bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NDT prediction of self-compacting concrete strength based on maturity method
Authors: Kazemifard Sahar , Motaghed Sasan , Eftekhari Nasrollah 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

The maturity method is used as a non-destructive test to estimate the compressive strength of concrete. The main problem of this method is its dependence on the concrete mix design. This research presents a method for predicting the strength of self-compacting concrete in a specific range, without repeating the time-consuming and expensive standard calibration process. To demonstrate the ability of the method, 15 self-compacting concrete mix designs were prepared and their strength and maturity were determined at the ages of 2, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. Based on the proposed method, the fc=a ln Ma+b relation was fitted to the mean of the data. Then scale factors for 3 mixes were calculated based on the early ages data (for example 3-day data) and the mix-specific strength-maturity curves were determined without a standard calibration process. The proposed method shows a high accuracy of more than 94% in these examples. Based on these results, it is not necessary to redo the entire calibration process within the reasonable range of changes in the mix design on the site, and the calibration curve can be presented in this way.
An evolutionary game for the behavior of third-party evaluators in pension public-private partnership incorporating public participation
Authors: Yue Xianghua , Zhao Shikuan , Li Fuda 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
This studyanalyzes the impact of public participation on the choice of third-party evaluators' behavior strategies during the service quality supervision process of China's pension public-private partnership project.An evolutionary game model between third-party evaluators and government regulatorsis developed, wherein the evolution rule of the two sides and public participation’s influence on their behavior under the two different conditions are analyzed, and a numerical simulation is carried out using MATLAB 2016a. It is found that third-party evaluators may choose the false evaluation strategy in the absence of public participation because of the inducement of rent-seeking or insufficient government punishment when the regulatory revenue of the government regulatory agencies is less than the regulatory cost. In contrast, in the case of public participation, the true evaluation strategy is chosen with an improvement in the level of public participation or an increase in reputation incentive. This suggests the construction and improvement of a third-party evaluation system, which shows that the construction of the service quality supervision system in China’s pension PPP project has a large operating space.
Variability of the optic nerve sheath diameter on brain computed tomography in Turkish children based on sex and age
Authors: Bardak Şefika , Berksoy Emel , Çiçek Alper , Demir Gülşah , Pekçevik Yeliz , Elibol Pelin , Verdi Ezgi Güvel , Gökalp Gamze , Nalbant Tuğçe , Emir Büşra 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurement is a noninvasive method that can be used for intracranial pressure monitoring. Several studies have investigated normal ONSD values in children, but no general consensus has been reached yet.
Objectives: The aim of our study was to reveal normal ONSD, eyeball transverse diameter (ETD), and ONSD/ETD values on brain Computed tomography (CT) in healthy children aged 1 month to 18 years.
Methods: Children admitted to the emergency department with minor head trauma and had normal brain CT were included in the study. The demographic characteristics of the patients (age and sex) were recorded, and the patients were divided into four age groups: 1 month to 2 years, 2 to 4 years, 4 to 10 years, and 10 to 18 years.
Results: The images of 332 patients were analyzed. When the median values of all measurement parameters (right and left ONSD, ETD, and ONSD/ETD) were compared between the right and left eyes, no statistically significant differences. When the same parameters were compared according to age group, the ONSD and ETD values differed significantly (values of males were found to be higher), but the ONSD proximal/ETD and ONSD middle/ETD values did not differ significantly.
Conclusion: In our study, normal ONSD, ETD, and ONSD/ETD values were determined according to age and sex in healthy children. As the ONSD/ETD index did not statistically significantly differ according to age and sex, diagnostic studies for traumatic brain injuries can be performed using the index.
Relationship of cerebral blood volume with arterial and venous flow velocities in extremely low-birth- weight infants
Authors: Imanishi Toshiyuki , Sumiya Wakako , Kanno Chika , Kanno Masayuki , Kawabata Ken , Shimizu Masaki 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Purpose: Unstable cerebral blood flow is theorised to contribute to the occurrence of intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) in extremely low-birth-weight infants (ELBWIs), which can be caused by increased arterial flow, increased venous pressure, and impaired autoregulation of brain vasculature. This study aimed to investigate such instability by checking for correlations of cerebral blood volume (CBV), as measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), with the flow velocities of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and internal cerebral vein (ICV), as measured by Doppler ultrasonography.
Methods: Data were retrospectively analysed from 30 ELBWIs with a high likelihood of healthy development, uncomplicated by symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus, which can influence ACA velocity, or severe IVH (grade ≥3), which can influence ICV velocity and CBV.
Results: CBV was not associated with ACA velocity; however, it was significantly correlated with ICV velocity (Pearson’s R = 0.59 [95% CI: 0.29–0.78], P = 0.00061).
Conclusions: ICV flow velocity is difficult to continuously monitor using ultrasonography; however, CBV can be continuously monitored by computation from NIRS measurements. Our findings suggest that this technology could be useful in future research into how IVH can be prevented by neonatal monitoring.
Classic “PCH” genes are a rare cause of radiologic pontocerebellar hypoplasia
Authors: Zakaria Rohaya Binti Mohamad , Malta Maísa , Pelletier Felixe , Addour-Boudrahem Nassima , Pinchefsky Elana , Martin Christine Saint , Sr Myriam 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: The term Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia (PCH) was initially used to designate a heterogeneous group of fetal-onset genetic neurodegenerative disorders. As a descriptive term, PCH refers to pons and cerebellum of reduced volume. In addition to the classic PCH types, many other disorders can result in a similar imaging appearance.
Objective: To review imaging, clinical and genetic features and underlying etiologies of a cohort of children with PCH on imaging.
Methods: We systematically reviewed brain images and clinical charts of 38 patients with radiologic evidence of PCH.
Results: Our cohort included 21 males and 17 females, with ages ranging between 8 days to 15 years. All individuals had pons and cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, and 63% had cerebellar hemisphere hypoplasia. Supratentorial anomalies were found in 71%. An underlying etiology was identified in 65% and included chromosomal (21%), monogenic (34%) and acquired (10%) causes. Only one patient had pathogenic variants in a “classic” PCH gene. Outcomes were poor regardless of etiology, though no one had regression. Approximately one third of patients deceased at a median age of 8 months. All individuals had global developmental delay, 50% were non-verbal, 64% were non-ambulatory and 45% required gastrostomy feeding.
Conclusion: Radiologic PCH has heterogenous etiologies and the “classic” PCH genes underlie only a minority of cases. Broad genetic testing, including chromosomal microarray and exome or multigene panels, is recommended in individuals with PCH-like imaging appearance. Our results strongly suggest that the term PCH should be used to designate radiologic findings, and not to imply neurogenerative disorders.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in Pediatric Oncology Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Pinto Gabriela C C , Gaiga Laura C , de Moura Milena P , Troster Eduardo J 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Purpose: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) has been the subject of increasing research over the past decade owing to its effects on morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. This study aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors of ACS in patients in an onco-hematological pediatric intensive care unit in a middle-income country and to analyze patient outcomes.
Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted between May 2015 and October 2017. Altogether, 253 patients were admitted at PICU, and 54 fulfilled the inclusion criteria for intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurements. IAP was measured using the intra-bladder indirect technique with a closed system (AbViser AutoValve®, Wolfle Tory Medical Inc., USA) in patients with clinical indications for indwelling bladder catheterization. Definitions from the World Society for ACS were used. The data were entered into a database and analyzed.
Results: The median age was 5.79 years, and the median pediatric risk of mortality score was 7.1. The incidence of ACS was 27.7%. Fluid resuscitation was a significant risk factor for ACS in the univariate analysis. The mortality rates in the ACS and non-ACS groups were 46.6% and 17.9%, respectively (P < 0.05). This is the first study of ACS in critically ill children with cancer.
Conclusions: The incidence and mortality rates were high, justifying IAP measurement in children with ACS risk factors.
MetaEdu: A New Framework for Future Education
Authors: Cui LuoBin , Zhu ChengZhang , Hare Ryan , Ying Tang 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The potential of the metaverse in the field of education is gaining increasing attention. The goal is to reduce the cost of learning while increasing the efficiency and ease of learning. However, little work has been done on the systemic and technological aspects of metaverse education as of yet. In this paper, we propose a system to fill this technological gap, which includes a virtual learning system and Web3 blockchain technology in addition to the real world to ensure social interaction in the learning process. The utility and benefit of this system is that it not only provides users with a learning efficiency and environment superior to the physical world, but also ensures security, transparency and fairness of the learning process through an integrated framework.
Evaluation of some triticale genotypes under different salt concentrations at germination and early seedling stage
Authors: Ramadan Ebrahim , Freeg Haytham A. , Shalaby Nagwa , Rizk Mosa S. , Ma Jun , Du Wenhua , Ibrahim Omar , Korany Shereen , Alsherif Emad , AbdElgawad Hamada , El-Tahan Amira 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

The aim of the current investigation is to study the effect of salinity on triticale genotypes at germination and early seedling stage. Nine triticale genotypes were used. Six salt concentrations i.e. control, 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 mM NaCl were applied. Results indicated that increasing salinity concentrations negatively affected the studied traits. The genotypes Zhongsi 10841048, C6, C23 and C25 had better performance for germination rate, germination vigor index, germination percentage, mean daily germination and relative salt injury. Highly significant positive correlations were revealed among the traits including germination rate, germination vigor index, germination percentage, mean daily germination, seedling vigor index and root length indicating the importance of these traits for selection of salt tolerance genotypes at germination stage. PCA was able to group the most desirable genotypes into two clusters.
Analysis of clinical and physical dosimetric factors that determine the outcome of severe acute radiation pneumonitis in lung cancer patients
Authors: Zhao Jing , Ma Chenying , Gan Guanghui , Xu Xiaoting , Zhou Juying 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Objective: We conducted a preliminary statistical analysis of clinical and physical dosimetric factors of lung cancer patients who had previously undergone lung and/or mediastinal radiotherapy and died of or survived severe acute radiation pneumonitis (SARP). Our study was the first to reveal the heterogeneity in clinical factors, physical dosimetric factors, and SARP onset time that determined the clinical outcomes of lung cancer patients who developed SARP.
Materials and methods: The clinical characteristics, physical dosimetry factors, and SARP onset time of deceased and surviving patients were retrospectively analyzed. SPSS 20.0 was used for data analysis. A t-test was used for intergroup comparison, and a Mann–Whitney U test was used for data with skewed distribution. Qualitative data were represented using frequencies (%), and Fisher’s exact test or χ2 test was used for intergroup comparison of nonparametric data. Binary logistic analysis was used for univariate and multivariate analyses. Differences with a P<0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: Univariate analysis revealed that the potential predictors of SARP death were as follows: ipsilateral lung V5 and V30, contralateral lung V5, V10, and V30, total lung V5, V10, and V30, mean lung dose, mean heart dose, and maximum spinal cord dose. Multivariate analysis showed that ipsilateral lung V5 and total lung V5 were predictors that determined the final outcome of SARP patients. In addition, we analyzed the time from the completion of radiotherapy to SARP onset, and found significant difference between the two groups.
Conclusions: There was no decisive correlation between clinical characteristics and SARP outcome (i.e., death or survival) in lung radiotherapy patients. Ipsilateral lung V5 and total lung V5 were independent predictors of death in SARP patients.
The role of Advanced Practice Nurses in creating the Kidney Transplant candidate care map (APN-preKT): a convergent-parallel mixed methods research protocol
Authors: PEDREIRA-ROBLES Guillermo , MORÍN-FRAILE Victoria , BACH-PASCUAL Anna , REDONDO-PACHÓN Dolores , PÉREZ-SÁEZ María José , CRESPO Marta , FALCÓ-PEGUEROLES Anna , GARCIMARTÍN Paloma 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background. Waiting time for kidney transplants (KT) is an important health determinant for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). During this time, ongoing evaluation and participation is necessary in order to guarantee the quality and suitability of the proposed treatment. There is no existing literature on the potential impact of inclusion of an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) role in the hospital setting on care for CKD patients who are candidates for KT. The main objectives of this protocol are: to analyse outpatient nursing activity in the care of individuals with KT in Spain; to identify the needs of individuals who are KT candidates; and to measure the impact of the APN role through patient outcomes and experiences. These objectives are fulfilled through 5 specific related substudies.
Methods. A convergent parallel mixed methods approach will be conducted. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected and analysed separately to ascertain whether the findings confirm or contradict one another. Each of the 5 substudies of the project require a specific design, sampling method, and data collection procedure in order to meet the overall objectives for the project.
Discussion. The results of the project are expected to inform the design of future nursing roles and contribute to future improvements in the quality of care provided. The data that may be obtained from this protocol are limited to the specific context of the study facility and may be extrapolated but not compared to other settings due to the variability of care pathways for KT candidates internationally.
Trial registration. This project was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee (no.2020/9418/I). The study was supported by the “Strategic Plan for Health Research and Innovation” from the Generalitat de Catalunya, registration number SLT017/20/000001, with a contribution of 57,239 euros.
Perceived Sleep Quality in Individuals with Inborn Errors of Immunity
Authors: Sowers Kerri , Sawaged Adel , Bowen Brian 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Chronic sleep issues can lead to poor quality of life and increased mortality and patients with chronic health conditions often report impaired sleep quality. Higher levels of fatigue have been identified in patients diagnosed with Inborn Errors of Immunity (or Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases). This research sought to better understand perceived sleep quality in individuals diagnosed with IEI.
Methods: A survey, which included the validated Sleep Quality Scale, was shared across multiple social media groups for individuals with a diagnosis of IEI.
Results: Most of the participants were White/Caucasian females, between the ages of 30 to 74 years. The results of the Sleep Quality Scale suggest that this sample of individuals has moderate impairment of their sleep quality (71.8%), with a mean score of 43.0 (SD = 13.1). When comparing the results of the SQS to other patient populations and healthy control groups, the participants in this study had a poorer sleep quality score. Associations were identified between sleep quality and age, hours of sleep per night, time awake at night, times awake to urinate, attempted daytime naps, chronic pain, and mental health diagnoses.
Conclusion: This survey suggests that individuals with Inborn Errors of Immunity have a moderate degree of perceived impairment in sleep quality. Healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to incorporate sleep quality screening in their routine assessments of patients with a diagnosis of Inborn Error of Immunity. Patients who are identified as having impaired sleep quality should be referred for further testing and interventions.
Does A One-Session Sexual Health Education Program Improve Sexual Confidence in Patients with Cervical Cancer? A Transtheoretical Model‐based Clinical Study
Authors: Tung Tao-Hsin , Chen Hsiao-Wei , Chou Hung-Hsueh , Tsai Jia-Ling , Yang Ya-Chieh , Lee Jian Tao 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose The aim was to evaluate the effects of a one-session sexual health education program using transtheoretical model to enhance the sexual self-efficacy of patients with cervical cancer.
Methods This study recruited patients with cervical cancer from gynecological wards of a medical center in northern Taiwan. A total of 63 participants were divided into two groups: the control group (n=30) received traditional sexual health teaching. The intervention group (n=33) received a transtheoretical model (TTM)‐based sexual health education program. Scores from self-report instruments for variables of knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy about sexual health collected at 1 week and 6 weeks after the intervention were compared with baseline scores.
Results Patients who received a transtheoretical model (TTM)‐based sexual health education had significantly greater sexual knowledge (b= 3.794, P < .01), sexual attitudes (b= 9.226, P < .01), and sexual self-efficacy (b= 17.053, P < .01) than patients in the traditional sexual health teaching at 1- and 6- weeks.
Conclusion Our findings suggest that a one-session sexual health education using TTM-based model can enhance the sexual knowledge, attitudes, and sexual self-efficacy of patients with cervical cancer. This educational program could be translated into routine clinical practice to help patients with cervical cancer enhance their sexual health, which could improve confidence in their sexual well-being.
Comparison of drug-coated balloon angioplasty versus common balloon angioplasty in hemodialysis patients with arteriovenous fistula stenosis: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Hu Xiang-Yang , Wang Qi-Bing , Zou Zhen-Wu , Zhang Yong 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have been used in dialysis patients with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) stenosis, but whether they have advantages over ordinary balloons is still controversial. A meta-analysis was designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of DCBs and common balloons (CBs) in the treatment of AVF stenosis, with a registration in INPLASY (INPLASY202280112). A total of 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that the DCB group had a higher first-stage patency rate of the target lesion 6 months and 12 months after surgery, and the difference was statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference in all-cause mortality between the two groups at 6 months and 12 months.
Sputum handling for rheology
Authors: Enjuto Lydia Esteban , Vincent Matthieu Robert Saint , Maurin Max , Degano Bruno , Bodiguel Hugues 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The rheology of sputum is viewed as a powerful emerging biophysical marker for monitoring muco-obstructive pulmonary diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF bronchiectasis (NCFB). However, there is no unified practice to process sputa from collection to analysis, which can lead to highly variable, and sometimes poorly consistent results. The main objective of this study is to bring light into the handling of sputum samples to establish a standardised and robust protocol before rheological measurements.
Sputum collected from 22 CF and 10 NCFB adults, was divided into control (vortexed and fresh: non-heated and non-frozen) and three treated conditions (either non-vortexed, heated or frozen). In addition, 6 CF expectorations were used to study the dynamics of ageing over 24 hours. Sputum’s mechanical properties were measured with a rotational rheometer to obtain their properties at rest, elastic (G′) and viscous moduli (G′′), and at the onset of flow, critical deformation (γc) and critical stress (σc). We demonstrate that heating sputum is completely destructive while freezing sputa at −80 °C has no discernible effect on their rheology. We also show that the dispersion of rheological measurements largely resulted from the sample’s macroscopic heterogeneity, and can be greatly reduced by non-destructive vortex homogenisation. Finally, we observed contrasted ageing effects as a fonction of purulence: while the viscoelasticity of purulent samples reduced by half within six hours after collection, semi-purulent samples did not evolve. These results guide towards a robust unified protocol for simple sputum handling in rheometry. We therefore suggest to vortex and snap freeze sputum samples immediately after collection when direct testing is not possible.