bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Implementing Deprescribing for Older Adults in English Care Homes: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Warmoth Krystal , Rees Jessica , Day Jo , Cockcroft Emma , Aylward Alex , Pollock Lucy , Coxon George , Craig Trudy , Walton Bridget , Stein Ken 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Care home residents often have multiple long-term conditions and experience polypharmacy. However, some medicines may be unnecessary or may cause more harm than good, especially as residents develop increasing frailty. Previous research has found that deprescribing (the reduction or stopping of prescription medicines that may no longer be providing benefit) is generally safe, but it is not known how to make it work well in care homes. Implementation of deprescribing for care home residents can be challenging due to different stakeholders’ concerns and differences in management structures. The paper reports on an investigation of factors that may help or hinder deprescribing practice within care homes.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews with care home staff, residents, family members, and healthcare professionals were conducted regarding their experiences and perceptions of deprescribing. The design, data collection, and framework analysis were informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.
Results
Thirty-six semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 care home staff, 8 residents, 4 family members, and 1 general practitioner. Major themes concerned deprescribing as a complex process and internal and external contextual factors influencing deprescribing practice, including beliefs, abilities, and relationships. The quality of local relationships with and support from healthcare professionals were more crucial factors than the type of care home management structure.
Conclusions
Several influencing factors need to be considered for implementing deprescribing for older adults in care homes. Further work is warranted to design and implement a deprescribing approach which addresses these determinants. Deprescribing implemented safely and successfully in care homes can benefit residents and the wider health economy.
Under Pressure: an integrated assessment of human activities and their potential impact on the ecosystem components of the Southern Brazilian continental shelf
Authors: Scherer Marinez E. G. , Sardinha Gabriela Decker , Souza Vitor , Gandra Tiago Borges Ribeiro , Floeter Sergio R. , Liedke Ana M. R. , Rodrigues Amanda Ricci , Bonetti Jarbas , Gomes Vicente , Fernandes Lohengrin , Ferrari Débora S. , Silva Fernanda , Conti Luís Americo , Gasalla Maria A. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The economic activities at the South Brazilian Shelf (SBS) are concentrated on the coast causing several impacts. To reconcile biodiversity and habitat conservation in the coastal and marine areas with human activities it is important to identify those sectors and pressures. We conducted an analysis to assess ecosystem risks from multiple drivers and pressures in the continental shelf that extends from the Southernmost point of Brazil (Chuí) to Cabo Frio cape, in Rio de Janeiro State. We used the Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (IEA) methodology, a framework for implementing ecosystem-based management grounded on five steps: scoping, indicator development, ecosystem assessment, risk analysis, and management strategy evaluation. This work developed the scoping step consisting of an assessment tracing sector–pressure–ecological component pressure pathways. Subsequently, links were scored regarding their level of overlap on each ecosystem component, frequency and degree of impact, estimating the magnitude of impact risk of each one of the sectors. The assessment was done involving 20 experts from several backgrounds. In order to validate the results, a literature review was conducted and further discussion with relevant stakeholders took place. As a result, 16 sectors and 19 pressures were assessed to impact 18 ecological components. Fishing, land-based industry, tourism and recreation, the lack of wastewater treatment and coastal infrastructure represented the main economic sectors impacting the area. The major associated pressures were the incidental catch of species, the introduction of contaminants and organic matter into the water, and the generation of waste. The most affected ecosystems, in turn, were those located closer to the coast, such as mangroves, saltmarshes and rocky reefs while the preeminent impacted taxonomic groups were the elasmobranchs, seabirds, reptiles, mammals and bony fish. The literature review corroborated the scenario projected by the experts and the stakeholders’ workshop endorsed the results found. The methodology indicated the most relevant pressures caused by human activities, with more significant impacts related to activities closest to the coastline. Also, it draws attention to the need for the elaboration of public policies that contemplate and support impact reduction of the most important sectors, identifying the priorities for coastal and marine management.
An interesting case of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome with pre-excited atrial fibrillation
Authors: Agrawal Naman , Ameena Salva , Joshi Shrirang , Agarwal Radhika 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation with accessory pathway can present with confounding ECG findings leading to inaccurate diagnosis sometimes leading to fatal outcomes. Treatment with AV nodal blockers is contra-indicated in pre-excited atrial fibrillation as it can lead to fatal ventricular arrythmia.
Case Presentation: A 72-year-old female presenting with acute onset palpitations, chest discomfort, shortness of breath and light-headedness with similar past episodes was initially diagnosed to have atrial fibrillation. An ECG after metoprolol administration revealed the features of pre-excitation and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. A repeat episode of tachyarrhythmia was terminated with electrical cardioversion and patient was followed-up in cardiology for radiofrequency ablation.
Conclusion: A bizarre ECG with irregular wide complex tachycardia with QRS of varied shape and amplitude and sustained rates surpassing 200 beats per minute, suspicion of WPW syndrome with pre-excited AF should be considered. It is difficult to distinguish from polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, although electrical cardioversion is the primary therapy when hemodynamically unstable.
Power Quality Improvement in Distribution System Using Solar Fed Cuk Integrated Boost Converter
Authors: R Senthil Kumar , Joseph Deepthi , B Kavya Santhoshi , k Prabaakaran 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Recently, Power Quality (PQ) issues have emerged to be acritical problem faced by the distributed power system on account of its several forms and frequencies of occurrence. Thereby, the integration of the distributed generation of Photovoltaic (PV) with Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) is recommended in this work with the intension towards improvement of quality of power delivered to the customers. Also leading to the development of a novel grid tied PV design that avoids any unfavourable voltage or current situation in distributed power system. The series compensator of the UPQC addresses voltage-related challenges, while the shunt compensator of the UPQC handles current-related challenges. The interfacing of the PV to the UPQC is accomplished using the Cuk Integrated Boost Converter (CIBC)and the optimum extraction of PV power is ensured with the application of Cascaded Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Controller (CT2FLC) based Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technique. The control of the UPQC is done using Fuzzy tuned Adaptive PI controller in addition to Convolution Neural Network (CNN) assisted DQ theory. The dynamic nature of the presented approach in terms of compensation capability and dc-bus stability is assessed through MATLAB simulation and experimental verification.
Delayed impact of El Niño on the spring Surface Air Temperature over India
Authors: Sambasivarao Velivelli , Satyanarayana G China , Chowdary Jasti S , Rao K Koteswara , Parekh Anant , Gnanaseelan Chellappan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Air temperature variability and prediction is important considering the potential implications on human health, water resources management, agriculture and land–atmosphere interaction. In this paper, we investigate the delayed influence of El Niño on spring Surface Air Temperature (SAT) variability over India using observations and assessed its predictability in coupled climate models. Analysis suggests that El Niño, at its decaying phase, exerts strong influence on the spring SAT over India. It is found that SAT over India is abnormally warmer, especially over southern peninsular India in the El Niño decaying spring. It is found that this strong SAT warming is mainly induced by anomalous anticyclonic circulation extending from the Western North Pacific (WNP) region to southern peninsular India. This anomalous anticyclone induced downdraft reduces the specific humidity anomalies in the lower troposphere and leads to decreased cloud cover over the southern peninsular India. As a result of this, shortwave radiation is enhanced at the surface, which causes anomalous SAT warming over India. It is found that 60% years out of top 10 warmest years over the southern peninsular India correspond to the decaying phase of El Niño, suggesting the importance of the present study. It is also found that the strong SAT warming over southern peninsular India aids to increase Discomfort Index (above 28 and 30oC hours/day) and Universal Thermal Climate Index during El Niño decaying spring years. Further, we have examined the predictability of the spring SAT during decaying El Niño years based on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Climate Center (APCC) models. It is noted that most of the APCC models reasonably well predicted the spatial distribution of warm SAT over India during the El Niño decaying spring season at 1 and 3 month leads. This study highlights the predictability of spring SAT a season in advance over India, which would in turn help in planning better adaptation and mitigation strategies.
De-Identification of Clinical Notes with Pseudo-labeling using Regular Expression Rules and Pre-trained BERT
Authors: An Jiyong , Kim Jiyun , Sunwoo Leonard , Baek Hyunyoung , Yoo Sooyoung , Lee Seunggeun 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background: De-identification of clinical notes is essential to utilize the rich information in unstructured text data in medical research. However, only limited work has been done in removing personal information from clinical notes in Korea.
Objective: In this study, we aimed to perform de-identifying of radiology reports in Seoul National University, Bundang Hospital, a tertiary university hospital in South Korea.
Methods: We used two de-identification strategies to improve performance with limited and few annotated data. First, a rule-based approach is used to construct regular expressions on the 1,112 notes annotated by domain experts. Second, by using the regular expressions as label-er, we applied a semi-supervised approach to fine-tune a pre-trained Korean BERT model with pseudo-labeled notes.
Results: Our rule-based approach achieved 97.2% precision, 93.7% recall, and 96.2% F1 score from the department of radiology notes. For machine learning approach,KoBERT-NER that is fine-tuned with 32,000 automatically pseudo-labeled notes achieved 96.5% precision, 97.6% recall, and 97.1% F1 score.
Conclusion: By combining a rule-based approach and machine learning in a semi-supervised way, our results show that the performance of de-identification can be improved.
A multi-PR&amp;PSGS approach for distributed multi-project scheduling
Authors: HU FANG-YONG , Guo Xiaojian , Xiao Shunan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The research on the Distributed Resource Constrained Multi-Project Scheduling Problem (DRCMPSP) has gained significant importance. As a result, a Multi-PR&PSGS approach has been proposed. During the decision stage, a LFT & CPM algorithm is developed from the local decision-making perspective of each local project manager to generate a set of activities that can be scheduled while satisfying local resource constraints. Then, a Multi-PR heuristic algorithm that takes into account historical optimal simulation results of the Total Tardiness Cost (TTC) is used by the global project manager to obtain an optimal set of activities for scheduling. The proposed approach was tested using 140 benchmark problem instances from the Multi-Project Scheduling Problem Library (MPSPLIB). The computational results demonstrate that the proposed approach, consisting of a LFT & CPM algorithm and a Multi-PR & Simulation algorithm, can achieve a lower TTC compared to other existing methods for the DRCMPSP. Additionally, the longest CPU running time for the problem instances of MP120_20AC is 164.33s, making the approach a good choice for managing the DRCMPSP.
Helicobacter pylori infection accelerates gastric cancer development by acting on the miR-146a-5p/FHL1 axis
Authors: Ju Feng , Peng Jin-bang , Zhang Ying-ying , Zhou Lu , Yao Shang-zhi , Wang Dong , Zhu Yan-hong , Liu Jun , Li Lei , Bao Jun-feng , Tang Shuan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignancy globally. The main risk factor for GC is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. miR-146a-5p regulates vital functions in numerous human cancers. However, miR-146a-5p's impacts on H. pylori-associated GC have not been fully elucidated.
Objective This study aim to explore the role of miR-146a-5p in H. pylori-associated GC and identify the downstream pathway through which it facilitates the progression of GC.
Methods: miRNAs relevant to H. pylori and GC were obtained from the GeneCards, miRTarBase, and ENCORI databases. Its expressions in H. pylori-induced GC were examined using quantitative real-time PCR. Cell Counting Kit-8, clone formation analysis, scratch wound healing analysis, Transwell analysis, flow cytometry, and western blot assays were performed to assess the role of miR-146a-5p in H. pylori-associated GC. Besides, a dual-luciferase reporter assay was carried out to assess the mechanism of miR-146a-5p in GC.
Results: miR-146a-5p was highly expressed in H. pylori-infected GC cell lines. Functionally, H. pylori infection induced the proliferation, metastasis, and migratory abilities of GC cell lines via increasing the expression level of miR-146a-5p. Mechanistically, miR-146a-5p targets the "Four and a Half LIM Domains 1 (FHL1) gene. Subsequent assays further authenticated that H. pylori increased GC cells' proliferation by enhancing the expression of miR-146a-5p and decreasing the expression of FHL1.
Conclusion:miR-146a-5p could be the future diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for H. pylori-induced GC as it aggravates GC development via upregulation of miR-146a-5p.
Illegal Trade of Pangolins in India With International Trade Links: An Analysis of Seizures From 1991 to 2022
Authors: Gomez Lalita , Joseph Tito , Heinrich Sarah , Wright Belinda , D’Cruze Neil 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Pangolins have become one of the most intensely poached and trafficked mammal species, exploited mainly for the food and traditional medicine trade. Intense and continued illegal exploitation for commercial trade has become the leading cause of pangolin declines in parts of Asia and Africa. Recent research has illustrated the growing threat this poses to pangolins in India. India is home to two species of pangolin, the Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata and the Chinese Pangolin M. pentadactyla, which have been assessed as Endangered and Critically Endangered respectively. Pngolin seizures in India between 1991 and 2022 were analysed to gain a better understanding of illegal trade dynamics. A total of 426 seizures were collated, involving an estimated 8,603 pangolins. The frequency of pangolin seizures increased over time as did the volume of estimated pangolins seized. This could be due to a range of different factors including rising poaching and trade levels, increased law enforcement and reporting, as well as awareness. Nevertheless, Wildlife Protection Society of India's investigations strongly indicate that the escalating poaching and trade in pangolins is driven by lucrative market demands from beyond India’s borders, with a growing focus on the trade in live pangolins. Enforcement efforts appear to be undermined by low prosecution rates with only 1.4% of recorded seizures resulting in successful convictions. Asian pangolins have rapidly disappeared from their natural range and been locally extirpated in many parts of East and Southeast Asia. India’s pangolin species are at similar risk if poaching and trafficking levels continue unmitigated.
Electrocardiographic markers of adverse left ventricular remodeling and myocardial fibrosis in severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Balčiūnaitė Giedrė , Rudinskaitė Ieva , Palionis Darius , Besusparis Justinas , Žurauskas Edvardas , Valevičienė Nomeda , Janušauskas Vilius , Zorinas Aleksejus , Ručinskas Kęstutis , Sogaard Peter , Glaveckaitė Sigita 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background.
The optimal timing for aortic valve replacement (AVR) in aortic stenosis (AS) is still controversial and may be guided by markers of adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling. We aim to assess electrocardiographic (ECG) strain patterns in relation to adverse LV remodeling and myocardial fibrosis.
Methods.
A total of 83 symptomatic severe AS patients (age 66.5 ± 8.6, 42% male) scheduled for surgical AVR underwent preoperative cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with T1 mapping and echocardiography with global longitudinal strain (GLS) analysis. Collagen volume fraction (CVF) was measured in myocardial biopsies (71) sampled at the time of AVR. The 12-lead ECG was performed preoperatively and 3 and 12 months postoperatively.
Results.
ECG strain-positive patients (prevalence of 43.4%) had more severe AS, increased LV mass, higher levels of brain natriuretic peptides (BNP) and high-sensitivity troponin I, lower GLS, and lower LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Patients with ECG strain had more diffuse fibrosis, as evident by higher native T1 values (974.8 ± 33.6 ms vs 946.5 ± 28.2 ms, p < 0.001). ECG strain was the only predictor of increased LV mass index on multivariate regression analysis (OR = 7.10, 95% CI 1.46–34.48, p = 0.015). Patients with persistent ECG strain at 1 year following AVR had larger LV volumes and mass, lower GLS, lower LVEF, higher BNP levels, and more histological fibrosis (CVF 12.5% vs. 7.3%, p = 0.009) at baseline assessment.
Conclusion.
ECG strain is a marker of adverse structural and functional LV remodeling and interstitial myocardial fibrosis. Lack of improvement in ECG strain following AVR indicates more advanced baseline LV injury and higher levels of myocardial fibrosis.
Multi-armed Bandits for Performance Marketing
Authors: Gigli Marco , Stella Fabio 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This paper deals with the problem of optimising bids and budgets of a digital advertising portfolio. We improve on the current state of the art by introducing support for multi-ad group marketing campaigns and developing a highly data efficient parametric contextual bandit. The bandit, which exploits domain knowledge to reduce the exploration space, is shown to be effective under the following settings; few clicks and/or small conversion rate, short horizon scenarios, rapidly changing markets and low budget. Furthermore, a Bootstrapped Thompson Sampling algorithm is adapted to fit the parametric bandit. Extensive numerical experiments, performed on synthetic and real world data, show that, on average, the parametric bandit gains more conversions than state of the art bandits. Gains in performance are particularly high when an optimisation algorithm is needed the most, i.e. with tight budget or many ad groups, though gains are present also in the case of a single ad group.
Unconventional Products for COVID-19 Prevention: Practices, Experiences and Perceptions of Frontline Workers in Borno State, Nigeria
Authors: Balami Ahmed Dahiru , Mustapha Mohammed Abba , Nikau Jamilu , Akor Salamatu Silvia , Abiola Olubiyi Olubunmi 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had come with a lot of rumours, some of which had suggested the use of unconventional methods for self-protection against the disease. With regards to health behaviour, people in the community generally consider health workers as role models, occasionally using the behaviour of health workers to validate even unhealthy practices. This study aimed at exploring the misuse of unconventional products for self-protection against COVID-19 by frontline health workers.
Methods: Questionnaire surveys as well as in-depth interviews were conducted among COVID-19 frontline health workers in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Standardised questionnaire and interview guides developed based on the health belief model were used to collect information from the respondents. The quantitative data obtained from the survey were analysed statistically to determine the predictors of using those products while thematic analysis was conducted for the qualitative data from the interviews.
Results: A total of 225 frontline workers answered the survey, majority (65.3%) were males. Almost all of them (89.3%) had education above secondary school level, with 45.8% having over 10 years of working experience. Regarding perceived susceptibility, 92.4% of the respondents believed that their work placed them at a higher risk of contracting the disease and 89.3% believed that COVID-19 was a severe disease. As for perceived benefits and barriers, 49.3% believed that those unconventional products could be beneficial and 48.9% believed that they could result in harmful consequences. During the interviews however, none of them agreed that taking those products were beneficial.
Half of the respondents (50.7%) reported they had taken some unconventional medications/products, majorly garlic, Chloroquine, and Vitamin C to protect themselves from COVID-19. Belief that those unconventional products were beneficial (OR = 2.37; 95% CI: 1.29 – 4.37) and having had COVID-like symptoms (OR = 3.63, 95% CI: 1.87 – 7.03), were predictors of unconventional medications/products misuse.
Conclusions: The prevalence of misuse of unconventional products for COVID-19 prevention was high among the frontline workers in this study. This could adversely affect efforts by health authorities in discouraging the public from abusing them. Intervention programmes aimed at promoting desirable health behaviours should thus start by targeting frontline workers.
Controlling large numbers with smaller ones in the Collatz conjecture: an outline
Authors: Çiftçi Ünver 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
We report on our observations and progress on the 3n + 1 problem, and then point out keys to a proof. Our consideration depends on keeping track of the number of digits of binary numbers by looking at examples. We show that for a large number, it is possible to understand the long time behaviour by looking at the ending digits.
2010 MSC: 00A05, 11-04
Ethyl tetratriacontanoate and non-polar compounds from Mitragyna inermisstem bark
Authors: Ouédraogo Relwendé Justin , Shaheen Farzana , Ouattara Lassina , Ouedraogo Georges Anicet 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Mitragyna inermis is widely reported for its biological activities and phytochemical components. In this report, we investigated, the non-polar compounds from stem bark by thin layer chromatography and GC-MS analysis. The thin layer chromatography on DCM fraction yielded ethyl tetratriacontanoate (1’). That compound is on the first isolation from M. inermis. Besides, gas chromatography allowed identification of thirteen major compounds as well as alkanes, phytol, esters, ester-alcohol, carboxylic acids, ester-carboxylic acids and cyanate. All compounds are on the first report on M. inermis and most are fatty acids and essential oils. These compounds might contribute to stem potent antioxidant, antidiabetic and antimicrobial effects. Further investigation for drug research with these non-polar compounds might allow to know their specific activities.