bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Privacy preservation of data using modified rider optimization algorithm: Optimal data sanitization and restoration model
Authors: Shivashankar Mohana , Mary Sahaaya Arul 
Published: January 2021

AbstractData preservation is the mechanism of protecting and safeguarding the confidentiality and integrity of data. Data stored in huge databases may contain metadata, elements that may be imprecise and unstable, It may include sensitive data, personal profiles and so on, which is vulnerable to third parties such as hackers or attackers. They may misuse the data and as a consequence of this the confidentiality and privacy of the data gets lost. There is a need to conserve the data and make it available for reuse when needed. Hence, it needs a proficient method to maintain and protect individuals' data privacy regarding confidentiality and reliability. This paper intends to develop an advanced model for privacy preservation of huge data with the accomplishment of two stages, namely data sanitization and data restoration. Data sanitization process preserves the safety of sensitive data stored in huge databases, by means of hiding those sensitive data from unauthorized users. Data restoration is the process of recovering or restoring of data that is sanitized at the sender side. Concerning the secrecy, there is a need for an optimal key to hide the sensitive data at sender as well as receiver side. Subsequent to the data sanitization, it requires the same key to restore the sanitized data. Thus, the optimal key generation plays a vital role to maintain privacy preservation. In order to choose an optimal key, a modified Rider optimization Algorithm (ROA) named as Randomized ROA (RROA) model is implemented in this work. Furthermore, the efficiency of the proposed work is compared over the state‐of‐the‐arts models by concerning the sanitization as well as restoration efficiency.
Examination of the effects of technological device use on preschool children's quality of life: An exploratory and cross‐sectional study
Authors: Topan Aysel , Kuzlu Ayyildiz Tülay 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimThis exploratory and cross‐sectional study aimed to evaluate the effects of technological device use on preschool children's life quality.MethodsOne hundred twenty‐five preschool students were recruited from two kindergartens affiliated to the Directorate of National Education in provincial centre of Zonguldak, Turkey. Personal Information Form and Quality of Life Scale for Young Children (KINDL Quality of Life Scale) were tools for data, collected by the researcher herself from parents through face‐to‐face interview method.ResultsIt was found in the study that 54.4% of the parents and 42.4% of their children who were involved in the study were frequently used technological devices. Mean score of the children's KINDL Quality of Life Scale was 79.2 (9.5; range 57–99). When comparing this score and its subscales with children's desire to not sleep due to playing virtual games and so forth, the differences between all the other subscales except self‐esteem were significant (p < 0.05). A significant difference was also found between the children's sleeping hours and subscales such as self‐esteem, physical and emotional health (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe results show that more than half of the parents and their children frequently use the technological devices. Healthcare providers should inform the parents regarding the possibly negative consequences such as negatively affecting the children's quality of life.
Outcomes of ureterolysis for primary retroperitoneal fibrosis: A single‐center experience
Authors: Bozaci Ali Cansu , Altan Mesut , Haberal Hakan Bahadir , Söğütdelen Emrullah , Aki Fazil Tuncay , Erkan İlhan 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveTo report our experience with ureterolysis for the management of retroperitoneal fibrosis.MethodsThe data of 25 patients who underwent ureterolysis due to primary retroperitoneal fibrosis between 2002 and 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Initial symptoms, laterality, renal function status (initial/final), operation complications and serum creatinine levels (diagnosis/preoperative/6 months, 12 months postoperatively) were recorded. After surgery, patients were followed up by ultrasonography and serum creatinine levels. Patients with impaired results underwent furosemide renogram and/or late phase of computed tomography. Factors affecting final serum creatinine levels were evaluated. The χ2‐test was used for nominal data among groups. The level of statistical significance was set as P < 0.05.ResultsA total of 19 patients (76%) were operated bilaterally. The mean follow‐up period was 46.2 ± 9.2 months. Among 44 operated renal units, non‐functioning kidney developed in seven (15.9%). A total of 34 renal units (77.3%) did not require any additional surgical intervention, and two underwent balloon dilatation (4.5%), one (2.25%) followed with double J stent changes. Two patients developed end‐stage renal disease secondary to bilateral unresolved obstruction. High final serum creatinine levels developed in eight (32%) patients without dialysis. Eight patients (32%) were treated with immunosuppressive therapy for systemic recurrence. There was a significant relationship between preoperative serum creatinine levels with final serum creatinine levels (P = 0.005). There was no statistically significant relationship between diagnosis serum creatinine levels with final serum creatinine levels and postoperative dialysis requirement (P = 0.79 and P = 0.817, respectively).ConclusionsUreterolysis provides acceptable success with low complication rates in patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis. Preoperative high‐serum creatinine levels can be considered as a risk factor for long‐term renal impairment and these patients should be followed closely.
Selection on vocal output affects laryngeal morphology in rats
Authors: Lesch Raffaela , Schwaha Thomas , Orozco Andrea , Shilling Margaret , Brunelli Susan , Hofer Myron , Bowling Daniel L. , Zimmerberg Betty , Fitch William Tecumseh 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAlthough laryngeal morphology often reflects adaptations for vocalization, the structural consequences of selection for particular aspects of vocal behavior remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of increased ultrasonic calling in pups on the adult larynx morphology in selectively bred rat lines. Laryngeal morphology was assessed using multiple techniques: mineralized cartilage volumes were compared in 3D‐models derived from microCT scans, internal structure was compared using clearing and staining procedures combined with microscopy, cellular structure was compared using histology and microscopy, and element composition was assessed with scanning energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Our results show that adult rats from lines bred to produce ultrasonic calls at higher rates as pups have shorter vocal folds and a more mineralized thyroid cartilage compared to rats bred to produce ultrasonic calls at lower rates. The change in vocal fold length appears to account for differences in low‐frequency calls in these two rat lines. We suggest that the observed increases in mineralization of the thyroid cartilage in the high‐ultrasound lineage provide increased reinforcement of the laryngeal structure during ultrasonic call production. Our findings therefore demonstrate an effect of selection for vocal behavior on laryngeal morphology, with acoustic consequences.
Building toward a solid foundation: The effect of thinking concretely about the future
Authors: Waites Stacie F. , Farmer Adam , Esmark Jones Carol L. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAccording to construal level theory, consumers tend to think about their future abstractly, making it unclear and inexact. Here, a new approach is developed to help people enhance their future‐oriented outcomes by priming them to think about their future concretely. Two experiments show that priming a concrete mindset about the future leads to enhanced future‐oriented outcomes. Specifically, the studies show that participants discounted current funds in favor of future gains less when they were primed with a concrete mindset. Opportunity cost consideration is shown to be the mechanism driving this effect. Though research suggests that most consumers do not consider opportunity costs unless they are explicitly presented to them, priming a concrete mindset increases consideration of opportunity costs so that consumers can make better current decisions that will enhance their future‐oriented outcomes. This research helps to better understand why thinking concretely about the future is beneficial to future‐oriented outcomes.
Forward rank‐dependent performance criteria: Time‐consistent investment under probability distortion
Authors: He Xue Dong , Strub Moris S. , Zariphopoulou Thaleia 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe introduce the concept of forward rank‐dependent performance criteria, extending the original notion to forward criteria that incorporate probability distortions. A fundamental challenge is how to reconcile the time‐consistent nature of forward performance criteria with the time‐inconsistency stemming from probability distortions. For this, we first propose two distinct definitions, one based on the preservation of performance value and the other on the time‐consistency of policies and, in turn, establish their equivalence. We then fully characterize the viable class of probability distortion processes and provide the following dichotomy: it is either the case that the probability distortions are degenerate in the sense that the investor would never invest in the risky assets, or the marginal probability distortion equals to a normalized power of the quantile function of the pricing kernel. We also characterize the optimal wealth process, whose structure motivates the introduction of a new, ‘distorted’ measure and a related market. We then build a striking correspondence between the forward rank‐dependent criteria in the original market and forward criteria without probability distortions in the auxiliary market. This connection also provides a direct construction method for forward rank‐dependent criteria. Finally, our results on forward rank‐dependent performance criteria motivate us to revisit the classical (backward) setting. We follow the so‐called dynamic utility approach and derive conditions for existence and a construction of dynamic rank‐dependent utility processes.
Incidence, predisposing conditions and outcomes of cutaneous mucormycosis: A national database study
Authors: Kato Hirotaka , Foster Corey M. , Karri Kishore 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe body of evidence on cutaneous mucormycosis is largely derived from case reports or single‐centre databases.ObjectivesOur study aimed to describe incidence, predisposing factors and inpatient outcomes of cutaneous mucormycosis in the United States.MethodsWe conducted a population‐based retrospective study using the National Inpatient Sample 2016‐17 data. Fifty‐six discharges had a diagnosis of cutaneous mucormycosis on the International Classification of Diseases, tenth revision. Descriptive analysis was performed for the demographics, predisposing factors, length of stay (LOS), cost and inpatient mortality. The NIS represents 20% of all discharges in the United States, which allowed us to estimate the national incidence of cutaneous mucormycosis.ResultsAn estimated total of 280 admissions occurred between 2016 and 2017, indicating 3.9 cases per million admissions across the United States. The estimated incidence rate was 0.43 cases per million people per year. Median age was 49.5 (19–59) years, 44.6% were female, and 54.9% were Caucasian. We identified haematologic malignancies (48.2%) and solid organ transplantations (10.7%), often accompanied by skin/soft tissue or post‐procedural infections, were the most common predisposing conditions. Median LOS was 15 (6–31) days, median total charges were 187,030 (65,962–446,265) USD, and in‐hospital mortality rate was 16.1%.ConclusionsIn current clinical practice, physicians may encounter cutaneous mucormycosis most commonly in severely immunocompromised hosts with haematologic malignancies or transplantations, accompanied by skin/soft tissue or post‐procedural infections. A high index of suspicion and prompt tissue sampling in at‐risk groups is important to improve the outcomes.
A mixed turbidite – contourite system related to a major submarine canyon: The Marquês de Pombal Drift (south‐west Iberian margin)
Authors: Mencaroni Davide , Urgeles Roger , Camerlenghi Angelo , Llopart Jaume , Ford Jonathan , Sanchez Serra Cristina , Meservy William , GrÀcia EulÀlia , Rebesco Michele , Zitellini Nevio 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSynchronous interaction between bottom currents and turbidity currents has been reported often in channel–levée systems where the thickness of the turbidity currents exceeds that of the levées. Such interplay between along‐slope and down‐slope sedimentary processes is one of the mechanisms by which ‘mixed turbidite–contourite systems’ can originate. However, bottom currents flow over large areas of the seafloor, including continental slopes characterized by deeply incised submarine canyons rather than channel levées. In these cases, a direct interaction between along‐slope and down‐slope currents is, theoretically, unlikely to take place. In this study, oceanographic, swath bathymetry, multichannel seismic data and sediment cores are used to investigate a 25 km long, 10 km wide and up to 0.5 km thick deep‐sea late Quaternary deposit that sits adjacent to the north‐west flank of one of the major canyons in the North Atlantic, the São Vicente Canyon, in the Alentejo Basin (south‐west Iberian margin). The area receives the influence of a strong bottom current, the Mediterranean Outflow Water, which has swept the continental slope at different water depth ranges during glacial and interglacial periods. Architectural patterns and sediment characteristics suggest that this sedimentary body, named Marquês de Pombal Drift, is the result of the interaction between the Mediterranean Outflow Water (particularly during cold periods) and turbidity currents flowing along the São Vicente Canyon. Because the canyon is incised significantly deeper (ca 1.5 km) than the thickness of turbidity currents, an additional process, in comparison to earlier models, is needed to allow the interaction with the Mediterranean Outflow Water and transport sediment out of the canyon. In the São Vicente Canyon, and likely in other canyons worldwide, interaction of turbidity currents with contour currents requires intermediate nepheloid layers that export the finer‐grained fraction of turbidity currents out of the canyon at the boundary between major water masses.
Autonomy, incentive and trade: How does trade liberalisation reshape corporate decentralisation in China?
Authors: Li Xiaoyang , Zhou Xuan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe study how trade liberalisation affects the extent of corporate decentralisation using the World Bank enterprise survey in China. In particular, we examine the autonomy of production, investment and employment decision and the incentive compensation of CEOs of subsidiary firms after China's entry in the World Trade Organization (WTO). We show that subsidiary firm CEOs receive more decision autonomy and higher powered incentives when facing increased foreign competition in output market. In contrast, subsidiary CEOs receive less decision autonomy and flat incentive compensation when foreign competition in subsidiaries’ input market intensifies. When examining subsidiary CEOs’ autonomy in different decisions, we find that CEOs’ investment autonomy is more responsive to foreign competition than employment and production autonomy. We explain this difference through the agency cost angle by showing that firms whose CEOs with greater investment autonomy tend to spend more on managerial perks. Taken together, this paper sheds new light on how trade liberalisation reshapes firms’ decentralisation decisions in a multi‐tasking principal‐agent setting.
Accuracy of periocular lesion assessment using telemedicine
Authors: Kang Swan , Dehabadi Mohammad , Sim Dawn A , Thomas Peter B M , Appiah Ewusi Doris , Ezra Daniel 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesTo assess the agreement in diagnosis and management plans reached between clinicians reviewing eyelid lesions remotely and in face-to-face clinics.MethodsIn this single-centre observational case series, data were prospectively collected on 50 consecutive adults referred with eyelid lesions suitable to be seen by a nurse. A proforma was completed to gather salient information. A nurse specialist saw patients in face-to-face clinics and collected information using the proforma, devising a diagnosis and management plan. Photographs of the eyelid lesions were taken by a medical photographer. A subsequent remote review was completed by an oculoplastic consultant using the proforma information and photographs in the absence of the patient. The diagnosis and management plan constructed by the nurse specialist were compared with those reached by the consultant.ResultsComplete data were available for 44 consecutive cases. There was an overall 91% agreement (40 cases out of 44) between the diagnoses reached by the nurse specialist, and the remote reviewer; kappa coefficient 0.88 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.99). There was an overall 82% agreement (36 out of 44 cases) in the management plans devised by the nurse-led clinic and remote reviewer; kappa coefficient 0.74 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.90). The average time taken for a remote reviewer to reach a diagnosis and management plan was 1 min and 20 s.ConclusionsThis study evaluated the feasibility of assessing eyelid lesions using asynchronous telemedicine. There was overall a high rate of concordance in the diagnosis reached, and management devised between the clinic and remote review.
Sexual behaviour patterns and STI risk: results of a cluster analysis among men who have sex with men in Portugal
Authors: Blondeel Karel , Dias Sonia , Furegato Martina , Seuc Armando , Gama Ana , Fuertes Ricardo , Mendão Luís , Temmerman Marleen , Toskin Igor 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesPortugal has the highest HIV incidence rate in Western Europe. The proportion assigned to sexual contact between men recently increased to more than 30% of all HIV infections. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are vulnerable to the acquisition of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), increasing the per-contact risk of HIV infection. Building on syndemic theory, the aim of this analysis was to identify patterns of current sexual behaviour in MSM, and explore their relationship with self-reported current, past STI diagnoses and HIV positive serostatus.DesignA cross-sectional behavioural survey was conducted in Portugal among MSM, using a community-based participatory research approach. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify patterns including behavioural and demographic factors.ResultsThe analysis resulted in six clusters. Three clusters showed higher rates of current STI diagnosis (ranging from 11.7% to 17.1%), past STI diagnosis (ranging from 25.5% to 41.5%) and HIV positive serostatus (ranging from 13.0% to 16.7%). From the three clusters scoring lower on current and past STI and HIV diagnoses, one was characterised by a high number of sexual partners (62% had more than 12 partners in the last year), a high proportion (94.6%) of frequent visits to gay venues to meet sexual partners and high alcohol use (46.1%). The other two clusters scored lower on high risk sexual behaviour.ConclusionFactors other than sexual behaviour appear to reinforce the vulnerability to STIs and HIV of some MSM in this study, suggesting a syndemic of STIs, HIV and other adverse conditions. More research is needed to better understand the drivers of the STI/HIV epidemic in Portuguese MSM, using a concept that goes beyond risk behaviour, to develop effective combination prevention interventions.
Estimating the return on investment of the Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida tobacco control programme from 1999 to 2015
Authors: Nonnemaker James , MacMonegle Anna J , Mann Nathan , Woodlea Robyn , Duke Jennifer , Porter Lauren 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveTo assess the return on investment (ROI) of the Florida tobacco control programme, the Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida (BTFF), in terms of healthcare expenditure savings and mortality cost saved as a result of reduced mortality due to the programme from 1999 to 2015.MethodsWe use a synthetic control method to estimate the impact of the BTFF on smoking-attributable mortality, years of life lost (YLL), healthcare expenditures, and the economic value of premature mortality due to smoking in Florida from 1999 through 2015. We calculated an ROI for healthcare expenditures and for the value of life years saved.ResultsFrom 1999 to 2015, adult smoking prevalence in Florida averaged 0.98 percentage points lower than prevalence in the synthetic control states (19.6% vs 20.6%). The ROI over the period from 1999 to 2015 was 9.61 for healthcare expenditures and 112.44 for premature mortality. These ROIs suggest that for every US$1 of expenditure by BTFF, smoking-attributable healthcare expenditures decreased by almost US$11 and reductions in the economic costs associated with YLL due to smoking-attributable mortality totaled approximately US$113.ConclusionsOur results suggest the BTFF resulted in fewer YLL, substantial healthcare cost savings and substantial savings in terms of mortality costs. The positive ROIs for healthcare expenditures and premature mortality suggest that the BTFF is a good investment of public funds.
Tourniquet use in total knee replacement surgery: a feasibility study and pilot randomised controlled trial (SAFE-TKR study)
Authors: Wall Peter David Henry , Ahmed Imran , Edwin Claire , Farhan-Alanie Muhamed M , Parsons Helen , Price Andrew James , Warwick Jane , Hutchinson Charles E , Underwood Martin , Metcalfe Andrew 
Published: January 2021

IntroductionTourniquets are routinely used during total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. They could increase the risk of thromboembolic events including cerebral emboli, cognitive decline, pain and other adverse events (AEs). A randomised controlled trial to assess whether tourniquet use might safely be avoided is therefore warranted but it is unclear whether such a trial would be feasible.MethodsIn a single-site feasibility study and pilot randomised controlled trial, adults having a TKR were randomised to surgery with an inflated tourniquet versus a non-inflated tourniquet. Participants underwent brain MRI preoperatively and within 2 days postoperatively. We assessed cognition using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Oxford Cognitive Screen (OCS) and thigh pain using a Visual Analogue Scale at baseline and days 1 and 2, and 1 week postsurgery. AEs related to surgery were recorded up to 12 months.ResultsWe randomised 53 participants (27 tourniquet inflated and 26 tourniquet not inflated). Fifty-one participants received care per-protocol (96%) and 48 (91%) were followed up at 12 months. One new ischaemic brain lesion was detected. Of the cognitive tests, MoCA was easy to summarise, sensitive to change with lower ceiling effects compared with OCS and MMSE. There was a trend towards more thigh pain (mean 49.6 SD 30.4 vs 36.2 SD 28 at day 1) and more AEs related to surgery (21 vs 9) in participants with an inflated tourniquet compared with those with a tourniquet not inflated.ConclusionA full trial is feasible, but using MRI as a primary outcome is unlikely to be appropriate or feasible. Suitable primary outcomes would be cognition measured using MoCA, pain and AEs, all of which warrant investigation in a large multicentre trial.Trial registration numberISRCTN20873088.