bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detailed statistical analysis plan for a guided self-determination intervention versus an attention control for outpatients with type 2 diabetes in the randomised OVERCOME trial
Authors: Mathiesen Anne Sophie , Zoffmann Vibeke , Lindschou Jane , Jakobsen Janus Christian , Gluud Christian , Olsen Markus Harboe , Rasmussen Bodil , Marqvorsen Emilie Haarslev Schröder , Rothmann Mette Juel 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Autonomy-supporting interventions may be a prerequisite to achieve better long-term management of type 2 diabetes. Evidence suggests that the guided self-determination (GSD) method might improve haemoglobin A1c and diabetes distress in people with type 1 diabetes. The evidence of an effect of a GSD intervention compared with an attention control group in adults with type 2 diabetes is unknown.

Methods/design
The trial is designed as a pragmatic, investigator-initiated, dual-centre, randomised, parallel-group, assessor-blinded, superiority clinical trial of persons with type 2 diabetes. A nurse will administer GSD intervention versus an attention control. The primary outcome is diabetes distress, and secondary outcomes are quality of life, depressive symptoms, and non-serious adverse events. Exploratory outcomes are haemoglobin A1c, motivation, and serious adverse events. Participants are assessed at baseline, 5-, and 12-month follow-up. Here, we present a detailed, comprehensive plan of all statistical analyses, including methods to handle missing data, and assessments of the underlying statistical assumptions. The statistical analyses will be conducted independently by two statisticians following the present plan.

Discussion
To mitigate the risk of analysis bias and increase the validity of the OVEROME trial, this statistical analysis plan was developed prior to unblinding of the trial results in concordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and the Conference on Harmonization of Good Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 04601311. Registered on October 2020.
Performance of Bt cotton evaluated in relation to mulching and weed control measures in northwest India
Authors: Priyanka Devi , Karmal Singh , Meena Sewhag , Sushil Kumar 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Weed infestation in cotton has been reported to offer severe competition and cause yield reduction to a large extent. Weeding via cultural practices is time consuming, tedious, and expensive due to long duration of cotton crop and regular monsoon rains during cotton production in India. Chemical weed control has been successfully utilized in cotton in the recent past. However, continuous use of similar herbicides leads to resistance in weeds against herbicides. And when sprayed to the field, herbicides not only suppress weeds but leave undesirable residues in the soil that are hazardous to the environment. Therefore, a study was performed at cotton research area at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana during two consecutive kharif seasons (2020 and 2021) to determine the most suitable and sustainable weed management strategy through the integration of chemical and cultural methods.

Results
Mulching with rice straw of 7.5 t ha−1 resulted in significantly higher cotton seed yield (3 189 and 3 084 kg ha−1) and better weed control in comparison to no mulch treatments (2 990 and 2904 kg ha−1) in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Among various weed management levels, the significantly lowest cotton seed yield was recorded in untreated control (1 841 and 1 757 kg·ha−1 during 2020 and 2021, respectively) in comparison to other treatments while all other treatments were statistically at par with each other during both years of crop experimentation.

Conclusion
Mulching with rice straw of 7.5 t·ha−1 along with a pre-emergence application of pendimethalin (active ingredient) at 1.5 kg·ha−1fb (followed by) one hoeings at 45 days after sowing (DAS) and fb glyphosate 2 kg·ha−1 (Shielded spray) at 90 DAS is a viable option for effective control of grassy and broadleaved weeds in Bt cotton in north-west India.
Load frequency and virtual inertia control for power system using fuzzy self-tuned PID controller with high penetration of renewable energy
Authors: Abdelghany Mohamed. A. , Syam Fathy A. , Aly Abouelmaaty M. , Abido Mohamed. A. , Ibrahim Shorouk Ossama 
Published: November 2024

AbstractReliance on renewable energy is increasing, and generating units are being added to the network. Since renewable power fluctuates greatly, the frequency deviation of the grid becomes a crucial problem with access to renewable power generation. The fluctuation of the renewable power output of the system puts forward a higher demand for load frequency control of the power grid to increase the penetration of renewable power in the system. PID controller has proven its effectiveness for the LFC due to its simple structure and clear concept. In this article, the virtual synchronous generator is introduced and a fuzzy self-tuned PID controller is proposed for inertia control. The proposed controller is implemented in light of the significant integration of renewable energy and virtual inertia. The efficacy of the suggested controller is evaluated against the traditional PID controller for the Egyptian Power System as a case study under various load disturbance scenarios. The control technique is employed for variable loads with photovoltaic and wind turbine generation systems. Three instances of load changes are studied and the controller design is performed based on grey wolf optimizer in each case. The overshot and integral time absolute error are considered as comparison measures. The new contribution is applied to the proposed controller for the grid and virtual inertia. In the case of many load variations imposed, the disturbances of residential and industrial loads varied from 0.05, 0.01, 0.15, and 0.02 pu. The maximum overshoot is 0.005 for the proposed controller and 0.0078 for the classic PID controller. The integral time absolute error is 0.06429 for the proposed controller and 0.11481 for the classic PID controller. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed controller for inertia control with high penetration of renewable energy. The results show that the proposed fuzzy self-tuned PID controller has an overshot less than the classical PID controller by 25% and integral time absolute error by 45%. These results show that the use of the proposed fuzzy self-tune controller for the grid and inertia gave a better performance in terms of the overshot value and the integral time absolute error.
Effectiveness of auditory measures in the diagnosis of cochlear synaptopathy and noise-induced hidden hearing loss: a case–control study
Authors: Mekki Soha , Guindi Sherif , Elakkad Mona , Al-Aziz Maii Kamal Abd , El-Shafei Reham Rafei 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Cochlear synaptopathy is a disorder where auditory perceptual impairments, such as speech perception in noise and tinnitus, may not be accurately reflected by audiometric thresholds, even if the audiogram appears normal. It is proposed that the connections between hair cells and the auditory nerve are more susceptible to sound and aging damage than the cochlea’s hair cells. Cochlear synaptopathy can be present in ears with normal audiograms and undamaged hair cells, leading to hidden hearing loss. This study aims to construct electrophysiological and behavioral auditory parameters associated with persons exposed to loudness and having normal audiograms and auditory complaints to identify hidden hearing loss.

Results
A case–control study was done with forty participants with a documented history of exposure to loud sounds and various auditory complaints, compared to a control group of forty persons who had all been confirmed to have normal audiograms. The chosen behavioral core tests comprised the speech intelligibility in noise test (SPIN), gaps detection in noise (GIN test), and pitch pattern sequence test (PPS). The electrophysiological measures utilized in the study were the auditory brainstem response test (ABR) and electrocochleography (ECochG). The SPIN, PPS, and GIN test results demonstrated statistically significant disparities between the control and case groups. The amplitude ratio of wave I to wave V in ABR and the ratio of EcochG AP to SP demonstrated a statistically significant variance between the two groups. The SPIN test exhibited the highest AUC, signifying its superior diagnostic capability in identifying hidden hearing loss.

Conclusion
The present study has shown that the SPIN, as a behavioral test, and the EcochG AP amplitude measure, as an electrophysiological test, provide the greatest auditory diagnostic capability for identifying cochlear synaptopathy. Wave I amplitude in the auditory brainstem response (ABR) and the SP/AP ratio in electrocochleography (EcochG) are promising non-behavioral measures of cochlear synaptopathy or hidden hearing loss.
Mitigation of aflatoxin contamination of maize, groundnut, and sorghum by commercial biocontrol products in farmers’ fields across Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Togo
Authors: Bonkoungou Saïdou , Dagno Karim , Basso Adamou , Ekanao Tedihou , Atehnkeng Joseph , Agbetiameh Daniel , Neya Adama , Toure Mahama , Tiendrebeogo Assiata , Konate Mamadou , Outani Bibata , Konlambigue Matieyedou , Callicott Kenneth A. , Cotty Peter J. , Dieng Ibnou , Falade Titilayo D. O. , Bandyopadhyay Ranajit , Ortega-Beltran Alejandro 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background

Aflatoxin contamination by
Aspergillus
section Flavi fungi poses a significant threat to food security and public health in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Maize, groundnut, and sorghum are staple crops frequently contaminated with aflatoxins, sometimes at dangerous levels. Despite its detrimental effects, many farmers in SSA lack access to effective tools for mitigating aflatoxin contamination. Biocontrol based on atoxigenic isolates of
A. flavus
is an effective tool to limit aflatoxin contamination.

Methods
The development, testing, registration, and commercial use of the aflatoxin biocontrol product Aflasafe BF01 for use in Burkina Faso is described. In addition, the deployment of the biocontrol technology across Mali, Niger, and Togo is documented, and for the first time, the use of aflatoxin biocontrol in sorghum is reported.

Results

In all four countries, treated crops had significantly (
P
< 0.05) less aflatoxins than crops from untreated fields. Most treated crops met the stringent tolerance threshold for human consumption, 4 ppb total aflatoxin. Using native atoxigenic isolates of
A. flavus
and employing a multi-disciplinary approach, aflatoxin biocontrol products have demonstrated significant success in reducing aflatoxin levels in treated crops compared to untreated ones.

Conclusions
This multi-year, multi-funded source study underscores the effectiveness of biocontrol strategies in mitigating aflatoxin contamination at scale, offering a regional approach for sustainable management in West Africa and potentially unlocking significant health and economic benefits for the region.
Prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine development: advancements and challenges
Authors: Weerarathna Induni Nayodhara , Doelakeh Elijah Skarlus , Kiwanuka Lydia , Kumar Praveen , Arora Sanvi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBiomedical research is fundamental in developing preventive and therapeutic vaccines, serving as a cornerstone of global public health. This review explores the key concepts, methodologies, tools, and challenges in the vaccine development landscape, focusing on transitioning from basic biomedical sciences to clinical applications. Foundational disciplines such as virology, immunology, and molecular biology lay the groundwork for vaccine creation, while recent innovations like messenger RNA (mRNA) technology and reverse vaccinology have transformed the field. Additionally, it highlights the role of pharmaceutical advancements in translating lab discoveries into clinical solutions. Techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, genome sequencing, monoclonal antibodies, and computational modeling have significantly enhanced vaccine precision and efficacy, expediting the development of vaccines against infectious diseases. The review also discusses challenges that continue to hinder progress, including stringent regulatory pathways, vaccine hesitancy, and the rapid emergence of new pathogens. These obstacles underscore the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and the adoption of innovative strategies. Integrating personalized medicine, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence is expected to revolutionize vaccine science further. By embracing these advancements, biomedical research has the potential to overcome existing challenges and usher in a new era of therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines, ultimately improving global health outcomes. This review emphasizes the critical role of vaccines in combating current and future health threats, advocating for continued investment in biomedical science and technology.
Effect of Methimazole Withdrawl Period on the I-131 Uptake Estimation Using Tc-99 m Thyroid Scanning in Graves’ Disease
Authors: Wang Hui , Li Weijian , Chang Pengpeng , Jia Qiang , Tan Jian , Zhang Ruiguo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The effect of methimazole withdrawal period (MWP) on the estimation of 24-hour-radioiodine thyroid uptake (131IU24h) from 99mTc-pertechnetate thyroid uptake (99mTcTU) remains unclear for patients with Graves’ disease (GD). This study aims to investigate the feasibility and reliability of 99mTcTU-based 131IU24h estimation with different MWPs.

Methods
We enrolled 116 GD patients scheduled for 131I therapy at our hospital between April 2022 and April 2023. Based on MWP, the patients were categorized as standard (no methimazole or MWP &gt; 1 month), MWP1 (MWP ≤ 1 week), MWP2 (MWP &gt; 1 week to ≤2 weeks), and MWP3 (MWP &gt; 2 weeks to &lt;1 month). Fisher's exact test, one-way ANOVA, or Kruskal–Wallis test were used to compare variables. Fitted curves of 99mTcTU20min vs 131IU24h were plotted for the standard group. Linear relationships and Bland–Altman plots were used to illustrate the relationship and consistency between estimated and measured 131IU24h.

Results
131IU24h was higher in the MWP1 group compared to MWP2 (70.22 ± 7.95% vs 61.92 ± 9.84%, P = .001), and thyroid mass was greater in the MWP1 group (36.15 ± 22.38 g) vs MWP3 (21.25 ± 11.90 g, P = .005). The relationship between 131IU24h and 99mTcTU20min in the standard group is described by the following algorithm: estimated 131IU24h = 11.3ln (99mTcTU20min) + 39.4 (R2 = 0.62). Based on it, the correlation between estimated and measured 131IU24h was weak in MWP1 and MWP2 (both P &gt; .05) but strong in MWP3 (r = 0.66, P = .002). Additionally, the agreement between estimated and measured 131IU24h was highest in the MWP3 group (95% confidence interval, −15.86 to 15.52%) compared to the MWP1and MWP2 groups.

Conclusion
Estimated 131IU24h based on 99mTcTU is not suitable for GD patients with MWP less than 2 weeks at our institution, necessitating further prospective multicenter studies for validation.
Feasibility Study on the International Promotion of Wushu Bingdao under the Belt and Road Initiative: A Strategy Exploration Based on Multi-Method Analysis
Authors: Li Guan Chong , Zhang Guodong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background: This study aims to explore the feasibility of the international promotion of Wushu Bingdao within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. As a significant component of traditional Chinese culture, Wushu Bingdao holds potential for cross-cultural exchange. However, its promotion faces multiple challenges in the globalized context, such as cultural differences, a shortage of skilled practitioners, market competition, and the limitations of traditional promotion methods.
Methods: Utilizing literature review, expert interviews, and qualitative analysis, this study systematically reviews literature related to the promotion of Wushu Bingdao, analyzing its cultural connotations and historical heritage, and identifying key obstacles to international promotion. Strategic recommendations are proposed to address these challenges.
Results: The study reveals that enhancing the understanding of the cultural essence of wushu, developing a specialized team of international promotion professionals, standardizing the Wushu Bingdao system, and employing innovative international communication methods can significantly increase the visibility and influence of Wushu Bingdao globally, facilitating its exchange and development within global cultural diversity.
Conclusion: Despite the numerous challenges facing the international promotion of Wushu Bingdao, leveraging the Belt and Road Initiative platform and combining innovative promotion strategies offer the potential for broader recognition and practice of Chinese Wushu Bingdao worldwide.
Dynamic Resource Allocation: The Geometry and Robustness of Constant Regret
Authors: Vera Alberto , Arlotto Alessandro , Gurvich Itai , Levin Eli 
Published: November 2024

We study a family of dynamic resource allocation problems, wherein requests of different types arrive over time and are accepted or rejected. Each request type is characterized by its reward, arrival probability, and resource consumption. An upper bound for the collected reward is given by a linear optimization problem with a random right-hand side. This type of problem, known as packing linear program (LP), is ubiquitous in resource allocation. We provide a detailed characterization of the parametric structure of this packing LP. Relying on this geometric understanding, we revisit and expand on BudgetRatio algorithms that achieve constant regret by resolving this same packing LP in each period and accepting requests scored as sufficiently valuable. We illustrate the benefits of the geometric view in proving that (i) BudgetRatio achieves constant regret relative to the offline (full information) upper bound in the presence of inventory that is (slowly) restocked, and (ii) within explicitly identifiable bounds, the algorithm’s regret is robust to misspecification of the model parameters. This gives bounds for the bandits version of the problem in which the parameters have to be learned. (iii) The algorithm has an equivalent formulation as a generalized bid-price algorithm in which the bid prices can be adaptively and efficiently computed. Our analysis focuses on the evolution of the remaining inventory—in turn of the LP that drives BudgetRatio—as a stochastic process. We prove that it is attracted to sticky regions of the state space in which the online algorithm takes actions consistent with the optimal basis of the offline upper bound, a basis that is revealed only in hindsight at the horizon’s end. Funding: This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Defense [Grant W911NF-20-C-0008].
Outcomes of external versus internal fixation for traumatic lower limb fractures in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Pigeolet Manon , Sana Hamaiyal , Askew Morgan R. , Jaswal Shubham , Ortega Paola F. , Bradley Sarah R. , Shah Ayush , Mita Carol , Corlew Daniel S. , Saeed Ayesha , Makasa Emmanuel , Agarwal-Harding Kiran J. 
Published: November 2024

AimsLower limb fractures are common in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and represent a significant burden to the existing orthopaedic surgical infrastructure. In high income country (HIC) settings, internal fixation is the standard of care due to its superior outcomes. In LMICs, external fixation is often the surgical treatment of choice due to limited supplies, cost considerations, and its perceived lower complication rate. The aim of this systematic review protocol is identifying differences in rates of infection, nonunion, and malunion of extra-articular femoral and tibial shaft fractures in LMICs treated with either internal or external fixation.MethodsThis systematic review protocol describes a broad search of multiple databases to identify eligible papers. Studies must be published after 2000, include at least five patients, patients must be aged > 16 years or treated as skeletally mature, and the paper must describe a fracture of interest and at least one of our primary outcomes of interest. We did not place restrictions on language or journal. All abstracts and full texts will be screened and extracted by two independent reviewers. Risk of bias and quality of evidence will be analyzed using standardized appraisal tools. A random-effects meta-analysis followed by a subgroup analysis will be performed, given the anticipated heterogeneity among studies, if sufficient data are available.ConclusionThe lack of easily accessible LMIC outcome data, combined with international clinical guidelines that are often developed by HIC surgeons for use in HIC environments, makes the clinical decision-making process infinitely more difficult for surgeons in LMICs. This protocol will guide research on surgical management, outcomes, and complications of lower limb shaft fractures in LMICs, and can help guide policy development for better surgical intervention delivery and improve global surgical care.Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(11):1020–1026.
Silvicultural Practices and Water Table Dynamics of Coastal Forested Wetlands
Authors: Amatya Devendra M. , Williams Thomas M. , Skaggs R. Wayne , Nettles Jami E. , Mehan Sushant 
Published: November 2024

HighlightsForested wetland hydrology (WH) is characterized by changes in daily water table (WT) depth over time.Silvicultural operations (harvesting, thinning, bedding, and minor drainage and intensity) affect WT dynamics.Both WT dynamics and WH are also affected by tree stand age/growth and soil types, besides the climate.Knowledge gaps and future research using modeling, including machine learning methods are discussed.Abstract. Sustainable management of forested wetlands requires an understanding of water table (WT) dynamics affected by rainfall and evapotranspiration (ET) as well as management practices to sustain water quality, quantity, and ecosystem services. The hydrology, the most important factor influencing productivity of forested wetlands, may be characterized by measuring changes in WT depth over time. The hydrology of U.S. Southeastern Coastal Plain forested wetlands, particularly wet pine flats and pocosins, where drainage has been commonly used to improve tree growth, is relatively well understood. However, uncertainties remain regarding the effects of some silvicultural practices on WT dynamics of varying soil and drainage types and the role of climatic trends, including extreme events (precipitation and droughts), on WT dynamics of these forested lands. In this paper, we use information from long-term monitoring and modeling studies conducted at sites in the Southeastern Atlantic Coastal Plain to review the current state of research on potential effects of harvesting, thinning, bedding, and minor drainage on changes to WT dynamics in coastal non-riverine forested wetlands. We also briefly illustrate current gaps in knowledge and outline future potential research in this area. Keywords: Pine forest, Bedding, Harvesting, Minor drainage, Water table, Wetland hydrology, Hydrology models.