bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glaucoma Diagnostic Testing: The Influence of Optic Disc Size
Authors: Scheuble Pascal , Petrak Michael , Brinkmann Christian Karl 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background There are various imaging techniques for the assessment of the optic disc in glaucoma patients. However, anatomically conspicuous, large or small optic discs can be quite
challenging for an examiner.
Objective The Bruchʼs membrane opening (BMO) by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) is a modern approach for the quantitative measures of retinal nerve fibre layer
(RNFL). The study focuses on comparison analysis of the BMO method and the widely used Heidelberg retina tomograph (HRT) method – in terms of detection of glaucoma for different optic disc
sizes.
Methods 216 Patients examinations during glaucoma consultation hours. Macro- (Ma) and micro-optic discs (Mi) detected by HRT are analysed via BMO analysis in SD-OCT. Correlation
between BMO area and optic disc measured by HRT has been investigated and examined in terms of severity of visual field defect (MD [dB]).
Results The results of study show that for micro and macro-optic discs there is a modest correlation between the size of optic disc measured by BMO and the size of optic disc
measured by HRT by applying funduscopic examination (correlation rate r = 0,53; Mi: n = 111, Ma: n = 105). For micro-optic discs with a very small BMO area (< 1.5 mm2), there
is a significant tendency (linear trend test p < 0.05) towards deeper visual field defects (MD < − 5 dB).
Conclusion The BMO parameter of SD-OCT allows an assessment of glaucoma for a large range of optic disc sizes. BMO area and optic disc size measured by HRT are not correlated. Micro
optic discs with a small BMO area lead to a higher risk of deep visual field defects.
Effect of Periocular Triamcinolone Acetonide on Prevention of Postsurgical Intraretinal Cystoid Changes after Vitrectomy with Membrane Peeling
Authors: Leisser Christoph , Burgmüller Wilhelm , Findl Oliver 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background Newly developed intraretinal cystoid changes after vitrectomy with membrane peeling for removal of epiretinal membranes have the potential to lead to worse postsurgical results compared to patients without. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of additional periocular application of triamcinolone acetonide as a routine adjunct at the end of vitrectomy with membrane peeling, and to compare the presence of postsurgical intraretinal cystoid changes in the first 3 months after surgery among patients with idiopathic epiretinal membranes to a historical group of patients that did not receive triamcinolone acetonide.
Patients and Methods The medical records of 41 eyes of 41 patients that underwent 23 G or 25 G pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peeling for removal of epiretinal membranes and additional periocular triamcinolone acetonide application at the end of surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Optical coherence tomography findings during routine follow-ups at 3 – 5 days, 1 month, and 3 months and visual acuity at 3 months after surgery were evaluated and compared to preoperative findings. Furthermore, postsurgical intraocular pressure was assessed.
Results Periocular triamcinolone acetonide at the end of surgery was well tolerated among all patients. In total, 10% of patients had an increased intraocular pressure at least at one follow-up. Best-corrected visual acuity improved in 91% of patients with idiopathic epiretinal membranes with a mean improvement of + 3 ± 2 lines (Snellen) and was comparable to a historic group of patients (p = 0.307). Early transient macular edema could not be detected in any of the patients, while there were cases with this pathology in the historic group of patients, but neither occurrence of newly developed intraretinal cystoid changes nor macular thickness at 3 months after surgery were significantly different between patients with and without triamcinolone acetonide (p = 0.385 and p = 0.879).
Conclusions Periocularly applied triamcinolone acetonide at the end of vitrectomy with membrane peeling was well tolerated and showed prevention of early transient macular edema but did not prevent the development of new postoperative intraretinal cystoid changes.
Freie Bahn für die Leitbahnen
Authors: Seybold-Kellner Birgit 
Published: July 2021

SummaryBei der funktionellen Leitbahndiagnostik werden anhand von (schmerzhaften) Bewegungseinschränkungen Blockaden in den durch die Bewegung gedehnten Leitbahnabschnitten identifiziert. Mithilfe eines Tastbefunds lassen sich therapeutisch wichtige Akupunkturpunkte im Verlauf blockierter Leitbahnen identifizieren; in der Regel sind sie druckdolent. Die Therapie der identifizierten Druckpunkte erfolgt klassisch mithilfe von Dauernadeln, doch auch eine Akupressur der zu behandelnden Punkte ist möglich.
Vertebroplasty Increases the Incidence Of New Vertebral Compression Fractures Compared To Conservative Management
Authors: Othman Maram , Alshaalan Meshal , Khawaji Abdulrahman , Benkuddah Rawan , Khalil Hala , Alismail Khalid , Althobaity Waleed , Alreshoodi Saleh 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background Vertebral osteoporotic fractures are a major cause of morbidity and disability among the elderly population.This study sought to compare the incidence of new vertebral fractures in patients treated by vertebroplasty with that of those managed conservatively, while also assessing the potential risk factors contributing to the occurrence of these fractures.
Materials and Methods The details of a total of 121 eligible subjects with radiologically proven osteoporotic vertebral fractures were retrieved from our archive between January 2010 and September 2019 and divided, based on the treatment method, into percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) (n = 60) and nonsurgical treatment (n = 61). The included subjects’ clinical data, demographic profiles, and imaging findings on plain radiography, CT, and MRI scans performed at baseline and within 24 months following treatment were reviewed and documented.
Results The difference in the incidence of new fractures was statistically significant (p = 0.001), with rates of 70% (n = 32) in the vertebroplasty group and 30% (n = 14) in the conservatively treated cases reported at a median follow-up time point of approximately 4 months. The presence of liver disease (p = 0.037), a history of transplantation (p = 0.003), the use of steroids (p = 0.023), a low-bone mineral density (BMD) score (p = 0.023), and a higher number of fractures on baseline imaging (p = 0.013) were associated with a greater risk of subsequent vertebral fractures.
Conclusions The incidence of acute fractures after PVP is higher than that among patients treated conservatively. Decision-making regarding the adoption of this intervention should take into consideration the risk factors leading to a greater risk of subsequent vertebral fractures, such as a higher number of fractures at baseline imaging, low-BMD score, patient comorbidities, and steroid use.
Calibration of coherence imaging spectroscopy using spectral line sources
Authors: Ueda Kenji , Nishiura Masaki , Kenmochi Naoki , Yoshida Zensho , Nakamura Kaori 
Published: July 2021

Coherence imaging spectroscopy (CIS) measures the two-dimensional profiles of both ion temperature and ion velocity in plasmas. The interferometric technique is realized by a certain relation between the phase and the wavelength of light emerging from a birefringent crystal. The calibration for the CIS system requires monochromatic and tunable light sources near the He II line (468.6 nm) or C III line (465 nm) where the CIS measures. In this research, the CIS system has been upgraded by implementing an electron multiplier CCD and a CIS cell. A monochromator validates the linearity of the phase relation on the wavelength near the He II line. As an in situ calibration at the Ring Trap 1 plasma device, two spectral lines of Ti and Zn lamps obtain the accurate dispersion function of phase. It is found that a simple method with two spectral lines is reliable and sufficient for the calibration.
On combining the beam path of similar wavelength lasers for dual-laser Thomson scattering
Authors: McCormack O. , Giudicotti L. , Fassina A. , Pasqualotto R. 
Published: July 2021

A novel method for the path combination of two lasers with very similar wavelengths has been implemented to enable the evaluation of a dual-laser calibration Thomson scattering (TS) technique. The first experimental test of this TS technique has been performed in a RFX-mod plasma device, where, due to experimental constraints, the combination of a Nd:YAG (λ = 1064 nm) and a Nd:YLF (λ = 1053 nm) laser system was the only viable choice available. The method requires that the beam path of both lasers be combined into a single path with the same polarization. This presents a unique challenge due to the small difference between the two laser wavelengths. In this paper, we describe two methods for beam combination: first via a prism, eventually dismissed as unpractical, and second via a polarizing beam splitter in reverse with a dual-wavelength waveplate. We detail the optical setup, waveplate design, and successful implementation of this second method.
Effects of dispersal and spatial heterogeneity on nonlocal logistic equations
Authors: Sun Jian-Wen 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In the present paper, we are interested in the nonlocal dispersal logistic equations in heterogeneous environment. This leads to study the spectrum theory and asymptotic behavior of nonlocal dispersal problems. We establish the existence and uniqueness of positive stationary solutions. By employing continuous lemma and nonlocal estimates, we obtain the limiting behavior of positive solutions when the dispersal rate is small or large. We also analyze the effect of spatial heterogeneity on the long time behavior of evolution equations.
Sine-Gordon on a wormhole
Authors: Bizoń Piotr , Dunajski Maciej , Kahl Michał , Kowalczyk Michał 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn an attempt to understand the soliton resolution conjecture, we consider the sine-Gordon equation on a spherically symmetric wormhole spacetime. We show that within each topological sector (indexed by a positive integer degreen) there exists a unique linearly stable soliton, which we call then-kink. We give numerical evidence that then-kink is a global attractor in the evolution of any smooth, finite energy solutions of degreen. When the radius of the wormhole throatais large enough, the convergence to then-kink is shown to be governed by internal modes that slowly decay due to the resonant transfer of energy to radiation. We compute the exact asymptotics of this relaxation process for the one-kink using the Soffer–Weinstein weakly nonlinear perturbation theory.
The binary-outcome detection loophole
Authors: Cope Thomas 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The detection loophole problem arises when quantum devices fail to provide an output for some runs. If treating these devices in a device-independent manner, failure to include the unsuccessful runs in the output statistics can lead to an adversary falsifying security i.e. Bell inequality violation. If the devices fail with too high frequency, known as the detection threshold, then no security is possible, as the full statistics cannot violate a Bell inequality. In this work we provide an intuitive local hidden-variable strategy that the devices may use to falsify any two-party, binary-outcome no-signalling distribution up to a threshold of 2(m
A + m
B − 8)/(m
A
m
B − 16), where m
A, m
B refer to the number of available inputs choices to the two parties. This value is the largest analytically predicted lower bound for no-signalling distributions. We strongly conjecture it gives the true detection threshold for m
A = m
B, and for computationally tractable scenarios we provide the Bell inequality which verifies this. We also prove that a non-trivial detection threshold remains, even when allowing one party an arbitrary number of input choices.
Analysis of different date palm parts for char production
Authors: Falamarz Tahir Aola Hussein , Al-Ani Faris Hammoodi , Jawad Al-Obaidy Abdul Hameed Muhammed 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate the suitability of date palm tree’s different parts residues for char production. There is a arising interest in producing renewable energy form different type of waste, one of the most important sources are agriculture waste since it’s a continuously demand-based industry with a future insight. Iraq is one of the leading countries that contain the highest number of date palm trees, which lead to a high amount of unused waste. Different parts of the date palm tree were analysed to understand its potential availability for energy use. The cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin were estimated for the different date palm tree parts. Carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen were also determined and carbon percentage found to promising in all the parts. FTIR and TGA were done with the different parts to detect its chemical bounds and how the mass material changes when applied to heat in a different atmosphere, the thermal decomposition was observed to 600 C. Heating value was found up to 20.3 MJ/kg. The volatile matter had a range of 75.2 – 82.1 %. According to the data gathered and the tests were done it was found that date palm trunk and stones might be a sustainable source for energy productions.
Assessment of heavy metal pollution of plants grown adjacent to power generators in Ramadi city
Authors: Al-Heety Lina F.D. , Hasan Omar M. , Mohammed Salah Al-Heety Emad A. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Tree leaves are a useful tool for environmental quality monitoring and heavy metal soil pollution assessment. This study aimed to assess the possibility of heavy metals’ accumulation in the leaves of urban plants as a biological indicator of soil pollution. The plant leaf and soil samples were collected from 51 sites adjacent to power generators in Ramadi-Iraq. Six common plant species, namely, Albizia lebbeck, Conocarpus lancifolius, Dodonaea viscosa, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Ficus microcarpa, and Ziziphus spina-christi were selected. The highest heavy metal content was found in
Conocarpus viscosa
leaves followed by
Dodonaea viscosa
. These two plants have a significant difference (p<0.05) in the heavy metal content compared to other plants. The total average of plant heavy metal concentration was as follows: Mn (45.23), Cu (12.49), Ni (7.55), Pb (6.49), Cr (6.37), Co (2.04), Cd (0.57) mg per kg. Concentrations of heavy metals in leaves have the trend as Mn> Cu> Ni> Pb> Cr> Co> Cd, whereas, the heavy metal bioaccumulation factor (ACF) in plants follows by the order: Zn> Cu> Cd> Mn> Co> Pb> Ni> Cr. A high concentration of cobalt, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and lead are found in the plant leaves compared to the Food and Agriculture Organization / World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) permissible values. This supports the claim that the leaves of the plant can be used as a good indicator of heavy metal accumulation.
Urban acupuncture as an approach for reviving
Authors: Salman Kabas Abdul Hameed , Hussein Shaimaa Hameed 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Urban design strategies and theories represent the first starting point for the processes of developing and improving the urban, social, cultural and political environment, as it is an important factor to solve the problems of urban context and environments, but these strategies take many years and high economic costs, so the theory of urban acupuncture appeared, which works on introducing small interventions with less time and budget, and all this is done by analysing the city and identifying the points and places that need treatment (such as treating the patient’s body by analysing the location of the defect and the disease). Therefore, the research problem lies in the lack of knowledge about linking urban acupuncture with the revival of the area. The aim of the research is to improve and revive these important points in the city (acupuncture points) that cause this improvement to spread. In this research, acupuncture will be presented and how this medical technology is inspired and used in the field of urban architecture, where the research consists of three main important topics: The first topic includes the history and types of acupuncture. The second topic includes the historical origin of the urban acupuncture as well as its definition, and the most important theorists of this concept, its foundations and levels. The third topic includes the revival of the city in terms of definition and levels.
Effect of ejector design parameters on flow structure inside the mixing chamber
Authors: Al-Manea Ahmed , Al-Jadir Thaer 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Renewable energy is a sustainable source of energy that never ends. Ejectors are reliable devices as they rely on solar energy to run. Ejectors can be used as an alternative to compressors in refrigeration systems or provide vacuum zones in various applications. Ejectors have no moving parts, compact, and stable operation. However, they have lower efficiency at the current time. There may be opportunities to improve ejector efficiency under some conditions and develop a thorough understanding of the impact of their design parameters. This paper presents the numerical simulations CFD study to investigate the effect of various design parameters on the flow structure inside an ejector. This was achieved by modelling a variable ejector geometry with the ideal gas flow. This is a CFD study with new approaches. The numerical model has been validated by conducting different meshing levels. Three mesh size has been suggested, and the medium size was considered. The results showed that the secondary inlet with a diameter of 90 mm resulted in a reduction with the generated vortices compared to the Model I result. Also, the effect of changing the diffuser throat to 45 mm in Model II, has shown improvement in reducing vortices.
Branding for cities: the case study of Baghdad
Authors: Al-Hinkawi Wahda Sh. , Zedan Sheren K. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Cities pass through growth stages of distinction and deterioration. Many cities that have emerged distinctly in terms of their urban and economic characteristics may witness stages of deterioration and the loss of their competitiveness. This research clarifies the issues involved in the treatment of cities as brands used to gain competitive advantage and thus sustainable growth, unlike traditional development strategies that have proven no longer as productive as before. The research raises a question about the components of city branding and the most important sustainable strategies for branding a contemporary city as well as their impact on its competitiveness. To answer this question, it develops a comprehensive theoretical framework for the concept of city branding as sustainable development approach, and determines the most important strategies to achieve it. Four strategies are presented; differentiation, creative city, experience city and tourism city. Finally, indicators have been extracted that can be applied to make Baghdad a competitive city through the sustainability of its cultural branding.
Sustainable stormwater management using rain gardens in urban areas
Authors: Alyaseri I , Zhou J , Morgan S 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows in urban areas are the leading causes of flood and water quality degradation. Green infrastructures (GI) were introduced to treat stormwater runoff onsite to reduce these effects. A project was conducted in St. Louis, Missouri, US to assess the impact of installing one type of GIs (rain gardens) on the volume reduction of stormwater runoff from urban streets served by a combined sewer system. The rain gardens were installed in a six-block area between late 2013 to early 2014. After separating stormwater runoff flow from base flow in the sewer system, rain gardens efficiency was evaluated based on comparing the pre-installation condition in 2011/2012 and the post-installation condition in 2014. A reduction in the volume of stormwater runoff by installing the rain gardens was significant only at two sites. However, analysis was hampered by the high variability of the flow data and the difficulty in measuring flows in the sewers. For this type of field experiment, it is important to develop advanced flow measurement devices to overcome the problems of high variation in data and pay high attention to selecting the proper statistical tests to evaluate the stormwater runoff reduction.
Radioactivity Assessment in the Sediments Samples of Tigris River, Baghdad, Iraq
Authors: Amin Sahar A , Al-Ani Rana R , Ghazi Ahmed N , Mohammed MTA 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSeasonal monitoring of the natural radon levels was done for sediment samples picked from particular locations over the Tigris River in Baghdad city area for the whole year 2018. CR-39 passive detector was used for detecting alpha activity in the sediment samples of the 20 g mass. The alpha (α) activities from radon were found to be comparatively higher during the dry season and lower during the rainfalls season. The radium content of the samples was the highest in site4 sediment samples (south Baghdad) is likely because of the outcome of great human activities particularly Al-Dora oil refinery. The variations in radon levels were possibly referred to the type of the collected sediment samples and human activities that influence the river environs. The determining radon levels in the most investigated sediment samples were within the recommended world average values.
Spatiotemporal assessment of meteorological drought using satellite-based precipitation data over Iraq
Authors: Awchi T A , Suliman A H 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Iraq is a semi-arid country, which suffers the impact of recurrent droughts. However, studies related to the characterization of drought and risk evaluation in Iraq are scarce due to the lack of accurate climatic datasets. The present work seeks to examine the feasibility of utilizing Precipitation Data based on Remotely Sensed information from satellites (PDRS) in Iraq to monitor droughts. Two monthly PDRS are collected, namely CHIRPS for the period 1983-2016, and TRMM for the period 1998-2017 were used to calculate the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) for various timescales (SPI-3, SPI-6, and SPI-12) of different climate zones in the region. The findings obtained have been checked using data from sparsely scattered ground meteorological stations (GS). Although the PDRS was found to be capable of capturing estimated precipitation by GS data at different climatic zone, the two PDRS products demonstrated different responses to GS data. While the TRMM revealed a strong correlation for the droughts estimated with GS data, the CHIRPS data showed a milder correlation with the GS data. Besides, good consistency was observed in the time series of SPIs calculated with GS and PDRS data. Overall, the TRMM was found to measure the dry classes more accurately while CHIRPS was found to be better at various dry and wet classes in Temporal Coincidence (TC) terms. In addition, the TRMM – SPI data showed a better correlation in detecting the drought characteristics for Z-I and Z-II, however, the CHIRPS revealed a stronger correlation for Z-III. The findings suggested the suitability of TRMM precipitation for drought analysis and monitoring in Iraq Zones I and II, and the use of CHIRPS precipitation data for Z-III.