bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on the Chemical Stability of Phosphate-Bonded Al2O3-Based Ceramic Foam Filters (CFFs)
Authors: Bergin Are , Voigt Claudia , Fritzsch Robert , Akhtar Shahid , Arnberg Lars , Aneziris Christos G. , Aune Ragnhild E. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Production of high-quality aluminum products requires an extensive melt treatment process, even more so with the increasing focus on recycling and sustainability. Filtration is a commonly used process segment for removal of non-metallic inclusions in aluminum, and ceramic foam filters (CFFs) are often used as the filtration media. In the present study, the chemical stability of phosphate-bonded Al2O3-based CFFs has been investigated. Three filters with different chemical compositions have been submerged into pure aluminum (with traces of Mg) and in an aluminum-magnesium melt (~ 2 wt pct Mg) at 730 °C. In addition to filter characterization before and after exposure to molten metal, using various imaging and X-ray techniques, the melt itself was analyzed by spark optical emission spectroscopy. The generation of phosphine gas was also measured by the use of Dräger tubes, and thermodynamic calculations performed using FactSage™. The phosphate-bonded filters were observed to react with the magnesium present in the molten aluminum even at very low magnesium concentrations (0.00035 wt pct), and as the magnesium concentration increased the severity of the degradation became more and more evident. The exposure time proved to have detrimental effect on the filter structure, with pieces of the filter struts broken off causing melt contamination. Severe filter degradation also resulted in color changes with accompanying diffusion of magnesium and phosphorus to and from the filter, respectively. Moreover, phosphine gas was released in amounts exceeding recommended exposure limits when the filter came in contact with the humidity in the air after testing. Good agreement was established to exist between the results from the thermodynamic calculations performed and the experimental results.
The effect of Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis on psychological symptom severity in a sample of clinically diverse males and females
Authors: Ganci Michael , Butt Henry , Tyrrell Jean , Suleyman Emra , Ball Michelle 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHealth outcomes associated with Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis are disparate and controversial, ranging from health benefits, to years of asymptomatic carriage, through to severe illness. Evidence that Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis are commensal members of the gut microbiota is growing. Despite this, little to no research exists investigating the potential effect of these protozoa on psychological symptom expression. As such, the aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to be the first to investigate the effect of protozoan carriage on severity of Depressive, Neurocognitive, Stress and Anxiety, and Sleep and Fatigue symptoms, and whether this effect changes as a function of sex. The prevalence of D. fragilis was significantly higher in females compared to males, however there were no sex differences in prevalence for Blastocystis sp. (data used in the current study contained ST1, ST3, and Blastocystis ST unspecified) or co-carriage of the two. Females reported significantly more severe symptoms across all four psychological domains compared to males. There was no significant interaction between sex and Blastocystis sp. carriage on psychological symptom severity, and no significant main effect of Blastocystis sp. on symptom severity compared to those who tested negative for protozoa. When investigating the sexes separately, there was no effect of protozoan carriage on psychological symptom expression in either males or females. These findings add weight to the argument that Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis are not necessarily pathogenic and are likely to be part of a diverse gut (which is typically associated with better health outcomes). Further research is required given that protozoan members of the gut microbiota have been largely ignored in brain-gut-microbiota axis research.
Sample identification and pedigree reconstruction in Wolverine (Gulo gulo) using SNP genotyping of non-invasive samples
Authors: Ekblom Robert , Aronsson Malin , Elsner-Gearing Franziska , Johansson Malin , Fountain Toby , Persson Jens 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFor conservation genetic studies using non-invasively collected samples, genome-wide data may be hard to acquire. Until now, such studies have instead mostly relied on analyses of traditional genetic markers such as microsatellites (SSRs). Recently, high throughput genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has become available, expanding the use of genomic methods to include non-model species of conservation concern. We have developed a 96-marker SNP array for use in applied conservation monitoring of the Scandinavian wolverine (Gulo gulo) population. By genotyping more than a thousand non-invasively collected samples, we were able to obtain precise estimates of different types of genotyping errors and sample dropout rates. The SNP panel significantly outperforms the SSR markers (and DBY intron markers for sexing) both in terms of precision in genotyping, sex assignment and individual identification, as well as in the proportion of samples successfully genotyped. Furthermore, SNP genotyping offers a simplified laboratory and analysis pipeline with fewer samples needed to be repeatedly genotyped in order to obtain reliable consensus data. In addition, we utilised a unique opportunity to successfully demonstrate the application of SNP genotype data for reconstructing pedigrees in wild populations, by validating the method with samples from wild individuals with known relatedness. By offering a simplified workflow with improved performance, we anticipate this methodology will facilitate the use of non-invasive samples to improve genetic management of many different types of populations that have previously been challenging to survey.
Flap fixation in preventing seroma formation after mastectomy: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Velotti Nunzio , Limite Gennaro , Vitiello Antonio , Berardi Giovanna , Musella Mario 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSeroma formation following mastectomy is one of the most experienced complications, with a very variable incidence ranging from 3 to 90%. In recent years, many publications have been realized to define an effective technique to prevent its formation and several approaches have been proposed. Given the potential of flap fixation in reducing seroma formation, we performed a meta-analysis of the literature to investigate the role of this approach as definitive gold standard in mastectomy surgery. Inclusion criteria regarded all studies reporting on breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy with or without axillary lymph node dissection; studies that compared mastectomy with flap fixation to mastectomy without flap fixation were selected. Papers were eligible for inclusion if outcome was described in terms of seroma formation. As secondary outcome, also surgical site infection (SSI) was evaluated. The included studies were 12, involving 1887 female patients: 221/986 (22.41%) patients experienced seroma formation after flap fixation and 393/901 (43.61%) patients had this complication not receiving flap fixation, with a significant statistical difference between the two groups (OR = 0.267, p = 0.001, 95% CI 0.153, 0.464). About, SSI 59/686 (8.6%) in flap fixation group and 67/686 (9.7%) in patients without flap fixation, with no statistical differences between groups (OR = 0.59, p = 0.056, 95% CI 0.344, 1.013).The heterogeneity between included studies does not allow us to reach definitive conclusions but only to suggest the strong evaluation of this approach after mastectomy in seroma preventing and SSI reduction.
Dermal delivery of amitriptyline for topical analgesia
Authors: Kung Chin-Ping , Sil Bruno C. , Zhang Yanling , Hadgraft Jonathan , Lane Majella E. , Patel Bhumik , McCulloch Renée 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Amitriptyline, administered orally, is currently one of the treatment options for the management of neuropathic pain and migraine. Because of the physicochemical properties of the molecule, amitriptyline is also a promising candidate for delivery as a topical analgesic. Here we report the dermal delivery of amitriptyline from a range of simple formulations. The first stage of the work required the conversion of amitriptyline hydrochloride to the free base form as confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Distribution coefficient values were measured at pH 6, 6.5, 7, and 7.4. Solubility and stability of amitriptyline were assessed prior to conducting in vitro permeation and mass balance studies. The compound demonstrated instability in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) dependent on pH. Volatile formulations comprising of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and isopropyl myristate (IPM) or propylene glycol (PG) were evaluated in porcine skin under finite dose conditions. Compared with neat IPM, the IPM:IPA vehicles promoted 8-fold and 5-fold increases in the amount of amitriptyline that permeated at 24 h. Formulations containing PG also appear to be promising vehicles for dermal delivery of amitriptyline, typically delivering higher amounts of amitriptyline than the IPM:IPA vehicles. The results reported here suggest that further optimization of topical amitriptyline formulations should be pursued towards development of a product for clinical investigational studies.

Graphical abstract
Safety of adjuvant gemcitabine plus cisplatin chemotherapy in a patient with bilateral ureteral cancer undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Goto Yumiko , Kanao Kent , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Ikuo , Kajikawa Keishi , Onishi Masafumi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAn 80 year old Japanese man with bilateral ureteral cancer underwent laparoscopic bilateral nephroureterectomy and lymph-node dissection. The pathological stage of the left and right ureteral tumors was pT3pN0M0. He received two courses of adjuvant gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy while undergoing hemodialysis. The standard dose of gemcitabine and 50% of the standard dose of cisplatin were administered on the same day. Hemodialysis was started 6 h after gemcitabine administration and 1 h after cisplatin administration. The side effects were evaluated according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0. In the first course, Grade 4 side effects including leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia were observed. He was treated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and platelet transfusion. Because the second course was administered without reducing the doses, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was administered prophylactically, and Grade 4 side effects were reduced to Grade 3. Gemcitabine plus cisplatin chemotherapy can be administered safely in a patient with advanced ureteral cancer undergoing hemodialysis by adequately managing adverse events.
A rapid point-of-care assay accurately measures vitamin D
Authors: Albrecht K. , Lotz J. , Frommer L. , Lackner K. J. , Kahaly G. J. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Vitamin D (VitD) is a pleiotropic hormone with effects on a multitude of systems and metabolic pathways. Consequently, the relevance of a sufficiently high VitD serum level becomes self-evident.

Methods
A rapid immunofluorescence assay designed for the point-of-care measurement of serum VitD3 solely was tested. Inter- and intra-assay validation, double testing and result comparison with a standardized laboratory method were performed.

Results
An overall linear correlation of r = 0.89 (Pearson, 95% CI 0.88–0.92, p < 0.01) between the point of care and the conventional reference assay was registered. Accuracy and precision were of special interest at cut-points (10 ng/ml [mean deviation 1.7 ng/ml, SD 1.98 ng/ml, SE 0.16 ng/ml], 12 ng/ml [MD 0.41, SD 1.89, SE 0.19] and 30 ng/ml [MD − 1.11, SD 3.89, SE 0.35]). Only a slight deviation was detected between the two assays when using fresh (r = 0.91, 95% CI 0.86–0.94, p < 0.01) and frozen serum samples (r = 0.86, 0.82–0.89, p < 0.01). Results remained steady when samples were frozen several times. Inter- and intra-assay validation according to the CLSI protocol as well as multiuser testing showed stable results.

Conclusion
This novel, innovative, and controlled study indicates that the evaluated rapid point of care VitD assay is reliable, accurate, and suited for clinical practice.
Student Performance During a Simulated Patient Encounter Has No Impact on Debriefer Adherence to PEARLS Debriefing Model
Authors: McNutt Richard , Tews Matthew , Kleinheksel A. J. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Debriefing is necessary for effective simulation education. The PEARLS (Promoting Excellence and Reflective Learning in Simulations) is a scripted debriefing model that incorporates debriefing best practices. It was hypothesized that student simulation performance might impact facilitator adherence to the PEARLS debriefing model. There are no published findings on the effect of student performance on debriefer behavior.

Methods
Third-year medical students participated in a video-recorded, formative simulation to treat a high-fidelity mannequin for an asthma exacerbation. A faculty debriefer trained in the PEARLS model evaluated student performance with a standardized rubric and conducted a recorded debriefing. Debriefing recordings were analyzed for debriefer adherence to the PEARLS model. Debriefers were assigned a debriefing score (DS) from 0 to 13; 13 was perfect adherence to the model. Definitive intervention (DI) for asthma exacerbation was defined as bronchodilator therapy. Critical actions were as follows: a focused history, heart/lung exam, giving oxygen, and giving a bronchodilator.

Results
Mean DS for the debriefers of students who provided DI was 8.57; 9.14 for those students who did not (P = 0.25). Mean DS for debriefers of students who completed all critical actions was 8.68; 8.52 for those students who did not (P = 0.62). Analysis of elapsed time to DI showed no relationship between the time DI was provided and DS.

Conclusions
Student performance had no impact on debriefer performance, suggesting the PEARLS model is an effective aid for debriefers, regardless of learner performance. These findings suggest student performance may not bias facilitators’ ability to conduct quality debriefings.
Large-scale group decision-making based on Pythagorean linguistic preference relations using experts clustering and consensus measure with non-cooperative behavior analysis of clusters
Authors: Mandal Prasenjit , Samanta Sovan , Pal Madhumangal 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTo represent qualitative aspect of uncertainty and imprecise information, linguistic preference relation (LPR) is a powerful tool for experts expressing their opinions in group decision-making (GDM) according to linguistic variables (LVs). Since for an LV, it generally means that membership degree is one, and non-membership and hesitation degrees of the experts cannot be expressed. Pythagorean linguistic numbers/values (PLNs/PLVs) are novel choice to address this issue. The aim of this paper which we propose a GDM problem involved a large number of the experts is called large-scale GDM (LSGDM) based on Pythagorean linguistic preference relation (PLPR) with a consensus model. Sometimes, the experts do not modify their opinions to achieve consensus. Therefore, the experts’ proper opinions’ management with their non-cooperative behaviors (NCBs) is necessary to establish a consensus model. At the same time, it is essential to ensure the proper adjustment of the credibility information. The proposed model using grey clustering method is divided with the experts’ similar evaluations into a subgroup. Then, we aggregate the experts’ evaluations in each cluster. A cluster consensus index (CCI) and a group consensus index (GCI) are presented to measure consensus level among the clusters. Then, we provide a mechanism for managing the NCBs of the clusters, which contain two parts: (1) NCB degree is defined using CCI and GCI for identifying the NCBs of the clusters; (2) implemented the weight punishment mechanism of the NCBs clusters to consensus improvement. Finally, an example is offered for usefulness of the proposed approach.
Energy Sustainability with a Focus on Environmental Perspectives
Authors: Rosen Marc A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEnergy sustainability is a key consideration for anthropogenic activity and the development of societies, and more broadly, civilization. In this article, energy sustainability is described and examined, as are methods and technologies that can help enhance it. As a key component of sustainability, the significance and importance of energy sustainability becomes clear. Requirements to enhance energy sustainability are described, including low environmental and ecological impacts, sustainable energy resources and complementary energy carriers, high efficiencies, and various other factors. The latter are predominantly non-technical, and include living standards, societal acceptability and equity. The outcomes and results are anticipated to inform and educate about energy sustainability, to provide an impetus to greater energy sustainability.
Stakeholder collaboration and irrigation practices in Ghana: issues, challenges, and the way forward
Authors: Nalumu Dorothy Julian , Mensah Henry , Amponsah Owusu , Takyi Stephen Appiah 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn the era of climate change, irrigation is playing a pivotal role in stabilising food production, enabling dry season farming, and improving farmers’ livelihoods, particularly in Asia and African countries. Recently, Ghana has taken steps to respond to the concept of stakeholder collaboration to improve the irrigated agricultural sub-sector as well as enhance farmers’ resilience to changing climate. However, there is limited attention to recent diverging experiences on collaborative practices from irrigation stakeholders. Using the Weija Irrigation Scheme as a case study, this study explores stakeholders’ perceptions of collaborative practices in irrigation management by identifying gaps and providing suggestions to enhance stakeholder collaboration. We conducted focus group discussions with farmers and in-depth interviews with key informants, such as heads of farmer groups, government departments, agencies, and agricultural extension agents. Secondary data from conventional literature, organisational websites, and quarterly reports were also used. Following the integrated collaboration governance theory, effective collaboration was measured based on the tripartite prism of “principled engagement, shared motivation, and capacity for joint action”. Analysis of the data reveals that despite the central government’s resolve for collaborative irrigation planning and management, effective collaboration remains limited. Based on principle engagement, this study points out that weak communication and sharing of information remain in the planning and management of the Weija Irrigation Scheme. In terms of shared motivation, there were minimal commitment to joint project planning, exclusion of some key stakeholders from meetings, and negative attitudes towards collaboration. Finally, the capacity for joint action (e.g. lack of fund, time, staff, and equipment) is limited. The policy implications and suggestions for further research are presented in the study.
Monotone Function Problems and Statistical Selection Procedures
Authors: Schott Dieter 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMonotone function problems are introduced on a very elementary level to reveal the close connection to certain statistical problems. Equations $$F(x) = c$$

F
(
x
)
=
c

and inequalities $$F(x) \ge c$$

F
(
x
)
≥
c

with monotone increasing functions F are considered. Solution methods are stated. In the following, it is shown how some important problems of statistics, especially also statistical selection problems, can be solved by transformation to monotone function problems.
Heterogeneity in farmers’ willingness to produce bioenergy crops in the Midwest USA
Authors: Signorini Guilherme , Ortega David L. , Ross R. Brent , Peterson H. Christopher 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPrevious studies indicate that “hesitation” and “skepticism” are important barriers to the development of renewable energy industries in the United States. We examine whether key pecuniary and nonpecuniary characteristics of bioenergy crops underlie the hesitation argument. Based on a stated choice experiment, we find that Midwestern producers appreciate certain crop attributes that are found in switchgrass, but not in conventional crops. We also find that producers would be willing to grow switchgrass-like crops for net margins between $222/acre/year and $247/acre/year in marginal counties. We argue that farmers’ hesitation and skepticism toward bioenergy crops can be overcome.
Greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural cultivated soils using animal waste-based digestates for crop fertilization
Authors: Doyeni Modupe Olufemi , Stulpinaite Urte , Baksinskaite Ausra , Suproniene Skaidre , Tilvikiene Vita 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAgricultural waste contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions if not adequately recycled and sustainably managed. A recurring agricultural waste is livestock waste that has consistently served as feedstock for biogas systems. The objective of this study was to assess the use of animal waste digestate to mitigate GHG emissions in agricultural fields. Wheat (Triticumspp. L.) was fertilized with different types of animal waste digestate (organic fertilizers) and synthetic nitrogen fertilizer (inorganic fertilizer). The 170 kg N/ha presented in digestates were split fertilized at an application rate of 90 and 80 kg N/ha. Emissions of GHGs (carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O)) were monitored directly by a static chamber system. The soil and environmental variables were measured to determine their influence on GHG emissions. Emission peaks in N2O and CO2after the first application of fertilizers with the emissions flattening out over the cultivating season while CH4emission was negligible with no apparent patterns observed. Results showed individual and cumulative emissions of CO2, CH4and N2O from the digestates were relatively low and digestate fertilization could be an efficient method for reducing GHGs from agricultural sources in temperate climate conditions.