bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on effect of laboratory roller compaction on unconfined compressive strength of lime treated soils
Authors: Nagesh Sureka , Jagadeesh H. S. , Nithin K. S. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractExpansive soils are problematic due to their swell—shrinkage behavior and low compressive strength. They are modified generally with additives such as lime, fly ash, and various other inorganic and organic materials. Chemical stabilization treatments can improve expansive soil properties for its reuse in geotechnical applications. The present study investigates the properties of two types of subgrade soil treated with Lime and compacted by three different methods in the laboratory. The study is mainly focused to bring out the effect of different methods of compaction on the unconfined compressive strength of Lime treated soils and untreated soils. Laboratory investigation included pH, Atterberg limits, cation exchange capacity (CEC), compaction, unconfined compression strength (UCS), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), Scanning Electron Micrographs (SEM) and EDAX before and after lime treatment. Tests were performed on lime treated soils (2, 4, 6 and 8% of lime). The soil samples for unconfined compressive strength test were prepared by static, dynamic and roller compaction methods in the laboratory. Roller compaction was performed using indigenously fabricated Roller compactor cum Rutting Analyzer (RCRA). The results indicate that dry unit weight and UCS of roller compacted lime treated soil is lower than that of dynamic compacted soil. However, dry unit weight and UCS of lime treated roller compacted soil are closer to that of statically compacted soil. Cation exchange capacity of both soils before and after treatment with lime were examined, CEC reduced with increase in lime content.
A new combination technique of the modified Robicsek wire fixation and plate fixation achieves effective repair of transverse sternal fracture: a report of two cases
Authors: Fuke Yoshifumi , Ushijima Tomoki , Matsuyama Sho , Kimura Satoshi , Sonoda Hiromichi , Osawa Sayaka , Maki Jun , Tokuda Kentaro , Momii Kenta , Shiose Akira 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
To maximize the therapeutic effect for complicated sternal fracture, we should know advantages and disadvantages of each surgical repositioning technique, and the choice of an appropriate procedure is essential. We report two successful cases for which a combination of two existing techniques, modified Robicsek wire fixation and locked titanium plate fixation, was applied to transverse sternal fracture with flail chest.

Case presentation
One patient experienced a transverse sternal and rib fracture due to a traffic injury. Flail chest due to a highly displaced transverse sternal fracture made withdrawal of the ventilator impossible. Another patient, who developed fulminant myocarditis, experienced a transverse sternal fracture resulting from chest compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Severe paradoxical respiratory movement was a limiting factor for cardiac and respiratory rehabilitation. In both cases, a transverse sternal fracture was difficult to correct non-invasively and indicated surgical repair. The surgical repositioning and fixation greatly contributed to the improvement of the respiratory movement, and the patients were successfully withdrawn ventilator support.

Conclusion
The combination of modified Robicsek wire fixation and locked titanium plate fixation for a complicated sternal fracture employs the complementary and comparative advantages of each procedure and effective fixation may be achieved.
Practical Aspects of Implementing and Applying Health Care Cloud Computing Services and Informatics to Cancer Clinical Trial Data
Authors: Ronquillo Jay G. , Lester William T. 
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE Cloud computing has led to dramatic growth in the volume, variety, and velocity of cancer data. However, cloud platforms and services present new challenges for cancer research, particularly in understanding the practical tradeoffs between cloud performance, cost, and complexity. The goal of this study was to describe the practical challenges when using a cloud-based service to improve the cancer clinical trial matching process. METHODS We collected information for all interventional cancer clinical trials from ClinicalTrials.gov and used the Google Cloud Healthcare Natural Language Application Programming Interface (API) to analyze clinical trial Title and Eligibility Criteria text. An informatics pipeline leveraging interoperability standards summarized the distribution of cancer clinical trials, genes, laboratory tests, and medications extracted from cloud-based entity analysis. RESULTS There were a total of 38,851 cancer-related clinical trials found in this study, with the distribution of cancer categories extracted from Title text significantly different than in ClinicalTrials.gov ( P < .001). Cloud-based entity analysis of clinical trial criteria identified a total of 949 genes, 1,782 laboratory tests, 2,086 medications, and 4,902 National Cancer Institute Thesaurus terms, with estimated detection accuracies ranging from 12.8% to 89.9%. A total of 77,702 API calls processed an estimated 167,179 text records, which took a total of 1,979 processing-minutes (33.0 processing-hours), or approximately 1.5 seconds per API call. CONCLUSION Current general-purpose cloud health care tools—like the Google service in this study—should not be used for automated clinical trial matching unless they can perform effective extraction and classification of the clinical, genetic, and medication concepts central to precision oncology research. A strong understanding of the practical aspects of cloud computing will help researchers effectively navigate the vast data ecosystems in cancer research.
Fluorouracil Bolus Use in Infusional Regimens Among Oncologists—A Survey by Brazilian Group of Gastrointestinal Tumors
Authors: Peixoto Renata D. , Coutinho Anelisa K. , Weschenfelder Rui Fernando , Prolla Gabriel , Rocha Duilio , Andrade Aline Chaves , Rego Juliana Florinda , Fernandes Gustavo dos Santos , Crosara Marcela , Hoff Paulo Marcelo , Dienstmann Rodrigo , Costa e Silva Matheus , Riechelmann Rachel P. 
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE The utility of administering fluorouracil (5-FU) in bolus in regimens of infusional 5-FU has been questioned. We aimed to quantify the use of 5-FU bolus in infusional regimens for gastrointestinal malignancies among Brazilian oncologists. METHODS This was a cross-sectional electronic survey composed of eight multiple-choice questions sent to Brazilian oncologists during 14 days in February 2021. The survey instrument collected demographic data of participants and assessed practices in terms of 5-FU bolus use. We evaluated the association of demographic variables and 5-FU prescribing patterns with Fisher’s exact test (odds ratio [OR]). RESULTS The survey was completed by 332 medical oncologists. Overall, 37% were experienced oncologists and 32% were gastrointestinal specialists. In the first-line metastatic and in the adjuvant settings, 40% and 67% of oncologists always prescribe 5-FU bolus in infusional regimens, respectively. Experienced oncologists more frequently omit 5-FU bolus when compared with early-career oncologists, both in the metastatic (41% v 26%; OR, 1.98; P = .005) and adjuvant settings (28% v 14%; OR, 2.32; P = .003). In addition, more GI specialists remove 5-FU bolus when compared with generalists, but only in the metastatic setting (44% v 25%; OR, 2.33; P = .001). GI specialists are more likely to consider that treatment efficacy is not affected by 5-FU bolus withdrawal than are generalists (89% v 75%; OR, 2.65; P = .003). Most respondents (67%) keep leucovorin at the same doses when omitting 5-FU bolus, and only 16% always recommend dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase testing. CONCLUSION Our survey indicates that experience in oncology practice and percentage of time dedicated to treat GI cancers influence the prescription of 5-FU bolus in Brazil, with more frequent omission of it among experienced gastrointestinal specialists, particularly in the metastatic setting.
Visual acuity of budgerigars for moving targets
Authors: Chaib Sandra , Mussoi Juliane Gaviraghi , Lind Olle , Kelber Almut 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTFor a bird, it is often vital to visually detect food items, predators, or individuals from the same flock, i.e. moving stimuli of various shapes. Yet, behavioural tests of visual spatial acuity traditionally use stationary gratings as stimuli. We have behaviourally tested the ability of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) to detect a black circular target, moving semi-randomly at 1.69 degrees s−1 against a brighter background. We found a detection threshold of 0.107±0.007 degrees of the visual field for a target size corresponding to a resolution of a grating with a spatial frequency of 4.68 cycles degree−1. This detection threshold is lower than the resolution limit for gratings but similar to the threshold for stationary single objects of the same shape. We conclude that the target acuity of budgerigars for moving single targets, just as for stationary single targets, is lower than their acuity for gratings.
Future land use change simulations for the Lepelle River Basin using Cellular Automata Markov model with Land Change Modeller-generated transition areas
Authors: Ikegwuoha Darlington Chineye , Weepener Harold Louw , Dinka Megersa Olumana 
Published: August 2021

Background: Land cover/land cover (LULC) change is one of the major contributors to global environmental and climate variations. The ability to predict future LULC is crucial for environmental engineers, civil engineers, urban designers, and natural resources managers for planning activities. Methods: TerrSet Geospatial Monitoring and Modelling System and ArcGIS Pro 2.8 were used to process LULC data for the region of the Lepelle River Basin (LRB) of South Africa. Driver variables such as population density, slope, elevation as well as the Euclidean distances of cities, roads, highways, railroads, parks and restricted areas, towns to the LRB in combination with LULC data were analysed using the Land Change Modeller (LCM) and Cellular-Automata Markov (CAM) model. Results: The results reveal an array of losses (-) and gains (+) for certain LULC classes in the LRB by the year 2040: natural vegetation (+8.5%), plantations (+3.5%), water bodies (-31.6%), bare ground (-8.8%), cultivated land (-29.3%), built-up areas (+10.6%) and mines (+14.4%). Conclusions: The results point to the conversion of land uses from natural to anthropogenic by 2040. These changes also highlight how the potential losses associated with resources such as water that will negatively impact society and ecosystem functioning in the LRB by exacerbating water scarcity driven by climate change. This modelling study provides a decision support system for the establishment of sustainable land resource utilization policies in the LRB.
Chemical control and insecticide resistance status of sand fly vectors worldwide
Authors: Balaska Sofia , Fotakis Emmanouil Alexandros , Chaskopoulou Alexandra , Vontas John 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundPhlebotomine sand flies are prominent vectors ofLeishmaniaparasites that cause leishmaniasis, which comes second to malaria in terms of parasitic causative fatalities globally. In the absence of human vaccines, sand fly chemical-based vector control is a key component of leishmaniasis control efforts.Methods and findingsWe performed a literature review on the current interventions, primarily, insecticide-based used for sand fly control, as well as the global insecticide resistance (IR) status of the main sand fly vector species. Indoor insecticidal interventions, such as residual spraying and treated bed nets are the most widely deployed, while several alternative control strategies are also used in certain settings and/or are under evaluation. IR has been sporadically detected in sand flies in India and other regions, using non-standardized diagnostic bioassays. Molecular studies are limited to monitoring of known pyrethroid resistance mutations (kdr), which are present at high frequencies in certain regions.ConclusionsAs the leishmaniasis burden remains a major problem at a global scale, evidence-based rational use of insecticidal interventions is required to meet public health demands. Standardized bioassays and molecular markers are a prerequisite for this task, albeit are lagging behind. Experiences from other disease vectors underscore the need for the implementation of appropriate IR management (IRM) programs, in the framework of integrated vector management (IVM). The implementation of alternative strategies seems context- and case-specific, with key eco-epidemiological parameters yet to be investigated. New biotechnology-based control approaches might also come into play in the near future to further reinforce sand fly/leishmaniasis control efforts.
Prevalence and factors associated with experience of corporal punishment in public schools in South Africa
Authors: Mahlangu Pinky , Chirwa Esnat , Machisa Mercilene , Sikweyiya Yandisa , Shai Nwabisa , Jewkes Rachel 
Published: August 2021

Background
Corporal punishment (CP) is still a common practice in schools globally. Although illegal, studies in South Africa report its continued use, but only a few have explored factors associated with school CP. Moreover, extant studies have not shown the interrelationships between explanatory factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with learners’ experiences, and to examine pathways to the learners’ experiences of CP at school.

Method
3743 grade 8 learners (2118 girls and 1625 boys) from 24 selected public schools in Tshwane, South Africa, enrolled in a cluster randomised controlled trial evaluating a multi-component school-based intervention to prevent intimate partner violence, and completed self-administered questionnaires. We carried out descriptive analysis, simple linear and structural equation modelling to examine factors and pathways to the learners’ experience of CP at school.

Results
About 52% of learners had experienced CP at school in the last 6 months. It was higher among boys compared to girls. Experience of CP at school amongst learners was associated with learner behavior, home environment, and school environment. Learners from households with low-socio economic status (SES) had an increased risk of CP experience at school. Amongst boys, low family SES status was associated with a negative home environment and had a direct negative impact on a learner’s mental health, directly associated with misbehavior.

Conclusion
CP in public schools in South Africa continues despite legislation prohibiting its use. While addressing learner behaviour is critical, evidence-based interventions addressing home and school environment are needed to change the culture among teachers of using corporal punishment to discipline adolescents and inculcate one that promotes positive discipline.
Psychometric evaluation of the Arabic version of the Irish Assertiveness Scale among Saudi undergraduate nursing students and interns
Authors: Mansour Mansour , Hasan Abd Alhadi , Alafafsheh Ahmad 
Published: August 2021

Background
Irish Assertiveness Scale is commonly used to examine the individual’ level of assertiveness. There is no adequately validated Arabic instrument that examines the level of assertiveness among Arabic-speaking undergraduate nursing students.

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to translate, then evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Irish Assertiveness Scale among Saudi undergraduate nursing students and interns.

Design
Cross-sectional survey.

Settings
Three nursing colleges from three provinces in Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, Eastern and Makkah provinces.

Participants
283 questionnaires were completed by 3rd and 4th year undergraduate nursing students, and nursing interns.

Methods
A standard procedure including forward-backward translation, cultural adaptation and pilot testing was adopted to translate the Irish Assertiveness Scale into Arabic language. Content validity was measured using content validity index. Scale reliability was measured using cronbach’s alpha coefficient and mean inter-item correlation. The sample was randomly split, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was then conducted on each sample to examine the construct validity of the proposed scale. A subsequent convergent validity and discriminant validity were also tested.

Results
The item-level content validity index ranged from 0.9 to 1.0, and the overall content validity index was 0.93. The exploratory factor analysis resulted in 23-items, four-factor solution explaining 49.4% of the total variance. The mean inter-item correlation for each factor ranged between 0.22 and 0.4. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the overall scale was 0.80. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the proposed four-factor solution had the best model fit. Whilst discriminant validity was supported in the new model, convergent validity was partially met.

Conclusions
This study contributed toward establishing the Arabic version of the Irish Assertiveness Scale. Considering the limitations of the convergent validity demonstrated in the new instrument, a modified version of the Irish Assertiveness Scale might be needed to ascertain the most feasible model which best captures the level of assertiveness in Arabic cultural context.
The utilisation of public and private health care among Australian women with diabetes: Findings from the 45 and Up Study
Authors: Adams Jon , McIntyre Erica , Steel Amie , Leung Brenda , Leach Matthew , Sibbritt David 
Published: August 2021

Aim
To describe the prevalence of health care utilisation and out-of-pocket expenditure associated with the management of diabetes among Australian women aged 45 years and older.

Design
Cross-sectional survey design.

Methods
The questionnaire was administered to 392 women (a cohort of the 45 and Up Study) reporting a diagnosis of diabetes between August and November 2016. It asked about the use of conventional medicine, complementary medicine (CM) and self-prescribed treatments for diabetes and associated out-of-pocket spending.

Results
Most women (88.3%; n = 346) consulted at least one health care practitioner in the previous 12 months for their diabetes; 84.6% (n = 332) consulted a doctor, 44.4% (n = 174) consulted an allied health practitioner, and 20.4% (n = 80) consulted a CM practitioner. On average, the combined annual out-of-pocket health care expenditure was AU$492.6 per woman, which extrapolated to approximately AU$252 million per annum. Of this total figure, approximately AU$70 million was spent on CM per annum.

Conclusions
Women with diabetes use a diverse range of health services and incur significant out-of-pocket expense to manage their health. The degree to which the health care services women received were coordinated, or addressed their needs and preferences, warrants further exploration. Limitations of this study include the use of self-report and inability to generalise findings to other populations.
GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease: Translational systematic review and meta-analysis protocol of clinical and preclinical studies
Authors: Vaccari Carolina , Grotto Denise , Pereira Tiago da V. , de Camargo João Lauro V. , Lopes Luciane C. 
Published: August 2021

Background
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive multifactorial neurodegenerative condition. Epidemiological studies have shown that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM2) are at increased risk for developing PD, indicating a possible insulin-modulating role in this latter condition. We hypothesized that drugs similar to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), used in the treatment of T2DM2, may play a role in PD.

Objectives
The purpose of this study is to systematically review and meta-analyze data of preclinical and clinical studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 and GIP drugs in the treatment of PD.

Methods
Two reviewers will independently evaluate the studies available in the Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cinahl, and Lilacs databases. Preclinical rodent or non-human primate studies and randomized controlled human clinical trials will be included, without language or publication period restrictions. Outcomes of interest in preclinical studies will be primarily locomotor improvements and adverse effects in animal models of PD. For clinical trials, we will evaluate clinical improvements rated by the Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale–parts I, II, III, and IV, and adverse effects. The risk of bias of preclinical studies will be assessed by the SYRCLE tool and CAMARADES checklist and the clinical studies by the Cochrane tool; the certainty of the evidence will be rated by GRADE.

Discussion and conclusion
There is an urge for new PD treatments that may slow the progression of the disease rather than just restoring dopamine levels. This study will comprehensively review and update the state of the art of what is known about incretin hormones and PD and highlight the strengths and limitations of translating preclinical data to the clinic whenever possible.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO registration number CRD42020223435.
A comparison of diagnostic performance between two quantitative rapid fecal calprotectin assays in detecting active inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Lee Jong-Mi , Jang Joo Hee , Ryu Ji Hyeong , Yoo Jaeeun , Lee Bo-In , Kim Seung-Jun , Oh Eun-Jee 
Published: August 2021

Background
Fecal calprotectin (FC) is widely used for the diagnosis and monitoring disease activity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Quantitative rapid assays can be a reliable alternative to the time-consuming assay. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of two quantitative rapid FC assays (Ichroma calprotectin, and Buhlmann Quantum blue).

Methods
A total of 192 patients were included in this study; 84 patients with IBD (67 ulcerative colitis and 17 Crohn’s disease) and 108 patients with non-IBD. We compared quantitative FC levels in different disease statuses and evaluated the correlation between the FC results of the two FC kits. Diagnostic performances in predicting active IBD were evaluated in reference to different cut-off levels.

Results
The FC levels in 45 patients with active IBD as defined by endoscopic score were significantly higher compared to the inactive IBD and other diseases (P<0.05). Although the two assays’ results correlated (r = 0.642, P < 0.001), a significant deviation was observed (y (Buhlmannn) = -45.2 +8.9X (Ichroma)). The Diagnostic performances in predicting active IBD were comparable as area under the curve (AUC), 0.812, cut-off, 50, sensitivity, 64.4%, and specificity, 85.0% for iChroma assay and AUC, 0.826, cut-off, 100, sensitivity, 84.4%, and specificity 61.9% for Buhlmann Quantum Blue assay. FC levels using a cut-off of > 250 μg/g confirmed 85.7% (iChroma) and 64.1% (Buhlmann) of active IBD patients.

Conclusion
The results of the two rapid FC assays iChroma and Buhlmann showed a significant correlation, but the two test results were not interchangeable. With optimized cut-off values, rapid FC tests could be helpful in the diagnosis of IBD and differentiating active IBD from inactive or organic bowel disease.