bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effective operating room (OR) utilization by performing low-complex surgical procedures during the 2020 corona pandemic
Authors: Vogel Thomas , Schippers Dina , Aldarweesh Balqees , Pergolini Ilaria , Stollreiter Martina , Wagner Klaus , Wilhelm Dirk , Friess Helmut , Kranzfelder Michael 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has almost stopped all elective surgical treatment throughout the world. As operating room (OR) capacities are reduced everywhere to ensure availability of intensive care capacities, especially low-complex surgical procedures are often postponed. These include totally implantable central-venous access ports which are important for the oncologic treatment of cancer patients.

Methods
In our study, we investigated the potential of an outpatient surgical centre (OSC) in terms of workflow effectiveness compared to the central operating room complex (COR) of a university hospital using low-complex surgical procedures as an example. Data of 524 consecutive patients who received a Port-a-cath procedure (422 implantations (80.5%) and 102 explantations (19.5%)) in our department between February 2019 and February 2020 were evaluated.

Results
A total of 277 patients were operated in outpatient surgical centre (OSC), and 247 patients received the procedure in the central OR (COR) complex. Grade II and III complications according to the Clavien–Dindo classification occurred in 5.2% (OSC) and 7.3% (COR) of patients. Incision-to-suture time was significantly quicker in the OSC group (36 vs. 42 min., p < 0.032). Total OR time (01:08 vs. 01:20 h) and preparation-to-incision time were also shorter in the OSC group (12 vs. 17 min., p < 0.002).

Conclusion
In order to ensure effective OR utilization especially in times of the corona pandemic, the use of smaller decentralized OR units, e.g., outpatient surgical centres, for performing low-complex surgical cases is beneficial. Our study revealed shorter total OR and preparation-to-incision times.
Design of profitable networks of biogas plants in Chile
Authors: Casas R. , Casas F. , Bustos J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLocations for profitable biogas plant networks for the generation of electric power were investigated. A population-based location algorithm was developed. Using information regarding biogas power and plants cost found in the literature, together with data on the location and number of dairy cows of 572 farms in southern Chile, economic analises were made. Each farm was evaluated as a potencial location for a biogas plant, both alone and as part of different combinations. The algorithm starts with a population of one-plant combinations and generates new iterations by inserting additional biogas plants as long as the NPV increases. In each iteration, only a diverse subset of the combinations is selected. This approach is compared to the application of the ArcGIS Network Analyst (NA) function for the set cover problem, usually employed in the literature for biogas plant network location problems. Using the technical parameters for the operation of biogas plants found in the literature, we show that the proposed algorithm gives better results than the NA algorithm in terms of profit. Biogas plant networks were obtained for different scenarios of biomass availability (40–80%), energy sale prices (90–100 USD/MWh) and transport costs (0.3–0.4 USD/tkm). The results indicate that 18 of the 572 farms would be good candidates to site a biogas plant in at least one of the scenarios. A maximum of eight farms appear in a scenario with 80% of biomass availability and a transport cost of 0.3 USD/tkm. This solution reaches a NPV of USD 3,538,394, which exceeds by more than 70% the USD 2,075,057 obtained with the solution retrieved by the NA function. As the algorithm presented obtained better results than the ArcGIS network analyst, it can be used as an appropriate design tool for biogas plant networks.
The effect of different deicing solutions on the moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixture
Authors: Abdi Kordani Ali , Seifi Seyed Hani , Ghasemzadeh Tehrani Hossein , Shirini Bahram 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The present research studies the effectiveness and efficiency of solutions such as sodium chloride, magnesium chloride and potassium acetate on asphalt pavement to reduce the damage caused by moisture on asphalt pavement in winter. To prevent the stripping problem in asphalt, Nano-Zycotherm with three quantities corresponding to 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3% weight of bitumen is used in this study. Under the saturated condition with the above solutions, the indirect tensile test performs by applying a freeze–thaw cycle as a means to measure the amount of moisture susceptibility. The results indicate that the asphalt mix containing 0.3% Nano-Zycotherm has a higher indirect tensile strength and tensile strength ratio than asphalt mix containing 0.1% and 0.2% Nano-Zycotherm. Accordingly, Magnesium chloride solution is the most effective deicing material to improve the indirect tensile strength and durability of asphalt pavements when faced with moisture and ice.

Article highlights

The presence of Nano-Zycotherm in asphalt leads to its increased resistance against stripping.

The use of Sodium chloride and potassium acetate deicing solutions causes some damages in asphalt.

Considering different solutions, magnesium chloride has the best performance against asphalt stripping.
Covariant functions of characters of compact subgroups
Authors: Ghaani Farashahi Arash 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper presents a systematic study for abstract harmonic analysis on classical Banach spaces of covariant functions of characters of compact subgroups. Let G be a locally compact group and H be a compact subgroup of G. Suppose that $$\xi :H\rightarrow \mathbb {T}$$

ξ
:
H
→
T

is a character, $$1\le p<\infty$$

1
≤
p
<
∞

and $$L_\xi ^p(G,H)$$

L
ξ
p

(
G
,
H
)

is the set of all covariant functions of $$\xi$$
ξ
in $$L^p(G)$$

L
p

(
G
)

. It is shown that $$L^p_\xi (G,H)$$

L
ξ
p

(
G
,
H
)

is isometrically isomorphic to a quotient space of $$L^p(G)$$

L
p

(
G
)

. It is also proven that $$L^q_\xi (G,H)$$

L
ξ
q

(
G
,
H
)

is isometrically isomorphic to the dual space $$L^p_\xi (G,H)^*$$

L
ξ
p

(
G
,
H
)

∗

, where q is the conjugate exponent of p. The paper is concluded by some results for the case that G is compact.
Outdoor air pollution and the onset and exacerbation of asthma
Authors: Madaniyazi Lina , Xerxes Seposo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractExposure to outdoor air pollution has been consistently associated with asthma. In this study, we reviewed the epidemiological studies published within the last 5 years on the association between outdoor air pollution and exacerbation and onset of asthma. A large number of studies have been published within the last 5 years. Short‐term exposure to outdoor air pollution is associated with exacerbation of pre‐existing asthma, manifested as worsening of symptoms and increasing of asthma‐related emergency room visits and hospital admissions. Furthermore, increasing evidence suggests that long‐term exposure to outdoor air pollution can result in onset of asthma. Children are more susceptible to outdoor air pollution. Future studies should be conducted to explore the mechanisms underlying the association between air pollutants and onset of asthma, including gene involvement. In addition, disentangling the effect of a mixture of air pollutants and identifying the key components of air pollution will complete the existing evidence. More importantly, a better understanding is required on the future impact of air pollution on asthma under a changing climate.
Committed to Better Outcomes: Reducing Infection after Surgery Across the Ontario Surgical Quality Improvement Network
Authors: Jackson Timothy D. , Beath Tricia , Ahmad Nancy , Arsenault Pierrette Price , Maeda Azusa , Schramm David , Moloo Husein , Nathens Avery 
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND:
In 2015, the Ontario Surgical Quality Improvement Network was established to create a community of practice for Ontario hospitals to improve surgical quality. A provincial campaign to decrease postsurgical infections was launched in 2017.

STUDY DESIGN:
Thirty hospitals implemented activities related to the campaign from April 2018 to March 2019. The community of practice was used to disseminate suggested change ideas in each area. Self-reported data from participating hospitals and collaborative-wide aggregate risk-adjusted data from the American College of Surgeons NSQIP were reviewed to determine the impact of the campaign on the rates of postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and pneumonia.

RESULTS:
A total of 24, 8, and 2 hospitals selected SSIs, UTIs, and pneumonia, respectively, as their targets for improvement. Three hospitals selected both SSIs and UTIs, 1 hospital selected SSIs and pneumonia, and 1 hospital selected all 3 indicators as targets. Self-reported data demonstrated that the rates of SSIs and UTIs decreased significantly post campaign from 4.87% to 3.99% (p < 0.0001) and from 3.65% to 1.25% (p = 0.007), respectively. Pneumonia rates also decreased from 1.27% to 1.05%. Overall rates of SSIs, UTIs, and pneumonia across all Ontario Surgical Quality Improvement Network hospitals were reduced from 3.4%, 1.29%, and 0.88% to 3.37%, 1.14%, and 0.84%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:
The 1-year campaign resulted in a clinically significant reduction in the rates of SSIs and UTIs, as well as a trend for decrease in pneumonia incidence among participating hospitals. Using a flexible approach with priority setting and leveraging the community of practice for dissemination of change ideas is an effective way of sustaining quality improvement activities.
Depicting Properties’ Properties
Authors: KULVICKI JOHN 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLittle has been said about whether pictures can depict properties of properties. This article argues that they do. As a result, resemblance theories of depiction must be changed to accommodate this phenomenon. In addition, diagrams and maps are standardly understood to represent properties of properties, so this article brings accounts of depiction closer to accounts of diagrams than they had been before. Finally, the article suggests that recent work on perceptual content gives us reason to believe we can perceive properties of properties.
Aeolian sediments in paleowetland deposits of the Las Vegas Formation
Authors: Goldstein Harland L. , Springer Kathleen B. , Pigati Jeffrey S. , Reheis Marith C. , Skipp Gary L. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe Las Vegas Formation (LVF) is a well-characterized sequence of groundwater discharge (GWD) deposits exposed in and around the Las Vegas Valley in southern Nevada. Nearly monolithologic bedrock surrounds the valley, which provides an excellent opportunity to test the hypothesis that GWD deposits include an aeolian component. Mineralogical data indicate that the LVF sediments are dominated by carbonate minerals, similar to the local bedrock, but silicate minerals are also present. The median particle size is ~35 μm, consistent with modern dust in the region, and magnetic properties contrast strongly with local bedrock, implying an extralocal origin. By combining geochemical data from the LVF sediments and modern dust, we found that an average of ~25% of the LVF deposits were introduced by aeolian processes. The remainder consists primarily of authigenic groundwater carbonate as well as minor amounts of alluvial material and soil carbonate. Our data also show that the aeolian sediments accumulated in spring ecosystems in the Las Vegas Valley in a manner that was independent of both time and the specific hydrologic environment. These results have broad implications for investigations of GWD deposits located elsewhere in the southwestern U.S. and worldwide.
Oxygen isotopes in terrestrial gastropod shells track Quaternary climate change in the American Southwest
Authors: Rech Jason A. , Pigati Jeffrey S. , Springer Kathleen B. , Bosch Stephanie , Nekola Jeffrey C. , Yanes Yurena 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRecent studies have shown the oxygen isotopic composition (δ18O) of modern terrestrial gastropod shells is determined largely by the δ18O of precipitation. This implies that fossil shells could be used to reconstruct the δ18O of paleo-precipitation as long as the isotopic system, including the hydrologic pathways of the local watershed and the gastropod systematics, is well understood. In this study, we measured the δ18O values of 456 individual gastropod shells collected from paleowetland deposits in the San Pedro Valley, Arizona that range in age from ca. 29.1 to 9.8 ka. Isotopic differences of up to 2‰ were identified among the four taxa analyzed (Succineidae,Pupilla hebes,Gastrocopta tappaniana, andVallonia gracilicosta), with Succineidae shells yielding the highest values andV.gracilicostashells exhibiting the lowest values. We used these data to construct a composite isotopic record that incorporates these taxonomic offsets, and found shell δ18O values increased by ~4‰ between the last glacial maximum and early Holocene, which is similar to the magnitude, direction, and rate of isotopic change recorded by speleothems in the region. These results suggest the terrestrial gastropods analyzed here may be used as a proxy for past climate in a manner that is complementary to speleothems, but potentially with much greater spatial coverage.
Does an inflammatory diet affect mental well-being in late childhood and mid-life? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Lycett Kate M. , Wijayawickrama Disna J. , Liu Mengjiao , Grobler Anneke , Burgner David P. , Baur Louise A. , Liu Richard , Lange Katherine , Wake Melissa , Kerr Jessica A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractInflammatory diets are increasingly recognised as a modifiable determinant of mental illness. However, there is a dearth of studies in early life and across the full mental well-being spectrum (mental illness to positive well-being) at the population level. This is a critical gap given that inflammatory diet patterns and mental well-being trajectories typically establish by adolescence. We examined the associations of inflammatory diet scores with mental well-being in 11–12-year-olds and mid-life adults. Throughout Australia, 1759 11–12-year-olds (49 % girls) and 1812 parents (88 % mothers) contributed cross-sectional population-based data. Alternate inflammatory diet scores were calculated from a twenty-six-item FFQ, based on the prior literature and prediction of inflammatory markers. Participants reported negatively and positively framed mental well-being via psychosocial health, quality of life and life satisfaction surveys. We used causal inference modelling techniques via generalised linear regression models (mean differences and risk ratios (RR)) to examine how inflammatory diets might influence mental well-being. In children and adults, respectively, a 1sdhigher literature-derived inflammatory diet score conferred between a 44 % (RR 95 % CI 1·2, 1·8) to 57 % (RR 95 % CI 1·3, 2·0) and 54 % (95 % CI 1·2, 2·0) to 86 % (RR 95 % CI 1·4, 2·4) higher risk of being in the worst mental well-being category (i.e. <16th percentile) across outcome measures. Results for inflammation-derived scores were similar. BMI mediated effects (21–39 %) in adults. Inflammatory diet patterns were cross-sectionally associated with mental well-being at age 11–12 years, with similar effects observed in mid-adulthood. Reducing inflammatory dietary components in childhood could improve population-level mental well-being across the life course.
Effects of water deficiency on preference and performance of an insect herbivore Ostrinia furnacalis
Authors: Duan M.Y. , Zhu H. , Wang H. , Guo S.Y. , Li H. , Jiang L.L. , Li X.T. , Xie G. , Ren B.Z. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWith further climate change still expected, it is predicted to increase the frequency with plants will be water stressed, which subsequently influences phytophagous insects, particularly Lepidoptera with limited mobility of larvae. Previous studies have indicated that oviposition preference and offspring performance of Lepidoptera insects are sensitive to drought separately. However, the integration of their two properties is not always seen. Here, we evaluated changes in oviposition selection and offspring fitness of a Lepidoptera insect under three water-stressed treatments using a model agroecosystem consisting of maize Zea mays, and Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis. Results found that female O. furnacalis preferred to laying their eggs on well-watered maize, and then their offspring tended to survive better, attained bigger larvae mass, and developed more pupae and adults on the preferred maize. Oviposition selection of O. furnacalis positively correlated with height and leaf traits of maize, and offspring fitness positively related with water content and phytochemical traits of hosts. Overall, these results suggest that oviposition choice performed by O. furnacalis reflects the maximization of offspring fitness, supporting preference–performance hypothesis. This finding further highlights that the importance of simultaneous evaluation of performance and performance for water driving forces should be involved, in order to accurately predict population size of O. furnacalis under altered precipitation pattern.
Individual- and community-level factors associated with underweight and overweight among women of reproductive age in Bangladesh: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Kamal S. M. Mostafa 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe co-existence of under- and overweight at population level around the globe is well documented. However, this has yet to be explored using suitable statistical techniques in the context of Bangladesh. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and risk factors for being underweight and overweight or obese compared with normal weight in ever-married non-pregnant women aged 15–49 years in Bangladesh using data from the most recent Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2014. Multilevel multinomial logistic regression (MLMLR) and quantile regression models were fitted to examine the associations of socioeconomic and individual-, household- and community-level factors on the nutritional status of women as measured by BMI. Overall, the prevalences of underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese women were 19%, 58%, 19% and 4%, respectively, in 2014. The MLMLR analysis revealed that women of young age, widowed/divorced/separated, having a larger family size and children aged ≤5 years in the household, currently amenorrhoeic and members of non-government organizations were at significantly increased risk of being underweight; those of older age, having higher parity, more educated, frequently watched TV and non-poor were more likely to be overweight or obese relative to normal BMI. Women from more affluent communities and urban areas were more likely to be overweight or obese relative to normal BMI than their counterparts from less-affluent and rural communities. Women’s nutritional status was found to be heterogeneous across the regions of the country. The findings indicate that, along with individual-level factors, community-level characteristics are also important in explaining women’s BMI in Bangladesh. The issue of under- and overweight or obesity among women in Bangladesh requires the immediate adoption of a public health policy for its mitigation. When developing intervention programmes, important determinants and uniform development of regions should be taken into consideration to combat the dual burden of under- and overweight among women in Bangladesh.
Exploring the determinants of regional health governance modes in the Global South: A comparative analysis of Central and South America
Authors: Agostinis Giovanni , Parthenay Kevin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWhat explains the variation in how states collectively deal with public health challenges across different regions? We tackle this puzzle by comparing the regional health governance efforts pursued within the Central American Integration System (SICA) and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR). We show that Central America's health governance has been driven by external actors, whereas South America's was driven by states within the region, and remained insulated from external actors’ influence. We argue that the explanation for such variation lies in the interplay of state capacity and regional leadership. In Central America, weak state capacity combined with the absence of a regional leader willing to provide governance resources. This opened up space for external actors to contribute actively to regional health governance, complementing the governance of Central American governments. In South America, Brazil's regional leadership mobilised neighbouring states’ capacities by promoting a South-South cooperation agenda based on intra-regional exchanges among national health bureaucracies, which, however, proved vulnerable to intergovernmental conflicts. Through the comparison of Central and South America, the article bridges the gap between global health governance scholarship and comparative regionalism, providing new insights on the determinants and effects of regional health governance modes in the Global South.
The baths at Kom el-Dikka in Alexandria as a foundation of Constantine the Great? Reconsidering the inscribed mark ΦΛ ΑΝΤ
Authors: Kordas Anna Urszula 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis article aims to reconsider the inscribed marks on reused Ionic capitals found within the area of the baths at Kom el-Dikka in Alexandria. The marks ΦΛ ΑΝΤ are reconstructed as the name of a prefect of Egypt, Flavius Antonius Theodorus (337 and 338 CE). This connection, as well as reconsideration of the archaeological evidence, provides precise clues to the dating of the baths’ foundation. Column capitals of earlier date, which were reused in the baths and inscribed with the name of the prefect of Egypt, suggest this official's involvement in supplying building material for the construction. This evidence provides an opportunity to reconsider the duties of the prefect of Egypt in the 4th c. CE.
Neuropsychological Profile of Intellectually Gifted Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bucaille Aurélie , Jarry Christophe , Allard Justine , Brochard Sylvain , Peudenier Sylviane , Roy Arnaud 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjective:The term intellectually gifted (IG) refers to children of high intelligence, which is classically measured by the intelligence quotient (IQ). Some researchers assume that the cognitive profiles of these children are characterized by both strengths and weaknesses, compared with those of their typically developing (TD) peers of average IQ. The aim of the present systematic review was to verify this assumption, by compiling data from empirical studies of cognitive functions (language, motor skills, visuospatial processing, memory, attention and executive functions, social and emotional cognition) and academic performances.Method:The literature search yielded 658 articles, 15 of which met the selection criteria taken from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses model. We undertook a qualitative summary, to highlight any discrepancies between cognitive functions.Results:IG children exhibited better skills than TD children in a number of domains, including attention, language, mathematics, verbal working memory, shifting, and social problem solving. However, the two groups had comparable skills in visuospatial processing, memory, planning, inhibition, and visual working memory, or facial recognition.Conclusion:Although IG children may have some strengths, many studies have failed to find differences between this population and their TD peers on many other cognitive measures. Just like any other children, they can display learning disabilities, which can be responsible for academic underachievement. Further studies are needed to better understand this heterogeneity. The present review provides pointers for overcoming methodological problems and opens up new avenues for giftedness research.