bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Confidence interval comparison: Precision of maximum likelihood estimates in LLOQ affected data
Authors: Bülow Tanja , Hilgers Ralf-Dieter , Heussen Nicole 
Published: November 2023

When data is derived under a single or multiple lower limits of quantification (LLOQ), estimation of distribution parameters as well as precision of these estimates appear to be challenging, as the way to account for unquantifiable observations due to LLOQs needs particular attention. The aim of this investigation is to characterize the precision of censored sample maximum likelihood estimates of the mean for normal, exponential and Poisson distribution affected by one or two LLOQs using confidence intervals (CI).In a simulation study, asymptotic and bias-corrected accelerated bootstrap CIs for the location parameter mean are compared with respect to coverage proportion and interval width. To enable this examination, we derived analytical expressions of the maximum likelihood location parameter estimate for the assumption of exponentially and Poisson distributed data, where the censored sample method and simple imputation method are used to account for LLOQs. Additionally, we vary the proportion of observations below the LLOQs.When based on the censored sample estimate, the bootstrap CI led to higher coverage proportions and narrower interval width than the asymptotic CI. The results differed by underlying distribution. Under the assumption of normality, the CI’s coverage proportion and width suffered most from high proportions of unquantifiable observations. For exponentially and Poisson distributed data, both CI approaches delivered similar results. To derive the CIs, the point estimates from the censored sample method are preferable, because the point estimate of the simple imputation method leads to higher bias for all investigated distributions. This biased simple imputation estimate impairs the coverage proportion of the respective CI.The bootstrap CI surpassed the asymptotic CIs with respect to coverage proportion for the investigated choice of distributional assumptions. The variety of distributions for which the methods are suitable gives the applicant a widely usable tool to handle LLOQ affected data with appropriate approaches.
Development of a hospital frailty risk score for community-dwelling older adults using data from electronic hospital records in South Korea
Authors: Kim Hee-Sun , Kim Jinhee , Bae Gihwan 
Published: November 2023

Purpose
We aimed to develop the Korean Hospital Frailty Risk Score (K-HFRS) by applying the International Classification of Diseases-10 codes to community-dwelling older adults’ medical data.

Methods
We selected data from 2,761 people with no missing main variable values from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Data (KFACD) and National Health Insurance Database (NHID) for analysis. Frailty was determined based on modified Fried’s phenotype [MFP] and Korean Frailty Index for Primary Care [KFI-PC] in the KFACD. A previously established method calculated the K-HFRS, verified by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The calculated cutoff value predicted the medical use.

Results
The respective K-HFRSs of the frailty group using the MFP and KFI-PC criteria ranged from 3.64 (±3.03) to 8.15 (±5.72) and 4.07 (±3.42) to 9.10 (±6.28), with 7.67 (±5.40) and 8.59 (±6.03) when four diagnoses were included. The K-HFRS of the frailty group using the KFI-PC criteria was higher than that using the MFP criteria. With four diagnoses included using the MFP criteria, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for medical expenditures in the frailty group compared to the non-frailty group was 3.01 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.52–3.60, p < .001); for the number of emergency room (ER) visits was 2.19 (95% CI 1.77–2.70, p < .001); for inpatient days was 2.48 (95% CI 2.08–2.96, p < .001). With four diagnoses included using the KFI-PC criteria, the adjusted OR value for medical expenditures was 2.77 (95% CI 2.35–3.27, p < .001); for the number of ER visits was 1.87 (95% CI 1.51–2.32, p < .001); for inpatient days was 2.07 (95% CI 1.75–2.45, p < .001).

Conclusion
This study substantiated that the K-HFRS can measure frailty efficiently at a lower cost. Follow-up studies are needed for additional validity.
An indirect comparison of efficacy including histologic assessment and safety in biologic therapy in ulcerative colitis: Systemic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Chae Kyungsun , Seo Yeon Sook , Yu Yun Mi , Chang Min Jung , Choi Junjeong 
Published: November 2023

Backgrounds and aims
There are currently no studies comparing histologic remission of FDA-approved biologics for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC), except for one head-to-head VARSITY trial. The current study employs a network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy, including histologic remission and safety of biologic agents for UC.

Methods
Using four electronic databases, including Pubmed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov, a search was conducted of all literature published until September 2022. Included were studies of randomized controlled trials with adult patients with moderate to severe UC using biologics approved by the FDA. An odd ratio with a 95 percent credible interval and ranking information was calculated for each endpoint.

Results
The results of the network meta-analysis did not reveal statistically significant differences among biological agents. However, the ranking information for each biological agent exhibited the following patterns. Vedolizumab was ranked first for overall efficacy endpoints in the maintenance phase, including histologic remission. Except for histologic remission, Ustekinumab was identified as the top-ranked drug for induction phase efficacy endpoints other than histologic remission. Adalimumab was identified as the top-ranked drug for maintenance phase corticosteroid-free remission. Vedolizumab was identified as the top-ranked drug in the induction phase for Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAE). Adalimumab was identified as the top-ranked drug in the induction phase for infection. For TEAE and infection in the maintenance phase and Treatment Emergent Severe Adverse Events (TESAE) in both the induction and maintenance phases, Ustekinumab was determined to be the top-ranked medication.

Conclusions
Including histologic remission, for the overall efficacy endpoints in the maintenance phase, VDZ was identified as the first rank drug, but there was no statistically significant difference between biologics. Therefore, the generalization of the results of this study is bounded due to the intrinsic limitations of the study provided.
Iron, folic acid, and vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy: Did pregnant Chilean women meet the recommendations during the COVID pandemic?
Authors: Mujica-Coopman María F. , Garmendia María Luisa , Corvalán Camila 
Published: November 2023

Background
Antenatal micronutrient supplementation has been defined as a priority for Low-and Middle-income Countries (LMICs). However, it is also relevant to assess its performance in middle-high income countries, such as Chile, particularly given the post-pandemic food insecurity context.

Aim
To assess the use (frequency and doses) of daily recommended supplementation (iron (15–30 mg), folic acid (FA) (400–800 μg/day), and vitamin (VD) (400 IU)) in a sample of Chilean pregnant women.

Methods
In 1, 507 pregnant women selected from public health care registries of the Southeast area of Santiago-Chile, we collected maternal, supplement use, sociodemographic, and nutritional information at the first (<15 weeks), second (24–28 weeks), and third trimesters (32–36 weeks) of gestation by using a researcher administer online questionnaire.

Results
The median (IQR) age of women was 29 (25–33) years. Pre-conceptional supplementation was rare (24%), but it reached >93% in the first trimester; thereafter supplement use decreased to 79% in the second and 84% in the third trimesters, particularly in women with lower income (p<0.05), lower education (p<0.05), and with excess weight (p<0.05). Use of iron supplements in the first trimester was rare (<21%) as well as the use of VD supplements across pregnancy (<31%). Most FA (70%) and iron (80%) supplement users, exceeded the recommended daily dose while ~40% of VD users took less than the recommended dose.

Conclusions
In this sample of Chilean women, timely initiation of FA, iron, and VD supplementation was low and doses were not aligned with the recommendations. Strengthening adherence and quality of micronutrient supplementation programs delivered through public primary care could benefit particularly the most vulnerable women.
Uric acid levels and risk of cognitive impairment: Dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Liu Qianqian , Peng Min , Yang Tiantian , Si Guomin 
Published: November 2023

Purpose
Studying the effects of uric acid levels on cognitive function and quantifying the dose-response relationship.

Methods
Based on PubMed and Embase search terms, we identified prospective cohort studies that included blood uric acid as a risk factor and cognitive impairment as a result up to September 2022. We extracted pooled relative risks (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results
Nine reports (including 488,915 participants and 5516 cognitive impairment cases) with median follow-up of 8.8–22 years were eligible for analyses. Compared with lowest category of blood uric acid concentration, the combined RR of cognitive impairment events in the highest classification was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.70–0.92, P < 0.001). Dose-response analysis of eight reports (including 484,297 participants and 5059 cognitive impairment cases) showed that there was no evidence of a curvilinear relationship between blood uric acid levels and cognitive impairment (P = 0.51 for nonlinear relationship). The summary RR of cognitive impairment for an increase of 1 mg/dL blood uric acid level was 0.98 (95% CI: 0.95–1.00; linear trend P = 0.07, I2 = 67.1%, heterogeneity P < 0.05). There was also a linear negative association between blood uric acid levels and cognitive impairment risk in the male subgroup analysis (RR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–0.99, P < 0.05).

Conclusion
Levels of blood uric acid are not related to risk of cognitive impairment. A subgroup analysis shows that the rise in blood uric acid levels in the male population is related to a decreased risk of cognitive impairment. These results need to be confirmed by further studies.
BREATHLEssness in INDIA (BREATHE-INDIA)–Study protocol for the co-design of a community breathlessness intervention in India using realist methods and intervention mapping
Authors: Clark Joseph , Salins Naveen , Pearson Mark , Spathis Anna , Currow David C. , Williams Siân , Johnson Miriam 
Published: November 2023

Background
Breathlessness that persists despite treatment of causal disease(s) is disabling, associated with high therapy-related costs and poor socioeconomic outcomes. Low resource countries bear a disproportionate burden of respiratory problems, often characterised by disabling breathlessness. Low-cost self-management breathlessness-targeted interventions are effective and deliverable in community settings but have been developed in high-income countries. We aim to understand how breathlessness self-management works in ‘real life’ populations and cultural contexts, to develop programme theory and co-design a prototype intervention to improve persistent breathlessness management in India.

Methods and analysis
Using a Realist approach, Intervention Mapping and the Medical Research Council Complex Intervention Framework we will undertake two phases of work supported by our Expert Group (of respiratory, primary, palliative care physicians) and key stakeholder groups (opinion leader clinicians, community health workers and people with lived experiences of breathlessness). 1) Realist review and evaluation to identify and refine evidence and theory for breathlessness self-management, producing intervention and implementation programme theory. We will identify literature through our Expert Group, scoping searches and systematic searches (Medline, Ebscohost, CINAHL, Scopus, Psychinfo). We will map intervention components to ‘what works, for whom, and where.’ 2) Intervention development using Intervention Mapping to map intervention and implementation programme theory to intervention components, develop materials to support intervention delivery, and co-design a prototype educational intervention ready for early acceptability and delivery-feasibility testing and evaluation planning in India. Use of stakeholder groups is to allow people with experience of breathlessness and/or its management to contribute their views on content developed by our team based upon review of secondary data sources. Experts and Stakeholders are therefore not research subjects but are included as extended members of the study team and will not follow informed consent procedures. Experts and stakeholders will be acknowledge in outputs arising from our project if they wish to be. Our review conduct will be consistent with RAMESES quality standards.

Discussion
At the conclusion of our study, we will have co-designed a breathlessness intervention for use in the community setting in India ready for further evaluation of: effectiveness, socioeconomic outcomes, acceptability and transferability to other low resource settings.
Bordeaux mixture accelerates ripening, delays senescence, and promotes metabolite accumulation in jujube fruit
Authors: Wang Qianjin , Tian Shan , Duan Xuehui , Zhang Mengqian , Zhao Xusheng , Li Yueyue 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The old, but eco-friendly pesticide, Bordeaux mixture (Bm), is widely used in agriculture. Here, the effects of Bm on preharvest fruit ripening, and postharvest senescence of fruit and the accumulation of antioxidants were studied in Ziziphus jujuba. A 200× dilution of Bm enhanced preharvest ripening and retarded jujube fruit postharvest senescence. Treatment with Bm increased the reddening index and promoted the accumulation of total phenolics (TP) and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in preharvest fruit. However, this Bm-accelerated ripening could be partly reversed using dimethylthiourea (DMTU), a specific scavenger of reactive oxygen species. Compared with preharvest fruit, Bm treatment decreased weight loss and decay and increased firmness in postharvest fruit. Similarly, Bm-delayed senescence was partly reversed using dimethylthiourea. Moreover, the decrease in TP and TAC during storage was partly impeded by Bm. A higher H2O2 content was detected in preharvest fruit than in postharvest fruit. Moreover, this Bm-induced H2O2 accumulation was significantly mitigated using dimethylthiourea. Interestingly, both preharvest and postharvest spraying with Bm significantly enhance copper and calcium accumulation in fruit. Thus, Bm can be widely used before or after harvest to improve fruit quality.
Does it occur or not? – A structured approach to support students in determining the spontaneity of chemical reactions
Authors: Hofer Elisabeth , Steininger Rosina 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Thermodynamics is a central topic of chemistry as it holds a crucial role in understanding chemical processes. Due to its complexity, level of abstraction and amount of “mathematics”, chemical thermodynamics is one of the most challenging subjects resulting in a huge number of inappropriate conceptions. To determine whether a chemical reaction is spontaneous in a particular direction, students need to apply a huge amount of chemical knowledge when completing a complex, multi-step thinking process. In a Design-Based Research project, we developed “unmathematical” instructional material that aims at supporting students in accomplishing this demanding task. By providing a step-by-step instruction and incorporating scaffolding measures, students are guided through four successive tasks. The material was implemented in more than ten upper secondary chemistry classes and four teacher education courses and was proved to be proper for independent work, supporting students in connecting thermodynamics to basic chemical knowledge. Working on the material enables students to overcome barriers in the field of chemical thermodynamics and to successfully complete tasks in the area of thermodynamics and physical chemistry. Teachers can easily adapt the material to specific contents, levels, and teaching requirements. Further, the supportive material can be applied to offer differentiated and individualised learning paths.
Defining competencies for training non-native Korean speaking teachers: a Q methodology approach
Authors: Kim Su Eun , Fraschini Nicola , Park Hyunjin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Learners of Korean are increasing globally, but this growth can only be sustained by training local non-native teachers. To address this issue, this paper identifies the subjective perspectives of Korean language teaching professionals about the main competencies needed by non-native Korean teachers. Following a Q methodology protocol, 35 teachers sorted 42 statements about non-native Korean teacher competencies. The analysis identified four perspectives. Factor 1 stresses the ability to adapt teaching to the learning context and Korean language proficiency. Factor 2 stresses the importance of pursuing continuous professional development without deeming a near-native language proficiency essential. Factor 3 stresses the need to love the language and the ability to maintain advanced language skills. Factor 4 again stresses the need to love the Korean language, the profession, and the importance of a strong sense of responsibility as an educator. Results are discussed with reference to teacher training program design.
Complex turbulent exchange coefficient in Akerblom–Ekman model
Authors: Bykov Philipp L. , Gordin Vladimir A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The turbulent exchange in boundary layer models is usually
characterized by a scalar eddy viscosity coefficient
assumed to be a positive function of the vertical variable.
We introduce a more general form for the turbulence exchange description, which includes two functions that describe the turbulence without any assumption about their positivity. We construct a model of the Akerblom–Ekman type, but with a complex coefficient of turbulent exchange.
The basic quality criterion for these models and algorithms is the maximal agreement with meteorological observations. We optimize the agreement between the global meteorological archive of high-resolution wind observations that are provided by World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in Binary Universal Form for the Representation (BUFR). The main result of our work is that agreement between model solutions and observations will be much better if the turbulent exchange coefficient is optimized in the space of all complex-valued functions, and not limited to the cone of real positive functions.
Current state of stem cell research in non-human primates: an overview
Authors: Wu Junmo , Shi Yuxi , Yang Shanshan , Tang Zengli , Li Zifan , Li Zhuoyao , Zuo Jiawei , Ji Weizhi , Niu Yuyu 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The remarkable similarity between non-human primates (NHPs) and humans establishes them as essential models for understanding human biology and diseases, as well as for developing novel therapeutic strategies, thereby providing more comprehensive reference data for clinical treatment. Pluripotent stem cells such as embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells provide unprecedented opportunities for cell therapies against intractable diseases and injuries. As continue to harness the potential of these biotechnological therapies, NHPs are increasingly being employed in preclinical trials, serving as a pivotal tool to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these interventions. Here, we review the recent advancements in the fundamental research of stem cells and the progress made in studies involving NHPs.
Development and Validation of Secularity Scale for Muslims
Authors: Ertit Volkan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
There is currently no secularity scale with strong psychometric properties that would allow for the examination of the secularization process experienced by Muslims. Thus, the purpose of this article is to develop a psychometrically sound and quick-to-apply scale that can be used to measure the degree of secularity among Muslims. For exploratory factor analysis (EFA), an inventory with 65 items was applied to 1,573 university students, and it yielded a two-factor structure with an internal reliability of 0.975 for Daily Life factor and 0.952 for Faith and Prayer factor. After EFA, the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed with 4,391 individuals, and a structure that can be deemed very solid was found. The measurement invariance was also examined, and it was discovered that the scale can be used for various populations. In addition, the scale has convergent validity, a high test-retest result, and discriminant validity. The 25-item Secularity Scale has a new theoretical approach – which is not only based on faith and prayer but also daily life activities – and sound psychometric properties. Examining how secularity manifests itself in Muslim societies might be useful in describing, predicting, and explaining how individuals act in a variety of contexts. The scale might also help to avoid the use of approach utilized in Christian-centred secularity debates in the case of Muslim-majority societies.
Braucht es eine Gesellschaft mit gebundenem Vermögen?
Authors: Schlömer-Laufen Nadine , Reiff Annika , Kay Rosemarie 
Published: November 2023

Zusammenfassung
Über den Vorschlag zur Einführung der GmbH-Sonderform „Gesellschaft mit gebundenem Vermögen“ wird derzeit in Deutschland kontrovers diskutiert. In diesem Beitrag überprüfen Nadine Schlömer-Laufen, Annika Reiff und Rosemarie Kay die positiven Effekte, welche die Initiatoren der geplanten Rechtsform zusprechen, unter ökonomischen Aspekten. Es zeigt sich, dass diese Rechtsform für die Mehrheit der Unternehmen aus ökonomisch rationaler Sicht nicht vorteilhaft ist – weder im Zusammenhang mit der Nachfolge im Unternehmen noch mit der Neugründung. Auch als Signal für nachhaltiges zweckorientiertes Wirtschaften kann diese Rechtsform nicht dienen. Da das Interesse der Unternehmen in Deutschland überschaubar sein dürfte und die Kernelemente (Asset lock und Zugehörigkeit zur „Wertefamilie“) des Vorschlags nahezu vollumfänglich in jeder Rechtsform zu verwirklichen sind, bezweifeln die Autorinnen die Notwendigkeit einer solchen neuen Rechtsform.
Development of TiO2/Al2O3 based Mg composite materials: properties and applications
Authors: Sohail Mohammad , BiBi Huma , Omer Muhammad , Ullah Ikram , Ullah Ihsan , Adnan Rauf , Zakir Ullah 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Mg alloys/Mg-based composites are utilized significantly in the construction of missiles, aerospace and automobiles due to their lightweight, specific strength, and hardness. In the recent work, Mg-based two-components (Mg–TiO2/Mg–Al2O3) and three-components (Mg–TiO2–Al2O3) composites were fabricated through solid-phase synthesis (powder metallurgy method). Temperature (30 °C), pressure (760 mm Hg) and concentration factors were optimized prior to experiments. The characterization of obtained composites were performed through different physicochemical methods like Surface analyzer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). FTIR analysis verified the composite fabrication. SEM determined microstructures and particle size of the materials in µm dimensions. XRD confirmed the homogeneity and crystalline nature of the obtained composites. The surface area of the produced samples was observed to vary from 40 to 70 m2/g. These properties allow the prepared composites to play the main role in different adsorption applications and catalytic analysis. The prepared materials were considered to be used as catalyst for the formation of CNTs. The catalytic efficiency was observed to be 80 % for the growth of CNTs.