bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Models of Scrum Adoption in the Software Development Process: A Systematic Literature Review - Modelos de Factores en la Adopción de Scrum in el Proceso de Desarrollo de Software. Una Revisión Sistemática de la Literatura
Authors: Sihuay Marilyn , Dávila Ramón Abraham , Pessoa Marcelo 
Published: September 2024

(Background) The adoption of Agile Software Development (ASD), in particular Scrum, has grown significantly since its introduction in 2001. However, in Lima, many ASDs implementations have been not suitable (uncompleted or inconsistent), thus losing benefits obtainable by this approach and the critical success factors in this context are unknown. (Objective) To analyze factors models used in the evaluation of the adoption of ASDs, as these factors models can contribute to explaining the success or failure of these adoptions. (Method) In this study we used a systematic literature review. (Result) Ten models have been identified; their similarities and differences are presented. (Conclusion) Each model identified consider different factors, however some of them are shared by five of these models, such as team member attributes, engaging customer, customer collaboration, experience and work environment Resumen: (Antecedentes).La adopción del Desarrollo de Software Agile (DSA), en particular Scrum, ha crecido significativamente desde su introducción en 2001. Sin embargo, en Lima, muchas implementaciones de DSA no han sido adecuadas (incompletas o inconsistentes), perdiendo así los beneficios que se pueden obtener con este enfoque y los factores de éxito críticos en este contexto son desconocidos. (Objetivo) Analizar los modelos de factores utilizados en la evaluación de la adopción de ASD, ya que estos modelos de factores pueden contribuir a explicar el éxito o el fracaso de estas adopciones. (Método) En este estudio, utilizamos una revisión sistemática de la literatura. (Resultado) Diez modelos han sido identificados; sus similitudes y diferencias son presentadas. (Conclusión) Cada modelo identificado considera diferentes factores, sin embargo, algunos de ellos son compartidos por cinco de estos modelos, tales como los atributos del miembro del equipo, el compromiso del cliente, la colaboración del cliente, la experiencia y el entorno laboral. Palabras Clave: Modelo de Proceso Software, Adopción de Proceso, Desarrollo de Software Agile, Revisión Sistemática de la Literatura.
Environmental contamination with carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in healthcare settings in Fiji: a potential source of infection
Authors: Baleivanualala Sakiusa C. , Matanitobua Silivia , Samisoni Yvette , Soqo Vika , Smita Shayal , Mailulu Josese , Nabose Ilisapeci , Lata Alvina , Shayam Christina , Sharma Radhika , Wilson Donald , Crump John A. , Ussher James E. 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThere are multiple ongoing outbreaks of carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb) infection in Fiji’s hospitals. CRAb is able to colonize and persist on various hospital surfaces for extended periods. We conducted a study to understand the extent of hospital environmental contamination and phylogenetic links with clinical isolates.MethodsSwabs were collected from high-touch surfaces at Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) September 2021 and December 2022; Lautoka Hospital (LTKH) August 2022; and Labasa Hospital (LBSH) November 2022. All bacterial isolates were identified, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) performed; isolates resistant to carbapenems and producing a carbapenemase underwent whole genome sequencing. Comparison was made to clinical isolates obtained from CWMH in 2016–2017 and 2019–2021 and from LTKH and LBSH from 2020–2021.ResultsFrom the 180 environmental samples collected, ten (5.6%) CRAb were isolated; no other carbapenem-resistant gram-negative organisms were isolated. Seven (70%) of the CRAb were isolated from CWMH and three (30%) from LTKH; no CRAb were isolated from LBSH. Of the seven CWMH CRAb, two were sequence type 2 (ST2), three ST25, and two ST499. All LTKH isolates were ST499. The two environmental CRAb ST2 isolates were closely genetically linked to isolates obtained from patients in CWMH, LTKH, and LBSH 2020–2021. Similarly, the three environmental CRAb ST25 isolates were closely genetically linked to isolates obtained from patients admitted to CWMH in 2019–2021 and LBSH in 2020. The environmental CRAb ST499 isolates represented two distinct clones, with clone 1 comprising two genetically identical isolates from CWMH and clone 2 the three isolates from LTKH. Although no genetic linkages were observed when comparing environmental ST499 isolates to those from CWMH patients in 2020–2021, both clone 1 isolates were genetically identical to an isolate obtained from a patient admitted during the sampling period.ConclusionOur study highlights the contamination of high-touch surfaces within Fiji hospitals with CRAb, suggesting that these may serve as important sources for CRAb. Phylogenetic linkages to CRAb isolated from patients since 2019 underscores the persistence of this resistant pathogen in hospital settings and the ongoing risk for hospital-acquired infections.
Increasing bio-hydrogen production from microbial electrolysis cell using artificial gorilla troops optimization
Authors: Rezk Hegazy , Sayed Enas Taha 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe target of this paper is to improve the performance of the microbial electrolysis cell (MEC). The performance of MEC including bio-hydrogen production and energy recovery is depending on the values of three controlling parameters including buffer concentration, dilution factor, and applied voltage.ProblemTherefore, defining the optimal values of three controlling parameters is the challenge of the work.MethodologyIn this paper the artificial gorilla troops optimization has been combined with and ANFIS modelling to increase the bio-hydrogen production from MEC. At first, using measured data, a model is created to simulate the MEC in terms of three controlling parameters. Then, for first time, an artificial gorilla troops optimization (AGTO) has been used to determine the optimal values of buffer concentration, dilution factor, and applied voltage to boost simultaneously bio-hydrogen production and energy recovery of MEC. To demonstrate the superiority of integration between ANFIS modelling and AGTO, the obtained results are compared with RSM methodology, and artificial neural network integrated with particle swarm optimization.FindingsFor hydrogen yield model, the RMSE lowered from 67.5 using RSM to 5.562 using ANFIS (decreased by 91.7%) as compared to RSM. The R-square for prediction rises from 0.94 (using RSM) to 0.99 (using ANFIS) by about 5.32%. For the ANFIS model of energy recovery, the RMSE decreased from 31.7 to 2.83 utilising ANFIS, a decrease of 91%. The R-square for prediction rises from 0.95 (using RSM) to 0.986 (using ANFIS) by about 3.8%. Compared with measured data, the integration between ANFIS and AGTO succeed to increase the hydrogen yield from 576.3 mL/g-VS to 843.32 mL/g-VS. in sum, the total performance of the MEC has been increased by 34.74%, 29.9% and 24.38% respectively compared to measured data, RSM and ANN-PSO.
A semi-quantitative risk model for dairy farms to pinpoint and break source-pathway connections between nutrient sources and open drainage channel sections
Authors: Opoku D. G. , Healy M. G. , Fenton O. , Daly K. , Condon T. , Tuohy P. 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionOn intensive grassland dairy farms in high rainfall areas with poorly drained soils, networks of open drainage channels linked to in-field drainage systems are needed to enable farm operations. Nitrogen and phosphorus point and diffuse sources may be connected to this open drainage channel network along surface and subsurface pathways, with negative impacts upon delivery to the downstream aquatic system.MethodsThis study developed a semi-quantitative risk assessment model by: (1) selecting parameters (categorical or continuous) representing the nutrient transfer continuum and (2) scoring (relative magnitude and impact) the risk of nutrient source connectivity and delivery for every open drainage channel section across seven dairy farms.Results and DiscussionA Risk Index Classification System consisting of low, medium, high, or very high-risk class was developed, with high or above requiring a mitigation plan. Results showed that 23%, 68%, 9% and 0% of all open drainage channels on study farms were identified as low, moderate, high and very high-risk, respectively. A range from 2% to 25% per farm of the open drainage channels was classified as high-risk that potentially needed mitigation, although none was identified as very high-risk. Two-thirds of the high-risk open drainage channels were connected to the farmyards, with potential for high nutrient loss from point sources. A combined approach of source management and targeted breaking of the pathway (e.g., in-channel filters, water diversion bars) may help minimise nutrient losses from high risk open drainage channels on poorly draining soils.
The native fish diversity with environmental influencing factors in the Daqing River basin, China
Authors: Zhou Xushen , Li Yanqing , He Jianwu , Hou Yin , Wang Fei 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionInvestigating and assessing native fish diversity and conducting regional assessments of threats are vital for the conservation of aquatic biodiversity. For this specific study, the Daqing River basin in China was chosen as the research area. Field surveys were carried out between 2018 and 2019, supplemented by a review of pertinent literature and other records.MethodsTo evaluate fish diversity, the following parameters are selected for analysis: Relative abundance (Pi), Frequency of occurrence (Fi), Margalef richness index (D) , Shannon Wiener diversity index (H′) , and Pielou evenness index (J′).Relative abundance levels are categorized as follows: dominant species make up more than 10%, common species account for 1%–10%, and occasional species constitute less than 1%. Canoco 5.0 software was utilized to conduct Redundancy Analysis (RDA) on the fish species composition and environmental factors at 34 sampling sites.ResultsThe findings revealed that 85 fish species have been recorded in the basin, consisting of 78 freshwater species categorized into 8 orders, 17 families, and 59 genera, among which Cypriniformes comprised 64% of the total catch. The low proportion of threatened and endemic species was an important feature of the fish diversity of the Daqing River. Despite the theoretical presence of 85 species, field surveys managed to collect only 42 species, of which 33 were confirmed as naturally occurring within the basin. The average values of Margalef richness index, 22 Shannon Wiener diversity index and Pielou evenness index were 1.72, 2.04 and 0.80 respectively, signifying a low fish diversity with relatively uniform distribution across the sampled regions.DiscussionThis study found that the community structure and diversity of fish were closely related to environmental factors, particularly water quality. Among these factors, ammonia nitrogen emerged as a significant determinant of fish diversity. High concentrations of ammonia nitrogen inhibit fish growth, endanger health, and can even lead to death. Additionally, dams and other water infrastructure also impact fish community structure and diversity. This baseline study can provide a basis for the protection and ecological restoration of fish resources in the Daqing River.
Increased neutrophil counts are associated with poor overall survival in patients with colorectal cancer: a five-year retrospective analysis
Authors: Garcia-Flores Libia Alejandra , Dawid De Vera María Teresa , Pilo Jesus , Rego Alejandro , Gomez-Casado Gema , Arranz-Salas Isabel , Hierro Martín Isabel , Alcaide Julia , Torres Esperanza , Ortega-Gomez Almudena , Boughanem Hatim , Macias-Gonzalez Manuel 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be a major health concern in today’s world. Despite conflictive findings, evidence supports systemic inflammation’s impact on CRC patients’ survival rates. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prognostic role of the innate immune system in patients with CRC.MethodA total of 449 patients were included, with a 5-year follow-up period, and absolute neutrophil counts and their related ratios were measured.ResultsThe non-survival group had increased levels of white blood cells, neutrophils (both p&lt;0.001), and monocytes (p=0.038), compared to the survival group, along with other neutrophil-related ratios. We observed increased mortality risk in patients in the highest tertile of white blood cells [HR=1.85 (1.09-3.13), p&lt;0.05], neutrophils [HR=1.78 (95% CI: 1.07-2.96), p&lt;0.05], and monocytes [HR=2.11 (95% CI: 1.22-3.63)], compared to the lowest tertile, after adjusting for all clinicopathological variables. Random forest analysis identified neutrophils as the most crucial variable in predicting survival rates, having an AUC of 0.712, considering all clinicopathological variables. A positive relationship between neutrophil counts and metastasis was observed when neutrophil counts are considered continuous (β=0.92 (0.41), p&lt;0.05) and tumor size (width) when neutrophils were considered as logistic variable (T1 vs T3) [OR=1.42, (95% CI: 1.05-1.98), p&lt;0.05].ConclusionThis study offers comprehensive insights into the immune factors that impact the prognosis of CRC, emphasizing the need for personalized prognostic tools.
Improved quality of life in head and neck cancer patients treated with modern arc radiotherapy techniques – A prospective longitudinal analysis
Authors: Chuang Eva Yu-Hsuan , Hou Pei-Yu , Shueng Pei-Wei , Lo Wu-Chia , Lin Ping-Yi , Lin Shih-Chiang , Wu Po-Hsuan , Jiang Jing-Gu , Chung Chen-Shuan , Hsu Chen-Xiong , Kuo Deng-Yu , Lu Yueh-Feng , Liao Li-Jen , Hsieh Chen-Hsi 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThe present longitudinal study aimed to evaluate the potential impact of modern radiotherapy (RT) techniques on quality of life (QOL) in patients with head and neck (HNC) cancer.Materials and methodsIn this single-center prospective study, participants were asked to complete QOL questionnaires that included the EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-H&amp;N 35 and utility score by time trade-off (TTO) at three time points (2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months) after completion of RT. All patients were treated by modern RT techniques [volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) or helical tomotherapy (HT)]. Patients who developed recurrence or died before the 6-month follow-up were excluded. Linear mixed models with random intercepts for participants and restricted maximum likelihood estimates were used to assess the effect of our study variables (age, sex, primary site, cancer stage, treatment, radiation dose and radiation method). Overall changes in QOL, utility scores and symptom burdens at different time points were tested using paired t tests.ResultsA total of 45 patients were recruited from 2022 to 2023. Those who completed the surveys at 2 weeks with at least 1 follow-up (30 patients, 67%) were enrolled in the final analysis. The majority of these 30 patients were men (76.7%), had oral cancer (40%), had stage III or IV disease (60%), received surgical intervention (63%) and were treated with chemoradiation (80%). A curative total dose of 66 to 70 Gy was delivered to 23 (76.7%) patients, half of whom received HT. Patients who received chemotherapy had significantly lower global QoL scales (mean difference, 27.94; 95% CI, 9.33-46.55; p=0.005). Global QOL, physical function, symptoms of sticky saliva, cough, feelings of illness and weight loss improved significantly between 2 weeks and 3 months. There was no significant difference between 3 and 6 months. Interestingly, improvements in social function, social contact, pain and nutrition reached significance at 6 months. Subgroup analysis revealed greater pain relief over time for patients who underwent HT (p=0.030). Moreover, patients who participated in swallowing rehabilitation programs had a greater decrease in nausea and vomiting (p=0.036).ConclusionHNC patients treated with modern RT techniques experience improved QOL and physical function over time. The most significant improvement occurs between 2 weeks and 3 months, after which the improvement plateaus. However, social function, social contact, pain and nutrition may require longer recovery intervals after treatment. HT with daily image guidance could provide a therapeutic opportunity for improving pain relief in patients with HNC.
Association of screen exposure/sedentary behavior and precocious puberty/early puberty
Authors: Wu Xinyu , Wang Lingmei , Xue Peng , Tang Jingyi , Wang Haodong , Kong Huijun , Lin Cuilan , Chang Bo , Liu Shijian 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundIn recent years, with the development of society, children's daily exposure to screen time has gradually increased. Screen exposure and sedentary behavior have brought a host of harms to children's lives. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of screen exposure and sedentary behavior on precocious puberty and early development.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study in the school-based population. A total of 3,560 children were recruited from Qufu City, Shandong province using multistage stratified cluster random sampling. All study subjects had a physical examination by professional pediatricians in October 2019, and were investigated with health questionnaires. Precocious puberty is defined as development of secondary sexual signs in boys before 9 years or in girls before 8 years. Screen time was calculated as the average of screen time on weekdays and weekend days, and sedentary time was calculated as the average of sedentary time on weekdays and weekend days. After adjusting for potential confounders, logistic regression was used to examine the association between screen exposure and sedentary behavior and early puberty and precocious puberty.ResultsSedentary time was a risk factor for precocious puberty and early development (OR = 1.428, 95% CI = 1.087–1.876) in girls without adjustment. No significant association was found between screen exposure and early puberty and early development both in girls and boys.ConclusionsExcessive sedentary behavior was associated with an increased risk of early puberty, especially in girls, while there was no significant association between screen exposure and early puberty and early development. In addition, further longitudinal investigations are needed to determine the causal relationship between screen exposure, sedentary behavior and precocious puberty.
Comparative efficacy of different exercise modalities on metabolic profiles and liver functions in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Mingming , Yang Jiafa , Wang Yihao , Wu Jian 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveResearch evidence suggests that exercise is a potent therapeutic strategy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Many investigations have delved into the curative potential of diverse exercise regimens on NAFLD. This investigation synthesizes findings from randomized controlled trials via a network meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of exercise-based interventions on NAFLD.MethodsWe conducted a search across five electronic databases (Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed, SCOPUS, and CNKI)to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of different exercise modalities on metabolic profiles and liver functions in patients with NAFLD. The literature search was comprehensive up to 15, December 2023. The selected studies were subjected to a rigorous quality appraisal and risk of bias analysis in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook’s guidelines, version 5.1.0. We employed Stata/MP 17 for the network meta-analysis, presenting effect sizes as standardized mean differences (SMD).ResultsThis study aggregated results from 28 studies, involving a total of 1,606 participants. The network meta-analysis revealed that aerobic exercise was the most effective intervention for improving BMI in patients with NAFLD, demonstrating a significant decrease in BMI (−0.72, 95%CI: −0.98 to −0.46; p &lt; 0.05; Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking (SUCRA) = 79.8%). HIIT was the top intervention for enhancing HDL-C (0.12, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.20; p &lt; 0.05; SUCRA = 76.1%). Resistance exercise was the most effective for reducing LDL-C (−0.20, 95% CI: −0.33 to −0.06; p &lt; 0.05; SUCRA = 69.7%). Mind-body exercise showed superior effectiveness in improving TC (−0.67, 95% CI: −1.10 to −0.24; p &lt; 0.05; SUCRA = 89.7%), TG = −0.67, 95% CI: −1.10 to −0.24; p &lt; 0.05; SUCRA = 99.6%), AST (−8.07, 95% CI: −12.88 to −3.25; p &lt; 0.05; SUCRA = 76.1%), ALT (−12.56, 95% CI: −17.54 to −7.58; p &lt; 0.05; SUCRA = 99.5%), and GGT (−13.77, 95% CI: −22.00 to −5.54; p &lt; 0.05; SUCRA = 81.8%).ConclusionThis network meta-analysis demonstrates that exercise interventions positively affect various metabolic profiles and liver functions in NAFLD patients. Mind-body exercises are particularly effective, surpassing other exercise forms in improving metabolic profiles and liver functions.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier registration number CRD42024526332.
Comparison of the effects of cold water immersion and percussive massage on the recovery after exhausting eccentric exercise: A three-armed randomized controlled trial
Authors: Heinke Lars , Javanmardi Sasha , Rappelt Ludwig , Konrad Andreas , Schleip Robert , Knicker Axel J. , Freiwald Jürgen , Baumgart Christian 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionAthletic training requires both challenging stimuli for adaptation and sufficient recovery for improved performance. While cold water immersion (CWI) is already a popular recovery method, handheld percussive massage (PM) devices have also gained popularity in recent years. This study aims to assess the effects of CWI and PM on performance recovery after strenuous eccentric exercises compared to a passive rest (PR) control condition.MethodsThirty-four healthy physically active participants (9 females, 25 males) were randomly divided into three groups: CWI (n = 11), PM (n = 11), and passive rest (PR) (n = 12). They underwent an exhausting eccentric exercise protocol and different measurements at six time points (baseline, POST1, POST2, POST24, POST48, and POST72) over the time course of 72 h. These included subjective assessments of muscle soreness and perceived stiffness as well as measures of skin temperature, leg volume, creatine kinase activity, and three different jump tests. The eccentric exercise protocol consisted of 15 min downhill running (slope: 12%, speed: 10 km/h) and 3 sets of successive depth jumps (dropping height: 0.5 m) until individual exhaustion. After POST1 measurements, participants received 12 min of either CWI (11 ± 0.5°C), PM (40 Hz) or PR (supine posture).ResultsNo significant group effects were found for the number of depth jumps performed during the exhaustion protocol. All jump tests displayed a significant group × time interaction effect. Post-hoc analysis indicated significant lower jump heights in ΔPOST2 between CWI and both PM and PR. No other significant group effects were observed at any time point. No significant group × time interaction effects were noted for CK, leg volume, and soreness. The perceived stiffness showed a significant group × time interaction effect. Post-hoc analysis revealed a significant decrease in stiffness for PM compared to PR at ΔPOST2.ConclusionNeither CWI nor PM showed any significant improvement in performance recovery over the 72-h period following strenuous eccentric exercise compared to PR. CWI showed an immediate performance decline which may be attributed to a cold-related reduction in motor nerve conduction velocity.