bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exponential stabilisation of highly nonlinear neutral stochastic systems by variable-delay feedback control
Authors: Shen Mingxuan , Fei Chen 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis paper is devoted to dealing with the exponential stabilisation of highly nonlinear hybrid neutral stochastic differential equation (NSDE) by variable delay feedback control. There have been so far few results on the stabilization of variable delay stochastic systems by variable delay feedback control, although the stabilisation of neutral stochastic systems on the current state has been investigated. Finally, an illustrative example is provided for verifying our theoretical results.
A model for predicting overall survival in bladder cancer patients with signet ring cell carcinoma: a population-based study
Authors: Liu Liang , Li Chuangui , Wang Qiang , Yuan Haibo , Wang Yuanyuan 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Introduction
This study is to examine the predictors of survival and to construct a nomogram for predicting the overall survival (OS) of primary bladder signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) patients based on the analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

Methods
A total of 219 eligible patients diagnosed with SRCC were analyzed using the 2004–2015 data from SEER database. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were used to determine independent prognostic factors, followed by development of a nomogram based on the multivariate Cox regression models. The consistency index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and calibration curve were used to validate the prognostic nomogram.

Results
The nomograms indicated appreciable accuracy in predicting the OS, with C-index of 0.771 and 0.715, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of the nomogram was 0.713 for 1 year, 0.742 for 3 years, and 0.776 for 5 years in the training set, while was 0.730 for 1 year, 0.727 for 3 years, and 0.697 for 5 years in the validation set. The calibration curves revealed satisfactory consistency between the prediction of deviation correction and ideal reference line.

Conclusions
The prognostic nomogram developed in the analytical data of SEER it provided high accuracy and reliability in predicting the survival outcomes of primary bladder SRCC patients and could be used to comprehensively assess the risk of SRCC. Moreover, they could enable clinicians to make more precise treatment decisions for primary bladder SRCC patients.
Feed intake patterns of modern genetics lactating sows: characterization and effect of the reproductive parameters
Authors: Rodríguez María , Díaz-Amor Gonzalo , Morales Joaquín , Koketsu Yuzo , Piñeiro Carlos 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Knowing the feed intake pattern during lactation of modern genetic sows is crucial because it allows to anticipate possible problems and maximize their performance. On the other side, electronic feeders permit real-time data to be available for a more accurate evaluation of sow eating behavior. This work aimed to characterize the feed intake patterns of lactating highly prolific sows and determine their effect on reproductive performance. A database of 1,058 registers of feed intake collected from a commercial farm was used to identify five consistent sets of clusters (feeding curves) using machine learning. In the second step, the five feeding curves were characterized into five patterns by high, medium and low feed intake during 0–6 d and 7–28 d of lactation: 1-HH, 2-MH, 3-HM, 4-MM and 5-LL.

Results
The mean daily feed intake of all the sows was 6.2 kg (0.06 SEM) across the 5 patterns. As the pattern numbers increased from 1-HH, 2-MH, 3-HM and 4-MM to 5-LL, their mean daily feed intake decreased from 7.6 to 6.9, 6.4, 5.8 and 4.3 (0.06 SEM) kg, respectively (P < 0.01). Sows with Pattern 1-HH tended to have shorter weaning-to-first service interval (P = 0.06) and had a higher farrowing rate than those with Pattern 5-LL (P < 0.01). Furthermore, contrast analysis showed that sows with Patterns 1-HH and 2-MH tended to have more piglets weaned (P = 0.05) and lower preweaning mortality (P = 0.07) than those with Patterns 3-HM and 4-MM. Also, sows with Patterns 1-HH and 3-HM had fewer stillborn piglets and a lower percentage of stillborn piglets and mummies than those with Patterns 2-MH and 4-MM (P < 0.01).

Conclusions
This study indicates the importance of reaching Pattern 1-HH by rapidly increasing feed intake during early lactation and high feed intake during late lactation, which is associated with high weaning performance and subsequent reproductive performance of the sows. Also, the current study suggests that Pattern 1-HH is linked to good farrowing with a low percentage of stillborn piglets and mummies. Finally, it is critical for producers to timely identify a problem of sows’ eating behavior and to make a prompt decision to intervene.
The efficacy of oral pain relief cocktail during pan-retinal photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Johari Mohammadkarim , Safniyat Sarah , Badie Mohammadreza , Amini Abdulrahim , Sanie-Jahromi Fatemeh 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
to evaluate the pain-relieving effect of analgesic combinations during pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).

Methods
This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients with severe NPDR without previous history of PRP were included in the study. Both eyes of the patients were treated with a pan-retinal photocoagulation procedure. The retina was divided into four quadrants and the treatment plan for patients submitted to PRP was divided into four sessions. Different oral medications were given to patients 1 hour before the procedure. Capsules containing a combination of analgesic drugs (including 325 mg acetaminophen, 200 mg ibuprofen, and 40 mg caffeine, referred to as N), pregabalin capsules (75 mg, referred to as P), a combination of N capsules and P capsules (referred to as NP), and the placebo were used in each session. Each patient scored the pain sensation immediately after the procedure using a visual analog scale (VAS).

Result
60 eyes of 30 patients were studied. The mean value of VAS in patients receiving the placebo was 3.3 ± 1.822 units, while this scale was 3.067 ± 1.507, 3.5 ± 1.479, and 3.5 ± 1.77 in the N, P, and NP consumed patients, respectively. There was no significant difference in VAS levels and the patient’s vital signs between different sessions (P = 0.512).

Conclusion
No evidence of the pain-relieving effect of N, P or NP was found during PRP.
Trial registration: IRCT20200915048724N1. Registered 20 October 2020, https://www.irct.ir/trial/51345
Quantitative cone contrast threshold testing in patients with differing pathophysiological mechanisms causing retinal diseases
Authors: White Kayla M. , Livnat Itamar , Frambach Caroline R. , Doan John , Mehta Urmi V. , Yuh Clara , Palma Anton M. , Jameson Kimberly A. , Kenney M. Cristina , Mehta Mitul C. , Boisvert Chantal J. , Crow Wade R. , Browne Andrew W. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Cone contrast threshold testing (CCT) provides quantitative measurements of color and contrast function to reveal changes in vision quality that are not standard endpoints in clinical trials. We utilize CCT to measure visual function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), epiretinal membrane (ERM), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Methods
Retrospective data was gathered from 237 patients of the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute. Subjects included 17 patients with MS, 45 patients with AMD, 41 patients with ERM, 11 patients with RVO, and 123 healthy controls. Patients underwent the primary measurement outcome, CCT testing, as well as Sloan visual acuity test and spectral domain optical coherence tomography during normal care.

Results
Color and contrast deficits were present in MS patients regardless of history of optic neuritis. AMD with intermediate or worse disease demonstrated reduced CCT scores. All 3 stages of ERM demonstrated cone contrast deficits. Despite restoration of visual acuity, RVO-affected eyes demonstrated poorer CCT performance than unaffected fellow eyes.

Conclusions
CCT demonstrates color and contrast deficits for multiple retinal diseases with differing pathophysiology. Further prospective studies of CCT in other disease states and with larger samples sizes is warranted.
Assessment of quality of life in children with epilepsy in Oman
Authors: Alnaamani Asia , Ahmad Faraz , Al-Saadoon Muna , Rizvi Syed Gauhar Alam , Al-Futaisi Amna 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to describe the quality of life (QoL) in Omani children with epilepsy at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman.

Methods
One hundred and one Omani children, with an age range from 5 to 18 years, diagnosed with epilepsy were enrolled in the study over 3 months. Descriptive epidemiology was used to characterize QoL in these children. QoL was measured using the PedsQL (4.0) questionnaire, a 23-item child and parent report questionnaire. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare mean QoL scores, and agreement between the QoL reports of children and parents was evaluated using Spearman’s rho; while, Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed to determine differences in subscale ratings.

Results
Factors affecting QoL included family status, income level, social security coverage, type of treatment, seizure frequency, age of onset, and seizure-free duration in years. Children between 5 and 7 years and females, in general, were most affected, as reflected by the overall QoL subscale. Consistency between the children's self-reports and parent proxy reports on the PedsQL™ was moderate to low.

Conclusion
Omani children with epilepsy have poor QoL, and their psychosocial function is severely affected. Therefore, QoL should be an important outcome measure in managing children with epilepsy rather than just seizure control.
A first detection of Exorista segregata (Rondani, 1859) (Diptera: Tachinidae) as a larval parasitoid of Orgyia trigotephras Boisduval, 1829 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) from Tunisia
Authors: Hammami Sonia , Ezzine Olfa , Bystrowski Cezary , Ben Jamâa Mohamed Lahbib 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
The tachinid parasitoid, Exorista segregata (Rondani, 1859) (Diptera: Tachinidae) is a polyphagous fly recorded on larvae of lepidopterans. Larvae of the Erebidae, Orgyia trigotephras Boisduval were collected from Northern Tunisia and reared in the laboratory at INRGREF. Larvae were kept individually until emergence of parasitoid’s adults.

Results
Morphological data including dissected genitalia was used to identify E. segregate as a parasitoid of O. trigotephras larvae.

Conclusion
The larval parasitoid, E. segregata is recorded from a new host O. trigotephras for the first time in Tunisia. This species could be considered in the programs of biological control of different lepidopterans’ pests in Tunisia and neighboring countries.
The “SALPARE study” of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: part 1
Authors: De Rosa Ludovica , Manara Renzo , Vodret Francesca , Kulyk Caterina , Montano Florian , Pieroni Alessio , Viaro Federica , Zedde Maria Luisa , Napoletano Rosa , Ermani Mario , Baracchini Claudio 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating type of stroke with a huge impact on patients and families. Expanded use of oral anticoagulants and ageing population might contribute to an epidemiological change. In view of these trends, we planned a study to obtain a contemporary picture and identify early prognostic factors to improve secondary prevention.

Methods
This multicenter prospective cohort study included consecutive adult patients with non-traumatic ICH admitted to three academic Italian hospitals (Salerno, Padova, Reggio Emilia) over a 2-year period. Demographic characteristics, vascular risk profile, clinical data and main radiological characteristics were correlated to 90-day clinical outcome.

Results
Out of 682 patients [mean age: 73 ± 14 years; 316 (46.3%) females] enrolled in this study, 40% died [86/180 (47.8%) in Salerno, 120/320 (37.5%) in Padova, 67/182 (36.8%) in Reggio Emilia; p < 0.05)] and 36% were severely disabled at 90 days. Several factors were associated with a higher risk of poor functional outcome such as antithrombotic drug use, hyperglycemia, previous cerebrovascular accident, low platelet count, and pontine/massive/intraventricular hemorrhage. However, at multivariate analysis only pre-ICH mRS score (OR 30.84), GCS score at presentation (OR 11.88), initial hematoma volume (OR 29.71), and NIHSS score at presentation (OR 25.89) were independent predictors of death and poor functional outcome.

Conclusion
Despite the heterogeneity among centers, this study on ICH has identified four simple prognostic factors that can independently predict patients outcome, stratify their risk, and guide their management.
A discrete unified gas-kinetic scheme for multi-species rarefied flows
Authors: Xin Ziyang , Zhang Yue , Guo Zhaoli 
Published: February 2023

AbstractA discrete unified gas kinetic scheme (DUGKS) is developed for multi-species flow in all flow regimes based on the Andries-Aoki-Perthame (AAP) kinetic model. Although the species collision operator in the AAP model conserves fully the mass, momentum, and energy for the mixture, it does not conserve the momentum and energy for each species due to the inter-species collisions. In this work, the species collision operator is decomposed into two parts: one part is fully conservative for the species and the other represents the excess part. With this decomposition, the kinetic equation is solved using the Strang-splitting method, in which the excess part of the collision operator is treated as a source, while the kinetic equation with the species conservative part is solved by the standard DUGKS. Particularly, the time integration of the source term is realized by either explicit or implicit Euler scheme. By this means, it is easy to extend the scheme to gas mixtures composed of Maxwell or hard-sphere molecules, while the previous DUGKS [Zhang Y, Zhu L, Wang R et al, Phys Rev E 97(5):053306, 2018] of binary gases was only designed for Maxwell molecules. Several tests are performed to validate the scheme, including the shock structure under different Mach numbers and molar concentrations, the Couette flow under different mass ratios, and the pressure-driven Poiseuille flow in different flow regimes. The results are compared with those from other reliable numerical methods based on different models. And the influence of molecular model on the flow characteristics is studied. The results also show that the present DUGKS with implicit source discretization is more stable and preferable for gas mixture problems involving different flow regimes.
Risk of complications with prolonged operative time in morbidly obese patients undergoing elective total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Mundi Raman , Nucci Nicholas , Wolfstadt Jesse , Pincus Daniel , Chaudhry Harman 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Patients with a high body-mass index (BMI) are at increased risk for significant complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We explored whether operative time is a modifiable risk factor for infectious and thromboembolic complications.

Methods
A retrospective observational cohort study of the ACS-NSQIP registry, including all patients who underwent primary TKA (2015–2018), and were morbidly obese (BMI 40 kg/m2 or greater) was performed. We created four categories of operative time in minutes: less than 60, 60–90, 91–120, and greater than 120. The association of prolonged operative time with superficial/deep surgical site infection (SSI), DVT and PE within 30 days postoperatively was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression.

Results
34,190 patients were included (median age 63 [IQR 57–68], mean BMI of 44.6 kg/m2 [SD 4.4]). The majority of patients had an operative time between 60–90 mins (n = 13,640, 39.9%) or 91–120 mins (n = 9908, 29.0%). There was no significant association between longer operative time and superficial/deep/organ-space SSI or PE. DVT risk was significantly increased. Patients with time exceeding 120 mins had nearly 2.5 greater odds of DVT compared to less than 60 minutes (OR 2.47, 95% CI: 1.39–4.39, P = 0.002). Odds of DVT were 1.73 times greater in those with time of 91–120 mins (OR 1.73, 95%CI: 0.98–3.05, P = 0.06).

Conclusion
Early infection and thromboembolic complications with prolonged operative time in morbidly obese patients remain low. We did not identify a significant association with increased operative time and superficial/deep SSI, or PE. There was a significantly increased risk for deep vein thrombosis with prolonged operative time.
Physicochemical and sensory characteristics of traditional Kırklareli meatballs with added cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) flour
Authors: Kahraman Esra , Dağlioğlu Orhan , Yilmaz İsmail 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe effects of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) flour on some physical, chemical, textural and sensory properties of Kırklareli meatballs were investigated. For this purpose, cowpea flour was added to the traditional Kırklareli meatball formulation in four different proportions (2, 4, 6 and 8%). As a result of the analysis on cowpea flour; pH, water activity (aw), moisture, protein, fat, ash, carbohydrate, acidity, starch, total dietary fiber, total monounsaturated fatty acids, total polyunsaturated fatty acids, total unsaturated fatty acids and total saturated fatty acids were found as 6.25, 0.52, 10.20, 20.35, 0.53, 2.94, 65.43%, 0.06, 45.09, 20.90, 5.86, 59.88, 65.74 and 34.26%, respectively. Depending on the increase in incorporation rate of cowpea flour, changes in L* (43,40-53,88), b* (13,92-18,11), pH (5,83-5,94), aw (0,96-0,98), moisture (44,03-50,63%), protein (17,70-21,89%), fat (19,49-22,97%), carbohydrate (6,77-12,11%), salt (1,28-1,74%), total dietary fiber (2,81-5,08%) values of the raw samples and a* (5,64-9,44), b* (9,77-18,06), moisture (39,27-45,24%), protein (19,92-23,45%), fat (23,08-26,19%), carbohydrate (5,92-11,30%), total dietary fiber (3,28-5,40%) values of the cooked Kırklareli meatball samples were statistically significant (P < 0.05), while the changes in weight loss, ash, free fatty acidity, texture and sensory results were found insignificant (P > 0.05). Total saturated, total unsaturated and trans fatty acid contents of cowpea flour added meatball samples were significantly (P < 0.05) different from the control samples. In the sensory analysis, meatball samples with 4% cowpea flour received the highest general acceptability score. According to the obtained data, cowpea flour can be added up to 4% on basic meat values without changing the textural and sensory properties of Kırklareli meatballs. Cowpea flour could be added as a functional ingredient in meatballs.
Graphical Abstract
The factorial structure and psychometric properties of the PERMA-Profiler Arabic version to measure well-being within a Palestinian adult population
Authors: Mahamid Fayez , Veronese Guido , Bdier Dana 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
The PERMA-Profiler is an international methods designed to test the general wellbeing of adults in terms of 5 pillars: positive and negative emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment .In our study, we tested the psychometric properties and the factorial structure of PERMA-Profiler within the Palestinian context using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The sample of the current study consisted of 582 Palestinian adults recruited from online advertisements, e-mail campaigns and social media.

Results
The PERMA-Profiler showed good validity and reliability indicators in assessing general wellbeing among Palestinians, the CFA results revealed a stable five-factor construct of the PERMA-Profiler.

Conclusions
More future studies validating the PERMA-Profiler with diverse groups in the Palestinian context are recommendable, which will enable mental health providers to develop clinical interventions targeting individuals who suffer from mental distress and low levels of well-being.
Unfolding the science behind policy initiatives targeting plastic pollution
Authors: Nielsen Maria Bille , Clausen Lauge Peter Westergaard , Cronin Richard , Hansen Steffen Foss , Oturai Nikoline Garner , Syberg Kristian 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe intensive global plastic production, use and associated plastic pollution have caused concern for the potential risks to human health and the environment. This has led to the adoption of numerous regulatory initiatives aiming to combat plastic pollution. Despite the considerable regulatory activity in the field of plastic, it appears that there is still debate about the actual risks of plastic to humans and the environment. This raises the question of to what extent the current plastic regulation is evidence-based, a declared ambition in the European Union. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate to what extent key policy initiatives targeting plastic pollution are based on scientific evidence. Selection of initiatives was based on expert elicitation accounting for the opinions of persons involved in the development of the policy initiatives, and a thorough assessment of the historical development of plastic pollution regulation, with focus on their importance both with respect to regulation of plastics as well as their historical importance as drivers for societal actions on plastic pollution. We find that scientific evidence appears to be generally present in the scientific foundation for the policy initiatives analysed in this study. All the initiatives are supported by scientific articles and reports about among others plastic sources, ecological impacts of plastic production and consumption patterns. Marine litter monitoring data was found to contribute to the evidence base for 4 out of the 6 policy initiatives and thereby appears to be one of the central scientific drivers behind the societal actions on plastic pollution. Other scientific tools applied when shaping the policy initiatives include risk assessment, impact assessment and life cycle assessment. Despite the prevalent consideration and application of scientific evidence, there seems to be a broad recognition in the preparatory work of the initiatives that there is still a lot of uncertainty related to determining the harm of plastic pollution. In these cases, taking precautionary actions seems however to be justified, recalling not least the precautionary principle. As the issue of plastic pollution is complex and still subject to uncertainty, it seems important both that policy initiatives allow for flexibility and continuing adjustment to the on-going knowledge generation and that the scientific community provides the needed research to continue the science-informed policy development.