bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kappa statistics a method of measuring agreement in dental examinations
Authors: Madadizadeh Farzan , Ghafari Hesam , Bahariniya Sajjad 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Statistical methods have always been the solution to medical problems. Due to the problem of inconsistency in the diagnosis of dentists, the statistical science has been provided for measuring the compatibility of diagnosis and reliability of dentists. One of the most important statistical methods for examining the agreement between the two experiments or diagnosis is Kapa statistics that can be used in dental sciences. The present study examined different type of Kappa statistics for assessing agreement, including Cohen's kappa, Fleiss' kappa and Cohen's weighted kappa.
Animal Experimental Study on Magnetic Anchor Technique-Assisted Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of Early Gastric Cancer
Authors: Pan Min , Zhang Miaomiao , Zhao Lin , Lyu Yi , Yan Xiaopeng 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Gastric cancer (GC) has high morbidity and mortality. Moreover, because GC has no typical symptoms in the early stages, most cases are already in the advanced stages by the time the symptoms appear, thus resulting in poor prognosis and a low survival rate. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can realize the early detection and diagnosis of GC and become the main surgical method for early GC. However, ESD has a steep learning curve and high technical skill requirements for endoscopists, which is not conducive to its widespread implementation and advancement. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of magnetic anchor technique (MAT)-assisted ESD in early GC.
Method
This was an ex vivo animal experiment. The experimental model was the isolated stomachs of pigs. The magnetic anchor device for auxiliary ESD comprised three parts, an anchor magnet (AM), a target magnet (TM), and a soft tissue clip. Under gastroscopic guidance, the soft tissue clip and the TM were delivered to the pre-marked mucosal lesion through the gastroscopic operating hole. The soft tissue clip and the TM were connected by a thin wire through the TM tail structure. The soft tissue clip was released by manipulating the operating handle of the soft tissue clip in a way that the soft tissue clip and the TM were fixed to the lesion mucosa. In vitro, ESD is aided by maneuvering the AM such that the mucosal dissection surface is exposed.
Result
During the operation, there was no detachment of the soft tissue clip and TM and no mucosal tearing. The magnetic force between the AM and TM provided good mucosal exposure and sufficient tissue tension for ESD. The mucosal lesion was completely peeled off, and the operation was successful.
Conclusion
MAT-ESD is safe and effective for early gastric cancer. It provides a preliminary basis for subsequent internal animal experiments and clinical research.
Does the Women Empowerment is the driving force of Access to Skilled Delivery Services in Pakistan?
Authors: Malik Muhammad Irfan , Nadeem Muhammad , Amin Sajid 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Proper medical attention and hygienic conditions during delivery reduce the risk of complications and infections that may cause death or serious illness for the mother and baby. To reduce the health risks is to increase the proportion of deliveries in safe, clean environment under the supervision of skilled health professionals. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, around 34% of births took place at home. The role of various factors behind the access to skilled birth attendants has been investigated however the role of women empowerment is not given due consideration by the researcher, particularly in the case of Pakistan. This paper examined the influence of women’s empowerment on access to skilled delivery services. The data from PDHS 2017-18 has been used. The results reveal that variables of women empowerment have a significant impact on female access to a skilled birth attendant. Specifically, significant associations have been found between women’s media and information technology empowerment, economic empowerment and socio-cultural empowerment, interpersonal empowerment, and access to skilled birth attendants. This study suggests that there is a need to focus on women’s access to media and information technology, women's decision-making autonomy, economic enhancement, and education to increase the use of skilled birth attendants in Pakistan.
Causal relationships between breast cancer mammogram risk scores based on textural features and density
Authors: Ye Zhoufeng , Nguyen Tuong L. , Dite Gillian S. , MacInnis Robert J. , Schmidt Daniel F. , Makalic Enes , Al-Qershi Osamah M. , Bui Minh , Esser Vivienne F.C. , Dowty James G. , Trinh Ho N. , Evans Christopher F. , Tan Maxine , Sung Joohon , Jenkins Mark A. , Giles Graham G. , Southey Melissa C. , Hopper John L. , Li Shuai 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Mammographic risk scores based on texture (Cirrus) and density defined by different brightness thresholds Cumulus, Altocumulus, and Cirrocumulus) are associated with breast cancer risk in different ways and could reveal different information about breast cancer risk. Whether there are causal relationships between the mammographic risk measures based on texture and density is unknown.
Methods
We digitised mammogramsfor 371 monozygotic twin pairs, none diagnosed with breast cancer at the time. We generated normalised, age-adjusted, and standardised risk scores for Cirrus, and for three spatially independent density measures, the light areas (Cumulus minus Altocumulus), the bright areas (Altocumulus minus Cirrocumulus) and the brightest areas (Cirrocumulus). Causal inference was made using the Inference about Causation from Examination of FAmilial CONfounding (ICE FALCON) methodology.
Results
The risk scores were correlated within twin pairs and with each other (r = 0.22 to 0.81; all P < 0.005). We estimated that 8–72% of the latter associations could be attributed to familial confounding between the risk scores with remainder attributed to causal relationships. There was consistent evidence for positive causal relationships: of Cirrus, the light areas, and the bright areas on the brightest areas (accounting for 34%, 55% and 85% of the associations); and of the light areas and bright areas on Cirrus (accounting for 37% and 28% of the associations).
Conclusions
The lighter (less dense) areas could be having a causal effect on the brightest (highly dense) areas, including a causal pathway through the mammographic risk score based on textural features. These findings would explain the consistent observations that the associations of Cumulus with breast cancer risk (including screen-detected, younger-age-at-diagnosis, and contralateral breast cancer) attenuate to the null after adjusting for Cirrocumulus and/or Cirrus; they could be due to, at least in part, the causal relationships between the less dense areas and the highly dense areas (and/or the texture-based measure). These findings also demonstrate how ICE FALCON can decompose associations between familial biomarkers into pathways.
Blockchain Technology for Financial Services &amp; Globalization
Authors: Yan Li , Miraj Mahabubur Rahman 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Objectives: Modern blockchain technology has created unknown phenomena in developed countries. Countries like China, Japan, and India use the advantages of blockchain technology. This research work also highlighted the concept of blockchain technology eliminating corruption and fraud, which is the biggest problem in Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Methods: Using data from two countries, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, blockchain technology for financial service and globalization. The researcher uses STATA 15.0 for data analysis. The techniques proposed by these methodologies simplify systematically and straightforwardly, which guarantees significant thoroughness, reliability, and regression. For the regression analysis, we use the OLS method.
Findings: Blockchain is a technology that allows currency transactions to occur without a third party’s intervention. In Pakistan and Bangladesh, blockchain systems are very poor compared to other south Asian countries such as China, Alipay, and WeChat’s massive use of digital currency services. Blockchain technology-based currency and financial industries can be decentralized and accountable, beneficial for the digital economy. But Pakistan and Bangladesh are still too far away from blockchain technology.
Novelty: There is growing interested in tracking actual assets on overseas shipments, where this technology can meet the needs of merchants, carriers, lenders, insurers, and regulators. Moreover, blockchain technology can control transaction costs and eliminate fraud. Blockchain systems are free from the middleman, which is why we can profit more and more without fraud and corruption in business. The digital economy plays a critical role in developing businesses and society in this fastest-growing situation.
Vaccine coverage and effectiveness against laboratory-confirmed symptomatic and severe Covid-19 in indigenous people in Brazil: a cohort study
Authors: Pescarini Julia M. , Cardoso Andrey Moreira , Santos Ricardo Ventura , Scaff Priscila , Paixao Enny S. , Ranzani Otavio T. , Cerqueira-Silva Thiago , Boaventura Viviane S , Bertoldo-Junior Juracy , Oliveira Vinicius A , Werneck Guilherme L , Barreto Mauricio L , Barral-Netto Manoel 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Indigenous people have historically suffered devastating impacts from epidemics and continue to have lower access to healthcare and be especially vulnerable to respiratory infectious. We estimated the coverage and effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines against laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 cases among indigenous people in Brazil.
Methods
We linked nationwide Covid-19 vaccination data with flu-like surveillance records and studied a cohort of vaccinated indigenous people aged ≥ 5 years between 18th Jan 2021 and 1st Mar 2022. We considered individuals unexposed from the date they received the first dose of vaccine until the 13th day of vaccination, partially vaccinated from the 14th day after the first dose until the 13th day after receiving the second dose, and fully vaccinated onwards. We estimated the Covid-19 vaccination coverage and used Poisson regression to calculate the relative risks (RR) and vaccine effectiveness (VE) of CoronaVac, ChAdOx1, and BNT162b2 against Covid-19 laboratory-confirmed cases incidence, mortality, hospitalisation, and hospital-progression to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or death. VE was estimated as (1-RR)*100, comparing unexposed to partially or fully vaccinated.
Results
By 1st Mar 2022, 48·7% (35·0–62·3) of eligible indigenous people vs 74·8% (57·9–91·8) overall Brazilians had been fully vaccinated for Covid-19. VE for the three Covid-19 vaccines combined was 53% (95%CI:44–60%) for symptomatic cases, 53% (95%CI:-56-86%) for mortality and 41% (95%CI:-35-75%) for hospitalisation. Among hospitalised patients, VE was 87% (95%CI:27–98%) for progression to ICU and 96% (95%CI: 90–99%) for death.
Conclusions
Lower coverage but similar Covid-19 VE among indigenous people than overall Brazilians suggest the need to expand access, timely vaccination, and urgently offer booster doses to achieve a great level of protection among this group.
A Volumetric Analysis of Handaxe Symmetry Referencing a Known Symmetrical Ideal
Authors: Hicks James M. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

This article outlines a novel volumetric approach to analyzing 3D symmetry in Acheulean handaxes. This method offers a high-resolution analysis of Acheulean handaxe symmetry in three dimensions. It increases the resolution of the analytical model by orders of magnitude over current 2D planar and 3D geometric morphometric methods. After reviewing the history, conceptualization, application, and debate of symmetry, I focus on the archaeological discussion and evolutionary importance of symmetry in Acheulean handaxes. I review and critique previous analytical methods before introducing a volumetric approach using digitized stone artifacts and an ideal cordiform. I introduce theOmega (ω) Coefficient of Symmetry, a ratio describing the quotient of 1) the numerator — the maximum volume of an Ideal Cordiform (whereIdealis defined as bilaterally and bifacially symmetrical) that can occupy the topology of a digitized handaxe, and 2) the denominator, the volume of the digitized handaxe. I conclude by discussing the limitations and future applications of this method and its possible applications to unresolved debates in the field of evolutionary cognitive archaeology and beyond.
When and how to enlighten citizens on genetics and hereditary cancer: A Web survey of online video viewers
Authors: Sogawa Reimi , Wada Takahito , Yamashita Noriyuki , Kochi Mariko , Futagawa Mashu , Kato Fumino , Urakawa Yusaku , Tanimura Yayoi , Yamamoto Hideki , Tomida Shuta , Kosugi Shinji , Hirasawa Akira 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
With the rapid expansion of genomic medicine, citizens are compelled to think about genetics in daily life. Therefore, this study aims to explore appropriate types of educational media and methods of enlightenment activities for genetics and hereditary cancer. For this purpose, we launched the public awareness project, planned and run by genetic medicine experts. In this study, we presented an 18-minute YouTube video on genetics and hereditary cancer to participants at Science Agora 2020, and administered a web questionnaire to investigate their opinions about when and how citizens should start learning about genetics and hereditary cancer. We recruited 133 participants who watched the video. Among them, only 35 (26.3%) responded to the questionnaire. Most of the respondents understood and appreciated the contents of the video. They identified websites, videos, manga, and books as suitable learning media, irrespective of sex, age, or profession. Moreover, they highlighted upper elementary school or junior high school as appropriate educational stages to start learning about genetics and hereditary cancer to facilitate collecting their own genetic information by themselves. Our findings show that educational institutions should provide opportunities to learn about genetics and hereditary cancers, especially for upper elementary school and junior high school students, using learning media, such as videos, depending on their level or demand.
Regulation of monopoly and abuse of dominant position in the digital economy: Comparative analysis of the Chinese and Congolese competition laws
Authors: FABRICE MFUAMBA MUTOMBO 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The rapid transformation of digital platforms has created huge digital economies worldwide, replacing old ways of doing business, and in the process providing stiff challenges for the competition laws of many countries, which have had to adapt to the new realities. Both China and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are considered developing nations but are clearly at the opposite ends of the development spectrum. While China has over the last three decades developed a flourishing digital economy, the DRC is still in the early stages of developing its own. Therefore, competition laws in China have been tried and tested, and have evolved to tackle challenges in the digital economy, which has resulted into some land mark rulings against giant digital platforms such as Alibaba and Meituan, who have attempted to abuse their market dominance. This paper compares and contrasts the size and nature of the DRC and China’s digital economy, evolution of competition laws in the two countries, and application of competition laws in the two jurisdictions, so as to generate lessons that the DRC can learn from China’s journey in adapting its competition law to tackle challenges in the digital economy.
An active and targeted survey reveals asymptomatic malaria infections among high-risk populations in Mondulkiri, Cambodia
Authors: Doum Dyna , Mclver David J , Hustedt John , Hii Jeffrey , Sovannaroth Siv , Lek Dysoley , Richardson Jason H. , Tatarsky Allison , Lobo Neil F. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that is one of the most serious public health issues globally and a leading cause of mortality in many developing countries worldwide. Knowing the prevalence of both symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria on a subnational scale allows for the estimation of the burden of parasitemia present in the transmission system, enabling targeting and tailoring of resources towards greater impact and better use of available capacity. This study aimed to determine the PCR-based point prevalence of malaria infection, by parasite species, among three high risk populations in Mondulkiri province, Cambodia: forest rangers, forest dwellers, and forest goers.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was performed during the transmission season in November and December 2021. Blood samples collected on filter paper from participants (n = 1,301) from all target groups were screened for Plasmodium spp. using PCR.
Results
Malaria prevalence among all study participants was 6.7% for any Plasmodium species. Malaria prevalence in the forest ranger group (8.1%) was higher than that seen in forest goer (6.8%) and forest dweller (6.4%) groups; all infections were asymptomatic. Plasmodium vivax was detected in all participant groups, while the few P. falciparum infections were found in goers and dwellers. 81% of all infections were due to Plasmodium vivax, 9% were due to P. falciparum, 3% due to Plasmodium cynomolgi, and the rest (7%) remained undefined. Gender was associated with malaria infection prevalence, with male participants having higher odds of malaria infection than female participants. Passively collected malaria incidence data from the Cambodian government were also investigated. Health facility-reported malaria cases, based on rapid diagnostic tests, for the period Jan-Dec 2021 were 521 Plasmodium vivax (0.89% prevalence), 34 P. falciparum (0.06%) and four P. falciparum + mixed (0.01%) – a total of 559 cases (0.95%) for all of Mondulkiri.
Conclusion
This reservoir of asymptomatic parasitemia may be perpetuating low levels of transmission, and thus, new strategies are required to realize the goal of eliminating malaria in Cambodia by 2025.
Target delivery of a PD-1-TREM2 scFv by CAR-T cells enhances anti-tumor efficacy in Colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen Jian , Zhu Tianchuan , Jiang Guanmin , Zeng Qi , Li Zhijian , Huang Xi 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Chimeric antigen receptor- T (CAR-T) cell therapy is an efficient therapeutic strategy for specific hematological malignancies. However, positive outcomes of this novel therapy in treating solid tumors are restricted by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), wherein, checkpoint molecular programmed death-1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 signaling directly inhibits T-cell responses. Although checkpoint immunotherapy succeeds in increasing the number of T cells produced to control tumor growth, the desired effect is mitigated by the action of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) present in the TME. Previous studies have confirmed that targeting triggering-receptor-expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) on TAMs and MDSCs enhances the outcomes of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
Methods
Therefore, we constructed carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-specific CAR-T cells for colorectal cancer (CRC)-specific antigens with autocrine PD-1-TREM2 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) to target the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, MDSCs and TAMs.
Results
We found that the PD-1-TREM2-targeting scFv inhibited the activation of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. In addition, these secreted scFvs blocked the binding of ligands to TREM2 receptors present on MDSCs and TAMs, reduced the proportion of MDSCs and TAMs, and enhanced T-cell effector function, thereby mitigating immune resistance in the TME. Meanwhile, the scFv secreted by CAR-T cells remained localized within tumors and exhibited an extended half-life.
Conclusions
The PD-1-TREM2 scFv-secreting CAR-T cells exhibited substantially potent anti-tumor effects, evidenced by highly effective elimination of tumors compared to that achieved with PD-1 scFv-secreting CAR-T therapy in a subcutaneous CRC mouse model. Together, these results indicate that PD-1-TREM2 scFv-secreting CAR-T cells have strong potential as an effective therapy for CRC.
Effects of Dual-earner Couples’ Different Gender Views on Their Division of Domestic Work and Satisfaction with It in Korea
Authors: Rhee Sarah 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

This research investigated how gender view is distributed among the dual-earner couples differently in Korea, and observed if it affects their division of domestic work, and the wife’s satisfaction with it. By using the Time-Diary data of 2019 from Statistics Korea, the study looked into the Korean dual-earner couples who are living together, and put them into different groups by their gender views to see if gender ideology is adequate to explain the division of their domestic work time. The results revealed that a husband’s gender view had significant effects on the domestic work time of both husband and wife, but the wife’s gender view did not affect much. When the husbands have egalitarian gender views, they are more likely to spend their time in domestic work, and their wives are less likely to spend their time in domestic work, but the wives’ egalitarian gender view affected neither for the wives nor husbands. The husband’s gender view was also closely associated with the wife’s satisfaction with the division of domestic work. The wife is more likely to be satisfied with the division of domestic work when her husband has an egalitarian gender view. This research argues that the husband’s egalitarian gender view can be an important indicator for the equal division of domestic work and the wife’s satisfaction with it.
Thinking big: the role of mega trails in creating meaning and sense of place for large landscapes
Authors: de Castro Ernesto B. Viveiros , Stein Taylor V. , Monroe Martha C. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

ContextProviding access to natural areas through recreation is a valuable strategy for garnering social support for nature conservation. Direct experiences bring landscapes into people’s perceptible realms and create sense of place and place meaning. This meaning can even be transferred to similar areas through a brand effect. Mega trails can play a role in creating meaning and sense of place for large landscapes.ObjectivesWe investigated the sense of place and its spatial scale among hikers on the three national scenic trails forming the triple crown of hiking in the USA and discusses their potential to promote large-scale conservation at large landscape scales.MethodsWe surveyed 602 hikers and assessed the level of sense of place and its spatial scale using Likert scales and heatmaps. Analyses of variance were performed to explore their relationships with hike duration, motivation, and trail section popularity.ResultsResults suggest that the longer the hiking, the stronger and broader the sense of place. Hikers motivated by national scenic trails present a stronger and broader sense of place, and this difference occurs even among day hikers, suggesting a brand effect.ConclusionsImplementing mega trails can create extensive meaningful places, facilitating the understanding of ecological processes and helping to promote large-scale nature conservation. Through the brand effect, mega trails have the potential to reach a wider audience, going beyond long-distance hikers and raising the awareness of millions of people who visit natural attractions about the importance of large-scale conservation.