bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of temporal change in the tails of probability distribution of daily precipitation over India due to climatic shift in the 1970s
Authors: Gupta Neha , Chavan Sagar Rohidas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDaily precipitation extremes are crucial in the hydrological design of major water control structures and are expected to show a changing tendency over time due to climate change. The magnitude and frequency of extreme precipitation can be assessed by studying the upper tail behavior of probability distributions of daily precipitation. Depending on the tail behavior, the distributions can be classified into two categories: heavy-tailed and light-tailed distributions. Heavier tails indicate more frequent occurrences of extreme precipitation events. In this paper, we have analyzed the temporal change in the tail behavior of daily precipitation over India from pre- to post-1970 time periods as per the global climatic shift. A modified Probability Ratio Mean Square Error norm is used to identify the best-fit distribution to the tails of daily precipitation among four theoretical distributions (e.g., Pareto-type II, Lognormal, Weibull, and Gamma distributions). The results indicate that the Lognormal distribution, which is a heavy-tailed distribution, fits the tails of daily precipitation for the majority of the grids. It is inferred from the study that there is an increase in the heaviness of tails of daily precipitation data over India from pre- to post-1970 time periods.
Significance of Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 as a biomarker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Abdulaziz Badawy A. , El Agawy Waleed , Ibrahim Mohamed El-Tantawy , Khalil Medhat A. , Abdel Halim Walid A. 
Published: May 2021

Background & Aims:
Combined hepatocellular - cholangiocarcinomas (cHCC-CCs) are rare malignancies representing less than 1% of all primary liver cancers. Correct preoperative diagnosis is desirable because the frequency of lymph node metastasis in ICC and cHCC-CC, making lymph node dissection a necessity if curative resection to be attempted. This study aimed to investigate the significance of elevated CA19-9 in suspecting a diagnosis of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) “non-invasively” in patients with typical radiological features of HCC.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 54 patients with typical radiological criteria of HCC and elevated CA19-9 level. And were classified into two groups I included 22 patients (40.74%) who were diagnosed as HCC, group II included 30 patients (55.56%) were diagnosed as ICC, and there were 2 patients (3.7%) were diagnosed as cHCC-CC.
Tumor markers (AFP and CA19-9), dynamic study (Triphasic CT or Dynamic MRI) were done for all patients. Target liver biopsy was done for histopathology and immuno-histochemistry using specific monoclonal antibodies against Glypican-3, Hep-par1, CK-7, CK-19 and CK-20 were done.

Results:
There was a statistically significant difference between HCC and ICC as regard CA19-9 and Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). CA19-9 and AFP cut-offs were ˃ 58.9 U/mL and ˂ 25.8 ng/mL, respectively favoring the diagnosis of ICC, with very high sensitivity and specificity. CA19-9 level was 176.3 and 156.7 U/mL while AFP level was 460 and 170 ng/mL in cHCC-CC cases, respectively.

Conclusion:
CA19-9 could be a diagnostic marker of ICC in cases of typical radiological criteria of HCC with elevated CA19-9.
Effect of Adherence to Smartphone App Use on the Long-term Effectiveness of Weight Loss in Developing and OECD Countries: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Han Myeunghee , Rhee Sang Youl 
Published: May 2021

Background
Globally, 71% of deaths occur due to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Poor diet quality and physical activity have a significant impact on NCDs. At present, behavior change interventions using smartphone apps have rapidly increased worldwide to prevent NCDs. However, most previous studies on the use and effectiveness of apps have been conducted in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. As such, relevant research in low-income countries is scarce.

Objective
This retrospective cohort study aims to investigate the characteristics of adherence to the use of the Noom app. We also aim to compare the effects of using the app on body weight changes over time according to adherence to the use of the app between users in low-income and OECD countries. In addition, the differences in weight loss are compared among users who use the free and paid versions of the app.

Methods
A secondary data analysis was conducted using repeated measures. The data were collected from users in low-income countries (n=312) and OECD countries (n=8041) who used the app for 12 months. The app provided programs for the self-monitoring of physical activity, dietary intake, and body weight. Descriptive statistics, independent two-tailed t tests, chi-square tests, and linear mixed models were used for the analysis.

Results
During the first 3 months of using the Noom app, users from OECD countries entered data into the app more frequently; however, users in low-income countries entered data more frequently from 3 months to 12 months. Users in OECD countries consumed significantly more calories than those in low-income countries for 12 months. The body weight of all users significantly decreased over time (−1.8 kg; P<.001); however, no statistically significant differences in the change in body weight for 12 months were observed between users from low-income and OECD countries (β=−.2; P=.19). The users who frequently monitored their lunch (β=−.1; P<.001), dinner (β=−.1; P<.001), body weight (β=−.1; P<.001), evening snack (β=−.1; P<.001), and exercise (β=−.03; P<.001) exhibited significant weight loss over time. We found no significant differences in the body weight changes between users who used the free and paid versions of the app (β=−.2; P=.19).

Conclusions
This study found that using the app has a significant effect on weight loss regardless of users’ country of residence. The results of this study suggest that the frequency of monitoring health-related behaviors by entering data into the app plays a pivotal role in losing weight. In conclusion, regardless of where users live and what versions of the app they use, it is important to monitor health-related behaviors by frequently entering data into the app to efficiently lose weight.
A Typology of Existing Machine Learning–Based Predictive Analytic Tools Focused on Reducing Costs and Improving Quality in Health Care: Systematic Search and Content Analysis
Authors: Nichol Ariadne A , Batten Jason N , Halley Meghan C , Axelrod Julia K , Sankar Pamela L , Cho Mildred K 
Published: May 2021

Background
Considerable effort has been devoted to the development of artificial intelligence, including machine learning–based predictive analytics (MLPA) for use in health care settings. The growth of MLPA could be fueled by payment reforms that hold health care organizations responsible for providing high-quality, cost-effective care. Policy analysts, ethicists, and computer scientists have identified unique ethical and regulatory challenges from the use of MLPA in health care. However, little is known about the types of MLPA health care products available on the market today or their stated goals.

Objective
This study aims to better characterize available MLPA health care products, identifying and characterizing claims about products recently or currently in use in US health care settings that are marketed as tools to improve health care efficiency by improving quality of care while reducing costs.

Methods
We conducted systematic database searches of relevant business news and academic research to identify MLPA products for health care efficiency meeting our inclusion and exclusion criteria. We used content analysis to generate MLPA product categories and characterize the organizations marketing the products.

Results
We identified 106 products and characterized them based on publicly available information in terms of the types of predictions made and the size, type, and clinical training of the leadership of the companies marketing them. We identified 5 categories of predictions made by MLPA products based on publicly available product marketing materials: disease onset and progression, treatment, cost and utilization, admissions and readmissions, and decompensation and adverse events.

Conclusions
Our findings provide a foundational reference to inform the analysis of specific ethical and regulatory challenges arising from the use of MLPA to improve health care efficiency.
The Development of a Digital Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement for Adults With Chronic Disease (The Parsley Symptom Index): Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Williams Hants , Steinberg Sarah , Berzin Robin 
Published: May 2021

Background
The monitoring and management of chronic illness has always been a challenge. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can be powerful tools for monitoring symptoms and guiding treatment of chronic diseases, but the available PROM tools are either too broad or too disease specific for the needs of a primary care practice focused on longitudinal care.

Objective
In this study we describe the development and preliminary validation of the Parsley Symptom Index (PSI).

Methods
This prospective cohort study took place from January 5, 2018, to June 05, 2020, among a sample of 4621 adult patients at Parsley Health. After a review of literature, followed by binning and winnowing of potential items, a 45-item PROM that also served as a review of systems (ROS) was developed. The PSI was deployed and completed by patients via an online portal. Construct and face validity was performed by clinicians, tested on patients, and feasibility was measured by response rate, completion rate, and percentage of missing data.

Results
The response rate for 12,175 collected PSIs was 93.72% (4331/4621) with a 100% item completion rate. A confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the model structure was satisfactory by a Comparative Fit Index of 0.943, Tucker–Lewis index of 0.938, and root mean square error of approximation of 0.028.

Conclusions
A 45-item ROS-style PROM designed to capture chronic disease symptoms was developed, and preliminary validation suggests that the PSI can be deployed, completed, and helpful to both patients and clinicians.
Olfactory Training and Visual Stimulation Assisted by a Web Application for Patients With Persistent Olfactory Dysfunction After SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Observational Study
Authors: Denis Fabrice , Septans Anne-Lise , Periers Lea , Maillard Jean-Michel , Legoff Florian , Gurden Hirac , Moriniere Sylvain 
Published: May 2021

Background
Persistent olfactory dysfunction is a significant complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Olfactory training involving aromatic oils has been recommended to improve olfactory recovery, but quantitative data are missing.

Objective
We aimed to quantify the benefit of olfactory training and visual stimulation assisted by a dedicated web application for patients who experienced olfactory dysfunction for ≥1 month.

Methods
We performed an observational, real-life, data-based study on a cohort of patients who experienced at least 1 month of persistent olfactory dysfunction between January 30 and March 26, 2021. An analysis was performed after a mean olfactory training time of 4 weeks, and at least 500 patients were assessable for primary outcome assessment. Participants exposed themselves twice daily to odors from 4 high-concentration oils and visual stimulation assisted by a dedicated web application. Improvement was defined as a 2-point increase on a 10-point, self-assessed olfactory visual analogue scale.

Results
In total, 548 patients were assessable for primary outcome assessment. The mean baseline, self-assessed olfactory score was 1.9 (SD 1.7), and this increased to 4.6 (SD 2.8) after a mean olfactory training time of 27.7 days (SD 17.2). Olfactory training was associated with at least a 2-point increase in 64.2% (352/548) of patients. The rate of patients’ olfactory improvement was higher for patients who trained for more than 28 days than that rate for patients who trained for less than 28 days (73.3% vs 59%; P=.002). The time to olfactory improvement was 8 days faster for patients with hyposmia compared to the time to improvement for patients with anosmia (P<.001). This benefit was observed regardless of the duration of the olfactory dysfunction.

Conclusions
Olfactory training and visual stimulation assisted by a dedicated web application was associated with significant improvement in olfaction, especially after 28 days of olfactory training.
Problems of preservation of architectural and urban heritage of the historical village of Lahij in Azerbaijan
Authors: Nurmamedov Magomed N. 
Published: May 2021

Introduction. Among the historical towns and settlements of Azerbaijan, the village of Lahij is one of the unique. Highly developed crafts, especially copper production, blacksmithing, and carpet making glorified Lahij masters not only in Azerbaijan but also abroad. The peculiar planning structure and architecture of Lahij were formed under the influence of craft production. Unfortunately, like many ancient settlements, Lahij is facing degradation associated with the socio-technical processes of modern civilization.
Materials and methods. The paper uses theoretical analysis of scientific literature, graphic materials, and written sources. Research methods are based on systemic, spatial, and socio-functional approaches.
Results. This article analyses the current state of the identified problems threatening the architectural and urban environment of the village of Lahij. Consideration is being given to ways of reviving craft production which is directly related to the architectural and construction tradition of the village. The article emphasizes the crucial role of tourism in the life of Lahij and its residents, noting also the danger posed by the growth of tourism.
Conclusions. Based on the experience of preserving the environment in foreign historical towns, the author suggests using modern approaches in solving problems related to the management and use of the historical and cultural heritage in Lahij. Attention should be paid to the complex solution of problems considering architectural and urban planning, socio-economic and administrative-managerial issues.
To the design of the deflections of flexural concrete members reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer bars
Authors: Mirsayapov Ilshat T. , Antakov Igor A. , Antakov Alexey B. 
Published: May 2021

Introduction. Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) reinforcement has a relatively low modulus of elasticity compared to steel. In this connection, the bent members with such reinforcement have a higher deformability. The stress-strain diagram for FRP under short-term loading is almost straight and does not have a yield line, as in steel reinforcement. At the same time, modern methods of calculating structures with for FRP reinforcement are based on existing approaches for reinforced concrete structures. In this regard, the current direction for study is to assess the reliability and improve the existing methods for calculating members with FRP reinforcement for the serviceability limit states.
Materials and methods. Experimental studies were carried with regard for and in compliance with the provisions of National State Standard 8829-94. Tested samples represented concrete beams that were 1,810 mm long and had a cross section of 120 × 220 mm. Their tensile side was reinforced with two bars. Steel, glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) and basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars were used to reinforce the beams. The value of the reinforcement ratio varied. Deflections calculation methods, applied according to Construction rules and regulations 295.1325800.2017 (Russia) and ACI 440.1R-06 (USA) were analyzed.
Results. The results of the theoretical and experimental studies of the deformability of flexural members having FRP reinforcement are obtained. The inaccurate determination of the cracking moment Mcrc has a negative impact on the results of the deflection calculation. The deviation of the theoretical values of the cracking moment according to the method of Construction rules and regulations 295.1325800.2017 from the experimental ones is 26.2–59.1 %, in the method of ACI 440.1 R-06 — 20.1–57.1 %. For the ACI 440.1 R-06 method, the calculation is more accurate, in which the short-term deflection was multiplied by the factor λ = 0,6ξ = 0,6 · 2 = 1,2, for the Construction rules and regulations 295.1325800.2017 method — when using ψf = 1 – 0,8Mcrc / M.
Conclusions. The results obtained showed the need to improve the considered calculation methods. To increase the accuracy of the calculation of deflections according to the method of SP 295.1325800.2017, at the first stage, it is possible to approximate the theoretical values of the cracking moment to the experimental data by introducing correction factor in the equation according to the calculation of Mcrc: for beams with a GFRP high-bond bars — 0.7, for BFRP with a sanded surface — 0.5.
Iron removal stations’ sludges postprocessing for its resource potential identification
Authors: Maksimov Lev I. , Mironov Viktor V. , Maksimova Svetlana V. , Kuskov Konstantin V. 
Published: May 2021

Introduction. The sludge of the washing waters of the underground water iron removal station is a large-tonnage technogenic waste that is dangerous for the environment. The homogeneous chemical composition and finely dispersed structure of the sludge make it possible to consider it as a valuable raw material for the production of various products in the conditions of a forward movement towards a circular economy. Obtaining nanosized metal powders from the sludge of iron removal stations has a number of advantages over traditional physical, chemical and mechanical methods. To optimize the process of obtaining highly dispersed metal powders from the sludge of iron removal stations, it is necessary to study the influence of the main technological parameters on the size, shape and chemical composition of the final material.
Materials and methods. Thermal treatment of the sludge of the iron removal station in the carbon monoxide medium was carried out in the temperature range of 400–600 °C. Ultrasonic dispersion was used to get an idea of the true particle size. The granulometric composition of the sludge was studied by electron microscopy and laser beam scattering.
Results. The results of experimental studies of the granulometric composition of the treated sludge of iron removal stations are presented. The particles obtained at a temperature of 450 °C had the most pronounced spherical shape, low open porosity, and a low degree of adhesion to neighboring particles. These properties are key for micro- and nanopowder-based products. An increase in the temperature of sludge processing led to the adhesion of particles and their fusion into large aggregates with a brittle structure as a result of the development of crystallization processes.
Conclusions. The proposed methods of physicochemical treatment in an environment of carbon monoxide and ultrasonic action of the sludge of an iron removal station, which is currently a technogenic waste, makes it possible to obtain a highly dispersed metal powder. This material has the necessary properties for use in modern high-tech industries.
A Journey through the History of Drug Quality Control, from Greece to Costa Rica
Authors: Blanco Barrantes Jeimy , Quesada María Soledad , Rojas Gustavo , Loría Arlene 
Published: May 2021

This review describes the evolution and development of drug quality control throughout different times in history. A bibliographic research was conducted from the database JSTOR from the University of Costa Rica. This database contains information from academic journals and books from XIX to date. It covers different fields, such as anthropology, arts, biology, botany, health sciences, politics, pharmacy, history. Information was retrieved when the following words were present: pharmacy, quality, quality control, drugs, medicines, pharmacopoeia.
In ancient history India, China, Greece, Egypt, Africa and America used different medicinal plants to cure or alleviate disease. In some of these regions, methods were developed to make medicinal preparations as safe and effective as possible. In ancient Greece, the need to have a complete knowledge of drugs to carry out their proper preparation and detect adulterations was emerging. In Europe there was a constant development in the field, from books containing simple lists of preparations and medicines to more complex pharmacopoeias that included quality of the medicines. In America, the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) first appeared in 1820. In Costa Rica, the Specialized Laboratory for Drug Analysis, actually the Laboratory for Analysis and Pharmaceutical Consulting (LAYAFA), was created in 1965, to ensure the quality and safety of medicines registered and marketed in Costa Rica.
Differences between regulations and quality standards across centuries and countries, and their impact on the commercialization of medicines, have promoted regulations to harmonize the requirements related to different activities of the processes of manufacture, registration and quality control of medicines.
Evaluation of Antidiarrheal properties of ethanol extract of Brassica juncea in experimental animals
Authors: Muhammad Aslam P , Pinkey Rawal , Ramesh C , Chaitra G 
Published: May 2021

Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-diarrheal potentials of ethanol extract of Brassica juncea in albino rats.
Materials and methods: The defatted powder of whole plant of Brassica juncea subjected to extraction using ethanol in soxhlet apparatus. The acute oral toxicity was studied for ethanol extract according to OECD guidelines 425. The antidiarrheal properties of ethanol extracts was assessed against castor oil induced diarrhea, magnesium sulfate induced diarrhea and charcoal passage test in albino wistar rats.
Results: The ethanol extract of Brassica juncea has effectively reversed diarrhea. The extract at higher dose 400mg/kg shows significant reduction the number of feces against castor oil induced and MgSO4 induced diarrhea. In charcoal passage test, higher dose of ethanol extract also shown significant reduction in the distance travelled.
Conclusion: The result obtained establish the efficiency of ethanol extract of Brassica juncea as antidiarrheal agent
Keywords: Brassica juncea, castor oil, magnesium sulphate, charcoal passage test.
Effect of Lanthanum Strontium Manganese Oxide (LaSMnO3) Nanoparticle on mouse Testosterone and Fertility
Authors: Ojo Olajumoke Omolara 
Published: May 2021

Intraperitoneal administration of Lanthanum strontium manganese oxide (LaSMnO3) a new class of magnetic nanoparticle on mouse testosterone and fertility was investigated. For this, experimental mice divided into 4 groups (n=5); group I, II, III and IV were treated with vehicle (control), 5, 10 and 20 µg/kg/day of LaSMnO3 for 21 days respectively. Five animals from each group were sacrificed at interval of 0, 7, 14 and 21 days, however, after twenty-one days of the treatment, animals in all groups were allowed to cohabited with untreated female mice for fertility study. Toxic effects of LaSMnO3 on the testosterone and sperm parameters were analyzed. Effect on ROS and anti-oxidative biomarkers were also measured. Significant decrease (p<0.05) of epididymal spermatozoa motility and numbers was measured revealing the cytotoxicity effects of this nanomaterial. Light microscopic study revealed changes in the cauda epididymal sperm morphology. Failure of the fertility in LaSMnO3-treated mice as evidenced by the significant reduction in the average number of implantation in females mated with the treated males. Depletion of testicular testosterone hormone level by high dose of LaSMnO3 (20µg/kg/day) shows a reduced testicular androgen synthesis. This study therefore, shows the potential adverse effect of LaSMnO3 on male fertility.
Keywords: Lanthanum strontium manganese oxide nanoparticle, animal models, toxicity, fertility