bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental Analysis on the Influence of Compression Ratio, Flow Rate, Injection Pressure and Injection Timing on the Acetylene - Diesel Aspirated Dual Fuel Engine
Authors: Thodda Gavaskar , Kathapillai Arun , Madhavan Venkata Ramanan , Saravanamuthu Murugapoopathi 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The predicted scarcity, increasing cost of petroleum fuels and environmental degradation are encouraging researchers to search for alternative fuels throughout the world. Hence, it is intended to utilize acetylene-based DF in the compression ignition (CI) engine with minor modifications. An engine of 5 Hp, four stroke, single-cylinder, water-cooled operated in dual-fuel (DF) mode (acetylene gas-diesel), aiming to reduce the emissions, was deployed to investigate its characteristics. In DF mode, gaseous fuel is injected through a gas velocity of 2, 4, and 6 Lpm constantly. According to the research findings, the gas velocity of 6 Lpm provides the best results, having a superior BTE of 30.7%. Various compression ratios (16:1, 18:1, and 20:1) were used to determine the optimal compression ratio (CR) under a gas velocity of 6 Lpm with diesel. Fuel Injector pressure (200, 220, and 240 bar) with injector intervals (19o, 23o, and 27o bTDC) were changed consecutive sequence while adjusting CR, and the best outcomes for improved CI fuel efficiency were determined. From the investigational analysis, the peak in-cylinder pressure and net HRR (heat release rate) are assessed for being better by the increment in CR in DF mode of operation with an acetylene gas of 6 Lpm at all operating settings. At a 240 bar injection pressure, the BTE is recorded highest (35.1%) and smoke was decreased. An IT of 23obTDC, the CO and HC were found as to be minimum as 28ppm and 0.04ppm.
Antibacterial activity of green gold and silver nanoparticles using ginger root extract
Authors: Yadi Morteza , Akbarzadeh Abolfazl , Dianat-Moghadam Hassan , Azizi Mehdi , Milani Morteza 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
BackgroundRecent studies demonstrated that the speed of synthesis, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial activity of gold (Au) and silver (Ag) metals is enhanced when biosynthesized in nano-sized particles. In the present study, Au NPs and Ag NPs were synthesized via a biological process using aqueous Ginger root extract and characterized by various spectroscopic methods. Methods & ResultsThe NPs were found to be in hexagonal and spherical shapes. The average particle size for Au and Ag NPs was found to be 20 nm and 15 nm, respectively. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) method has shown that the zeta potential values of synthesized NPs were found to be 5.7 mv and 7.11mv, respectively. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of Ginger root extract revealed 25 compounds. The synthesized NPs showed significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in vitro with IC50 and IC90 values for Au and Ag NPs, respectively, noted to be 7.5 and 7.3 µg/ml and 15 and 15.2 µg/ml for both bacterial strains. The protein leakage level was high and morphological changes occurred in bacteria treated with biosynthesized NPs. ConclusionThese results suggest that the biosynthesized metallic NPs show potential for application as antibacterial agents with enhanced activities.
Association of platelet-to-white blood cell ratio and platelet-to-neutrophil ratio with the risk of fatal stroke occurrence in older Chinese
Authors: Hu Zhi-bing , Zhong Qiong-qiong , Lu Ze-xiong , Zhu Feng 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
White blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil (NEUT) counts, which are commonly inflammatory markers, have been related to an increased risk of fatal stroke. However, it is unclear whether platelet-to-white blood cell ratio (PWR) and platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR) are related to the risk of fatal stroke in elderly populations.
Methods
In total, 27811 participants without a stroke history at baseline were included and followed up for a mean of 14.3 years (standard deviation = 3.2), and 838 stroke deaths were recorded. The Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the relationships between the PWR and the PNR and the risk of fatal strokes.
Results
Compared to the 1st quartile, an increased risk of fatal all stroke showed among the participants in the highest quartiles of both the WBC (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–1.66) and the NEUT (aHR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.18–1.79). The restricted cubic splines showed decreased trends in associations of the PWR and the PNR with the risk of fatal all stroke. A decreased risk of fatal all stroke showed in those with the highest quartiles for both the PWR (aHR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.53-1.00) and the PNR (aHR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.54–1.01). The participants with the 2nd, the 3rd and the 4th change quartiles for the PWR and the PNR had weak decreasing trends for the risk of fatal all stroke, compared to those in the 1st change quartile, and the significant associations were observed in those with an increase of 20% for the PWR with the risk of fatal haemarragic stroke (aHR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.22–0.95) and a decrease of 20% for the PNR with the risk of fatal all stroke (aHR = 1.33, 95% CI 0.99–1.79), compared to those with stable dynamic changes.
Conclusions
Higher neutrophil count and platelet-to-neutrophil ratio were associated with a contrary risk of fatal stroke, with an increased for the former and a decreased for the later. A potentially chronic inflammation should be paid close attention to stroke occurrence in relatively healthy elderly populations.
Vascular Impulse Technology vs. Elevation for the Reduction of Swelling of Upper and Lower Extremity Joint Fractures – Results of a Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Barbari Jan Siad El , Schnetzke Marc , Bergmann Moritz Benedikt , Baumann Lukas , Vetter Sven , Swartman Benedict , Grützner Paul , Franke Jochen 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Soft tissue conditioning due to posttraumatic oedema after complicated joint fractures is a central therapeutic aspect both pre- and postoperatively. Six to ten days are passing on average until the patient is suitable for surgery. The aim was to compare the decongestant effect of vascular impulse technology (VIT) with that of conventional elevation.
Materials and Methods
In this monocentric RCT, 68 patients with joint fractures of the upper (n = 36) and lower (n = 32) extremity were included and randomised after consent in a 1:1 ratio. The variables were evaluated for all fractures together and additionally subdivided into upper or lower extremity for better clinical comparability. The primary endpoint was the time in days from hospital admission to operability. Secondary endpoints were total length of stay, oedema reduction, pain intensity, complications and revisions.
Results
The time from admission until operability was reduced by 1.4 (95% CI: -0.4; 3.1) days in the mITT analysis (p = 0.120), being statistically significant with 1.7 (95% CI: 0.1; 3.3) days in the as-treated sensitivity analysis (pAT = 0.038). Significant less pain was found in the intervention group and a significantly faster oedema reduction. Due to rare occurrences, nothing can be derived in regard to complications and revisions.
Conclusion
Administration of VIT therapy did not lead to a significant reduction in the time until operability but was superior to elevation in regard of soft tissue conditioning and pain reduction. Thus, it seems like a helpful tool in the treatment of posttraumatic oedema after complex joint fractures of the lower and upper extremity, especially in tibial head and lower leg fractures.
Reducing Global Health Inequalities For A Rare Disorder: Evaluating The International Prader-Willi Syndrome Organisation's Echo® Program
Authors: Rujeedawa Tanzil , McNairney Nora , Cordner Shelly , O’Brien James , Loughnan Georgina , Holland Anthony 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: people with rare disorders face significant global health inequalities, the challenge is how to raise awareness and develop a nucleus of experts in a country who are then able to provide guidance to others in that country. The International Prader-Willi Syndrome Organisation (IPWSO) established Project ECHO® with the aim of facilitating the sharing of knowledge and the building of international partnerships to reduce global health inequalities for a particular rare neurodevelopmental disorder, Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Four different ECHO programmes were established for the following groups: a) Individuals (usually parents) who had taken on a leadership role in their country; b) health professionals interested in PWS; c) professional care providers supporting children and adults with PWS; and d) a Latin American ECHO in Spanish. The programme started in 2020 and an evaluation was undertaken after one year to determine: the extent to which we had been able to recruit and retain individuals globally; the nature and extent of any benefits gained from the sessions; and examples of how individual involvement in the programme had led to local benefits. The methods included analysing routinely kept process indicators and survey data from the attendees of one component of the program (the Leadership ECHO), together with a qualitative analysis of survey data and recorded interviews with attendees from countries of differing socio-economic status.Results: We describe the IPWSO ECHO programme and report on the outcomes from the evaluation of one aspect of the program, the Leadership ECHO. Program attendance was satisfactory, with a mean of 24.7 participants for the Leadership ECHO, with participants attending a mean of 5.67 sessions, i.e., 30% of sessions. There was also good global reach, with individuals attending from 34 countries, although there were notable geographic regions with very limited representation. Feedback and interviews demonstrated the positive impact of the program with some early evidence of positive developments at national level.Conclusions: Families and professionals from countries with a range of expertise and services they offer to people with PWS remained engaged throughout the ECHO program, established networks of support and fostered the development of good practice.
Effect of llama (Lama glama) manure and Trichoderma strain T1R3 on arsenic uptake by Swiss chard and broad bean crops
Authors: Yañez Luciano Matias , Alfaro Jimena Agustina , Carreras Natalia Maria Elisa Ávila , Mitre Graciela Bovi 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The town of Pastos Chicos (Jujuy-Argentina), presents arsenic (As) concentrations in soil (49 mgAs kg− 1) and water (1.44 mgAs L− 1) significantly above the maximum allowable limits set by National Laws No 24,585 and N° 24,051. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of llama manure (Lama glama) and Trichoderma strain T1R3 on As uptake and toxicity in Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) and broad bean (Vicia faba L.) crops while assessing potential human health risks. Results indicated that Trichoderma strain T1R3 inoculation stimulated broad bean plant growth by reducing As stress. Swiss chard crops treated with 5% manure and a manure/Trichoderma T1R3 combination reduced As absorption from 32.46 to 64.02% in roots, and from 35.2 to 44.5% in leaves. Broad bean crops inoculated with Trichoderma T1R3 showed significant mitigation of toxicant accumulation in the leaves (67.42%). Also, the manure/Trichoderma T1R3 combination reduced As accumulation (57.46%) in broad bean roots. The efficacy of llama manure and of the llama manure/Trichoderma T1R3 combination in reducing health hazards that derive from As intake by consuming chard leaves was also reflected in Hazard Quotient < 1 values. Although Cancer Risk values decreased considerably, these showed there was a considerable carcinogenic risk for humans consuming chard leaves. These observations reveal that adding llama manure and Trichoderma T1R3 might mitigate As uptake by crops, thus reducing human health risks. This study advanced our understanding of the complex llama manure/Trichoderma strain interactions in As-contaminated soils, which are imperative for developing effective mitigations strategies.
Anomaly credit data detection based on Enhanced isolation forest
Authors: xiaodong zhang , Yao Yuan , Lv Congdong , Wang Tao 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In the view of credit data falsity and errors problem in real world, and the performance degradation of the credit evaluation model caused by this problem. This paper proposed an outlier detection algorithm, which considered two characteristics of class-imbalance and cost-imbalance. We use an anomaly detection models called EIF to optimize the credit evaluation models. EIF uses the EasyEnsemble algorithm to construct balanced data sets, and train an Isolation Forest model for anomaly detection by the balanced data set with different disturbances. Experiments were performed on UCI German dataset, and the test set with fake data was constructed by correlation. Compared with other anomaly detection algorithms in common credit evaluation models, the EIF-optimized model has a higher F1 score and a lower cost-sensitive error rate. In conclusion, the EIF model is effective in enhancing the performance of the credit evaluation model for forged credit datasets.
Occupational and geographical differentials in financial protection against healthcare out-of-pocket payments in Nepal: evidence for universal health coverage
Authors: Sapkota Vishnu Prasad , Bhusal Umesh Prasad , Adhikari Govinda Prasad 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
. The low-and middle-income countries including Nepal aim to address financial hardship against healthcare out-of-pocket (OOP) payments through risk-pooling arrangements. World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended member states to establish pooling arrangements so that the financial risks owing to health uncertainty can be spread across population. This study aims to analyse the situation of financial protection across occupations and geography using nationally representative annual household survey (AHS) in Nepal.
Methods.
We measured catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) due to OOP using two approaches: budget share approach at 10% and 25% threshold, and capacity-to-pay approach at 40% threshold. Impoverishment impact due to OOP was measured at absolute and relative poverty lines. These estimates were disaggregated across occupations and geography. The inequality in financial risk protection was measured using concentration index. The analysis was based on the cross-sectional AHS 2014-15, the most recent round that provided information on occupations and consumption. AHS employed standard consumption measurement tool (COICOP). International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) was used to categorize occupations.
Results.
Among the agricultural workers, we found a CHE of 10.7% at 10% threshold and 5.2% at 40% threshold. Among ‘plant operators and craft workers’, the corresponding figures were 10% and 4.8%. Impoverishment impact was higher in these households at all poverty lines. CHE was higher among unemployed households. A negative concentration index for CHE and impoverishment impact was found for agricultural workers and ‘plant operators and craft workers’. In rural areas, we found a CHE of 11.5% at 40% threshold and a high impoverishment impact. Across province, CHE was 12% in Madhesh and 14.3% in Lumbini at 10% threshold, and impoverishment impact was 1.9% in Madhesh, Karnali and Sudurpachim at US $1.90 a day poverty line.
Conclusion.
Households belonging to informal occupations such as agricultural workers, plant operators and craft workers, elementary occupations and unemployed were more prone to CHE and impoverishment impact due to healthcare OOP payments. There was wide urban/rural and provincial differential in financial protection status. The results can be useful to policymakers engaged in designing risk-pooling arrangements to make progress towards UHC.
Study Protocol: Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial to Assess the Effect of Active versus Passive Recharge Burst Spinal Cord Stimulation on Pain Relief in Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome Type II (“the Burst-Recharge Active Versus Passive (Burst-RAP) Protocol”)
Authors: Mons Martijn , Zuidema Xander , Bürger Katja , Elzinga Lars , de Vries Jessica , Kuijk Sander van , Joosten Elbert A. , Kallewaard Jan-Willem 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has shown to be an effective treatment for patients with persistent spinal pain syndrome Type 2 (PSPS Type II). Important in SCS is the method used to deliver electrical charge. One such method is burst stimulation. Within burst stimulation, a recharge pattern is used to prevent buildup of charge in stimulated tissue. Two variations of burst waveforms are currently in use: one that employs active recharge and one that uses passive recharge. It has been suggested that differences exist between active and passive recharge paradigms related to both efficacy of pain relief and their underlying mechanism of action. Active recharge has been shown to activate both the medial spinal pathway, engaging cortical sensorimotor areas involved in location and intensity of pain, and lateral pathway, reaching brain areas involved with cognitive-emotional aspects of pain. Passive recharge has been suggested to act via modulation of thalamic neurons, which fire in a similar electrical pattern, and thereby modulate activity in various cortical areas including those related to motivational and emotional aspects of pain. The objective of this Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT) is to assess and compare the effect of active versus passive recharge Burst SCS on pain relief in PSPS Type II patients.Methods: This multicenter RCT will take place in 6 Dutch hospitals. PSPS Type II patients (n=96) will be randomized into a group receiving either active or passive recharge burst. Following a successful trial period, patients are permanently implanted. Patients complete the pain catastrophizing score (PCS), numeric pain rating scale (NRS), patient vigilance and awareness questionnaire (PVAQ), hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), quality of life (EQ-5D), Oswestery disability index (ODI), patient global impression of change (PGIC) and painDETECT questionnaires at baseline, after trial, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months following implantation.Discussion: The BURST-RAP trial protocol will shed light on possible clinical differences and effectivity of pain relief (including emotional-motivational aspects between active and passive burst SCS in PSPS Type II patients. Trial registration: This trial is registered in the Netherlands Trial Register under registration number NL9194.
Role of 2D BLADE Turbo Gradient- and Spin-Echo Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in the Quantitative Diagnosis of Recurrent Temporal Bone Cholesteatoma
Authors: Lin Mengyan , Geng Yue , Sha Yan , Zhang Zhongshuai , Zhou Kun 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has become an important tool for the detection of cholesteatoma. The purpose of this study was to explore the value of 2D BLADE turbo gradient- and spin-echo imaging (TGSE BLADE) DWI in the quantitative diagnosis of recurrent temporal bone cholesteatoma (CS).Methods: From March 2018 to October 2021, 67 patients with suspected recurrence of temporal bone CS after assessment by clinical otorhinolaryngologists who had undergone previous ear surgery for CS were prospectively evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Two radiologist assessed images independently. Quantitative parameters such as signal intensity (SI), signal intensity ratio (SIR), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, and ADC ratio measured on TGSE BLADE sequences were assessed. Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the optimal threshold and diagnostic performance for diagnosing recurrent CS were determined. Pair-wise comparison of the ROC curves was performed using the area under the ROC curve (AUC).Results: Finally, 44 patients were included in this study, including 25 CS and 19 non-cholesteatoma (NCS). Mean SI and mean SIR on TGSE BLADE DWI were significantly higher for CS than NCS lesions (p<0.001). Meanwhile, mean ADC values and mean ADC ratios on ADC maps were significantly lower in the CS group than in the NCS group (p<0.001). According to ROC analysis, the diagnostic efficacy of quantitative parameters such as SI (AUC = 0.983), SIR (AUC = 0.967), ADC value (AUC = 1.0), and ADC ratio (AUC = 0.983) was significantly better than that of qualitative DWI (AUC = 0.867; p = 0.025, 0.026, 0.011 and 0.037, respectively).Conclusions: Residual/recurrent temporal bone CS can be accurately detected using quantitative evaluation of TGSE BLADE DWI.
Groundwater level fluctuations in coastal aquifer: Using artificial neural networks to predict the impacts of climatical CMIP6 scenarios
Authors: Roshani Adib , Hamidi Mehdi 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The groundwater resources play a crucial role in satisfying water for use in domestic, industrial, and agricultural applications. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in groundwater level in the Sari-Neka coastal aquifer near the Caspian Sea in Iran by ANN based on the emission scenarios of the sixth IPCC report for the next two decades. Three models selected from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), including ACCESS-CM2, HadGEM3-GC31-LL, and NESM3, are validated. The result shows that ACCESS-CM2 had the best performance, and by using LARS-WG simulation, the temperature and precipitation were done based on two emission scenarios, SSP2-4.5 and SSp5-8.5, during 2021-2040. In addition, the K-means method used for clustering, and the Elbow method was utilized to select the optimal number of piezometers. In the following, the monthly maximum and minimum temperature, precipitation, and water table of previous month from 4 observation piezometers are used as input variables to forecast the groundwater level in the forthcoming months. The results of r, R2, RMSE, and MAE are evaluated for the model and indicate the good performance of the model. The results imply that under such mentioned scenarios, the mean monthly temperature will rise approximately 0.1-1.2 °C; also, the mean monthly precipitation will witness changes from -10% to 78% in the next two decades. As a result, this is likely to lead to improvement and recharge of groundwater level for the near future. The results can help managers and policymakers to identify adaptation strategies more precisely for basins with similar climates.