bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nurse opportunities to overcome barriers to palliative care provision for patients with heart failure: an integrative review
Authors: Joberns Laura 
Published: October 2021

Background/Aims To identify opportunities for nurses to overcome barriers to the timely provision of palliative care to heart failure patients. In the UK, the burden of heart failure has increased significantly in recent years. However, despite the significant impact heart failure has on independence and quality of life, implementation of palliative care often comes too late to be of benefit. Methods An integrative literature review adopting the design methodology proposed by Whittemore and Knafl was performed. Four main themes were explored: 1) deficit of knowledge about palliative care; 2) the need for improved communication skills; 3) longer-term relationships with patients facilitate repeated opportunities sensitive conversations; and 4) the need to build confidence, advocacy and leadership skills in nursing. Results The review consistently supports wider literature in identifying a deficit in nurses' knowledge around palliative care, coupled with a lack of confidence in undertaking sensitive conversations. It highlights opportunities for individual nurses to implement change in their own practice and positively influence care provided by the multidisciplinary team to improvement quality of life for patients with heart failure. Conclusions This study highlights a number of barriers that impede the adequate assessment and delivery of palliative care to patients with heart failure. It provides a timely reminder of the importance of effective teamwork and ensuring that the patient is the driving force behind any care decisions. It is fundamentally important that nurses continue to pursue opportunities to develop confidence, leadership and advocacy skills to ensure the multidisciplinary team maintain their patient-centred focus in future care.
Using LiDAR to Measure Alfalfa Canopy Height
Authors: Sheffield S. Tucker , Dvorak Joe , Smith Bo , Arnold Cynthia , Minch Cameron 
Published: October 2021

HighlightsModels using LiDAR measurements and field observations as predictors can accurately predict alfalfa canopy height.The most efficient model used only the 95th percentile of LiDAR-measured height to estimate canopy height.Adding field observations of weed, insect, and disease pressure only marginally improved the predictive models.Abstract. Alfalfa is a popular crop that is grown worldwide because it is a nutritious feed for livestock and fixes nitrogen in the soil. Profitable alfalfa production greatly relies on monitoring the status of the alfalfa crop. Traditionally, producers have used crop assessment techniques that rely on manual measurements of alfalfa plant height, which can be used to predict nutritive quality and yield. These manual measurements are often labor-intensive and provide low-resolution data that is not acceptable for field-scale monitoring. The goal of this study was to assess the capability of a simple LiDAR setup to accurately estimate the average canopy height of an alfalfa crop. To achieve this goal, we first developed predictive models of alfalfa canopy height using LiDAR-derived measurements as predictor variables. Second, we assessed the accuracies of the models and compared the properties of each model. Third, we determined the optimal LiDAR-derived measurements to use to accurately predict average alfalfa canopy height. The data used in our models were collected in two separate fields planted with two different cultivars of alfalfa. Data collection was performed on five dates spanning one entire growth cycle during the summer of 2019. A simple single-beam LiDAR sensor was used to scan the canopy of sample plots within the fields. Manual measurements of plant height and field observations of insect, disease, and weed pressure were also recorded. Of the data used in the predictive models, the 95th percentile of LiDAR-measured height was found to be the optimal predictor for estimating alfalfa canopy height. Using the 95th percentile as a single predictor in a linear regression model of measured average canopy height resulted in an R2 of 0.90 and RMSE of 4.5 cm. Two other linear regression models using a combination of LiDAR measurements and LiDAR measurements with alfalfa health observations, respectfully, were developed for comparison. These models exhibited marginally better accuracies but required more inputs than the model only using the 95th percentile. This study shows how simple LiDAR configurations can be used for timely collection of accurate alfalfa canopy height data. From our findings, we suggest using the 95th percentile of LiDAR-derived canopy height to estimate alfalfa canopy height. This study lays the groundwork for research into more advanced LiDAR configurations for alfalfa applications, such as LiDAR-equipped UAVs. Keywords: Alfalfa, Canopy height, LiDAR.
Experimental Research on the Bending and Fracture Characteristics of Cotton Stalk
Authors: Jiang Peng , Li Yaping , Li Jiali , Meng Hewei , Peng Xiangbin , Zhang Bingcheng , He Jiaxing , Kan Za 
Published: October 2021

HighlightsA two-factor randomized block design was used to study the influence of experimental factors on indicators.Specific fracture energy can indicate the relationship between mass and power.A cotton stalk model was established using the discrete element method (DEM).Abstract. Effectively chopping of the mixture of mulch film and cotton stalk recycled by machine is the only way to achieve subsequent separation of the materials. Cotton stalk is one of the main components of the mixture. According to the working principle of a chopping device, the bending and fracture characteristics of cotton stalk samples were measured. A two-factor random block design was used to study the effects of moisture content and sample location on the plant on the mechanical characteristics of the stalk samples. According to the results, the specific fracture energy of the stalk samples was calculated. The results showed that the relationship between the moisture content and bending performance of the samples was an inverse proportional function in general. However, when the moisture content was 20% to 30%, the fracture energy in the double-support bending tests was low, which was therefore the most suitable condition for chopping. In addition, a cotton stalk model was established using the discrete element method (DEM), and the optimal parameter combination was determined. Compared with the actual test results, the model error of the peak bending force was 1.20%. This study can support the analysis of chopping device simulation and material preparation in experimental research. Keywords: Bending fracture characteristics, Cotton stalk, Discrete element method, Three-point bending test.
Understanding Pre- and Post-Milling Crack Formation in Rice Grain
Authors: Oli Prakash , Talbot Mark , Snell Peter 
Published: October 2021

HighlightsCracking and subsequent breakage of rice kernels reduces the marketability and profitability of rice.Pre-milling cracks in rice kernels cause breakage during milling, thereby reducing consumer acceptability.Three types of post-milling cracks reported are: surface, internal, and Hanasaki cracks.Post-milling cracks can be minimized throughout the supply chain.Abstract. Rice is consumed as intact grain, and any broken grains are discounted from the main marketable product. Breakage of rice mainly arises from cracks formed in the endosperm before or after milling. The cracks are formed by stress gradients that arise due to moisture absorption or desorption by grains. As a result of such stress, cracks mostly develop in a direction perpendicular to the length of the grain, making it less physically resistant to the stresses of milling, handling, and soaking processes. Until now, research into rice cracking has mainly focused on minimizing breakage during milling, and no significant knowledge is available on the impact and mechanisms of post-milling cracking and/or breakage and its effect on the downstream quality of rice. This article aims to review the existing information on the causes of rice cracking before and after milling. Keywords: Breakage, Crack, Drying, Glass transition temperature, Hanasaki, Head rice yield, Rice, Tempering.
Urea detection in milk by urease-assisted pH-sensitive carbon
dots
Authors: Yin Wenzhi , Zhang Ye , Gu Jiao , Wang Tingyu , Ma Chaoqun , Zhu Chun , Li Lei , Yang Zichen , Zhu Tuo , Chen Guoqing 
Published: October 2021

Excessive urea in milk will lead to serious health problems. To detect whether the urea
concentration in milk exceeds the standard and ensure the quality of
milk, it is necessary to develop detection technology for urea in
milk. But it is difficult to detect urea in milk conveniently and
accurately by traditional methods. To measure the concentration of
urea in milk, stable green light carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized by
a one-step method as a fluorescent probe. Then, 3, 5-diaminobenzoic
acid was used as the precursor for CD synthesis. Experimental results
showed that CDs can generate strong fluorescence when excited by light
(350–450 nm). The fluorescence peak wavelength is 490 nm, and the
optimum excitation wavelength is 390 nm. The fluorescence intensity of
CDs has a significant change with variations of pH (pH of 6–9), and
the higher the pH, the lower the fluorescence intensity. Additionally,
urea can be hydrolyzed by urease to produce ammonia and carbon
dioxide. Ammonia is ionized in water to produce

O
H

−

, which increases the pH of the
solution. After adding standard urea to milk, urease and CDs are
added. The fluorescence intensity of CDs in the mixed solution
decreases as the concentration of standard added urea increases. Thus
the concentration of urea in milk can be calculated. The experimental
results show that the CD method for detecting urea in milk has
advantages of high sensitivity and wide measurement range. The linear
interval is 25–500 mg/L,

R

2

is 0.998, and the limit of detection
is 6.27 mg/L. The concentration of urea in the milk used in the
experiment is 265.46 mg/L. CDs are easy to fabricate, and the
advantages of the method are simple operation, no pretreatment,
safety, and low cost. A new method for the detection of urea in milk
was established, to the best of our knowledge, and this method can aid
in food quality control.
Spin-orbit-enabled sorting of optical flows in plasmonic nanocircuits
Authors: Ma Youqiao , Jiang Chengkai , Sun Kaili , Liu Bo , Li Jinhua , Han Zhanghua , Hu Xin , Ma Yuan 
Published: October 2021

On-chip controlling of photon spin is essential in developing future integrated nanophotonics with complex functionalities. Here we propose and demonstrate a robust spin-sorting nanocircuit, which consists of a spin-orbit coupler (i.e., combined nanoring and nanodisk) and an L-shaped dielectric-loaded surface plasmon (DLSPs) waveguide. The nanocircuit with optimized geometric parameters is shown to be capable of unidirectionally exciting and routing a DLSP mode along an independent waveguide. We found experimentally that the proposed device possesses an average insertion loss (extinction ratio) of 0.13 dB (14.8 dB) under complete circularly polarized incidence with opposite spin, which is in good agreement with theoretical calculations. The proposed spin-selective scheme may pave the way for applications in the manipulation of chirality with a flexible degree of freedom.
Utilization of non-pneumatic anti-shock garment and associated factors for postpartum hemorrhage management among obstetric care providers in public health facilities of southern Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Yeshitila Yordanos Gizachew , Bante Agegnehu , Aschalew Zeleke , Afework Bezawit , Gebeyehu Selamawit 
Published: October 2021

Background
Delays in care have been recognized as a significant contributor to maternal mortality in low-resource settings. The non-pneumatic antishock garment is a low-cost first-aid device that can help women with obstetric haemorrhage survive these delays without long-term adverse effects. Extending professionals skills and the establishment of new technologies in basic healthcare facilities could harvest the enhancements in maternal outcomes necessary to meet the sustainable development goals. Thus, this study aims to assess utilization of non-pneumatic anti-shock garment to control complications of post-partum hemorrhage and associated factors among obstetric care providers in public health institutions of Southern Ethiopia, 2020.

Methods
A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 412 obstetric health care providers from March 15 –June 30, 2020. A simple random sampling method was used to select the study participants. The data were collected through a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify determinants for the utilization of non-pneumatic antishock garment. STATA version 16 was used for data analysis. A P-value of < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.

Results
Overall, 48.5% (95%CI: 43.73, 53.48%) of the obstetric care providers had utilized Non pneumatic antishock garment for management of complications from postpartum hemorrhage. Training on Non pneumatic antishock garment (AOR = 2.92; 95% CI: 1.74, 4.92), working at hospital (AOR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.04, 3.16), good knowledge about NASG (AOR = 1.997; 95%CI: 1.16, 3.42) and disagreed and neutral attitude on Non pneumatic antishock garment (AOR = 0.41; 95%CI: 0.24, 0.68), and (AOR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.73), respectively were significantly associated with obstetric care provider’s utilization of Non-pneumatic antishock garment.

Conclusions
In the current study, roughly half of the providers are using Non-pneumatic antishock garment for preventing complications from postpartum hemorrhage. Strategies and program initiatives should focus on strengthening in-service and continuous professional development training, thereby filling the knowledge and attitude gap among obstetric care providers. Health centers should be targeted in future programs for accessibility and utilization of non-pneumatic antishock garment.
Time to cessation of exclusive breastfeeding and associated factors among women with children aged 6–24 months in Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania: A community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ali Farida , Msuya Sia E. , Mamseri Redempta , Mgongo Melina , Mboya Innocent B. 
Published: October 2021

Background
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) up to six months is sub-optimal globally. Tanzania has surpassed the World Health Assembly (WHA) target of increasing the rate of exclusive breastfeeding among children below six months to at least 50% by the year 2025 the median age of cessation of EBF is only three months.

Objective
To determine the time to cessation of exclusive breastfeeding and its associated factors among women with children aged 6–24 months in Kilimanjaro region, Northern Tanzania.

Methods
This was a secondary analysis of data from a community-based cross-sectional study conducted between April 2016 and April 2017 in Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. In the parent study, a multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants and interviewed using a questionnaire. Data for 1291 mother-child pairs were analyzed using STATA version 15. Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test estimated and compared the survivor functions across covariate levels. Cox regression proportional hazards models estimated the hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for factors associated with time to cessation of exclusive breastfeeding.

Results
The prevalence of cessation of exclusive breastfeeding before six months was 68.7%, with a median age of cessation of four months (95% CI: 3, 4). In comparison to women living in Siha district, women living in Moshi Municipal (HR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.24, 2.09), Same (HR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.06, 1.65) and Mwanga (HR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.20, 1.96) districts, had higher hazards of cessation of exclusive breastfeeding before six months. Women who received breastfeeding counselling at antenatal care had a lower hazard to cease EBF (HR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.65, 087) compared to those who did not receive breastfeeding counselling.

Conclusion
The median age of cessation of EBF is unsatisfactory but at least higher (four months) than the national level estimate of three months. District specific interventions and breastfeeding counselling at antenatal care are essential for improving time to cessation of exclusive breastfeeding. Promotion of adequate ANC visits remains one of the critical interventions to improve BF practices and other reproductive health outcomes.
Prevalence of risk factors of non-communicable diseases in the Sultanate of Oman: STEPS survey 2017
Authors: Al-Mawali Adhra , Jayapal Sathish Kumar , Morsi Magdi , Al-Shekaili Waleed , Pinto Avinash Daniel , Al-Kharusi Hilal , Al-Harrasi Ayaman , Al-Balushi Zainab , Idikula John 
Published: October 2021

Background
Non-communicable diseases (NCD) represent a major public health issue and currently cause 185.75 deaths per 100,000 population in Oman. Hence, there is a need for comprehensive, up-to-date and internationally comparable data on NCD risk factors in order to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing public health policies and to develop further NCD prevention and control interventions. The aim of the study was to provide evidence-based, up-to-date, extensive, and reliable baseline data on the behavioural and biological risk factors of NCDs in the Sultanate of Oman.

Methods
A cross‐sectional, prospective, observational community‐based survey designed to be nationally representative of the Sultanate of Oman was conducted based on the WHO STEPwise approach to Surveillance (STEPS). Multi-stage stratified random sampling according to geographical distribution selected a total of 9053 households (Omani nationals and non-Omani residents). Cluster sampling was used to randomly select equal clusters from each governorate. 823 households were randomly selected from the list of all households in all selected clusters from each governorate and one eligible adult selected from each household randomly accounting for 6582 consenting participants. The survey used demographic and behavioural information questionnaires along with physical and biochemical measurements among adults aged 18 years and above.

Results
The prevalence of behavioural risk factors such as tobacco use was 9%, alcohol consumption was 2%, insufficient fruit or vegetable intake was 61%, and insufficient physical activity was 39%. The prevalence of biological risk factors such as overweight and obesity was 66%, raised blood pressure was 33%, raised blood glucose was 16%, and raised blood cholesterol was 36%. The prevalence of multiple risk factors was also determined and 95% of the population were found to have more than one risk factor. Three or more risk factors were found among 33% of population aged 18 years and above and 45% of the population aged 45 years and above.

Conclusion
A high prevalence of various NCD risk factors was found which needs to be addressed through health promotion, education, and policy. The findings are important to support the formulation and implementation of NCD-related policies and action plans that improve health status and prevent mortality due to NCDs in Oman.
Healthcare provider’s adherence to immediate postpartum care guidelines in Gondar province hospitals, northwest Ethiopia: A multicenter study
Authors: Kebede Azmeraw Ambachew , Taye Birhan Tsegaw , Wondie Kindu Yinges , Tiguh Agumas Eskezia , Eriku Getachew Azeze , Mihret Muhabaw Shumye 
Published: October 2021

Background
The immediate postpartum period is the most critical time for both the mother and the newborn. However, it is the most neglected part of the maternal continuum of care, and evidence in this regard was scarce in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the healthcare provider’s adherence to immediate postpartum care guidelines and associated factors in hospitals of Gondar province.

Methods
A multicenter observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 406 healthcare providers from 15th November 2020 to 10th March 2021. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and direct observation using a structured questionnaire and standardized checklist respectively. Data was entered into EPI INFO 7.1.2 and analyzed by SPSS version 25. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out. The level of significance was declared based on the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) at a p-value of ≤ 0.05.

Results
Overall, 42.4% (95% CI: 37.5, 47.2) of healthcare providers had complete adherence to immediate postpartum care guidelines. Having birth assistant (AOR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.10, 9.67), being married (AOR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.15, 3.31), availability of postpartum care guidelines at the maternity ward (AOR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.44, 3.98), received basic emergency obstetric and newborn care (BEmONC) training (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.6), monthly income of ≥ 10001 Ethiopian birr (AOR = 3.55; 95% CI: 1.30, 9.67), and work experience of ≥ 6 years (AOR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.38) were significantly associated with healthcare providers adherence to immediate postpartum care guidelines.

Conclusion
This study indicated that health worker’s adherence to immediate postpartum care guidelines was low. Hiring adequate health workers, availing postpartum guidelines at the maternity ward, improving the salary and education opportunities for healthcare workers of healthcare workers, and provision of BEmONC training will have a great role in improving healthcare provider’s adherence to immediate postpartum care guidelines.
The prevalence of malnutrition and its effects on the all-cause mortality among patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lv Shubin , Ru Songchao 
Published: October 2021

Objective
Malnutrition has a high occurrence in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The prevalence of malnutrition and its impact on all-cause mortality in patients with CHF were assessed using a meta-analysis.

Methods
PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Medline, CBM, CNKI, WANFANG DATA, and VIP databases were searched to collect cross-sectional and cohort studies on malnutrition, and the prevalence and all-cause mortality of patients with CHF were determined. The time of retrieval was from the database establishment to May 2021. Two researchers independently performed screening of the literature, data extraction and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. Then Stata 16.0 software was used for meta-analysis.

Results
A total of 10 cross-sectional and 21 cohort studies were included, including 12537 patients with CHF. A meta-analysis demonstrated that the total prevalence of malnutrition in patients with heart failure was 46% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43, 0.49). Compared to patients with non-malnutrition, malnutrition increased the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with CHF (hazard ratio = 2.15, 95% CI [1.89, 2.45], P < 0.05).

Discussion
Current evidence suggests that the prevalence of malnutrition is high among patients with CHF. The risk of all-cause mortality in such patients can be increased by malnutrition. Therefore, the risk of malnutrition in patients with CHF should be considered to reduce the occurrence of adverse clinical outcomes.
Energy Transition in East Asia: A Social Science Perspective, Kuei-Tien Chou (ed.) (2018)
Authors: Di Giusto Bruno , Lavallee Joseph 
Published: October 2021

Review of: Energy Transition in East Asia: A Social Science Perspective, Kuei-Tien Chou (ed.) (2018)
New York: Routledge, 218 pp.,
ISBN 978-1-31515-948-5, ebk, $44.95