bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do cholesterol levels and continuity of statin use affect colorectal cancer incidence in older adults under 75 years of age?
Authors: Han Kyu-Tae , Kim Seungju 
Published: April 2021

Introduction
Colorectal cancer(CRC) is 3rd most common cancer and has a relatively high mortality rate. Currently, the relationships between CRC and serum cholesterol or statin treatment, especially in older adults under 75 years of age, remain questionable due to a lack of data. The present study evaluated the association between serum cholesterol levels and statin treatment continuity and CRC risk in older adults under 75 years of age.

Methods
This study used senior cohort data obtained from the National Health Insurance Service of South Korea. The selected cohort contains 131,266 participants who were enrolled from 2009 to 2011 and followed for up to 5 years. Serum cholesterol levels were classified as categorical variables, and continuity of statin treatment was evaluated based on dyslipidemia diagnosis and average medication possession ratio. We used Cox regression analysis to evaluate the associations between CRC risk and serum cholesterol level or statin use.

Results
A low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) was significantly associated with high CRC risk compared to an HDL-C level in the normal range(hazard ratio [HR]: 1.197, 95% CI: 1.040–1.377). A high level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) was associated with increased CRC risk compared to a normal LDL-C level, but not statistically significant. Statin use was associated with decreased CRC risk, and high medication compliance was inversely associated with CRC risk in patients with and without dyslipidemia.

Conclusions
Statin use was associated with decreased CRC risk, and high medication compliance was inversely associated with CRC risk in patients with and without dyslipidemia compared to non-use of medication. Regular health examinations can help identify individuals who are vulnerable to CRC, and continued statin use may be associated with a reduced risk of CRC. This is particularly important in patients with diabetes and dyslipidemia.
Time variability management and trade-off analysis of quality, productivity, and maintenance efficiency
Authors: Campos João Thiago de Guimarães Anchieta e Araujo , Ferreira Adonias Magdiel Silva , Freires Francisco Gaudêncio Mendonça 
Published: April 2021

Goal: This research aims to examine the trade-off behaviour between productivity, quality and maintenance performance and evaluate the efficiency of the framework integrated to a time variability in operational management.
Design / Methodology / Approach: The proposed framework integrates a stochastic analysis of process and TVM to manage process variability and analyse the trade-off behaviour between quality, productivity, and maintenance efficiency. The framework generates a control chart for each workstation and analyses the operator's time to execute an assembly process for six workstations. The processes are characterised and evaluated via stochastic simulation, resulting in a trade-off analysis with a multicriteria approach.
Results: A relational graphic of performance dimensions shows that productivity and maintenance performance have a high dependency on time variability management, whereas quality has a minor impact over trade-off decisions. The proposed framework has a huge significance to operational management which allow to apply complex models to time variability analysis and organisation performance.
Limitations of the investigation: The trade-off analysis in this study is limited to a constant trade-off model to validate the framework.
Practical implications: This framework, used in association with traditional management philosophies, is a powerful tool that permits managers to develop a trade-off analysis and make decisions on workstations. Thus, a research field that correlates time variability with performance dimensions may be validated by this framework.
Originality / Value: A framework that allows the use of MCDM to analyse the trade-off behaviour on organization performance and a trade-off analysis between performance dimensions and time variability management in operational performance.
Activity-based cost analysis of laboratory tests in clinical chemistry
Authors: Declerck Baptist , Swaak Mathijs , Martin Manuella , Kesteloot Katrien 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Ojectives
Since health care budgets are limited and must be allocated efficiently, there is an economic pressure to reduce the costs of health care interventions. This study aims to investigate the cost of testing within a Clinical Chemistry laboratory.

Methods
This study was conducted in the Clinical Chemistry laboratory of the University Hospital UZ Brussel, Belgium, in which 156 tests were included and an average cost per test was calculated for the year 2018. Activity-based costing (ABC) was applied, using a top-down perspective. Costs were first allocated to different activity centers and subsequently to different tests. Number of tests, parameters, analyzers and time estimates were used as activity cost drivers.

Results
The blood glucose test on the point-of-care testing (POCT) analyzer Accu Chek Inform II had the lowest unit cost (€0.92). The determination of methanol, ethanol and isopropanol on the GC-FID (7820A) is the test with the highest unit cost (€129.42). In terms of average cost per test per activity center, core laboratory (€3.37) scored lowest, followed consecutively by POCT (€3.49), diabetes (€22.09), toxicology (€31.52), metabolic disorder (€41.53) and cystic fibrosis (€86.02). The cost per test was mainly determined by staff (57%), costs of support services (23%) and reagents (14%).

Conclusions
High-volume and automated tests have lower unit costs, as is the case with the core laboratory. ABC provides the ability to identify high average cost tests that can benefit from optimizations, such as focusing on automation or outsourcing low-volume tests that can benefit from economies of scale.
Effects of Study-Abroad Experiences on Chinese Students ’ L2 Learning Activities and Study-Abroad Motivations
Authors: Chen Tiancheng , Chen Jing 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study explores how overseas exchange opportunities might influence Chinese students ’ engagement in L2 learning activities and how far such opportunities may satisfy their motivation to study abroad. The analysis of the data, collected and filtered from carefully designed questionnaires and interviews, showed that students ’ L2 learning activities and study-abroad motivations underwent changes after their overseas experiences. Regarding the former, the overseas environment was the cause of the change because it provided students with more chances to talk with native speakers and increased the frequency of their using L2 in their daily life. Regarding the latter, the decline of the students ’ major study-abroad motivations was partly because they tended to treat L2 learning as a tool for realizing other goals and partly because the students had got other important motivations. In view of these findings, suggestions were raised to help future students get better prepared for their overseas study or short-term exchange life.
Emerging Research Efficacy Through Scaffolded Research Practice: An EFL Preservice Teacher Autobiographical Narrative
Authors: Han Yuting 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEFL preservice teachers ’ research efficacy, as perceived competence to perform tasks in research, is crucial to their research engagement. This autobiographical narrative inquiry investigates the contribution of scaffolded research practice to a female EFL preservice teacher ’ s research efficacy. The data were collected through conversations, notes, journals, and portfolios. The findings suggest that teacher research efficacy was pliable through scaffolded research practice. It emerged gradually over time, in different places with social and personal interaction. The factors contributing to the emerging research efficacy were: teacher educators ’ support, peers ’ support, and research participation. The study sheds light on teacher educators and EFL preservice teachers, with the intention of establishing an inquiry-based pedagogy for M.Ed. programs.
The Inside Information Regime of the MAR andthe Rise of the ESG Era
Authors: Mülbert Peter O. , Sajnovits Alexander 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

The rise in ESG investing has been characterized as an “investor revolution” and a manifestation of “social change”. The current coronavirus pandemic will arguably intensify the impact of such social change, with the “S” and “G” components of ESG, in particular, having been brought into sharper focus during the crisis. The issue of the extent to which ESG factors are (currently) of considerable importance – and, in particular, are likely to become even more so in the future – for the performance of share prices remains a highly controversial one in financial economics. However, where an empirically substantiated impact of ESG-related information on the prices of financial instruments can be shown, the question of whether such information is also of relevance to the inside information regime of the Market Abuse Regulation (“MAR”) arises and must be answered. This article explores the potential impact of ESG-related information and an increase in ESG-compliant investments on the prohibition on insider dealing and the obligation to publicly disclose inside information. We believe that the ESG preferences of a critical mass of real-life investors and, as a corollary, ESG-related information, are and will continue to be of great importance to the inside information regime. However, the intense debate regarding the precise depiction of the ‘reasonable investor’ within the meaning of Art. 7 MAR indicates that the relevance of ESG-related information to the inside information regime of the MAR is by no means clear. In light of these uncertainties, and given its efforts to promote sustainable finance, the EU legislature would be well advised to further specify the concept of inside information with a particular focus on ESG-related information.
Detection and modeling of soil salinity variations in arid lands using remote sensing data
Authors: Alqasemi Abduldaem S. , Ibrahim Majed , Fadhil Al-Quraishi Ayad M. , Saibi Hakim , Al-Fugara A’kif , Kaplan Gordana 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Soil salinization is a ubiquitous global problem. The literature supports the integration of remote sensing (RS) techniques and field measurements as effective methods for developing soil salinity prediction models. The objectives of this study were to (i) estimate the level of soil salinity in Abu Dhabi using spectral indices and field measurements and (ii) develop a model for detecting and mapping soil salinity variations in the study area using RS data. We integrated Landsat 8 data with the electrical conductivity measurements of soil samples taken from the study area. Statistical analysis of the integrated data showed that the normalized difference vegetation index and bare soil index showed moderate correlations among the examined indices. The relation between these two indices can contribute to the development of successful soil salinity prediction models. Results show that 31% of the soil in the study area is moderately saline and 46% of the soil is highly saline. The results support that geoinformatic techniques using RS data and technologies constitute an effective tool for detecting soil salinity by modeling and mapping the spatial distribution of saline soils. Furthermore, we observed a low correlation between soil salinity and the nighttime land surface temperature.
Cellular-level chemical changes in Japanese beech (Fagus crenata Blume) during artificial weathering
Authors: Kanbayashi Toru , Matsunaga Masahiro , Kobayashi Masahiko 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Since wood chemical components can be depolymerized and modified by weathering, a better understanding of the mechanisms governing these processes in needed to develop effective protection methods for wood surfaces. Unfortunately, very little has been reported about the micro-scale chemical changes in wood, particularly hardwood, during weathering. The purpose of the present work is to determine the degradation behavior of Japanese beech (Fagus crenata Blume) under artificial weathering at the cellular-level. Herein, the structural and micro-distributional changes in wood components during weathering were investigated using micro-Raman spectral and chemical mapping analyses. The Raman spectra showed that weathering facilitated lignin degradation and modification. The degradation behavior of lignin differed depending on the type of wood tissue. The rate of lignin reduction followed a descending order: vessel element > axial parenchyma cell > wood fiber. Raman mapping determined that cellular-level lignin reduction on the surface layers differed for wood species. Although lignin degradation of cedar tracheids proceeded from both the surface and the cell lumen, the lignin in beech fibers degraded according to the depth.
Investigation of the structure of regulatory proteins interacting with glycosaminoglycans by combining NMR spectroscopy and molecular modeling – the beginning of a wonderful friendship
Authors: Künze Georg , Huster Daniel , Samsonov Sergey A. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The interaction of regulatory proteins with extracellular matrix or cell surface-anchored glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) plays important roles in molecular recognition, wound healing, growth, inflammation and many other processes. In spite of their high biological relevance, protein-GAG complexes are significantly underrepresented in structural databases because standard tools for structure determination experience difficulties in studying these complexes. Co-crystallization with subsequent X-ray analysis is hampered by the high flexibility of GAGs. NMR spectroscopy experiences difficulties related to the periodic nature of the GAGs and the sparse proton network between protein and GAG with distances that typically exceed the detection limit of nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy. In contrast, computer modeling tools have advanced over the last years delivering specific protein-GAG docking approaches successfully complemented with molecular dynamics (MD)-based analysis. Especially the combination of NMR spectroscopy in solution providing sparse structural constraints with molecular docking and MD simulations represents a useful synergy of forces to describe the structure of protein-GAG complexes. Here we review recent methodological progress in this field and bring up examples where the combination of new NMR methods along with cutting-edge modeling has yielded detailed structural information on complexes of highly relevant cytokines with GAGs.
Numerical Study to Understand the Distortion Behavior of a Weight-Reduced Counter Gear*
Authors: Kagathara J. , Lübben T. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objectives in the field of lightweight construction can be achieved by changing the component design, among other things. However, a design suitable for production would have to be taken into account, since serious distortion problems can occur after the final heat treatment due to reduced stiffness or asymmetries in the mass distribution. To illustrate this problem area, case hardening experiments using the example of a weight-reduced counter gear made of 20MnCr5 were carried out and have shown significantly different distortion behavior depending on the geometry and process parameters. However, it is difficult or even impossible to understand such a distortion behavior only through experiments, since many different variables can be responsible for dimensional and shape changes. In this context, a simulation tool can be very helpful to identify important variables that cause dimensional and shape changes and to understand the associated processes. This paper attempts to answer some open questions that arise from experiments on distortion behavior through simulations. ◼
Performance evaluation of titanium-based metal nitride coatings and die lifetime prediction in a cold extrusion process
Authors: Shen Li , Zhao Jiang , Zhang Yu-Qing , Quan Guo-Zheng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Surface coating can greatly enhance the lifetime of cold extrusion die. It is a significant issue to evaluate the performance of coatings and even predict the lifetime of cold extrusion die. In this work, the titanium-based nitride coatings including TiN, TiAlN, and TiAlCrN were, respectively, deposited on the surface of high-speed steel substrate W6Mo5Cr4V2 (M2) by the physical vapor deposition technology. The hardness test, scratch test, Rockwell adhesion test, and pin-on-disc (POD) wear test were carried out aiming to investigate the performances of the three coatings including hardness, adhesion strength, and wear resistance. The results show that the TiAlCrN coating exhibits the highest hardness of 3,033 HV in comparison with TiN coating (1,222 HV) and TiAlN coating (1,916 HV), while it possesses poor adhesion strength and inferior wear resistance. Furthermore, the TiAlN coating presents the highest resistance to wear and spalling from the substrate. In addition, the Archard wear model of the coatings was solved and applied in the finite element model of cold extrusion to calculate the wear depth and lifetime of the cold extrusion dies. The results suggest that TiAlN coating is the optimal option for cold extrusion die as compared with TiAlCrN and TiN coatings. TiAlN coating can prolong the lifetime of the substrate die up to 260%.
A User-Centered Approach to Gamify the Manual Creation of Training Data for Machine Learning
Authors: Alaghbari Sarah , Mitschick Annett , Blichmann Gregor , Voigt Martin , Dachselt Raimund 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The development of artificial intelligence, e. g. for Computer Vision, through supervised learning requires the input of large amounts of annotated or labeled data objects as training data. Usually, the creation of high-quality training data is done manually which can be repetitive and tiring. Gamification, the use of game elements in a non-game context, is one method to make such tedious tasks more interesting. We propose a multi-step process for gamifying the manual creation of training data for machine learning purposes. In this article, we give an overview of related concepts and existing implementations and present a user-centered approach for a real-life use case. Based on a survey within the target user group we identified annotation use cases and dominant player characteristics. The results served as a foundation for designing the gamification concepts which were then discussed with the participants. The final concept includes levels of increasing difficulty, tutorials, progress indicators and a narrative built around a robot character which at the same time is a user assistant. The implemented prototype is an extension of an existing annotation tool at an AI product company and serves as a basis for further observations.
“Let’s Talk about Gender” – Development of a Card Deck on (Gender) Sensitivity in HCI Research and Practice Based on a Contrasting Literature Review
Authors: Burtscher Sabrina , Spiel Katta 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Funding bodies in Western societies increasingly require researchers to address gender in their proposals – though often exclusively framed around binary notions. With oppressive power structures being prevalent and persuasive, these seep into current practices of Computer Science and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) research. However, current curricula rarely provide actors in this space with grounded guidance on gender issues tied to their inquiries. Hence, developing an increased awareness of our societal responsibility towards equity can be challenging without an appropriate starting point. Drawing on a close reading of select literature discussing gender sensitivity in HCI research, we derived practical guidance in the form of recommendations for the design, proposal, conduct and presentation of research. Based on these recommendations, we then present the design of a card deck and initial tests thereof at ditact women’s IT summer university. Our analysis offers a starting point for HCI students and interested researchers to explore questions and issues around gender and to identify how gender relates to their research. This sensitisation may aid them in further reflecting on how they might better account for gendered implications of their work.
Impacts of different blanching pretreatments on the quality of dried potato chips and fried potato crisps undergoing heat pump drying
Authors: Li Yao , Zhang Yilin , Liu Haibo , Jin Xuedong , Liu Xiong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Hot water blanching (WB) and steam blanching (SB) have been noted to improve the quality of potato chips. In this work, the possibility of steam blanching assisted with ultrasound treatment (SUB) to enhance the quality of dried potato chips and fried potato crisps was investigated. Compared to WB and SB groups, dried potato chips of SUB groups showed lower shrinkage ratio (78.46%), higher rehydration capability (3.93:1), and lower moisture content (0.08 g/g). Meanwhile, fried potato crisps of SUB groups displayed lower hardness (1965.70 g) and oil content (12.0%). The low reducing sugar content (0.42%) and free amino acid content (6.10 mg/g) in SUB dried potato slices could explain for the higher L
* value, lower a
* and ΔE values of SUB fried potato crisps. Additionally, sensory evaluation results confirmed above obtained consequences. Overall, SUB could improve the quality of fried potato crisps further in comparison with WB and SB.
Quantum algorithms for computing general discrete logarithms and orders with tradeoffs
Authors: Ekerå Martin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We generalize our earlier works on computing short discrete logarithms with tradeoffs, and bridge them with Seifert's work on computing orders with tradeoffs, and with Shor's groundbreaking works on computing orders and general discrete logarithms. In particular, we enable tradeoffs when computing general discrete logarithms. Compared to Shor's algorithm, this yields a reduction by up to a factor of two in the number of group operations evaluated quantumly in each run, at the expense of having to perform multiple runs. Unlike Shor's algorithm, our algorithm does not require the group order to be known. It simultaneously computes both the order and the logarithm. We analyze the probability distributions induced by our algorithm, and by Shor's and Seifert's order-finding algorithms, describe how these algorithms may be simulated when the solution is known, and estimate the number of runs required for a given minimum success probability when making different tradeoffs.
Polarization rotation-based all-optical AND gate using single semiconductor optical amplifier and implementation of a majority gate
Authors: Raja Ashif , Mukherjee Kousik , Roy Jitendra Nath 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Semiconductor optical amplifier-based polarization rotation is utilized in designing all-optical AND gate at 100 Gbps. The AND gate shows high extinction ratio (ER ∼ 15 dB), contrast ratio (CR ∼ 18 dB) and quality factor (Q-factor ∼ 16 dB). The effect of the amplified spontaneous emission noise on the performances is also investigated. The AND gate has relative eye opening (REO) varying from 93.52 to 97.1% for 10–30 dB unsaturated gain. Using the AND gate a majority voting gate is designed and analyzed and has Q ∼ 11.7 dB with REO ∼ 91%.