bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health related quality of life in COVID-19 survivors discharged from acute hospitals: results of a short-form 36-item survey
Authors: Saverino Alessia , Zsirai Eva , Sonabend Raphael , Gaggero Lorenza , Cevasco Isabella , Pistarini Caterina , Cremonesi Paolo 
Published: April 2021

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is important for evaluating the impact of a disease in the longer term across the physical and psychological domains of human functioning. The aim of this study is to evaluate HRQL in COVID-19 survivors in Italy using the short form 36-items questionnaire (SF-36). Methods: This is an observational study involving adults discharged home following a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related hospital admission. Baseline demographic and clinical data including the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were collected. The validated Italian version of SF-36 was administered cross-sectionally. The SF-36 contains eight scales measuring limitations in physical and social functioning, the impact on roles and activities, fatigue, emotional well-being, pain and general health perception. Results: A total of 35 patients, with a mean age of 60 years, completed the SF-36. The results showed difficulties across the physical and psychological domains, particularly affecting the return to previous roles and activities. A higher burden of co-morbidities as well as a more severe muscle weakness was associated to a lower physical functioning. Younger age, rather than older, correlated to a perceived greater limitation in physical functioning and vitality. Conclusions: COVID-19 survivors particularly the ones of working age may need support for resuming their premorbid level of functioning and returning to work.
Use of the bar chart/S-curve and computerized precedence diagram method on scheduling and controlling building construction projects by contractors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Luthan Putri Lynna Adelinna , Sitanggang Nathanael , Hamid Abdul , Hadibroto Bambang 
Published: April 2021

Background: Building construction projects have very complex activities, so they require precise and accurate methods of scheduling and control. Using the right method, the project executor can carry out the project according to plan and any schedule deviations can be controlled effectively. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of using the bar chart/S-curve and computerized precedence diagram method (PDM) on scheduling and controlling building construction projects. Methods: The use of the two methods and their effectiveness during project work were analysed using a survey directed to building construction workers. Results: A total of 50 workers completed the survey. The use of PDM (using Microsoft Project) was significantly more effective than the bar chart/S-curve method in scheduling building construction projects (t count 15.516> t table 2.660) and controlling building construction projects (t count 17.233> t table 2.660). In addition, PDM was associated with allowing the project to find the critical path more quickly, overcoming project delays more effectively. Conclusions: By using PDM, a on a building construction project’s schedule for the implementation of the work can be changed immediately, if there is a delay or deviation of work. The findings of this study are useful for construction service companies and the development of construction management science in civil engineering study programs.
Transition in successors’ behavior and mindset while managing long-lived small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises: a qualitative study
Authors: Suzuki Hiroo , Kino Yasunobu 
Published: April 2021

Background: There have been many studies conducted on succession, which can be considered as the most important issue in family businesses. However, most of these previous studies have focused only on the early stage of succession, uncovering the role of the predecessor and the successor. Only a few studies have made efforts to examine the total lifecycle of succession. The purpose of this study is to explore the process of the transition in successors' behavior and mindset while managing long-lived small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises throughout the lifecycle of succession. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six successors of small and medium-sized manufacturing companies who are more than half a century old. Their answers were analyzed using the Modified-GTA method to construct a hypothetical model. Results: In total, 46 concepts, four categories, 17 subcategories, and one core category were generated. An analysis result diagram using all concepts and categories was formed. From the observation of this diagram, the successors gained confidence in management through the dilemma between autonomy and constraint in the early stage of succession, which was found in previous research. Following the initial stage, the successors responded to the crisis caused by market constraints and created autonomous strategies in their businesses. Conclusions: By experiencing repetitive crises, the successors tend to acquire new perspectives toward the naturally occurring crises. This change of premise by the successors is considered as the process of double-loop learning. Relationships inside and outside the company influence the generation of this viewpoint. From a long-term perspective, a sense of unity with employees, stable employment, and the pursuit of enjoyment constitute the successors' own values in this model.
Phosphorus Runoff from Soils Receiving Liquid Dairy and Swine Manures Amended with Mine Drainage Residual
Authors: Church Clinton  D. , Hedin Robert S. , Bryant Ray B. , Wolfe Amy G. , Spargo John T. , Elkin Kyle R. , Saporito Lou S. , Kleinman Peter  J. A. 
Published: April 2021

HighlightsConcern over nutrient runoff from agriculture has prompted research to limit phosphorus (P) mobility.Mine drainage residuals (MDRs) can reduce phosphorus solubility in soils, sediments and liquid manure slurries.MDR amendment resulted in lower dissolved phosphorus in runoff from sites treated with dairy manure slurry, but not with swine manure slurry.This study underscores the value of testing under field conditions before making recommendations.Abstract. Concern over nutrient runoff from agriculture has prompted considerable research on amendments to limit phosphorus (P) solubility of manure slurries and P mobility following land application of the slurry. The concept of solving one industry’s problem with another industry’s problem is attractive, but successful examples are uncommon. Mine drainage residual (MDR), generated from the process of neutralizing acid discharge from coal mines, has been shown to reduce soluble P in soils, sediments and manure slurries. We therefore sought to test whether amending manure slurries with MDR was effective at reducing P in runoff once that slurry was applied to agricultural soils. A series of simulated rainfall experiments revealed that amending dairy manure slurry with MDR resulted in significantly less flow weighted dissolved P concentrations and loads in runoff. However, the same effect was not observed with runoff from soils amended with swine manure slurry, despite a greater reduction of water extractable P in swine manure slurry with MDR addition than in dairy manure slurry. This study underscores the value of testing amendments under field conditions before making manure management recommendations. Keywords: Manure, Phosphorus, Mine drainage residual, Engineered treatment, Simulated rainfall.
A Study on Performance Evaluation of Tea Dryers
Authors: Chang Cheng-Hou , Tsai Chao-Yin , Ong Pauline , Chen Suming 
Published: April 2021

HighlightsThis study used data normalization, radar chart and weighting difference analysis to compare the performances of four types of tea dryers in terms of drying efficiency, energy, costs, qualities, and total efficiency.The electro-thermal dryers were more energy-saving and environment friendly.The vacuum drum dryer has the potential for useful application in high quality tea drying. Abstract. Tea dryers are essential equipment for tea manufacturers whereby, the hot-air tea drying machines, such as multiple-layer conveyor dryer (MLD), electric hot-air dryer (HAD), and low-humidity dryer (LHD), are commonly used. The vacuum drum dryer (VDD), a new type of tea dryer, has the potential to improve the drying quality and efficiency. Hence, it is necessary to assess its performance in comparison with the other three dryers to facilitate its application in the tea industry. This study used data normalization, radar chart, and weighting difference analysis to compare the performance of these four dryers in terms of drying efficiency, energy, costs, qualities, and total efficiency. The evaluation results indicated that the investment cost of the HAD was the lowest among all, followed by LHD and MLD, while the VDD was the highest. In terms of the drying quality, the opposite trend was observed in which the VDD gave the best performance, and followed by LHD, MLD, and HAD. For the rating of total efficiency, HAD outperformed VDD and LHD, where the lowest total efficiency was attained by the MLD. Considering the equal weighting of cost and quality, it can be concluded that HAD showed the best performance while MLD was the worst. Different requirements for cost and qualities affect the final evaluation of tea dryers. The electro-thermal dryers were more energy-saving and environment friendly than the fuel dryer. The VDD has better performance in terms of drying rate and qualities. Despite its energy consumption and equipment costs are higher, it still has the potential for useful application in high-quality tea drying. The continuous effort of researchers and dryer manufacturers in reducing the input costs and enhancing the benefits can improve the energy consumption and machinery cost of VDD. Keywords: Dryer, Performance evaluation, Radar chart, Tea.
Experimental Study on the Optimal Threshold of Water and Nitrogen Quantities for Tomato Growth under the Irrigation with Biogas Slurry in Greenhouse
Authors: Zheng Jian , Zhang Pingan , Cui Ningbo , Wang Yan , Wang Jian , Qi Xingyun 
Published: April 2021

HighlightsApplication of biogas slurry can significantly improve the integrated growth, yield, quality of tomatoes.Water-nitrogen coupling model was established based on multi-index evaluation system of tomatoes.The optimal application quantitative range of water and nitrogen was obtained based on the water-nitrogen coupling model.Abstract. Biogas slurry, a liquid organic fertilizer, has been widely used in agricultural production. However, the characteristics of high water content and low fertility make it always applied empirically and a scientific and reasonable application of biogas slurry is urgent needed in practical agricultural production. This study aims to explore the effects of various biogas slurry concentrations on the yield, comprehensive nutritional quality (CNQ), irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) and partial factor productivity of nitrogen (PFPN) of tomatoes in a greenhouse. Seven treatments, including T1(BS1:4; 0.8Ep), T2 (BS1:6; 0.8Ep), and T3(BS1:8; 0.8Ep), T4(BS1:4; 0.6Ep), T5(BS1:4; 1.0Ep), CK (no fertilization; 1.0Ep), CF (conventional chemical fertilization; 1.0Ep) were set up, where BS1:4, BS1:6,and BS1:8 are the volume ratio of biogas slurry to water, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 were crop dish coefficients, respectively. Ep is the evaporation amount of a 20 cm standard evaporating dish. The results showed that appropriate application of biogas slurry had a positive impact on crop growth such as total dry biomass, plant height, stem diameter and finally increased the yields, in which T1 treatment was the best. The fruit yield increased with the increase of biogas slurry ratio for treatments at the same irrigation level of 0.8Ep and the maximum yield of single tomato can reach 5.174 kg. The IWUE increased with the decrease of irrigation for treatments at the same biogas slurry ratio of BS1:4 and T4 treatment had the highest IWUE. The CNQ first increased and then decreased with the increase of biogas slurry ratio under the same irrigation level of 0.8Ep and T2 treatment obtained the highest CNQ; but the PFPN decreased with the increase of biogas slurry ratio and T3 treatment acquired the largest PFPN. Within an 80% confidence interval, when the irrigation amount was in a range of 39.233~43.134 L and the nitrogen quantities was 7.983~8.426 g, the yield, IWUE, CNQ, and PFPN can reach =80% of their maximums at the same time. Taking into account the growth, yield, fruit quality, and water and fertilizer use efficiency, T1 treatment was the best fertigation strategy for a higher production and better quality. The results can provide some help for scientific management of biogas slurry application in greenhouse. Keywords: Biogas slurry, Quality, Spatial analysis method, Tomato (Lycopersicum esculantum Mill), Yield.
Comparison of Three Commercial Automatic Boom Height Systems for Agricultural Sprayers
Authors: Burgers Travis A. , Gaard John David , Hyronimus Brian James 
Published: April 2021

HighlightsThree automatic boom height systems were compared: BoomTrac Pro (A), AutoBoom XRT (B), and UC5 Passive Roll (C).Boom leveling performance was quantified for three runs on each of three terrains for at least three speeds.System B kept the boom height significantly closer to target than Systems A and C.System B had significantly less boom height variability than Systems A and C.Abstract. Automatic boom height systems reduce the variability of agricultural sprayer boom height. Consistent boom height is important for three key reasons: to reduce uneven spray dispersion if the boom is too low, to reduce spray droplet drift if the boom is too high, and to reduce damage to the boom or crop if the boom is too low. No data is available comparing commercial boom height systems. Three leading North American automatic boom height systems were compared: John Deere BoomTrac Pro™ (System A), Raven AutoBoom® XRT (System B), and Norac UC5TM Passive Roll™ (System C) on a John Deere R4045 (Systems A and B) and RoGator 1100C (Systems B and C). Each system was evaluated with three test runs for at least three speeds over each of a mild, medium, and rough terrain course. Boom heights at the left and right outside sensors were measured with the AutoBoom XRT sensors. The accuracy of the automatic boom height systems was quantified with root mean squared deviation (RMSD), the Herbst-modified Hockley Index, and the fraction of points within 10 and 25 cm of target (f10 and f&lt;25). With four exceptions out of 216 comparisons, System B significantly outperformed System A on the R4045 and System C on the RoGator for each metric, at each sensor location, at each speed, on each terrain. At 26 km/h on medium terrain, the RMSD for Systems A and C was 174% and 107% larger than System B, respectively. At 26 km/h on medium terrain, the fraction of points within 25 cm (f&lt;25) was 56% and 21% higher for System B than Systems A and C, respectively. These results indicate System B kept the boom significantly closer to target with significantly less height variability. Keywords: Automatic control, Boom control, Spray boom, Spray dispersion, Spray drift, Spray height.
High-resolution confocal microscopy with low-NA objectives based on diffractive lens arrays
Authors: Li Zheng , Taphanel Miro , Längle Thomas , Beyerer Jürgen 
Published: April 2021

High resolution and large fields of view are difficult to achieve simultaneously by microscope objectives. In this work, we develop a reflection confocal microscope based on diffractive lens arrays to solve the problem. We demonstrate a prototype that generates a spot array with a numerical aperture of 0.78. Laterally, experiments show a spatial cutoff frequency of 1024 lp/mm by a 0.15 NA objective, and 912 lp/mm by a 0.07 NA objective with a 785 nm diode laser. Axially, an average height of 961 nm with a standard deviation of 49 nm is measured with a 925.5 nm calibrated step height target.
Comparison of Stock Performance Based on Ethical Investment: Evidance on JII and SRI-KEHATI Indices
Authors: Azhar Jeihan Ali , Wulandari Resti 
Published: April 2021

This research aims to analyze and compare the performance of the Islamic stock portfolio represented by the JII index and ethical investment represented by the SRI-KE-HATI index by measuring the Risk Adjustment Return Index through the Sharpe index, Treynor index, and Jensen Index differential return and appraisal ratio. The data analysis of this research consists of five parts, namely descriptive analysis, analysis of stock performance, with three methods, namely Sharpe, Treynor, and Jensen.differential return and appraisal ratio and Multiple Comparison Test. Based on the comparison of the performance of JII and SRI-KEHATI stocks in 2014-2019, it can be concluded that the overall method of Sharpe, Treynor and differential return shows a negative performance value, which means that the performance is not good, whereas when measured using the Jensen method and Appraisal Return shows positive performance value, which means good performance. When compared between the performance of JII and SRI-KEHATI shares, there is a difference between the performance of the JII and SRI-KEHATI Indices during the study period
Software-defined data protection
Authors: István Zsolt , Ponnapalli Soujanya , Chidambaram Vijay 
Published: April 2021

Most modern data processing pipelines run on top of a distributed storage layer, and securing the whole system, and the storage layer in particular, against accidental or malicious misuse is crucial to ensuring compliance to rules and regulations. Enforcing data protection and privacy rules, however, stands at odds with the requirement to achieve higher and higher access bandwidths and processing rates in large data processing pipelines.
In this work we describe our proposal for the path forward that reconciles the two goals. We call our approach "Software-Defined Data Protection" (SDP). Its premise is simple, yet powerful: decoupling often changing policies from request-level enforcement allows distributed smart storage nodes to implement the latter at line-rate. Existing and future data protection frameworks can be translated to the same hardware interface which allows storage nodes to offload enforcement efficiently both for company-specific rules and regulations, such as GDPR or CCPA.
While SDP is a promising approach, there are several remaining challenges to making this vision reality. As we explain in the paper, overcoming these will require collaboration across several domains, including security, databases and specialized hardware design.
Oil price change and Economy relationship :A global review using a nonlinear dynamic model for MENA Countries
Authors: Essaadi Essahbi , Jbir Rafik 
Published: April 2021

This paper studies the macroeconomic effects of oil price shocks in a selection of MENA countries. The oil price shock is identified by assuming that an individual country's performance does not affect world oil prices. We put particular emphasis on the time-varying relationship between oil prices and macroeconomic variables and implement their approach in a Time-Varying Structural VAR model (TV-SVAR) framework.
The main findings are that the macroeconomic effects of oil price shocks have evolved over time in MENA countries. Interestingly, however, we do not find a lot of heterogeneity among the MENA countries they consider, even though their list includes both net oil exporters (Algeria, Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Saudia Arabia) and net oil importers (Turkey and Tunisia)
Temporal Contribution of Myeloid-Lineage TLR4 to the Transition to Chronic Pain: A Focus on Sex Differences
Authors: Huck Nolan A. , Siliezar-Doyle Janelle , Haight Elena S. , Ishida Ryosuke , Forman Thomas E. , Wu Shaogen , Shen Huaishuang , Takemura Yoshinori , Clark J. David , Tawfik Vivianne L. 
Published: April 2021

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain disorder with a clear acute-to-chronic transition. Preclinical studies demonstrate that toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), expressed by myeloid-lineage cells, astrocytes, and neurons, mediates a sex-dependent transition to chronic pain; however, evidence is lacking on which exact TLR4-expressing cells are responsible. We used complementary pharmacologic and transgenic approaches in mice to more specifically manipulate myeloid-lineage TLR4 and outline its contribution to the transition from acute-to-chronic CRPS based on three key variables: location (peripheral vs central), timing (prevention vs treatment), and sex (male vs female). We demonstrate that systemic TLR4 antagonism is more effective at improving chronic allodynia trajectory when administered at the time of injury (early) in the tibial fracture model of CRPS in both sexes. In order to clarify the contribution of myeloid-lineage cells peripherally (macrophages) or centrally (microglia), we rigorously characterize a novel spatiotemporal transgenic mouse line,Cx3CR1-CreERT2-eYFP;TLR4fl/fl(TLR4 cKO) to specifically knock out TLR4 only in microglia and no other myeloid-lineage cells. Using this transgenic mouse, we find that early TLR4 cKO results in profound improvement in chronic, but not acute, allodynia in males, with a significant but less robust effect in females. In contrast, late TLR4 cKO results in partial improvement in allodynia in both sexes, suggesting that downstream cellular or molecular TLR4-independent events may have already been triggered. Overall, we find that the contribution of TLR4 is time- and microglia-dependent in both sexes; however, females also rely on peripheral myeloid-lineage (or other TLR4 expressing) cells to trigger chronic pain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe contribution of myeloid cell TLR4 to sex-specific pain progression remains controversial. We used complementary pharmacologic and transgenic approaches to specifically manipulate TLR4 based on three key variables: location (peripheral vs central), timing (prevention vs treatment), and sex (male vs female). We discovered that microglial TLR4 contributes to early pain progression in males, and to a lesser extent in females. We further found that maintenance of chronic pain likely occurs through myeloid TLR4-independent mechanisms in both sexes. Together, we define a more nuanced contribution of this receptor to the acute-to-chronic pain transition in a mouse model of complex regional pain syndrome.