bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinematics of the head and associated vertebral artery length changes during high-velocity, low-amplitude cervical spine manipulation
Authors: Gorrell Lindsay , Kuntze Gregor , Ronsky Janet L , Carter Ryan , Symons Bruce , Triano John J , Herzog Walter 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background

Cervical spine manipulation (CSM) is a frequently used treatment for neck pain. Despite its demonstrated efficacy, concerns regarding CSM safety remain. The purpose of this study was to quantify the angular displacements of the head relative to the sternum and the associated vertebral artery (VA) length changes during the thrust phase of CSM.
Methods

Bilateral rotation and lateral flexion CSM procedures were delivered from C1 to C7 to three male cadaveric donors. For each CSM the force-time profile was recorded using a thin, flexible pressure pad (100-200Hz), to determine the timing of the thrust. Three dimensional displacements of the head relative to the sternum were recorded using an eight-camera motion analysis system (120-240Hz) and angular displacements of the head relative to the sternum were computed in Matlab. Positive kinematic values indicate flexion, left lateral flexion, and left rotation. Ipsilateral refers to the same side as the clinician's contact and contralateral, the opposite. Length changes of the VA were recorded using eight piezoelectric ultrasound crystals, inserted along the entire vessel. VA length changes were calculated as D=(L1-L0)/L0, where L0= length of the whole VA (sum of segmental lengths) or the V3 segment at CSM thrust onset; L1= whole VA or V3 length at peak force during the CSM thrust.
Results

VA length changes during the thrust phase were greatest with ipsilateral rotation CSM (producing contralateral head rotation): [mean ± SD (range)] whole artery [1.3 ± 1.0 (-0.4 to 3.3%)]; and V3 segment [2.6 ± 3.6 (-0.4 to 11.6%)]. For ipsilateral rotation CSM, head angular displacements relative to the sternum during the thrust were: flexion/extension [1.2 ± 3.4 (-6.6 to 7.6º)]; rotation [-10.2 ± 3.5 (-16.1 to -3.7º)]; and lateral flexion [8.8 ± 3.0 (2.5 to 14.1º)].
Conclusion

Mean head angular displacements and VA length changes were small during CSM thrusts. Of the four different CSM measured, mean VA length changes were largest during rotation procedures. This suggests that if clinicians wish to limit VA length changes, consideration should be given to the type of CSM used.
Carbon Microsphere From Postconsumer Soft Drink Bottles and Their Impact On Plant Growth Study of Cicer Arietinum
Authors: Mondal Naba Kumar , Singha Papiya , Sen Kamalesh , Mondal Arghadip , Debnath Priyanka , Mondal Anupam 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Present work is highlighted on the conversion of waste PET plastics to carbon nanosphere, their characterization by SEM-EDX, XRD and FTIR and finally their application in the field of germination of Cicer arietinum and biochemical analysis. SEM and XRD results revealed that PET plastic are comfortably converted to carbon microsphere with a diameter ranges between 2-8 µm with amorphous nature and FTIR study suggested that the existence of aromatic C-H and aromatic ring along with carbonyl groups. Root morphology suggested that both root length and seminal root number gradually decrease with increasing carbon microsphere dose. Biochemical results revealed that the level of proline, catalase and MDA levels significantly (p < 0.0001) increase with increasing the dose of carbon microsphere. Finally, it can be concluded that lower dose of carbon microsphere could be beneficial for both seed germination and seedling growth, but higher dose may have adverse effect on plant community.
Insoles to ease plantar pressure in people with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy: a feasibility randomised controlled trial with an embedded qualitative study
Authors: Collings Richard , Freeman Jennifer , Latour Jos M , Paton Joanne 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Therapeutic footwear and insoles are preventative strategies to reduce elevated plantar pressures associated with diabetic foot ulcer risk. An insole intervention appropriate for chairside delivery optimizing plantar foot pressure reduction in people with diabetes has been developed. Aim: To explore the feasibility and acceptability of testing an optimized insole compared with an active control insole to reduce plantar pressures for people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.Methods: A double-blinded multicentre feasibility RCT with an embedded qualitative study. In addition to usual care, participants were randomized to either an optimized insole group (Intervention) or a standard cushioned insole group (Active control). Participants were assessed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months with clinical outcome of mean peak plantar pressure (MPPP) reduction. An embedded qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 12 study participants and three podiatrists to explore their experiences of the intervention and trial procedures. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (quantitative data) and thematic analysis (qualitative data).Results: Screened were142 patients from which 61 were recruited; 30 participants were randomized to the Intervention group and 31 to the Active control group. Forty-two participants completed the study. At 12-months, 69% of the patient-reported questionnaires were returned and 68% of the clinical outcomes were collected. Mean difference in MPPP between the Intervention and Active control groups for all regions-of-interest combined favoured the Intervention, with increases from 87kPa at post-randomization to 255kPa at 12-months. Thematic analysis revealed three themes; accepting the study, behaviour and support during study procedures, and impact from study participation. Conclusion: The results of the feasibility RCT suggest that the optimized insole holds promise as an intervention, and that a full RCT to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of this intervention is feasible and warranted for people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Trial registration: International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number: ISRCTN16011830. Registered 9th October 2017, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN16011830
Linear Approximate Pattern Matching Algorithm
Authors: Al-okaily Anas , Tbakhi Abdelghani 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Pattern matching is a fundamental process in almost every scientific domain. The problem involves finding the positions of a given pattern (usually of short length) in a reference stream of data (usually of large length). The matching can be as an exact or as an approximate (inexact) matching. Exact matching is to search for the pattern without allowing for mismatches (or insertions and deletions) of one or more characters in the pattern), while approximate matching is the opposite. For exact matching, several data structures that can be built in linear time and space are used and in practice nowadays. For approximate matching, the solutions proposed to solve this matching are non-linear and currently impractical. In this paper, we designed and implemented a structure that can be built in linear time and space and solve the approximate matching problem in (O(m + {log_Σ^k}n/{k!} + occ) search costs, where m is the length of the pattern, n is the length of the reference, and k is the number of tolerated mismatches (and insertion and deletions).
Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Wheezing and Asthma Among Preschool Children in Urumqi City: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Wang Tingting , Shi Haonan , Wan Guangshen , Zhao Zhuohui , Norback Dan , Pu Guiping , Ma Shaowei , Dong Huijuan , Yao Jian , Lu Junwen , Wang Yue , Yan Qi , Qi Huizhen , Ma Qi , Shi Yufeng 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: To investigate the prevalence and indoor environmental influencing factors of wheezing and asthma among preschool children in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China to provide a strong basis for prevention and control. Methods: In August 2019, a cross-sectional epidemiological study involving 8153 preschool children was conducted in 60 kindergartens in Urumqi. The mean age of the children who participated in the survey was 5.27 ± 1.10 years. Additionally, 51.9% were boys, 86.9% were Han Chinese, and an 81.53% survey response rate was observed. The childhood wheeze and asthma survey used was the ALLHOME-2 questionnaire, and the childhood home dwelling and living environment survey used was the DBH questionnaire. Partial adjustments were made according to the geographical environment of Urumqi and the living habits of the residents.Results: The prevalence of wheezing and asthma in children was 4.7% and 2.0%, respectively. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression results suggested that ethnicity (odds ratio (OR)=1.39, 95% confidence interval (95%CI)=1.05–1.84), birth pattern (OR=1.24, 95%CI=1.00–1.53), family history of asthma (OR=5.00, 95%CI=3.36–7.44), carpet or floor bedding at home (OR=1.40, 95%CI=1.05–1.87), purchasing new furniture in the mother’s residence during pregnancy (OR=1.58,95%CI=1.06–2.36), pet keeping in the residence at age 0–1 (OR=1.55, 95%CI=1.13–2.13), passive smoking in the child's residence (OR=1.35, 95%CI=1.01–1.80), and having mould or hygroma in the child's residence at age 0–1 (OR=1.72, 95%CI=1.12–2.64) were risk factors for wheezing. In addition, sex (OR=0.73, 95%CI=0.59-0.90) was a protective factor for wheezing. Birth pattern (OR=1.46, 95%CI=1.06–2.00), family history of asthma (OR=7.06,95%CI=4.33–11.53), carpet or floor bedding at home (OR=2.20, 95%CI=1.50–3.23), and pet keeping in the residence at age 0–1 (OR=1.64, 95%CI=1.04–1.83) were risk factors for asthma, whereas gender (OR=0.58, 95% CI=0.42–0.80) was a protective factor for asthma. Conclusion: This survey indicates that preschool children in Urumqi have a higher risk of wheezing and asthma. Risk factors that may cause an elevated risk of wheezing or asthma have also been identified.
Hitchhiking Halophytes in Wrack and Sediment-Laden Ice Blocks Contribute To Tidal Marsh Development in The Upper Bay of Fundy.
Authors: Lundholm Jeremy , Rabinowitz Tasha R.M. , Greene Lyndsay , Glogowski Alisha D. , Bowron Tony , Proosdij Danika van 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Salt marshes are a type of coastal wetland that are affected by dynamic coastal processes. Ice blocks and wrack (mats of plant debris) regularly float onto northern marshes and become stranded, affecting vegetation and soil accretion. There is little research regarding the capacity of ice and wrack to transport viable plant propagules onto marshes where they can colonize, which may be particularly important at barren new salt marsh restoration sites. Contributions of sediment by ice may also be important at restoration sites to raise the marsh platform to elevations appropriate for plant colonization. We collected ice (n = 27) and wrack (n = 18) samples at marshes in the Bay of Fundy, ran germination trials with the contents, and measured the quantity of sediment in the ice. We found viable propagules from halophytic and non-halophytic species in wrack, and viable propagules of Sporobolus pumilus in ice. Additionally, we found sediment densities between 0.01 and 4.75 g·cm−3 in ice blocks that translated to 26.61 – 21,483.59 kg of total sediment per block, representing a large source of sediment. We found that the number of germinating propagules could not be predicted by wrack size, and that pH, sediment density, sediment weight in ice blocks were variable across the marsh surface, while ice salinity was negatively correlated with elevation and distance from creek. Our results indicate that ice and wrack represent a potential source for vegetation colonization at salt marsh sites and highlights their contributions to facilitating vegetation colonization through building marsh soils.
A Method to Characterize Climate, Earth or Environmental Vector Random Processes
Authors: Budia Manuel Cobos , Morillas Pedro Otiñar , Redondo Pedro Magaña , Azofra Asunción Baquerizo 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
We propose a methodology to characterize a multivariate non-stationary vector random process that can be used for simulating random realizations that keep the probabilistic behavior of the original time series. The marginal probability distribution of each component process is assumed to be a piecewise function deﬁned by several weighted parametric probability models. The weights are obtained analytically by ensuring that the probability density function is well deﬁned and that it is continuous at the common endpoints. The probability model is assumed to vary periodically in time over a predeﬁned time period by deﬁning the model parameters and the common endpoints as truncated generalized Fourier series. The coeﬃcients of the expansions are obtained with the maximum likelihood method. Three diﬀerent types of sets of orthogonal functions are tested. The method is applied to three time series with diﬀerent particularities. Firstly, it is shown its good behavior to capture the highly variable freshwater discharges at a dam located in a semiarid zone in Andalucía (Spain) which is inﬂuenced not only by the climate variability but also by management decisions. Secondly, for the Wolf sunspot number time series, the Schwabe cycle and time variations close to the 7.5 and 17 years are analyzed along a 22-year cycle. Finally, the method is applied to a bivariate (velocity and direction) wind time series observed at a location of the Atlantic Ocean. For this case, the analysis, that was combined with a vectorial autoregresive model, focus on the assessment of the goodness of the methodology to replicate the statistical features of the original series. In particular, it is found that it reproduces the marginal and joint distributions, the wind rose, and the duration of sojourns above given thresholds.
Deep learning-based estimation of rice yield using RGB image
Authors: Tanaka Yu , Watanabe Tomoya , Katsura Keisuke , Tsujimoto Yasuhiro , Takai Toshiyuki , Tanaka Takashi , Kawamura Kensuke , Saito Hiroki , Homma Koki , Mairoua Salifou , Ahouanton Kokou , Ibrahim Ali , Senthilkumar Kalimuthu , Semwal Vimal , Matute Eduardo , Corredor Edgar , El-Namaky Raafat , Manigbas Norvie , Quilang Eduardo , Iwahashi Yu , Nakajima Kota , Takeuchi Eisuke , Saito Kazuki 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Crop productivity is poorly assessed globally. Here, we provide a deep learning-based approach for estimating rice yield using RGB images. During ripening stage and at harvest, over 22,000 digital images were captured vertically downwards over the rice canopy from a distance of 0.8 to 0.9 m, and rice yields were obtained in the corresponding area ranging from 0.1 and 16.1 t ha−1. A convolutional neural network (CNN) applied to these data at harvest predicted 70% variation in rice yield with a relative root mean square error (rRMSE) of 0.22. Images obtained during the ripening stage can also be used to forecast the final rice yield. Our work suggests that this low-cost, hands-on, and rapid approach can provide a breakthrough solution to assess the impact of productivity-enhancing interventions and identify fields where these are needed to sustainably increase crop production.
Missing two key parameters in the pooled testing strategy
Authors: Xia Xuhua 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The pooled testing strategy [1] misses two key parameters, the infection prevalence p and its variance mentioned many times in the paper as the key determinants of any pooled testing strategy. For illustrating their methods, the authors used p from other studies that employed individual tests. It turned that that no statistical estimators for p and its variance have ever been derived for testing data of pooled samples since the first formulation of testing strategies based on pooled sampled in 1943 [2]. Here I derive the maximum likelihood estimators for p and its variance based on tests of pooled samples. This should result in significant saving in time, resource, and costs.
Rethinking a new transition finance paradigm for addressing the climate crisis in Africa
Authors: Zisuh Michael 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This policy brief uncovers the investment-ready instruments and policy packages that can unlock the energy transition in Sub-Saharan Africa. These are summarised around three key messages. First, transition finance vehicles in Africa should aim to transform ‘brown’ (polluting) into ‘green’ (renewable) industries. Second, key instruments include green bonds for specific environmental projects, grants/guaranties to support private investments that target access to energy for the poor, and patient capital investments into growth sectors focused on environmental, social, and governance targets. Third, national energy policy should connect innovative market-based solutions (e.g., mini grids) to centralized (e.g., national grid) systems to strengthen governance.
Process Planning of the Automatic Polishing of the Curved Surface Using a Five-axis Machining Tool
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ding Chen , Fan Cheng , Wang Qian , Wang Kejun 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Curved surface parts are widely used in aerospace industry, automotive industry and other fields due to their excellent features in aerodynamics, fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. Compared with the modeling technology of the curved surface, the development of the processing technology of the curved surface is slightly behind. In order to improve the processing quality and efficiency of the curved surface, this paper independently developed a five-axis CNC polishing machine tool, and studied the pre-processing and the post-processing when machining the curved surface. Taking a metal shell of the mobile phone as an example, three different paths are planned for the flat surface and the curved surface respectively, and a method for generating the tool path is proposed. The kinematics model of the five-axis CNC machine tool is established, which is used to obtain the calculation formula of the movement amount of each axis when polishing in the flat surface and the curved surface of the metal shell. The polishing effects of the different paths about the surface quality and the polishing efficiency of the metal shell are studied through the polishing experiments, and the polishing path with the best surface quality and the highest polishing efficiency is found.
Validity of Adult Psychopathology Model Using Psychiatric Patients Sample From a Developing Country: Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Authors: Alareqe Naser Abdulhafeeth , Hassan Siti Aishah , Kamarudin Engku Mardiah Engku , Nordin Mohamad Sahari , Ashureay Nadeem Mohamed , Mohammed Lubna Ali , AL-Jaberi Musheer Abdulwahid 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to test and validate the two-factors measurement model of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI). Specifically, this paper reported construct, convergent and divergent validities of the internalizing-externalizing MCMI model of adult psychopathology using a psychiatric sample from a developing society, the Republic of Yemen. Methods: MCMI was distributed among 232 outpatients from the Hospital of Taiz City and two private psychiatry clinics in Yemen; data were collected using structured interviews in four months. The Maximum Likelihood (ML) was used in Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and the Confirmatory Factory Analysis (CFA) to explore and confirm the latent underlying MCMI and verifying evidence of convergent and discriminate validity. Results: The CFA results indicated that MCMI was a good fit for the internalizing-externalizing model of adult psychopathology. The results of the CFA confirmed that evidence of convergent and discriminant validity characterized MCMI with the internalizing and externalizing model. Conclusion: The adult psychopathology of internalizing and externalizing is a valid model by MCMI with ten personality disorders and eight clinical syndromes. Thus, practical clinical implications are suggested.
Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 RNA Stability and Infectivity in Oropharyngeal Swab Samples
Authors: Neumann Markus , Grossegesse Marica , Bourquain Daniel , Schaade Lars , Nitsche Andreas 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The reliable detection of SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA and infectious virus particles from patient samples requires a good sample quality. This is especially critical when the sample has to be transported to the analysing laboratory which can take several days. To determine optimal transport conditions, we simulated oropharyngeal swab samples using defined virus amounts and stored the samples at 4 °C or at room temperature for up to four days. Moreover, we analysed the influence of dry swabs in comparison to swabs stored in transport medium. Our results show that care should be taken when analysing samples for infectious SARS-CoV-2 particles since infectivity is strongly influenced by sample storage.
Experimental Study of Thermal Characteristics of ZrO2/EG nanofluid for Application of Heat Transfer
Authors: Barai Rohinee Manish , Kumar Devesh , Wankhade Atul V. , Sayed Aamir R. , Junankar Anup A. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In thermal management system nanofluids will act as robust elements in future for coolants. Nanofluids have remarkable potential during the heat transfer increase reported by researchers from all over the world. Nanofluids have attracted many researchers and there have been tremendous advances because of the high thermal characteristics and possible applications in certain areas such as the transport sector, aerospace, medical regions and microelectronics. This current study reports on the thermal characteristics of nanofluid based on ZrO2/EG. The nanoparticles characterized by XRD and SEM techniques. Nanofluid was prepared by a two-step method in ethylene glycol (EG) using ultra sonication. The thermal conductivity of ZrO2/EG nanofluid was investigated experimentally at various volume concentrations (0.02-0.1vol. %) and temperature range between 35-55oC. The enhancement in thermal conductivity was observed to be 26.2 % at 0.1vol. % which exhibits superior performance as compared to base fluid (EG). The results of the experiment were compared with the three most often utilised model in the literature. The behavior of ZrO2/water based nanofluid thermal conductivity, viscosity and stability in various concentrations was studied.