bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical trial research on COVID-19 in Germany – a systematic analysis
Authors: Hirt Julian , Rasadurai Abeelan , Briel Matthias , Düblin Pascal , Janiaud Perrine , Hemkens Lars G. 
Published: September 2021

Background: In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented volume of almost 3,000 clinical trials registered worldwide. We aimed to describe the COVID-19 clinical trial research agenda in Germany during the first year of the pandemic. Methods: We identified randomized clinical trials assessing interventions to treat or prevent COVID-19 that were registered in 2020 and recruited or planned to recruit participants in Germany. We requested recruitment information from trial investigators as of April 2021. Results: In 2020, 65 trials were completely (n=27) or partially (n=38) conducted in Germany. Most trials investigated interventions to treat COVID-19 (86.2%; 56/65), in hospitalized patients (67.7%; 44/65), with industry funding (53.8%; 35/65). Few trials were completed (21.5%; 14/65). Overall, 187,179 participants were planned to be recruited (20,696 in Germany), with a median number of 106 German participants per trial (IQR 40 to 345). From the planned German participants, 13.4% were recruited (median 15 per trial (IQR 0 to 44). Conclusions: The overall German contribution to the worldwide COVID-19 clinical trial research agenda was modest. Few trials delivered urgently needed evidence. Most trials did not meet recruitment goals. Evaluation and international comparison of the challenges for conducting clinical trials in Germany is needed.
Factors associated with the Dubowitz neurological examination in preterm new-borns
Authors: Massarollo Ana Clara Daros , Wendt Guilherme Welter , Ferreto Lirane Elize Defante , Vieira Ana Paula , Arruda Gisele , Rodrigues da Silva Nobre Joseane , Massarollo Marina Daros , Melo Mazzo Débora Melo , Caovilla Follador Franciele Aní 
Published: September 2021

Background: This article aims to explore the factors associated with Dubowitz neurological examination scores in preterm new-borns. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which forty preterm new-borns were evaluated by using the Dubowitz neurological examination on their first outpatient visit following hospital discharge. A questionnaire was also deployed to explore parental variables. Results: Preterm new-borns with low scores in the Dubowitz neurological examination were born at an even lower gestational age, required longer hospitalisation, and had more indicators for orotracheal intubation. Positive correlations between the subdomains of the Dubowitz neurological examination with birthweight, mother's age, Apgar score at 5 min, maternal and paternal education, and income were also significant. Linear regression analyses explained 26% of the of the Dubowitz neurological examination global score, retaining birthweight, income, and father’s age as significant predictors. Conclusions: Early, appropriated neurological assessments of preterm infants are critical to detect risk factors that may underpin developmental delays.
Optimised deep neural network model to predict asthma exacerbation based on personalised weather triggers
Authors: Haque Radiah , Ho Sin-Ban , Chai Ian , Abdullah Adina 
Published: September 2021

Background – Recently, there have been attempts to develop mHealth applications for asthma self-management. However, there is a lack of applications that can offer accurate predictions of asthma exacerbation using the weather triggers and demographic characteristics to give tailored response to users. This paper proposes an optimised Deep Neural Network Regression (DNNR) model to predict asthma exacerbation based on personalised weather triggers. Methods – With the aim of integrating weather, demography, and asthma tracking, an mHealth application was developed where users conduct the Asthma Control Test (ACT) to identify the chances of their asthma exacerbation. The asthma dataset consists of panel data from 10 users that includes 1010 ACT scores as the target output. Moreover, the dataset contains 10 input features which include five weather features (temperature, humidity, air-pressure, UV-index, wind-speed) and five demography features (age, gender, outdoor-job, outdoor-activities, location). Results – Using the DNNR model on the asthma dataset, a score of 0.83 was achieved with Mean Absolute Error (MAE)=1.44 and Mean Squared Error (MSE)=3.62. It was recognised that, for effective asthma self-management, the prediction errors must be in the acceptable loss range (error<0.5). Therefore, an optimisation process was proposed to reduce the error rates and increase the accuracy by applying standardisation and fragmented-grid-search. Consequently, the optimised-DNNR model (with 2 hidden-layers and 50 hidden-nodes) using the Adam optimiser achieved a 94% accuracy with MAE=0.20 and MSE=0.09. Conclusions – This study is the first of its kind that recognises the potentials of DNNR to identify the correlation patterns among asthma, weather, and demographic variables. The optimised-DNNR model provides predictions with a significantly higher accuracy rate than the existing predictive models and using less computing time. Thus, the optimisation process is useful to build an enhanced model that can be integrated into the asthma self-management for mHealth application.
Time-bandwidth product of noise-like pulses within the mode-locked regions of a figure-eight fiber laser: theoretical and experimental analysis
Authors: González-Galicia M. A. , Lozano-Crisóstomo N. , Barmenkov Y. 
Published: September 2021

We present for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, a theoretical and experimental analysis of the time-bandwidth product (TBP) of noise-like pulses (NLPs) within the mode-locked regions of an erbium-doped figure-eight fiber laser (EDFEFL). The tuning of the mode-locked regions was carried out by varying and recording the values of the angle of the polarization controllers in the ring section and in the nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM). Within the mode-locked regions, we obtained a large variability of the TBPs. We found that the variability of the temporal profile is greater than that of the spectral profile in all mode-locked regions; for this reason, the TBPs of all mode-locked regions have a behavior proportional to the temporal profile. We also identify the temporal and spectral profiles corresponding to the maximum and minimum TBP. Finally, among all the NLPs within the mode-locked regions, we identify and study the one that is Fourier-transform-limited. We analyze NLPs with a carrier wavelength of 1562 nm with duration in the order of nanoseconds and a repetition rate of 0.9 MHz.
Unmet need of essential treatments for critical illness in Malawi
Authors: Kayambankadzanja Raphael Kazidule , Schell Carl Otto , Mbingwani Isaac , Mndolo Samson Kwazizira , Castegren Markus , Baker Tim 
Published: September 2021

Background
Critical illness is common throughout the world and has been the focus of a dramatic increase in attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Severely deranged vital signs such as hypoxia, hypotension and low conscious level can identify critical illness. These vital signs are simple to check and treatments that aim to correct derangements are established, basic and low-cost. The aim of the study was to estimate the unmet need of such essential treatments for severely deranged vital signs in all adults admitted to hospitals in Malawi.

Methods
We conducted a point prevalence cross-sectional study of adult hospitalized patients in Malawi. All in-patients aged ≥18 on single days Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) and Chiradzulu District Hospital (CDH) were screened. Patients with hypoxia (oxygen saturation <90%), hypotension (systolic blood pressure <90mmHg) and reduced conscious level (Glasgow Coma Scale <9) were included in the study. The a-priori defined essential treatments were oxygen therapy for hypoxia, intravenous fluid for hypotension and an action to protect the airway for reduced consciousness (placing the patient in the lateral position, insertion of an oro-pharyngeal airway or endo-tracheal tube or manual airway protection).

Results
Of the 1135 hospital in-patients screened, 45 (4.0%) had hypoxia, 103 (9.1%) had hypotension, and 17 (1.5%) had a reduced conscious level. Of those with hypoxia, 40 were not receiving oxygen (88.9%). Of those with hypotension, 94 were not receiving intravenous fluids (91.3%). Of those with a reduced conscious level, nine were not receiving an action to protect the airway (53.0%).

Conclusion
There was a large unmet need of essential treatments for critical illness in two hospitals in Malawi.
Evaluation of uric acid disorders and associated factors in essential hypertensive patients at Wolkite University specialized hospital, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Timerga Abebe , Haile Kassahun 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundEssential hypertension is a condition characterized by a rise in blood pressure of undetermined cause, includes 90% of all hypertensive cases and is a highly important public health challenge with major modifiable cause of morbidity and mortality. Uric acids disorders in particular hyperuricemia are significant problems in essential hypertensive patients and can cause substantial morbidity and mortality. Determination of uric acid disorders may play a major role in the management and early aversion of complications in hypertensive patient. Therefore, this study aimed to determine uric acid disorders and associated factors among essential hypertensive adults in the outpatient department at Wolkite University specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia from November 1 to February 30, 2021.Methods and materialsAn institional based cross sectional study was conducted on 270 essential hypertensive adults on follow-up in outpatient department from November 1 to February 30, 2021. Structured questionnaires through face to face interviews and participants’ medical records were used to collect information on determinants related with uric acid disorders. The blood specimen was collected and level of serum uric acid, blood sugar and lipid profile was measured using standard principles and procedures with an ABX Pentra 400 automated chemistry analyzer. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated with hyperuricemia. The p-value was set at <0.05 with a 95% confidence interval of the adjusted odds ratio.ResultsA total of 270 adult essential hypertensive patients were participated in the study, among those 196(27.4%) of study participants were hyperuricemic with 95%CI (21.9, 33.3). Being alcoholic [(AOR: 15.68, 95% CI: (5.93, 21.41)], taking antihypertensive medication [(AOR: 11.56, 95% CI: (3.94, 23.80)], BMI > = 30 [(AOR: 4.89, 95% CI: (1.46, 25.5)] and being centrally obese [(AOR: 6.87, 95% CI: (2.53, 18.63)] were factors significantly associated with hyperuricemia.ConclusionIn this study, the high burden of hyperuricemia (27.4%) was observed in essential hypertensive patients with follow-up in outpatient department. Taking alcohol and antihypertensive medication, being overweight and centrally obese were identified factors of uric acid disorders. The finding of this study should be taken into consideration to implement preventive interventions on identified predictors in hypertensive patients. Taking fruit and vegetable, and promoting physical exercise and determinations of serum uric acid level in adult essential hypertensive patients was recommended to minimize the emergence of hyperuricemia.
Risk factor of plasmodium knowlesi infection in Sabah Borneo Malaysia, 2020: A population-based case-control study
Authors: Chin Abraham Zefong , Avoi Richard , Atil Azman , Awang Lukman Khamisah , Syed Abdul Rahim Syed Sharizman , Ibrahim Mohd Yusof , Ahmed Kamruddin , Jeffree Mohammad Saffree 
Published: September 2021

Background
In the Malaysian state of Sabah, P. knowlesi notifications increased from 2% (59/2,741) of total malaria notifications in 2004 to 98% (2030/2,078) in 2017. There was a gap regarding P. knowlesi acquisition risk factors related to practice specifically in working age group. The main objective of this study was to identify the risk factors for acquiring P. knowlesi infection in Sabah among the working age group.

Methods and methods
This retrospective population-based case-control study was conducted in Ranau district to assess sociodemographic, behavioural and medical history risk factors using a pretested questionnaire. The data were entered and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. Bivariate analysis was conducted using binary logistic regression whereas multivariate analysis was conducted using multivariable logistic regression. We set a statistical significance at p-value less than or equal to 0.05.

Results
A total of 266 cases and 532 controls were included in the study. Male gender (AOR = 2.71; 95% CI: 1.63–4.50), spending overnight in forest (AOR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.20–3.06), not using mosquito repellent (AOR = 2.49; 95% CI: 1.36–4.56) and history of previous malaria infection (AOR = 49.34; 95% CI: 39.09–78.32) were found to be independent predictors of P. knowlesi infection.

Conclusions
This study showed the need to strengthen the strategies in preventing and controlling P. knowlesi infection specifically in changing the practice of spending overnight in forest and increasing the usage of personal mosquito repellent.
Magnitude of syphilis sero-status and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Jinka town public health facilities, Southern Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Enbiale Mulusew , Getie Asmare , Haile Frehiwot , Tekabe Beemnet , Misekir Direslgn 
Published: September 2021

Introduction
Syphilis is one of the leading causes of perinatal morbidity and mortality and is one of the most important public health problems. There was no study showing syphilis serostatus and its related factors among pregnant women in the current study area. This study was aimed to assess the magnitude of syphilis serostatus and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Jinka town public health facilities.

Method
Institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Jinka town public health facilities, southern Ethiopia from the 1st July to the 1st September, 2020. A systematic sampling technique was used to select 629 study subjects. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews and records were reviewed to check syphilis test results. Data were coded and entered by using Epi-data version 4.432 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. The binary logistic regression model was used to investigate factors associated with syphilis. A p-value of < 0.05 at multivariable analysis was considered statistically significant.

Result
In this study, syphilis sero-prevalence among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics was 4.8% (95% CI: 3.12, 6.48). Rural residence [AOR: 2.873; 95%CI (1.171, 7.050)], alcohol use [AOR: 3.340; 95% CI (1.354, 8.241)] and having multiple sexual partner [AOR: 5.012; 95% CI (1.929, 13.020)] were statistically significantly associated with syphilis.

Conclusion
Sero-prevalence of syphilis was high. Being a rural residence, having multiple sexual partners, alcohol use were factors associated with syphilis. Therefore, substantial efforts have to be made to provide regular health education for pregnant women at the antenatal clinic on the avoidance of risky behaviors and the risk of syphilis on their pregnancy.
Sexual-risk behaviours and HIV and syphilis prevalence among in- and out-of-school adolescent girls and young women in Uganda: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Matovu Joseph K. B. , Bukenya Justine N. , Kasozi Dickson , Kisaka Stephens , Kisa Rose , Nyabigambo Agnes , Tugume Abdulaziz , Bwanika John Baptist , Mugenyi Levicatus , Murungi Irene , Serwadda David , Wanyenze Rhoda K. 
Published: September 2021

Background
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We assessed sexual-risk behaviours and HIV and syphilis prevalence among AGYW in Uganda to inform the design of target-specific risk-reduction interventions.

Methods
This analysis utilizes data from 8,236 AGYW aged 10–24 years, collected in 20 districts, between July and August 2018. AGYW engaged in sexual-risk behaviour if they: a) reported a history of STIs; or b) had their sexual debut before age 15; or c) engaged in sex with 2+ partners in the past 12 months; or c) did not use or used condoms inconsistently with their most recent partners. We diagnosed HIV using DetermineTM HIV-1/2, Stat-PakTM HIV-1/2 and SD Bioline. We used SD Bioline Syphilis test kits to diagnose syphilis and Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination Assay for confirmatory syphilis testing. Comparison of proportions was done using Chi-square (χ2) tests. Data were analysed using STATA (version 14.1).

Results
Of 4,488 AGYW (54.5%) that had ever had sex, 12.9% (n = 581) had their sexual debut before age 15; 19.1% (n = 858) reported a history of STIs. Of those that had ever had sex, 79.6% (n = 3,573) had sex in the 12 months preceding the survey; 75.6% (n = 2,707) with one (1) and 24.2% (n = 866) with 2+ partners. Condom use with the most recent sexual partner was low, with only 20.4% (n = 728) reporting consistent condom use while 79.6% (n = 2,842) reported inconsistent or no condom use. In-school AGYW were significantly less likely to have ever had sex (35.6% vs. 73.6%, P<0.001), to have had sexual debut before age 15 (7.7% vs. 15.5%, P<0.001) or to engage in sex with 2+ partners (5.3% vs. 15.8%, P<0.001). Consistent condom use was significantly higher among in-school than out-of-school AGYW (40.1% vs. 12.7%, P<0.001). Overall, 1.7% (n = 143) had HIV while 1.3% (n = 104) had syphilis. HIV and syphilis prevalence was higher among out-of-school than in-school AGYW (HIV: 2.6% vs. 0.9%; syphilis: 2.1% vs. 0.5%, respectively).

Conclusion
In-school AGYW engaged in more protective sexual behaviors and had less HIV and syphilis than their out-of-school counterparts. These findings suggest a need for target-specific risk-reduction interventions stratified by schooling status.
THE ROLE OF N-DOPING TO THE PORE CHARACTERISTICS OF ACTIVATED CARBON FROM VETIVER ROOT DISTILLATION WASTE
Authors: Ferawati Yohana Fransiska , Susanti Ratna Frida 
Published: September 2021

This work studied the effect of nitrogen functional group modification on activated carbon synthesized from vetiver root waste on pores development. Synthesis of activated carbon was carried out by hydrothermal carbonization of vetiver root waste at a temperature of 225 ⁰C for 18 hours followed by chemical activation using K2FeO4as activated agent in a furnace at temperature of 800 ⁰C for 2 hours with nitrogen atmosphere flowed at a rate of 100 mL/minute. Urea was used as a nitrogen source. The variation of urea concentration was 1:0 (AC0–800), 1:3 (AC3–800) and 1:5 (AC5–800). The results showed that these activated carbons have mesoporous characteristics with the largest Brunauer Emmett Teller (SBET) surface area of 552.90 m2g-1 and average pore width 3,43 nm. The presence of nitrogen functional group was observed in the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer analysis. Synthesis of activated carbon from vetiver root waste with an addition of urea is the newest method to produce mesoporous activated carbon for electrode and support catalyst purposes.
First Reported Case of Deglutition Syncope With Underlying Suppurative Parotitis
Authors: Waqar Syed Hamza Bin , Khan Anosh Aslam , Mohiuddin Osama , Sheikh Taha 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT
Deglutition syncope and carotid sinus hypersensitivity are neurally mediated events, leading to potentially dangerous arrhythmias and cardiovascular events. Mostly related to underlying gastroesophageal or cardiovascular causes, sometimes, this might not be the case. We report the first-ever documented case of deglutition syncope with acute suppurative parotitis, which resolved after resolving the parotid gland's swelling.
Internal Influences on Consumer Behavior of Burgarooh Restaurant: A Case in the Fast Food Industry of Oman
Authors: Matriano Maria Teresa 
Published: September 2021

Internal Influences on Consumer Behavior of Burgarooh Restaurant:
A Case in the Fast Food Industry of Oman

Nasser Juma Al Harthi
MBA, Middle East College
Email: PG19S2039@mec.edu.com
Dr. Maria Teresa Matriano
Assistant Professor, Department of Post-Graduate Studies, Middle East College, Oman
Email: maria@mec.edu.om

Abstract
Purpose:- The Sultanate of Oman is one of the countries where the restaurant and fast food sectors are active. The study aims to analyze the factors affecting customers' choice of fast food. This research measures both personal and psychological elements on buying fast food in the Sultanate of Oman. This project is concerned with the internal influences of personal factors and factors that interact with the individual consumer.

Design / methodology / approach:- The research has attempted to sample 486 customers of the restaurant from its various branches and used survey questionnaire and online interviews for data collection. Interviews were facilitated with group of customers in the restaurant branches in the Governorate of Muscat.
Findings:- The study concluded that the most critical factor in choosing a burger for the consumer is that it is a means for family and friends' participation by 44%. In comparison, 43% of the participants considered that the preparation speed is one of the main factors in choosing burger meals. The study also indicated that the product's price is one of the least influencing factors for selecting the product. Moreover, the study has also concluded that fast food consumption is based on community participation and accessibility rather than direct personal choices.

Research limitation / Implications:- The study indicated that product's price is the least influencing factors for selecting the product and concluded that fast food consumption is based on community participation and accessibility rather than direct personal choices.

Originality / value:- There are no previous studies conducted on internal influences on consumer behavior. The study places psychological factors, which represent convictions and beliefs, at the forefront of the factors affecting the consumer's buying decision.
بين الفلسفة والدين في الثقافتين العربية والصينية / A Comparative Study of Philosophy and Religion in the Arab and Chinese Cultures
Authors: Al-Sawah Firas 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The study mainly deals with the most important features of Chinese philosophy by taking Taoism and Confucianism for example. The study looks into the similarities and differences between them and highlights the most important contents, style of expression and backgrounds for Chinese philosophy. The study also gives a brief presentation of Taoism and Confucianism’s view of religion and metaphysical issues, and compares these thoughts with the Islamic philosophy, through a brief study of their ideas about the nature of the universal principle, knowledge of this universal principle, creation and formation, and the relationship between the universal principle and human beings, morals, reward and punishment, the hereafter and the second life. The study ends with a call for the convergence and understanding of the two civilizations after centuries of unfamiliarity.