bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unilateral combined bypass surgery might accelerate contralateral radiological progression in pediatric moyamoya disease
Authors: Luo Jichang , Feng Yao , Lu Xia , Fang Shiyuan , Zheng Shasha , Zeng Gao , Yan Lin , Yang Bin , Wang Tao , Jiao Liqun , Luo Yumin , Han Ziping , Ma Yan 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background: Surgical cerebral revascularization is recommended to treat pediatric moyamoya disease (MMD). However, whether unilateral combined bypass surgery would cause disease progression on the contralateral side is uncertain. The study aimed to investigate the vascular architecture and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) status of pediatric MMD patients after successful unilateral combined bypass surgery and to identify the possible risk factors.
Methods: We reviewed the medical records and imaging data of pediatric MMD patients who underwent combined bypass surgery. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with arterial spin labelling (ASL) were performed for vascular architecture and cerebral blood flow investigation. Suzuki’s angiographic stage and moyamoya vessel grading system were both used. Progression was defined as an increase in either Suzuki stage or moyamoya vessel grade detected after unilateral surgery.
Results: Twenty-seven successive patients with a median age of 8 years (Interquartile Range (IQR) 5-14 years old) were identified. On the non-operated (non-OP) side, eleven (40.7%) patients demonstrated progression, all of whom showed an increase in the moyamoya vessel grade, and five also displayed Suzuki stage progression. After contralateral surgery, rCBF barely changed on the non-OP side compared to pre-operation (49.6 vs 50.2 ml/100g/min, p=0.445). Moreover, contralateral progression was associated with the earlier Suzuki stage on the non-OP side (p = 0.007).
Conclusions: Combined bypass surgery might accelerate the radiological progression on the contralateral side, which occurs before the decline of rCBF. Earlier Suzuki stage of the non-OP side was prone to rapid progression after unilateral combined revascularization.
The efficacy of high-dose pulse-therapy versus low-dose intravenous methylprednisolone on severe to critical COVID-19 clinical outcomes: A randomized clinical trial study
Authors: Sahraei Zahra , Panahi Parnaz , Afaghi Siamak , Amirdosara Mahdi , Salamzadeh Jamshid , Tarki Farzad Esmaeili , Darazam Ilad Alavi 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Objectives

It remains unclear which formulation of corticosteroid regimen has the optimum efficacies on COVID-19 pneumonia. Herein we evaluated two regimens including methylprednisolone at a dose of 1 mg/kg every 12 hours (low-dose group) and 1000 mg/day pulse-therapy for 3 days following 1 mg/kg every 12 hours (high-dose group) methylprednisolone to assess the clinical outcomes in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to COVID-19.

Methods

This randomized clinical trial was performed on patients with mild to moderate ARDS following COVID-19 randomly assigned to receive low-dose (n = 47) or high-dose (n = 48) intravenous methylprednisolone. Two groups were matched for age, gender, BMI, comorbidities, leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophil/lymphocyte, platelet, hemoglobin, and inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP, Ferritin). both regimens were initiated upon admission and continued for 10-days. the clinical outcome and secondary complications were evaluated.

Results and discussion

Evaluating in-hospital outcomes, no difference was revealed in the duration of ICU-stays (5.4 ± 4.6 vs 4.5 ± 4.9, p-value = 0.35), total hospital-stays (8 ± 3.1 vs 6.9 ± 3.4, p-value = 0.1), requirement rate for invasive ventilation (29.2% vs 36.2%, p-value = 0.4) or none-invasive ventilation (16.6% vs 23.4%, p-value = 0.4), and hemoperfusion (16.6% vs 11.3%, p-value = 0.3) between the groups. Fatality due to ARDS (29.2% vs 38.3, p-value = 0.3), and septic shock (4.2%, 6.4%, p-value = 0.3) was respectively reported in low-dose and high-dose groups, with no significant difference. Patients who received pulse-therapy had significantly higher bacterial pneumonia co-infection events (18.7% versus 10.6% (p-value = 0.01).
What is new and conclusion: adjuvant pulse-therapy for intravenous methylprednisolone does not improve the in-hospital clinical outcomes among mild to moderate ARDS COVID-19 patients. Higher risk of Bacterial pneumonia should be considered in such cases receiving the higher dose of steroids.
Examine the Impact of Government Expenditure on Standard of Living in Nigeria (1981 – 2018)
Authors: Ogundipe Michael , Adesola Adenekan 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This study investigated the impact of government expenditure on standard of living in Nigeria from 1981–2018 by using a time series data from 1981 to 2018. Government expenditure on three sectors of the economy were used. These sectors include; the education sector, agricultural sector and the health sector. The result shows that government education expenditure and government agricultural expenditure are statistically significant at 10% level of significance while government health expenditure is statistically significant at 5% level of significance. This study concluded that government expenditure on education and health are crucial determinants of standard of living in Nigeria. More money needs to be allotted for the health and education sectors. Together, the idea of government spending and endogenous growth theory propose that public spending on things like health care, education, agricultural advances, and other technology promotes economic growth and reduces poverty in all economies.
Brain Tumor Segmentation based on an Optimized Convolutional Neural Network and an Improved Chimp Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Ranjbarzadeh Ramin , Zarbakhsh Payam , Caputo Annalina , Tirkolaee Erfan Babaee , Bendechache Malika 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Even with the appropriate acquisition of brain images, reliable and accurate brain tumor segmentation is a challenging task. Tumor grading and segmentation employing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are necessary for correct diagnosis and treatment planning. There are different MRI sequence images (T1, Flair, T1ce, T2, etc.) for identifying different parts of the tumor. Due to the diversity in the illumination of each brain imaging modality, different information and details can be obtained from each input modality. Therefore, by using various MRI modalities, the diagnosis system is capable of finding more unique details that lead to a better segmentation result, especially in fuzzy borders. In this study, to achieve an automatic and robust brain tumor segmentation framework using four MRI sequence images, an optimized convolutional neural network (CNN) is proposed. All weight and bias values of the CNN model are adjusted using an improved chimp optimization algorithm (IChOA). In the first step, we normalized all four input images to find some potential areas of the existing tumor. Next, we extract 17 features from each object inside the obtained binary image. Next, by employing the IChOA, the best features are selected. Finally, these obtained features are fed to the optimized CNN model to classify each object for brain tumor segmentation. The experimental outcomes conducted on the BRATS 2018 dataset demonstrate superior performance compared to the existing frameworks.
Dynamics of a multi-pulse excited rotating beam system
Authors: Hua Hongliang 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The periodic motion characteristic is crucial for the firing accuracy of the machine gun system. In this study, a demonstrated machine gun system is simplified as a rotating beam system to study its periodic motion characteristic under a multi-pulsed excitation. Unlike the previously rotating beam model, the beam axis and the rotation center are non-collinear. The nonlinear coupled dynamic model of the system is derived by Rayleigh-Ritz method and Lagrange equation, and the dynamic responses are analyzed using Runge-Kutta method. Based on the computed responses, the effect of rotating radius, beam length, torsional stiffness and damping on system dynamic behavior are analyzed and discussed. Results reveal that increasing the rotating radius and beam length could affect the periodic motion of the system gradually. Increasing the torsional stiffness could enhance the periodic motion characteristic of the rotating beam system. The quasi-periodic motion characterized of the system could be dominated by matching the torsional damping.
Bridging Africa’s Income Inequality Gap: How Relevant Is China’s Outward FDI to Africa?
Authors: Ofori Isaac K. , Dossou Marcel A. T. , Asongu Simplice A. , Armah Mark K. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This study examines whether: (i) the remarkable inflow of Chinese FDI to Africa matters for bridging the continent’s marked income inequality gap, (ii) Africa’s institutional fabric is effective in propelling Chinese FDI towards the equalisation of incomes in Africa and (iii) there exist relevant thresholds required for the various governance dynamics to cause Chinese FDI to equalise incomes in Africa. Our results, which are based on the dynamic GMM estimator and macrodata for 48 African countries, reveal the following. First, although Chinese FDI contributes to fairer income distribution in Africa, the effect is weak. Second, though Africa’s institutional fabric matters for propelling Chinese FDI towards the equalisation of incomes across the continent, governance mechanisms for ensuring political stability, low corruption, and voice and accountability are critical. Finally, the critical masses required for these three key governance dynamics to propel Chinese FDI and other income inequality-reducing modules to reduce income inequality are 0.8, 0.5 and 0.1, respectively. These critical masses are thresholds at which governance is necessary but no longer sufficient to complement Chinese FDI to mitigate income inequality. Hence, at the attendant thresholds, complementary policies are worthwhile. Policy recommendations are provided in the end.
The Framework of Hammer (CAFÉ) Credit Rating for Capital Markets in China with International Standards
Authors: YUAN George Xianzhi , ZHOU Yunpeng , HE Hua , LIU Haiyang , YAN Chengxing 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to discuss how we establish the “Hammer (CAFÉ) Credit System” by applying Gibbs sampling algorithm under the framework of bigdata approach to extract features in depicting bad events or illegal behaviors by following the “Five Step Principle” with a full picture. By case studies, they show that the CAFÉ Credit System is able to help us to resolve three problems of the current credit rating market in China which rate:
“1) the rating is falsely high;
2) the differentiation of credit rating grades is insufficient; and
3) the poor performance of predicting early warning and related issues”. In addition the CAFÉ credit is supported by clearly defining the "BBB" as the basic investment level with annualized rate of default probability in accordance with international standards in the practice of financial industries, and the credit transition matrix for “AAA-A” to “CCC-C” credit grades.
JEL Classification: C53 C58 G21 G24 G32
Alternative Control With Oils and Plant Extracts of the Pulgon Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach, 1843) on Couve Brassica oleracea L. Var. acephala, in the Municipality of Cruzeiro Do Sul, Acre
Authors: Almeida Jalluza , Godoy Karlla 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

With the crisis and the increase of agricultural pests, there was the need for evolution in the
correct management of insects in major crops. Biological control provides for the use of natural
inputs as toxicological agents against existing enemies in organic farming. In this way, the use
of botanical insecticides regulates the natural balance of species. In order to obtain new methods
of control and management, essential oils were used to eliminate aphids present in cabbage
specimens, thus allowing the continuity of vegetable productions away from pests. In this study,
we will be able to evaluate the viability of different vegetable oils as a natural insecticide on
aphids of cabbage. It is concluded that, the mortality rate showed its 100% efficiency on aphids,
among the concentrations of 10%, 25%, 50% and 100%, in different oils tested. According to
what was observed, the mortality time showed that Mauritia flexuosa obtained the shortest time
as being the best to kill the aphids, followed by the other oils. It is worth noting that for use on
leaf specimens only the concentrations 10%, 25%, regardless of the oils offered no commercial
damage.
Historical biogeography of neotropical Monkey tree frogs (Anura: Phyllomedusidae) indicates a diversification driven by dispersal and sympatry
Authors: Almeida-Silva Diego , Servino Leonardo Matheus , Pontes-Nogueira Matheus 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The species richness in Neotropics has been linked to environmental heterogeneity and a complex geological history. We evaluated which biogeographical processes were associated to the diversification of Monkey tree frogs, an endemic group from Neotropics which was hypothesised to have a south-north pattern of diversification. We used 14 molecular markers on a bayesian analysis to infer phylogenetic relationships among 53 species of Phyllomedusidae and to estimate their divergence times. We defined 17 biogeographical units based on the distribution of the species utilised in our study. Ancestral range estimations were made using models implemented in BioGeoBEARS.We found that genera-level resolution was well-supported as older divergences. Phyllomedusidae ancestor range was uncertain, showing a most probable range in Western Amazonia. Phyllomedusids diverged mostly through jump-dispersal events, with anagenetic dispersals occurring mostly in the last 10 million years. The biogeographical history of monkey tree frogs is rather complex, being influenced by the Neotropical landscape evolution. Diversification was shown to have a north-south pattern within the family, through predominantly jump-dispersal and sympatry processes. Future studies could elaborate further the early history of the group.
Vacancy infilling during the crystallization of Fe-deficient hematite: An in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction study of non-classical crystal growth
Authors: Chen Si Athena , Heaney Peter J. , Post Jeffrey E. , Eng Peter J. , Stubbs Joanne E. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The crystallization of hematite from precursor ferrihydrite was studied using time-resolved, angle-dispersive synchrotron X-ray diffraction in aqueous solutions at pH 10 and 11 and at temperatures ranging from 80 to 170 °C. Rietveld analyses revealed a non-classical crystallization pathway involving vacancy infilling by Fe as defective hematite nanocrystals evolved. At 90 °C and pH 11, incipient hematite particles exhibited an Fe site occupancy as low as 0.68(2), and after 30 min, Fe occupancy plateaued at 0.84(1), achieving a metastable steady state with a composition corresponding to “hydrohematite.” During crystal growth, unit-cell volume increased with an increase in Fe occupancy. The increase in Fe occupancy in hydrohematite was accomplished by deprotonation, resulting in a shortening of the long Fe-O(H) bonds and decreased distortion of the octahedral sites. Once the occupancy stabilized, the unit-cell volume contracted following further nanoparticle growth. Our study documented various synthetic routes to the formation of “hydrohematite” with an Fe vacancy of 10–20 mol% in the final product.
The structure refined for synthetic hydrohematite at 90 °C and pH 11 closely matched that of natural hydrohematite from Salisbury, Connecticut, with a refined Fe occupancy of 0.83(2). Dry heating this natural hydrohematite generated anhydrous, stoichiometric hematite, again by continuous infilling of vacancies. The transformation initiated at 150 °C and was complete at 700 °C, and it was accompanied by the formation of a minor amorphous phase that served as a reservoir for Fe during the inoculation of the defective crystalline phase.
Editorial
Authors: López Uribe María Del Pilar , López Rivera Edwin 
Published: October 2022

Los estudios de género han tenido un importante auge en las ciencias sociales y humanidades en Colombia y Latinoamérica a partir de la década de 1970 (Rodríguez & Ibarra, 2013), auge que también se ha reflejado en los estudios en ciencias económicas e historia económica que en años recientes han adoptado estos enfoques. Dentro de estos últimos, se destacan los trabajos de Luz Gabriela Arango publicados en la década de 1990 sobre el rol de las mujeres en el proceso de industrialización en Antioquia, el importante libro sobre el mismo tema publicado por Ann Farnsworth-Alvear en 2000 titulado Dulcinea in the Factory y, más recientemente, los trabajos de María del Pilar López Uribe y Diana Quintero, “Mujeres en ascenso: dinámica del sistema educativo y del mercado laboral en Colombia, 1900-2000”, Juanita Villaveces y Pilar Torres, “Making women visible. Gender bias in Colombian Economic History Courses”, y el libro publicado en 2020 por Ana María Iregui-Bohórquez, Ligia Alba Melo Becerra, María Teresa Ramírez G. y Ana María Tribín Uribe, The Path to Gender Equality in Colombia: Are We There Yet?.
Protagonismo e Processos Formativos
Authors: Melo José Joaquim Pereira , Amaral Roseli Gall do , Rosa Dayane de Freitas Colombo 
Published: October 2022

Pretende-se discutir a Campanha Nacional de Alfabetização em Cuba em 1961 e o material didático utilizado na formação do professor alfabetizador, em sua expressão didática, psicológica e militar, para uma formação autônoma. Destacando os princípios do Currículo Oculto expressos no Manual Alfabeticemos (CUBA, 1961a), que teve como objetivo proporcionar orientações à alfabetização e treinar jovens que se alistaram como professores voluntários, cuja as idades eram de 12 a 16 anos, buscando estimular o protagonismo educacional e político. Após esse treinamento o índice de analfabetismo em Cuba caiu de 23,6% para 3,9%, o que configurou a ilha como o primeiro território, declarado pela UNESCO, como livre de analfabetismo da América Latina. Os jovens maestros se configuraram como protagonistas de um novo processo formativo que fez da educação cubana referência mundial.
Digital Phenotyping Data to Predict Symptom Improvement and App Personalization: Protocol for a Prospective Study
Authors: Currey Danielle , Torous John 
Published: October 2022

Background
Smartphone apps that capture surveys and sensors are increasingly being leveraged to collect data on clinical conditions. In mental health, this data could be used to personalize psychiatric support offered by apps so that they are more effective and engaging. Yet today, few mental health apps offer this type of support, often because of challenges associated with accurately predicting users’ actual future mental health.

Objective
In this protocol, we present a study design to explore engagement with mental health apps in college students, using the Technology Acceptance Model as a theoretical framework, and assess the accuracy of predicting mental health changes using digital phenotyping data.

Methods
There are two main goals of this study. First, we present a logistic regression model fit on data from a prior study on college students and prospectively test this model on a new student cohort to assess its accuracy. Second, we will provide users with data-driven activity suggestions every 4 days to determine whether this type of personalization will increase engagement or attitudes toward the app compared to those receiving no personalized recommendations.

Results
The study was completed in the spring of 2022, and the manuscript is currently in review at JMIR Publications.

Conclusions
This is one of the first digital phenotyping algorithms to be prospectively validated. Overall, our results will inform the potential of digital phenotyping data to serve as tailoring data in adaptive interventions and to increase rates of engagement.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
PRR1-10.2196/37954
Prognostic Value of Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain on Speckle Echocardiography for Predicting Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xie Qianqian , Li Lin , Jiang Xinyi 
Published: October 2022

Background: Literature suggests that left ventricular global
longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) on speckle echocardiography has the
potential to predict cardiotoxicity amongst breast cancer patients
receiving chemotherapy such as anthracycline, taxane, cyclophosphamide,
and trastuzumab. Our study aimed to collect evidence for the prognostic
value of LV-GLS for predicting chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in
breast cancer patients. Methods: A detailed search of the
PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases was
conducted for published articles up to August 31, 2022. In our
meta-analysis, we looked at 13 studies with a total of 1007 breast
cancer patients getting chemotherapy that looked at the predictive value
of GLS. Results: Absolute GLS change during treatment showed a
pooled sensitivity of 84% (95% CI: 74% to 91%) and a pooled
specificity of 77% (95% CI: 68% to 84%). For a relative change in
GLS, we observed a pooled sensitivity of 76% (95% CI: 56% to 89%)
and a pooled specificity of 83% (95% CI: 73% to 90%). For an
absolute change in GLS, we observed a positive likelihood ratio (LR),
and the negative LR was 4 and 0.21. SROC with prediction and confidence
intervals represents a promising summary area under the curve (sAUC) of
0.88, 95% CI ranges from 0.85 to 0.91 for absolute change in GLS, as
well as for relative change (sAUC, 0.87, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.90).
Conclusion: Our results demonstrated an estimation of LV-GLS
after the beginning of required chemotherapy, including anthracyclines
and trastuzumab, had a promising prognostic value for predicting the
likelihood of CTRCD. To confirm our findings, well-designed prospective
adequately powered diagnostic randomised trials are necessary.
EFL Teachers' Reflective Teaching Practices amid the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: DAĞ AKBAŞ Raşide 
Published: October 2022

Purpose: The current survey portrays English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ familiarity with the concept of reflective teaching and the extent that they carry out reflective teaching practices especially during their first experience with online teaching amid the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Design/Methodology/Approach: In the current descriptive study, a varied sample of Turkish EFL teachers (N=117) filled out the online survey at the end of the first academic semester with an emergency online education period induced by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Findings: The study indicated that nearly forty per cent of the participants were unfamiliar with the concept of reflective teaching. While metacognitive and affective practices were more commonly performed by the participants, the critical, practical and cognitive practices were rather less preferred. The participants hardly ever think of writing articles regarding their experiences, asking their colleagues to observe their teaching and also, relatively less contemplate on the socio-political sides of their teaching and their influences.
Highlights: The notion of reflection and the reflective teaching strategies should be revisited, and accordingly, the scales or inventories should be reformulated by taking the premises of online education into consideration.