bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive cuff-less blood pressure estimation using a hybrid deep learning model
Authors: Yang Sen , Zhang Yaping , Cho Siu-Yeung , Correia Ricardo , Morgan Stephen P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractConventional blood pressure (BP) measurement methods have different drawbacks such as being invasive, cuff-based or requiring manual operations. There is significant interest in the development of non-invasive, cuff-less and continual BP measurement based on physiological measurement. However, in these methods, extracting features from signals is challenging in the presence of noise or signal distortion. When using machine learning, errors in feature extraction result in errors in BP estimation, therefore, this study explores the use of raw signals as a direct input to a deep learning model. To enable comparison with the traditional machine learning models which use features from the photoplethysmogram and electrocardiogram, a hybrid deep learning model that utilises both raw signals and physical characteristics (age, height, weight and gender) is developed. This hybrid model performs best in terms of both diastolic BP (DBP) and systolic BP (SBP) with the mean absolute error being 3.23 ± 4.75 mmHg and 4.43 ± 6.09 mmHg respectively. DBP and SBP meet the Grade A and Grade B performance requirements of the British Hypertension Society respectively.
‘Snakes and Ladders’ – ‘Therapy’ as Liberation in Nagarjuna and Wittgenstein’s Tractatus
Authors: Smith Joshua William 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper reconsiders the notion that Nagarjuna and Wittgenstein’sTractatusmay only be seen as comparable under a shared ineffability thesis, that is, the idea that reality is impossible to describe in sensible discourse. Historically, Nagarjuna and the early Wittgenstein have both been widely construed as offering either metaphysical theories or attempts to refute all such theories. Instead, by employing an interpretive framework based on a ‘resolute’ reading of theTractatus, I suggest we see their philosophical affinity in terms of a shared conception of philosophical method without proposing theses. In doing so, this offers us a new way to understand Nagarjuna’s characteristic claims both to have ‘no views’ (Mūlamadhyamakakārikā13.8 and 27.30) and refusal to accept that things exist ‘inherently’ or with ‘essence’ (svabhāva). Therefore, instead of either a view about the nature of a mind-independent ‘ultimate reality’ or a thesis concerning the rejection of such a domain, I propose that we understand Nagarjuna’s primary aim as ‘therapeutic’, that is, concerned with the dissolution of philosophical problems. However, this ‘therapy’ should neither be confined to the psychotherapeutic metaphor nor should it be taken to imply a private enlightenment only available to philosophers. Instead, for Nagarjuna and Wittgenstein, philosophical problems are cast as a source of disquiet for all of us; what their work offers is a soteriology, a means towards our salvation.
Path-Dependencies in Employment Trajectories Around Motherhood: Comparing Native Versus Second-Generation Migrant Women in Belgium
Authors: Maes Julie , Wood Jonas , Neels Karel 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA sizeable body of literature has shown that the migrant-native employment gap is larger among women with children than among childless women, suggesting that the transition to parenthood has a stronger impact on the employment trajectories of migrant origin women compared to those of native women. However, due to the limited use of longitudinal data, our understanding of the mechanisms generating differential employment trajectories around the transition to parenthood remains limited. This study adopts a life course perspective to address path-dependencies in employment trajectories around the transition to motherhood. Using longitudinal data and fixed-effects models that compare within-individual changes in contractual working hours around the transition to parenthood between natives and second-generation migrants of Southern European and Turkish or Moroccan origin in Belgium, we find no migrant-native differentials among women with low employment rates before the birth of their first child and only limited differentials in employment trajectories around parenthood among women with medium and high employment rates before parenthood. This indicates that there is a strong path-dependency of employment trajectories around parenthood for migrant women and natives alike, but that second-generation migrant women generally have a lower pre-birth labour market attachment than native women which accounts for the frequently observed migrant-native differentials in maternal employment.
Efficiency of coupled invasive weed optimization-adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system method to assess physical habitats in streams
Authors: Sedighkia Mahdi , Abdoli Asghar 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study presents a coupled invasive weed optimization-adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system method to simulate physical habitat in streams. We implement proposed method in Lar national park in Iran as one of the habitats of Brown trout in southern Caspian Sea basin. Five indices consisting of root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), reliability index, vulnerability index and Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency coefficient (NSE) are utilized to compare observed fish habitats and simulated fish habitats. Based on results, measurement indices demonstrate model is robust to assess physical habitats in rivers. RMSE and MAE are 0.09 and 0.08 respectively. Besides, NSE is 0.78 that indicates robustness of model. Moreover, it is necessary to apply developed habitat model in a practical habitat simulation. We utilize two-dimensional hydraulic model in steady state to simulate depth and velocity distribution. Based on qualitative comparison between results of model and observation, coupled invasive weed optimization-adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system method is robust and reliable to simulate physical habitats. We recommend utilizing proposed model for physical habitat simulation in streams for future studies.
Phase transformation from PbS to PbSe:S in hot-wall deposition of nanocomposite thin film with evaporation sources of PbS and ZnSe
Authors: Abe Seishi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSimultaneous evaporation of PbS and ZnSe using hot-wall deposition was investigated to prepare nanocomposite thin films. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that the films formed a phase mixture of ZnSe and PbSe, suggesting that an evaporation source of PbS phase-transformed to PbSe during a film deposition. Wavelength-dispersive spectroscopy indicated that the composite contains a small amount of S below 1 at.%. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and line scan analysis in electron energy-loss spectroscopy indicated that PbSe nanocrystals were dispersed in a ZnSe, while S tended to segregate in ZnSe matrix. Photocurrent spectra indicated that peak position at approximately 460 nm shifted toward a shorter wavelength as Pb concentration increased.
Evaluation of water sorption isotherm, glass transistion temperature, vitamin C and color stability of mango peel powder during storage
Authors: Ferrari Cristhiane Caroline , Morgano Marcelo Antonio , Germer Silvia Pimentel Marconi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this work was to study the physical and chemical stability of the mango peel powder produced by hot-air drying. Sorption isotherms at 25 °C and glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the samples in equilibrium at different aw were determined. The degradation of vitamin C and color parameter b* was evaluated along storage under controlled conditions (relative humidity = 60%, temperature = 10, 25 and 35 °C) during 180 days. GAB model well-described water adsorption of the product, showing a monolayer moisture content (Xm) of 0.1260 g water/g dry solids and a critical aw of 0.56. The Gordon-Taylor model predicted the plasticizing effect of water on glass transition temperature, since Tg of the powders kept at different relative humidity conditions decreased as water activity increased. No visual signs of agglomeration and darkening were observed for samples stored at aw ≤ 0.529. The powders are a source of calcium and rich in potassium, copper, magnesium and manganese. The concentration of inorganic contaminants and pesticide residues were below the maximum allowed limits. The degradation of vitamin C and color parameter b* followed the first and zero-order kinetic models, respectively. The study indicated good stability for the powders along the storage at 10 and 25 °C, which can be incorporated into different food products, showing high retention of vitamin C, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and maintenance of color characteristics.
Machine learning applied to stock index performance enhancement
Authors: Hsu Tien-Yu 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe project constructs a stock selection model by machine learning methods to enhance the performance of the benchmark index for individual investors. Stock returns prediction is a highly researched topic. However, it is a difficult problem because the stock prices are complex, non-linear, and chaotic. Moreover, overfitting is always an important issue in machine learning field. In this article, it shows that how to solve these problems by dealing with time series data, feature engineering, and model construction. We apply the stock selection model on S&P 500 index and FTSE 100 index. The result shows that the portfolios with stock selection model outperform the benchmarks, and 2% of the number of constitution stocks is the best choice for the stock selection model. Besides, feature importance analysis shows that the stock selection model can measure import features appropriately, which means it has the ability to adapt to different economic environments. In addition, the portfolios with fewer stocks usually outperform the portfolios with more stocks shows the good prediction of the stock selection model. The results imply that machine learning techniques have a good application in stock markets.
Sotalol does not interfere with the antielectroshock action of selected second-generation antiepileptic drugs in mice
Authors: Borowicz-Reutt Kinga K. , Banach Monika , Rudkowska Monika , Stachniuk Anna 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundDue to blocking β-receptors, and potassium KCNH2 channels, sotalol may influence seizure phenomena. In the previous study, we have shown that sotalol potentiated the antielectroshock action of phenytoin and valproate in mice.Materials and methodsAs a continuation of previous experiments, we examined the effect of sotalol on the action of four chosen second-generation antiepileptic drugs (oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, pregabalin, and topiramate) against the maximal electroshock in mice. Undesired effects were evaluated in the chimney test (motor impairment) and step-through passive-avoidance task (long-term memory deficits). Finally, brain concentrations of antiepileptics were determined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay, while those of sotalol by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.ResultsSotalol at doses of up to 100 mg/kg did not affect the electroconvulsive threshold. Applied at doses of 80–100 mg/kg, sotalol did not affect the antielectroshock action of oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, pregabalin, or topiramate. Sotalol alone and in combinations with antiepileptics impaired neither motor performance nor long-term memory. Finally, sotalol significantly decreased the brain concentrations of lamotrigine and increased those of oxcarbazepine and topiramate. Pharmacokinetic interactions, however, did not influence the final antielectroshock effects of above-mentioned drug combinations. On the other hand, the brain concentrations of sotalol were not changed by second-generation antiepileptics used in this study.ConclusionSotalol did not reduce the antielectroshock action of four second-generation antiepileptic drugs examined in this study. Therefore, this antidepressant drug should not interfere with antiseizure effects of lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, pregabalin, and topiramate in patients with epilepsy. To draw final conclusions, our preclinical data should still be confirmed in other experimental models and clinical conditions.
Mechanical stability of retained austenite in aluminum-containing medium-Mn steel deformed at different temperatures
Authors: Kozłowska Aleksandra , Radwański Krzysztof , Matus Krzysztof , Samek Ludovic , Grajcar Adam 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The thermal and mechanical stabilities of retained austenite in aluminum-containing medium-Mn 0.16C–4.7Mn–1.6Al–0.2Si sheet steel were investigated. The strain-induced martensitic transformation in Mn TRIP steel was studied at different temperatures. Static tensile tests were carried out at the temperature ranging from − 60 to 200 °C. The tests allowed to study the influence of the temperature on austenite-to-martensite transformation kinetics. The interrupted tensile tests and corresponding X-ray measurements of retained austenite amount were performed to determine the mechanical stability of retained austenite using the Sugimoto model. The microstructure changes were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Observed results reflected the effects of deformation temperature on the mechanical stability of retained austenite and the corresponding response of this phase to martensitic transformation. It was found that an increase in the deformation temperature resulted in the reduced intensity of the TRIP effect due to the higher mechanical stability of retained austenite. At the highest deformation temperature (200 °C), the evidence of thermally activated processes affecting the mechanical behavior was identified.
Farm Profitability as a Driver of Spatial Spillovers: The Case of Somatic Cell Counts on Wisconsin Dairies
Authors: Skevas Theodoros , Skevas Ioannis , Cabrera Victor E. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe hypothesize that spatial spillovers among neighboring farms are not only driven by spatial proximity, but also by farm profitability considerations. This hypothesis is tested by examining the role of spatial spillovers in shaping somatic cell counts (SCC) on Wisconsin dairy farms. Results show that neighborhood links defined both in terms of geographic proximity and farm profitability give rise to spatial spillovers that affect SCC. Significant differences in the estimated spatial spillovers are observed when defining the neighborhood space in terms of both farm profitability and geographic proximity as opposed to geographic proximity alone, with the data favoring the former specification.
Lack of viable severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among PCR-positive air samples from hospital rooms and community isolation facilities
Authors: Ong Sean Wei Xiang , Tan Yian Kim , Coleman Kristen Kelli , Tan Boon Huan , Leo Yee-Sin , Wang Dong Ling , Ng Ching Ging , Ng Oon-Tek , Wong Michelle Su Yen , Marimuthu Kalisvar 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackground:Understanding the extent of aerosol-based transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is important for tailoring interventions for control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Multiple studies have reported the detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in air samples, but only one study has successfully recovered viable virus, although it is limited by its small sample size.Objective:We aimed to determine the extent of shedding of viable SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory aerosols from COVID-19 patients.Methods:In this observational air sampling study, air samples from airborne-infection isolation rooms (AIIRs) and a community isolation facility (CIF) housing COVID-19 patients were collected using a water vapor condensation method into liquid collection media. Samples were tested for presence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and qRT-PCR-positive samples were tested for viability using viral culture.Results:Samples from 6 (50%) of the 12 sampling cycles in hospital rooms were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, including aerosols ranging from <1 µm to >4 µm in diameter. Of 9 samples from the CIF, 1 was positive via qRT-PCR. Viral RNA concentrations ranged from 179 to 2,738 ORF1ab gene copies per cubic meter of air. Virus cultures were negative after 4 blind passages.Conclusion:Although SARS-CoV-2 is readily captured in aerosols, virus culture remains challenging despite optimized sampling methodologies to preserve virus viability. Further studies on aerosol-based transmission and control of SARS-CoV-2 are needed.
End of War or End of State? 1918 in the Public Memories of Post-Communist Croatia and Serbia
Authors: Andersen Tea Sindbæk , Dedović Ismar 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis article investigates the role of 1918, the end of the First World War, and the establishment of the Yugoslav state in public memories of post-communist Croatia and Serbia. Analysing history schoolbooks within the context of major works of history and public discussion, the authors trace the developments of public memory of the end of the war and 1918. Drawing on the concepts of public memory and historical narrative, the authors focus on the ways in which history textbooks create historical narratives and on the types of lessons from the past that can be extracted from these narratives. While Serbia and Croatia have rather different patterns of First World War memory, the authors argue that both states have abandoned the Yugoslav communist narrative and now publicly commemorate 1918 as a loss of national statehood. This is somehow paradoxical, since the establishment of the South Slav State in 1918 was supposedly an outcome of the Wilsonian principle of national self-determination. In Serbia, the story of loss is packed in a fatalistic narrative of heroism and victimhood, while in Croatia the story of loss is embedded in a tale of necessary evils, which nevertheless had a positive outcome in a sovereign Croatian state.
Governmental Responses to Terrorism in Autocracies: Evidence from China
Authors: Potter Philip B. K. , Wang Chen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAutocracies are widely assumed to have a counterterrorism advantage because they can censor media and are insulated from public opinion, thereby depriving terrorists of both their audience and political leverage. However, institutionalized autocracies such as China draw legitimacy from public approval and feature partially free media environments, meaning that their information strategies must be much more sophisticated than simple censorship. To better understand the strategic considerations that govern decisions about transparency in this context, this article explores the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) treatment of domestic terrorist incidents in the official party mouthpiece – thePeople's Daily.Drawing on original, comprehensive datasets of all known Uyghur terrorist violence in China and the official coverage of that violence, the findings demonstrate that the CCP promptly acknowledges terrorist violence only when both domestic and international conditions are favorable. The authors attribute this pattern to the entrenched prioritization of short-term social stability over longer-term legitimacy.
Efficacy of diluted vinegar in treating granular myringitis: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Prakairungthong S , Ungchoomchoke P , Limviriyakul S , Suvarnsit K , Atipas S , Thongyai K 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the outcome of granular myringitis treatment of 1 per cent diluted vinegar ear drops or 1 per cent chloramphenicol ear drops and to assess the side effects of 1 per cent diluted vinegar.MethodTwenty-four patients aged over 18 years and diagnosed with granular myringitis grade I or II within 90 days of symptom onset were included. Patients were equally randomised into either the 1 per cent diluted vinegar group or the 1 per cent chloramphenicol group. Outcome of treatment and side effects were compared between groups. The main outcome measure was completely epithelialised tympanic membrane at the eight-week period.ResultsEleven of 12 patients treated with 1 per cent diluted vinegar had complete recovery. In the 1 per cent chloramphenicol group, 8 of 12 patients recovered. The difference between groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.156). The observed side effects of diluted vinegar included dizziness and mild external auditory canal irritation.ConclusionOne per cent diluted vinegar is an interesting option for granular myringitis. Other comparative advantages of 1 per cent diluted vinegar include its low price and no induction of antimicrobial resistance.
Anomalous innominate artery complicating tracheal surgical procedures
Authors: Sargunaraj J J E , Paul R R , Mathews S S , Albert R R A 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo highlight the importance of imaging in reducing an accidental injury to the anomalous brachiocephalic trunk and its branches during tracheal surgery.Case reportThis paper reports two cases of accidental injury to the great vessels in the neck during tracheal surgery. The first incident occurred during a repeat tracheostomy, when the right common carotid artery was injured. On reviewing the computed tomography images, the bifurcation of the brachiocephalic artery was seen to the left of the midline, and the right common carotid artery was adherent just below the tracheostomy site. The second incident happened during surgery for tracheal stenosis, when there was an inadvertent injury to the main brachiocephalic trunk, which was adherent to the trachea in the lower neck region.ConclusionFor airway surgeons, radiological assessment of vascular structures in relation to the trachea prior to surgery is as important as the endoluminal airway assessment for the best outcome.
Do Assessment Tools Shape Policy Preferences? Analysing Policy Framing Effects on Older Adults’ Conceptualisation of Autonomy
Authors: DICKSON DANIEL , MARIER PATRIK , DUBÉ ANNE-SOPHIE 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe concept of autonomy is essential in the practice and study of gerontology and in long-term care policies. For older adults with expanding care needs, scores from tightly specified assessment instruments, which aim to measure the autonomy of service users, usually determine access to social services. These instruments emphasise functional independence in the performance of activities of daily living. In an effort to broaden the understanding of autonomy into needs assessment practice, the province of Québec (Canada) added social and relational elements into the assessment tool. In the wake of these changes, this article studies the interaction between the use of assessment instruments and the extent to which they alter how older adults define their autonomy as service users. This matters since the conceptualisation of autonomy shapes the formulation of long-term care policy problems, influencing both the demand and supply of services and the types of services that ought to be prioritised by governments. Relying on focus groups, this study shows that the functional autonomy frame dominates problem definitions, while social/relational framings are marginal. This reflects the more authoritative weight of functional autonomy within the assessment tool and contributes to the biomedicalisation of aging.