bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of COVID-19 on public hospital revenues in Iran: An interrupted time-series analysis
Authors: Behzadifar Masoud , Aalipour Afshin , Kehsvari Mohammad , Darvishi Teli Banafsheh , Ghanbari Mahboubeh Khaton , Gorji Hasan Abolghasem , Sheikhi Alaeddin , Azari Samad , Heydarian Mohammad , Ehsanzadeh Seyed Jafar , Kong Jude Dzevela , Ahadi Maryam , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi 
Published: March 2022

Background
The “Coronavirus Disease 2019” (COVID-19) pandemic has become a major challenge for all healthcare systems worldwide, and besides generating a high toll of deaths, it has caused economic losses. Hospitals have played a key role in providing services to patients and the volume of hospital activities has been refocused on COVID-19 patients. Other activities have been limited/repurposed or even suspended and hospitals have been operating with reduced capacity. With the decrease in non-COVID-19 activities, their financial system and sustainability have been threatened, with hospitals facing shortage of financial resources. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on the revenues of public hospitals in Lorestan province in western Iran, as a case study.

Method
In this quasi-experimental study, we conducted the interrupted time series analysis to evaluate COVID-19 induced changes in monthly revenues of 18 public hospitals, from April 2018 to August 2021, in Lorestan, Iran. In doing so, public hospitals report their earnings to the University of Medical Sciences monthly; then, we collected this data through the finance office.

Results
Due to COVID-19, the revenues of public hospitals experienced an average monthly decrease of $172,636 thousand (P-value = 0.01232). For about 13 months, the trend of declining hospital revenues continued. However, after February 2021, a relatively stable increase could be observed, with patient admission and elective surgeries restrictions being lifted. The average monthly income of hospitals increased by $83,574 thousand.

Conclusion
COVID-19 has reduced the revenues of public hospitals, which have faced many problems due to the high costs they have incurred. During the crisis, lack of adequate fundings can damage healthcare service delivery, and policymakers should allocate resources to prevent potential shocks.
Electrical activity and fatigue of respiratory and locomotor muscles in obstructive respiratory diseases during field walking test
Authors: Cavalcanti Jéssica D. , Fregonezi Guilherme Augusto F. , Sarmento Antonio J. , Bezerra Thiago , Gualdi Lucien P. , Pennati Francesca , Aliverti Andrea , Resqueti Vanessa R. 
Published: April 2022

Introduction
In subjects with obstructive respiratory diseases the increased work of breathing during exercise can trigger greater recruitment and fatigue of respiratory muscles. Associated with these changes, lower limb muscle dysfunctions, further contribute to exercise limitations. We aimed to assess electrical activity and fatigue of two respiratory and one locomotor muscle during Incremental Shuttle Walking Test (ISWT) in individuals with obstructive respiratory diseases and compare with healthy.

Methods
This is a case-control study. Seventeen individuals with asthma (asthma group) and fifteen with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD group) were matched with healthy individuals (asthma and COPD control groups). Surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity of sternocleidomastoid (SCM), scalene (ESC), and rectus femoris (RF) were recorded during ISWT. sEMG activity was analyzed in time and frequency domains at baseline and during the test (33%, 66%, and 100% of ISWT total time) to obtain, respectively, signal amplitude and power spectrum density (EMG median frequency [MF], high- and low-frequency bands, and high/low [H/L] ratio).

Results
Asthma group walked a shorter distance than controls (p = 0.0007). sEMG amplitudes of SCM, ESC, and RF of asthma and COPD groups were higher at 33% and 66% of ISWT compared with controls groups (all p<0.05). SCM and ESC of COPD group remained higher until 100% of the test. MF of ESC and RF decreased in asthma group (p = 0.016 and p < 0.0001, respectively) versus controls, whereas MF of SCM (p < 0.0001) decreased in COPD group compared with controls. H/L ratio of RF decreased (p = 0.002) in COPD group versus controls.

Conclusion
Reduced performance is accompanied by increased electromyographic activity of SCM and ESC and activation of RF in individuals with obstructive respiratory diseases during ISWT. These are susceptible to be more pronounced respiratory and peripheral muscle fatigue than healthy subjects during exercise.
Fecobionics Evaluation of Biofeedback Therapy in Patients With Fecal Incontinence
Authors: Futaba Kaori , Chen Ssu-Chi , Leung Wing Wa , Wong Cherry , Mak Tony , Ng Simon , Gregersen Hans 
Published: April 2022

INTRODUCTION:
Biofeedback therapy (BFT) is a well-known treatment for functional anorectal disorders. The effect of BFT was monitored in fecal incontinence (FI) patients with the Fecobionics test and with the conventional technologies, anorectal manometry (ARM) and balloon expulsion test (BET).

METHODS:
Studies were performed in 12 patients before and after 8 weeks of biofeedback training. The Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI) score was obtained. Anal resting and squeeze pressures were measured before the bag was distended in the rectum until urge to defecate. Pressure recordings were made during Fecobionics evacuation.

RESULTS:
BFT resulted in 24% reduction in FISI scores (P < 0.01). Seven patients were characterized as responders. Anal pressures, the urge-to-defecate volume, and defecatory parameters did not change significantly during BFT. For ARM-BET, the maximum anal squeeze pressure, the urge-to-defecate volume, and the expulsion time were lower after BFT compared with those before BFT (P < 0.05). For Fecobionics, the change in urge volume (r = 0.74, P < 0.05) and the change in defecation index (r = 0.79, P < 0.01) were associated with the change in FISI score. None of the ARM-BET parameters were associated with the change in FISI score. It was studied whether any pre-BFT data could predict treatment success. The Fecobionics expulsion duration and the defecation index predicted the outcome (P < 0.05). The defecation index had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 72%. None of the ARM-BET parameters predicted the outcome (all P > 0.2).

DISCUSSION:
Fecobionics was used as a tool to monitor the effect of BFT and proved better than conventional technologies for monitoring and predicting the outcome in the FISI score.
Evaluating Research Self-Efficacy in Undergraduate Students: Experience Matters
Authors: Manitzas Hill Heather Marie , Zwahr Jennifer , Gonzalez, III Antonio 
Published: April 2022

Beliefs about conducting research and completing major projects, such as master’s theses and dissertations, suggest that previous experience, guidance from a mentor, and cohesive teams are particularly important in boosting the confidence to conduct research in graduate students (research self-efficacy). Although these factors are also thought to be important for undergraduate students, much less is known about undergraduate interest in research and beliefs about conducting research. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the research self-efficacy of undergraduate students attending a minority- and first-generation-serving liberal arts institution. Over 500 undergraduate students attending a small private university in south Texas completed surveys regarding their interest in conducting research, research self-efficacy, and various research experiences. Seventy-one percent were female, 37% were freshman, and 58% majored in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Fifty-four present had never had a research experience other than completing a survey, whereas 17% had completed two or more research experiences. Greater interest in research was associated with higher levels of research self-efficacy. Students reporting research experiences were confident in their abilities to conduct research overall. Students with two or more experiences reported significantly higher levels of interest in research and research self-efficacy than students who had less or no experience. Qualitative analyses elucidated reasons for the observed differences. The results reinforce the need to expose undergraduate students to research across classes and disciplines and suggest participation in research pools can develop interest and beliefs about research.
Ion channels and neuronal excitability in polyglutamine neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Martinez-Rojas Vladimir A. , Juarez-Hernandez Leon J. , Musio Carlo 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are a family composed of nine neurodegenerative inherited disorders (NDDs) caused by pathological expansions of cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) trinucleotide repeats which encode a polyQ tract in the corresponding proteins. CAG polyQ repeat expansions produce neurodegeneration via multiple downstream mechanisms; among those the neuronal activity underlying the ion channels is affected directly by specific channelopathies or indirectly by secondary dysregulation. In both cases, the altered excitability underlies to gain- or loss-of-function pathological effects. Here we summarize the repertoire of ion channels in polyQ NDDs emphasizing the biophysical features of neuronal excitability and their pathogenic role. The aim of this review is to point out the value of a deeper understanding of those functional mechanisms and processes as crucial elements for the designing and targeting of novel therapeutic avenues.
Two new polypodane-type bicyclic triterpenoids from mastic
Authors: An Xuerui , Wang Junlong , Yu Xuehui , Wu Hao , Liu Wei 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Pistacia lentiscus L. is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Anacardiaceae family, cultivated exclusively in the southern area of Chios Island. Mastic gum as a unique natural resin of the tree Pistacia lentiscus L. has been used extensively in functional foods and traditional medicine. The biological properties of Pistacia resins may be influenced by different chemical constituents. Herein the present work is aimed to further explore the diverse triterpenoids of mastic, and evaluate their anti-inflammatory activity. Two undescribed polypodane-type bicyclic triterpenoids were isolated from the Pistacia resins, their structures were elucidated using ultraviolet, infrared, high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HRESIMS), and nuclear magnetic resonance data. LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages were incubated with various concentrations of isolated compounds, and results showed that compounds 1 and 2 inhibited nitric oxide production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values of 28.1 and 32.6 µM, respectively.
The method of selecting adaptive devices for the needs of drivers with disabilities
Authors: Stasiak-Cieślak Beata , Grabarek Iwona 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis article presents the research which resulted in the creation of the method of automatic selection of adaptive devices for the needs of drivers with motor disabilities – ASA System. An expert system was used to build the method, which used databases from various fields of knowledge in the inference process. The databases were created on the basis of an analysis of the literature on the mobility of people with disabilities, a review of the operation of companies specializing in adaptations, verification of adaptive devices in terms of their functions, as well as various categories of disability. The knowledge of the individual selection of adaptive devices and expertize in this area made for specific recipients were used. Based on the accumulated knowledge, a simplified division of adaptive devices and classification of disabilities were implemented. The conclusions from analyses made it possible to formulate the rules necessary for the application process. A comparative analysis of the degree of consistency between the selection of devices generated by the ASA System (automatically) and the selection made by three experts (individually) for 44 people with various motor disabilities, was carried out. The results obtained confirmed usefulness of the expert system in building the method of automatic selection of adaptive devices, as well as the rightness of automating this process, due to the objectivity of the proposed method in comparison with individual, subjective selection carried out by experts.
Starting the engine of the powerhouse: mitochondrial transcription and beyond
Authors: Miranda Maria , Bonekamp Nina A. , Kühl Inge 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Mitochondria are central hubs for cellular metabolism, coordinating a variety of metabolic reactions crucial for human health. Mitochondria provide most of the cellular energy via their oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system, which requires the coordinated expression of genes encoded by both the nuclear (nDNA) and mitochondrial genomes (mtDNA). Transcription of mtDNA is not only essential for the biogenesis of the OXPHOS system, but also generates RNA primers necessary to initiate mtDNA replication. Like the prokaryotic system, mitochondria have no membrane-based compartmentalization to separate the different steps of mtDNA maintenance and expression and depend entirely on nDNA-encoded factors imported into the organelle. Our understanding of mitochondrial transcription in mammalian cells has largely progressed, but the mechanisms regulating mtDNA gene expression are still poorly understood despite their profound importance for human disease. Here, we review mechanisms of mitochondrial gene expression with a focus on the recent findings in the field of mammalian mtDNA transcription and disease phenotypes caused by defects in proteins involved in this process.
Atomistic insight into the essential binding event of ACE2-derived peptides to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
Authors: Sarto Carolina , Florez-Rueda Sebastián , Arrar Mehrnoosh , Hackenberger Christian P.R. , Lauster Daniel , Di Lella Santiago 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The pathogenic agent of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters into human cells through the interaction between the receptor binding domain (RBD) of its spike glycoprotein and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Efforts have been made towards finding antivirals that block this interaction, therefore preventing infection. Here, we determined the binding affinity of ACE2-derived peptides to the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 experimentally and performed MD simulations in order to understand key characteristics of their interaction. One of the peptides, p6, binds to the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 with nM affinity. Although the ACE2-derived peptides retain conformational flexibility when bound to SARS-CoV-2 RBD, we identified residues T27 and K353 as critical anchors mediating the interaction. New ACE2-derived peptides were developed based on the p6-RBD interface analysis and expecting the native conformation of the ACE2 to be maintained. Furthermore, we found a correlation between the helicity in trifluoroethanol and the binding affinity to RBD of the new peptides. Under the hypothesis that the conservation of peptide secondary structure is decisive to the binding affinity, we developed a cyclized version of p6 which had more helicity than p6 and approximately half of its K
D value.
Body Language of Avatars in VR Meetings as Communication Status Cue: Recommendations for Interaction Design and Implementation
Authors: Kurzweg Marco , Wolf Katrin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWhile traditional videoconferencing causes privacy issues, virtual meetings are not yet widely used. Their communication quality still lacks usability and important non-verbal communication cues, such as body language, are underrepresented. We aim at exploring virtual avatars’ body language and how it can be used to indicate meeting attendees’ communication status. By comparing users’ perceptions of avatar behavior, we found that avatar body language across gender can be an indication of communication willingness. We derive resulting body language design recommendations and recommend using attentively behaving avatars as default body language and to indicate being busy through actions of the avatar, such as drinking, typing, or talking on a phone. These actions indicate that users are temporarily busy with another task, but still are attending the meeting. When users are unavailable, their avatars should not be displayed at all and in cases of longer meeting interruptions, the avatar of a user should leave the virtual meeting room.
Auralization of Concert Halls for Touristic Purposes
Authors: Schauer Sophie , Bertocci Stefano , Cioli Federico , Sieck Jürgen , Shakhovska Natalya , Vovk Olena 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This paper presents the progress implemented during the AURA project, funded by the Creative-Europe program with project partners from Germany, Italy, and Ukraine. The project aims to create auralized applications for three music venues in each of the project countries, namely the Konzerthaus Berlin, the Teatro del Maggio in Florence, and the Opera House Lviv. Each will be digitally recreated and auralized before they are then used to conduct case studies. This paper gives insights into current digitalization and auralization techniques. The results of a digital survey will be laid out and the conception and implementation of a first auralized prototype using a hand-modeled 3D object from the Great Hall of the Konzerthaus Berlin will be demonstrated. Furthermore, the usage of auralization for touristic purposes will be investigated using artificial intelligence for an audience preference analysis. A conclusion will be drawn and a short outlook into the ongoing course of the AURA project will be given.
Image Garden
Authors: Sinatti Eugenia , Weckert Simon , Dobrzalski Ewelina 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Image Garden is an AI-based toolbox for curating collections and designing smart exhibitions that was developed by
ART+COM Studios
[ART+COM Studios. 2021. ART+COM. https://artcom.de/en/] in the research project
QURATOR
[QURATOR Bündnis. 2021. Qurator. https://qurator.ai]. This paper describes the application scenarios underlying the development of Image Garden. It also presents the technologies integrated in its processing pipeline, and sketches Show Cases that were implemented to demonstrate and evaluate functionality and usability.
Cross-cultural Literary Comprehension:Theoretical Basis and Empirical Research
Authors: Zhang Yehong 
Published: March 2022

AbstractLiterary communication is inference-based communication between recipients and texts. The textual world stimulates the recipients’ imagination by means of a structure of indeterminacy in the work. Readers use their world knowledge and cultural conceptualization to fill in the blank points in the story world and interpret the connotative meaning. Amidst the growing influence of globalization, people all over the world have more options to enjoy the same cultural products and cross-cultural studies are therefore more necessary. Research on cross-cultural literary reading responses can indicate the essential elements of literary comprehension. Under an interdisciplinary theoretical framework, the research on cross-cultural literary comprehension should be conducted to investigate whether readers from diverse cultural contexts differ in their reading responses and to explore the common ground of cross-cultural literary interpretation. Based on the theoretical foundation, empirical studies on cross-cultural literary comprehension are introduced, comprising perspectives such as differences and similarities in story interpretation, aesthetic appreciation of classical poetry and emotional responses. The empirical findings suggest the extent to which readers’ responses can transcend cultural boundaries and diverse cultural knowledge can activate different intercultural implications. Interdisciplinary research can provide new insights into the core issues regarding the cross-cultural reading of literary works against the backdrop of globalization.
Die Sanktionierung schwerer Kriminalität Jugendlicher nach Erwachsenenstrafrecht im Licht internationaler Menschenrechtsstandards
Authors: Dünkel Frieder 
Published: March 2022

Zusammenfassung
Der vorliegende Beitrag setzt sich am Beispiel der Publikation von Jana Hinz (Old enough to commit a Crime – Old enough to do the Time?, 2021) mit grundsätzlichen Fragen der Sanktionierung Jugendlicher nach Jugend- oder Erwachsenenstrafrecht und des im anglo-amerikanischen Recht verbreiteten Transfers zu Erwachsenengerichten auseinander. Derartige Herausnahmen aus dem Jugendstrafrecht widersprechen internationalen Menschenrechtsstandards und der grundlegenden Idee des Jugendstrafrechts, mit erzieherisch begründeten und im Grundsatz milderen Sanktionen auf Jugendstraftaten im Vergleich zum Erwachsenenstrafrecht zu reagieren (vermehrte Diversion, Freiheitsentzug nur als extrema ultima ratio etc.). Daher stellt sich in der Tat die Frage, wie internationale jugendstrafrechtliche Mindeststandards in diesem Kontext besser durchgesetzt werden können.
Subwavelength Bayer RGB color routers with perfect optical efficiency
Authors: Catrysse Peter B. , Zhao Nathan , Jin Weiliang , Fan Shanhui 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe introduce subwavelength color routers with perfect optical efficiency in a red-green-green-blue (RGGB) Bayer layout for solid state image sensors. This is the first demonstration of a subwavelength device concept that shows the full potential of color routing, i.e., perfect routing without loss of photons, with a broadband, polarization-independent, and angular robust response. As an example, we show a color router for 320 nm wide image sensor pixels, which are two times smaller than the smallest state-of-the-art pixels, that features perfect optical efficiency, i.e., no crosstalk between color channels, no reflections, and no leakage into non-photodetector regions, even though the pixel photodetectors are 2–3 times smaller than the wavelength of the incident light. Our color router outperforms all other color separation approaches and can replace the entire optical stack in solid state image sensors.
Soliton solutions of Calogero–Degasperis–Fokas dynamical equation via modified mathematical methods
Authors: Alruwaili Abdulmohsen D. , Seadawy Aly R. , Ali Asghar , Beinane Sid Ahmed O. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
New solitary wave solutions of the Calogero–Degasperis–Fokas (CDF) equation via two modified methods called improved simple equation and modified F-expansion schemes are investigated. Numerous types of results are obtained in the form of hyperbolic functions, trigonometric functions and elliptic functions. Moreover, some of the derived solutions are illustrated as two-dimensional, three-dimensional and contour graphical images that were plotted with the assistance of computational software Mathematica, which gave useful knowledge to study the physical phenomena of the CDF model. The investigated solutions have fruitful advantages in mathematical physics.