bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Various Bias Correction Methods on Precipitation of Regional Climate Model and Future Projection
Authors: S Gunavathi , R Selvasidhu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The application of regional climate model simulations (RCMs) in climate change impact studies is challengeable due to the risk of possible biases. Some sort of correction needs to be done prior to the application of RCM simulations. This study attempts to assess the performance of a simple (linear scaling and Delta Change method) and complex correction technique (Local intensity scaling, Power transformation and Distribution mapping) on CORDEX(Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment)simulated precipitation series for the Thanjavur district. The performance at annual resolution is evaluated using various statistical parameters such as Correlation, Root Mean Square Error and Bias against the observed precipitation data. The raw RCM estimates were improved significantly after the bias correction with all methods. However, Power transformation exhibits good agreement with the observed data at the district level than other methods because it corrects both the mean and variance. The future climate was projected from 2021 to 2100 for RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. The temporal distribution of future precipitation clearly shows that most of the years will receive heavy precipitation; rather, some years will receive low and average precipitation. The spatial distribution pattern indicates that the northeast monsoon will dominate over all the ranges and places. This study has provided clear information on future precipitation to the environmentalist, urban planners, and policymakers to take appropriate mitigation measures towards agriculture and disaster management. Rainwater harvesting, recharging the aquifers, afforestation, and redirecting the excess amount of water to the river through proper channels is the plausible actions suggested overcoming excessive precipitation in the future.
Well-defined nanostructuring with programmable anodic aluminium oxide template
Authors: Xu Rui , Zeng Zhiqiang , Lei Yong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Well-defined nanostructuring over size, shape, spatial configuration, and multi-combination is a feasible concept to reach unique properties of nanostructure arrays, while satisfying such broad and stringent requirements with conventional techniques is challenging. Here, we report programmable anodic aluminium oxide templates to address this challenge by achieving well-defined pore features within templates in terms of in-plane and out-of-plane shape, size, spatial configuration, and pore combination. The structural programmability of template pores arises from broad-range anodization voltage adjusting together with uneven aluminium anodization rate designing, and further relies on a systematic blueprint guiding pore diversification. Starting from the programmable templates, we realize a series of nanostructures that inherit equal structural controllability relative to their template counterparts. Proof-of-concept applications based on such nanostructures demonstrate boosted performance. In light of the broad selectivity and high controllability, programmable templates will provide an all-in-one platform for well-defined nanostructuring.
Longitudinal Study of Boxing Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease, Including Adverse Impacts of the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Horbinski Craig , Zumpf Katelyn B. , McCortney Kathleen , Eoannou Dean 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background:

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a highly prevalent neurodegenerative disease whose incidence is increasing with an aging population. One of the most serious manifestations of PD is gait instability, leading to falls and subsequent complications that can be debilitating, even fatal. Boxing therapy (BT) uses gait and balance exercises to improve ambulation in people with PD, though its efficacy has not yet been fully proven.
Methods:

In the current longitudinal observational study, 98 participants with idiopathic PD underwent twice-weekly BT sessions. Primary outcome was self-reported falls per month; secondary outcomes were quantitative and semi-quantitative gait and balance performance evaluations. Statistical methods included segmented generalized estimating equation with an independent correlation structure, binomial distribution, and log link.
Results:

The average number of self-reported falls per month per participant decreased by 87%, from 0.86 ± 3.58 prior to BT, to 0.11 ± 0.26 during BT. During the lockdown imposed by COVID-19, this increased to 0.26 ± 0.48 falls per month. Females and those > 65 years old reported the greatest increase in falls during the lockdown period. Post-lockdown resumption of BT resulted in another decline in falls, to 0.14 ± 0.33. Quantitative performance metrics, including standing from a seated position and standing on one leg, largely mirrored the pattern of falls pre-and post-lockdown.
Conclusions:
BT may be an effective option for many PD patients.
Factors Contributing to Inequality in Access to Urban Health Service Delivery in Low Resource Setting Country Bangladesh&nbsp;
Authors: Islam Mohammad Shafiqul , Kamal Muhammad Mustofa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Many poor people have limited accessibility in health services and also unable to afford quality health care for poor socio-economic conditions, income disparities, and socio-cultural barriers. This study attempts to examine the factors associated with accessibility and affordability of urban health services.Methods: This research is being carried out using mixed research approach. Primary data was collected using simple random sampling technique from 150 household’s residents in Sylhet City who have experience in receiving services from the urban public health care centers. This study uses a structured interview schedule both open ended as well as close ended questions. Moreover, descriptive statistics are used for analyzing field data. Results: This study found that 56% urban poor people have inadequate accessibility of health services as they have different types of financial difficulties including maintaining medical expenditure. The health system prevail discrepancy between mentioned services in citizen charter and availability of services as education and the existence of superstitions significantly impact on access to public health care but religion and age have a little impact in getting health services. Most of the respondents either satisfied (47%) or highly satisfied (29%) with the cordiality of senior consultants, and almost half of the respondents assumed the standard of cabin service is satisfactory (44%) as well as highly satisfactory (2%); however, wealthy and powerful people of the society always get privileges over disadvantaged people paying extra money or social network to get a cabin. Unfortunately, the professionalism of nurses and 4th class employees of public hospitals are not satisfactory. Moreover, the public health system exist a high level corruption and bureaucratic barrier that affect equal health service accessibility. Furthermore, adequate information is a more challenging factor than economic and cultural factors in access to adequate health care.Conclusion: Reform in health system management and service provision are useful for promoting accessibility in health services. Therefore, expansion of health coverage, introduction to health insurance scheme, empowerment of urban poor, and ensuring efficient and accountable health service management in public hospital must be ensured for getting adequate health services.
Inquiry into GeneXpert as a complementary MDR-TB diagnostic tool in North Korea: A follow-up study of North Korean TB drug resistance patterns
Authors: Lee Noori , Kwon Hojeong , Hwang Yoohyun , Ryoo Sungweon 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aims to investigate the usefulness of GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) in diagnosing rifampicin (RIF) resistance among the patients in the secluded sanatoria of North Korea. This article is a follow up of a report that explored the characteristics of drug resistance in North Korean Sanatoria, published in 2017. Xpert is used as a diagnostic tool to check for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in specific areas of North Korea by the Eugene Bell Foundation (EBF). While there are other diagnostic tools are used to test for RIF resistance, there is no other feasible method to consistently test for MDR-TB in North Korea. Currently, EBF exclusively uses Xpert in tuberculosis and RIF resistance diagnosis when providing medical support for tuberculosis patients in North Korea, where there is limited international access. Methods: We performed Xpert using cultured tuberculous bacilli of North Koreans and compared the result to the corresponding phenotypic drug susceptibility tests (pDST) and rifampicin resistant-determining region sequencing (RRDR). All samples were target-sequenced at the rpoB region, where unique RIF resistance related mutations, potentially specific to North Korea, were discovered.Results: Using the RRDR sequencing as the gold standard, Xpert’s sensitivity and specificity was 94.9% and 88.0%, respectively. In addition, we discovered several rare or novel mutations among the North Korean Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates.Conclusions: RIF detection in North Korea is possible using Xpert as an alternative to pDST, as this research has shown. This research is not only imperative to North Korea, but also in locations where there is limited access to conventional pDST.
Metagenomic Identification of a New Sarbecovirus from Horseshoe Bats in Europe
Authors: Crook Jack , Murphy Ivana , Carter Daniel , Pullan Steven , Carroll Miles , Vipond Richard , Cunningham Andrew , Bell Diana 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The source of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown, but the natural host of the progenitor sarbecovirus is thought to be Asian horseshoe (rhinolophid) bats. We identified and sequenced a novel sarbecovirus (RhGB01) from a British horseshoe bat, at the western extreme of the rhinolophid range. Our results extend both the geographic and species ranges of sarbecoviruses and suggest their presence throughout the horseshoe bat distribution. Within the receptor binding domain, but excluding the receptor binding motif, RhGB01 has a 77% (SARS-CoV-2) and 81% (SARS-CoV) amino acid homology. While apparently lacking hACE2 binding ability, and hence unlikely to be zoonotic without mutation, RhGB01 presents opportunity for SARS-CoV-2 and other sarbecovirus homologous recombination. Our findings highlight that the natural distribution of sarbecoviruses and opportunities for recombination through intermediate host co-infection are underestimated. Preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to bats is critical with the current global mass vaccination campaign against this virus.
Prediction of fiber breakage and matrix cracking in polymeric composites under low-cycle fatigue regimes by fuzzy and wavelet clustering of acoustic emission signals
Authors: Esfarjani Sattar Mohammadi , Azadi Mohammad , Alizadeh Mohsen , Sayar Hassan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
One of methods for detecting cracks and estimating their growth in materials such as composites is the acoustic emission technique. The detection of damages, cracks and their growth in industrial composite structures, under static and dynamic loads, has a significant importance, in order to prevent any damages and increase the reliability. Therefore, achieving required technical knowledge in this field, can be helpful in repairing and the maintenance of the part in industries. The prediction of the damage in polymeric composites under static loads has been already investigated by researchers; however, under cyclic loadings, researches about this behavior are still rare. In this study, by acoustic emission sensors and analyzing experimental data, the damage, including matrix cracking, the fiber breakage and other damages (debonding, fiber pull-out and delamination) during dynamic loading was investigated. At the first stage, standard specimens were made by the pure resin epoxy and the pure carbon fiber, subjected to monotonic tensile loading and then, the frequency of the failure was extracted. Then, composite specimens were loaded in the low-cycle fatigue regime. Mechanical test results and acoustic emission data were analyzed by fuzzy C-Means and wavelet transform methods and then compared to each other to find the percentage of failures in first, mid- and last cycles by the differentiation of failure types. Results clearly indicated that the acoustic emission approach is useful and an effective tool for identifying and detecting damages in polymeric composites.
The cross-sectional effects of ribbon arch wires on Class II malocclusion intermaxillary traction: A three-dimensional finite element analysis
Authors: Xie Qin , Li Duo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The application of intermaxillary traction is often accompanied by the unexpected movement of dentition, especially anchorage teeth. The aim of this study was to comprehensively compare the influence of cross-sectional shape of ribbon arch wires with edgewise and round wires on intermaxillary traction in Class II malocclusion treatment using FEA simulation.Methods: The dentofacial structure was simulated in finite element software. A retraction force of 1.5 N was applied to different cross-sectional orthodontic arch wires: a ribbon wire (0.025×0.017-inch and 0.025×0.019-inch), a rectangular wire (0.017×0.025-inch and 0.019×0.025-inch) and a round wire (Φ 0.018-inch and Φ 0.020-inch).Results: Among the three groups, ribbon wire (0.025×0.017-inch and 0.025×0.019-inch) exhibited the lowest displacement in the X-axis (12.61 μm and 12.77 μm, respectively) and Z-axis (8.99 μm and 9.06 μm, respectively). However, the 0.025×0.017-inch ribbon wire showed the highest Y-axis displacement. In the round wire group, Φ 0.020-inch wire displayed less rotation than Φ 0.018-inch wire, where the sagittal, frontal and occlusal rotation of Φ 0.020-inch wire was almost half of that of Φ 0.018-inch wire. The movement of the first molar region was intermediate between the ribbon arch group and the round wire group. Notably, the values of the 0.025×0.017-inch arch wire displacement, which were much higher than those of any other group, peaked at 0.019 mm in the central incisor region with a spike-like shape. The deformation range of the Φ 0.018-inch wire group was the largest in this study.Conclusions: The cross-section of the arch wire influenced force delivery in Class II intermaxillary traction. With the same shape, a larger cross-sectional area would lead to less mandibular dentition movement. For the rectangular arch wire and ribbon arch wire groups, since the height and width were inverted, the vertical displacement of anchorage teeth in the ribbon wire group was significantly reduced, but the possibility of buccal tipping in mandibular anterior teeth also increased.
Enhanced WSN Routing Protocol for Internet of Things to Process Multimedia Big Data
Authors: Rajasekar Vani , Jayapaul Premalatha , Krishnamoorthi Sathya , Saracevic Muzafer , Elhoseny Mohamed , Al-Akaidi Marwan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Due to the massive use of wireless Internet of Things (IoT), the advent of multimedia-big-data (MBD) in recent decades poses numerous obstacles for successful contact with the virtual era. Mobile Adhoc Network-based IoT (MANETIoT) framework is increasingly common in this regard owing to its increased communication protocols and economic efficiency. MANET comprises arbitrary, battery-driven, roaming nodes that do not have an architecture that can handle the traffic and control the IoT network. In MANET-IoT, energy usage and traffic management for the handling of MBD information are significant issues. For rapid and precise response, it is essential to route or forward information like the locations of happenings and defected in a disaster. However, it is difficult to transfer this information to the Wireless Sensor Network in disaster areas because the current networks are a disaster that has been removed. In these situations, the transmission of opportunistic knowledge may play a vital role. Current opportunistic protocols need large messages for the restoration of the cluster that leads to more energy consumption and packet loss. To overcome these issues, this work proposes the reliable, energy-efficient opportunistic protocol known as Density Clustering Opportunistic Routing Protocol (DCOR). This method sends information opportunistically in emergencies and disasters through a density-clustering protocol. Results from simulations demonstrate that the designed protocol exceeds several well-known current routing mechanisms for network energy usage and dissemination of information.
Medications and Supplements Prescription Patterns During COVID 19 Pandemic in Yemen: A Questionnaire-Based Study
Authors: Chahin Abdullah , Dhabaan Ghulam , Buhaish Abdulrahman , Shorman Mahmoud 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Introduction: the study aims to better understand the COVID-19 prescription treatments and over the counter regimens in Yemen in view of limited published data and limited availability of COVID-19 testing.Methods: A 34 question web-based survey was distributed on social media outlets targeting people in Yemen. Data aggregation, analysis, and visualization were performed using Tableau and Microsoft Excel.Results: 2341 individuals reported symptoms concerning for COVID-19 infection, with 25.4% reporting a chronic medical condition. Female patients were less likely to receive medications for treatment in all age groups examined. Azithromycin was the most prescription medication prescribed (32.8%) and vitamin C being the most supplement used (62%). Around 5.5% were on Hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis prior to their diagnosis and only 12.9% of them continued using after diagnosis.Conclusions: This study provides some important information about the commonly observed treatments and prescription patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Yemen during May- July of 2020. The study reflects the influence of global trends in medication prescription even in resource-limited countries.
Parameter estimation and selection efficiency under Bayesian and frequentist approaches in peach trials
Authors: Angelini Julia , Bortolotto Eugenia Belén , Faviere Gabriela S , Pairoba Claudio F , Valentini Gabriel H , Cervigni Gerardo Domingo Lucio 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Identification of stable and high-yielding genotypes is a real challenge in peach breeding, since genotype-by-environment interaction (GE) masks the performance of the materials. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of parameter estimation and genotype selection solving the LMM under frequentist and Bayesian approaches. Fruit yield of 308 peach genotypes were assessed under different seasons and replication numbers arranged in a completely randomized design. Under the frequentist framework the restricted maximum likelihood method to estimate variance component and genotypic prediction was used. Different models considering environment, genotype and GE effects according to the likelihood ratio test and Akaike information criteria were compared. In the Bayesian approach, the mean and the variance components were assumed to be random variables having a priori non-informative distributions with known parameters. According the deviance information criteria the most suitable Bayesian model was selected. The full model was the most appropriate to calculate parameters and genotypic predictions, which were very similar in both approaches. Due to imbalance data, Cullis’s method was the most appropriate to estimate heritability. It was calculated at \(0.80,\) and selecting above 5% of the genotypes, the realized gain of 14.81 kg.tree1 was attained. Genotypic frequentist and Bayesian predictions showed a positive correlation (r = 0.9991; P = 0.0001). Since the Bayesian method incorporates the credible interval for genetic parameters, genotypic Bayesian prediction would be a more useful tool than the frequentist approach and allowed the selection of 17 high-yielding and stable genotypes.
ITGA2, LAMB3, and LAMC2 May Be the Potential Therapeutic Targets in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: an Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Islam Shajedul , Kitagawa Takao , Baron Byron , Abiko Yoshihiro , Chiba Itsuo , Kuramitsu Yasuhiro 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common form of pancreatic cancer with an abysmal prognosis rate over the last few decades. Early diagnosis and prevention could effectively combat this malignancy. Therefore, it is crucial to discover potential biomarkers to identify asymptomatic premalignant or early malignant tumors of PDAC. Gene expression analysis is a powerful technique to identify candidate biomarkers involved in disease progression. In the present study, five independent gene expression datasets, including 321 PDAC tissues and 208 adjacent non-cancerous tissue samples, were subjected to statistical and bioinformatics analysis. A total of 20 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in PDAC tissues compared to non-cancerous tissue samples. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in extracellular matrix (ECM), cell adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, and focal adhesion signaling. The protein protein interaction network was constructed, and the hub genes were evaluated. Collagen type XII alpha 1 chain (COL12A1), fibronectin 1 (FN1), integrin subunit alpha 2 (ITGA2), laminin subunit beta 3 (LAMB3), laminin subunit gamma 2 (LAMC2), thrombospondin 2 (THBS2), and versican (VCAN) were identified as hub genes. The correlation analysis revealed that identified hub genes were significantly interconnected. Wherein COL12A1, FN1, ITGA2, LAMB3, LAMC2, and THBS2 were significantly associated with PDAC pathological stages. The Kaplan-Meier survival plots revealed that ITGA2, LAMB3, and LAMC2 expression were inversely correlated with a prolonged patient survival period. Furthermore, the Human Protein Atlas database was used to validate the expression and cellular origins of hub genes encoded proteins. The protein expression of hub genes was higher in pancreatic cancer tissue than in normal pancreatic tissue samples, wherein ITGA2, LAMB3, and LAMC2 were exclusively expressed in pancreatic cancer cells. Pancreatic cancer cell-specific expression of these three proteins may play pleiotropic roles in cancer progression. Our results collectively suggest that ITGA2, LAMB3, and LAMC2 could provide deep insights into pancreatic carcinogenesis molecular mechanisms and provide attractive therapeutic targets.