bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of cuff stiffness on hemodynamics and perceived cuff pressure in the upper extremities in males and females: implications for practical blood flow restriction training
Authors: Bielitzki Robert , Behrendt Tom , Nguyen Toan , Behrens Martin , Malczewski Victoria , Franz Alexander , Schega Lutz 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Practical blood flow restriction (pBFR) during exercise is a cost-saving alternative to traditional blood flow restriction using pneumatic cuffs, particularly when exercising in a group setting. Depending on the pBFR technique, several factors (e.g., cuff width, limb circumference) have already been shown to be of importance when applying the pBFR pressure. Given that elastic cuffs are often used for pBFR, the cuff stiffness might be an additional influencing factor. Therefore, the present study compared the acute effects of three elastic cuffs with identical width but different stiffness (high stiffness (HS), medium stiffness (MS), and low stiffness (LS)) on hemodynamic measures and perceived cuff pressure at rest.

Methods
In a randomized, counter-balanced cross-over study, 36 young and normotensive participants completed three experimental trials. After a 10-min rest period in supine position, the cuff was loosely and proximally applied to the right upper arm. Following baseline data recording, the cuff was successively tightened in 10%-increments with respect to the limb circumference (%overlap) until arterial blood flow was occluded. At baseline and during each %overlap, systolic peak blood flow velocity of the brachial artery, rating of perceived cuff pressure, as well as muscle oxygen saturation and total hemoglobin concentration of the biceps brachii muscle were recorded.

Results
The %overlap required to occlude arterial blood flow was different between the three cuffs (HS: 30.9 ± 3.8%, MS: 43.9 ± 6.1%, LS: 54.5 ± 8.3%). Furthermore, at 30% overlap, systolic peak blood flow velocity was lower when applying the HS (9.0 ± 10.9 cm∙s− 1) compared to MS (48.9 ± 21.9 cm∙s− 1) and LS cuff (62.9 ± 19.1 cm∙s− 1). Rating of perceived cuff pressure at 30% overlap was higher when using the HS (6.5 ± 1.5 arbitrary unit (a.u.)) compared to MS (5.1 ± 1.4 a.u.) and LS cuff (4.9 ± 1.5 a.u.) with no difference between the MS and LS cuff. However, muscle oxygen saturation and total hemoglobin concentration were not different between the three cuffs.

Conclusions
The present study revealed that the cuff stiffness influenced blood flow velocity and arterial occlusion pressure. Therefore, cuff stiffness seems an important factor for the application of pBFR.
Incidence of asymptomatic catheter-related thrombosis in intensive care unit patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Abbruzzese Chiara , Guzzardella Amedeo , Consonni Dario , Turconi Gloria , Bonetti Claudia , Brioni Matteo , Panigada Mauro , Grasselli Giacomo 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) incidence, rate, and risk factors vary in literature due to differences in populations, catheters, diagnostic methods, and statistical approaches.
The aim of this single-center, prospective, observational study was to assess incidence, incidence rate (IR), cumulative incidence, and risk factors by means of IR ratio (IRR) of asymptomatic CRT in a non-oncologic Intensive Care Unit (ICU) population. CRT development was assessed daily by means of ultrasound screening. The proportions of patients and catheters developing CRT and CRT incidence rates, expressed as the number of events per catheter-days (cd), were calculated. Kalbfleisch and Prentice’s method was used to estimate the cumulative incidence of CRTs. Univariate and multivariable Poisson regression models were fitted to calculate IRR in risk factors analysis.

Results
Fifty (25%, 95% CI 19–31) out of 203 included patients, and 52 (14%, 95% CI 11–18) out of 375 catheters inserted developed CRT [IR 17.7 (13.5–23.2) CRTs/1000*cd], after 5 [3–10] days from insertion. Forty-six CRTs (88%) were partial thrombosis. All CRTs remained asymptomatic. Obesity and ECMO support were patient-related protective factors [IRR 0.24 (0.10–0.60), p = 0.002 and 0.05 (0.01–0.50), p = 0.011, respectively]. The internal jugular vein had higher CRT IR than other sites [20.1 vs. 5.9 CRTs/1000*cd, IRR 4.22 (1.22–14.63), p = 0.023]. Pulmonary artery catheter and left-side cannulation were catheter-related risk factors [IRR 4.24 (2.00–9.00), p < 0.001 vs. central venous catheters; IRR 2.69 (1.45–4.98), p = 0.002 vs. right cannulation, respectively]. No statistically significant effect of the number of simultaneously inserted catheters [IRR 1.11 (0.64–1.94), p = 0.708] and of the catheterization length [IRR 1.09 (0.97–1.22), p = 0.155] was detected. The ICU length of stay was longer in CRT patients (20 [15–31] vs. 6 [4–14] days, p < 0.001), while no difference in mortality was observed.

Conclusions
CRTs are frequent but rarely symptomatic. This study suggests that obesity and ECMO are protective factors, while pulmonary artery catheter, internal jugular vein and left-side positioning are risk factors for CRT.
Explicit solutions of conjugate, periodic, time-varying Sylvester equations
Authors: Ma Li , Chang Rui , Han Mengqi , Jiao Yongmei 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSolutions of a group of conjugate time-varying matrix equations are discussed in this paper. Through mathematical derivation, the solutions to this group of equations are equivalent to the solutions to a class of conjugate time-invariant matrix equations. Further, the related conditions of solvability are obtained and the general explicit solutions are represented by using quasicontrollability and quasiobservability matrices. A detailed algorithm is presented to make the calculation process clear, and the effectiveness of the algorithm is verified by a concrete example. The proposed algorithm can provide complete solutions to the considered equation in explicit parametric form and its main computation includes solving an ordinary linear algebraic equation and some matrix multiplication operations.
Micro, small and medium enterprises and their linkage with key actors in Ethiopia: developing entrepreneurial ecosystem mapping
Authors: Abate Tadesse Wudu , Sheferaw Henok Ezezew 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSince micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are a basic source of income and employment opportunities for the least developed countries, more emphasis has recently been given to those enterprises, and a number of research studies have been conducted. Ethiopia, as one of the Least Developed countries, could also benefit from those MSMEs if the sector is supported enough. Accordingly, this research is conducted to identify the basic determinants of the performance of MSMEs in Ethiopia and to try to develop an entrepreneurial ecosystem mapping to connect those enterprises with the concerned stakeholders, which can contribute to the improvement of the performance of MSMEs. Primary data from randomly selected 400 sampled enterprises is analyzed using ordered logistic regression, and data collected from stakeholder interviews is analyzed using descriptive analysis to develop the ecosystem mapping. Accordingly, academic institutions, such as universities, financial institutions, such as banks and credit associations, non-governmental organizations, such as GIZ and Reach for Change, and government organizations are important actors in entrepreneurship in Ethiopia. Finally, the result of the ordered logit model indicates that access to finance, training, and raw materials, experience, level of education, and sectoral dummy are statistically significant factors that affect the performance of MSMEs. Based on the results, we recommend the government of Ethiopia give more emphasis to MSMEs in different forms, such as providing support in the form of financial, training, market, and raw material linkages.
From big data to smart data: a sample gradient descent approach for machine learning
Authors: Ganie Aadil Gani , Dadvandipour Samad 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis research paper presents an innovative approach to gradient descent known as ‘‘Sample Gradient Descent’’. This method is a modification of the conventional batch gradient descent algorithm, which is often associated with space and time complexity issues. The proposed approach involves the selection of a representative sample of data, which is subsequently subjected to batch gradient descent. The selection of this sample is a crucial task, as it must accurately represent the entire dataset. To achieve this, the study employs the use of Principle Component Analysis (PCA), which is applied to the training data, with a condition that only those rows and columns of data that explain 90% of the overall variance are retained. This approach results in a convex loss function, where a global minimum can be readily attained. Our results indicate that the proposed method offers faster convergence rates, with reduced computation times, when compared to the conventional batch gradient descent algorithm. These findings demonstrate the potential utility of the ‘‘Sample Gradient Descent’’ technique in various domains, ranging from machine learning to optimization problems. In our experiments, both approaches were run for 30 epochs, with each epoch taking approximately 3.41 s. Notably, our ‘‘Sample Gradient Descent’’ approach exhibited remarkable performance, converging in just 8 epochs, while the conventional batch gradient descent algorithm required 20 epochs to achieve convergence. This substantial difference in convergence rates, along with reduced computation times, highlights the superior efficiency of our proposed method. These findings underscore the potential utility of the ‘‘Sample Gradient Descent’’ technique across diverse domains, ranging from machine learning to optimization problems. The significant improvements in convergence rates and computation times make our algorithm particularly appealing to practitioners and researchers seeking enhanced efficiency in gradient descent optimization.
Sex estimation using angular measurements of nasion, sella, and glabella on lateral cephalogram among Indonesian adults in Yogyakarta
Authors: Ningtyas Aini Hasibah , Widyaningrum Rini , Shantiningsih Rurie Ratna , Yanuaryska Ryna Dwi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Sex estimation gives the probability that someone is classified as a male or a female. Lateral cephalogram analysis can be used for sex estimation due to the resistance and dimorphism of the skull. Glabella has been known to have dimorphic characteristic in male and female, while nasion and sella have been widely used as a standard point in many craniometric measurements. This study aimed to develop an equation using nasion–sella–glabella (NSG), sella–glabella–nasion (SGN), and glabella–nasion–sella (GNS) angles on lateral cephalograms for sex estimation among Indonesian adults in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Results
A total of 138 adults (aged 20–40 years) digital lateral cephalograms were taken from the dental records at Universitas Gadjah Mada Dental Hospital (108 used to form the equation of sex estimation; 30 used to test the equation), and the parameters were measured with EzDent-i Vatech. An independent t-test was used to analyze the differences in the angles between male and female adults. The equation for sex estimation was determined using discriminant function analysis. The average measurements of the NSG angles in male and female adults were 9.64° ± 1.36° and 11.21° ± 1.57°, respectively, the SGN angles were 54.65° ± 4.19° and 60.83° ± 4.13°, respectively, whereas the GNS angles were 118.33° ± 4.61° and 109.84° ± 5.19°, respectively. The independent t-test revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between male and female adults. Discriminant function analysis yielded an equation for sex estimation using the NSG, SGN, and GNS angles with an accuracy of up to 75.9%, with the accuracy of sex estimation based on the testing sample being 70%.

Conclusion
Based on the findings of this study, male Indonesian adults have a smaller NSG and SGN angles but a bigger GNS angle than female adults. Related to the accuracy, the study’s findings indicate that the discriminant function of NSG, SGN, and GNS angles for sex estimation should not be generalized in wider population. More cephalogram parameters must be investigated in future studies on sex estimation.
Assess: anomaly sensitive state estimation with streaming systems
Authors: Brand Michael , Engel Dominik , Lehnhoff Sebastian 
Published: October 2023

AbstractInformation and communication technology (ICT) is an increasing part of modern power systems, which are, therefore, recognised as cyber-physical energy system (CPESs). The increase of ICT affects the situational awareness in CPESs, which is traditionally solely based on information about the power system but not about the ICT system. However, CPESs are facing various challenges regarding the integrity, correctness, and availability of process data due to the interconnection with ICT. Examples are stealthy false data injection attack (FDIAs). This paper pursues a holistic approach to describe the quality of process data, which brings together aspects like integrity, correctness, and availability in multivariate trust values. The arising research question this paper deals with is, how multivariate trust in physical measurements in a CPES can be modelled, estimated, and integrated into situational awareness. A proposed framework implements a context-sensitive and multivariate trust model as well as a trust sensitive state estimation. While these two artefacts are already published, the focus of this paper is on the implementation of the framework and the fulfilment of the requirements for timeliness, interoperability, flexibility, and scalability. It is evaluated in three different scenarios with CIGRE and IEEE benchmark grids.
Verifiable proofs for the energy supply chain: small proofs brings you a long way
Authors: Jokumsen Morten , Pedersen Torben Pryds , Daugaard Martin Schmidt , Tschudi Daniel , Madsen Mikkel Wienberg , Wisbech Thomas 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe describe a solution for secure and verifiable handling of energy certificates. Such certificates are increasingly used to claim and prove responsible use of green energy, and there is a strong need for transparency and public verifiability. While the proposed solution is designed for handling electricity it applies to different types of energy as well and the concepts may also be applied to other domains. Transmission System Operators are trusted to record consumption and production of electricity. The movement from volume-based MWh yearly certificates to spot-market aligned hourly or 15 min time-volume based intervals, creates challenges in relation to handling large amounts of data and subsequent transactions. Small discrete intervals gives the certification increased accuracy of energy consumption, as a means to prevent greenwashing, with the cost of higher amounts of transactional data and complexity. To ensure trust in the certification, these certificates must in addition be unique and publicly verifiable. This paper describes how blockchain technology can be used to create the required transparency and public verifiability. We show how large amounts of data can be efficiently handled on blockchains and how confidential data such as the amount of used energy in the certificates can be protected, ensuring privacy and correctness of the certificates.
Effect of thermocycling on acetal resin versus PEEK surface hardness and flexure strength of implant-retained overdenture bars: in vitro study
Authors: Salem Sherihan Hanafy , AlSourori Ali Abdulghani , Mostafa Marwa Hassan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Implant-supported mandibular overdentures with bar attachments are considered an excellent option for a completely edentulous mandible. It provides a long-lasting and reliable solution to restore function and aesthetics to the patient. Many materials can be used for the construction of bar attachments, among which are PEEK and Acetal resin materials. The choice between PEEK and Acetal bar attachments eventually depends on the application, considering factors such as load-bearing requirements, biocompatibility, adaptability, and ease of use.

Methods
Twelve 3D-printed edentulous mandible models each received two implants. Models were then divided into two equal groups. Group1: Six models with PEEK bars were fabricated by thermo-pressed technique while Group 2: Six models with Acetal resin bars were fabricated by thermo-pressed technique. Surface hardness and flexure strength were then evaluated and statistically analyzed before and after thermocycling.

Results
PEEK group revealed significant higher surface hardness than Acetal resin before and after thermocycling. Regarding flexure strength, PEEK showed an insignificant increase than Acetal before thermocycling; however, the PEEK group displayed much higher values than the Acetal group following the thermocycling, resulting in a significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusions
Bar made of PEEK showed more promising surface hardness and flexure strength than Acetal resin bar.
Correlation between speed and agility with an influence of gender in adolescent Kho-Kho players—an observational study
Authors: Mahapatra Charuhasini , Abhinandan Abhishek 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Adolescent girls who participate in sports have injuries 4–6 times greater as compared to boys. Several factors are responsible for the injuries are as anatomical, biomechanical, hormonal, and some extrinsic factors. The ideal level of motor characteristics, including speed, endurance, agility, and flexibility, determines how well a player performs in Kho-Kho. Speed and agility are two major components for better Kho-Kho performance. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between speed and agility with an influence on gender in Kho-Kho players.

Method
A total of 75 participants (boys 34 and girls 41) Kho-Kho players in the age groups 11–17 years were included in the study based on selection criteria. For the agility-modified T test for speed, a 50-m Dash test was done.

Results
Pearson’s correlation was used to analyze the collected data. The results indicated a moderate correlation between agility and speed in both genders (r = 0.404, p = 0.001), but in boys specifically, it showed a moderate correlation(r = 0.586, p = 0.001) and in girls, it showed a weak correlation (r = 0.267, p = 0.095).

Conclusion
It can be concluded from the results of this study that there is a moderate correlation between speed and agility in Kho-Kho players, but boys have a moderate and girls have a weak correlation this indicates combining both genders and a particular gender also shows a weak to moderate correlation between speed and agility in adolescent Kho-Kho players.
Activation and induction of antigen-specific T follicular helper cells play a critical role in recombinant SARS-CoV-2 RBD vaccine-induced humoral responses
Authors: Yang Songhao , Duan Liangwei , Wang Chan , Zhang Cuiying , Hou Siyu , Wang Hao , Song Jiahui , Zhang Tingting , Li Zihua , Wang Mingxia , Tang Jing , Zheng Qianqian , Wang Hui , Wang Qi , Zhao Wei 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe role of follicular T helper (Tfh) cells in humoral response has been considered essential in recent years. Understanding how Tfh cells control complex humoral immunity is critical to developing strategies to improve the efficacy of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging pathogens. However, the immunologic mechanism of Tfh cells in SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) vaccine strategy is limited. In this study, we expressed and purified recombinant SARS-CoV-2 RBD protein in Drosophila S2 cells for the first time and explored the mechanism of Tfh cells induced by RBD vaccine in humoral immune response. We mapped the dynamic of Tfh cell in lymph node and spleen following RBD vaccination and revealed the relationship between Tfh cells and humoral immune response induced by SARS-CoV-2 RBD vaccine through correlation analysis, blocking of IL-21 signaling pathway, and co-culture of Tfh with memory B cells. Recombinant RBD protein elicited a predominant Tfh1 and Tfh1-17 subset response and strong GC responses in spleen and lymph nodes, especially to enhanced vaccination. IL-21 secreted by Tfh cells affected the development and differentiation of B cells and played a key role in the humoral immune response. These observations will help us further understand the mechanism of protective immune response induced by COVID-19 vaccine and has guiding significance for the development of vaccines against newly emerging mutants.
Evidence-Based Care of Older Adults With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Insights From Landmark Clinical Trials
Authors: Ioffe Dina , Dotan Efrat 
Published: October 2023

The Oncology Grand Rounds series is designed to place original reports published in the Journal into clinical context. A case presentation is followed by a description of diagnostic and management challenges, a review of the relevant literature, and a summary of the authors' suggested management approaches. The goal of this series is to help readers better understand how to apply the results of key studies, including those published in Journal of Clinical Oncology , to patients seen in their own clinical practice. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States with more than half of the patients diagnosed being older than 65 years, and an expected further increase in older adults (OA) diagnosed with this cancer in the coming years as the population ages. Prospective data guiding the management of older patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) have been limited and treatment decisions for these patients are often guided by chronologic age, crude evaluation of performance status, and extrapolation from trials conducted in younger individuals. Recent evidence from randomized clinical trials specifically designed for OA supports treatment deintensification and dose modification to increase tolerability without compromising efficacy in older, frailer patients with mCRC. Additional studies support the incorporation of geriatric assessment (GA)–driven care to further improve the outcomes of OA with mCRC. Although the use of GA has not been validated in guiding specific treatment selection or modification for OA with mCRC, it provides a comprehensive and objective evaluation of a patient's functional status, comorbidities, risk of potential toxicities, effect on the quality of life, goals of care, and assists with personalizing therapy. With the increase in the number of OA we care for in our practices, it is time to stop extrapolating and define an evidence-based approach for this population that is based on data from prospective elderly specific clinical trials.