bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Confidence Intervals for Piecewise Normal Distributions and Stochastic Variational Inequalities
Authors: Lu Shu 
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we first show how to obtain easy-to-compute confidence intervals for the center of a piecewise normal distribution given a sample from this distribution (assuming that the center belongs to a known affine set parallel to the common lineality space of all cones defining the piecewise normal distribution) by using certain skewed projectors on that space. We then extend this method to an asymptotic setting. Next, we apply this method to compute confidence intervals for the true solution of a stochastic variational inequality given a solution to a sample average approximation (SAA) problem for the general situation in which the asymptotic distribution of SAA solutions is piecewise normal. For stochastic complementarity problems, we obtain asymptotic normality of certain estimators of the true solution when the asymptotic distribution of the SAA solutions is piecewise normal. Funding: The research reported in this paper was supported the National Science Foundation [Grant DMS-1814894].
A Comparison Between Transolecranon and Triceps Reflecting Approaches for Treatment of Distal Humerus Fracture in Adult
Authors: Jamoh Kalom , Tonk Gyneshwar , Gupta Amit Kumar , Mohon Shyam , Agarwal Sumit , Gaur Manvender 
Published: May 2024

Background:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with distal humerus fractures in adults, treated with triceps-reflecting and olecranon osteotomy approaches. Outcome in terms of: (l) Accuracy of articular reduction, (2) Operative time, (3) Blood loss, (4) Functional result and (5) Immediate, early and late complications were compared.

Methods:
Thirty three patients with distal humerus fractures were analyzed prospective and retrospectively. Fractures were classified using the AO/ASIF classification. Functional results were evaluated with the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score.

Results:
The accuracy of articular reduction is better in olecranon osteotomy (Group-A) than the Triceps reflecting (Group-B) approach. The average time taken from incision to wound closure was 92.62 ± 8.73 minutes for group A and 78.63 ± 7.02 minutes for Group B, the P value being <0.001 which was statistically highly significant. The average blood loss from incision to wound closure was 222.78 ± 34.93 ml for group-A and 121.61 ± 19.85 ml for group-B, the P value being <0.01 which was also statistically highly significant. The mean arc of motion in patients of group A was 91.04° ± 13.55° and in group B was 92.65° ± 19.07°. The difference in range of motion was statistically insignificant. On comparing the mean MEPS and DASH score in group A and group B was also found non significant (P value for both >0.05). The complications like, soft tissue infection, ulnar nerve neuropraxia and implant prominence where observed more in trans olecranon group.

Conclusion:
Triceps reflecting approach provide lesser operating time, lesser blood loss, low complications rates. On the other hand olecranon osteotomy provide better accuracy of articular reduction (can be reserve for C3 fracture). There were no significant difference between the two groups in term of functional outcome, although second surgery for hardware removal was required in almost all cases of olecranon osteotomy group patients. olecranon osteotomy was use in 21 patients (group A, 10 female, 11 male with mean age 43.23 years) and triceps reflecting approach was used in 12 patient (group B, 6 female, 6 male with mean age 35.83 years).
A Prospective, Comparative Evaluation of Acromioclavicular Joint Injury - Managed by Modified Weaver Dunn Method with Palmaris Longus Tendon Reinforcement and Flip-Button Technique
Authors: Yadav Arun Kumar , Yadav Sachin , Srivastava D. C. , Shukla Manish 
Published: May 2024

Introduction:
The present study compares functional outcome of acromioclavicular joint reconstruction using the Modified Weaver Dunn method with palmaris longus tendon for coracoclavicular reinforcement and flip-button technique.

Materials and Methods:
60 patients (32 males and 28 females) with fresh acromioclavicular joint injury, between the age group of 1860 years, were operated using the Modified Weaver Dunn method with palmaris longus tendon for coracoclavicular reinforcement and flip-button technique at our Department from July 2015 to July 2018 after obtaining approval from local ethical committee. Patients were followed up post-operatively for difference in range of motion at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks and 48 weeks as well as 6 monthly thereafter. All the patients were assessed with Constant and Murley Scoring System.

Results:
At the follow up of 2 years, there was no significant difference in trauma surgery delay, operative time and perioperative blood loss between the two groups. However, the mean constant score improved from 66.56±14.43 to 94.30±7.29 in the Modified Weaver Dunn Method group and in the flip-button technique group from 55.14±15.36 to 84.86±11.37. 87.5% (28 out of 32) patients in Modified Weaver Dunn method had excellent results subjectively, while 85.71% (24 out of 28) patients in the flip-button technique had satisfied results. 2 patients had loss of reduction and superficial wound infection seen in 2 patients of the Modified Weaver Dunn Method group. Loss of reduction seen in 4 patients in the flip-button technique group.

Conclusion:
Modified Weaver Dunn method was associated with a high patient contentedness, promoted earlier postoperative range of motion, rehabilitation and facilitated earlier return to sports therefore effectively be used for reconstruction of acromioclavicular joint dislocation Rockwood type III and above and had excellent functional outcome in comparison to flip-button technique.
Modelling the cost of engage & treat and test & treat strategies towards the elimination of lymphatic filariasis in Ghana
Authors: Adams Nathaniel N. K. , Ahorlu Collins S. , de Souza Dziedzom K. , Aikins Moses 
Published: May 2024

Background
Despite several years of LF-MDA implementation, Ghana still has some districts with mf prevalence >1%, partly due to poor treatment coverage levels resulting from non-participation in MDA. To address the challenges, we implemented Engage & Treat (E&T) and Test & Treat (T&T) strategies for individuals who miss or refuse MDA respectively, in a hotspot district, enabling us to reach many of those who seldom, or never, take part in MDA. This financial cost study was undertaken to analyse data on the LF-MDA, E&T and T&T implementation in 2021 and the financial cost to inform the rollout of the E&T and T&T as mop-up strategies in future LF-MDAs.

Methods
This costing study analysed cost data from the 2021 LF-MDA implementation activities carried out by the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) programme of the Ghana Health Service and the SENTINEL study, carried out in Ahanta West district for the two interventions (i.e., E&T and T&T). The 2021 Ghana Population and Housing Census data was used to estimate the LF-MDA-eligible population. The financial cost per person treated was estimated and these costs were applied to the projected population to obtain the financial cost for subsequent years.

Results
Implementing MDA mop-up strategies either through the E&T or T&T to improve coverage comes at an additional cost to the elimination goals. For example, in 2024 the projected cost per person treated by the routine LF-MDA is estimated at US$0.83. The cost using the integrated LF-MDA and the E&T, T&T led by the NTD programme or T&T integrated into the health system was estimated at US$1.62, US$2.88, and US$2.33, respectively, for the same year. Despite the increased cost, the proposed combined LF-MDA and mop-up strategies will have a higher estimated population treated for 2024 (i.e., 1,392,211) compared to the routine LF-MDA approach (i.e., 988,470) for the same year.

Conclusion
Combining LF-MDA with E&T/T&T mop-up strategies, despite their high costs, may provide NTD Programmes with the options of improving treatment coverage and reaching the LF elimination target sooner, given that the routine LF-MDA alone approach has been implemented for many years with some districts yet to reach the elimination targets.
Effects of speculum lubrication on cervical smears for cervical cancer screening: A double blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ilika Chito P. , Eleje George U. , Chiemeka Michael E. , Ilika Frances N. , Ikechebelu Joseph I. , Ilika Valentine C. , Ugwu Emmanuel O. , Ofor Ifeanyichukwu J. , Ogelle Onyecherelam M. , Umeononihu Osita S. , Mamah Johnbosco E. , Olisa Chinedu L. , Ezeigwe Chijioke O. , Nwankwo Malarchy E. , Ofojebe Chukwuemeka J. , Okafor Chidinma C. , Ekwebene Onyeka C. , Nnabuchi Obinna K. , Okafor Chigozie G. 
Published: May 2024

Background
Speculum lubrication may help to reduce the pain experienced during Pap-smear collection and hence increase uptake of cervical cancer screening and repeat testing, but there are fears of its interference with cytological results.

Aim
To determine and compare the adequacy of cervical cytology smears and the mean pain scores of women undergoing cervical cancer screening with or without speculum lubrication.

Methods
This was a randomised controlled study of 132 women having cervical cancer screening at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Sixty-six participants were randomly assigned to the ‘Gel’ and ‘No Gel’ groups, respectively. Pap smears were collected from each participant with a lubricated speculum (‘Gel group’) or a non-lubricated speculum (‘No Gel group’). The primary outcome measures were the proportion of women with unsatisfactory cervical cytology smears and the mean numeric rating scale pain scores, while the secondary outcome measures were the proportion of women who were willing to come for repeat testing and the cytological diagnosis of Pap-smear results.

Results
The baseline socio-demographic variables were similar in both groups. There was no significant difference in the proportion of unsatisfactory cervical smear results between the two groups (13.6% vs. 21.2%, p = 0.359). However, the mean pain scores were significantly lower in the gel group than in the no gel group (45.04 vs. 87.96; p<0.001). An equal proportion of the participants in each group (90.9% vs. 90.9%; p > 0.999) were willing to come for repeat cervical smears in the future.

Conclusion
Speculum lubrication did not affect the adequacy of cervical smears but significantly reduced the pain experienced during pap smear collection. Also, it did not significantly affect the willingness to come for repeat cervical smears in the future.

Trial registration
The trial was registered with the Pan-African Clinical Trial Registry with a unique identification and registration number: PACTR2020077533364675.
Diaphragm thickness and mobility elicited by two different modalities of inspiratory muscle loading in heart failure participants: A randomized crossover study
Authors: Zacarias Rondinel Tatiana , Bocchi Lilian , Cipriano Júnior Gerson , Chiappa Gaspar Rogério da Silva , Martins Gabriela de Sousa , Mateus Sérgio Ricardo Menezes , Cahalin Lawrence Patrick , Cipriano Graziella França Bernardelli 
Published: May 2024

Objectives
To analyze diaphragmatic thickness, at end-inspiration and end-expiration, diaphragmatic thickening index and mobility via US under two different modalities of inspiratory muscle loading, in two different modalities of inspiratory muscle loading and different load intensities at full-vital capacity maneuvers and the relationship between diaphragmatic thickness with pulmonary function tests in participants with HF.

Methods
This randomized crossover trial, enrolled with 17 HF subjects, evaluated diaphragm thickness (Tdi, mm), fractional thickness (TFdi, %), and mobility (mm) US during low and high intensities (30% and 60% of maximal inspiratory pressure—MIP) with two modalities of inspiratory muscle loading mechanical threshold loading (MTL) and tapered flow-resistive loading (TFRL).

Results
Both MTL and TFRL produced a increase in Tdi, but only with high intensity loading compared to baseline—2.21 (0.26) vs. 2.68 (0.33) and 2.73 (0.44) mm; p = .01. TFdi was greater than baseline under all conditions, except during low intensity of TFRL. Diaphragm mobility was greater than baseline under all conditions, and high intensity of TFRL elicited greater mobility compared to all other conditions. Additionally, baseline Tdi was moderately correlated with pulmonary function tests.

Conclusions
MTL and TFRL modalities elicit similar increases in diaphragm thickness at loads, but only during high intensity loading it was greater than baseline. Diaphragm mobility was significantly greater than baseline under both loads and devices, and at high intensity compared to low intensity, although TFRL produced greater mobility compared to modalities of inspiratory muscle loading. There is an association between diaphragm thickness and pulmonary function tests.
A study to evaluate WASH interventions and risk factors of diarrhoea among children under five years, Anloga district, Ghana: A research protocol
Authors: Bandoh Delia Akosua , Kenu Ernest , Dwomoh Duah , Afari Edwin Andrew , Dzodzomenyo Mawuli 
Published: May 2024

Introduction
Good Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices, introduction of Rotavirus vaccination, zinc supplementation and improved nutrition have contributed significantly to the reduction of diarrhoea morbidity and mortality globally by 50%. In spite of these gains, diarrhoea still remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under-five. Causes of diarrhoea are multifaceted with many factors such as seasonality, behaviour, pathogenicity, epidemiology, etc. However, assessments on the causes of diarrhoea have generally been tackled in silos over the years focusing only on particular causes. In this study, we describe an integrated approach (evaluating WASH interventions implantation processes, assessing epidemiolocal risk factors, and identifying pathogens causing diarrhoea) for assessing determinants of diarrhoea.

Methods
The study has ethical approval from the Ghana Health Service Ethical Review Committee (GHSERC:020/07/22). It will employ three approaches; a process evaluation and a case-control study and laboratory analysis of diarrhoea samples. The process evaluation will assess the detailed procedures taken by the Anloga district to implement WASH interventions. A desk review and qualitative interviews with WASH stakeholders purposively sampled will be done. The evaluation will provide insight into bottlenecks in the implementation processes. Transcribed interviews will be analysed thematically and data triangulated with reviews. A 1:1 unmatched case-control study with 206 cases and 206 controls to determine risk factors associated with diarrhoea in children under-five will also be done. Odds ratios at 5.0% significance level would be calculated. Stool samples of cases will be taken and tested for diarrhoea pathogens using Standard ELISA and TAQMAN Array Card laboratory procedures.

Expected outcome
It is expected that this framework proposed would become one of the robust approaches for assessing public health community interventions for diseases. Through the process evaluation, epidemiological case-control study and pathogen identification, we would be able to identify the gaps in the current diarrhoea assessments, come up with tailored recommendations considering the existing risk and assumptions and involve the relevant stakeholders in reducing the diarrhoea burden in a coastal setting in Ghana.
User satisfaction with the National Health Insurance Program: A community-based survey from the Ilam district of Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Rasmita , Shakya Aditya , Khanal Pratik , Khanal Vijay Kumar , Jha Nilambar , Nepal Gurung Gyanu , Subedi Laxmi 
Published: May 2024

Background
The Government of Nepal initiated a family-based National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) in April 2016, aiming to ensure universal health coverage (UHC) by enhancing access to and utilization of quality health services. However, NHIP, in its initial years of implementation, encountered challenges such as low population coverage, a high dropout rate, and concerns among the insured regarding the quality of healthcare services. There is a dearth of information regarding user satisfaction with the NHIP in Nepal. This study aimed to assess user satisfaction with NHIP at the household level in Nepal.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study among 347 households in the Ilam district using a multi-stage random sampling method. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with household heads enrolled in NHIP. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify the predictors of satisfaction level.

Results
Overall, 53.6% of the insured were satisfied with the NHIP, while 31.1% had comprehensive knowledge about the NHIP. Factors such as gender (AOR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.08–3.00), distance to the first point of contact (AOR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.24–3.74), waiting time (AOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.20–3.42), availability of diagnostic services (AOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.05–3.45), availability of prescribed medicine (AOR: 3.90, 95% CI: 1.97–7.69), perceived service quality (AOR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.15–4.20), and the behavior of service providers (AOR: 3.48, 95% CI: 1.04–11.63) were significantly associated with user satisfaction.

Conclusion
The satisfaction level among NHIP users was deemed moderate. This study highlighted several factors, such as gender, distance to the first point of contact, waiting time, availability of diagnostic services and prescribed medicine, perceived service quality, and the behavior of service providers, as key determinants impacting user satisfaction. Recognizing the pivotal role of user satisfaction, health insurance stakeholders must prioritize it to ensure higher retention rates and coverage within NHIP.
Association between physical measures of spinopelvic alignment and physical functioning with patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) after total hip arthroplasty: Protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vatandoost Sima , Kowalski Katie , Lanting Brent , Ng K. C. Geoffrey , Soltanabadi Saghar , Rushton Alison 
Published: May 2024

Introduction
Prevalence of total hip arthroplasty (THA) has trended upwards over past decades and is projected to increase further. Optimizing outcomes after surgery is essential to avoid surgical revision and maximize outcomes. Low back pain is reported as a problem post THA. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are commonly used to evaluate THA outcomes but have limitations (e.g., ceiling effects). It is therefore important to assess a comprehensive range of outcomes. Physical outcome measures of spinopelvic alignment and physical functioning demonstrate potential value, but no evidence synthesis has investigated their association with PROMs. The objectives of this systematic review are to evaluate the association between spinopelvic alignment and physical outcome measures of physical functioning with PROMs and characteristics of low back pain after THA.

Methods and analysis
This protocol is aligned with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. Cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort studies evaluating the association between the physical outcome measures and PROMs (any outcome measures reported) following THA by any approach/implant will be included except surface replacement and revision THA. Studies investigating THA for developmental pathology and inflammatory conditions will be excluded. A systematic search in MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and the grey literature will be carried out from inception to July 31, 2023. Two independent reviewers will evaluate eligibility of retrieved articles, extract data and assess risk of bias (NIH quality assessment tool) of included studies. A third reviewer will mediate disagreements. Random-effects meta-analyses will be conducted if studies are sufficiently homogeneous in design, population, physical measures and PROMs; reporting odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Where meta-analyses are not possible, a narrative synthesis will be conducted. Confidence in cumulative evidence will be assessed using a modified GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation).

PROSPERO registration number
PROSPERO Registration number CRD42023412744.
Vampires in Italian Cinema, 1956–1975, Michael Guarneri (2020)
Authors: Iozzia Alberto 
Published: May 2024

Review of: Vampires in Italian Cinema, 1956–1975, Michael Guarneri (2020)
Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 232 pp.,
ISBN 978-1-47445-811-5, p/bk, £19.99
Reliability of power output, maximal rate of capillary blood lactate accumulation, and phosphagen contribution time following 15‐s sprint cycling in amateur cyclists
Authors: Meixner Benedikt , Nusser Valentin , Koehler Karsten , Sablain Mattice , Boone Jan , Sperlich Billy 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBased on Mader's mathematical model, the rate of capillary blood lactate concentration (νLamax) following intense exercise is thought to reflect the maximal glycolytic rate. We aimed to investigate the reliability of important variables of Mader's model (i.e. power output, lactate accumulation, predominant phosphagen contribution time frames (tPCr)) and resulting νLamax values derived during and after a 15‐s cycling sprint. Fifty cyclists performed a 15‐s all‐out sprint test on a Cyclus2 ergometer three times. The first sprint test was considered a familiarization trial. Capillary blood was sampled before and every minute (for 8 min) after the sprint to determine νLamax. Test–retest analysis between T2 and T3 revealed excellent reliability for power output (Pmean and Ppeak; ICC = 0.99, 0.99), ∆La and νLamax with tPCr of 3.5 s (ICC = 0.91, 0.91). νLamax calculated with tPCr = tPpeak (ICC = 0.87) and tPCr = tPpeak–3.5% (ICC = 0.79) revealed good reliability. tPpeak and tPpeak–3.5% revealed only poor and moderate reliability (ICC = 0.41, 0.52). Power output and ∆La are reliable parameters in the context of this test. Depending on tPCr, reliability of νLamax varies considerably with tPCr of 3.5 s showing excellent reliability. We recommend standardization of this type of testing especially tPCr.
Sobolev extension in a simple case
Authors: Drake Marjorie , Fefferman Charles , Ren Kevin , Skorobogatova Anna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we establish the existence of a bounded, linear extension operator

T

:

L

2
,
p

(

E

)

→

L

2
,
p

(

R

2

)

$T :{L}^{2,p}\left(E\right)\to {L}^{2,p}\left({\mathbb{R}}^{2}\right)$

when 1 < p < 2 and E is a finite subset of

R

2

${\mathbb{R}}^{2}$

contained in a line.
Local Cultures of Advice Tie Formation
Authors: Roth Philip , Scheidgen Katharina 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Informal social networks and especially advice networks are a key subject of organizational sociological research. The formation of these networks has so far been explained on the basis of universal tie-formation mechanisms. However, recent conceptual contributions suggest that tie formation practices follow cultural rules that may vary across social contexts. In our paper, we substantiate this argument empirically. Based on rich qualitative data, we compare advice tie formation (a) between two entrepreneurial communities and (b) between three research and development departments of large enterprises. We show that both impact and configuration of tie formation mechanisms systematically differ between comparable contexts. Building on our findings, we finally formulate propositions describing which advice network structures can be expected in specific cultures.