bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of instability resistance training, traditional resistance training and plyometric training on athletic performance parameters
Authors: Amar Amit Kumar , Nuhmani Shibili , Khan Moazzam Hussain , John Melbin , Kachanathu Shaji John , Kadyan Gaurav , Muaidi Qassim I. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objectives
The objective of the study was to compare traditional resistance, instability resistance, and plyometric training methods on measures of athletic performance in healthy subjects.

Methods
Sixty five healthy, physically active male students were randomly assigned to the following groups: traditional resistance training (RT, n=22), instability training (IT, n=22), and plyometric training (PLY, n=21).Athletic performance parameters were assessed pre- and post-training using chair squat test, standing stork test, shuttle run test, t-test, and vertical jump test.

Results
General linear univariate model with baseline as covariate (ANCOVA) was used for analyzing the change in outcome from baseline to post-treatment. Statistically significant improvement was observed in all the athletic performance parameters in all three groups after seven weeks of training (p-value<0.05). The highest change in chair squat test was reported for RT compared to IT (p-value<0.001) and PLY (p-value<0.001). The change in standing stork test among the IT group was substantially higher than that among RT (p-value=0.007) but did not significantly differ from that among the PLY (p-value=0.27). No statistically significant difference was observed in post-test values of vertical jump test among three groups. The highest change in t-test and shuttle run test was reported for PLY compared to IT (p-value<0.001) and RT (p-value<0.001).

Conclusions
Based on the findings of this study, it is suggested that IT and PLY can be included with traditional RT to improve various aspects of athletic performance in healthy physically active individuals. The current study will give an insight to athletes, coaches, and trainers regarding utilization of appropriate training methods in enhancing athletic performance. However, further research is required to establish the effectiveness
Complementary and alternative interventions for stroke recovery – a narrative overview of the published evidence
Authors: Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Stroke survivors dissatisfied with their progress often seek complementary and alternative interventions (CAI). This paper reviews the evidence for CAIs in stroke recovery.

Methods
A literature search was performed for publications until December 2019 of CAI for stroke in Pubmed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED. Evidence was assessed according to Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine criteria.

Results
In a meta-analysis, acupuncture reduced death or dependency compared to control at the end of follow-up and over the long term (≥3 months), OR 0.61(95%CI 0.46–0.79) and OR 0.67(95%CI 0.53–0.85) respectively, but was neutral against sham acupuncture. A Cochrane review of acupuncture vs. sham acupuncture in subacute or chronic stroke vs. showed no differences in motor function and quality of life. Three trials found favourable effects of moxibustion on motor function (SMD=0.72, 95%CI 0.37–1.08, p<0.0001). Two trials showed cupping compared to acupuncture reduced hemiplegic shoulder pain and upper-limb ‘myodynamia’. A meta-analysis of traditional Chinese medicines for ischaemic stroke showed marked improvement in neurological deficit on stroke scales. There was no evidence for Ayurveda, homoeopathy or reiki. Tui-na reduced the Modified Ashworth Scale in some muscle groups. Marma massage improved Motricity Index and trunk control. Thai massage and herbal treatments improved the Barthel Index. On meta-analysis, Yoga improved memory and anxiety, while tai-chi improved activities of daily living, balance and walking ability. Studies were generally of poor quality.

Conclusions
The evidence for benefit of CAIs for stroke recovery is weak. More research is needed to justify these treatments for stroke, by well-conducted, adequately-sized, double-blinded, randomized controlled trials.
Efficacy of prayer in inducing immediate physiological changes: a systematic analysis of objective experiments
Authors: Chin Felix , Chou Ryan , Waqas Muhammad , Vakharia Kunal , Rai Hamid , Levy Elad , Holmes David 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To assess the immediate impact of prayer on physiological state by systematically reviewing objective, controlled experimental studies in the literature.

Content
Experimental studies measuring objective physiological changes induced by prayer. Studies containing the keyword, “Prayer” anywhere in the title or abstract were curated from the following databases: Public/Publisher Medline (PubMed), Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE) and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) in May 2019. Titles and abstracts were screened with the remaining 30 articles analyzed for inclusion. Only experimental studies were included.

Summary
Eight experimental studies were identified of which five investigated neurocognitive changes and three investigated systemic physiological changes during prayer. The five studies focusing on neuroactivity used functional MRI (fMRI), electroencephalography or SPECT imaging to obtain measurements. The remaining three studies analyzed an array of systemic physiological metrics, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, peripheral resistance, baroreceptor sensitivity and/or cardiovascular rhythm variability during prayer. All studies aside from one saw objective changes during prayer. Neurocognitive changes were mainly associated with improved mental functioning, control and pain tolerance. Prayer was found to slow down physiological functions in two of the three vital-based studies, with the third reporting no change in physiological status. None of the studies measured blood marker changes.

Outlook
Experimental studies show prayer to induce healthy neurocognitive and physiological changes. Additional studies exploring objective measures from prayer are encouraged to provide practitioners with a more nuanced, scientific perspective when it comes to prescribing prayer as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy.
Understanding Humma-e-Wabai (epidemic fever) and Amraz-e-Wabai (epidemic disease) in the light of Unani medicine
Authors: Alam Md Anzar , Quamri Mohd Aleemuddin , Ayman Umme , Sofi Ghulamuddin , Renuka Bangalore Nagaraj 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of Humma-e-Wabai were described several years ago in the Unani System of Medicine close to the clinical manifestation associated with epidemic or pandemic situations. In the Unani System of Medicine, Humma-e-Wabai described under the legend of epidemic disease (Amraz-e-Wabai). Amraz-e-Wabai is an umbrella term which is applied for all types of epidemic or pandemic situation. Renowned Unani Scientists like; Zakariya Rhazi (865–925 AD), Ali Ibn Abbas Majusi (930–994 AD), Ibn Sina (980–1037 AD), Ismail Jorjani (1,042–1,137 AD), Ibn Rushd etc., explained that Humma-e-Waba is an extremely rigorous, lethal fever, that is caused due to morbid air (fasid hawa) and it frequently spreads among the larger population in the society. There are four etiological factors responsible for Amraz-e-Wabai viz; change in the quality of air, water, earth, and celestial bodies, which was described by Ibn Sina in Canon of Medicine. He also advised that movements should be limited during epidemic situations. Shelters should be fumigated with loban (Styrax benzoin W. G. Craib ex Hartwich.), Kafoor (Cinnamomum camphora L.), Oodkham (Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.), Hing (Ferula foetida L.), myrtle (Myrtus communis L.), and sandalwood (Santalum album L.), etc. The use of vinegar (sirka) and rose water (arque gulab) has been advocated to prevent the infection by spray. Avoid consumption of flesh, oil, milk, sweets, alcohol. Food prepared with vinegar. Specific antidotes (e.g. Tiryaq-e-Wabai, Tiryaq-e-Farooque), should be used as prophylaxis. This review attempts to explain the concept, prevention, and management of epidemic or pandemic situations.
The effects of Tx./Rx. pointing errors on the performance efficiency of local area optical wireless communication networks
Authors: Eid Mahmoud M. A. , Zaki Rashed Ahmed Nabih , Ahammad Mohd. Sultan , Paul Bikash Kumar , Ahmed Kawsar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This study presents the effects of Tx./Rx. pointing errors on the performance efficiency of local area optical wireless communication networks. The received signal power and max Q factor are measured in the presence of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) bias current and modulation current at maximum propagation distance for the wireless network. The signal is enhanced with increasing of bias and modulation peak currents of the VCSEL device. The optimum received power and max. Q factor is also examined at Tx./Rx. the pointing error of 0.1 mrad and propagation reach of 5 km at available bit rates transmission of 10 Gb/s.
BER performance analysis of FSO using hybrid-SIM technique with APD receiver over weak and strong turbulence channels
Authors: Giri Rajat Kumar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this paper, a hybrid-subcarrier-intensity-modulation (hybrid-SIM) technique for the performance improvement of free-space-optical (FSO) communication system has been proposed. Subsequently, for further error performance improvement, avalanche photodiode (APD) based receiver is used in the proposed system. The system performance is analyzed at various atmospheric turbulence levels over weak and strong turbulence channels. The bit error rate (BER) is theoretically derived using Gauss–Hermite approximation and Meijer-G function and it is simulated in the MATLAB environment. The simulation result shows that the BER performance of hybrid-SIM is better than BPSK-SIM technique irrespective of the channel types and also the significant BER performance improvement is observed by APD receiver.
A simple but accurate method for prediction of splice loss in mono-mode dispersion shifted and dispersion flattened fibers in presence of Kerr nonlinearity
Authors: Rakshit Ramkrishna , Majumdar Angshuman , Gangopadhyay Sankar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper estimates transmission coefficient at the splice of single-mode dispersion shifted trapezoidal and dispersion flattened graded and step W fibers in presence as well as in absence of Kerr nonlinearity. We restrict our analysis for both angular and transverse offsets only since splices are highly tolerant in respect of longitudinal mismatch. Here, we apply method of iteration involving Chebyshev formalism in order to take care of Kerr nonlinearity. The concerned investigation requires very little computation. It has been shown that our results match excellently with the exact results both in absence as well as in presence of Kerr nonlinearity. Considering that prediction of exact results in presence of Kerr nonlinearity requires application of rigorous finite element technique, our formalism in this context can be treated as a simple alternative to the existing method. Thus, this user friendly method generates ample scope for many useful applications in the field of nonlinear photonics involving such kinds of fiber.
Characterization of terrestrial FSO link performance for 850 and 1310 nm transmission wavelengths
Authors: Anuranjana  , Kaur Sanmukh , Goyal Rakesh 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Over past few years, optical wireless communication has gained increased interest due to high achievable data rates, unlicensed bandwidth, inherited secure links and ease of deployment. In this paper, we analyse the performance of terrestrial free space optical (FSO) communication link considering internal parameters of the system. The performance of the system has been investigated and optimized by examining quality factor of the received signal considering different input powers, type of detectors, link ranges, beam divergence, data rates and modulation schemes employing 850 and 1310 nm transmission wavelength. Better quality of received signal has been achieved in case of different modulation schemes at a wavelength of 1310 as compared to 850 nm.
Analysis of nonlinear behavior of multimode spatial laser beams with high stability and coherence for medical applications
Authors: Rani Monika , Sharma Natasha 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The laser light is characterized by high degree of directionality, monochromaticity, coherence and spectral brightness. In this manuscript, we have designed and analyzed multimode spatial laser beam. A multimode generator is used to produce four individual polarization modes (LG00, LG22, LG30 and LG31) of laser beam which further converted into thin profiles of individuals and weighted sum of modes. The circular and square aperture effect also make them more stable and coherence as compare to conventional laser beam. Various mode profiles of the beam including single mode and multimode have been shown in results. The combined design of multimode spatial laser beam is simple in construction, cost effective and precise.
Cascaded stages of parametric optical fiber amplifiers with Raman fiber amplifiers for upgrading of telecommunication networks through optical wireless communication channel
Authors: Eid Mahmoud M.A. , Shehata Eslam , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper contains a main model which concludes a two optical fiber cable along 70 km and with Parametric/Raman amplifiers with a result of total power 0.781 dBm that computed by the optical power meter which is located before the receiver part and the second optical fiber channel, a total power −44.186 dBm at the end of model which is computed by the electrical power meter visualizer, and a max. Q factor 2.548 computed by the BER analyzer. The suggested model has outlined some updates on the previous model to improve the results so that the results are increased at the same length as the following: total power of optical signal becomes 10.039 dBm, total power of electrical signal becomes 0.624 dBm, and the max. Q factor becomes 9.60787.
Simulative study on the cascaded stages of traveling wave semiconductor optical amplifiers based multiplexing schemes for fiber optic systems improvement
Authors: Eid Mahmoud M. A. , Mohammed Abd El-Naser A. , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This study has outlined the performance analysis of the cascade traveling-wave optical amplifier (Semiconductor optical amplifier [SOA]) with multiplexing techniques based on fiber communication transceiver systems. The maximum Quality factor is measured against signal power. Signal input power level is enhanced by using the suggested model with previous model. The low pass Bessel filter removes the unwanted ripples from the original signal. The suggested model has clarified better performance efficiency than the previous model.
An ultra-dense spacing-based PON by incorporating dual drive Mach–Zehnder modulator for comb generation
Authors: Singh Navjot , Naresh Bansal Bharat 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Wavelength division multiplexed passive optical is promising technique to achieve a high data rate and large number of user. The notable advantages of WDM PON is the combination of reliability, cheap in cost, accessible bandwidth, high security, large optical reach and it can support large number of ONU. There are multiple approaches to achieve high-speed WDN PON using different transmission techniques. In WDM, multiple lasers are required which increase the cost of the system. To reduce cost, an optical multicarrier generation system is proposed. An economical multiple carrier generation with the incorporation of sine generator and Mach–Zehndar modulator is demonstrated. Utmost work of sine generator and dual drive modulator was to attain low cost functioning of passive optical networks. Multicarrier generation was done and replacement of laser carriers with optical multicarrier generator. Carriers were generated with the frequency spacing of 20 GHz and these carriers were used in the passive optical networks with the tone-to-noise ratio of 40 dB, amplitude difference of 1.4 dB. For the transmission of downstream in the PON, differential phase shift keying was employed at 10 Gbps data speed. Transmission distance achieved was 30 km using single-mode fiber and this was a part of optical distribution network. Optical network unit was next part after ODN and signals were received with balanced receiver. Moreover, half signal was given to intensity modulator for the signal re-modulation. Bit error rate of 10–9 was achieved at all channels in the downstream. An upstream of 10 Gbps was accomplished in the passive optical network.
The use of 3D printing for osteopathic medical education of rib disorders
Authors: Moriles Kevin , Ramnot Amanda , Lai Michael , Jacobs Robin J. , Qureshi Yasmin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Context
With the advent of increasingly accessible three-dimensional (3D) printing, the possibility to efficiently design and generate prototype innovations is also increasing. This type of manufacturing can potentially enhance medical education by allowing design of models specific to osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).

Objectives
To determine the viability of a 3D-printed mechanically moveable rib cage in enhancing the teaching of rib osteopathic principles.

Methods
A single-blind, qualitative study was conducted to evaluate the use of educating students with this novel 3D-printed, movable rib model vs. a traditional static rib model. A total of 237 first-year medical students participated in the study and received the same standardized lecture on the rib dysfunction. Students were also assigned at random to either a comparison group, which would utilize the 3D printed rib model, or the control group, which would utilize the traditional static model. Students would also complete an entrance and exit surveys assessing subjective scores of overall student satisfaction and objective scores for knowledge of OMM rib dysfunction and treatment. An independent samples t-test was applied to assess potential differences between select student evaluation scores (those with continuous variables) of the rib model in the comparison and experiment groups. Chi-square goodness of fit test was conducted to determine if there were any significant differences in entry and exit survey responses between the two groups. Descriptive statistics of the mean and standard deviation were also reported.

Results
For both comparison and control groups, the mean score on an 11-point scale for the evaluation question, “Please rank on a scale of 0–10 how helpful you thought the rib models were to your education,” was 9.08 (SD, 1.397). Independent t-test results showed that the comparison group had higher scores than the control group when queried about whether they felt the model accurately depicted the material presented (comparison group mean, 9.55 [SD, 978] vs. control group mean, 9.06 [SD, 1.33; t(235) = 3.253; p=0.01). Chi-square test of goodness-of-fit showed that the differences between the number of correct answers chosen by participants for Item 3 (a case-based question asking students which rib they would treat for a patient presenting to an OMT clinic) was statistically significantly higher for the comparison group (51.9% correct in comparison group vs. 48.1% in control group), even though both groups scored similarly on this item during the entry survey.

Conclusions
The results of this study suggest that utilizing 3D printing to demonstrate somatic dysfunctions of the rib cage may improve understanding and student satisfaction for diagnosis and treatment.
A seal in the British Museum with a Cretan Hieroglyphic inscription (CR (?) S (1/1) 07)
Authors: Perna Massimo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this article we will discuss a new document in Cretan Hieroglyphics not considered by the editors of the Corpus of this script. The presence in this document of the two signs sequence a-sa, which also appears in the so-called “Archanes Formula” has provided the opportunity to discuss the relationship between Cretan Hieroglyphics and Linear A as well as the origin of the two Minoan scripts.
Die Identität des lydischen Qλdãns und seine kulturgeschichtlichen Folgen
Authors: Euler Katrin , Sasseville David 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Der vorliegende Beitrag behandelt die Identitat des lydischen Qλdans, der oft mit Apollon oder dem Mondgott gleichgesetzt wurde. Nachdem jedoch jungst bekannt geworden ist, dass auch eine lydische Munze den Namen Qλdans in ihrer Legende nennt, sind die fruheren Deutungen als Gottheit zu revidieren. Eine phonetische Untersuchung von Qλdans ergibt zunachst eine Gleichsetzung mit dem Namen des beruhmten lydischen Konigs Kroisos, dem letzten Herrscher der machtigen Dynastie der Mermnaden. Die Inschriften, die Qλdans nennen, enthullen daruber hinaus die Existenz eines Herrscherkultes fur den verstorbenen Konig in Lydien in der zweiten Halfte des 6. Jh. v. Chr. Vor diesem Hintergrund werden ferner sowohl die Bedeutung der oben genannten Munze als auch die eines perserzeitlichen lydischen Siegels mit dem Namen Qλdans darauf herausgearbeitet. Schlieslich wird dafur argumentiert, dass sich Kroisos nach der verlorenen Schlacht gegen die Perser selbst totete und im Pyramidengrab in Sardis bestattet wurde.
Influence of short-term ovarian stimulation on bone metabolism in women undergoing fertility treatment
Authors: Ritzinger Anna , Schmidmayr Monika , Lesoine Bernd , Seifert-Klauss Vanadin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Hormonal disturbances during menopause are an established influencing factor on bone health, but the role of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for fertility treatment remains unclear. To evaluate the influence of ovarian stimulation on bone metabolism with particular regard to serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels this prospective observational study was conducted.

Methods
A total of 71 women underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with recombinant FSH (rFSH) or human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) (FSH + LH) administered in individual doses, with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist down-regulation initiated in the luteal phase of the previous cycle. At four time points (start of down-regulation [T1], start of ovarian stimulation [T2], oocyte retrieval [T3] and luteal phase of the stimulation cycle [T4]), luteinizing hormone (LH), FSH, estradiol (E2), osteocalcin (OC), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), as well as the bone resorption markers β-isomerized C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) were measured.

Results
The cyclic variations in FSH levels had a positive effect on the concentration profile of the bone resorption marker β-CTX (p=0.0001). Supraphysiologic estradiol levels showed a negative association with osteocalcin concentrations (p=0.017), and significantly lower OC and TRACP levels were observed at T4 compared to T1. By group comparison, women treated with rFSH presented with a higher bone turnover than the HMG group at the end of a stimulation cycle (T4).

Conclusions
Our results show that FSH is a significant influencing factor of bone metabolism. Overall, there was no evidence of enhanced bone resorption under short-term ovarian stimulation therapy. Further studies with bigger sample sizes are warranted to validate these results.