bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Unbalanced and Inadequate Development of the Chinese Public Libraries’ Public Culture Services: An Investigation of 31 Senior Library Specialists
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Wan Yi , Chun Jiao 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In response to the new principal contradiction between people’s growing needs for a better life and the inadequate and imbalanced development in different social fields in China, Chinese public libraries have fast developed Public Cultural Services (PCS) to meet users’ needs. This study investigates senior library specialists’ perspectives on unbalanced and inadequate development of Chinese public libraries’ PCS. The study collected data from 31 senior library specialists from 10 provinces or municipalities through online survey. In addition, eight experts from public libraries were also interviewed. The data reveals that the main roles of public libraries providing PCS include ensuring equal access to cultural resources, protecting cultural heritage, developing unique cultural products or service, and promoting public cultural products to ensure cultural diversity. Provincial and prefectural libraries take most of the PCS’ responsibilities while county, township, and village libraries’ responsibilities are less. Moreover, there is unbalanced development and inadequate development of library PCS in China. External factors such as economy development, government expenditure on cultural activities, and education development, and internal factors such as internal management weakness and libraries’ investment on cultural service are the top factors. This means that if Chinese public libraries want to better improve PCS, they should try to seek financial resource support and improve their internal management. This study is valuable for public library management and policymakers at different bureaucratic levels to understand issues of PCS in China. It also helps public libraries better learn their strengths and weaknesses in PCS.
Technological Readiness and Computer Self-efficacy as Predictors of E-learning Adoption by LIS Students in Nigeria
Authors: Okuonghae Omorodion , Igbinovia Magnus Osahon , Adebayo John Oluwaseye 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The study focused on technological readiness and computer self-efficacy as predictors of E-learning adoption by Library and Information Science (LIS) students in Nigeria. While literatures have suggested that E-learning adoption is context based, there is a need to examine the predictors of E-learning adoption within the Nigerian context, given the increasing need for E-learning adoption as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. As a result, the study used the descriptive correlational research design to study a group of LIS students in Nigeria. Consequently, LIS students in the Nigeria Library and Information Science Students (NLISS) Facebook group were used for the study. The population of the group was 1,807 at the time the study was conducted and the sample size for the study was 320 randomly selected respondents. The sample size was achieved using the Krejcie, R. V., and D. W. Morgan. 1970. “Determining Sample Size for Research Activities.” Educational and Psychological Measurement 30: 607–10 table for determining sample size. Data was collected from the respondents using a closed-ended questionnaire consisting of adapted scales for all the variables. The 223 responses retrieved within a period of three weeks were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings from the investigation showed technological readiness, computer self-efficacy and E-learning adoption of the LIS students is very high. Though technological readiness and computer self-efficacy had relative contribution to E-learning adoption, computer self-efficacy had higher contribution. The study also revealed that significant relationships exist between technological readiness and E-learning adoption, computer self-efficacy and E-learning adoption, technological readiness and computer self-efficacy, while technological readiness and computer self-efficacy had joint prediction on E-learning adoption by LIS students in Nigeria. The study therefore emphasized the need to consider certain individual factors as criteria to the successful adoption of E-learning among LIS students in Nigeria.
Bribri media tantum verbs and the rise of labile syntax
Authors: Pacchiarotti Sara , Kulikov Leonid 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this article, we first show that the Bribri (Chibchan) middle voice suffix -rderives passive voice from active transitive and agentive intransitive verbs, as well as anticausative verbs from nominal and adjectival roots. Second, we focus on five media tantum verbs, i.e., forms that synchronically carry the -rsuffix and have no counterpart without -r. Unlike most other verbs, these five forms are labile, i.e., they can occur in syntactically intransitive and transitive constructions with no (supra-)segmental change. After describing the valence patterns in which Bribri media tantum labile (MTL) verbs occur, we investigate whether: (i) their non-absolutive arguments behave like ergative phrases; and whether (ii) MTL verb forms in two-argument constructions behave like active voice transitive verb stems. Third, we outline a hitherto unnoticed diachronic path for the rise of lability in a small subgroup of Bribri media tantum verbs.
Prognostic value of preoperative inflammation-based predictors in patients with bladder carcinoma after radical cystectomy
Authors: Gui Huiming , Song Yutong , Yin Yongsheng , Wang Hanzhang , Rodriguez Ronald , Wang Zhiping 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimsEmerging evidence has related inflammation-based biomarkers to numerous carcinomas, including bladder carcinoma (BC). However, the role of inflammatory biomarkers in the prognosis of BC remains inconclusive. This study aimed to compare preoperative plasma fibrinogen (PF) and other inflammatory biomarkers such as the platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte–monocyte ratio (LMR), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and serum albumin level to predict the prognosis of patients with BC.MethodsThis article focused on a retrospective analysis of 175 patients with newly diagnosed BC who were admitted to our hospital from March 2005 to March 2016. Of these BC patients, 136 had undergone radical cystectomy (RC).ResultsAccording to multivariate analysis, high PF level was an independent predictor of overall survival (OS) in 136 BC patients receiving RC (HR = 3.759;P= 0.011), but not for all 175 BC patients. Combining the NLR and PF values showed higher predictive accuracy for OS than NLR or PF alone (P< 0.05). Additionally, for 136 BC patients who had undergone RC, a close relationship was found between high PF levels (≥3.39 g/L) and lymph node metastasis (P= 0.011) and clinical T stage (P= 0.015). Furthermore, PF was a superior prognostic factor compared with the LMR, PLR, CRP, and albumin values in 136 BC patients who had undergone RC (P< 0.001).ConclusionsThe preoperative PF level may be a prognostic biomarker; and when combined with the NLR, it can improve the predictive ability of the survival of BC patients, particularly of BC patients who underwent RC.
Sublingual immunotherapy increases Treg/Th17 ratio in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Wang Jiarong , Qiu Liansheng , Chen Yimin , Chen Minyun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Few studies investigated the effects of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) on the peripheral regulatory T cells (Tregs)/Th17 ratio.

Objective
To investigate the effectiveness of SLIT in children with allergic rhinitis (AR) and the effects on the Tregs/Th17 ratio.

Methods
This was a retrospective study of children who were treated for AR between April 2017 and March 2018 at one hospital. The patients were grouped according to the treatments they received: SLIT + pharmacotherapy vs pharmacotherapy alone.

Results
Eighty children (51 boys and 29 girls; 40/group) were included. The visual analog scale (VAS) and medication scores at 1 year in the SLIT + pharmacotherapy group were 2.70 ± 1.08 and 1.1 ± 0.8, respectively, which were lower than at baseline (7.7 ± 1.2 and 3.6 ± 1.0, respectively) (both Ps < 0.05). For the pharmacotherapy group, the VAS score was decreased at 1 year vs baseline (3.3 ± 1.2 vs 7.4 ± 1.0; P < 0.05), but the medication score did not change (P > 0.05). In the SLIT + pharmacotherapy group, the Treg percentage increased, while the Th17 percentage decreased at 1 year (both Ps < 0.01). The percentages of Tregs and Th17s did not change in the pharmacotherapy group (both Ps > 0.05).

Conclusions
SLIT + pharmacotherapy can increase the Treg percentage and decrease the Th17 percentage in the peripheral blood of children with AR.
On topological descriptors of ceria oxide and their applications
Authors: Siddiqui Muhammad Kamran , Chu Yu-Ming , Nasir Muhammad , Nadeem Muhammad Faisal , Hanif Muhammad Farhan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
A topological descriptor is a mathematical illustration of a molecular construction that relates particular physicochemical properties of primary molecular structure as well its mathematical depiction. Topological co-indices are usually applied for quantitative structure actions relationships (QSAR) and quantitative structures property relationships (QSPR). Topological co-indices are topological descriptors which are considered the noncontiguous vertex set. We study the accompanying some renowned topological co-indices: first and second Zagreb co-indices, first and second multiplicative Zagreb co-indices and the F-coindex, and some other degree-based indices of the co-indices of ceria oxide.
Recent advances in ultraviolet nanophotonics: from plasmonics and metamaterials to metasurfaces
Authors: Zhao Dong , Lin Zhelin , Zhu Wenqi , Lezec Henri J. , Xu Ting , Agrawal Amit , Zhang Cheng , Huang Kun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Nanophotonic devices, composed of metals, dielectrics, or semiconductors, enable precise and high-spatial-resolution manipulation of electromagnetic waves by leveraging diverse light–matter interaction mechanisms at subwavelength length scales. Their compact size, light weight, versatile functionality and unprecedented performance are rapidly revolutionizing how optical devices and systems are constructed across the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectra. Here, we review recent advances and future opportunities of nanophotonic elements operating in the ultraviolet spectral region, which include plasmonic devices, optical metamaterials, and optical metasurfaces. We discuss their working principles, material platforms, fabrication, and characterization techniques, followed by representative device applications across various interdisciplinary areas such as imaging, sensing and spectroscopy. We conclude this review by elaborating on future opportunities and challenges for ultraviolet nanophotonic devices.
Effects of the combined usage of nanomaterials and steel fibres on the workability, compressive strength, and microstructure of ultra-high performance concrete
Authors: Huang Kunhong , Xie Jianhe , Wang Ronghui , Feng Yuan , Rao Rui 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Using nanomaterials to enhance concrete performance is of particular interest to meet the safety and functionality requirements of engineering structures. However, there are few comprehensive comparisons of the effects of different nanomaterials on the properties of ultra-high performance concretes (UHPCs) with a compressive strength of more than 150 MPa. The aim of the present study was to assess the coupling effects of nanomaterials and steel fibres on the workability and compressive performance of UHPC. Three types of nanomaterials, nano-SiO2 (NS), nano-calcium carbonate (NC), and carbon nanofibre (CNF), were each added into UHPC mixes by quantity substitution of the binder; two types of steel fibres were investigated; and two mixing methods were used for casting the UHPC. In addition, the effect of curing age (7 or 28 days) on the compressive performance of the mixtures was considered. Comprehensive studies were conducted on the effects of these test variables on the fluidity, compressive strength, failure mode, and microstructure. The results show that the combination of these nanomaterials and steel fibres can provide good synergetic effects on the compressive performance of UHPC and that the addition of CNF results in a greater enhancement than the addition of NS or NC. The addition of NS, not CNF or NC, has a considerable negative influence on the fluidity of the UHPC paste. It is suggested that reducing the agglomeration of the nanomaterials would further improve the performance of the resulting UHPC.
How does willingness and ability to pay of palm oil smallholders affect their willingness to participate in Indonesian sustainable palm oil certification? Empirical evidence from North Sumatra
Authors: Aisyah Dinda Dewi , Irham  , Mulyo Jangkung Handoyo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
A sample survey of palm oil smallholders was used to examine the amount of Willingness and Ability to Pay (WATP) and the factors that determine WATP as well as the impact of WATP on the willingness to participate of smallholders in Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification scheme. Results reveal that the average amount of WATP accounted only half of the certification cost, implying that partial assistance is needed to support the smallholders through government subsidy. The study shows that WATP significantly affects the willingness to participate, and smallholders with higher WATP are more likely willing to participate in ISPO. Both WATP and willingness to participate are significantly determined by social norms (farmers collective impression) and awareness of the consequences of unsustainable farming practices. This result indicates the necessity to improve a positive impression on ISPO and increase awareness of the importance of following the sustainability principles of palm oil farming to increase the smallholders’ WATP, and at the same time their willingness to participate in ISPO program. It is suggested for the government to intensify the campaign of the program to a wider range of smallholders to increase their knowledge and awareness of the certification program.
State-of-the-art progress in tracking plasmon-mediated photoredox catalysis
Authors: Yuan Lan , Geng Zhaoyi , Fan Baoan , Guo Fen , Han Chuang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Metal nanocrystals (NCs), particularly for plasmonic metal NCs with specific morphology and size, can strongly interact with ultraviolet-visible or even near-infrared photons to generate energetic charge carriers, localized heating, and electric field enhancement. These unique properties offer a promising opportunity for maneuvering solar-to-chemical energy conversion through different mechanisms. As distinct from previous works, in this review, recent advances of various characterization techniques in probing and monitoring the photophysical/photochemical processes, as well as the reaction mechanisms of plasmon-mediated photoredox catalysis are thoroughly summarized. Understanding how to distinguish and track these reaction mechanisms would furnish basic guidelines to design next-generation photocatalysts for plasmon-enhanced catalysis.
Catalytic properties of supramolecular polymetallated porphyrins
Authors: Aguirre-Araque Juan S. , Toma Henrique E. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Supramolecular polymetallated pyridylporphyrins have been specially designed for exploring the binding and synergism between the macrocyclic system and the peripheral metal complexes. Their chemistry has been reviewed, focusing on the outstanding behavior in solution or as thin organized films generated with several nanomaterials, for application as molecular devices and in energy conversion processes.
FEM micromechanical modeling of nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes
Authors: Chwał Małgorzata , Muc Aleksander 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Mechanical properties of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based nanocomposites are broadly discussed in the literature. The influence of CNT arrangements on the elastic properties of nanocomposites based on the finite-element method (FEM) and representative volume element (RVE) approach is presented here. This study is an application of RVE modeling in the characterization of elastic behavior of CNT polymer nanocomposites. Our main contribution is the analysis of the impact of a nanotube arrangement on the elastic properties of nanocomposite to comprehensively determine the material constants. While most of the articles are focused on one distribution, not all material constants are determined. Our FEM analysis is compared with micromechanical models and other results from the literature. The current work shows that nanotube arrangements lead to different results of elastic properties. The analytical micromechanical models are consistent with the numerical results only for axial Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio, whereas other elastic constants are lower than the numerical predictions. The results of these studies indicate that FEM can predict nanocomposite mechanical properties with good accuracy. This article is helpful and useful to comprehensively understand the influence of CNT arrangements on the elastic properties of nanocomposites.
Do people with acute low back pain have an attentional bias to threat-related words?
Authors: Skinner Ian , Hübscher Markus , Lee Hopin , Traeger Adrian C. , Moseley G. Lorimer , Wand Benedict M. , Gustin Sylvia M. , McAuley James H. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Objectives
It has been hypothesised that attentional bias to environmental threats can contribute to persistent pain. It is unclear whether people with acute low back pain (LBP) have an attentional bias to environmental threats. We investigated if attentional bias of threat related words is different in people with acute LBP and pain-free controls.

Methods
People with acute LBP and pain-free people completed a free viewing eye tracking task. Participants were simultaneously presented with two words, a threat related word and a neutral control word. Threat related words were general threat, affective pain and sensory pain. We conducted linear mixed models to detect differences between acute LBP and pain-free participants on five eye tracking outcome measures (dwell time, first fixation, latency to first fixation, first run dwell time and number of fixations). We calculated absolute reliability, (standard error of measure), and relative reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC 2,1]) for each eye tracking outcome measures.

Results
We recruited 65 people with acute LBP and 65 pain-free controls. Participants with acute LBP had a higher proportion of fixations towards the affective pain words (M=0.5009, 95% CI=0.4941, 0.5076) than the pain-free controls had (M=0.4908, 95% CI=0.4836, 0.4979), mean between group difference = −0.0101, 95% CI [−0.0198, −0.0004], p=0.0422. There was no difference between acute LBP and pain-free controls for the remaining eye tracking outcome measures (all p>0.05). The only outcome measure that had an ICC of more than 0.7 was the latency to first fixation (affective pain words ICC=0.73, general threat words ICC=0.72).

Conclusions
When compared with pain-free controls, people with acute LBP looked more often at affective pain words relative to neutral control words. This may indicate a form of engagement bias for people with acute LBP. Attentional bias was not consistent across outcome measures or word groups. Further research is needed to investigate the potential role of attentional bias in the development of persistent pain.
Analgesic effect of paired associative stimulation in a tetraplegic patient with severe drug-resistant neuropathic pain: a case report
Authors: Vaalto Selja , Nyman Anna-Lena , Shulga Anastasia 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Objectives
There is no effective evidence-based non-pharmacological treatment for severe neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI). Paired associative stimulation (PAS) has been used in motor rehabilitation of patients after SCI. In the SCI-PAS protocol for tetraplegic patients, peripheral and central nerve tracts are activated with subject-specific timing, such that ascending and descending signals appear simultaneously at the cervical level. The effect on motor rehabilitation is thought to arise via strengthening of cervical upper and lower motoneuron synapses. We have observed an analgesic effect of PAS on mild-to-moderate neuropathic pain in tetraplegic patients receiving PAS for motor rehabilitation. Here, we applied PAS to a patient with severe drug-resistant neuropathic pain.

Methods
The patient is a 50-year-old man who had a traumatic cervical SCI three years earlier. He has partial paresis in the upper limbs and completely plegic lower limbs. The most severe pain is located in the right upper limb and shoulder region. The pain has not responded to either pharmacological therapy or repetitive-TMS therapy targeted to either primary motor cortex or secondary somatosensory cortex. PAS was targeted to relieve pain in the right upper arm. Peripheral nerve stimulation targeted the median, ulnar, and radial nerves and was accompanied by TMS pulses to the motor representation area of abductor pollicis brevis, abductor digiti minimi, and extensor digitorum communis muscles, respectively.

Results
Hand motor function, especially finger abduction and extension, was already enhanced during the first therapy week. Pain decreased at the end of the second therapy week. Pain was milder especially in the evenings. Numerical rating scale scores (evening) decreased 44% and patient estimation of global impression of change was 1, subjectively indicating great benefit when compared to before therapy. Quality of sleep also improved.

Conclusions
The SCI-PAS protocol reduced neuropathic pain in our subject. The mechanism behind the analgesic effect may involve the modulation of nociceptive and sensory neuronal circuits at the spinal cord level. The possibility to use PAS as an adjunct treatment in drug-resistant post-SCI neuropathic pain warrants further investigation and sham-controlled studies. Patients with neuropathic pain due to SCI may benefit from PAS therapy in addition to PAS therapy-induced improvement in motor function.
Reform der Hinzuverdienstmöglichkeiten für Grundsicherungsbeziehende und Wechselwirkungen mit vorrangigen Leistungen: Auswirkungen auf Arbeitsangebot und Empfängerzahlen
Authors: Bruckmeier Kerstin , Mühlhan Jannek , Wiemers Jürgen 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In diesem Papier simulieren wir die Auswirkungen einer deutlichen Ausweitung der Hinzuverdienstmöglichkeiten für Bezieher/-innen der Grundsicherung für Arbeitsuchende (SGB II) auf das Arbeitsangebot, die öffentlichen Haushalte und die Zahl der Leistungsbeziehenden. Die Analyse beruht auf einem statischen Mikrosimulationsmodell (IAB-MSM), das ein ökonometrisches Arbeitsangebotsmodell beinhaltet und Daten des Sozioökonomischen Panel (SOEP) verwendet. Bei der Ermittlung der Effekte werden Wechselwirkungen mit den vorgelagerten Leistungen Wohngeld und Kinderzuschlag berücksichtigt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Arbeitsangebotseffekte moderat ausfallen, während die Effekte auf die Empfängerzahlen beim SGB II und bei Kinderzuschlag ebenso wie auf die Kosten dieser Leistungen deutlich sind. Die Ergebnisse legen nahe, dass eine Verbesserung der Hinzuverdienstmöglichkeiten für Erwerbstätige aus einkommensschwachen Haushalten, ohne gleichzeitig die Zahl der Grundsicherungsbeziehenden deutlich auszuweiten, nur durch umfassende Reformen gelingen kann, die das gesamte Steuer- und Transfersystem betrachten.