bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Operational considerations for the management of non-communicable diseases in humanitarian emergencies
Authors: Bausch F. Jacquerioz , Beran D. , Hering H. , Boulle P. , Chappuis F. , Dromer C. , Saaristo P. , Perone S. Aebischer 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNon-communicable diseases (NCD) represent an increasing global challenge with the majority of mortality occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Concurrently, many humanitarian crises occur in these countries and the number of displaced persons, either refugees or internally displaced, has reached the highest level in history. Until recently NCDs in humanitarian contexts were a neglected issue, but this is changing. Humanitarian actors are now increasingly integrating NCD care in their activities and recognizing the need to harmonize and enhance NCD management in humanitarian crises. However, there is a lack of a standardized response during operations as well as a lack of evidence-based NCD management guidelines in humanitarian settings. An informal working group on NCDs in humanitarian settings, formed by members of the World Health Organization, Médecins Sans Frontières, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of the Red Cross and others, and led by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, teamed up with the University of Geneva and Geneva University Hospitals to develop operational considerations for NCDs in humanitarian settings. This paper presents these considerations, aiming at ensuring appropriate planning, management and care for NCD-affected persons during the different stages of humanitarian emergencies. Key components include access to treatment, continuity of care including referral pathways, therapeutic patient education/patient self-management, community engagement and health promotion. In order to implement these components, a standardized approach will support a consistent response, and should be based on an ethical foundation to ensure that the “do no harm” principle is upheld. Advocacy supported by evidence is important to generate visibility and resource allocation for NCDs. Only a collaborative approach of all actors involved in NCD management will allow the spectrum of needs and continuum of care for persons affected by NCDs to be properly addressed in humanitarian programmes.
Overview of host miRNA properties and their association with epigenetics, long non-coding RNAs, and Xeno-infectious factors
Authors: Heydarzadeh Samaneh , Ranjbar Maryam , Karimi Farokh , Seif Farhad , Alivand Mohammad Reza 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMicroRNA-derived structures play impressive roles in various biological processes. So dysregulation of miRNAs can lead to different human diseases. Recent studies have extended our comprehension of the control of miRNA function and features. Here, we overview some remarkable miRNA properties that have potential implications for the miRNA functions, including different variants of a miRNA called isomiRs, miRNA arm selection/arm switching, and the effect of these factors on miRNA target selection. Besides, we review some aspects of miRNA interactions such as the interaction between epigenetics and miRNA (different miRNAs and their related processing enzymes are epigenetically regulated by multiple DNA methylation enzymes. moreover, DNA methylation could be controlled by diverse mechanisms related to miRNAs), direct and indirect crosstalk between miRNA and lnc (Long Non-Coding) RNAs as a further approach to conduct intercellular regulation called “competing endogenous RNA” (ceRNA) that is involved in the pathogenesis of different diseases, and the interaction of miRNA activities and some Xeno-infectious (virus/bacteria/parasite) factors, which result in modulation of the pathogenesis of infections. This review provides some related studies to a better understanding of miRNA involvement mechanisms and overcoming the complexity of related diseases that may be applicable and useful to prognostic, diagnostic, therapeutic purposes and personalized medicine in the future.
Deep factor analysis for weather varied sense-through-foliage target detection
Authors: Xue Wenling , Jiang Ting , Sun Xuebin , Zheng Xiaokun , Ding Xue 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this paper, the influence of seasonal variation on target detection accuracy and the effectiveness of deep factor analysis (DFA) in signal denoising are studied. To extensively verify the universality of the DFA_based approach, a variety of target objects, including no target, human, wood board and iron cabinet targets, are measured in foliage environment under four different weather conditions. Then, after removing background noise from the collected data, deep factor analysis is carried out to reduce the impact of noise. The experimental results show that the influence of weather variation on target detection can be effectively eliminated by DFA_based algorithm, which can improve the average classification accuracy in all seasons. Finally, by means of cross validation, the effectiveness of DFA_based algorithm on signal denoising and the influence on target detection accuracy are further studied. The method is stable and universal in any weather conditions, even in hazy and snowy days, which can be stable at about 93%.
A new medium access control mechanism for energy optimization in WSN: traffic control and data priority scheme
Authors: Bouazzi Imen , Zaidi Monji , Usman Mohammed , Shamim Mohammed Zubair M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOver the last few years, energy optimization in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) has drawn the attention of both the research community and actual users. Sensor nodes are powered by attached batteries that are considered as a critical aspect of sensor nodes design. Besides, the constraint of the limited battery capacity is associated with the concern on how to reduce the energy consumption of nodes to extend the network lifetime. In this context, the purpose of this study is to implement an adaptive medium access control (MAC) for energy saving and traffic control enhancement. This program was designed to arrange nodes into two priority groups according to their traffic rate and data transmission packet delay. This fuzzy algorithm depends on their queue length where it is implemented into the carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) algorithm. However, other types of nodes should send their data during the contention-free period with a GTS reallocation scheme. Those nodes are classified as low priority access to the medium, and their data transmission is scheduled using time division multiple access methods. Moreover, this proposed scheme dynamically adjusts the contention access period length to ensure that nodes can complete their data transmission during the same super-frame. Simulation results are done using the network simulator tool (NS-2), and it has improved efficiency regarding the IEEE-802.15.4 standard.
Approximation theorems of a solution of amperometric enzymatic reactions based on Green’s fixed point normal-S iteration
Authors: Muangchoo-in Khanitin , Sitthithakerngkiet Kanokwan , Sa-Ngiamsunthorn Parinya , Kumam Poom 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this paper, the authors present a strategy based on fixed point iterative methods to solve a nonlinear dynamical problem in a form of Green’s function with boundary value problems. First, the authors construct the sequence named Green’s normal-S iteration to show that the sequence converges strongly to a fixed point, this sequence was constructed based on the kinetics of the amperometric enzyme problem. Finally, the authors show numerical examples to analyze the solution of that problem.
A survey on bandwidth-aware geo-distributed frameworks for big-data analytics
Authors: Bergui Mohammed , Najah Said , Nikolov Nikola S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn the era of global-scale services, organisations produce huge volumes of data, often distributed across multiple data centres, separated by vast geographical distances. While cluster computing applications, such as MapReduce and Spark, have been widely deployed in data centres to support commercial applications and scientific research, they are not designed for running jobs across geo-distributed data centres. The necessity to utilise such infrastructure introduces new challenges in the data analytics process due to bandwidth limitations of the inter-data-centre communication. In this article, we discuss challenges and survey the latest geo-distributed big-data analytics frameworks and schedulers (based on MapReduce and Spark) with WAN-bandwidth awareness.
Reducing glucoamylase usage for commercial-scale ethanol production from starch using glucoamylase expressing Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Wang Xin , Liao Bei , Li Zhijun , Liu Guangxin , Diao Liuyang , Qian Fenghui , Yang Junjie , Jiang Yu , Zhao Shumiao , Li Youguo , Yang Sheng 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe development of yeast that converts raw corn or cassava starch to ethanol without adding the exogenous α-amylase and/or glucoamylase would reduce the overall ethanol production cost. In this study, two copies of codon-optimized Saccharomycopsis fibuligera glucoamylase genes were integrated into the genome of the industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain CCTCC M94055, and the resulting strain CIBTS1522 showed comparable basic growth characters with the parental strain. We systemically evaluated the fermentation performance of the CIBTS1522 strain using the raw corn or cassava starch at small and commercial-scale, and observed that a reduction of at least 40% of the dose of glucoamylase was possible when using the CIBTS1522 yeast under real ethanol production condition. Next, we measured the effect of the nitrogen source, the phosphorous source, metal ions, and industrial microbial enzymes on the strain’s cell wet weight and ethanol content, the nitrogen source and acid protease showed a positive effect on these parameters. Finally, orthogonal tests for some other factors including urea, acid protease, inoculum size, and glucoamylase addition were conducted to further optimize the ethanol production. Taken together, the CIBTS1522 strain was identified as an ideal candidate for the bioethanol industry and a better fermentation performance could be achieved by modifying the industrial culture media and condition.
Effect of stem cell treatment on functional recovery of spinocerebellar ataxia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Appelt Pablo Andrei , Comella Kristin , de Souza Luciane Aparecida Pascucci Sande , Luvizutto Gustavo José 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Spinocerebellar ataxia is a hereditary neurodegenerative disease characterized by changes in balance, locomotion and motor coordination. Stem cell therapies are currently being investigated as an alternative to delay the evolution of the disease, and some experimental studies have investigated the effect of stem cell treatment on spinocerebellar ataxia.

Objectives
The aim of this review was to investigate whether the application of stem cells produced an effect on functional recovery in individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia.

Methods
The studies included in this review investigated the efficacy and safety of a protocol for the application of mesenchymal stem cells extracted from umbilical cord and adipose tissue. Two studies used intrathecal route for application and one study used intravenous route.

Results
Studies have shown clinical improvement in the scores of the ICARS (International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale), ADL (Activities of Daily Living Scale), BBS (Berg Balance Scale) and SARA (Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia), but lacked statistical significance.

Conclusions
There was low evidence for recommending stem cell therapy in individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia, and no statistical difference was observed for improving functional recovery of patients. Further studies are needed with different designs, largest sample sizes and placebo control, to fully understand anticipated outcomes of cellular therapy for spinocerebellar ataxia.
Do fur coats symbolize status or stigma? Examining the effect of perceived stigma on female consumers’ purchase intentions toward fur coats
Authors: Shin Daeun Chloe , Jin Byoungho Ellie 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAnimal fur garments have historically served as a status symbol. However, the fur fashion market has recently undergone two noteworthy transformations. Firstly, the anti-fur consumption movements have heavily stigmatized wearing fur for fashion. Secondly, due to technological advancements, fake alternatives made from synthetic fibers, referred to as faux fur, can be now made to look authentic. Through a survey, this study examined the effects of growing stigma around wearing fur on consumer behaviors. It investigated the moderating effects of perceived stigma on the relationship between the need for status and purchase intentions toward genuine fur coats as well as faux fur coats that look real. Two-hundred and twenty usable data were collected from 353 female participants recruited from an online panel. Results revealed that status-seeking consumers had higher purchase intentions toward both genuine fur coats and faux fur alternatives that look real. The moderating effects of perceived stigma were found only for genuine fur coats, indicating that perceived stigma can hurt the demand for genuine fur coats, but not necessarily for faux fur coats that look real. By incorporating stigma theory, this study goes beyond previous focus on the determinants of status consumption by demonstrating the transformation of a status symbol through perceived stigma’s effects on consumer purchasing decisions.
Drug prices in Latin American countries: the case of rheumatoid arthritis Biosimilars
Authors: Mosegui Gabriela Bittencourt Gonzalez , Antõnanzas Fernando , de Mello Vianna Cid Manso , Rojas Paula 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
The objective of this paper is to analyze the prices of biological drugs in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in three Latin American countries (Brazil, Colombia and Mexico), as well as in Spain and the United States of America (US), from the point of market entry of biosimilars.

Methods
We analyzed products authorized for commercialization in the last 20 years, in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, comparing them to the United States of America (USA) and Spain. For this analysis, we sought the prices and registries of drugs marketed between 1999 and October 1, 2019, in the regulatory agencies’ databases. The pricing between countries was based on purchasing power parity (PPP).

Results
The US authorized the commercialization of 13 distinct biologicals and four biosimilars in the period. Spain and Brazil marketed 14 biopharmaceuticals for RA, ten original, four biosimilars. Colombia and Mexico have authorized three biosimilars in addition to the ten biological ones. For biological drug prices, the US is the most expensive country. Spain’s price behavior seems intermediate when compared to the three LA countries. Brazil has the highest LA prices, followed by Mexico and Colombia, which has the lowest prices. Spain has the lowest values in PPP, compared to LA countries, while the US has the highest prices.

Conclusion
The economic effort that LA countries make to access these medicines is much higher than the US and Spain. The use of the PPP ensured a better understanding of the actual access to these inputs in the countries analyzed.
The untapped industrial crop, Cucumeropsis mannii: dry oil extraction, characterization and potential use as biodiesel feedstock and heavy metal sink
Authors: Okwundu Onyeka Stanislaus , Chiama Chimezie John , Chiama Chinedu James , Ucheagwu Pius Charles , Uzoma Ekene Kingsley , Okaro Chukwujekwu Augustine , Muojama Obiora Ebuka 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDue to the quest to meet a basic need – food, vast potentials of numerous African crops have remained unexplored. Cucumeropsis mannii, an invaluable West African melon, is cultivated for its edible proteinous oil-rich seeds. Here, we report for the first time, its potential use for biodiesel production over an uncommon heterogeneous nanocatalyst, and for wastewater treatment. An identification of the untapped species’ seed was made, for disambiguation. Oil (CMO) was expressed from the C. mannii seeds (CMS) and characterized. The CMS was found composed of 53.5% lipids, while 46.1% of the full-fat CMS flour was recovered as vegetable oil. Transesterification experiments were performed using a specially-prepared heterogeneous nanocatalyst derived from Eobania vermiculata shells, by varying successively: methanol/oil ratio, temperature, and reaction time. Maximum biodiesel (CMOME) yield of 86.2% was achieved at catalyst concentration of 5.4%, methanol to oil molar ratio of 9:1, reaction temperature of 60 °C, after 3 h of reaction. Furthermore, part of the polyunsaturated CMO was sulphur-functionalized and utilized at different dosage levels for extraction of Ag+ from 600 to 1500 ppm simulated water. The modified CMO exhibited desirable sorption properties – sinking 100% of Ag+ from 900 ppm water, after 7-h-phase-contact at 6.9 g (20 mL)− 1 dosage. Stagewise operation (multi-staging) was found capable of improving the extraction efficiency in highly concentrated wastewater. Although CMOME conformed to EN-14214 and ASTM D-6751 standards, it had low oxidation stability; making wastewater treatment a more faithful application. Regarding the crop’s food value, residual CMS cake remained edible, even with longer shelf-life (relative to the full-fat flour) – encouraging commercial flour-defattening and consequent availability of CMO for industrial applications. Lastly, it was concluded (with some relevant recommendations) that CMO has great potentials for use as biodiesel feedstock and as heavy metal removal agent.
Phytochemical comparison and evaluation of anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activity of three source plants of Jivanti-an important Ayurvedic drug
Authors: C. T. Sulaiman , C. K. Jyothi , G. Jinu Krishnan Unnithan , K. M. Prabhukumar , Balachandran Indira 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn Ayurveda, Jivanti is an important Rasayana drug that increases the energy level of the body. The botanical source of Jivanti is in a situation of controversy. The root ofLeptadenia reticulatais the genuine source plant for Jivanti as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India. However, other species such asHolostemma ada-kodienandFlickingeria nodosaare also used as source plants for Jivanti in various parts of the country. The objective of this study is to identify a scientifically validated alternative source plant for Jivanti by phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation.ResultsIn this study, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activities of various source plants for Jivanti were evaluated along with their phytochemical comparison.H. ada-kodienshowed significant anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activity when compared toL. reticulata.ConclusionThe study concluded the possibility of usingHolostemma ada-kodienas a substitute for Jivanti in the Ayurvedic drug industry.Graphical abstract
Acute Talar Cartilage Deformation in Those with and without Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: SONG KYEONGTAK , PIETROSIMONE BRIAN , BLACKBURN J. TROY , PADUA DARIN A. , TENNANT JOSHUA N. , WIKSTROM ERIK A. 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT

Purpose
This study aimed 1) to determine whether talar cartilage deformation measured via ultrasonography (US) after standing and hopping loading protocols differs between chronic ankle instability (CAI) patients and healthy controls and 2) to determine whether the US measurement of cartilage deformation reflects viscoelasticity between standing and hopping protocols.

Methods
A total of 30 CAI and 30 controls participated. After a 60-min off-loading period, US images of the talar cartilage were acquired before and after static (2-min single-leg standing) and dynamic (60 single-leg forward hops) loading conditions. We calculated cartilage deformation by assessing the change in average thickness (mm) for overall, medial, and lateral talar cartilage. The independent variables include time (Pre60 and postloading), condition (standing and dynamic loading), and group (CAI and control). A three-way mixed-model repeated-measures ANCOVA and appropriate post hoc tests were used to compare cartilage deformation between the groups after static and dynamic loading.

Results
After the static loading condition, those with CAI had greater talar cartilage deformation compared with healthy individuals for overall (−10.87% vs −6.84%, P = 0.032) and medial (−12.98% vs −5.80%, P = 0.006) talar cartilage. Similarly, the CAI group had greater deformation relative to the control group for overall (−8.59% vs −3.46%, P = 0.038) and medial (−8.51% vs −3.31%, P = 0.043) talar cartilage after the dynamic loading condition. In the combined cohort, cartilage deformation was greater after static loading compared with dynamic in overall (−8.85% vs −6.03%, P = 0.003), medial (−9.38% vs −5.91%, P = 0.043), and lateral (−7.90% vs −5.65%, P = 0.009) cartilage.

Conclusion
US is capable of detecting differences in cartilage deformation between those with CAI and uninjured controls after standardized physiologic loads. Across both groups, our results demonstrate that static loading results in greater cartilage deformation compared with dynamic loading.
The Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction: Promoting Implementation Fidelity
Authors: Shogren Karrie A. , Raley Sheida K. , Rifenbark Graham G. , Lane Kathleen Lynne , Bojanek Erin K. , Karpur Arun , Quirk Carol 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
There has been an increased focus on the tenets of implementation science in special education research, namely on the degree to which interventions are implemented as intended (i.e., fidelity of implementation) and factors that influence fidelity of implementation. For complex interventions, such as the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI), there is an ongoing need to refine conceptualizations of fidelity of implementation and the factors that influence it in inclusive educational contexts. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is two-fold: (1) to describe a framework for conceptualizing fidelity of implementation factors that influence fidelity when evaluating a complex intervention like the SDLMI and (2) to present initial content validity and internal consistency of a new measure designed to assess specific aspects of fidelity of implementation of the SDLMI in inclusive, general education classrooms. Implications and future directions for research in implementation science, special education, and self-determination interventions are described.
Machine-learning informed macro-meteorological models for the near-maritime environment
Authors: Jellen Christopher , Oakley Miles , Nelson Charles , Burkhardt John , Brownell Cody 
Published: February 2021

Macro-meteorological models predict optical turbulence as a function of weather data. Existing models often struggle to accurately predict the rapid fluctuations in

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in near-maritime environments. Seven months of

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field measurements were collected along an 890 m scintillometer link over the Severn River in Annapolis, Maryland. This time series was augmented with local meteorological measurements to capture bulk-atmospheric weather measurements. The prediction accuracy of existing macro-meteorological models was analyzed in a range of conditions. Next, machine-learning techniques were applied to train new macro-meteorological models using the measured

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and measured environmental parameters. Finally, the

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predictions generated by the existing macro-meteorological models and new machine-learning informed models were compared for four representative days from the data set. These new models, under most conditions, demonstrated a higher overall

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prediction accuracy, and were better able to track optical turbulence. Further tuning and machine-learning architectural changes could further improve model performance.