bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foreign Direct Investments and Environmental Quality in Sub-Sahara Africa: The Merits of Policy and Institutions for Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Duodu Emmanuel , Kwarteng Evans , Oteng-Abayie Eric Fosu , Frimpong Prince Boakye 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Environmental concerns in today’s world cannot be overemphasised. These concerns have interested policymakers and researchers to delve into the causes in order to help mitigate environmental deterioration and support policies and institutions for environmental sustainability. This study, therefore, investigates the association between foreign direct investment (FDI) and environmental quality, taking into account policies and institutions for environmental sustainability across 23 Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) countries. Employing the generalised method of moment (system-GMM) for the analysis, the results revealed, among others things, that FDI improves environmental quality in the long run, whereas in the short run, FDI diminishes environmental quality when interacted with policies and institutions for environmental sustainability. Furthermore, policies and institutions for environmental sustainability and domestic investment improve environmental quality in SSA in both the long and short run. The study, thus, concludes that policies and institutions for environmental sustainability in SSA are important as they improve environmental quality as well as complement FDI to improve environmental quality in the long run. The study further establishes that domestic investment is important to improve environmental quality in SSA. The study recommends policies for improving environmental quality to policymakers and stakeholders in SSA.
Overcoming patient-provider language barrier: Impact of a tailored language training on health professionals’ language proficiency
Authors: Mekuria Thomas , Urgie Tadesse , Tolu Lemi Belay , Abbas Ferid , Gashawbeza Biruck 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Provider-patient miscommunication in the health care setting can have fatal consequences. Our quality improvement project aims to evaluate an intervention deployed to overcome patient provider language barrier at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC).Method A baseline assessment was conducted to assess the language mix of patients presenting to the hospital. Medical Afaan Oromoo (MAO) project was then designed to teach Afaan Oromoo to health care professionals in a 3-month period. The effectiveness of the project was evaluated with standardized pre and post training assessment tools.Results Most patients seeking care at the hospital speak Afaan Oromoo (56%), while only 8.9% of health care providers were able to communicate in Afaan Oromoo. The language training project was able to improve language proficiency from a baseline of Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale Level 0 to Level 2 in 96% of trainees. Conclusions The tailored language training project was able to bring about a significant change in health professionals Afaan Oromo language proficiency. However, further research is needed to ascertain its impact in actual Afaan Oromoo language incongruous clinical settings.
Deploying new generation sequencing for the&nbsp;study of flesh color depletion in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Vo Thu Thi Minh , Nguyen Tuan Viet , Amoroso Gianluca , Ventura Tomer , Elizur Abigail 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The flesh pigmentation of farmed Atlantic salmon is formed by accumulation of carotenoids derived from commercial diets. In the salmon gastrointestinal system, the hindgut is considered critical in the processes of carotenoids uptake and metabolism. In Tasmania, flesh color depletion can noticeably affect farmed Atlantic salmon at different levels of severity following extremely hot summers. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed to investigate the reduction in flesh pigmentation. Library preparation is a key step that significantly impacts the effectiveness of RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) experiments. Besides the commonly used whole transcript RNA-Seq method, the 3’ mRNA-Seq method is being applied widely, owing to its reduced cost, enabling more repeats to be sequenced at the expense of lower resolution. Therefore, the output of the Illumina TruSeq kit (whole transcript RNA-Seq) and the Lexogen QuantSeq kit (3’ mRNA-Seq) was analyzed to identify genes in the Atlantic salmon hindgut that are differentially expressed (DEGs) between two flesh color phenotypes.Results: In both methods, DEGs between the two color phenotypes were associated with metal ion transport, oxidation-reduction processes, and immune responses. We also found DEGs related to lipid metabolism in the QuantSeq method. In the TruSeq method, a missense mutation was detected in DEGs in different flesh color traits. The number of DEGs found in the TruSeq libraries was much higher than the QuantSeq; however, the trend of DEGs in both library methods was similar and validated by qPCR.Conclusion: Flesh coloration in Atlantic salmon is related to lipid metabolism in which apolipoproteins, serum albumin and fatty acid-binding protein genes are hypothesized to be linked to the absorption, transport and deposition of carotenoids. Our findings suggest that Grp could inhibit the feeding behavior of low color-banded fish, resulting in the dietary carotenoid shortage. Several SNPs in genes involving in carotenoid-binding cholesterol and oxidative stress were detected in both flesh color phenotypes. Regarding the choice of the library preparation method, the selection criteria depend on the research design and purpose. The 3’ mRNA-Seq method is ideal for targeted identification of highly expressed genes, while the whole RNA-Seq method is recommended for identification of unknown genes, enabling the identification of splice variants and trait-associated SNPs, as we have found for Duox2 and DuoxA1.
Obstructive Hydrocephalus in Children: Predictive factors of ventriculocisternostomy dysfunction at the CHU of Conakry.
Authors: Souare Ibrahima Sory , Sylla Mohamed Lamine , Souaré Ibrahima Sory Jnr , Atakla Hugues Ghislain , Cherif Mohamed , Diawara Seylan , Kezely Beavogui Luc 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Context and Objective: The treatment of hydrocephalus is surgical and uses two (2) main methods to date: ventriculoperitoneal shunt and endoscopic ventriculocisternostomy. The latter offers the advantage of avoiding the implantation of a foreign body (valve) in the body. However, there are sometimes dysfunctions that can lead to the evolutionary continuation of hydrocephalus. The objective of this study is to identify factors predictive of endoscopic ventriculocisternostomy dysfunction in cases of obstructive hydrocephalus in children at the University Hospital Center in Conakry.Methods and Materials: This is a mixed analytical study of 32 cases of children aged 0-15 years who received endoscopic ventriculocisternostomy during the study period. Outcomes were evaluated according to Drake and Canadian Pediatric Neurosurgery Group clinical criteria. Results: The hospital frequency was 17% and a sex ratio (M/F) of 1.13. Clinical signs were dominated by progressive macrocraniality (93.8%), bulging fontanel (84.4%), ectasia of scalp veins (68.8%). cerebrospinal fluid leakage (9.4%) was the most frequent post-operative complication. According to age, VCS was successful in 16 infants (55.2%) and dysfunction in 13 (44.8%) while 2 children (66.7%) were successful with VCS versus 1 (33.3%) with dysfunction. We recorded one case of death.Conclusion: The factors often associated with the dysfunction of the endoscopic ventriculocisternostomy found in this study are essentially: age, bulging fontanelle, ectasia of the scalp veins, arachnoid adhesions, closure of the Sylvius aqueduct and pulsation of the bottom of the third ventricle. In the absence of a statistically significant relationship, it would be useful to analyse these parameters closely on a much larger sample.
Effect of Anterior Capsule Polishing on the Rate of Neodymium: YAG Laser Capsulotomy in Multifocal Intraocular Lens
Authors: Li Honglei , Bai Huiran , Liu Dongle , Han Yanfeng , Wu Xiaoming 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose

Herein, we elucidated the effect of anterior capsule polishing (ACP) during cataract surgery on the rate of neodymium: YAG (Nd: YAG) laser capsulotomy in multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL).
Methods

We extracted the medical records of patients who underwent phacoemulsification with MIOL between May 2016 and April 2017 from the files of the patients, and the follow-ups of fewer than 3 years were excluded. The participants were divided into the ACP group and the non- ACP group based on whether the anterior capsule was polished. The primary outcome was whether to perform Nd: YAG capsulotomy during the follow-up. We analyzed the time from IOL implantation to Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy using the Kaplan-Meier survival curves.
Results

The ACP group comprised 70 eyes and non-ACP group, 60 eyes. One year postoperatively, 7.14% of the eyes in the ACP group and 8.33% in the non-ACP group required Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy (P > 0.99). After 2 years, it was 24.29% and 18.33%, respectively (P = 0.52). After 3 years, it was 30.0% and 28.33% respectively (P = 0.85). There was no distinct difference in the probability for Nd: YAG laser between the ACP group and the non-ACP group evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves (P = 0.81). Patients with implantation of diffractive MIOL (AT LISA tri 839MP) had a high probability of requiring Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy.
Conclusion

Polishing the anterior capsule had no remarkable effect on reducing the rate of Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy after phacoemulsification in MIOL.
Aging power spectrum of membrane protein transport and other subordinated random walks
Authors: Fox Zachary , Barkai Eli , Krapf Diego 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Single-particle tracking offers detailed information about the motion of molecules in complex environments such as those encountered in live cells, but the interpretation of experimental data is challenging. One of the most powerful tools in the characterization of random processes is the power spectral density. However, because anomalous diffusion processes in complex systems are usually not stationary, the traditional Wiener-Khinchin theorem for the analysis of power spectral densities is invalid. Here, we employ a recently developed tool named aging Wiener-Khinchin theorem to derive the power spectral density of fractional Brownian motion coexisting with a scale-free continuous time random walk, the two most typical anomalous diffusion processes. Using this analysis, we characterize the motion of voltage-gated sodium channels on the surface of hippocampal neurons. Our results show aging where the power spectral density can either increase or decrease with observation time depending on the specific parameters of both underlying processes.
Comparing NeuroQuant and volBrain Software for Automated Brain Analysis
Authors: Koussis Panagiotis , Glotsos Demetrios , Lamprou Eleni , Toulas Panagiotis , Gyftopoulos Anastasios , Kehagias Demetrios , Lavdas Eleftherios 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background and PurposeAutomated brain volume analysis from MRI images, is gaining an important role in computer-aided diagnosis. This study compares the volumes of brain segments that measured by two automated brain analysis software: NeuroQuant and volBrain. The aim is to investigate the quantitative and qualitative reliability of automated brain analysis.MethodsWe compared same brain segment volume measurements, from 45 patients, that calculated with both NeuroQuant and volBrain software. The statistical two-tailed unpaired t-test method used to determine if there is a significant difference on the same segment measurements performed from each software. Additionally, least square method used, to provide any evidence of linear correlation between them. In a case of extreme difference, manual volume measurement of a segment was performed, with JIM8 software.ResultsFrom the comparison of brain segments volumetric measurements made by NeuroQuant and volBrain, the differences for the Intracranial Cavity, Putamen, Thalamus and Amygdala considered extremely significant, the Whole Brain, Cerebellum, Hippocampus considered not significant, White Matter considered quite significant. In most cases strong linear correlation between the two software measurements found.ConclusionsThe unexpected significant differences found in some segments raised questions about the reliability of automated volume analysis as a quantitative tool. Strong linear correlation of the volumes presents that both software finally provides good qualitative information on brain structures, which is an important factor for computed aided diagnosis.
Survival rate of primary molar restorations is not influenced by hand mixed or encapsulated GIC: 24 months RCT
Authors: Oliveira Rodolfo de Carvalho , Camargo Lucila Basto , Novaes Tatiane Fernandes , Pontes Laura Regina Antunes , Olegário Isabel Cristina , Gimenez Thais , Pássaro Ana Laura , Tedesco Tamara Kerber , Braga Mariana Minatel , Mendes Fausto Medeiros , Raggio Daniela Prócida 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Glass ionomer cements (GIC) have been considered the top option to restore primary teeth by dentists. The most common supply forms are hand-mixed and encapsulated GIC. There is a lack of information about the impact of different GIC supply forms on restoration survival. This randomized clinical trial compared the survival rate of occlusal and occlusoproximal restorations in primary molars using two of glass ionomer cements versions: hand-mixed (H/M) and encapsulated (ENC) after 24 months. Children aged 3-10 years who presented dentin caries lesions in primary molars were selected at School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil. They were randomly assigned to groups: H /M (Fuji IX®, GC Europe) or ENC (Equia Fill®, GC Europe). The occurrence of restoration failure was evaluated by two blinded and calibrated examiners. The analyses were performed in Stata 13 (StataCorp, USA). To evaluate the primary outcome (restoration survival), we performed an intention to treat (ITT) analysis at 24 months of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to verify the survival of the restorations while Cox Regression with shared frailty was performed to assess association between restoration failure and independent variables (α=5%). Results: A total of 324 restorations were performed in 145 children. The survival for H/M group was 58.2% and 60.1% for ENC, with no difference (p=0.738). Occlusoproximal restorations had lower survival rate when compared to occlusal ones (HR=3.83; p<0.001). Conclusions: The survival rate in primary molar is not influenced by the different supply forms of GIC This randomized clinical trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.Gov on 10/15/2014 under protocol (NCT 02274142).
Effect of Time-Varying Moving Structures on the Spatial Accuracy of Five-Axis Machine Tools
Authors: Chan Tzu-Chi , Yang Jyun-Sian 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Machine tools are constantly in motion during machining; however, studies have not considered the effect of the dynamic and static characteristics of the machine caused by the movement of the structure over time. In this study, the time-varying moving structure in the spatial coordinate arm is analyzed to improve the spatial accuracy of the motion of a five-axis machine tool in the cutting area. The objective is to design a high-speed five-axis moving-column machine tool and to perform structural analysis of spatial accuracy. We studied the static and dynamic characteristics of a five-axis machine tool, designed and improved its mechanical structure, and optimized its structural configuration. With further analysis, the entire machine structure was enhanced to improve its static and dynamic characteristics. The static and dynamic characteristics of the machine structure were found to directly affect its processing performance and the precision of the workpiece machined by the tool. Through this study, the design technology for speed, accuracy, and surface roughness of the machine tool was further improved.
Wear Properties of Nanoclay Modified Basalt Fibre Composites Under Dry Adhesive Sliding, Two-body Abrasive and Slurry Pot Erosive
Authors: Talib Anis Adilah Abu , Jumahat Aidah , Jawaid Mohammad , Sapiai Napisah , Rajini Nagarajan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper reports the effect of 1.0 wt%, 3.0 wt% and 5.0 wt% nanoclay loadings on specific wear rate properties of basalt fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP) composites. The specific wear rate properties of the BFRP composites were analysed at three different wear conditions, i.e. dry adhesive sliding, two-body abrasion and slurry pot erosion in which the composites slide against smooth steel, rough silicon carbide and medium coarse sand mixture, respectively. The operating parameters for the wear tests were set at 30 N load, 300 rpm speed and 10 km distance. The results demonstrated that nanoclay incorporation enhanced the adhesive and erosive wear properties of BFRP composites up to 32% and 51%, respectively. In contrast, nanoclay incorporation deteriorated the abrasive wear properties of BFRP with increasing in nanoclay loading. The morphology of worn surfaces was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study the wear behavior of the nanoclay modified BFRP composites. It concluded that nanoclay incorporation exhibited significant influence on wear properties of the polymer composites depending on the wear environment condition.
Analytical Investigation Into Feather Decoration Technique of 17th-18th Century Chinese Royal Hanging Screen
Authors: Gu An , Wang Na , Kong Yan-ju , Hou Jia-yu , Li Gen , Lei Yong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Decoration with feather was a universal phenomenon in human history. Objects decorated with feathers were regarded as fine artworks and hence were enormously prized. In ancient China, dotting a surface with kingfisher-feather blue was the most famous, complex and delicate feather decoration technique, called diancui. Although various ancient diancui artworks appear in many museums around the world and some researches have achieved significant results on the history, technique and conservation of diancui, but some key historical details are still not clear. In this research, by the opportunity of restoration, an important collection of the Palace Museum - the “Feather Decoration Hanging Screen with Birds and Flowers Pattern” was rounded analyzed by various scientific technologies. This object is a Chinese royal artwork of Qing dynasty (17th-18th century), decorated with kingfisher and several other bird’s feathers, and present the highest level of this period. As a typical and valuable case, the result provides important clues for solving unclear questions for related academic field.
The Effect of Induced Diabetes Mellitus on the Cerebellar Cortex of Adult Male Rat and the Possible Protective Role of Oxymatrine: A Histological, Immunohistochemical and Biochemical Study
Authors: Shalaby Amany Mohamed , Aboregela Adel Mohamed , Alabiad Mohamed Ali , Sadek Mona Tayssir 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents a widespread metabolic disease with a well-known neurotoxicity in both central and peripheral nervous systems. Oxymatrine is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has various pharmacological activities including; anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory potentials. The present work aimed to study the impact of diabetes mellitus on the cerebellar cortex of adult male albino rat and to evaluate the potential protective role of oxymatrine using different histological methods. Fifty-five adult male rats were randomly divided into three groups: group I served as control, group II was given oxymatrine (80 mg/kg/day) orally for 8 weeks and group III was given a single dose of streptozotocin (50mg/kg) intaperitoneally to induce diabetes. Then diabetic rats were subdivided into two subgroups: subgroup IIIa that received no additional treatment and subgroup IIIb that received oxymatrine similar to group II. The diabetic group revealed numerous changes in the Purkinje cell layer in the form of multilayer arrangement of Purkinje cells, shrunken cells with deeply stained nuclei as well as focal loss of the Purkinje cells. A significant increment in GFAP and synaptophysin expression was reported. Transmission electron microscopy showed irregularity and splitting of myelin sheaths in the molecular layer, dark shrunken Purkinje cells with ill-defined nuclei, dilated Golgi saccules and dense granule cells with irregular nuclear outlines in the granular layer. In contrast, these changes were less evident in diabetic rats that received oxymatrine. In conclusion, Oxymatrine could protect the cerebellar cortex against changes induced by DM.
Terahertz Absorption Characteristics of Guar Gum Determined via Microfluidic Technology
Authors: Zhang Fengxuan , Wang Guoyang , Huang Haiyun , Chen Menghan , Zhang Sijia , Su Bo , Zhang Cunlin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The vibrational energy levels of many biomolecules correspond to the terahertz band; thus, terahertz technology can be used to identify these substances. Moreover, as the biological activity of most biomolecules can be observed only in aqueous solution, the characteristics of such biomolecules must be studied in aqueous solution. In this study, a simple microfluidic chip, a temperature control device and a strong electric field device were designed to study the terahertz absorption characteristics of guar gum for different temperatures, concentrations and electric field exposure durations, thus enabling the use of terahertz technology to analyse the characteristics of guar gum.
Appraisal of Various Predictors for Complicated Appendicitis in Adults; A Comparative Study Between Complicated and Non-Complicated Appendicitis
Authors: Mohammed Ayad Ahmad 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Acute appendicitis is the most common non traumatic surgical abdominal emergency, and is the first operation done by most of the general surgeon during their training period. The most important aspect in the management of acute appendicitis, is early diagnosis and intervention to avoid the development of complications.Patients and methods: This prospective study included 184 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis who were grouped into complicated and non- complicated appendicitis. Both groups were compared to detect predictors for complicated appendicitis to prevent delay management. Results: About 82.6% of our patients were below 30 years (mean: 23.8 years) and 59.2% were females. Histopathology confirmed acute appendicitis in 86.5 %, chronic appendicitis in 12.5%, and normal appendix in 1.1%. About 81.5% have ALVARADO score equal or greater than 7. Complicated appendicitis was diagnosed in 23.37% of patients. There was a significant correlation between complicated appendicitis and gender, rebound tenderness, elevated temperature, elevated WBC, shift to left of WBC and Modified Alvarado Scoring (P values 0.000,0.002,0.001,0.000,0.000, and 0.006), other parameters showed no significant correlations. Conclusion: The rate of complicated appendicitis should be reduced to decrease the associated morbidity, the presence of rebound tenderness, fever, high WBC count and sift to left, a score of 7 or more by modified ALVAADO score, and male sex are highly suggestive. The presence of these factors mandates early and prompt intervention.