bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acoustic source localization through the data fusion with multi-distributed microphone arrays
Authors: Kan Yue , Ya-Peng Hu , Fu-sheng Zha 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Compared with the acoustic source localization based on single array, the multi-microphone arrays have the higher robustness and accuracy in complex environment. However, it is still one of the challenges to obtain an optimal result by fusing multiple groups of the position information from multiple sub-arrays. To solve this problem, this paper introduced the Brayden Fletcher Goldfarb Shanno (BFGS) method into the localization method based on multi-microphone arrays. The BFGS method is used to an optimal objective function, which is related to the direction of the acoustic source. In addition, several initial value selection schemes of BFGS method are proposed and compared to select a best initial value. The experiments were carried out on the self-developed platform with four four-element sub-microphone arrays.
Identification and apportionment of groundwater nitrate sources in Chakari Plain (Afghanistan)
Authors: Zaryab Abdulhalim , Farahmand Assadullah , Mack Thomas J. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

The Chakari alluvial aquifer is the primary source of water for human, animal, and irrigation application. In this study, the geochemistry of major ions and stable isotope ratios (δ2H-H2O, δ18O-H2O, δ15N-NO3̄, and δ18O-NO3̄) of groundwater and river water samples from the Chakari Plain were analyzed to better understand characteristics of nitrate. Herein, we employed nitrate isotopic ratios and BSIMM modeling to quantify the proportional contributions of major sources of nitrate pollution in the Chakari Plain. The cross-plot diagram of δ15N-NO3̄ against δ18O-NO3̄ suggests that manure and sewage are the main source of nitrate in the plain. Nitrification is the primary biogeochemical process, whereas denitrification did not have a significant influence on biogeochemical nitrogen dynamics in the plain. The results of this study revealed that the natural attenuation of nitrate in groundwater of Chakari aquifer is negligible. The BSIMM results indicate that nitrate originated mainly from sewage and manure (S&M, 75‰), followed by soil nitrogen (SN, 13‰), and chemical fertilizers (CF, 9.5‰). Large uncertainties were shown in the UI90 values for S&M (0.6) and SN (0.47), whereas moderate uncertainty was exhibited in the UI90 value for CF (0.29). The findings provide useful insights for decision makers to verify groundwater pollution and develop a sustainable groundwater management strategy.
Acceptance Analysis of The Electronic Kohort Information System for Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) Method at the Bima City Health Centers
Authors: Hizriansyah  
Published: April 2023

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Program in Indonesia is faced with a diversity of achievements between regions caused by disparities in the capacity of the health system and exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic which has caused a decrease in service activities and reporting quality so that digitalization of services is needed. This type of research is qualitative research with the design of phenomenological studies using thematic analysis with the help of the Nvivo 12 application. Primary data collection was carried out by means of observation and in-depth interviews with research informants by purposive sampling. To increase the credibility of the data use source triangulation. The research informants consisted of the head of the family health services section, the head of the health centers and the midwife as the user of the e-cohort. Thirteen informants (11 women and 2 men) participated in the study. Most informants can use the core functions of the e-cohort app navigation menu. The study proposes that the perceived perception of ease of use may not be in line with the perceived expediency of explaining variations in the successful acceptance of MCH e-cohort applications. The study also found that there were differences in outcomes between user perceptions at the operational level and policy makers at the managerial level. In general, the analysis collects several types of obstacles and potentially problems that negatively affect the usefulness of the e-cohort application : not being able to make the work of midwives easier and faster, ineffective and not so much to increase the productivity of performance. With regard to ease of use, users feel that the e-cohort can be easily learned and used. The e-cohort is considered to have value as a system that makes the work of midwives more difficult and hinders the work, however, the appearance, elements, features and design are perceived to be quite easy to use. In addition, users also highlight the need to consider how the system can be implemented in order to minimize the impact and optimize usability
Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
versus Cystectomy for the Treatment of Ovarian Endometriomas: A Systematic
Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: He You , Wang Dan , Deng Youlin 
Published: April 2023

Background:
Ultrasound-guided sclerosis has been used to treat ovarian endometriotic
cysts since 1988. However, compared with cystectomy, sclerotherapy's effectiveness and safety are
questionable.

Objective:
To compare ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy and ovarian cystectomy in the treatment of
ovarian endometriosis through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:
PubMed-MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Scopus databases were searched, and related literature was collected. The two treatments' recurrence rate, pain relief rate, pregnancy rate, technical success rate, and complication rate were directly compared.

Results:
Six studies (386 patients) were included. The risk of recurrence with sclerotherapy was higher
than that with cystectomy (OR 1.57, p = 0.52). Subgroup analysis showed that an indwelling time >
10 min was not significantly different regarding recurrence risk between sclerotherapy and cystectomy
(OR 1.01, p = 0.99). When the indwelling time was ≤ 10 min, the risk of recurrence with sclerotherapy
was significantly higher than that with cystectomy (OR 22.01, p = 0.001). The pregnancy rate after
cystectomy was lower than that after sclerosis (OR 1.67, p = 0.22). Complications in the study were
graded according to the Clavien‒Dindo classification and statistical analysis showed that the probability
of serious complications (Grade III-V) with cystectomy was higher than that with sclerosis
(16.67% vs. 0%).

Conclusion:
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy was not inferior to cystectomy in terms of recurrence
rate or pregnancy rate, and the incidence of severe complications was lower than that in the cystectomy group. Sclerotherapy is a safe and effective alternative treatment for ovarian endometriosis.
Feasibility Study of Combining Wall Shear Stress and Elastography to Assess
the Vascular Status of Carotid Artery
Authors: Gao Wenjing , Dong Yinghui , Hong Shaofu , Song Di , Liu Mengmeng , Wei Zhanghong , Du Yigang , Li Shuangshuang , Xu Jinfeng , Dong Fajin 
Published: April 2023

Introduction:
At present, early detection of the potential risk of atherosclerosis and prevention is of great significance to reduce the occurrence of stroke.

Aim:
This study aims to explore the value of combining the wall shear stress measured by ultrasound vector flow imaging technique and sound touch
elastography of common carotid artery in normal adults using the Mindray Resona 7 ultrasound system.

Methods:
Forty volunteers (mean age 39.5 y, 23 females, 17 males) were divided into four groups according to their age. All volunteers underwent
ultrasound carotid artery examination, and the values of wall shear stress and elasticity on the posterior wall of the common carotid artery were
measured using advanced imaging functions, vector flow imaging technique, and sound touch elastography.

Results:
Different cut-off values of wall shear stress were used to investigate the significance between two groups with corresponding sound touch
elastography values. It can be seen that the statistical difference could be found when the mean wall shear stress was larger than 1.5 Pa
approximately (statistical significance was defined when P < 0.05), and the sound touch elastography value was positively correlated with the wall
shear stress value.

Conclusion:
This study reveals that the combination of wall shear stress and sound touch elastography is an effective and feasible method for assessing carotid
artery health. When the mean wall shear stress value is over 1.5 Pa, the corresponding sound touch elastography value increases significantly. The
risk of atherosclerosis increases with the stiffness of blood vessel walls.
Multisite Percutaneous Bone Augmentation for the Treatment of Acetabular
Osteolytic Metastases Involving the Articular Surfaces: A Randomised Trial
Authors: Ge Weiming , Liu Xunwei , Liu Mingzhen , Zhuo Wenkun 
Published: April 2023

Introduction:
For patients with acetabular osteolytic metastases involving the articular surfaces, current treatments cannot efficiently rebuild the acetabular bone frame structure and strengthen bone defect area mechanics for weight-bearing. The purpose of this study is to show the operational procedure and clinical outcomes of multisite percutaneous bone augmentation (PBA) for the treatment of incidental acetabular osteolytic metastases involving the articular surfaces.

Methods:
According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 patients (4 males and 4 females) were included in this study. Multisite (3 or 4 sites) PBA was successfully performed in all patients. The pain and function evaluation and imaging observation were examined by VAS and Harris hip joint function scores at the different time points (pre-procedure, 7 days, one month, last follow-up in 5-20 months).

Results:
There were significant differences (p<0.05) in VAS and Harris scores before and after the surgical procedure. Moreover, these two scores had no obvious changes during the follow-up process (7 days after the procedure, one month after the procedure, and the last follow-up) after the procedure.

Conclusion:
The proposed multisite PBA is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of acetabular osteolytic metastases involving the articular surfaces.
Comparative Evaluation of Methods for Estimation of Soil Salinity
Authors: KUMAR P , SARANGI A , SINGH D K 
Published: April 2023

Different methods to estimate electrical conductivity (EC) of saturated soil paste extract (ECe) of 1:2 and 1:5 soil: water suspensions were evaluated. Soil samples were taken from different depths (viz. 0-15, 15-30, 30-45, 45-60, and 60-90 cm) of the wheat field under irrigated saline regimes ranging from 1.5 to 12 dSm-1. The relationship between the electrical conductivity of saturated paste extract (ECe) and soil-water suspension extracts (i.e., EC1:2 and EC1:5) was established beside the development of regression models and conversion factors. Regression models relating ECe with EC1:2, EC1:5 were developed with coefficients of determination (R2) 0.98 and 0.99 respectively. The average conversion factor between ECe~ EC1:2 and ECe~ EC1:5 were 2.7 and 7.7, respectively. Methods standardized in the study can be used to estimate the EC of different saturated soil paste extract ratios, which will be less cumbersome and significantly reduce the estimation time.
Predictors and Consequences of Homelessness: Protocol for a Cohort Study Design Using Linked Routine Data
Authors: Mitchell Eileen , O’Reilly Dermot , O’Donovan Diarmuid , Bradley Declan 
Published: April 2023

Background
Homelessness is a global burden, estimated to impact more than 100 million people worldwide. Individuals and families experiencing homelessness are more likely to have poorer physical and mental health than the general population. Administrative data is being increasingly used in homelessness research.

Objective
The objective of this study is to combine administrative health care data and social housing data to better understand the consequences and predictors associated with being homeless.

Methods
We will be linking health and social care administrative databases from Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. We will conduct descriptive analyses to examine trends in homelessness and investigate risk factors for key outcomes.

Results
The results of our analyses will be shared with stakeholders, reported at conferences and in academic journals, and summarized in policy briefing notes for policymakers.

Conclusions
This study will aim to identify predictors and consequences of homelessness in Northern Ireland using linked housing, health, and social care data. The findings of this study will examine trends and outcomes in this vulnerable population using routinely collected health and social care administrative data.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
DERR1-10.2196/42404
Enhancing Evidence-Based Pharmacy by Comparing the Quality of Web-Based Information Sources to the EVInews Database: Randomized Controlled Trial With German Community Pharmacists
Authors: Alexa Jennifer Maria , Richter Matthias , Bertsche Thilo 
Published: April 2023

Background
Self-medication counseling in community pharmacies plays a crucial role in health care. Counseling advice should therefore be evidence-based. Web-based information and databases are commonly used as electronic information sources. EVInews is a self-medication–related information tool consisting of a database and monthly published newsletters for pharmacists. Little is known about the quality of pharmacists’ electronic information sources for evidence-based self-medication counseling.

Objective
Our aim was to investigate the quality of community pharmacists’ web-based search results for self-medication–related content in comparison with the EVInews database, based on an adjusted quality score for pharmacists.

Methods
After receiving ethics approval, we performed a quantitative web-based survey with a search task as a prospective randomized, controlled, and unblinded trial. For the search task, participants were instructed to search for evidence-based information to verify 6 health-related statements from 2 typical self-medication indications. Pharmacists across Germany were invited via email to participate. After providing written informed consent, they were automatically, randomly assigned to use either web-based information sources of their choice without the EVInews database (web group) or exclusively the EVInews database (EVInews group). The quality of the information sources that were used for the search task was then assessed by 2 evaluators using a quality score ranging from 100% (180 points, all predefined criteria fulfilled) to 0% (0 points, none of the predefined criteria fulfilled). In case of assessment discrepancies, an expert panel consisting of 4 pharmacists was consulted.

Results
In total, 141 pharmacists were enrolled. In the Web group (n=71 pharmacists), the median quality score was 32.8% (59.0 out of 180.0 points; IQR 23.0-80.5). In the EVInews group (n=70 pharmacists), the median quality score was significantly higher (85.3%; 153.5 out of 180.0 points; P<.001) and the IQR was smaller (IQR 125.1-157.0). Fewer pharmacists completed the entire search task in the Web group (n=22) than in the EVInews group (n=46). The median time to complete the search task was not significantly different between the Web group (25.4 minutes) and the EVInews group (19.7 minutes; P=.12). The most frequently used web-based sources (74/254, 29.1%) comprised tertiary literature.

Conclusions
The median quality score of the web group was poor, and there was a significant difference in quality scores in favor of the EVInews group. Pharmacists’ web-based and self-medication–related information sources often did not meet standard quality requirements and showed considerable variation in quality.

Trial Registration
German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00026104; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00026104
Relationship Between Climate Change and Agriculture at the EU Level
Authors: Ilić Ivana , Jovanović Sonja , Petrović-Ranđelović Marija 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The purpose of this study is investigating the homogeneity of the European Union countries (hereinafter: EU countries) according to the achieved level of environmental performance in agriculture and climate change in 2020. The data used for this study are from an internationally comparable database. For the purpose of validation of the laid hypothesis, methods of statistical analysis were employed. The study focuses on Climate change and Agriculture, two factors of the Ecosystem Vitality component, which will be considered in more detail, as well as the indicators included in the Environmental Performance Index (hereinafter: EPI) structure. The empirical findings revealed the existence of a medium and a positive quantitative agreement between the two environmental policy areas, agriculture and climate change. Also, the cluster analysis showed that most of the countries selected for the research apply agricultural production with controlled use of nitrogen, which further affects the reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and thus minimally contributes to climate change.
Dynamic Analysis of Business Development of Auditing Firms: Case of the Republic of Serbia 2010-2020
Authors: Radojević Aleksandra , Jovković Biljana , Dragičević Predrag 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Auditing firms are very important for business decision-makers and they have a large impact on business development, due to issued reports and competent opinions contained in such reports. The purpose of this paper is to present, to professional public, the current condition and changes of business results achieved by active auditing firms in the Republic to Serbia over the period of eleven years. The goal of the paper is an objective assessment of the state of play and operations of active auditing firms, as well as a determination of business trends and monitoring of the results achieved in the audit services market. The paper analyzes the changes in individual balance sheet items and profitability indicators, that is their average growth during the eleven years. The results indicate that the members of the "Big Four” had not acquired a leadership position in the market, observed according to the productivity indicators. Actually, the results indicate that the auditing firms with the largest growth of net results, in the observed period, are not the leaders according to the criterion of assets growth. At the same time, the firms with the greatest growth of business income in the observed period are not at the same time the most productive firms, measured by net result per employee. The results obtained in this paper contribute to the formation of a realistic view of the situation in the audit services market, as well as the perspectives and tendencies in the development of audit firms.
Analysis of the Environmental Impact and Possibilities of its Reduction in the Case of the Blasting Works at Roșia Poieni Open PIT
Authors: Bud Ioan , Goia Mircea , Gușat Dorel 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The drilling and blasting operation represents an important component of the whole complex of operations specific to the activity of exploitation of mineral resources through explosives blasting, both economically and in terms of environmental impact. The extraction activity requires the preparation of a complex document called drilling and blasting monograph that includes the elements of the drilling design with the geometric characteristics of the location and the diameter of the boreholes, respectively the choice of the explosive and the sequencing method. The present paper represents a synthesis of the extensive works carried out as part of the Horizon 2020 - Goldeneye European project, through Grant Agreement 869398.
Technical and Managerial Measures to Reduce the Environmental Risks Generated by the Activities Carried out at Zăoaga Water Treatment Plant
Authors: Apostu Elvis-Alin , Apostu Izabela-Maria 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Environmental risk can result from the interaction between human activity and the environment. Human activities can generate certain changes in the environmental components, thus inducing a potential danger for the health of people, flora, vegetation and fauna through the negative effects they have on water resources, air and soil quality, climate, microclimate, and so on. This paper presents the potable water treatment plant from Zănoaga, located in Petroșani Municipality, and highlights the potential risks related to the activity within this plant. Particular emphasis is placed on the risk to the environment and human health that may arise from improper storage and handling of liquid chlorine tanks, chlorine being a toxic gas if found in high concentrations in air, water or soil.
The Effect of Tizanidine on Postoperative Pain Management After Lumbar Fusion Surgery
Authors: Meskar Hossein , Aezzi Goli , Kiyasari Aliyeh Zamani , Shafizad Misagh , Jalalian Fatemeh , Alderraji Mohammadali 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Lumbar fusion is one of the most commonly used surgical procedures to improve the pain and instability of the spinal vertebrae. After surgery, patients experience varying degrees of pain. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of tizanidine for the management of postoperative pain after lumbar spinal fusion surgery. This randomized clinical trial study was performed on 50 patients who were selected for spinal fusion surgery. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 25 patients. Patients in the tizanidine and placebo groups received 4 mg oral tizanidine and placebo one hour before surgery and 24 hours after that. Severity of pain, presence of nausea, vomiting, pruritus, headache, vertigo, xerostomia, somnolence, bradycardia and excess opiate in the two groups were evaluated and recorded prior to exit from recovery and 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after surgery. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 24. There was a significant difference in pain score in tizanidine group at 24 and 48 hours after surgery compared with placebo (P <0.005). In the control group, the use of morphine sulfate was more than the tizanidine group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of side effects in the two groups (P> 0.05). Low dose tizanidine in postoperative pain management is effective without significant side effects. Due to its simpler administration, it is recommended to use for postoperative pain control after lumbar fusion surgery.
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders of Teaching Staff in Higher Education
Authors: Mahmutovic Elvis , Bisevac Emir , Dolicanin Zana 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this paper is to determine the prevalence of the musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) for the teachers in higher education. Examinees and methods: 100 teachers (66% men and 34% women with average age of 38.8 ± 13.1) were included in the prospective study. The information about the state of the teachers’ musculoskeletal system was gathered using a questionnaire for the MSD analysis. Potential risk factors for MSD were analyzed. MSD was observed in 74 (74%) teachers and associates (68.9% male and 31.1% female, p˂0.05). 32% Teachers had pain within the first five years of teaching work, while the rest of MSD occurred after that period. 73% of teachers were diagnosed with rigor in the lower back, 62% were diagnosed with neck pain, 45.9% were diagnosed with upper back pain, while 27% had pain in their ankles/feet. Lower pain prevalence was noticed in wrist, hands, hips and elbows. The prevalence of the musculoskeletal disorders for teachers is 74% and it is higher for men than for women. MSD, whose samples are multifactorial, are the most common in the lower back, neck, upper back and shoulders. Ergonomics and ergonomic education are the primary factors in the prevalence and treatment of MSD.