bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Urbanization on Green Spaces of the Densely Populated City of Karachi, Pakistan - An Analysis of 8 Years of Data for Estimating Land Cover Changes
Authors: Zia Huma , Khan Tahreem , Hasan shehzad , Fatima Hafiza Sundus , Khurram Muhammad , Harris Nick R. , Khalil Ashraf 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Growing population, uncontrolled migration, and unplanned urbanization are prevalent worldwide and Pakistan is no exception with Karachi ranking as Asia's fifth and the world's eleventh most populous metropolis. Urbanization is occurring at the expense of environmental degradation and a decline in the amount of Urban Green Spaces (UGS). The WHO recommends at least 9 square meters (m2) of green space per person, with a UGS value of 50 m2 per capital as the optimum green space for environmental sustainability. The study region consisted of six districts in Karachi, and their percentage of green space was calculated. Satellite images from the Landsat-8 Surface reflectance Tier-1 satellite program were used in this study. To perform calculations and detect land cover changes, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), a widely used index to calculate the density of green area for a specific part of the land, is used. The results concluded that Karachi's green land cover has changed from 6.30% in January 2014 to 11.28% in January 2021, at NDVI > 0.3. These statistics of NDVI greater than 0.3 indicate sparse or moderate vegetation hence the possibility of including wild grass and bushes in the analysis is eliminated. Only a five percent (5%) rise over an eight-year period suggests the necessity for drastic action to improve the quantity and condition of UGS in Karachi. This study shows how Karachi's green spaces have been steadily being destroyed by uncontrolled urbanization and the yearly changes in vegetation. This research will help urban planners and policymakers to make wise choices for environmental sustainability in urban areas.
Experimental Investigation on Juncture Flow Associated with a Surface-Mounted Circular Cylinder Trailed by a Backward-Facing Step
Authors: Yang Chun-Yao , Chow Yi-Chih 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Juncture flows associated with surface-mounted obstacles can be characterized by a U-shaped tubular vortical flow known as a horseshoe vortex (HSV). Horseshoe vortices are usually detrimental to engineering applications. Therefore, numerous studies have investigated methods for reducing HSVs’ strength. To design a suitable method for reducing HSVs’ strength, the characteristics of HSVs influenced by external boundary geometries must first be understood. Thus, we experimentally investigated a juncture flow field associated with a fundamental geometry—a circular cylinder mounted perpendicular to a plane surface—with a trailing backward-facing step representing downstream effects on upstream-formed flow structures. This setup is one of the simplest nonplanar geometries that generates flow features such as an unsteady separated shear layer that may considerably affect an HSV. We used the particle image velocimetry (PIV) and PIV-based flow visualization techniques combined with a vortex-fitting algorithm to measure the juncture flow and identify the HSV and its kinematic modes at a low Reynolds number of 1100. We compared the results obtained with and without the backward-facing step and observed that the backward-facing step increased the number and complexity of kinematic modes, i.e. the unsteadiness, of the HSV, and reduced HSV’s stretching, which resulted in an increased vortex diameter and increased circulation; that is, the strength of the HSV was enhanced by the backward-facing step.
Developing Risk Level Prediction Model and Clinical Decision Support System for Cardiovascular Diseases in Ethiopia
Authors: Jimma Worku , Diriba Chala , Merga Hailu 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases have become one of the severe health problems in both developing and developed countries. This research aimed to develop a risk level prediction model and clinical decision support system for CVD in Ethiopia using data mining techniques. A total of 4004 datasets were used to develop the model. Moreover, primary data was collected from the domain experts via interviews and questionnaires. The domain experts identified thirty-one risk factors, of which only eleven attributes were selected after experimentation to develop the model. Based on the result of experimentation, the model was developed by an unpruned J48 classifier algorithm which produced F-Measure 0.877, which is comparatively the best algorithm. The prototype system was developed by Visual C# studio tool. The developed prototype system helps health care providers to identify risk level CVD diseases. It was developed using a data mining technique, which can efficiently predict cardiovascular disease risk levels. However, developing the model by using more datasets and changing the default setting of WEKA, a data mining tool, will be the future work of this study.
A Nationwide Randomized Controlled Trial on Additional Treatment for Isolated Local Pancreatic Cancer Recurrence using Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (ARCADE)
Authors: Goor Iris W. J. M. van , Daamen L.A. , Besselink M.G. , Bruynzeel A.M.E. , Busch O.R. , Cirkel G.A. , Koerkamp B. Groot , Mohammad N. Haj , Heerkens H.D. , Laarhoven H.W.M. van , Meijer G.J. , Nuyttens J. , Santvoort H.C. van , Tienhoven G. van , Verkooijen H.M. , Wilmink J.W. , Molenaar I.Q. , Intven M.P.W. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
• Background: Disease recurrence is the main cause of mortality after resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In 20-30% of resected patients, isolated local PDAC recurrence occurs. Retrospective studies have suggested that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) might lead to improved local control in these patients, potentially having a beneficial effect on both survival and quality of life. The “nationwide randomized controlled trial on additional treatment for isolated local pancreatic cancer recurrence using stereotactic body radiation therapy” (ARCADE) will investigate the value of SBRT in addition to standard of care in patients with isolated local PDAC recurrence compared to standard of care alone, regarding both survival and quality of life outcomes.• Methods: The ARCADE trial is nested within a prospective cohort (Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Project; PACAP) according to the ‘Trials within Cohorts’ design. All PACAP-participants with isolated local PDAC recurrence after primary resection who provided informed consent for being randomized in future studies are eligible. Patients will be randomized for local therapy (5 fractions of 8 Gy SBRT) in addition to standard of care or standard of care alone. In total, 174 patients will be included. The main study endpoint is survival after recurrence. The most important secondary endpoint is quality of life.• Discussion: It is hypothesized that additional SBRT, compared to standard of care alone, improves survival and quality of life in patients with isolated local recurrence after PDAC resection.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov registration, NCT04881487. Registered on May 11, 2021, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04881487.
Frequency, prognosis, and clinical features of unexpected versus expected cardiac arrest in the emergency department: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Szaruta-Raflesz Karolina , Łopaciński Tomasz , Siemiński Mariusz 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background. Though out-of-hospital CA (OHCA) is widely reported, data on in-hospital CA (IHCA), and especially cardiac arrest (CA) in the emergency department (CAED), are scarce. This study aimed to determine the frequency, prevalence, and clinical features of unexpected CA in the ED and compare the data with those of expected CA in the ED.
Methods. We defined unexpected CA in the ED as CA occurring in patients in non-critical ED-care areas, classified as not requiring strict monitoring. A retrospective analysis of cases from 2016–2018 was performed, in comparison to other patients experiencing CA in the ED.
Results. The 38 cases of unexpected CA in this study constituted 34.5% of CA diagnosed in the ED and 8.4% of all CA treated in the ED. This population did not differ significantly from other CA in the ED regarding demographics, comorbidities, and survival rates. The commonest symptoms were dyspnoea, disorders of consciousness, generalised weakness, and chest pain. The commonest causes of death were acute myocardial infarction, malignant neoplasms with metastases, septic shock, pulmonary embolism, and heart failure.
Conclusions. Unexpected CA in the ED represents a group of potentially avoidable CA and deaths. These patients should be analysed, and ED management should include measures aimed at reducing their incidence.
Trial registration. The study protocol was approved by the local ethical committee of the author’s institute (Approval number NKBBN/140/2021). As the study was based upon a retrospective analysis of anonymised medical charts, no written consent was obtained from the patients.
Identification of wheat kernel varieties based on hyperspectral imaging technology and grouped convolutional neural network with feature intervals
Authors: Que Haotian , Zhao Xin , Sun Xiulan , Zhu Qibing , Huang Min 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Variety identification of seeds is essential for evaluating seed purity and ensuring crop yields. This study used hyperspectral imaging to determine 8 high-quality wheat kernel varieties in China combined with a deep learning network and spectral wavelength interval selection methods. The hyperspectral images with a spectral range of 400-1000 nm were firstly processed by three kinds of spectral wavelength interval selection methods including interval continuum removal (iCR), backward interval partial least squares (BiPLS), and interval random frog (iRF) for exploring optimal wavelength intervals. Then the convolutional neural network (CNN) classification models in combination with the processed hyperspectral images were developed. In order to extract effective features, two different structures with full convolution (FC) and grouped convolution (GC) were used. The performance of the proposed models was validated with 8000 samples from the 8 varieties of wheat kernels. The results showed that the combination of feature wavelength and grouping convolution enabled classification models effectively to obtain better classification accuracy and improve the inference speed of the model. The iCR-GC CNN model had the highest classification accuracy with a 4.4% increase and the fastest inference speed with a 44.21% reduction by comparing with the reference CNN classification model.
Prevalence of Alcohol Consumption and Knowledge on its Consequences among Young Adult in Ward Number Five at Kachan Kawal Municipality, Nepal
Authors: Basnet Saraswati( Corresponding  Author) , Rajbonshi Sarmila (first author) 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

The harmful use of alcohol causes many disease, social and economic burden in societies. The harmful use of alcohol ranks among the top risk factors for disease, disability and death through world. youth, who start drinking before age 15 years are six time more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse later in life than those who begin drinking at or after age 20 years. Aim of the study is to find out the prevalence of alcohol consumption and knowledge on its consequences among young adult (19–39 years) young adult in ward number 5 at Kachan Kawal Municipality, Jhapa. Descriptive cross sectional research design was used in this study. Non probability purposive sampling technique was used to select 50 young adult and semi -structured interview schedule was used to collect data. Data analysis was done on SPSS version 20.0. Descriptive statistics i.e. frequency, mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics i.e. chi square test was used to find the association between dependent and independent variable The finding of the present study revealed that out of 50 respondent 70% had current drinker, with male 44% outnumbering female 24%. Among those consumed alcohol 83.33% have used it before the age of 20 years. More than half of the respondents had been good knowledge on consequences of alcohol consumption i .e 56.0% and 44.0% had poor knowledge. It was concluded that alcohol consumption was high among male than female. There is association between level on knowledge on consequences and alcohol consumption and socio demographical variables.
Pueraria lobata resistant starch improves obesity by regulating lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in high-fat diet mice
Authors: Li Na , Li Quan-cen , Gao Xiao-xiang , Ge Xiao-dong , Huang Zi-feng , Cai Wen-wen , Chen Fu-jie , Liu Bin , Zeng Feng 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The health potential of resistant starch (RS) on the gut and its microbiota has received widespread attention. Here, we prepared Pueraria lobata resistant starch (PLRS) by modifying Pueraria lobata starch with Pullulanase and hypothesized that PLRS could improve lipid metabolism disorders and modulate gut microbiota structure in high-fat diet (HFD) induced obese mice. Our results revealed that PLRS alleviated lipid metabolism disorders by ameliorating HFD-induced liver and intestinal damage, significantly upregulating the abundance of Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, Blautia, and Dubosiella, as well as markedly suppressing Staphylococcus in obese mice. Molecular mechanisms have elucidated that the PLRS may exert reducing fat accumulation and stabilize the gut microbiota effects through the modulation of the fatty acid metabolic signaling pathway and the PPAR signaling pathway. Therefore, we suggest that this prebiotic carbohydrate with specific physiological functions could be used to prepare healthy lipid-lowering foods to attenuate obesity problems.
Corrosion behavior and weather-resistance of Nano-Ti polymer functional coating
Authors: Wang Bo , Wei Shicheng C. , Huang Wei , Wang Yujiang , Liang Yi , Xue Junfeng , Xu Binshi 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Anti-corrosion and weather-resistance Nano-Ti polymer functional coating fabricated by spraying + brushing technology. The effects of Nano-Ti polymer contents on structure and properties of the coating were investigated systematically, and the corrosion mechanism of the coating was understood. Results show that the Nano-Ti polymer coating is uniform and dense. With increasing the content of Nano-Ti polymer, the thermal stability of the coating becomes better, and the glass transition temperature increases. When the content of the Nano-Ti polymer is 9%, the glass transition temperature is the highest (206.1 °C). After immersion for 458 days in 3.5wt.% NaCl at room temperature, 125 days neutral salt spray, and 200 days UV aging, the coating is still intact, indicating excellent anti-penetration, anti-corrosion, and weather resistance. EIS results confirm the excellent corrosion protection of the 9% Nano-Ti polymer coating with the biggest corrosion resistance (9.3×108 Ω·cm2).
Association between plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D and pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shen Yajing , Yi Chuncheng , Li Tiandong , Wang Peng , Dai Liping , Shi Jianxiang , Wang Keyan , Ye Hua 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose
This meta-analysis aimed to generate a comprehensive overview of relationship between plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and pancreatic cancer (PC) incidence and mortality.
Methods
PubMed, Embase and Wed of Science databases were searched through February 15, 2022. A random-effects model was used to estimate total relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup, meta-regression, sensitivity and publication bias analyses were employed in this systematic review and meta-analysis.
Results
After exclusion of ineligible studies, a total of 16 studies that involved 538,673 participants were included in our meta-analysis, of which 10 reported incidence and 6 reported mortality. For the highest versus the lowest plasma 25(OH)D levels, the summary RR of PC incidence was 0.99 (95% CI 0.70–1.29), and the summary RR of PC mortality was 0.78 (95% CI 0.57–0.98). Subgroup analyses showed an inverse association between plasma 25(OH)D and PC incidence in America (RR = 0.70; 95% CI 0.45–0.96) but not in Europe (RR = 1.36; 95% CI 0.86–1.86). Furthermore, plasma 25(OH)D was associated with PC incidence when the duration of follow-up was longer than 10 years (RR = 0.70; 95% CI 0.43–0.97) and when adjusted for race (RR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.35–0.93). The association between plasma 25(OH)D and PC mortality was overall consistent in stratified analyses.
Conclusion
High plasma 25(OH)D may be associated with the lower PC mortality, but not significantly associated with PC incidence. Our findings may have implications for antitumor therapy in PC patients, as well as caution in increasing vitamin D intake in the general population.
Radiomics and histopathology analysis in post-treatment glioma by hybrid PSMA PET/MR: a pilot study
Authors: Xiong Min , Chen Zhenghe , Zhou Chao , Yang Xiaochun , Hu Wanming , Jiang Yongluo , Zheng Rongliang , Fan Wei , Mou Yonghao , Lin Xiaoping 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (PET/MR) is a novel imaging technology in neuro-oncology. This study aimed to investigate whether PET/MR-derived parameters could provide clinical characteristics and tumor heterogeneity in post-treatment glioma. The ability of PSMA PET/MR to distinguishing recurrence from treatment-related changes (TRCs) was evaluated.
Methods
Twenty-four glioma patients (fourteen males and ten females) suspected of recurrence who underwent PSMA PET/MR were included in this study. The results of PET/MR were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively, including the visual intensity, classical metabolic and metric parameters, and primary tumor texture features.
Results
Classical metabolic parameters of PET including tumor-to-brain ratio (TBR max and mean), standardized uptake value (SUVmax and SUVpeak) showed differences in Karnofsky score (KPS) and metric parameters (area of lesion derived from MR) in 1p19q deletion status (P < 0.05). For the texture features, the shape-based, first-order and high-order primary tumor texture features of MR suggested the power to differentiate tumor grade and gene status (All P < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of PSMA PET/MR in identifying recurrence were 64.29% (9/14), 80% (8/10), 81.82% (9/11), and 61.54% (8/13), respectively.
Conclusion
This work highlights the role of postoperative PSMA PET/MR in tumor-targeted imaging and differentiating recurrence in glioma, especially glioblastoma. PSMA PET/MR-derived parameters especially textural features provide additional value for characterizing glioma patient status and tumor heterogeneity. Our results indicate the significance of the hybrid PSMA PET/MR system in providing non-invasive glioma biological features, guiding precise surgical resection, and stratifying patients with PSMA targeted therapy.
Reduction of phenolics in faba bean meal using recombinantly produced and purified Bacillus ligniniphilus catechol 2,3-dioxygenase
Authors: Murphy Rebecca M. , Huang Fang , Loewen Matthew E. , Yang Trent C. , Loewen Michele C. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Pulse meal should be a valuable product in the animal feed industry based on its strong nutritional and protein profiles. However, pulse meal contains anti-nutritional and anti-palatability compounds, including (poly)phenolics (tannic and non-tannic), such that improvements in pulse meal processing are still needed to increase its uptake by the industry. Microbial fermentation is currently used as a strategy to decrease tannin content, but results in the undesirable accumulation of monophenolics. Here we investigate the viability of cell-free biocatalytic reduction of phenolic content in faba bean (Vicia faba) meal. A representative catechol dioxygenase, Bacillus ligniniphilus L1 catechol 2,3-dioxygenase (BLC23O) was used in this proof-of concept based on its known stability and broad substrate specificity. Its amenability to large scale recombinant production was established, and its ongoing stability in complex environments including resuspension in slurries of faba bean meal demonstrated. Reaction results suggest that BLC23O is effective for biocatalytic phenol reduction in faba bean meal. However, the upstream hydrolytic release of phenolics from higher molecular weight species (tannins, proteins, carbohydrates) likely remains a rate limiting step, in the absence of other enzymes or microbial fermentation. Overall, this study highlights the potential viability of the biocatalytic processing of pulse meals, for optimization of their nutritional and economical value in the animal feed industry.
Correlation of Preoperative Fibrinogen/Albumin Ratio and Postoperative C-reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio with Early Complications After Radical Resection of Rectal Cancer
Authors: Xu Pengfu , Yang Leilei , Sun Yingchao , Liu Jiawei , Zhang Ruili 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background: Inflammatory response, nutritional status, and coagulation system function are closely related to tumor initiation, proliferation, metastasis, and poor prognosis. The purpose of this study was to explore the correlation between preoperative fibrinogen/albumin ratio (FAR) and postoperative C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) and early complications after radical resection of rectal cancer. Meanwhile, the predictive value of FAR and CAR for early complications after radical resection of rectal cancer was compared.Methods: The clinical data of 810 patients undergoing radical rectal cancer surgery who were admitted to the General Surgery Department of Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang Province, from January 2017 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and to identify early complications after radical rectal cancer surgery, univariate and multivariate analyses were used. In predicting early complications after radical rectal cancer surgery, the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze and evaluate the accuracy of preoperative FAR and postoperative CAR. The relationship between different levels of preoperative FAR and the incidence of early postoperative complications and median postoperative hospital stay in patients with rectal cancer were analyzed and compared.Results: Early postoperative complications occurred in 223 (27.5%) of 810 patients enrolled. In univariate analysis, the correlations between early postoperative complications after radical rectectomy and age, diabetes, preoperative albumin, preoperative hemoglobin, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), preoperative fibrinogen, postoperative C-reactive protein, preoperative FAR value after radical rectal cancer surgery, postoperative CAR value, surgical route, surgical method, surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, and tumor pathological staging were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, tumor pathological stage [OR (95% CI): 0.572 (0.331–0.989), P = 0.046], preoperative FAR value [OR (95% CI): 0.035 (0.018–0.069), P < 0.001], and postoperative CAR value [OR (95% CI): 0.163 (0.057–0.464), P = 0.001] were independent predictors of early complications after radical resection of rectal cancer. Multivariate analysis identified that tumor pathological stage [OR (95% CI): 0.572 (0.331–0.989), P = 0.046], preoperative FAR value [OR (95% CI): 0.035 (0.018–0.069), P < 0.001], and postoperative CAR value [OR (95% CI): 0.163 (0.057–0.464), P = 0.001] were independent predictors for early postoperative complications.Conclusions: In patients with radical rectal cancer, both preoperative FAR value and postoperative CAR value are independent predictors of early postoperative complications, but FAR is more suggestive of the occurrence of complications than CAR.