bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patients' attitude toward informal payments in Iran: an application of the cluster analysis method
Authors: Zarei Ehsan , Nikkhah Adeleh , Khodakarim Soheila , Pavlova Milena 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionAttitude is a factor affecting the behaviour of consumers. In the literature, the effect of health care consumer's attitude on making informal payments has been highlighted. The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitude of Iranian patients regarding informal payments and socio‐demographic factors associated with it.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, conducted in 2017 in Tehran, 450 patients who were admitted to the clinics of four public hospitals for post‐surgical care and follow‐up, were invited to participate in the study. The data collection tool was a questionnaire, which validity and reliability were confirmed. Cluster analysis was used to identify the main attitudinal groups. To investigate the effect of socio‐demographic factors on patients' attitudes, generalized linear model regression analysis was carried out in SPSS 22.ResultsOur findings showed that 57.3% of patients had agreeing attitude, 24.2% indifferent attitude, and 18.4% opposing attitude toward informal payments. Patients from rural areas and those from the high‐income group had higher odds of having an agreeing attitude. There was a significant association between informal payment history and attitude. The odds of having agreeing attitude among patients with a history of informal payment were two times higher than among patients who did not have an informal payment history (p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionA positive attitude towards informal payments is an obstacle to the fight against this phenomenon. Therefore, changes in public attitudes regarding informal payments will be an essential strategy, among other strategies, for eradicating these payments. This could be achieved through public campaigns for raising people's awareness and knowledge.
Coupled influence of flow velocity and water temperature on grass carp swimming behaviour and gonad development
Authors: Liu Hongrui , Yin Xin‐An , Qiu Xintian , Qin Jinglan , Yang Wei , Zhang Jun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractReproductive migration is an essential phase in the life of many fish. During this process, swimming behaviour and gonad development are key factors related to the migration quality, and both factors are strongly influenced by water temperature and flow velocity. Many studies have explored the separate effects of these variables on fish swimming ability or gonad development, but researchers have seldom investigated the simultaneous effects of low flow velocity and water temperature on the fish swimming behaviour and gonad development. To provide that knowledge, we conducted laboratory experiments that explored the coupled effects of low water temperature and flow on warm water fish swimming behaviour and gonad development. At five temperatures (16, 18, 20, 22, and 24°C), we observed the movement of migratory warmwater grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) at seven flow velocities (0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.40, and 0.45 m/s), then explored their gonad development by comparing the level of plasma 17β‐estradiol and testosterone in fish travelling through a simulated fish way (flow stimulation) and in a fish tank (no flow stimulation). We used Bayesian networks to explore the acceptable hydrological condition for fish migration. We found that the minimum flow velocity for acceptable migration quality is a function of the water temperature, and that increasing water temperature improves fish movement success and increases the movement distance, especially at a low flow velocity. In addition, increasing water temperature (between 16 and 24°C in this experiment design) can enhance the effect of flow stimulation on gonad development. Overall, our results can broaden the understanding of reducing water temperature and flow velocity in fish swimming behaviour and gonad development, provide basic data to support hydrological process controls and the development of measures to protect fish migration.
Quantifying suitable dynamic water levels in marsh wetlands based on hydrodynamic modelling
Authors: Hu Peng , Yang Zefan , Zhu Qiande , Wang Weize , Yang Qin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe water level of marsh wetlands is a dominant force controlling the wetland ecosystem function, especially for aquatic habitat. For different species, water level requirements vary in time and space, and therefore ensuring suitable water levels in different periods is crucial for the maintenance of biodiversity in marsh wetlands. Based on hydrodynamic modelling and habitat suitability assessment, we determined suitable dynamic water levels considering aquatic habitat service at different periods in marsh wetlands. The two‐dimensional hydrodynamic model was used to simulate the temporal and spatial variation of water level. The habitat suitability for target species at various water levels was evaluated to obtain the fitting curves between Weighted Usable Area (WUA) and water levels. And then suitable water levels throughout the year were proposed according to the fitting curves. Using the Zhalong Wetland (located in northeastern China) as a case study, we confirmed that the proposed MIKE 21 model can successfully be used to simulate the water level process in the wetland. Suitable water levels were identified as being from 143.9–144.2 m for April to May, 144.1–144.3 m for June to September, and 144.3–144.4 m for October to November (before the freezing season). Furthermore, proposed water diversion schemes have been identified which can effectively sustain the proposed dynamic water levels. This study is expected to provide appropriate guidance for the determination of environmental flows and water management strategies in marsh wetlands.
Anti‐dsDNA, anti‐nucleosome, anti‐C1q, and anti‐histone antibodies as markers of active lupus nephritis and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity
Authors: Shang Xiaoying , Ren Lisheng , Sun Guirong , Yu Teng , Yao Yuan , Wang Lin , Liu Fenghai , Zhang Lijun , He Xiaqin , Liu Mingjun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionPrevious studies of anti‐dsDNA, nucleosome (Nucl), histone (His), and C1q antibodies have revealed their clinical value in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the correlation between four autoantibodies and SLE activity, lupus nephritis (LN) remains controversial, and data are insufficient on longitudinal monitoring. This study aimed at evaluating the value of these autoantibodies in active LN, and their performance on cross‐sectional evaluating and longitudinal monitoring of SLE disease activity.MethodsSerum levels of four autoantibodies in 114 SLE patients, 219 other autoimmune disease patients (OAD), and 59 healthy controls were assayed by a quantitative immunoassay. Sera of 38 inpatients were obtained again after treatment.ResultsWe found that serum levels of four autoantibodies were significantly higher in SLE than OAD patients (p < 001), active LN than non‐renal SLE patients (p < .05), and higher in SLE patients with moderate and severe disease activity than mild disease activity (p < .01). Horizontally, serum level of each autoantibody was correlated with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) (p < .05), and correlation coefficient of anti‐dsDNA was the highest (r = .585). For longitudinal monitoring, the decreased levels of four autoantibodies were found following treatment (p < .001). Serum level variations of these antibodies were positively correlated with variations of SLEDAI (p < .05). The correlation coefficient of anti‐Nucl was the highest (r = .629). Although the levels of C3 and C4 increased after treatment, the change was not related to the change of SLEDAI (p > .05).ConclusionsAnti‐C1q, anti‐dsDNA, anti‐Nucl, and anti‐His perform well in diagnosing active LN and monitoring SLE disease activity. They could be indicators of active LN and SLE disease activity.
Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of an mHealth supported breastfeeding peer counselor intervention in rural India
Authors: Short Vanessa L. , Bellad Roopa M. , Kelly Patricia J. , Washio Yukiko , Ma Tony , Chang Katie , Majantashetti Niranjana S. , Charantimath Umesh S. , Jaeger Frances J. , Lalakia Parth , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Derman Richard 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of an mHealth‐supported breastfeeding peer counselor intervention implemented in rural India and the preliminary impact of the intervention on maternal breastfeeding behaviors, including exclusive breastfeeding (EBF).MethodsIn this quasi‐experimental pilot study, participants received either the intervention plus usual care (n = 110) or usual care alone (n = 112). The intervention group received nine in‐home visits during and after pregnancy from peer counselors who provided education about and support for EBF and other optimal infant feeding practices and were aided with an mHealth tool. The control group received routine prenatal and postnatal health education. Progress notes and surveys were used to assess feasibility. Logistic regression models were used for between‐group comparisons of optimal infant feeding outcomes, including EBF for 6 months.ResultsThe intervention was delivered as intended, maintained over the study period, and had high acceptability ratings. There were statistically significant differences in all outcomes between groups. The intervention group had a significantly higher likelihood of EBF at 6 months compared to the control group (adjusted odds ratio 3.57, 95% confidence interval 1.80–7.07).ConclusionIntegration of mHealth with community‐based peer counselors to educate women about EBF is feasible and acceptable in rural India and impacts maternal breastfeeding behaviors.
Recent advances in biotransformation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural: challenges and future aspects
Authors: Saikia Kongkona , Rathankumar Abiram Karanam , Kumar Ponnusamy Senthil , Varjani Sunita , Nizar Mohideen , Lenin Rashmi , George Jenet , Vaidyanathan Vinoth Kumar 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn a biorefinery process, 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a promising biomass‐derived chemical with diverse industrial applications. The biotransformation of HMF to different high‐valued furanic derivatives, such as 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid, 2,5‐diformylfuran, 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furancarboxylic acid, and 5‐formyl‐2‐furancarboxylic acid, has led to the transition from fossil‐derived products to bio‐based chemicals through sustainable routes. Although, chemocatalytic conversion of HMF has been extensively studied in the recent years, the higher selectivity, environment friendliness, and mild reaction conditions of HMF bioconversion has established these processes as a promising alternative to harsh chemical conditions. To understand the present status and challenges of HMF bioconversion, this review retrospects and describes the recent advancements in the biotransformation of HMF and systematically assesses the recent findings and developments in the HMF biotransformation through various reaction schemes. Further, this review illustrates, in comprehensive detail, the merits and challenges of various biological processes and it proposes a few research trends for economical and facile HMF bioconversion for commercialization. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of membrane pore size and transmembrane pressure on ultrafiltration of red‐fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) juice
Authors: Le Thanh TH , Vu Linh TK , Le Ngoc Lieu 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDRed‐fleshed dragon fruit contains high amounts of heat‐sensitive betacyanin pigments that require non‐thermal technologies in their processing. Ultrafiltration (UF) can be a promising alternative technique for fruit juice clarification and cold sterilization.RESULTSThis study reported clarification of red‐fleshed dragon fruit juice by UF employing polyethersulfone UF membranes with pore sizes of 5, 10, and 20 kDa operated at three different transmembrane pressures of 1, 2 and 3 bar. Findings indicated that dragon fruit juice was best ultrafiltrated with the 10 kDa UF membrane at 3 bar, which resulted in the highest permeate flux (around 7.9 kg m−2 h−1), lowest retention of betacyanins (30.6%) and phenolic compounds (11.3%), as well as having the closest 2,2‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl hydrate scavenging ability as compared to that of the control. Resistance analyses presented that cake resistance (69–94%) played the major role in decreasing flux and was the dominant fouling cause in the UF process, while reversible (5–25%) and irreversible resistances (1–16%) had lesser impacts. Membrane characterizations using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that the chemical structure and surface morphology of the UF membrane were hardly altered after being used and washed with detergents. Liquid chromatographic–mass spectroscopic analyses demonstrated that UF was successfully employed for juice clarification without affecting heat‐sensitive compounds of fruit juices such as betacyanins.CONCLUSIONSimultaneous selection of suitable membrane pore size and operation pressure is crucial for UF of fruit juice. UF is a promising technique in processing bioactive compound‐containing liquid foods. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of near point‐of‐care viral load implementation in public health facilities across seven countries in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Boeke Caroline E , Joseph Jessica , Atem Charles , Banda Clement , Coulibaly Khady Diatou , Doi Naoko , Gunda Andrews , Kandulu James , Kiernan Brianán , Kingwara Leonard , Maokola Werner , Maparo Tatenda , Mbaye Rose Nadege , Mtumbuka Esther , Mziray Joseph , Ngugi Catherine , Nkakulu Jeanine , Nzuobontane Divine , Okomo Assoumo Marie Claire , Peter Trevor , Rioja Maria R , Sacks Jilian A , Simbi Raiva , Vojnov Lara , Khan Shaukat A 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionIn many low‐ and middle‐income countries, HIV viral load (VL) testing occurs at centralized laboratories and time‐to‐result‐delivery is lengthy, preventing timely monitoring of HIV treatment adherence. Near point‐of‐care (POC) devices, which are placed within health facility laboratories rather than clinics themselves (i.e. “true” POC), can offer VL in conjunction with centralized laboratories to expedite clinical decision making and improve outcomes, especially for patients at high risk of treatment failure. We assessed impacts of near‐POC VL testing on result receipt and clinical action in public sector programmes in Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Senegal, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.MethodsRoutine health data were collected retrospectively after introducing near‐POC VL testing at 57 public sector health facilities (2017 to 2019, country‐dependent). Where possible, key indicators were compared to data from patients receiving centralized laboratory testing using hazard ratios and the Somers’ D test.ResultsData were collected from 6795 tests conducted on near‐POC and 17614 tests on centralized laboratory‐based platforms. Thirty‐one percent (2062/6694) of near‐POC tests were conducted for high‐risk populations: pregnant and breastfeeding women, children and those with suspected failure. Compared to conventional testing, near‐POC improved the median time from sample collection to return of results to patient [six vs. sixty‐eight days, effect size: −32.2%; 95% CI: −41.0% to −23.4%] and to clinical action for individuals with an elevated HIV VL [three vs. fourty‐nine days, effect size: −35.4%; 95% CI: −46.0% to −24.8%]. Near‐POC VL results were two times more likely to be returned to the patient within 90 days compared to centralized tests [50% (1781/3594) vs. 27% (4172/15271); aHR: 2.22, 95% CI: 2.05 to 2.39]. Thirty‐seven percent (340/925) of patients with an elevated near‐POC HIV VL result had documented clinical follow‐up actions within 30 days compared to 7% (167/2276) for centralized testing.ConclusionsNear‐POC VL testing enabled rapid test result delivery for high‐risk populations and led to significant improvements in the timeliness of patient result receipt compared to centralized testing. While there was some improvement in time‐to‐clinical action with near‐POC VL testing, major gaps remained. Strengthening of systems supporting the utilization of results for patient management are needed to truly capitalize on the benefits of decentralized testing.
Female calling, life cycle, and microstructures of the parasitic beetle Ripidius quadriceps Abeille de Perrin
Authors: Batelka Jan , Straka Jakub , Vávra Jiří Ch. , Škorpík Martin , Prokop Jakub 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe precopulatory behaviour of the larviform females of Ripidius quadriceps Abeille de Perrin, 1872 is described. The calling posture of virgin females is documented. The cephalic morphology and microstructures are visualised using scanning electron microscopy, in particular the secretory pores in the cuticle of inflatable maxillary palps. An exhaustive overview of relevant publications revealed that the location of secretory pores on the head of females is unique within the order Coleoptera. Compared to other beetles with sedentary calling females, the calling phase of the short‐lived and non‐feeding female of Ripidius is exceptionally short. For bioassays, various traps using virgin females of Ripidius were tested. It is likely that the sedentary behaviour of the short‐lived female combined with a unique morphology and priority for investing in reproduction is compensated for by the actively flying males with remarkably flabellate antennae. The life cycle of this species, including some of the exceptions recorded at the individual level, is discussed. Perspectives for a biological and morphological survey of this rarely collected western Palaearctic species are outlined. In addition, the calling behaviour, secretory sites and location of pheromone glands in females of Coleoptera producing long range pheromones is reviewed.
Impact of negative bias temperature instability on single event transients in scaled logic circuits
Authors: Shah Ambika Prasad , Waltl Michael 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAltering the performance of single transistors and integrated circuits at nominal operating conditions over time, as well as soft errors, are serious reliability issues for integrated CMOS circuits, especially when used in space applications. In principle, the effect of soft errors becomes even more critical if the circuit performance degrades over time. To address this detrimental behavior, the impact of performance degradation due to NBTI on the soft error susceptibility of integrated circuits is analyzed thoroughly. For this, we analyze the critical charge sensitivity of the two‐input NAND gate and NOR gate for different operating temperatures at stress times up to 3 years. The results show that the critical charge decreases with the temperature and strongly depends on the input states. Next, we validate the results employing the c17 ISCAS'85 benchmark suite, employing the PTM model with the HSPICE to estimate the soft error at the sensitive nodes. The critical charge is observed to be sensitive to the selected supply voltage and device temperature and thus provides a good measure for the soft error susceptibility with respect to NBTI at various operation conditions.
Extra‐striatal dopamine in Parkinson's disease with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Valli Mikaeel , Cho Sang Soo , Masellis Mario , Chen Robert , Koshimori Yuko , Diez‐Cirarda Maria , Mihaescu Alexander , Christopher Leigh , Strafella Antonio P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a common condition found in more than 50% of the patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Molecular imaging shows that PD with RBD (PD‐RBD+) have lower striatal dopamine transporter activity within the caudate and putamen relative to PD without RBD (PD‐RBD−). However, the characterization of the extra‐striatal dopamine within the mesocortical and mesolimbic pathways remains unknown. We aim to elucidate this with PET imaging in 15 PD‐RBD+ and 15 PD‐RBD− patients, while having 15 age‐matched healthy controls (HC). Each participant underwent a single PET scan with [11C]FLB‐457 to detect the D2 receptor availability within the extra‐striatal regions of interest (ROI), including the prefrontal, temporal, and limbic areas. [11C]FLB‐457 retention was expressed as the nondisplaceable binding potential. Our results reveal that relative to HC, PD‐RBD+ and PD‐RBD− patients have lower levels of D2 receptor availability within the uncus parahippocampus, superior, lateral, and inferior temporal cortex. PD‐RBD+ showed steep decline in D2 receptors within the left uncus parahippocampus with increasing disease severity, but this was not observed for PD‐RBD− patients. Findings imply that extra‐striatal dopaminergic system may play a role in contributing to symptomatic progress in PD patients with RBD. However, validation with more advanced PD patients are needed.
Evaluation of some distributional downscaling methods as applied to daily precipitation with an eye towards extremes
Authors: Lanzante John R. , Dixon Keith W. , Adams‐Smith Dennis , Nath Mary Jo , Whitlock Carolyn E. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractStatistical downscaling (SD) methods used to refine future climate change projections produced by physical models have been applied to a variety of variables. We evaluate four empirical distributional type SD methods as applied to daily precipitation, which because of its binary nature (wet vs. dry days) and tendency for a long right tail presents a special challenge. Using data over the Continental U.S. we use a ‘Perfect Model’ approach in which data from a large‐scale dynamical model is used as a proxy for both observations and model output. This experimental design allows for an assessment of expected performance of SD methods in a future high‐emissions climate‐change scenario. We find performance is tied much more to configuration options rather than choice of SD method. In particular, proper handling of dry days (i.e., those with zero precipitation) is crucial to success. Although SD skill in reproducing day‐to‐day variability is modest (~15–25%), about half that found for temperature in our earlier work, skill is much greater with regards to reproducing the statistical distribution of precipitation (~50–60%). This disparity is the result of the stochastic nature of precipitation as pointed out by other authors. Distributional skill in the tails is lower overall (~30–35%), although in some regions and seasons it is small to non‐existent. Even when SD skill in the tails is reasonably good, in some instances, particularly in the southeastern United States during summer, absolute daily errors at some gridpoints can be large (~20 mm or more), highlighting the challenges in projecting future extremes.