bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and implementation of a lifestyle modification intervention for women with isolated impaired fasting glucose: Study protocol for a hybrid type 2 study in Kerala, India
Authors: Mathews Elezebeth , Sathish Thirunavukkarasu , Joseph Anjaly , Kodapally Bhagieshwari , Thulaseedharan Jissa Vinoda , Narayan KM Venkat , Oldenburg Brian , Thankappan Kavumpurathu Raman 
Published: February 2022

Background:Isolated impaired fasting glucose (i-IFG) constitutes a major group in the prediabetic spectrum among Indians, and thus it is imperative to identify effective diabetes prevention strategies. This study aims to evaluate the effects of an intensive community-based lifestyle modification program on regression to normoglycemia among women with i-IFG, compared to a control group at 24 months. The study also aims to evaluate the implementation of the intervention, via both process and implementation outcomes.Methods:We will use a hybrid design (Effectiveness-implementation hybrid type 2 trial) to test the effectiveness and implementation of the lifestyle modification intervention. Effectiveness is evaluated using a randomized controlled trial among 950 overweight or obese women, aged 30 to 60 years, with i-IFG on an oral glucose tolerance test in the Indian state of Kerala. The intervention involves an intensive lifestyle modification program through group and individually mentored sessions using behavioural determinants and behavioural change techniques. The intervention group will receive the intervention for a period of 12 months and the control group will receive general health advice through a health education booklet. Data on behavioural, clinical, and biochemical measures will be collected using standard methods at 12 and 24 months. The primary outcome will be regression to normoglycemia at 24 months, as defined by the American Diabetes Association criteria.Discussion: This study will provide the first evidence on the effects of lifestyle interventions on regression to normoglycemia in people with i-IFG among Indians.CTRI registration:CTRI/2021/07/035289 (30/07/2021)
Competition in Congested Service Networks with Application to Air Traffic Control Provision in Europe
Authors: Adler Nicole , Hanany Eran , Proost Stef 
Published: February 2022

We analyze congested network-based markets and their impact on competition, equilibrium charges and efficiency. Several strategies are explored including price caps, mergers and investments in new technologies. We find that congested networks served by collaborating (serial) and competing (parallel) firms may lead to excessive prices. Additionally, oligopolists may only serve captive demand, leading to inefficiently low flows. Perhaps surprisingly, permitting a firm with market power to horizontally integrate with a competitor may improve efficiency. We also show that price caps in congested networks are ineffective due to their failure to signal the existence of scarce resources. Instead, partial vertical integration may prove beneficial by creating incentives to expand capacity through technology adoption, provided the price cap regime is dropped. The model is subsequently illustrated with a case study of air traffic control provision in Western Europe, in which it is shown that substantial changes in the regulation are required in order to create a more cost efficient sector with increased capacity. This paper was accepted by Serguei Netessine, operations management.
Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a New Apple Harvest Assist and In-Field Sorting Machine
Authors: Lu Yuzhen , Lu Renfu , Zhang Zhao 
Published: February 2022

HighlightsA new, improved apple harvest assist and in-field sorting (HAIS) machine was developed.The HAIS machine has several major innovations for enhanced harvesting and infield sorting efficiencies.Laboratory tests showed superior performance in fruit grading and sorting and bin filling and handling.Field tests showed only 0.4% of harvested fruit downgraded due to harvest-induced bruising.Abstract. Apples are still manually harvested in the U.S. and other countries, which contributes to high labor and production costs. Currently, no presorting is performed at harvest or in the field, which could incur significant postharvest costs or even economic loss to growers, when a high percentage of culls are present in harvested apples. Hence, technologies that integrate harvest assist and in-field sorting (HAIS) functionalities would be greatly beneficial to the apple industry by enhancing both harvest efficiency and postharvest cost savings. A new apple HAIS prototype machine was recently developed, which includes adjustable picking platforms with fruit receiving conveyors covering the entire height of trees, a computer vision-based grading and sorting system that is capable of sorting apples for color and size at a speed of up to 12 apples s-1, an automatic bin filling system for discharging graded fruit to bins, and a computer-controlled hydraulic system for automatic handling of empty and full bins. Inhouse developed operating software is fully integrated with the HAIS machine for automatic control of fruit grading and sorting and bin filling and handling. Laboratory tests showed superior performance of the machine in fruit grading and sorting and bin filling and handling. Field tests and demonstration (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21SB9FJjf2M) conducted in a commercial apple orchard in 2019 harvest season, showed that only 0.4% of harvested fruit were downgraded due to bruising, which exceeded the industry’s requirement for harvest-induced apple bruising. With further improvements, the HAIS machine can be commercially used for harvesting and infield presorting of apples. Keywords: Apple, Bin filling, Bruise evaluation, Bin handling, Computer vision, Harvest, In-field sorting.
Saw Thickness Impact on Cotton Gin Energy Consumption
Authors: Funk Paul A , Thomas Joseph W , Yeater Kathleen M , Armijo Carlos B , Whitelock Derek P , Wanjura John D , Delhom Christopher D 
Published: February 2022

HighlightsCotton gin saws 0.91 and 1.14 mm thick were compared.Thicker saws had approximately 10% lower processing rate at full motor load.Thicker saws used about 35% more energy to gin the same amount of lint.Abstract. Most cotton fiber (lint) is separated from the seed by gin saw teeth that pull the lint between metal bars (ribs). These ribs are spaced close enough to each other that the seeds cannot pass with the lint. Cotton gin saws are available in three thicknesses, 0.9144, 0.9398, and 1.143 mm (0.036, 0.037, and 0.045 in.). No data from controlled experiments has been published which compares the effect of saw thickness on the economically important performance measures gin processing rate and energy consumption. Two shafts were prepared by installing, at the proper spacing, 406 mm (16 in.) diameter saws of 0.9144 and 1.143 mm thickness for testing on a reduced-width (46-saw) Continental Double Eagle gin stand with constant rib spacing at the USDA-ARS Southwestern Cotton Ginning Research Laboratory in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Energy consumption was recorded for target processing rates 4.88 and 6.08 g saw-1 s-1 using pre-cleaned seed cotton grown in New Mexico, Texas, and Mississippi in a randomized complete block experiment with five replicates. On this equipment we found that the thicker saws averaged 90% (4.69 g saw-1 s-1) the processing rate of the thinner saws (5.21 g saw-1 s-1). Net ginning energy of the 1.143 mm gin saws was 26.5 W-h kg-1 compared to 19.7 W-h kg-1 for the 0.914 mm saws, or about 35% more energy. Results were consistent for cottons from all three regions. Thicker saws are less likely to break under harsh conditions at the ends of the gin stand and are still recommend for use there, but there appears to be no advantage with regard to processing rate or energy use to installing thicker saws across the full width of the gin stand if rib spacing remains unchanged. Keywords: Cotton gin, Energy use, Gin saw thickness, Processing rate.
Precise Segmentation and Measurement of Inclined Fish’s Features Based on U-Net and Fish Morphological Characteristics
Authors: Hu Zhuhua , Xia Xin 
Published: February 2022

HighlightsThe proposed scheme solves the problem of accurate measurement of the area, length, and width of the inclined fish body.Performing data enhancement operations such as contrast transformation and rotation transformation on the data set solves the problem of fewer training samples.The U-Net network is introduced to achieve precise segmentation of the data set.Achieving accurate measurement of the inclined fish body’s length and width by rotation correction and circumscribed rectangular method.Abstract. Accurate measurement of fish’s features is of great significance for breeding management and decision-making. Fish body area, body length, and body width are important features for judging the growth status of fish in smart aquaculture. These features can be used as an important reference for bait feeding, fishing, and classification. In view of the fact that fish body is usually inclined on actual production line, this research proposes a scheme based on U-Net and fish morphological characteristics to segment and precisely measure the features of inclined fish. Firstly, the data set is processed and expanded through data enhancement such as contrast transformation and rotation transformation. This operation can simulate the real shooting environment and enhance robustness of the training model. Secondly, U-Net is introduced. Using the expanded training set to generate a segmentation model. Trained model is used to segment the test samples to generate accurate segmented images and output fish body area. Finally, by combining fish morphological characteristics, the inclined angle of the fish body is determined. After rotation correction, circumscribed rectangle method is adopted to obtain the body length and width of fish in the image. The experimental results show that using the proposed scheme, the mIoU of test set is as high as 0.974, the relative error of average fish body area is only 1.25%, the relative error of average fish body length is only 0.65%, and the relative error of average fish body width is only 0.84%. Compared with traditional circumscribed rectangle method, the relative error of body length is reduced by 5.25%, and the relative error of body width is reduced by 39.87%. Keywords: Circumscribed rectangle, Fish features, Inclined fish, Rotation correction, U-Net.
Transmission Of Tuberculosis Among illicit drug use Linkages (TOTAL): A cross-sectional observational study protocol using respondent driven sampling
Authors: Carney Tara , Rooney Jennifer A. , Niemand Nandi , Myers Bronwyn , Theron Danie , Wood Robin , White Laura F. , Meade Christina S. , Chegou Novel N. , Ragan Elizabeth , Walzl Gerhard , Horsburgh Robert , Warren Robin M. , Jacobson Karen R. 
Published: February 2022

People who use illicit drugs (PWUDs) have been identified as a key at-risk group for tuberculosis (TB). Examination of illicit drug use networks has potential to assess the risk of TB exposure and disease progression. Research also is needed to assess mechanisms for accelerated TB transmission in this population. This study aims to 1) assess the rate of TB exposure, risk of disease progression, and disease burden among PWUD; 2) estimate the proportion of active TB cases resulting from recent transmission within this network; and 3) evaluate whether PWUD with TB disease have physiologic characteristics associated with more efficient TB transmission. Our cross-sectional, observational study aims to assess TB transmission through illicit drug use networks, focusing on methamphetamine and Mandrax (methaqualone) use, in a high TB burden setting and identify mechanisms underlying accelerated transmission. We will recruit and enroll 750 PWUD (living with and without HIV) through respondent driven sampling in Worcester, South Africa. Drug use will be measured through self-report and biological measures, with sputum specimens collected to identify TB disease by Xpert Ultra (Cepheid) and mycobacterial culture. We will co-enroll those with microbiologic evidence of TB disease in Aim 2 for molecular and social network study. Whole genome sequencing of Mycobacteria tuberculosis (Mtb) specimens and social contact surveys will be done for those diagnosed with TB. For Aim 3, aerosolized Mtb will be compared in individuals with newly diagnosed TB who do and do not smoke illicit drug. Knowledge from this study will provide the basis for a strategy to interrupt TB transmission in PWUD and provide insight into how this fuels overall community transmission. Results have potential for informing interventions to reduce TB spread applicable to high TB and HIV burden settings.
Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov Registration Number: NCT041515602. Date of Registration: 5 November 2019.
A systematic review and meta-analyses of interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 3 (IRAK3) action on inflammation in in vivo models for the study of sepsis
Authors: Nguyen Trang H. , Turek Ilona , Meehan-Andrews Terri , Zacharias Anita , Irving Helen R. 
Published: February 2022

Background
Interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 3 (IRAK3) is a critical modulator of inflammation and is associated with endotoxin tolerance and sepsis. Although IRAK3 is known as a negative regulator of inflammation, several studies have reported opposing functions, and the temporal actions of IRAK3 on inflammation remain unclear. A systematic review and meta-analyses were performed to investigate IRAK3 expression and its effects on inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-6) after one- or two-challenge interventions, which mimic the hyperinflammatory and immunosuppression phases of sepsis, respectively, using human or animal in vivo models.

Methods
This systematic review and meta-analyses has been registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF) (Registration DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/V39UR). A systematic search was performed to identify in vivo studies reporting outcome measures of expression of IRAK3 and inflammatory markers. Meta-analyses were performed where sufficient data was available.

Results
The search identified 7778 studies for screening. After screening titles, abstracts and full texts, a total of 49 studies were included in the systematic review. The review identified significant increase of IRAK3 mRNA and protein expression at different times in humans compared to rodents following one-challenge, whereas the increases of IL-6 and TNF-α protein expression in humans were similar to rodent in vivo models. Meta-analyses confirmed the inhibitory effect of IRAK3 on TNF-α mRNA and protein expression after two challenges.

Conclusions
A negative correlation between IRAK3 and TNF-α expression in rodents following two challenges demonstrates the association of IRAK3 in the immunosuppression phase of sepsis. Species differences in underlying biology affect the translatability of immune responses of animal models to human, as shown by the dissimilarity in patterns of IRAK3 mRNA and protein expression between humans and rodents following one challenge that are further influenced by variations in experimental procedures.
Therapeutic decisions under uncertainty for spinal muscular atrophy: The DECISIONS-SMA study protocol
Authors: Saposnik Gustavo , Díaz-Abós Paola , Sánchez-Menéndez Victoria , Álvarez Carmen , Terzaghi María , Maurino Jorge , Brañas-Pampillón María , Málaga Ignacio 
Published: February 2022

Background
The therapeutic landscape for spinal muscular atrophy has changed in the last few years, encompassing respiratory/motor function and life expectancy benefits. However, physicians still have the challenge of tailoring individuals’ treatment to therapeutic goals, disease progression, patient/caregiver’s preferences, and personal experience to achieve an optimal risk/benefit balance. This study aims to provide insight into the preferred treatment choices of pediatric neurologists managing spinal muscular atrophy in their daily practice and to recognize behavioral factors that may influence decision-making.

Methods
This is a noninterventional, cross-sectional pilot study involving 50 pediatric neurologists managing spinal muscular atrophy in Spain. We designed an online platform that contains 13 simulated case scenarios of common presentations of patients with spinal muscular atrophy. The primary study outcome will be treatment preferences according to the percentages of participants who select treatment initiation when recommended, switch therapies when there is evidence of disease progression, and select treatment discontinuation when disease progression puts patients outside treatment recommendation (11 case scenarios). Secondary outcomes include therapeutic inertia prevalence (11 case scenarios), herding phenomenon prevalence (2 case scenarios), care-related regret prevalence (specific questions) and intensity (10-item Regret Intensity Scale), occupational burnout prevalence (nonproprietary single-item measure), and risk preferences (uncertainty test and risk aversion assessment).

Conclusions
The study findings will contribute to better understand relevant factors associated with therapeutic decisions of pediatric neurologists in spinal muscular atrophy, identifying treatment preferences and evaluating the role of behavioral aspects such as therapeutic inertia, herding, regret, and workplace burnout.
Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in Abu Dhabi Emirati population
Authors: Al Zarooni Amal Abdul Rahim , Nagelkerke Nico , Al Marzouqi Fatima Ibrahim , Al Darmaki Salma Hamad 
Published: February 2022

Objective
There have been concerns regarding the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the United Arab Emirates and the association between this prevalence and cardiovascular risk. Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health problem, with a high prevalence in the Abu Dhabi national population. This cross-sectional retrospective observational study aimed to elucidate vitamin D deficiency symptoms and contributing factors in this context.

Method and sampling
Among 12346 participants presenting for their Weqaya population comprehensive cardiovascular risk factor screening, 700 were randomly selected and telephoned, among whom 400 completed a questionnaire that elicited information on dietary intake, sun exposure, clothing, physical activity, and symptoms related to vitamin D deficiency.

Results
Higher vitamin D levels were noted in participants who consumed extra servings of cod liver oil, tuna, salmon, and eggs; who wore clothes with their arms and legs exposed; and who performed daily physical activity. Symptoms of hypovitaminosis D (bone pain) were more frequently found in females. Fatigue is significantly associated with low vitamin D and younger participants. Strategies focusing on health promotion and lifestyle interventions should be implemented to address vitamin D deficiency.
A Cholangioblastic Variant of Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Verhoeff Kevin , Bacani Julinor , Fung Christopher , Canterbury Laura A. 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT
Cholangioblastic variant of cholangiocarcinoma is rare and may be encountered in young adults with a liver mass. On biopsy, the pathologic features may mimic neuroendocrine or other tumors. Increased awareness of this unusual variant and the typical strong expression of the immunohistochemical marker inhibin may help prevent diagnostic errors. Because only a few cases have been reported, we also discuss treatment options in a 26-year-old man.
Editorial: Special Section on Infrastructure and Bituminous Materials
Authors: Di Benedetto Hervé , Mangiafico Salvatore , Tebaldi Gabriele 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This special section on infrastructure and bituminous materials of ASTM International’s Journal of Testing and Evaluation includes 20 peer-reviewed papers. These papers are extended versions of selected best papers presented during the RILEM International Symposium on Bituminous Materials (ISBM Lyon 2020), which took place on December 14–16, 2020. This event was organized by ENTPE at the University of Lyon (France), in collaboration with the University of Parma (Italy), Université Gustave Eiffel (France), and University of Waterloo (Canada). RILEM ISBM Lyon 2020 was the first joint event of three RILEM Technical Committees of Cluster F (“Bituminous Materials and Polymers”): 264-RAP (“Asphalt Pavement Recycling”)272-PIM (“Phase and Interphase Behaviour of Bituminous Materials”)278-CHA (“Crack-Healing of Asphalt Pavement Materials”)The articles included in this special section cover a wide range of topics, offering an interesting overview of the latest advancements in the domain of sustainable infrastructures: crumb rubber, aging of materials, hot and cold recycling, low-energy materials, damage, fatigue, cracking and self-healing, fume emissions, rheology of materials, low-temperature properties, non-destructive testing, polymer-modified materials, and in situ testing. Such a variety of topics is a small but significant sample of the richness of the scientific and technical activities within the domain of infrastructures and pavement engineering, from fundamental to applied research works, contributing to the development of innovative materials and technologies. RILEM plays an important role, fostering international collaborations between academia and industry, nourishing the essential network between scientific and technical activities. Last but not least, we would like to extend our warm thanks to all the reviewers that kindly agreed to evaluate all the articles and contributed to the scientific quality of this special issue.
Multilayer Perceptron Predicting Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Shi Jing-wen , Zhang Qi , Zhu Tian-tong , Huang Ying 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background: Lymph node metastasis is related to thyroid cancer recurrence; hence, early identification and prediction of cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in thyroid cancer are essential.

Materials and methods: Ultrasound characteristics and patients’ clinical information for 478 thyroid nodules from 383 patients were collected, and a multilayer perceptron (MLP) was used to train and test the veracity to predict CLNM and form a network model. Sixty new patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) were evaluated with the MLP neural network model. The metastasis status of these patients was then compared with the pathological results. The prediction of metastasis by the MLP and by multiple regression was compared.

Results: Calcification, age, sex, and maximum diameter were important predictive factors of CLNM by the MLP, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.715. No significant differences were found between the MLP and multiple regression in predicting CLNM. The average confidence of the model used in these new patients in predicting metastasis with PTC was 68.9%.

Conclusion: Ultrasound images from thyroid nodule characteristics and patients’ clinical information can be used as predictive factors of CLNM by the MLP method to a certain extent.