bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low Cost Non-İnvasive Portable Monitor Platform for Cardiac Biopotential and Transthoracic Impedance Measurements
Authors: Köksal Oya , Haberal Erdem 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose Simultaneous monitoring of ECG and thoracic electrical bioimpedance (TEB) is important in evaluating cardiovascular performance. TEB is a non-invasive technique based on measuring the impedance value that changes in the chest area depending on the heartbeat. Within the framework of this study, it can be used in home monitoring and biotelemetry applications to measure thoracic electrical bioimpedance (TEB), ECG and ICG. Methods Within the scope of this study, a four-electrode TEB measurement system was designed and built using the Raspberry Pi single board computer and its original monitor, ESP32 and EVAL-ADAS1000SDZ evaluation board. With the designed system, ECG and thoracic impedance measurements at 50 kHz current frequency were taken as real-time over a single channel. Delta_Z and ICG signals were created from thoracic impedance values with the developed software.ResultsWhile the thoracic impedance value varies between 15-45 Ω, the 67 thoracic impedance value measured with the designed system is approximately 1000 times the 68 reference value. The impedance change in the thoracic region was measured with the designed 69 system between 0.1-0.2 Ω values, and the compatibility of these values with reference values was 70 determined. While the reference value of the dZ / dt signal is 0.8 - 3.5 Ω / s, this value is between 2.3 - 71 5.3 Ω / s in the measurements taken with the designed system.Conclusion The prototype is achieved in detecting small changes in the thoracic impedance signal. The prototype is cheap, portable, small-sized and medically safe, so it is suitable for home care services and clinics. In addition, the developed system can be adapted to wearable technology. In order to increase the success of the system, the impedances values added to the thoracic impedance value should be determined and a calibration procedure should be established.
Factors associated with maternal overall Quality of Life six months postpartum
Authors: Valla Lisbeth , Helseth Sølvi , Småstuen Milada Cvancarova , Misvær Nina , Andenæs Randi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Having good Quality of Life (QoL) is essential, particularly for women after childbirth. However, little is known about the factors associated with maternal QoL after giving birth. We aimed to investigate the relationship between characteristics of the mother (socio-demographic variables), selected symptoms (depression and joy/anger), health perception (perception of birth) and possible characteristics of the environment (infant temperament, colic, sleep, parental relationship), with mothers’ overall quality of life when the child is six months of age.Methods: This study is based on the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), conducted at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health from June 1999 to December 2008, which included a total of 86,724 children. Maternal QoL was assessed by the Satisfaction With Life Scale. Joy and anger were measured using the Differential Emotional Scale, mothers’ mental health was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and satisfaction with relationship was measured using the Relationship Satisfaction Scale. Child temperament was measured using the Infant Characteristics Questionnaire and colic, sleep duration and feelings related to childbirth were assessed by mothers’ reports. The associations between life satisfaction and selected variables were analysed using stepwise multiple linear regression models.Results: Maternal feelings of joy of having a baby (B=0.35, CI [0.79 to 0.83]), high relationship satisfaction (B= 0.02, CI [0.28 to 0.60]), as well as having a baby with normal sleep (B=0.32, CI [0.21 to 0.22]), are factors associated with higher maternal overall QoL. Postnatal depression was negatively associated with mothers’ QoL, and infant colic or child’s temperament (fussiness) showed no such association with mothers’ QoL.Conclusions: Health professionals and clinicians should focus on these issues when they develop health interventions or provide counselling to new mothers and their families.
Cognitive Functioning and its Associated Factors among Breast Cancer Patients on Chemotherapy at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia: An Institution-Based Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Abebe Edgeit , Tollesa Tesfaye , Assefa Mathewos , Tilahun Zelalem , Dinku Yohannes , Abebaw Sofonyas , Mamuye Melkalem 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in the world. It is the commonest type of cancer in Ethiopia. Cognitive problems are common among breast cancer patients especially if they are treated with chemotherapy. The study aimed to assess cognitive functioning and its associated factors among breast cancer patients at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia 2020.Methods: Institution-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted. Study subjects were 117 breast cancer patients on chemotherapy and 117 women without breast cancer who volunteered for the study. Data was collected from May - June 2020. The Mini-mental status exam was used to assess cognitive functioning. Data was entered into Epi Data version 4.6.0.2 and analyzed using STATA software version 14. Univariable and multivariable linear regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with cognitive functioning. A two-tailed p-value lower than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.Results: Significant difference in the MMSE score was observed among breast cancer patients and controls (19.76 ±5.29, 25.18±4.68 p< 0.0001) respectively. In multivariable linear regression analysis being non-breast cancer (controls) (std.β 3.34, 95% CI [1.92 4.76] p<0.001), hemoglobin gm/dl (std. β 0.34, 95 % CI [0.04 0.63] p=0.02), and primary education (Adj. β 2.98 95 %CI [1.16 4.96] p=0.001) secondary level and more education (std. β 5.47, 95 %CI [3.51 7.28] p<0.001) were significantly associated with MMSE cognitive score. Conclusion: Breast cancer patients had lower mean MMSE scores when compared to non-breast cancer controls. Hemoglobin level, breast cancer status, and educational level are significant predictors of the MMSE cognitive score. Clinicians should incorporate routine screening of cognitive functioning for breast cancer patients and further study is required to evaluate cognitive impairment among breast cancer patients in Ethiopia.
Prosets: making continued use of fossil fuels compatible with a credible transition to net zero
Authors: Mitchell-Larson Eli , Allen Myles 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Interest in carbon offsetting is resurging among companies and institutions, but existing offerings fail to make continued use of fossil fuels compatible with a credible transition to sustainable net zero emissions. A clear definition of what makes an offset net-zero-compliant is needed. We introduce the ‘proset’, a new form of composite offset in which the fraction of carbon allocated to geological-timescale storage options increases progressively, reaching 100% by the target net zero date, generating predictable demand for effectively permanent CO2 storage while making the most of the near-term opportunities provided by nature-based climate solutions, all at an affordable cost to the offset purchaser.
structural characterization and dielectric properties of the effect of carbon nanotubes and silicon on AA2024 Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Mani Muniyappan , Natesan Iyandurai 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This research work focuses on the formation of AA2024-carbon nanotubes-silicon hybrid metal matrix composites. Structure morphology, structural characterization, elemental identification and dielectric properties of AA 2024 in the presence of carbon nanotubes, silicon and its combinations at various proportions were evaluated using SEM, XRD, EDX and Hioki 3532-50 LCR Hi-Tester. A two-stage stir casting method was used for the fabrication of AA2024 hybrid metal matrix composites. It was observed that the size of the AA 2024 + 4% CNT + 2% Si composite was found to be 23.6 nm, this shows enhanced results than other composites prepared. Dielectric properties of composites were characterized as a function of composition and frequency. It was found that the dielectric constant, dielectric loss and dissipation factor decreases smoothly with an increase of reinforcements and also frequency.
Method for clustering and identification of objects in laser scanning point clouds using dynamic logic
Authors: Milanov Yevgeny , Badenko Vladimir , Yadykin Vladimir , Perlovsky Leonid 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Today there is a gap between a presence of various new equipment on the market which provides streams of various digital data about the environment, in particular in the form of laser scanning point clouds, and the lack of adequate efficient methods and software for information extraction from such data. A solution to the problem of bridging this gap is proposed on the basis of neural modeling field theory and dynamic logic (DL). We present a DL-based method of extracting and analyzing information from hybrid point clouds, which include not only spatial coordinates and intensity, but also the color of each point, and can be from multiple sources including terrestrial, mobile and airborne laser scanning data. The proposed method is significant for creating a fundamental theoretical basis for new application algorithms and software for many new applications, including building information modeling, “smart city” environment, etc. The proposed method is fairly new to solving various problems related to extracting semantically rich information from a nontraditional type of digital data, especially hybrid point clouds created from laser scanning. This method will allow to significantly expand the existing boundaries of knowledge in the field of extraction and analysis of information from various digital data, because neural modeling field theory and DL can improve the performance of relevant calculations and close the existing gap in analysis of digital images.
Heavy Metals in Liver, Kidney, Brain and Muscle: Health Risk Assessment for Consumption of Edible parts of Birds from the Chahnimeh Reservoirs Sistan (Iran)
Authors: Behrooz Reza Dahmardeh , Burger Joanna 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The concentrations of four heavy metals zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd) were determined in liver, kidney, muscle and brain of nine species of birds from the Chahmimeh Sistan from Iran, to assess metal levels and the potential risk to birds, and to the people who eat them. Significantly higher levels of all metals were found in the brain of waterfowl than in the tissues of other birds. There were no significant gender differences in heavy metals in all tissue. Levels of Pb, Cd, Ni and Zn in the liver and kidney varied as a function of feeding habitats; the median levels were significantly higher in invertebrate predators than fish predators and omnivorous species. Short distance migrating birds had significantly higher median levels of heavy metals in liver and kidney than long distance migrant birds. Ni levels in liver and kidney tissues in 56% of birds were higher than the critical thresholds levels for effects in birds. Our data indicate that environmental exposure to metals were higher in the wintering populations of birds in the Chahnimeh of Sistan from Iran. Concentration Zn, Pb and Cd in a small percentage of birds, and 56% nickel level in liver and 56% kidney concentrations in birds, were above toxicity levels. Determining the exposure frequency and daily intake of birds, the Hazard Quotient for edible tissues (kidney, Liver and muscle) of these birds showed that their consumption provides a health risk to people consuming them.
Signatures of selection and genomic diversity of Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) from two populations in North America.
Authors: Chinchilla-Vargas Josue , Meerbeek Jonathan R. , Rothschild Max F. , Bertolini Francesca 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) is the largest and most prized game fish for anglers in North America. However, little is known about Muskellunge genetic diversity in Iowa’s propagation program. We used whole genome sequence from 12 brooding individuals from Iowa and publicly available RAD-seq of 625 individuals from Saint-Lawrence river in Canada to study the genetic differences between populations, analyze signatures of selection that might shed light on environmental adaptations, and evaluate the levels of genetic diversity in both populations. Given that there is no reference genome available for Muskellunge, reads were aligned to the genome of Pike (Esox lucius), a closely-related species.Results Variant calling produced 7,886,471 biallelic variants for the Iowa population and 16,867 high-quality SNPs that overlap with the Canadian samples. The Ti/Tv values were 1.09 and 1.29 for samples from Iowa and Canada, respectively. PCA and Admixture analyses showed a large genetic difference between Canadian and Iowan populations. Moreover, PCA showed clustering by sex in the Iowan population although widow-based Fst did not find outlier regions. Window-based pooled heterozygosity found 6 highly heterozygous windows containing 244 genes in the Iowa population and Fst comparing the Iowa and Canadian populations found 14 windows with Fst values larger than 0.9 containing 641 genes. One enriched GO term (sensory perception of pain) was found through pooled heterozygosity analyzes. Although not significant, several enriched GO terms associated to growth and development were found through Fst analyses.Inbreeding calculated as Froh was 0.03 on average for the Iowa population and 0.32 on average for the Canadian samples. The Canadian inbreeding rate appears to be higher, presumably due to isolation of subpopulations, than the inbreeding rate of the Iowa population.Conclusions This study was the first to document that brood stock Muskellunge from Iowa showed marked genetic differences with the Canadian population. Additionally, despite genetic differentiation based on sex has been observed, no major locus has been detected. Inbreeding does not seem to be an immediate concern for Muskellunge in Iowa, but apparent isolation of subpopulations has caused levels of homozygosity to increase in the Canadian Muskellunge population. Finally, these results prove the validity of using genomes of closely related species to perform genomic analyses when no reference genome assembly is available.
Comparison of laparoscopic continuous inverting mattress suture + suction curettage and laparoscopic hysterotomy for exogenous cesarean scar pregnancy(CSP-Ⅱ)
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Qing-Bing 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background:Type II CSP is usually treated by surgery, such as transabdominal, transvaginal, hysteroscopic and laparoscopic resection, It takes a long time for contraception,For patients with urgent fertility requirements, the above methods lack advantages,We are trying to find a safe and effective treatment to shorten the time of contraception.Methods: A total of 41 cases of CSP-Ⅱ were selected from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 in the first people's Hospital of Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province,The patients were divided into two groups, group A(20 cases) was laparoscopic continuous inverting mattress suture + suction curettage,Group B(21 cases) was laparoscopic hysterotomy.Group A was compared with group B:serum β-hCG levels on the first day after operation;Inpatient time;time for serum β-hCG levels to return to normal;HGB on the first day after operation;menstruation recovery time;The differences in the intraoperative blood loss;operation time;The decrease rate of serum β - hCG level on the first day after operation.Results: Group A was compared with group B,serum β-hCG levels on the first day after operation,Inpatient time were not statistically significant (p > 0.05);time for serum β-hCG levels to return to normal,HGB on the first day after operation,menstruation recovery time were statistically significant (p < 0.05),Group A was significantly higher than group B;The differences in the intraoperative blood loss,operation time were significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05),Group A was significantly lower than group B;The level of serum β - hCG on the first day after operation decreased by 50% in both groups.In group B, the pathology of the excised scar muscle layer showed that there was a little villus tissue in the muscle layer, and a large number of trophoblast cells were seen between the fibrous smooth muscle tissues.Conclusions: In group A,the method is more simple, less bleeding, shorter operation time and less trauma;it also can remove the diverticulum and increase the thickness of the lower uterine segment;the contraception time was shortened,but the decrease of serum β - hCG was slow and the recovery time of menstruation was long.
Genetic and chemical methods of ascertaining aflatoxigenicity give discordant results: A Case of Aspergillus species from Eastern Kenya
Authors: Lagat Micah Kipkemboi , Toroitich Faith Jebet , Makonde Huxley Mae , Obonyo Meshack Amos 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Aflatoxins (AFs) are poisonous compounds produced by species of fungi belonging to the genus Aspergillus mainly A. flavus and A. parasiticus. However, there are some members of these species that do not produce toxins and have since become of interest for use in Biological Control programs. The species that produce AFs are believed to have clusters of aflatoxin-associated genes that confer aflatoxigenicity. However, recent findings suggest that the presence of aflatoxin genes may not imply aflatoxin production capability. We therefore examined the extent to which the presence or absence of aflatoxin-associated genes (genetic) infers aflatoxigenicity using the Dichlorvos-Ammonia (chemical) method as reference.Results: We report a dissonance between the genetic and chemical methods of ascertaining aflatoxigenicity. Fungi (n = 314) that were morphologically identified as A. flavus and A. parasiticus were isolated from maize kernels and soil from Eastern Kenya. The fungi were further characterized to confirm their identities using a PCR-sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA which confirmed them to be Aspergillus species. We selected and induced 16 isolates in YES media amended with Dichlorvos to produce AFs. Seven of the sixteen isolates were DM-AM positive (aflatoxigenic) but lacked at least one of the key aflatoxin-associated genes. Even more confounding, A. flavus isolate (1EM2606) had all aflatoxin-associated genes but was non-aflatoxigenic (DV-AM negative) while A. flavus (1EM1901) having all genes was aflatoxigenic (DV-AM positive). The genetic abundance of the AF-asscociated genes among the isolates was as follows: aflQ (100%), aflD (62.5%) followed by aflR (37.5%) and aflP (25%). Conclusion: We report that either method alone is limited in ascertaining aflatoxigenicity among Aspergillus section Flavi. The discordance between presence of aflatoxin-associated genes and aflatoxigenicity may be due to epigenetic factors that affect secondary metabolism, or even other signaling processes that alter toxin production that still remain poorly understood.
Crisis-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp) vs Treatment as Usual in Acute Mental Health Inpatient Settings (The CRISIS Study): Protocol For a Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Wood Lisa , Williams Claire , Pinfold Vanessa , Nolan Fiona , Morrison Anthony P , Morant Nicola , Lloyd-Evans Bryn , Lewis Glyn , Lay Barbara , Jones Rebecca , Greenwood Kathryn , Johnson Sonia 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) is a psychological therapy which should be offered during the acute phases of psychosis. However, few research studies have examined the efficacy of CBTp interventions specifically adapted for the acute mental health inpatient context with most research trials being conducted with white European community populations.
Aims

The aim of this study is to conduct a feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) of a crisis-focused CBTp intervention adapted for an ethnically diverse acute mental health inpatient population. The study will examine the feasibility of undertaking the trial, the acceptability and safety of the intervention, and the suitability of chosen outcome measures. This will inform the planning of a future, fully powered RCT.
Methods

A single-site, parallel group, feasibility RCT will be conducted examining the intervention. Drawing on principles of coproduction, the intervention has been adapted in partnership with key stakeholders; service users with lived experience of psychosis and of inpatient care (including those from ethnic minority backgrounds), carers, multidisciplinary inpatient clinicians, and researchers. Sixty participants with experience of psychosis and in current receipt of acute mental health inpatient care will be recruited. Participants will be randomly allocated to either the crisis-focused CBTp intervention or Treatment as Usual (TAU).
Discussion

Findings of this feasibility RCT will indicate whether a larger multi-site RCT is needed to investigate the efficacy of the intervention. If the initial results demonstrate that this trial is feasible and the intervention is acceptable, it will provide evidence that a full-scale effectiveness trial may be warranted.
Trial registration:

This trial has been prospectively registered on the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN59055607) on the 18th February 2021 https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN59055607
Comparison of the Clinical Characteristics of 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease and Avian Influenza A (H1N1) Complicated with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome1
Authors: Zuo Cui-yun , Wu Ding-hui , Yang Hui , Chen Hai-bin , Ke Ming-yao 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: Both 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and avian influenza A (H1N1) are serious acute respiratory diseases with a predisposition to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Our aim was to compare the clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 and H1N1 influenza complicated with ARDS.Methods: We retrospectively studied data of 12 patients with ARDS (7 with COVID-19; 5 with H1N1 influenza) who were managed at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College and Xinglin Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University between December 20, 2019 and February 29, 2020. We extracted the clinical information and outcomes from the hospital medical charts.Results: Patients with COVID-19 were older and were more likely to have underlying diseases. Low-to-moderate fever was more frequent and upper respiratory tract symptoms were less common in COVID-19 patients. Chest computed tomography of patients with COVID-19 more frequently revealed bilateral nodular patchy ground-glass opacities in the subpleural and central lobular regions. Heart disorders and pleural effusion were less frequent, and coagulopathy was more common in patients with COVID-19. The average duration of stay in the respiratory intensive care unit was longer in patients with COVID-19. The disease severity and clinical outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups.Conclusion: Older age, higher comorbidity frequency, abnormal coagulation responses, longer hypoxemia duration, pulmonary fibrosis, and poorer clinical outcomes are the main characteristics in patients with COVID-19 who have ARDS. This calls for closer dynamic monitoring and more rigorous follow-up.