bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of fennel on menstrual bleeding: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abdollahi Nafiseh Ghassab , Mirghafourvand Mojgan , Mollazadeh Sanaz 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Introduction
Fennel has many medicinal properties and is used in the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Given the widespread use of herbal medicine among women for menstrual problems and considering the fact that there has been no study to date about the effect of fennel on menstrual bleeding and duration of menstrual bleeding through systematic review, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of fennel on the amount (primary outcome) and duration of menstrual bleeding and its side-effects (secondary outcomes).

Materials
All articles, including Persian and English, with no time limit were searched for in the following databases: Medline (through PubMed), Scopus, EMBASE (through Ovid), Cochrane Library, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, ProQuest, Clininaltrial.gov, SID, Magiran, Irandoc, and Iranmedex, using MeSH terms, including menstrual bleeding, menstruation, severity of bleeding, hypermenorrhea, menorrhagia, fennel, fennelin, Foeniculum vulgare, dysmenorrhea, and painful menstruation, which were searched separately or in combination. Two authors separately reviewed articles to determine the inclusion criteria, and any disagreement was resolved by reaching consensus with a third person.

Results
A total of 7993 articles were identified through searching the databases, of which 7327 were excluded as duplicates and 666 were screened for inclusion. Six hundread and forty six were excluded by title and abstract based on not being relevant to the review and being conducted on animals. Eventually, six articles were included in the study and four articles entered into the meta-analysis. The results from meta-analysis showed that using fennel caused a significant increase in mean menstrual bleeding in the first cycle after treatment in the intervention group compared to the control (Std. mean difference: 0.46; 95 % CI: 0.18–0.73; p = 0.001; I2 = 9 %). However, it had no significant effect on menstrual bleeding in the second cycle after treatment (Mean difference: 1.44; 95 % CI:-5.09 to 7.96; p = 0.67; I2 = 0 %).

Conclusions
The results of meta-analysis of four articles showed that in the first cycle after treatment, use of fennel increased menstrual bleeding in the intervention group compared to the control, but meta-analysis of two articles showed no significant difference between intervention and control groups in the amount of menstrual bleeding in the second cycle after treatment. Given the poor quality of articles, conducting clinical trials to determine the effect of fennel on menstrual bleeding appears necessary.
BIOPYDB: A Dynamic Human Cell Specific Biochemical Pathway Database with Advanced Computational Analyses Platform
Authors: Chowdhury Saikat , Sinha Noopur , Ganguli Piyali , Bhowmick Rupa , Singh Vidhi , Nandi Sutanu , Sarkar Ram Rup 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
BIOPYDB: BIOchemical PathwaY DataBase is developed as a manually curated, readily updatable, dynamic resource of human cell specific pathway information along with integrated computational platform to perform various pathway analyses. Presently, it comprises of 46 pathways, 3189 molecules, 5742 reactions and 6897 different types of diseases linked with pathway proteins, which are referred by 520 literatures and 17 other pathway databases. With its repertoire of biochemical pathway data, and computational tools for performing Topological, Logical and Dynamic analyses, BIOPYDB offers both the experimental and computational biologists to acquire a comprehensive understanding of signaling cascades in the cells. Automated pathway image reconstruction, cross referencing of pathway molecules and interactions with other databases and literature sources, complex search operations to extract information from other similar resources, integrated platform for pathway data sharing and computation, etc. are the novel and useful features included in this database to make it more acceptable and attractive to the users of pathway research communities. The RESTful API service is also made available to the advanced users and developers for accessing this database more conveniently through their own computer programmes.
SBML Level 3 package: Render, Version 1, Release 1
Authors: Bergmann Frank T. , Keating Sarah M. , Gauges Ralph , Sahle Sven , Wengler Katja 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMany software tools provide facilities for depicting reaction network diagrams in a visual form. Two aspects of such a visual diagram can be distinguished: the layout (i.e.: the positioning and connections) of the elements in the diagram, and the graphical form of the elements (for example, the glyphs used for symbols, the properties of the lines connecting them, and so on). This document describes the SBML Level 3 Render package that complements the SBML Level 3 Layout package and provides a means of capturing the precise rendering of the elements in a diagram. The SBML Level 3 Render package provides a flexible approach to rendering that is independent of both the underlying SBML model and the Layout information. There can be one block of render information that applies to all layouts or an additional block for each layout. Many of the elements used in the current render specification are based on corresponding elements from the SVG specification. This allows us to easily convert a combination of layout information and render information into a SVG drawing.
Inverse space-dependent source problem for a time-fractional diffusion equation by an adjoint problem approach
Authors: Yan Xiong Bin , Wei Ting 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
In this paper, we consider an inverse space-dependent source problem
for a time-fractional diffusion equation by an adjoint problem
approach; that is, to determine the space-dependent source term from
a noisy final data. Based on the series expression of the solution
for the direct problem, we improve the regularity of the weak
solution for the direct problem under strong conditions, and we
provide the existence and uniqueness for the adjoint problem.
Further, we use the Tikhonov regularization method to solve the
inverse source problem and provide a conjugate gradient algorithm to
find an approximation to the minimizer of the Tikhonov
regularization functional. Numerical examples in one-dimensional and
two-dimensional cases are provided to show the effectiveness of the
proposed method.
Cubic Ordered Weighted Distance Operator and Application in Group Decision-Making
Authors: Shakeel Muhammad , Abdullah Saleem , Ahmed Rehan 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Group decision-making is a very useful technique for ranking the group of alternatives. The ordered weighted distance (OWD) operator is a new tool in group decision-making problems. In this paper, we apply the OWD operator on cubic information. We develop a new operator, the so-called cubic OWD (COWD) operator, and study the different properties of it. We also discuss some particular cases of COWD. Finally, we develop a general algorithm for group decision-making problems using the COWD operator and give an application to the group decision-making problem.
Approach to Multiple Attribute Group Decision Making Based on Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Aggregation Operators
Authors: Shi Minghua , Xiao Qingxian 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Inspired by the nonlinear weighted average operator, this paper proposes several generalized power average operators to aggregate hesitant fuzzy linguistic decision information. It is worth noting that the new operators take both the location and date weight information and the relative closeness of the decision-making information into consideration, a characteristic that results in objectivity and fairness in a group decision making. Moreover, we demonstrate some useful properties of the operators and discuss their associations. A new approach based on the designed operators is then proposed for hesitant fuzzy linguistic multiple attribute group decision-making problems, in which the attribute weights are known or unknown. Finally, this paper demonstrates the efficiency and feasibility of the proposed method through a numerical example.
A survey and refinement of repairable threshold schemes
Authors: Laing Thalia M. , Stinson Douglas R. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
We consider repairable threshold schemes (RTSs), which are threshold schemes that enable a player to securely reconstruct a lost share with help from their peers. We summarise and, where possible, refine existing RTSs and introduce a new parameter for analysis, called the repair metric. We then explore using secure regenerating codes as RTSs and find them to be immediately applicable. We compare all RTS constructions considered and conclude by presenting the best candidate solutions for when either communication complexity or information rate is prioritised.
Numerical solution of the infinite-dimensional LQR problem and the associated Riccati differential equations
Authors: Benner Peter , Mena Hermann 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The numerical analysis of linear quadratic regulator design problems for parabolic partial differential equations requires solving Riccati equations. In the finite time horizon case, the Riccati differential equation (RDE) arises. The coefficient matrices of the resulting RDE often have a given structure, e.g., sparse, or low-rank. The associated RDE usually is quite stiff, so that implicit schemes should be used in this situation. In this paper, we derive efficient numerical methods for solving RDEs capable of exploiting this structure, which are based on a matrix-valued implementation of the BDF and Rosenbrock methods. We show that these methods are suitable for large-scale problems by working only on approximate low-rank factors of the solutions. We also incorporate step size and order control in our numerical algorithms for solving RDEs. In addition, we show that within a Galerkin projection framework the solutions of the finite-dimensional RDEs converge in the strong operator topology to the solutions of the infinite-dimensional RDEs. Numerical experiments show the performance of the proposed methods.
Hyperthyroidism in an infant of a mother with autoimmune hypothyroidism with positive TSH receptor antibodies
Authors: Joshi Kriti , Zacharin Margaret 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background:
Neonatal hyperthyroidism is rare, seen in infants of mothers with Graves’ disease (GD), with transplacental transfer of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) antibodies (TRAbs). We describe a neonate with severe hyperthyroidism due to TRAbs, born to a mother with autoimmune hypothyroidism.

Case presentation:
A baby boy born preterm at 35 weeks had irritability, tachycardia and proptosis after birth. The mother had autoimmune hypothyroidism, from age 10, with thyroxine replacement and normal thyroid function throughout her pregnancy. She had never been thyrotoxic. There was a family history of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and GD. The baby’s thyroid function on day 3 demonstrated gross thyrotoxicosis, TSH<0.01 mIU/L (normal range [NR]<10 mIU/L), free thyroxine (FT4)>77 pmol/L (20–35), free triiodothyronine (FT3) 15.4 pmol/L (4.2–8.3) and TRAb 18.4 IU/L (<1.8). The mother’s TRAb was 24.7 IU/L. Thyrotoxicosis required propranolol and carbimazole (CBZ). Thyroid function normalized within 10 days. The baby was weaned off medication by 7 weeks. He remains euthyroid.

Conclusions:
We postulate that this mother had co-existing destructive thyroiditis and thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAbs) and TSHR blocking antibodies (TBAb), rendering her unable to raise a thyrotoxic response to the TSAbs but with predominant TSAb transmission to her infant. Maternal history of any thyroid disorder may increase the risk of transmission to an infant, requiring a careful clinical assessment of the neonate, with important implications for future pregnancies.
Does ultrasound-guided intervention during repeat cesarean sections improve uterine scar architecture and reduce the number of scars? A prospective controlled clinical intervention trial
Authors: Seliger Gregor , Muendane Anne , Chaoui Katharina , Hiller Grit Gesine Ruth , Lautenschläger Christine , Costa Serban-Dan , Tchirikov Michael 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate whether intraoperative ultrasound-guided detection and resection of the uterine scar during repeat/second cesarean can reduce the number of scars and improve uterine scar architecture.

Materials and methods
A prospective controlled clinical intervention trial was performed with the following groups: control group 1 (CS1-G): first cesarean; control group 2 (CS2-G): second cesarean utilizing the usual procedure and intervention group (Int-G): repeat/second cesarean with intervention. Transvaginal ultrasound scans were performed 6–9 months after each cesarean. Both primary (double scarring rate) and secondary outcomes [deficiency ratio=d/(b+d)] were analyzed. The deficiency ratio describes the thinning of the remaining myometrium (d=residual myometrial thickness) over the “apparent” defect (b=scar depth).

Results
In total, 124 of the 156 recruited women were examined, eight were excluded from analysis. The double scarring rate decreased from 42.9% (12/28) in CS2-G to 7.1% (2/28) in the Int-G [difference: 35.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI) (13.2, 54.5); P=0.002]. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant difference between CS2-G and the Int-G in the deficiency ratio adjusted for elective/primary cesareans, with thicker remaining myometrium over the scar defect in the Int-G [difference: −0.24; 95% CI (−0.34, −0.15); P<0.001].

Conclusion
Ultrasound-guided resection of the uterine scar area during repeat cesareans reduces the scarring rate and improves thickness of the remaining myometrium as detected by ultrasonography 6–9 months postoperatively.
Über drei Deduktionen in Kants Moralphilosophie - und über eine vierte, die man dort vergeblich sucht. Zur Rehabilitierung von
Grundlegung III
Authors: Bernd Ludwig 
Published: April 2018

Abstract:
Since H. J. Paton’s famous commentary from 1947, Kant’s interpreters have considered a ‘deduction of the categorical imperative’ a challenge. This is quite puzzling since Kant himself never talks about such a deduction - and the famous ‘deduction’ he does mention in Groundwork III.4 is, as a close reading shows, not at all the deduction of a law but the deduction of a concept, of the idea of a pure lawgiving will: Only the reality of this idea can explain the possibility of - prima facie impossible - categorical imperatives and thus of morality as autonomy. The presupposition of the validity of the moral law, however, was already a cornerstone of Kant’s critical metaphysics in 1781: Moral theology (which replaces all speculative proofs of immortality and of God’s existence) depends on the moral law’s being an undisputed datum without any need for philosophical justification (‘deduction’). While in the Groundwork (1785) Kant tried to show the practical reality of the idea of a pure will with the help of a speculative deduction of freedom (which a reviewer described as being ‘uncritical’ in May 1786), in the second Critique (1787/88) the reality of that very idea, and with it the idea of freedom, depends (as did immortality and God’s existence in 1781) on the aforementioned practical datum, which, from that point on, Kant called a “Factum der reinen Vernunft” [fact of pure reason].
The Limits of Traditional Methods of Preserving Ethiopian Ge’ez Manuscripts
Authors: Haile Gezae 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The aim of the article is to identify the limits of traditional methods of preserving ancient parchment Ge’ez manuscripts found in churches and monasteries of Tigray, Ethiopia. The researcher used interview and observation methods to gather relevant data in regard to manuscript preservation practices in churches and monasteries of Tigray, Ethiopia. General Collection Condition Survey (GCCS) and an Item-by-Item Survey were also employed to assess the physical and preservation status of ancient Ge’ez manuscripts, while survey checklist was used to document preservation condition assessments. It was generally viewed that churches and monasteries in Tigray have been playing a pivotal role in the production as well as preservation of ancient Ge’ez parchment manuscripts, however, the assessment result shows most of the traditional techniques employed by these institutions to preserve manuscripts are neither functional nor strong enough to withstand the ever-growing human and natural impacts on these priceless artefacts. Therefore, the paper concludes that in view of the relevance of Ge’ez manuscripts for the Ethiopian people, as well as the poor state of affairs with regard to the preservation and availability of these manuscripts, a new approach that ensures long-term preservation and guarantees their availability for current and future generations should be designed. As a way forward, it is deemed necessary to accomplish in situ conservation and digitization works through scientific procedures and make the digital document available to the wider public using digital library technology. This new approach will enable us to rescue the vanishing literary heritage and unlock the local knowledge contained in those ancient Ge’ez manuscripts through systematic and scientific study as well as to ensure long term preservation.
Integration of Digital Cultural Heritage Resources in China: Understanding Public Expectations
Authors: Tang Yi , Zhou Lihong , Cao Jing , Li Jiangnan , Nie Xiaofei 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis paper focuses on the recent development of the National Cultural Information Resources Sharing Project in China. This is a national scale project that was initiated by the Chinese central government and has stimulated immense academic attention. Specifically, this paper attempts to understand people’s expectations and requirements on the project. Moreover, this paper aims to articulate and provide specific and useful suggestions for relevant politicians and project operators so that public expectations and requirements can be carefully met. A survey was used to sample a very large and widely distributed population in China, with a questionnaire designed and disseminated through an online survey service platform. A total of 1,076 usable responses were returned and 29 invalid response cases were discarded, yielding an effective response rate of 97.3 percent. An evident public expectation has emerged from the data collected which shows that the Chinese public primarily expects a comprehensive, convenient and unified one stop online access portal to all types of Chinese digital cultural heritage. This paper is of interest to Chinese government officials as well as professionals working at libraries, museums, archives and other cultural institutions in China. Furthermore, although the context of this study is China, the research findings, insights and experiences gained in this study can be shared across international borders.
Student Learning Outcomes Assessment for an Information Organization Curriculum Based on the Kirkpatrick Framework
Authors: Wang Mei-Ling 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
This study aimed to use the Kirkpatrick four-stage model to evaluate the learning outcomes of information organization (IO) courses. The study used the learning outcomes evaluation method and case studies; the evaluation method was used to transform the expected achievement and course goal according to cataloging competencies. The 3-credit “information organization” (IO) course at National Chengchi University and enrolled students during the 2016 fall semester were selected as the case study, with the study population consisting of 33 graduate students of two classes. Cataloging competencies were transformed into learning objectives and ten course units for the IO course, including information organization concept, descriptive cataloging, subject analysis, cataloging management and technology. The study used the four–stage Kirkpatrick model to evaluate student learning outcomes of the IO course, including evaluation of the level 1 reaction, level 2 learning, level 3 behavior and level 4 results. The empirical data collected from the course tasks was used to evaluate level 2 through three assignments, four tests and a final examination, while a questionnaire survey was used to evaluate levels 1, 3 and 4, with the student satisfaction score 4.51, shown with the IO course. As the average student achievement score was 83.48 points, the post-test scores of two classes’ graduate students were significantly higher than pre-test scores, with the study thus proving that all students made progress after taking the courses. Based on the Kirkpatrick model, the results provide favorable evidence for course effectiveness and its value, as well as illustrating that the students learned well on the information organization course.
First records of hypopigmentation disorders in the Peters’ ghost-faced bat Mormoops megalophylla (Chiroptera, Mormoopidae)
Authors: Hernández-Aguilar Itandehui , Santos-Moreno Antonio 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The pigmentation process can be affected throughout development and result in aberrant pigmentation. This can derive not only from genetic mutations, but also from other sources like infectious diseases that result in color patterns which are different from those characteristic of each species. In bats, most pigmentation abnormalities have been observed in the families Phyllostomidae and Vespertilionidae, probably because they are the largest families in number of species and have been exceptionally well studied. For the Mormoopidae family only two cases are known. This paper documents the first case of hypopigmentation disorder in the bat Mormoops megalophylla throughout its range, recorded in two specimens captured in the state of Oaxaca, México.
Dung-pile use by guanacos in eastern Patagonia
Authors: Marino Andrea 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Previous studies on guanacos have reported that only territorial males create and maintain dung-piles. The aim of this analysis was to compare dung-pile use by territorial males with the use by females and young in family groups, and by bachelor males. Although territorial males showed the highest dung-pile use, all individuals dropped feces on piles frequently, in contrast to what was previously observed within other guanaco populations. Besides stressing the behavioral plasticity of guanacos, these results suggest an additional adaptive function of localized-defecation other than demarcating territory ownership by the territorial male.