bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outlier detection in contingency tables using decomposable graphical models
Authors: Lindskou Mads , Eriksen Poul Svante , Tvedebrink Torben 
Published: August 2019

AbstractFor high‐dimensional data, it is a tedious task to determine anomalies such as outliers. We present a novel outlier detection method for high‐dimensional contingency tables. We use the class of decomposable graphical models to model the relationship among the variables of interest, which can be depicted by an undirected graph called theinteraction graph. Given an interaction graph, we derive a closed‐form expression of the likelihood ratio test (LRT) statistic and an exact distribution for efficient simulation of the test statistic. An observation is declared an outlier if it deviates significantly from the approximated distribution of the test statistic under the null hypothesis. We demonstrate the use of the LRT outlier detection framework on genetic data modeled by Chow–Liu trees.
Parallelizing particle filters with butterfly interactions
Authors: Heine Kari , Whiteley Nick , Cemgil A.Taylan 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe bootstrap particle filter (BPF) is the cornerstone of many algorithms used for solving generally intractable inference problems with hidden Markov models. The long‐term stability of the BPF arises from particle interactions that typically make parallel implementations of the BPF nontrivial. We propose a method whereby particle interaction is done in several stages. With the proposed method, full interaction can be accomplished even if we allow only pairwise communications between processing elements at each stage. We show that our method preserves the consistency and the long‐term stability of the BPF, although our analysis suggests that the constraints on the stagewise interactions introduce errors leading to a lower convergence rate than standard Monte Carlo. The proposed method also suggests a new, more flexible, adaptive resampling scheme, which, according to our numerical experiments, is the method of choice, displaying a notable gain in efficiency in certain parallel computing scenarios.
Exosomes: Revisiting their role as “garbage bags”
Authors: Vidal Michel 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn recent years, the term “extracellular vesicle” (EV) has been used to define different types of vesicles released by various cells. It includes plasma membrane‐derived vesicles (ectosomes/microvesicles) and endosome‐derived vesicles (exosomes). Although it remains difficult to evaluate the compartment of origin of the two kinds of vesicles once released, it is critical to discriminate these vesicles because their mode of biogenesis is probably directly related to their physiologic function and/or to the physio‐pathologic state of the producing cell. The purpose of this review is to specifically consider exosome secretion and its consequences in terms of a material loss for producing cells, rather than on the effects of exosomes once they are taken up by recipient cells. I especially describe one putative basic function of exosomes, that is, to convey material out of cells for off‐site degradation by recipient cells. As illustrated by some examples, these components could be evacuated from cells for various reasons, for example, to promote “differentiation” or enhance homeostatic responses. This basic function might explain why so many diseases have made use of the exosomal pathway during pathogenesis.
2018 WTO Trade Policy Review of Malaysia
Authors: Okafor Luke Emeka , Teo Wing Leong 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis paper presents an academic analysis and review of the recently completed WTO Trade Policy Review (TPR) of Malaysia, 2018. This includes suggesting policies that can help to promote Malaysia's international competitiveness. We show that the sharp decline in commodity prices that started in 2014 contributed in narrowing Malaysia's trade balance and current account balance as a share of GDP. The faster decline of exports as a share of GDP compared to imports accounted for most of the substantial reduction. Further, the collapse of commodity prices was accompanied by a sharp depreciation of Ringgit Malaysia. We also show that Malaysia is losing international attractiveness in terms of FDI inflows relative to its economic size. This is evidenced by the downward trend in Malaysia's FDI performance index since 1992. Further, international tourism has fallen on average since 2014, due largely to a drop in tourist arrivals from Singapore. Policymakers should introduce policies to enhance international competitiveness, such as reforming the education system to produce skilled workers and reducing reliance on low‐skilled foreign workers.
Description of a novel technique for surgical placement of gastrostomy tubes in dogs
Authors: Hlusko Katelyn C. , Hansen Sonya C. , Matz Brad M. , Bacek Lenore M. , Boothe Harry W. , Bellah Jamie R. , Tillson D. Michael 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundEarly enteral nutrition in dogs with critical illnesses, including septic peritonitis, has been shown to have a positive influence on patient outcome. Surgical placement of a gastrostomy tube (GT) is one option for providing early enteral nutrition. Complications, including premature tube removal or separation of the stomach from the body wall, can result in leakage of gastric contents into the abdominal cavity and subsequent peritonitis. A safe and reliable technique for the placement of a GT is desirable to minimize such complications.Key ConceptsA modified method for surgical placement of a GT is described. A thoracic trocar catheter (TTC) with an attached Pezzer tube is inserted through a gastrotomy incision and exited through the left gastric body and body wall. A left‐sided tube gastropexy is performed using an interlocking box (ILB) pattern.SignificanceGT placement using a TTC is efficient, requiring minimal additional anesthesia time. The gastric defect created by the TTC conforms well with the Pezzer tube. As such, placement and utilization of the ILB suture pattern enables removal of the GT in the early postoperative period, if appropriate.
Synthesis and characterisation of LDH‐type anionic nanomaterials for the effective removal of doxycycline from aqueous media
Authors: Abdel Moaty S. A. , Mahmoud Rehab K. , Mohamed Nada A. , Gaber Yasser , Farghali Ahmed A. , Abdel Wahed Mahmoud S. M. , Younes Heba A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn this work, the removal of a model antibiotic named ‘doxycycline’ by three‐layered double hydroxides (LDHs) such as Mg–Fe LDH, Mg–Al LDH and Mg–Al/MWCNT LDH was investigated. Almost full characterisation of the prepared LDHs before and after adsorption was conducted using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller used for detecting the surface area, high‐resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and field emission scanning electron microscope. The effect of different factors on doxycycline adsorption capacity was investigated. The removal percentages of doxycycline were 80, 82 and 92% by Mg–Fe LDH, Mg–Al LDH and Mg–Al/MWCNT LDH, respectively. These results were attributed to the difference in the pore volume and geometry between the different LDHs. The isothermal and kinetic models of adsorption were also studied. The kinetics of adsorption were described by the second‐order equation with a better fit showed by a high R2 value. Mathematically, the Langmuir and Freundlich models best fitted the equilibrium data.
Bounds on the Action Degree of Groups
Authors: Alrehaili S. , Beddani Charef 
Published: August 2019

The commutativity degree is the probability that a pair of elements chosen randomly from a group commute. The concept of commutativity degree has been widely discussed by several authors in many directions. One of the important generalizations of commutativity degree is the probability that a random element from a finite group G fixes a random element from a non-empty set S that we call the action degree of groups. In this research, the concept of action degree is further studied where some inequalities and bounds on the action degree of finite groups are determined. Moreover, a general relation between the action degree of a finite group G and a subgroup H is provided. Next, the action degree for the direct product of two finite groups is determined. Previously, the action degree was only deﬁned for ﬁnite groups, the action degree for ﬁnitely generated groups will be deﬁned in this research and some bounds on them are going to be determined.
g-Jitter Free Convection Flow of Nanofluid in The Three-Dimensional Stagnation Point Region
Authors: Ahmad Kamal Mohamad Hidayad , Ali Anati , Shafie Sharidan 
Published: August 2019

The three dimensional free convection boundary layer flow near a stagnation point region is embedded in viscous nanofluid with the effect of g-jitter is studied in this paper. Copper (Cu) and aluminium oxide (Al2O3) types of water base nanofluid are cho- sen with the constant Prandtl number, Pr=6.2. Based on Tiwari-Das nanofluid model, the boundary layer equation used is converted into a non-dimensional form by adopting non- dimensional variables and is solved numerically by engaging an implicit finite-difference scheme known as Keller-box method. Behaviors of fluid flow such as skin friction and Nusset number are studied by the controlled parameters including oscillation frequency, amplitude of gravity modulation and nanoparticles volume fraction. The reduced skin friction and Nusset number are presented graphically and discussed for different values of principal curvatures ratio at the nodal point. The numerical results shows that, in- crement occurs in the values of Nusset number with the presence of solid nanoparticles together with the values of the skin friction. It is worth mentioning that for the plane stagnation point there is an absence of reduced skin friction along the y-direction where as for axisymmetric stagnation point, the reduced skin friction for both directions are the same. As nanoparticles volume fraction increased, the skin friction increased as well as the Nusset number. The results, indicated that skin frictions of copper are found higher than aluminium oxide.
On Estimate of Malaysian Mortality Rates Using Interpolation Methods
Authors: Ah Khaliludin Nur Idayu , Mohd Khalid Zarina , Abd. Rahman Haliza 
Published: August 2019

Life table is a table that shows mortality experience of a nation. However, in Malaysia, the information in this table is provided in the five-year age groups (abridged) instead of every one-year age. Hence, this study aims to estimate the one-year age mortality rates from the abridged mortality rates using several interpolation methods. We applied Kostaki method and the Akima spline method to five sets of Malaysian group mortality rates ranging from period of 2012 to 2016. The results were then compared with the one-year mortality rates. We found that the method by Akima is the best method for the Malaysian mortality experience as it gives the least minimum of sum of square errors. The method does not only provide a good fit but also, shows a smooth mortality curve.
Temporal Dynamics of Varying Physical Loads on Speed and Accuracy of Cognitive Control
Authors: Finkenzeller Thomas , Würth Sabine , Doppelmayr Michael , Amesberger Günter 
Published: August 2019

The present study examined the effect of 4 physical-load conditions on interference control throughout a period of 45 min. A sample of 52 sport students was assigned to either a no, a low, an alternating low to moderate, or a moderate physical-load condition. A modified Eriksen-flanker task was administered in the preexercise period, 7 times during the exercise, and twice after completing the exercise. Significant interaction effects of time and condition, and significant time effects within condition on the reaction time of congruent stimuli and errors on incongruent stimuli, suggest a specific in-task effect of the alternating low to moderate and moderate physical-load conditions. Thus, it was concluded that moderate physiological arousal influences interference control by an increase of information-processing speed in tasks that require less cognitive control (congruent condition), which is at the expense of accuracy in cognitively more demanding tasks (incongruent condition).
Real-world comorbidities and treatment patterns among patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease receiving phosphatidylcholine as adjunctive therapy in Russia
Authors: Maev Igor V , Samsonov Aleksey A , Palgova Liudmila K , Pavlov Chavdar S , Shirokova Elena , Starostin Kirill M 
Published: August 2019

ObjectivePrevious research conducted in Russia showed that the number of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and associated metabolic comorbidities is large. We conducted an observational study to describe the management of NAFLD in patients with metabolic syndrome in Russia.DesignA total of 2843 adult patients from 174 medical sites across 6 federal districts of Russia with newly diagnosed NAFLD, who had at least one of four comorbidities, namely overweight/obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolaemia, and who received phosphatidylcholine (PPC) as an adjunctive treatment to standard care, were enrolled during 2015–2016.ResultsOverall, 2263 patients (79.6%) had at least two metabolic comorbidities associated with NAFLD; overweight/obesity was the most common comorbidity reported in 2298 patients (80.8%). Simple steatosis was the most frequently identified clinical form of NAFLD, diagnosed in 2128 patients (74.9%). Among hypertensive patients, ACE inhibitors, statins, and sartans were most commonly prescribed. Biguanides were administered in more than half of diabetic patients. In patients with overweight/obesity and hypercholesterolaemia, statins were the most frequently prescribed medications. Almost all patients (2837/2843; 99.8%) were treated with 1.8 g of PPC three times per day. PPC therapy was associated with a 90.5% 6-month compliance rate, high treatment satisfaction, and a favourable safety profile. However, almost 15% of diabetic patients and 40% of overweight/obese patients received no further treatment.ConclusionsIn Russia, patients with newly diagnosed NAFLD represent a population heavily burdened by comorbidities, mainly overweight/obesity and hypercholesterolaemia. A significant part of these patients did not receive a comprehensive pharmacotherapy, highlighting the existing unmet need in the current management of NAFLD patients with metabolic syndrome in Russia.
Evidence gap map of performance measurement and management in primary healthcare systems in low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Munar Wolfgang , Snilstveit Birte , Aranda Ligia Esther , Biswas Nilakshi , Baffour Theresa , Stevenson Jenniffer 
Published: August 2019

IntroductionWe mapped available evidence on performance measurement and management (PMM) strategies in primary healthcare (PHC) systems of low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Widely used, their effectiveness remains inconclusive. This evidence gap map characterises existing research and evidence gaps.MethodsSystematic mapping of performance measurement and management research in LMICs from 2000 to mid-2018; literature searches of seven academic databases and institutional repositories of impact evaluations and systematic reviews. Using a combination of manual screening and machine learning, four reviewers appraised 38 088 titles and abstracts, and extracted metadata from 137 impact evaluations and 18 systematic reviews that met the inclusion criteria. The resulting visual representation of the evidence base was uploaded to a web-based platform.ResultsSince 2000, the number of studies has increased; the first systematic reviews were completed in 2010. Two-thirds of the studies were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Randomised controlled trials were the most frequently used study design. The evidence is concentrated in two types of PMM strategies: implementation strategies (in-service training, continuing education, supervision) and performance-based financing. Major gaps exist in accountability arrangements particularly the use of audit and feedback. The least studied types of outcomes were unintended effects, harm and social equity.ConclusionsThe evidence is clustered around interventions that are unlikely to achieve transformational change in health outcomes. The gaps identified suggest that routinely used PMM strategies are implemented without sufficient knowledge of their effects. Future efforts at redesigning PHC systems need to be informed by evidence on the most effective approaches for using PMM strategies.
Primary health care financing interventions: a systematic review and stakeholder-driven research agenda for the Asia-Pacific region
Authors: Angell Blake , Dodd Rebecca , Palagyi Anna , Gadsden Thomas , Abimbola Seye , Prinja Shankar , Jan Stephen , Peiris David 
Published: August 2019

IntroductionInterventions targeting the financing of primary health care (PHC) systems could accelerate progress towards universal health coverage; however, there is limited evidence to guide best-practice implementation of these interventions. This study aimed to generate a stakeholder-led research agenda in the area of PHC financing interventions in the Asia-Pacific region.MethodsWe adopted a two-stage process: (1) a systematic review of financing interventions targeting PHC service delivery in the Asia-Pacific region was conducted to develop an evidence gap map and (2) an electronic-Delphi (e-Delphi) exercise with key national PHC stakeholders was undertaken to prioritise these evidence needs.ResultsThirty-one peer-reviewed articles (including 10 systematic reviews) and 10 grey literature reports were included in the review. There was limited consistency in results across studies but there was evidence that some interventions (removal of user fees, ownership models of providers and contracting arrangements) could impact PHC service access, efficiency and out-of-pocket cost outcomes. The e-Delphi exercise highlighted the importance of contextual factors and prioritised research in the areas of: (1) interventions to limit out-of-pocket costs; (2) financing models to enhance health system performance and maintain PHC budgets; (3) the design of incentives to promote optimal care without unintended consequences and (4) the comparative effectiveness of different PHC service delivery strategies using local data.ConclusionThe research questions which were deemed most important by stakeholders are not addressed in the literature. There is a need for more research on how financing interventions can be implemented at scale across health systems. Such research needs to be pragmatic and balance academic rigour with practical considerations.
Characteristics of stakeholder involvement in systematic and rapid reviews: a methodological review in the area of health services research
Authors: Feldmann Jonas , Puhan Milo Alan , Mütsch Margot 
Published: August 2019

ObjectiveEngaging stakeholders in reviews is considered to generate more relevant evidence and to facilitate dissemination and use. As little is known about stakeholder involvement, we assessed the characteristics of their engagement in systematic and rapid reviews and the methodological quality of included studies. Stakeholders were people with a particular interest in the research topic.DesignMethodological review.Search strategyFour databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, databases of the University of York, Center for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD)) were searched based on an a priori protocol. Four types of reviews (Cochrane and non-Cochrane systematic reviews, rapid and CRD rapid reviews) were retrieved between January 2011 and October 2015, pooled by potential review type and duplicates excluded. Articles were randomly ordered and screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria until 30 reviews per group were reached. Their methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR and stakeholder characteristics were collected.ResultsIn total, 57 822 deduplicated citations were detected with potential non-Cochrane systematic reviews being the biggest group (56 986 records). We found stakeholder involvement in 13% (4/30) of Cochrane, 20% (6/30) of non-Cochrane, 43% (13/30) of rapid and 93% (28/30) of CRD reviews. Overall, 33% (17/51) of the responding contact authors mentioned positive effects of stakeholder involvement. A conflict of interest statement remained unmentioned in 40% (12/30) of non-Cochrane and in 27% (8/30) of rapid reviews, but not in Cochrane or CRD reviews. At most, half of non-Cochrane and rapid reviews mentioned an a priori study protocol in contrast to all Cochrane reviews.ConclusionStakeholder engagement was not general practice, except for CRD reviews, although it was more common in rapid reviews. Reporting factors, such as including an a priori study protocol and a conflict of interest statement should be considered in conjunction with involving stakeholders.
Factors associated with accelerometer measured movement behaviours among White British and South Asian children aged 6–8 years during school terms and school holidays
Authors: Nagy Liana Carmen , Faisal Muhammad , Horne Maria , Collings Paul , Barber Sally , Mohammed Mohammed 
Published: August 2019

ObjectivesTo investigate factors associated with movement behaviours among White British (WB) and South Asian (SA) children aged 6–8 years during school terms and holidays.DesignCross-sectional.SettingThree primary schools from the Bradford area, UK.ParticipantsOne hundred and sixty WB and SA children aged 6–8 years.Primary and secondary outcomesSedentary behaviour (SB), light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) measured by accelerometry during summer, winter and spring and during school terms and school holidays. Data were analysed using multivariate mixed-effects multilevel modelling with robust SEs. Factors of interest were ethnicity, holiday/term, sex, socioeconomic status (SES), weight status, weekend/weekday and season.ResultsOne hundred and eight children (67.5%) provided 1157 valid days of data. Fifty-nine per cent of children were WB (n=64) and 41% (n=44) were SA. Boys spent more time in MVPA (11 min/day, p=0.013) compared with girls and SA children spent more time in SB (39 min, p=0.017) compared with WB children in adjusted models. Children living in higher SES areas were more sedentary (43 min, p=0.006) than children living in low SES areas. Children were more active during summer (15 min MVPA, p<0.001; 27 LPA, p<0.001) and spring (15 min MVPA, p=0.005; 38 min LPA, p<0.001) and less sedentary (−42 min and −53 min, p<0.001) compared with winter. Less time (8 min, p=0.012) was spent in LPA during school terms compared with school holidays. Children spent more time in MVPA (5 min, p=0.036) during weekend compared with weekdays. Overweight and obese children spent more time in LPA (21 min, p=0.021) than normal-weight children.ConclusionThe results of our study suggest that significant child level factors associated with movement behaviours are ethnicity, sex, weight-status and area SES. Significant temporal factors are weekends, school holidays and seasonality. Interventions to support health enhancing movement behaviours may need to be tailored around these factors.