bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alcohol as a risk factor for hearing loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qian Peiyi , Zhao Zhixin , Liu Shuangyan , Xin Jiarui , Liu Yun , Hao Yinzhu , Wang Yaxin , Yang Lei 
Published: January 2023

Objective
Growing evidence suggests that alcohol consumption is a risk factor for hearing loss; however, the evidence has been inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of alcohol consumption on hearing loss.

Methods
We searched several databases up to November 2021, for published articles using the keywords “alcohol drinking” and “hearing loss”. Two investigators independently conducted the study selection and data extraction. Based on the results of the heterogeneity analysis (Q statistic and I2 statistic), a fixed- or random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled odds ratios (ORs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the potential sources of heterogeneity and robustness of the pooled estimation. Publication bias in the literature was evaluated using Egger’s test.

Results
In total, 18 (9 cross-sectional, 5 case-control, and 4 cohort) observational studies were identified in this search; 27,849 participants were included. Compared with non-drinkers, the pooled OR of drinkers was 1.22 (95% confidence interval: 1.09–1.35).

Conclusion
Evidence suggests a positive association between alcohol consumption and hearing loss. Drinkers were at a higher risk than non-drinkers. Drinking limitations may be useful for preventing hearing loss.
Temporal trends in, and associations of, early-career general practitioner prescriptions of second-line Type 2 Diabetes medications, 2010–2018
Authors: Patsan Irena , Tapley Amanda , Davoren Peter , Fielding Alison , Holliday Elizabeth , Ball Jean , Davey Andrew , van Driel Mieke , Turner Rachel , Mulquiney Katie , Spike Neil , FitzGerald Kristen , Magin Parker 
Published: January 2023

Introduction
Second-line pharmacotherapy for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (‘diabetes’) is necessary for optimal glycaemic control and preventing longer-term complications. We aimed to describe temporal trends in, and associations of, Australian general practitioner (GP) registrars’ prescription, and initiation, of ‘new’ second-line oral agents (dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists) compared to sulphonylureas.

Materials and methods
A longitudinal analysis (2010–2018) of data from the Registrar Clinical Encounters in Training project. Analysis included any diabetes problem/diagnosis that involved prescription of sulphonylureas or ‘new’ oral agents. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were fitted within the generalised estimating equations framework.

Results
2333 registrars recorded 6064 diabetes problems/diagnoses (1.4%). 835 problems/diagnoses involved sulphonylurea or ‘new’ medication prescription. Of these, 61.0% [95% CI:57.4–64.4] involved ‘new’ medication prescription. 230 problems/diagnoses involved sulphonylurea or ‘new’ medication initiation, with 77% [95%CI:70.8–82.1] involving a ‘new’ medication. There was a significant 52% per year increase in prescribing (OR = 1.52[95% CI:1.38–1.68],p<0.001), and a 77% per (two-to-three-year) time-interval increase in initiation (OR = 1.77,[95% CI:1.30–2.43],p = <0.001) of ‘new’ medications compared to sulphonylureas. ‘New’ medications were prescribed less for non-English-speaking patients. There was some regional variation in prescribing.

Conclusion
Registrar uptake of ‘new’ oral agents compared to sulphonylureas has increased rapidly.
Prevalence and factors associated with dyslipidemia in Bangladeshi adults
Authors: Ali Nurshad , Samadder Mitu , Kathak Rahanuma Raihanu , Islam Farjana 
Published: January 2023

Background
Dyslipidemia is one of the modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study was designed to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with dyslipidemia in Bangladeshi adults.

Methods
A total of 603 participants aged ≥ 18 years were recruited in the study. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were analyzed using enzymatic colorimetric methods. Dyslipidemia was defined based on serum lipids levels following the standard guidelines by National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to evaluate risk factors associated with dyslipidemia.

Results
The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 89% with no significant difference between male (90.1%) and female (85.7) subjects. The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia was 51.7%, hypercholesterolemia 41.6%, high LDL 43.9% and low HDL 78.8%. When participants were classified into healthy control, hypertensive and diabetic groups, the lipid levels and prevalence of lipid abnormalities were higher in hypertensive and diabetic groups compared to the control group. Low HDL level was the main prevalent dyslipidemia among study subjects. The prevalence of isolated hypertriglyceridemia, isolated hypercholesterolemia, and isolated low HDL-C was 24.7%, 14.7%, and 25.5%, respectively. Mixed hyperlipidemia was prevalent in 26.9% of the participants. According to the logistic regression analysis, significant associated factors of dyslipidemia were increased age, overweight, general and abdominal obesity, hypertension, diabetes and inadequate physical activity.

Conclusions
This study shows a high prevalence of dyslipidemia in Bangladeshi adults. Important risk factors of dyslipidemia are increased age, overweight, general and abdominal obesity, diabetes, hypertension and low physical activity. Our results suggest that awareness-raising programs are required to prevent and control dyslipidemia among Bangladeshi adults.
Organização do processo de acolhimento à demanda espontânea odontológica na Atenção Primária à Saúde por meio do arco de Maguerez: relato de experiência
Authors: Silva Thais Barros Zanette da 
Published: January 2023

Este artigo tem o objetivo de relatar a experiência do uso do arco de Maguerez na reorganização dos processos de acolhimento, escuta inicial qualificada e classificação de risco da demanda espontânea odontológica de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde do Distrito Federal. As cinco etapas do arco, que são a observação da realidade, apontamento dos pontos-chave, teorização, sugestão de hipóteses de solução e aplicação à realidade, foram realizadas pelos profissionais da equipe de Saúde Bucal da unidade nos meses de abril a junho de 2021. Observou-se que os fatores mais impactantes na organização dos fluxos de abordagem da demanda espontânea odontológica estavam relacionados à capacitação e à atuação dos profissionais. A utilização da metodologia do arco de Maguerez para visualização e abordagem de problemas na Atenção Primária à Saúde mostrou-se relevante para qualificar os processos de trabalho e, consequentemente, elevar a qualidade dos serviços de saúde pública ofertados à população.
Competência em dados
Authors: Costal Marcelle , Sales Luana , Zattar Marianna 
Published: January 2023

Os desafios da gestão e curadoria de dados de pesquisa esbarram com a necessidade de desenvolver habilidades e competências específicas, dentre as quais as Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação. Nesse sentido, este artigo tem por objetivo identificar quais são as habilidades técnicas e tecnológicas que o bibliotecário precisa desenvolver, relacionadas à competência em dados. Para tal, propõe a criação de categorias e eixos temáticos a partir de uma coleta de dados nas ementas dos cursos de mestrado em Biblioteconomia credenciados pela American Library Association. Utiliza como procedimento metodológico uma abordagem qualitativa a partir de um método exploratório. Tem por resultados habilidades técnicas e tecnológicas relacionadas aos padrões de metadados, o conhecimento de recursos de dados, aprendizado e uso da linguagem de programação, dentre outras competências de cunho interdisciplinar com a ciência de dados. Conclui que a competência em dados, está relacionada à competência em informação e pode projetar as práticas biblioteconômicas, quanto às etapas que envolvem o uso das Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação para a gestão de dados de pesquisa. Palavras-chave: Competência em dados. Gestão de dados de pesquisa. Tecnologia da informação e comunicação. DATA LITERACY: LIBRARIAN’S SKILLS IN PROFESSIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ABSTRACTThe research data management and digital curation challenges run into the need to develop skills, including literacies of Information and Communication Technology. This study aims to identify what are the technical and technological skills, that the librarian needs to develop the data literacy. This paper proposes the creation of thematic axes and categories based on data collection of institutional websites for master's courses in Library Science accredited by the American Library Association. The methodological procedure is a qualitative approach based on an exploratory method. Our results show that technical and technological skills include to metadata standards, knowledge of data resources, learning and use of the programming language, among other interdisciplinary skills. Overall, data literacy is related to information literacy and can be design library practices, that involve the use of information and communication technology for research data management. Keywords: Data literacy. Research data management. Information and communication technology.
Enabling Transparent Acceleration of Big Data Frameworks Using Heterogeneous Hardware
Authors: Xekalaki Maria , Fumero Juan , Stratikopoulos Athanasios , Doka Katerina , Katsakioris Christos , Bitsakos Constantinos , Koziris Nectarios , Kotselidis Christos 
Published: January 2023

The ever-increasing demand for high performance Big Data analytics and data processing, has paved the way for heterogeneous hardware accelerators, such as Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), to be integrated into modern Big Data platforms. Currently, this integration comes at the cost of programmability since the end-user Application Programming Interface (APIs) must be altered to access the underlying heterogeneous hardware. For example, current Big Data frameworks, such as Apache Spark, provide a new API that combines the existing Spark programming model with GPUs. For other Big Data frameworks, such as Flink, the integration of GPUs and FPGAs is achieved via external API calls that bypass their execution models completely.
In this paper, we rethink current Big Data frameworks from a systems and programming language perspective, and introduce a novel co-designed approach for integrating hardware acceleration into their execution models. The novelty of our approach is attributed to two key design decisions: a) support for arbitrary User Defined Functions (UDFs), and b) no modifications to the user level API. The proposed approach has been prototyped in the context of Apache Flink, and enables unmodified applications written in Java to run on heterogeneous hardware, such as GPU and FPGAs, transparently to the users. The performance evaluation of the proposed solution has shown performance speedups of up to 65x on GPUs and 184x on FPGAs for suitable workloads of standard benchmarks and industrial use cases against vanilla Flink running on traditional multi-core CPUs.
Fairness Matters
Authors: Sun Weijie , Xu Zihuan , Chen Lei 
Published: January 2023

The proof-of-work (PoW) based blockchains are more secure nowadays since profit-oriented miners contribute more computing powers in exchange for fair revenues. This virtuous circle only works under an incentive-compatible consensus, which is found to be fragile under selfish mining attacks. Specifically, selfish miners can conceal and reveal blocks strategically to earn unfairly higher revenue compared to honest behaviors. Previous countermeasures either require incompatible modifications or fail to consider the asynchronous network and multiple honest nodes setting in reality.
In this paper, we introduce the unfairness measurement based on the KL-divergence from the computing power distribution to the revenue distribution of miners. To improve fairness with the existence of selfish miners, we propose a novel block promotion strategy namely Tit-for-Tat (TFT), for honest miners. In particular, based on a miner's local observation of forks, we design the suspicious probability measurement of other nodes. Rather than promoting a fresh block instantly, miners withhold it for different time periods according to others' suspicious probability before delivery. Meanwhile, to minimize the attacker's unfair revenue, we formulate the delay vector (DV) problem for honest miners to determine the optimal withholding time. We prove that DV problem is nonconvex, and thus propose two approximation algorithms that yield ϵ-suboptimal solutions. In addition, we extend TFT strategy to support dynamic networks. Extensive experiments validate the efficiency and effectiveness of our strategy and algorithms to reduce unfairness by 54.62% within bounded withholding time.
Towards a versatile mental workload modeling using neurometric indices
Authors: Gogna Yamini , Tiwari Sheela , Singla Rajesh 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Researchers have been working to magnify mental workload (MWL) modeling for a long time. An important aspect of its modeling is feature selection as it interprets bulky and high-dimensional EEG data and enhances the accuracy of the classification model. In this study, a feature selection technique is proposed to obtain an optimized feature set with multiple domain features that can contribute to classifying the MWL at three distinct levels. The brain signals from thirteen healthy subjects were examined while they attended an intrinsic MWL of spotting differences in a set of similar pictures. The Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) technique selects the robust features from the feature matrix by eliminating all the least contributing features. Along with the Support Vector Machine (SVM), the overall classification accuracy with the proposed RFE reached 0.913 from 0.791 surpassing the other techniques mentioned. The results of the study also significantly display the variation in the mean values of the selected features at the three workload levels (p<0.05). This model can become the principle for defining the workload level quantification applicable to diverse fields like neuroergonomics study, intelligent assistive devices (ADs) development, blue-chip technology exploration, cognitive evaluation of students, power plant operators, traffic operators, etc.
Evaluation of a high-sensitivity SARS-CoV-2 antigen test on the fully automated light-initiated chemiluminescent immunoassay platform
Authors: Yu Minghang , Chen Danying , Tang Xiaomeng , Zhang Yuanyuan , Liang Pu , Xiong Yang , Li Rui , Song Rui , Chen Xiaoyou , Zhao Xuesen , Wang Xi , Jin Ronghua 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To describe a high-sensitivity SARS-CoV-2 antigen test that is based on the fully automated light-initiated chemiluminescent immunoassay (LiCA®), and to validate its analytical characteristics and clinical agreement on detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection against the reference molecular test.

Methods
Analytical performance was validated and detection limits were determined using different types of nucleocapsid protein samples. 798-pair anterior nasal swab specimens were collected from hospitalized patients and asymptomatic screening individuals. Agreement between LiCA® antigen and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) was evaluated.

Results
Repeatability and within-lab precision were 1.6–2.3%. The C5∼C95 interval was −5.1–4.6% away from C50. Detection limits in average (SD) were 325 (±141) U/mL on the national reference panel, 0.07 (±0.04) TCID50/mL on active viral cultures, 0.27 (±0.09) pg/mL on recombinant nucleocapsid proteins and 1.07 (±1.01) TCID50/mL on inactivated viral suspensions, respectively. LiCA detected a median of 374-fold (IQR 137–643) lower levels of the viral antigen than comparative rapid tests. As reference to the rRT-PCR method, overall sensitivity and specificity were determined to be 97.5% (91.4–99.7%) and 99.9% (99.2–100%), respectively. Total agreement between both methods was 99.6% (98.7–99.9%) with Cohen’s kappa 0.98 (0.96–1). A positive detection rate of 100% (95.4–100%) was obtained as Ct≤37.8.

Conclusions
The LiCA® system provides an exceptionally high-sensitivity and fully automated platform for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 antigen in nasal swabs. The assay may have high potential use for large-scale population screening and surveillance of COVID-19 as an alternative to the rRT-PCR test.
Dynamics of the vitamin D C3-epimer levels in preterm infants
Authors: Matejek Tomas , Zapletalova Bara , Stepan Martin , Malakova Jana , Palicka Vladimir 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Objectives
The primary objective was to determine levels of C3-epi-25(OH)D in very low birth weight infants. The secondary objective was to evaluate the possible influence of preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and season of birth on the production of C3-epimers.

Methods
A total of 127 infants with birth weight less than 1,500 g met the inclusion criteria of the study. We examined 25-hydroxyvitamin-D [25(OH)D] levels and C3-epi-25(OH)D in maternal serum before labor, and in cord blood and infants’ serum on days 14 and 28, and at discharge.

Results
The mean levels (±SD) of C3-epi-25(OH)D of the cord, on day 14, on day 28, and at discharge were 2.2 (2.9), 7.7 (5.5), 11.7 (7.6) and 14.9 (11.7) nmol/L respectively. The proportion of total 25(OH)D as the C3-epimer was 6.9% (cord), 16.3% (day 14), 22.4% (day 28) and 23.3% (discharge). A statistically significant correlation between 25(OH)D and C3-epi-25(OH)D can be demonstrated from birth. The severity of immaturity and IUGR did not affect the production of C3-epimers. In summer/autumn vs. winter/spring, the mean (SD) percentage of total 25(OH)D as the C3-epimer significantly differs only in maternal serum samples and umbilical cord samples (p value <0.001).

Conclusions
The production of C3-epi-25(OH)D is functional even in the most immature newborns, has fetal origins, and is largely dependent on circulating 25(OH)D. At the end of the first month of life, C3-epimers make up more than 20% of 25(OH)D.
Quality indicators in laboratory medicine: state-of-the-art, quality specifications and future strategies
Authors: Sciacovelli Laura , Padoan Andrea , Aita Ada , Basso Daniela , Plebani Mario 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In the last few decades, quality in laboratory medicine has evolved in concert with the transformation and the changes (technological, scientific and organizational) in this sector. Laboratory professionals have faced great challenges, at times being overwhelmed, yet also involved in this progress. Worldwide, laboratory professionals and scientific societies involved in laboratory medicine have raised awareness concerning the need to identify new quality assurance tools that are effective in reducing the error rate and enhancing patient safety, in addition to Internal Quality Control (IQC) procedures and the participation in the External Quality Assessment Schemes (EQAS). The use of Quality Indicators (QIs), specifically designed for laboratory medicine are effective in assessing and monitoring all critical events occurring in the different phases of Total Testing Process (TTP), in particular, in the extra-analytical phases. The Model of Quality Indicators (MQI), proposed by the Working Group “Laboratory Errors and Patient Safety” (WG-LEPS) of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) and validated by experts in consensus conferences, is an important window of opportunity for the medical laboratory to demonstrate the use of an effective quality assurance tool fit for this purpose. Aim of this paper is to provide an update of the state-of-the-art concerning the most used QIs data collected in 2021 and the Quality Specifications (QSs) proposed for their evaluation. Moreover, a strategy for the future is proposed in order to improve the MQI and encourage its use in medical laboratories throughout the world.
Evaluation of the dissolving ability of cellulosic pulps: investigation of a novel method using light scattering follow-up during classical cellulose carbanilation
Authors: Vera-Loor Andrea , Walger Elsa , Marlin Nathalie , Mortha Gérard 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The aim of the present study is to investigate the dissolving ability of a cellulosic substrate using a derivatization method, i.e. cellulose tricarbanilation and the follow-up by dynamic light scattering (DLS), for particle size measurement. The dissolving behavior of six commercial pulps, selected for their different nature and properties, were compared to the Fock test, and the analysis was completed by other methods for substrate characterization: crystallinity (XRD), DPv (in CuED), sugar analysis, molecular weight distribution (MWD) of cellulose by HPSEC-multidetectors (done on the cellulose tricarbanilates), and solubility in NaOH:urea:water. The proposed carbanilation/DLS method resulted practical and suitable for evaluating the dissolving ability of the different pulps – including hemicelluloses-containing kraft pulps – and allowed to discriminate the samples, contrary to the Fock test. Comparison and assessment of the relevance of the different methods are finally discussed.
Environmentally sustainable synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2 promoted by MCM-41 supported dual imidazolium ionic liquids catalysts
Authors: Hu Yu Lin , Sun Zhi Guo 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
A type of MCM-41 supported dual imidazolium ionic liquids have been synthesized and efficiently used as catalysts in the sustainable chemical conversion of CO2 and epoxides into cyclic carbonates. It was shown that the highest efficiency was achieved in the cycloaddition of a variety of epoxides and CO2 in the presence of the MCM-41@DILSCN solid catalyst under mild conditions. More interestingly, the catalyst was stable, very active, robust, and displayed good recyclability without significant loss of catalytic activity after six consecutive cycles during the process. Overall, the present protocol of synthesizing cyclic carbonates under solvent free conditions using MCM-41@DILSCN is promising for industrial applications.