bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening pregnant women in a high-risk population with WHO-2013 or NICE diagnostic criteria does not affect the prevalence of gestational diabetes
Authors: Bashir Mohammed , Ibrahim Ibrahim , Eltaher Fatin , Beer Stephen , Baagar Khaled , Aboulfotouh Mahmoud , Konje Justin C. , Abou-Samra Abdul-Badi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThere are currently several diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes (GDM). Both the WHO -2013 and NICE diagnose GDM based on a single step 75 g OGT; however; each uses different glucose thresholds. Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of GDM using the NICE criteria (GDM-N) is lower than that using the WHO-2013 criteria (GDM-W). Qatar has national diabetes in pregnancy program in which all pregnant women undergo OGTT screening using the WHO-2013 criteria. This study aims to define the prevalence of GDM using both criteria in a high-risk population. This retrospective study included 2000 women who underwent a 75 g (OGTT) between Jan 2016 and Apr 2016 and excluded patients with known pre-conception diabetes, multiple pregnancy, and those who did not complete the OGTT. We then classified the women into GDM-W positive, GDM-N positive but GDM-W negative, and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) population. A total of 1481 women (74%) had NGT using the NICE or the WHO-2013 criteria. The number of patients who met both criteria was 279 subjects (14%) with a good agreement (Kappa coefficient 0.67, p < 0.001). The NICE and the WHO-2013 criteria were discordant in 240 subjects (12% of the cohort); 6.7% met the WHO -2013 criteria only and only 5.3% met the NICE criteria. The frequency of pre-eclampsia, pre-term delivery, Caesarean-section, LGA and neonatal ICU admissions were significantly increased in the GDM-W group. However, the GDM-N positive but GDM-W negative had no increased risk of maternal or fetal complications apart from pregnancy-induced hypertension. The WHO-2013 and the NICE criteria classified a similar proportion of pregnant women, 21.5% and 20.1%, respectively, as having GDM; however, they were concordant in only 14% of the cases. Women who are GDM-N positive but GDM-W negative are not at increased risk of maternal and fetal pregnancy complications, except for pregnancy-induced hypertension. As the NICE criteria are more specific to the UK population, we would recommend the use of the WHO-2013 criteria to diagnose GDM in the MENA region and possibly other regions that do not have the same set-up as the UK.
Superior visible light antimicrobial performance of facet engineered cobalt doped TiO2 mesocrystals in pathogenic bacterium and fungi
Authors: El-Shazly Ayat N. , El-Sayyad Gharieb S. , Hegazy Aiat H. , Hamza Mahmoud A. , Fathy Rasha M. , El Shenawy E. T. , Allam Nageh K. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPristine and Co-doped TiO2 mesocrystals have been synthesized via a simple sol–gel method and their antimicrobial activity has been investigated. The antimicrobial performance was evaluated in terms of zone of inhibition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), antibiofilm activity, and effect of UV illumination in liquid media. The Co-doped TiO2 mesocrystals showed very promising MIC of 0.390 μg/mL and 0.781 μg/mL for P. mirabilis and P. mirabilis, respectively. Additionally, the material showed an MIC of 12.5 μg/mL against C. albicans, suggesting its use as antifungal agent. Upon the addition of 10.0 µg/mL of Co-doped TiO2 mesocrystals, the biofilm inhibition% reaches 84.43% for P. aeruginosa, 78.58% for P. mirabilis, and 77.81% for S. typhi, which can be ascribed to the created active oxygen species that decompose the tested microbial cells upon illumination. Thus the fabricated Co-doped TiO2 mesocrystals exhibit sufficient antimicrobial features under visible light, qualifying them for use as antimicrobial agents against pathogenic bacteria and fungi and subsequently inhibit their hazardous effects.
Reusability and stability of a novel ternary (Co–Cd–Fe)-LDH/PbI2 photoelectrocatalytst for solar hydrogen production
Authors: Mohamed Fatma , Bhnsawy Nour , Shaban Mohamed 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe design of highly active and cost-effective photoelectrocatalysts for effective hydrogen generation becomes a mandatory issue due to the demands on sustainable solar fuels. Herein a novel ternary Co–Cd–Fe LDH/PbI2 nanocomposite (T-LDH/PbI2NC) was fabricated by combining strategies of doping and in-situ loading of ternary Co–Cd–Fe LDH. The morphological, structural, and optical properties of PbI2, T-LDH, and T-LDH/PbI2 NC were studied by different techniques. LDH narrows the bandgap of the nanocomposite to 2.53 eV which prolongs the lifetime of the photo-induced electrons. Subsequently, the use of T-LDH/PbI2 NC improves the photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) H2 production rate. T-LDH/PbI2 NC shows a catalytic H2 production rate of 107.53 mmol h−1 cm−2 with IPCE% of 83.8% for 307 nm and 67.3% for 508 nm. The ABPE% reaches its supreme of 4.24% for − 0.58 V and 5.41% for − 0.97 V, these values are the highest values yet for LDH-based photocatalysts. The influences of the operating temperature and monochromatic illumination on the PEC performance were studied. Also, the electrochemical surface area, thermodynamic parameters, and Tafe slopes are calculated to label the hydrogen evolution mechanism. Moreover, the stability and reusability of the T-LDH/PbI2 NC photoelectrode were investigated. This work not only illustrated a simplistic and accessible way to produce a new category of highly efficient photocatalysts compared to the previously reported LDH-based PEC catalysts but also demonstrates a new point of view for improving PEC performance towards industrial water splitting under sunlight irradiation.
The association between continuity of care and surgery in lumbar disc herniation patients
Authors: Kim Eun-San , Kim Chang-yup 
Published: March 2021

AbstractContinuity of care is a core dimension of high-quality care in the management of disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between continuity of care and lumbar surgery in patients with moderate disc herniation. The Korean National Sample Cohort was used. The target population consisted of patients who have had disc herniation more than 6 months and didn’t get surgery and red flag signs within 6 months from onset. The population was enrolled from 2004 to 2013. The Bice-Boxerman Continuity of Care was used in measuring continuity of care. The marginal structural model with time dependent survival analysis was used. In total, 29,061 patients were enrolled in the cohort. High level of continuity of care was associated with a lower risk of lumbar surgery (HR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.20–0.27). When the index was calculated only with outpatient visits to primary care with related specialty, the HR was 0.49 (95% CI: 0.43–0.57). In exploratory analysis, patients with lumbar stenosis and spondylolisthesis had higher risk of having a low level of continuity of care. These results indicate that continuity of care is associated with lower rates of lumbar surgery in patients with moderate disc herniation.
An ab-initio study on structural, elastic, electronic, bonding, thermal, and optical properties of topological Weyl semimetal TaX (X = P, As)
Authors: Naher M. I. , Naqib S. H. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn recent days, study of topological Weyl semimetals have become an active branch of physics and materials science because they led to realization of the Weyl fermions and exhibited protected Fermi arc surface states. Therefore, topological Weyl semimetals TaX (X = P, As) are important electronic systems to investigate both from the point of view of fundamental physics and potential applications. In this work, we have studied the structural, elastic, mechanical, electronic, bonding, acoustic, thermal and optical properties of TaX (X = P, As) in detail via first-principles method using the density functional theory. A comprehensive study of elastic constants and moduli shows that both TaP and TaAs possesses low to medium level of elastic anisotropy (depending on the measure), reasonably good machinability, mixed bonding characteristics with ionic and covalent contributions, brittle nature and relatively high Vickers hardness with a low Debye temperature and melting temperature. The minimum thermal conductivities and anisotropies of TaX (X = P, As) are calculated. Bond population analysis supports the bonding nature as predicted by the elastic parameters. The bulk electronic band structure calculations reveal clear semi-metallic features with quasi-linear energy dispersions in certain sections of the Brillouin zone near the Fermi level. A pseudogap in the electronic energy density of states at the Fermi level separating the bonding and the antibonding states indicates significant electronic stability of tetragonal TaX (X = P, As).The reflectivity spectra show almost non-selective behavior over a wide range of photon energy encompassing visible to mid-ultraviolet regions. High reflectivity over wide spectral range makes TaX suitable as reflecting coating. TaX (X = P, As) are very efficient absorber of ultraviolet radiation. Both the compounds are moderately optically anisotropic owing to the anisotropic nature of the electronic band structure. The refractive indices are very high in the infrared to visible range. All the energy dependent optical parameters show metallic features and are in complete accord with the underlying bulk electronic density of states calculations.
Molecular characterization of Fe-acquisition genes causing decreased Fe uptake and photosynthetic inefficiency in Fe-deficient sunflower
Authors: Kabir Ahmad Humayan , Tahura Sharaban , Elseehy Mona M. , El-Shehawi Ahmed M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIron (Fe) deficiency in plants hinders growth and yield. Thus, this study aims to elucidate the responses and molecular characterization of genes in Fe-deficient sunflower. The study was conducted on 14 days-old sunflower plants cultivated in hydroponic culture under Fe-sufficient and Fe-deficient conditions. The Fe-starved sunflower showed substantial decrease in plant biomass, SPAD score, quantum yield efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), photosynthetic performance index (Pi_ABS). Further, Fe shortage reduced Fe and Zn concentrations in roots and shoots, accompanied by a marked decrease of HaNramp1 and HaZIP1 expression in roots, suggesting the association of Zn status contributing to photosynthetic inefficiency in sunflower. The ferric chelate reductase (FCR) activity, along with HaFRO2 and HaIRT1 transcripts, were constitutively expressed, suggesting that sunflower plants can regulate FCR activity, although the lack of bioavailable Fe in the rhizosphere strongly corresponds to the limited Fe uptake in sunflower. The substantial increase of proton extrusion in roots and the localization of Fe-related genes in the plasma membrane are also evident in sunflower as common responses to Fe-deficiency by this Strategy I plant species. Analysis showed that three motifs of Fe-related proteins were linked to the ZIP zinc transporter. The interactome map revealed the close partnership of these Fe-related genes in addition to FRU gene encoding putative transcription factor linked to Fe uptake response. The cis-regulatory analysis of promoter suggested the involvement of auxin, salicylic acid, and methyl jasmonate-responsive elements in the regulatory process in response to Fe deficiency. These findings may be beneficial to develop Fe-efficient sunflower plants through breeding or genome editing approaches.
The acute effects of whole body vibration stimulus warm-up on skill-related physical capabilities in volleyball players
Authors: Wu Chung-Cheng , Wang Min-Hsien , Chang Chi-Yao , Hung Min-Hao , Wang Hsin-Huan , Chen Ke-Chou , Ger Tzong-Rong , Lin Kuo-Chuan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWhole body vibration (WBV) has been suggested to improve athletes’ neuromuscular strength and power. This study investigated the effect of single WBV stimulation on volleyball-specific performance. The participants were 20 elite male volleyball players who performed a 1-min warm-up exercise on a vibration platform at a frequency of 30 Hz and peak-to-peak displacement of 2 mm. After the warm-up exercise, the participants performed a blocking agility test (BAT), 10-m sprinting test, agility T-test, and counter movement jump test. We compared the participants’ performance at four time points (Pretest, Post 0, Post 1, and Post 2). The results revealed that the participants’ BAT performance and maximum rate of force development improved significantly 1 min after the vibration stimulation (p < 0.01). The WBV (frequency of 30-Hz, peak-to-peak displacement of 2 mm) intervention significantly improved the volleyball-specific defensive performance and speed strength of the participants. Accordingly, by undergoing WBV as a form of warm-up exercise, the technique and physical fitness of volleyball players can be improved.
Accurate detection method of pig's temperature based on non‐point source thermal infrared image
Authors: Zhang Zaiqin , Wang Hao , Liu Tonghai , Wang Yueqiang , Zhang Hang , Yuan Feiyan , Yang Xue , Xu Shunlai , Meng Yuhuan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBody temperature measurement is a very important task in the sow breeding process. The authors used an infrared camera to detect the temperature of the body surface of the sows, relying on calculating the average of the infrared image temperature in the ear root region. Based on the grayscale value of the target image of the infrared image and the corresponding temperature value of 180 infrared images, a G‐T (Gray‐Temperature) model was established by linear least squares method, which achieved temperature inversion of each pixel of the target pig. For the different growth stages and different breeds of sows, the R‐square of the all established models is greater than 0.95. The average relative error of the model inversion of the body temperature was only 0.076977%. This means that the body temperature of the sows could be detected without relying on the software. Based on the G‐T model, the authors design a kind of sow's ear root recognition and body surface temperature detection algorithm for different sow population scenarios.
Analytical field model of segmented Halbach array permanent magnet machines considering iron nonlinearity
Authors: Zhang Heshan , Yang Minglei , Zhang Yu , Tuo Jiying , Luo Shuang , Xu Jin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe permeability of the iron is usually assumed to be infinite by the linear subdomain technique, leading to the neglect of magnet saturation. This study presents an analytical model of a segmented Halbach array permanent magnet machine by considering the iron B‐H curve and saturation effects. Firstly, the entire field problem is divided into six regions in the radial direction according to the excitation source. Then, Poisson's and Laplace's equations are solved in each region to obtain the magnetic vector potential. Specifically, in our approach, the teeth and slots' permeability variation is solved by Cauchy's product theorem. An iterative algorithm incorporates the nonlinearity of the iron. Subsequently, the electromagnetic performance, such as air‐gap magnetic flux density, electromagnetic torque, and unbalanced magnetic force, is predicted by the analytical method. The analytical results are shown in line with those obtained from finite element analysis, and a prototype was fabricated to further verify the accuracy of the analytical method. Besides, the proposed method can also be used to evaluate the performance of the Halbach array machines with any number of segmented magnets.
Localisation algorithm for security access control in railway communications
Authors: Li Jing , Wu Hao 
Published: March 2021

With the dense deployment and wide applications of the Internet of Things in railway systems, the location‐based security access control scheme is becoming increasingly important. In this study, the received signal strength (RSS) and channel state information (CSI) in railway communications are measured by AR9344 network interface card. Then, based on the measurement data, the authors propose trajectory‐based, neural network‐based (NN‐based) and ray tracing‐based (RT‐based) localisation algorithms, serving for location‐based security access control. Specifically, the trajectory‐based algorithm combined with trajectory simulation, movement detection and dynamic time warping algorithms, realises passengers enter/exit pattern detection. The NN‐based algorithm leverages back‐propagation network (BPN) and constructs training sets with measurement‐based RSS and CSI, finishing accurate localisation. Besides, they evaluate the algorithm performance under different layers of BPN. RT‐based localisation algorithm combines measurement data and simulation analysis, leveraging simulated‐based multiple‐input multiple‐output received power and delay spread to realise lightweight localisation. After evaluation, the RT‐based algorithm can achieve the highest accuracy of localisation, up to 99.9% and is designed to be straightforward for integration with commercial access points and deployment to railway communications.
An agile vehicle‐based dynamic user equilibrium scheme for urban traffic signal control
Authors: Liu Wei‐Li , Gong Yue‐Jiao , Chen Wei‐Neng , Zhang Jun , Dou Zhi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTraffic Signal Control (TSC) is a fundamental task in modern intelligent transport systems. TSC is often formulated as a bi‐level optimization problem, comprised by the signal timing at the upper level and the Dynamic User Equilibrium (DUE) traffic assignment at the lower level. Since DUE is non‐convex, existing methods either formulate approximation models or adopt traffic simulators. However, approximation models may oversimplify the practical situations, while traffic simulators are usually time‐consuming. This paper formulates a vehicle‐based DUE (vDUE) model and proposes an agile method that can simultaneously maintain the computational simplicity and the traffic dynamics for the traffic assignment. Further, an agile TSC system is built by combining the vDUE at the lower level for the traffic assignment with an adaptive differential evolution algorithm at the upper level for the signal timing optimization. To enhance the effectiveness of optimization, the TSC problem formulation is also improved to make it better characterize the practical requirements. In the experiments undertaken, comparisons of different TSC methods are carried out on both real‐world and synthetic transportation networks. The experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed agile TSC system in various traffic situations.
Mixed multiple‐variable modelling of acoustic emission signals for valve internal leakage detection
Authors: Ye Guo‐Yang , Xu Ke‐Jun , Wu Wen‐Kai 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTheoretical analysis and experimental data show that the acoustic emission (AE) technology can detect the internal leakage state of the valve online. One of its key technologies is to determine the relationship between the characteristic of valve internal leakage AE signal (VILAES) and leakage rate and various parameters. However, most of the currently established models are a single‐variable model. In addition, the repeated and verification experiments are rarely introduced, and most experiments are conducted under a large leakage rate. To this end, the mixed multiple‐variable model is built to describe the relationship between the characteristics of VILAES and leakage rates, pressures, valve calibres and flow coefficients for the same type of valve. In the experiments, two rounds of experiments were performed for the same valve; then, a round of experiments was carried out after moving the sensor, and two rounds of experiments were conducted for two valves with the same parameters. In modelling, the VILAES is filtered first, and then the characteristics of the filtered signal are calculated. The mixed multiple‐variable model is established by the least‐squares support vector machine. The results show that the mixed multiple‐ variable model could realise online internal leakage for valves with different calibres and flow coefficients under different pressures.
Retention of Physical Gains in the Community Following Physical Training for Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Implications
Authors: Mark Victor W. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological illness whose typically young adult onset results in a nearly entire lifetime of worsening disability. But despite being an unrelenting neurodegenerative disease, numerous clinical trials over the past 40 years for MS have vigorously attempted to improve or at least stabilize declining physical function. Although the vast majority of the studies assessed training effects only within controlled laboratory or clinic settings, in recent years a growing interest has emerged to test whether newer therapies can instead benefit real-life activities in the community. Nonetheless, comparatively little attention has been paid to whether the training gains can be retained for meaningful periods. This review discusses the comparative success of various physical training methods to benefit within-community activities in MS, and whether the gains can be retained long afterward. This review will suggest future research directions toward establishing efficacious treatments that can allow persons with MS to reclaim their physical abilities and maximize functionality for meaningful periods.
The photophysics of Ruddlesden-Popper perovskites: A tale of energy, charges, and spins
Authors: Righetto Marcello , Giovanni David , Lim Swee Sien , Sum Tze Chien 
Published: March 2021

Quasi two-dimensional halide perovskites (also known as Ruddlesden-Popper or RPs) are the most recent and exciting evolution in the perovskite field. Possessing a unique combination of enhanced moisture and material stability, whilst retaining the excellent optoelectronic properties, RPs are poised to be a game changer in the perovskite field. Spurred by their recent achievements in solar cells, light-emitting diodes and spintronic devices, these materials have garnered a mounting interest. Herein, we critically review the photophysics of RPs and distill the science behind their structure–property relations. We first focus on their structure and morphology by highlighting the crucial role of large cations: dictating the RPs' layered structure and the statistical distribution of thicknesses (i.e., n-phases). Next, we discuss how optoelectronic properties of RPs differ from conventional halide perovskites. Structural disorder, stronger excitonic, and polaronic interaction shape the nature of photo-excitations and their fate. For example, faster recombinations and hindered transport are expected for charge carriers in thinner n-phases. However, the complex energetic landscape of RPs, which originates from the coexistence of different n-phases, allows for funneling of energy and charges. Presently, the photophysics of RPs is still nascent, with many recent exciting discoveries from coherence effects in the above-mentioned funneling cascade to spin effects. Giant Rashba spin–orbit coupling, also observed in RPs, dictates their spin dynamics and provides exciting spintronics opportunities. To leverage these propitious RPs, future research must entail a cross-disciplinary approach. While materials engineering will unlock new chiral RPs and Dion-Jacobson variants, novel characterization techniques such as in situ synchrotron-based x-ray diffraction, ultrafast electron microscopy, and multidimensional electronic spectroscopy, etc., are essential in unraveling their secrets and unleashing their full potential.