing resources that learners use in real-life writing activities have argued for a re-conceptualization of writing ability, little is known about the effect of using them in a writing assessment setting. Accordingly, the present study aimed to examine whether L2 learners’ use of writing resources in a writing test might have an effect on their writing performance. Furthermore, we also investigated how the effects of the writing resources might vary by test takers’ writing proficiency and scoring domains. Results showed that the group who had access to writing resources outperformed the group who were not given the online resource, but both groups’ scores were within the same scoring descriptor. The significant score improvement was more evident in the low- and intermediate-level learners. In a questionnaire, test takers reported that they normally use the writing resources in real-life writing situations and also found the online resource features helpful in improving their writing performance and agreed upon introducing such features in future writing tests.
Drone and sensor technology for sustainable weed management: a review
Authors: Esposito Marco , Crimaldi Mariano , Cirillo Valerio , Sarghini Fabrizio , Maggio Albino 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWeeds are amongst the most impacting abiotic factors in agriculture, causing important yield loss worldwide. Integrated Weed Management coupled with the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones), allows for Site-Specific Weed Management, which is a highly efficient methodology as well as beneficial to the environment. The identification of weed patches in a cultivated field can be achieved by combining image acquisition by drones and further processing by machine learning techniques. Specific algorithms can be trained to manage weeds removal by Autonomous Weeding Robot systems via herbicide spray or mechanical procedures. However, scientific and technical understanding of the specific goals and available technology is necessary to rapidly advance in this field. In this review, we provide an overview of precision weed control with a focus on the potential and practical use of the most advanced sensors available in the market. Much effort is needed to fully understand weed population dynamics and their competition with crops so as to implement this approach in real agricultural contexts.
Validation of computed extreme ultraviolet emission spectra during solar flares
Authors: Nishimoto Shohei , Watanabe Kyoko , Kawai Toshiki , Imada Shinsuke , Kawate Tomoko 
Published: March 2021

AbstractX-rays and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emissions from solar flares rapidly change the physical composition of the Earth’s thermosphere and ionosphere, thereby causing space weather phenomena such as communication failures. Numerous empirical and physical models have been developed to estimate the effects of flare emissions on the Earth’s upper atmosphere. We verified the reproduction of the flare emission spectra using a one-dimensional hydrodynamic calculation and the CHIANTI atomic database. To validate the proposed model, we used the observed EUV spectra obtained by the Extreme ultraviolet variability experiment (EVE) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). We examined the “EUV flare time-integrated irradiance” and “EUV flare line rise time” of the EUV emissions for 21 events by comparing the calculation results of the proposed model and observed EUV spectral data. The proposed model successfully reproduced the EUV flare time-integrated irradiance of the Fe VIII 131 Å, Fe XVIII 94 Å, and Fe XX133 Å, as well as the 55–355 Å and 55–135 Å bands. For the EUV flare line rise time, there was an acceptable correlation between the proposed model estimations and observations for all Fe flare emission lines. These results demonstrate that the proposed model can reproduce the EUV flare emission spectra from the emitting plasma with a relatively high formation temperature. This indicates that the physics-based model is effective for the accurate reproduction of the EUV spectral irradiance.
Deep learning-based image quality improvement of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Tsuchiya Junichi , Yokoyama Kota , Yamagiwa Ken , Watanabe Ryosuke , Kimura Koichiro , Kishino Mitsuhiro , Chan Chung , Asma Evren , Tateishi Ukihide 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Deep learning (DL)-based image quality improvement is a novel technique based on convolutional neural networks. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) images obtained with the DL method with those obtained using a Gaussian filter.

Methods
Fifty patients with a mean age of 64.4 (range, 19–88) years who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT between April 2019 and May 2019 were included in the study. PET images were obtained with the DL method in addition to conventional images reconstructed with three-dimensional time of flight-ordered subset expectation maximization and filtered with a Gaussian filter as a baseline for comparison. The reconstructed images were reviewed by two nuclear medicine physicians and scored from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) for tumor delineation, overall image quality, and image noise. For the semi-quantitative analysis, standardized uptake values in tumors and healthy tissues were compared between images obtained using the DL method and those obtained with a Gaussian filter.

Results
Images acquired using the DL method scored significantly higher for tumor delineation, overall image quality, and image noise compared to baseline (P < 0.001). The Fleiss’ kappa value for overall inter-reader agreement was 0.78. The standardized uptake values in tumor obtained by DL were significantly higher than those acquired using a Gaussian filter (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
Deep learning method improves the quality of PET images.
Laparoscopic surgery in a patient with foramen of Winslow hernia due to large uterine fibroids: a case report and literature review
Authors: Honma Shusaku , Itohara Takenori , Sha Seigo , Onoyama Hirohiko 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Foramen of Winslow hernia (FWH) is a rare but emergent condition caused by an increase in the foramen diameter, visceral mobility, and intra-abdominal pressure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report a case of FWH secondary to large uterine fibroids that was successfully treated with laparoscopic surgery.

Case presentation
A 52-year-old woman with large uterine fibroids was diagnosed with FWH. Because of the absence of signs of bowel ischemia and peritonitis, we performed an elective laparoscopic surgery through a 5-port system after bowel decompression using a long intestinal tube. Although foramen of Winslow closure was not performed, her postoperative course was uneventful.

Conclusions
Laparoscopic surgery for FWH is considered an extremely effective surgical treatment option because of its safety and efficacy in performing delicate procedures (such as adhesiolysis) with a good magnified field of view.
Party expats? Mapping transnational party branches of French, German and UK parties
Authors: von Nostitz Felix-Christopher 
Published: March 2021

AbstractToday many parties interact with members and supporters outside their national borders. One way parties do so is by establishing transnational party branches. However so far, there is a lack of theoretical and empirical research exploring this transnational aspect of party activity. This paper provides a first insight into why parties develop transnational branches, and how it affects their organization. It argues that the development of party branches abroad differs across countries due to the incentives provided by the national legal framework on voting and donations from abroad. In turn, the role and functions of the transnational branches vary depending on this legal framework. Looking at the two transnational branches of the two mainstream parties in France, Germany and the United Kingdom, this paper first briefly outlines the different national legal frameworks and the scope and size of transnational party branches. It then focuses on how they are organized, their role and function, and how this shapes their relationship to their homeland party. This explorative research is mainly based on legal and secondary data. The paper finds that the parties studied differ substantially in location, number and membership size for their transnational branches. Furthermore, the organizational links and the control by the national party over transnational party branches is the highest where parties have the most to gain in terms of votes in national elections and donations.
A comparative study between the effect of verapamil versus nalbuphine as an adjuvant in supraclavicular brachial plexus block
Authors: Khamis Mohammed Ibrahim , Mohamed Ahmed Saeed , El Azazy Hesham Mohamed , El Ozairy Hala Salah , Mohamed Mohamed Moien 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Brachial plexus block has substituted general anesthesia in the majority of patients planned for upper limb surgeries as it avoids the undesired effects of the medications used in general anesthesia as well as the stress response associated with airway manipulation. Opioid agonist–antagonists such as nalbuphine are used as adjuvant to improve the anesthetic properties of bupivacaine. Verapamil has an additive effect in brachial plexus blockade in the form of decreasing the consumption of analgesics in the postoperative period with reducing onset time and extending the duration of motor and sensory blockade. The aim of this study is to investigate the adjuvant effect of verapamil versus nalbuphine to 0.5% bupivacaine in brachial plexus block as regards onset, duration of sensory and motor blockade and postoperative analgesic augmentation. The study is randomized, prospective, double-blinded, comparative study where 90 patients subjected to arm, forearm and hand surgeries were randomized into three groups, group A received 30 ml of plain bupivacaine 0.5% plus 2 ml of normal saline, group B received 30 ml of bupivacaine 0.5% plus 2 ml verapamil equivalent to 5 mg, group C received 30 ml of bupivacaine 0.5% plus 10 mg of nalbuphine diluted in 2 ml of normal saline.

Results
Results of this study showed that group C and group B sensory block time onset was 7.25 ± 1.5 vs. 10.92 ± 3.84 min, P < 0.001 and was shorter than that in group A (13.2 ± 2.66 min). In addition, the motor block onset was (11.10 ± 1.24 vs. 13.50 ± 3.77 min, P < 0.001) shorter than group A (17.16 ± 1.30 min). In group C and group B, sensory block duration was 396 ± 32.17 vs. 355.83 ± 18.48 min, P < 0.001, respectively and was longer than that in group A (321.13 ± 25.08 min). Also, there was prolonged motor block duration in group C and group B recording (338.92 ± 25.2 vs. 302.93 ± 15.24 min, P < 0.001) and was longer than that in group A (280.70 ± 32.35 min). Time of demand of rescue analgesia dose was significantly long in group C and group B (449.53 ± 52.45 vs. 418.13 ± 41.12 min, P < 0.001) and was longer than group A (361.31 ± 21.42 min). Both verapamil and nalbuphine have additive effect to bupivacaine improving the all anesthetic parameters of the block.

Conclusion
Both drugs produce favorable enhancement of time onset and effective prolongation of duration of sensory and motor blockade and extend the period of postoperative analgesia with superiority to nalbuphine over verapamil.