bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production, characterization and application in the saccharification of agro-industrial wastes of a thermostable and halotolerant endoglucanase
Authors: Gomes Marta Maria , Nicodemos Izadora Santos , Silva Monizy Costa , Santos Maria Ribeiro Cardoso dos , Costa Floriatan Santos , Franco Marcelo , Pereira Hugo Juarez Vieira 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This study describes the production, characterization, and application of an endoglucanase from Penicillium roqueforti ATCC 10110 using lignocellulosic agro-industrial wastes as the substrate during solid-state fermentation. The endoglucanase was generated after culturing with different agro-industrial wastes for 96 h without any pretreatment. The enzyme was characterized by evaluating the effects of temperature and pH. The highest activity was obtained at 50 °C and pH 4.0. Additionally, the enzyme showed stability in the temperature and pH ranges of 40 °C to 80 °C and 4.0 to 5.0, respectively. The addition of metal ions Ca2+, Zn2+, Mg2+, and Cu2+ increased enzymatic activity, whereas on addition of organic solvents, the activity remained above 91%. Halotolerance as a characteristic of the enzyme was confirmed when its activity increased by 35% on addition of 2M NaCl. The endoglucanase saccharified sugarcane bagasse, coconut husk, wheat bran, cocoa pod husk, and cocoa seed husk. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the enzyme’s action in deconstructing all lignocellulosic materials. The Box–Behnken design was employed to optimize fermentable sugar production by evaluating the following parameters: time, substrate, and enzyme concentration. Under ideal conditions, 253.19 mg/g of fermentable sugars were obtained following the saccharification of wheat bran without any pretreatment, which is 41.5 times higher than that obtained without optimizing the three parameters. This study presents a thermostable, halotolerant endoglucanase that is resistant to metal ions and organic solvents with the potential to be applied in producing fermentable sugars for manufacturing biofuels from agro-industrial wastes.
Understanding the perceptions on the availability and accessibility of public health services for the poor and socially disadvantaged. A qualitative study in Hong Kong.
Authors: Tran Joshua Yeuk-Shun , Chan Dicken , Wong Samuel Yeung-Shan , Chung Roger Yat-Nork 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
8% of the population reports inability to financially afford primary care despite the universal healthcare policy in Hong Kong. This study aims to understand the multifactorial causes that contribute to the healthcare accessibility barriers.
Methods
Individual telephone interviews were conducted in 2020 on a group of participants from a previous study that identified themselves as unable to financially afford primary care. A total of 13 participants were interviewed.
Results
A thematic analysis, through the socioecological model, revealed four levels of factors that contributed to the participant’s healthcare inaccessibility: intrapersonal and interpersonal, institutional, community, and policy. The first level relates to the (1a) limited choice of outpatient care due to wealth status, (1b) inadequate knowledge of types and number of services provided, (1c) high non-monetary opportunity costs in seeking public healthcare services, (1d) reluctance to seek medical care unless the situation becomes serious and acute, and (1e) consumerist attitude and perception of quality of care received. The second level relates to (2a) price increase of public A&E departments, (2b) high price of private healthcare providers, (2c) inadequate General Out-Patient Clinics, (2d) complex steps to access General Out-Patient Clinics, (2e) unmet medical needs received from public healthcare services, (2f) inadequate employer support for ill employees, and (2g) inadequate public support for patients struggling with dental issues. The third level relates to (3a) insufficient support for patients struggling with physically accessing General Out-Patient Clinics. The fourth level relates to (4a) inadequate Elderly Health Care Voucher and (4b) inadequate Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) and its exclusive requirements.
Conclusion
These findings increase our understanding of the patients’ barriers when accessing primary care. The data highlights the need for a multifactorial approach when attempting to achieve primary health care and to eliminate financial barriers completely for patients living in and around the poverty line.
Solution of an algebraic linear system of equations using fixed point results in C∗−algebra valued extended Branciari Sb−metric spaces
Authors: Alam Khairul Habib , Rohen Yumnam 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Two new types of metric spaces namely C∗−algebra valued Branciari Sb−metric space and C∗−algebra valued extended Branciari Sb−metric space are introduced in this work, which are a generalization of all known related metric spaces.We explained the generalizations with two examples respectively. There are examples of self-mappings having a unique fixed point, which are concluded using our main theorems. As an application, we used one of our main results to show the existence of a unique solution of an algebraic system of linear equations with a numerical example.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). Primary 54H25; Secondary 47H10.
Assessment of food safety knowledge, attitude and hygiene practices amongst food vendors on the University of Cape Coast Campus and its surrounding communities
Authors: Ankomah-Appiah Emmanuel , Elizabeth Kwofie , Darko Sophia Ohene , Abrokwah Francis 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The primary goal of this study was to assess vendors' food safety knowledge, attitude, and hygiene practices at the University of Cape Coast. This study was carried out using a descriptive survey. Purposive sampling was used to choose eighty-four (84) food vendors from around the University of Cape Coast. To collect information from respondents, a series of well-structured and self-developed questionnaires were used. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data (frequencies and percentages). Generally, it was observed that the food vendors had positive attitudes towards safe food preparation as they gave positive responses to statements such as "I wash my hands with soap to prevent any contamination, "I wash and rinse cutting boards, knives and plates used for raw meat before using them for other foods". Similarly, food vendors' knowledge of food safety was found to be above average (85%). Finally, the analysis revealed that food vendors were very aware of hygienic practices during food vending and thus knowledgeable in hygiene practices issues. It is recommended among other things that more education should be given on food safety practices so that the few who are not doing things right can do so. A lack of knowledge militates against the appropriate practice.
LncRNA HOXA-AS2 is a Prognostic and Clinicopathological Predictor in Cancer Patients
Authors: Xiao Tijun , Yan An , Tan Lifang , Zhu Hongwei , Gao Wenzhe 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Many individual studies confirmed that the elevated expression of Long non-coding RNA HOXA-AS2 (HOXA-AS2) held prognostic value in various solid tumors. Thus, the aim of this meta-analysis is to assess its prognostic potential and functions in malignancies.
Methods: Multiple databases were carefully searched for articles published about HOXA-AS2 in the past 10 years. Hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated to demonstrate prognostic value of HOXA-AS2 using Stata 15.0 software.
Results: 9 studies including 830 patients were ultimately enrolled in this meta-analysis. Pooled results showed that abnormal expression of HOXA-AS2 had a significantly correlation with unfavorable OS (pooled HR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.23-2.02) and in cancer patients. Additionally, high expression of HOXA-AS2 was also related to other clinicopathological factors, including advanced TNM staging (OR: 4.43, 95%CI: 2.98-6.58), lymph node metastasis (OR: 4.58, 95%CI: 2.85-7.35) and larger tumor size (OR: 3.26, 95%CI: 2.11-5.05).
Conclusion: Elevated expression of HOXA-AS2 was associated with poor clinical outcomes in multiple cancer types. More comprehensive and extensive studies are required to verify and strengthen the clinical value of HOXA-AS2 in human cancers.
The Ear Unwrapper: A Maize Ear Image Acquisition and Machine Learning Pipeline for Disease Severity Phenotyping
Authors: Hudson Owen , Hudson Dylan , Brahmstedt Colin , Brawner Jeremy 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
To successfully breed any plant for disease resistance, an accurate method of phenotyping disease severity is crucial. Fusarium ear rot (FER) is a common disease of maize (Zea mays) caused by the pathogen Fusarium verticillioides (Sacc.) Nirenberg (synonym F. moniliforme Sheldon, teleomorph Gibberella moniliformis Wineland). Because of the quantitative nature of the disease, scoring disease severity is difficult and nuanced, relying on various ways to quantify damage caused by the pathogen. Towards the goal of designing a system with greater objectivity, reproducibility, and accuracy than subjective scores or estimations of area damaged, a system of semi-automated image acquisition and subsequent image analysis was designed.
Results
The tool created for image acquisition, “The Ear Unwrapper”, successfully obtains images of the full exterior of maize ears in roughly 10 seconds. To “unwrap” each ear of maize, the approach was to rotate the ear around its axis (the cob) and using a camera, take a continuous set of images of a single row of pixels and merge them to form one image. A set of images produced from The Ear Unwrapper were used to produce a probabilistic pixel classification model for predicting disease severity from unannotated images. The system was deliberately constructed using open-source software and off-the-shelf parts so that the image acquisition and analysis pipeline is adaptable for quantifying other maize ear pathogens, morphologies, and phenotypes. The data obtained from The Ear Unwrapper was correlated with two other phenotyping methods for validation and comparison and showed that the output from the system was reasonably accurate to determine lesion size.
Conclusions
This study provides an example of how a simplified image acquisition machine can be built and incorporated into a machine learning pipeline to measure phenotypes of interest. Here, The Ear Unwrapper was built to image ears of maize, but other cylindrical objects can also be “unwrapped” to obtain a single image of the object’s exterior. We also present how the use of machine learning in image analysis can be adapted from open-source software to estimate complex phenotypes, here, disease severity of Fusarium Ear Rot.
A New Parameter for Dynamic Response Evaluation
Authors: Hirahata Tomoki , Hashimoto Shuichi , Watanabe Hiroaki , Yagi Shin-Ichi , Edanaga Mitsutaka , Yamakage Michiaki 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Obtaining accurate invasive blood pressure readings requires excellent dynamic response of the pressure monitoring circuit. In 2006 and 2020, we reported that Gardner's natural frequency and damping coefficient, which are widely used as evaluation methods, do not reflect the dynamic response of the circuit. Therefore, we propose a new parameter for evaluating the dynamic response of a pressure monitoring circuit.
Methods
A blood pressure wave calibrator, two pressure monitors with analog output and a personal computer were used to analyze blood pressure monitoring circuits. All data collection and analytical processes were performed using our step response analysis program. Arterial pressure catheters with length of 30, 60, 150, and 210 cm were prepared to investigate "gain at 10 Hz" and systolic blood pressure changes.
Results
The gain at 10 Hz was close to 1 and the systolic blood pressure difference was small in the short circuits (30 cm, 60 cm), and the gain at 10 Hz was 1.3–1.5 in the 150 cm circuit and over 1.7 in the 210 cm circuit. The difference in systolic blood pressure increased in proportion to the length of the circuit.
Conclusions
The necessary gain at 10 Hz is determined by how much difference in systolic blood pressure is acceptable. Clinically, a difference of 5 mmHg or less is considered acceptable. Therefore, in order to satisfy this condition, the gain at 10 Hz must be 1.2 or less. The gain at 10 Hz is sufficiently useful as an index for obtaining correct blood pressure.
The Power Indices for Simple Games and the Differential Power Property
Authors: Masuya Satoshi 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Many power indices for simple games are proposed.
Among them, the Shapley-Shubik index and the Bahzhaf index are
well-known. The study of axiomatizations of a power index
enables us to distinguish it with other indices.
Hence, it is essential to know more about the axioms of power indices.
Almost all the power indices proposed so far satisfy the axioms of Dummy, Symmetry and
Efficiency. Thus, those three axioms can be
interpreted fundamental axioms for power indices.
In this paper, we investigate those indices which satisfy the three axioms and propose a new axiom which is said to be Differential Power property.
It claims that if a minimal winning coalition $T$ is added to a simple game, then the same amount of power
is added to each member of $T$ and $N\setminus T$ in the new game. We axiomatize the Shapley-Shubik index,
the Banzhaf index and the Deegan-Packel index
using the Differential Power property. However, it turns out that the Johnston index does not satisfy this property.
Hence, as the next problem, we investigate that whether there are other indices which do not satisfy Differential Power property but satisfy the three fundamental axioms.
Preparation and Characterization of PLGA-based Magnetic Polymer Nanoparticles
for Targeting Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lu Liangji , Jie Liyong , Zhou Ying , Zhang Jiaojiao , Feng Tingting , Zhu Yue , Chen Teng , Zhu Xiuliang , Ji Jiansong , Wang Zuhua 
Published: March 2023

Aims:
This study aims to develop a novel tumor-targeted molecular probe for pancreatic cancer imaging.
The objective of this is to prepare a CKAAKN peptide-conjugated poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)-poly (ethylene
glycol) amphiphilic polymer (CKAAKN-PEG-PLGA) for the tumor-targeted delivery of magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) contrast agent ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO).

Background:
The early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is crucial for improving its prognosis, but the clinical application
of many diagnostic methods is limited owing to a lack of specificity and sensitivity.

Methods:
CKAAKN-PEG-PLGA was synthesized by the amidation reaction. USPIO-loaded polymeric magnetic
nanoparticles (USPIO@CKAAKN-PEG-PLGA) were prepared by the emulsion solvent evaporation method.
The in vitro tumor targeting and bio-safety of nanoparticles were evaluated by targeted cellular uptake, MR
imaging and MTT assay.

Results:
USPIO@CKAAKN-PEG-PLGA nanoparticles showed excellent biosafety with an average diameter
of 104.5 ± 4.1 nm. Modification of CKAAKN peptide could improve USPIO binding ability to internalize into
CKAAKN-positive BxPC-3 cells compared with non-targeting nanoparticles and the control group. The relative
fluorescence intensity in BxPC-3 and HPDE6-C7 cells was 23.77 ± 4.18 and 6.44 ± 2.10 (p < 0.01), and respectively
became 16.13 ± 0.83 and 11.74 ± 1.74 after the addition of free CKAAKN peptide. In vitro MR
imaging studies showed that an obvious decrease in the signal intensity was observed in the targeted nanoparticles
group incubated with BxPC-3 and HPDE6-C7 cells (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:
USPIO@CKAAKN-PEG-PLGA nanoparticles could significantly enhance the tumor specificity
of USPIO in CKAAKN-positive pancreatic cancer cell BxPC-3, which is expected as a promising candidate of
MRI contrast enhancement for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
The Use of Digital Health Services Among Patients and Citizens Living at Home: Scoping Review
Authors: Rosenlund Milla , Kinnunen Ulla-Mari , Saranto Kaija 
Published: March 2023

Background
The development of digital health services reflects not only the technical development of services but also a change in attitude and the way of thinking. It has become a cornerstone for engaging and activating patients and citizens in health management while living at home. Digital health services are also aimed at enhancing the efficiency and quality of services, while simultaneously providing services more cost-effectively. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated worldwide the development and use of digital services in response to requirements for social distancing and other regulations.

Objective
The aim of this review is to identify and summarize how digital health services are being used among patients and citizens while living at home.

Methods
The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews was used as guidance. A search conducted in 3 databases (CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus) resulted in 419 papers. The reporting was conducted by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping review (PRISMA-ScR), and the analysis of the included papers was performed using a framework consisting of 5 clusters describing the use of digital health services. After screening and excluding papers that did not match the inclusion criteria, 88 (21%) papers from 2010 to 2022 were included in the final analysis.

Results
Results indicated that digital health services are used in different situations and among different kinds of populations. In most studies, digital health services were used in the form of video visits or consultations. The telephone was also used regularly for consultations. Other services, such as remote monitoring and transmitting of recorded information and the use the of internet or portals for searching information, were observed as well. Alerts, emergency systems, and reminders were observed to offer possibilities of use, for example, among older people. The digital health services also showed to have potential for use in patient education.

Conclusions
The development of digital services reflects a shift toward the provision of care regardless of time and place. It also reflects a shift toward emphasis on patient-centered care, meaning activating and engaging patients in their own care as they use digital services for various health-related purposes. Despite the development of digital services, many challenges (eg, adequate infrastructure) still prevail worldwide.
Patient and Provider Perspectives on Symptom Monitoring During Outpatient Chemotherapy: Interview Study
Authors: Chen Leeann , Bartel Christianna , Cai Xinlu , Cheng Yanghuidi , Perer Adam , McClaine Sean , Kairis Elizabeth , Durica Krina , Huang Weiyu , Low Carissa A 
Published: March 2023

Background
Fluctuating symptoms and side effects are common during outpatient cancer treatment, and approaches to monitoring symptoms vary widely across providers, patients, and clinical settings. To design a remote symptom monitoring system that patients and providers find to be useful, it may be helpful to understand current clinical approaches to monitoring and managing chemotherapy-related symptoms among patients and providers and assess how more frequent and systematic assessment and sharing of data could improve patient and provider experiences.

Objective
The goals of this study were to learn about patient and provider perspectives on monitoring symptoms during chemotherapy, understand barriers and challenges to effective symptom monitoring at one institution, and explore the potential value of remote symptom monitoring between provider visits.

Methods
A total of 15 patients who were currently undergoing or had recently completed chemotherapy and 7 oncology providers participated in semistructured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and coded using an iterative thematic analysis approach. The study was conducted at a National Cancer Institute–Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Results
Four main themes were discussed by patients and providers: (1) asynchronous nature of current methods for tracking and managing symptoms, (2) variability in reported symptoms due to patient factors, (3) limitations of existing communication channels, and (4) potential value of real-time remote symptom monitoring during chemotherapy. Current asynchronous methods and existing communication channels resulted in a disconnect between when symptoms are most severe and when conversations about symptoms happen, a situation further complicated by memory impairments during chemotherapy. Patients and providers both highlighted improvements in patient-provider communication as a potential benefit of remote real-time symptom monitoring. Providers also emphasized the value of temporal data regarding when symptoms first emerge and how they progress over time, as well as the potential value of concurrent activity or other data about daily activities and functioning. Patients noted that symptom monitoring could result in better preparation for subsequent treatment cycles.

Conclusions
Both patients and providers highlighted significant challenges of asynchronous, patient-initiated, phone-dependent symptom monitoring and management. Oncology patients and providers reported that more routine remote monitoring of symptoms between visits could improve patient-provider communication, prepare patients for subsequent chemotherapy cycles, and facilitate provider insight and clinical decision-making with regard to symptom management.
Human Activities Recognition using Semi-Supervised SVM and Hidden Markov Models
Authors: Morales García Santiago , Henao Baena Carlos , Calvo Salcedo Andrés 
Published: March 2023

Automatic human activity recognition is an area of interest for developing health, security, and sports applications. Currently, it is necessary to develop methods that facilitate the training process and reduce the costs of this process. This paper explores a methodology to classify human physical activities in a semi-supervised paradigm. With this approach, it is possible to reduce the number of labels necessary to train the learning model and the complexity of this process. This process begins by deducting the number of micro-movements or sub-movements where the data should be grouped and assigning the label through a clustering technique. We perform this procedure for a specific group of micro-movements whose label is unknown. Later, the classification process starts by using two methods, a Support Vector Machine (SVM) that identifies the micro-movements and a Markov Hidden Model that detects the human physical activity as a function of sequences. The results show that with a percentage of 80 % of the known labels, we achieved outcomes like the supervised paradigms found in the literature. This facilitates training these learning models by reducing the number of examples requiring labels and reduces the economic costs, which is one of the significant limitations of machine learning processes.