bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical value of fetal facial profile markers during the first trimester
Authors: Zhou Xiaofeng , Ji Chunya , Sun Lingling , Yin Linliang , Deng Xuedong , Pan Qi , Zhang Jun , Yang Zhong , Zheng Chenhan , Ling Chen , Shi Liping , Wu Yanqing 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objectives
To study the correlations between facial profile markers and crown-lump length (CRL) in a Chinese population, and to evaluate the clinical value of these markers for abnormal fetuses during the first trimester (11 to 13+ 6 gestational weeks) .
Methods
The facial profile markers were as followings: inferior facial angle (IFA), maxilla-nasion-mandible (MNM) angle, facial maxillary angle (FMA), frontal space (FS) distance and profile line (PL) distance. These markers were measured in facial mid-sagittal section through ViewPoint 6 software. The diagnostic value of these markers for abnormal fetuses was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
Results
According to the ultrasonic examination and follow-up, 31 fetuses were enrolled in the abnormal group, including 14 cases of trisomy 21, 7 cases of trisomy 18, 10 cases with cleft lip and palate (CLP), and 1000 cases were selected to the normal group, during the first trimester,with the CRL from 45mm to 84 mm. In the normal group, the IFA, FS distance and PL distance had negative correlations with CRL during the first trimester (rs=-0.614, p < 0.001; rs=-0.42, p < 0.001; rs=-0.271, p < 0.001). The MNM angle and FMA had positive correlations with CRL (rs=0574, p < 0.001; rs=0.451, p < 0.001). The mean IFA values for fetuses with trisomy 21 and trisomy 18 were 74.11° (standard deviation (SD) 7.48) and 69.88° (SD 7.08), respectively, which were significantly smaller than the normal group (Z=-2.496, p = 0.013; Z=-3.018, p = 0.003). The mean MNM angle of fetuses with trisomy 18 and CLP were 6.98° (SD 2.61) and 9.41° (SD 2.57), respectively, which were significantly greater than the normal group (Z=-2.83, p = 0.005; Z=-5.05, p < 0.001). The mean FMA values of trisomy 18 fetuses were 63.95° (SD 4.77), which was significantly smaller than the normal group (t = 4.777, p < 0.001). The mean FS distance of CLP fetuses was − 0.22mm (SD 1.38), which was significantly smaller than the normal group (Z=-4.259, p < 0.001). The mean PL distance of trisomy 21, trisomy 18 and CLP fetuses were 2.89mm (SD 0.41), 2.91mm (SD 0.56) and 2.71mm (SD 0.37), respectively. The difference with the normal group had no statistical significance (t=-0.583, p = 0.56; t=-0.515, p = 0.607; t = 0.613, p = 0.54).
Conclusions
Fetal facial profile markers had excellent correlations with CRL during the first trimester. IFA had certain clinical significance in detecting trisomy 21. FMA, IFA and MNM angle were reliable indicators for screening trisomy 18. The abnormal MNM angle and FS distance could be used as sensitive indicators for CLP. However, PL distance was not the best markers for trisomy 21, trisomy 18 and CLP during the first trimester.
Performance evaluation of the Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device (Abbott) in detecting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at the point of care, Harar, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Teklemariam Zelalem , Feleke Dereje , Abdurahman Abdusemed , Alemayehu Astawus , Demissie Abebaw , Tufa Asefa , Sherefa Nebiyu , Mohammed Abdusemed , Brhane Mussie 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Rapid Antigen tests can help rapid detection, effective isolation of symptomatic cases, and systematic tracing of close contacts. However, the reliability of rapid antigen tests must be validated before they can be used widely. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 236 COVID-19 suspected patients visiting four health institutions in Harari Regional state, Harar, Eastern Ethiopia from June-July, 2021. Two Nasopharyngeal samples were also collected and processed by the Panbio™ Ag-RDT kit directly and RT-PCR. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. The Panbio tests has sensitivity of 77.5% (95% CI: 61.6% − 89.2%), specificity of 98.5% (95% CI: 95.6%- 99.7%), Positive Predictive Value of 91.2% (95% CI : 76.9% − 96.9%), negative Predictive Value of 95.5%(95%CI: 92.3%-,97.4%) and Kappa = 0.81, (95% CI: 0.7–0.9.).The test has sensitivity of 94.4% ,100%, 100% and 90% in sample collected from patients with in the 1–5 days duration of COVID post on set symptoms, age group < = 18 years old and cycle threshold (Ct) values of < 20 and source of contact from house hold respectively .The overall sensitivity of Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device is 77.5%. The test has sensitivity > = 90% in the sample collected from symptomatic patients in early clinical course, age of < = 18 years old, low Ct-values, and had contact with COVID patients in the household. Therefore, this test can be used as a point of care testing for diagnosis of symptomatic patients with shorted clinical course and contact with patients in the households.
Enhanced fluoride adsorption on aluminum-impregnated kenaf biochar: adsorption characteristics and mechanism
Authors: Choi Moon-Yeong , Lee Chang-Gu , Park Seong-Jik 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The fast-growing plant kenaf was pyrolyzed to biochar, and the biochar was impregnated with aluminum to improve its fluoride adsorption capacity. The Al-impregnated kenaf biochar (Al-KNF-BC) was pyrolyzed at different temperatures (300–700°C). The specimen treated at 300°C (Al-KNF-300) showed the highest fluoride adsorption capacity. The kinetics and equilibrium adsorption of fluoride by Al-KNF-300 followed the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, respectively. According to the Langmuir model, the maximum fluoride adsorption capacity of Al-KNF-300 is 13.93 mg/g. The enthalpy and entropy of fluoride adsorption by Al-KNF-300 were 37.80 kJ/mol and 124.1 J/mol‧K, respectively. Fluoride adsorption by Al-KNF-300 was favorable at pH values as low as pH 3, and the effect of anion competition followed the order HCO3− > SO42− > NO3− > Cl−. In experiments with different adsorbent dose, the maximum adsorption efficiency of 99.23% was obtained at an adsorbent concentration of 16.67 g/L, at which the fluoride concentration decreased from 100 mg/L to < 1.5 mg/L (the drinking water standard). Al-KNF-300 is an effective and inexpensive adsorbent for removing fluoride from contaminated water to meet drinking water standards.
WITHDRAWN: A Multi-center Observational Cohort Study of Dialysis Patients’ Prognostic Factors: Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Siddiqa Maryam , Shah Gulzar , Jones Jeffery 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Objective: Chronic kidney disease has emerged as a devastating global health crisis. This cohort study identifies predictive factors for the survival prognosis of patients receiving dialysis.Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study uses data on 1,137 patients undergoing hemodialysis for at least 3 months at multiple clinics in the Punjab Province of Pakistan, from January 2015 to December 2019. Semi-parametric Cox Regression and parametric Accelerated Failure Time models were used to detect predictive factors associated with the survival of the patients.Results: Factors significantly associated with dialysis survival prognosis included dialysis duration (in months) (HR 0.075;95% CI:0.017-0.332), inter-dialytic weight gain (HR 0.775; 95% CI:0.582-1.032), serum potassium (HR 0.883;95% CI:0.730-1.068), serum hemoglobin (HR 1.734;95% CI:1.446-2.081), serum albumin (HR 1.293;95% CI:0.566-2.955).Conclusion: We propose a prognosis score which is a practical and easily adaptable tool based on readily available clinical variables. Our findings present an overall survival advantage at levels of high serum albumin, high serum hemoglobin, low inter-dialytic weight gain, and large dialysis duration at the recommended range of potassium level for a patient. Results report established primary prognosis factors that are clinically useful and can offer insights to clinicians that may provide better treatment and improved survival of dialysis patients.
Identification of COVID-19 Chest X- Ray Images using a Multi-layer Hybrid Classification Model
Authors: Poomkur Thanakorn , Wongsirichot Thakerng 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 diagnoses during the pandemic require fast and accurate identification of chest X-Ray (CXR) images. Image processing techniques are critical in accurately diagnosing diseases. This study establishes a method for image analysis and classification using the Multi-Layer Hybrid Classification (MLHC) technique on COVID-19, non-COVID-19 (viral and bacterial pneumonia), and healthy CXR images.Methods: In this retrospective study, five public datasets of 4,200 CXR images were analyzed using several machine learning techniques which include Decision Tree (DT), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Neural Networks (NN). Pre-processing was performed by image segmentation, image enhancement, and feature extraction techniques. The best performing classifiers were identified based on evaluation criterion and ensembled into MLHC for COVID-19 (MLHC-COVID-19).Results: MLHC-COVID-19 was trained using ten-fold cross-validation. For the unseen test, MLHC-COVID-19 showed promising performance achieving an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 96.2%, 96.2%, and 98.1%, respectively. Therefore, MLHC-COVID-19 can effectively classify CXR images enhancing the accuracy of CXR image interpretation.Conclusion: Rigorous comparative studies used more than ten advanced convolutional neural network (CNN) based classification models. The results showed that the proposed method outperforms the comparative models in classification. Therefore, MLHC-COVID-19 can be a potential practical computer-aided diagnostic (CADx) tool for COVID-19 CXR classification. Additionally, a web-based MLHC-COVID-19 CADx is available at http://psuva.com/mlhc.
Mass transfer intensification for carbon quantum dot nanofluid drops under pulsed electric fields
Authors: Jafari Farnaz , Saien Javad , Rashidi Alimorad 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Simultaneous use of carbon quantum dot (CQD) nanofluids and pulsed electric fields exhibits amazing mass transfer intensification in liquid–liquid extraction of circulating drops. Here, the chemical system of kerosene–acetic acid–water with mass transfer resistance in the organic phase was used, in which organic nanofluid drops contained CQD or modified CQD-Fe. These products with extremely small sizes of 7.2 and 13.4 nm were synthesized and characterized by DLS, Zeta potential, XRD, EDS and SEM techniques. To find optimum conditions, CQD concentrations within (0.0005 - 0.003) wt%, electric field frequencies within (50 - 550) Hz and electric field strengths to 16 V/cm were examined. From hydrodynamic point of view, the flow pattern of drops was in circulating mode, and that terminal velocity of drops correctly followed the Grace model. The substantial effect of pulsed electric field on the CQD and CQD-Fe nanofluids, brought about mass transfer enhancements to 263.5 and 291.6%. This can be attributed to the electro-induced motion of global CQDs with pulsed electric fields. For the aim of modelling, the adapted Kumar and Hartland equation with a developed correlation of the enhancement factor versus involved dimensionless variables were satisfactory to reproduce the mass transfer coefficient data.
Securing information using a proposed reliable chaos-based stream cipher - with real-time FPGA-based wireless connection implementation
Authors: Merah Lahcene , Lorenz Pascal , Noureddine Chaib , Adda Ali-Pacha 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In this paper, a robust Chaos Based Stream Cipher (CBSC) is proposed . The novelty of this work is that it addresses all challenges confronting chaos- based cryptography. The PCBSC (Proposed CBSC) has a robust synchronization circuit that mitigates the effect of channel noise, a perturbation block that overcomes the dynamical degradation, a robust encryption scheme, and an efficient control parameters ' generator that generates strong keys. According to the complexity evaluation , the improved chaotic map provides good statistical properties. This can be confirmed by the obtained high values of the statistical metrics (Largest Lyapunov Exponent, Approximate Entropy, Permutation Entropy, and Sample Entropy) used for the evaluation . According to the security analysis ; the PCBSC has good security features , the PCBSC provides strong keys that ensure confusion property, as well as enough space to withstand brute-force attacks . On the other hand , the proposed encryption scheme proves its efficiency; the result of the differential attack clearly shows that the diffusion property is guaranteed. Additionally, the original images' statistical properties are completely dispersed on the encrypted images. The obtained performance over noisy channels proves the synchronization circuit's efficiency. When compared to other proposals, the PCBSC provides the best results. In addition, the PCBSC is implemented on an FPGA and evaluated in real-time over a wireless link.
TSWV modulates sex ratio in the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, by down-regulating a FSCB-like gene
Authors: Tao Min , Wan Yanran , Zheng Xiaobin , Qian Kanghua , Xu Baoyun , Zhang Youjun , Zhou Xuguo , Wu Qingjun 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Plant viruses can facilitate their transmission by modulating sex ratios of their insect vectors. Previously, we found that exposure to tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) in the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, led to a male-biased sex ratio in the offspring. TSWV, a generalist pathogen with a broad host range, is transmitted primarily by F. occidentalis in a circulative-propagative manner. Here, we integrated proteomic tools with nanoparticle-mediated RNAi to comprehensively investigate the genetic basis underlying the shift in vector’s sex ratio induced by virus. Proteomic analysis showed 104 differentially expressed proteins between F. occidentalis adult males with and without TSWV. The expression level of the fiber sheath CABYR-binding-like (FSCB) protein, namely FoFSCB-like, a sperm-specific protein associated with sperm capacitation and motility was decreased by 46%. The predicted FoFSCB-like protein include 10 classic Pro-X-X-Pro motifs and 42 phosphorylation sites, which are key features for sperm capacitation. The relative expression of FoFSCB-like was gradually increased alongside the developmental stages and peaked at the pupal stage. After exposed to TSWV, FoFSCB-like expression was substantially down-regulated. RNAi substantially suppressed FoFSCB-like expression and led to a significant male bias in the offspring. This study not only advances our understanding of virus-vector interactions, but also identifies a potential target for the genetic management of F. occidentalis, the primary vector of TSWV, by manipulating male fertility.
How Strong is Demand for Public Transport Service in Nepal? A Case Study of Kathmandu Using a Choice-Based Conjoint Experiment
Authors: ARYAL Tulsi Ram , Ichihashi Masaru , Kaneko Shinji 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
A public transport system is the most efficient and equitable solution to the challenges of urban mobility and climate change. To improve public transport, technological innovations, policy interventions, and behavioral changes should all be applied appropriately; however, there is a lack of information about the demand for public transport services in developing countries. This paper aims to measure the degree of demand for public transport services by comparing various factors using as a case study Kathmandu, one of the most congested urban areas in a developing country. We designed a choice-based conjoint experiment with five attributes: mode of transport, waiting time, one-way fare per km, commute time per km, and payment method. Our results indicate that 73% of the respondents are in favor of changing the current transport policy and wish for a shift to public transport, which means that most commuters are in favor of the proposed mode of transport, that is, MRT. On the other hand, the study reveals that respondents have a negative evaluation of motorbikes, one of the most popular modes of transport in Kathmandu. Our results provide transport planners guidance for addressing current public transport policies.
Microalgae (Selenastrum Capricornutum) Growth Inhibition Following Exposure to Pond Water: Monitoring Pond Toxicity
Authors: OKPASHI VICTOR ESHU 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Bio-indicators are organisms, such as bacteria, that can be used to determine the state of health and biogeographic change in the environment. Microalgae, for example, are used as bioindicators to assess the health of natural ecosystems such as pond water. They're utilized to evaluate the media in which a biological system operates, as well as the molecules within it. They serve as a symbol of the high quality of its surroundings. Microalgae respond quickly to changes in the environment, making them an excellent biomarker for evaluating the quality of pond and water pollutants. Fish are grown in a fixed pool of water known as a pond, with old water being replaced every five days or more. For the duration of the investigation, hazardous metabolites in the pond water were examined for the beginning or build-up of harmful metabolites. The Algaltoxkit approach was used for five days. Selanastrum capricornutum, a microalgae, was grown as a bio-indicator of pond toxicity. The pond water was collected without dilution from day one to day five. The microalgae test was conducted for 72 hours, with minor deviations from ISO guideline 8692. Microalgae growth inhibition varied among the days monitored, according to the results, findings imply that pond water poisoning begins on day 2-5. This finding shows that hazardous compounds in the pond water at day 5 may be affecting the fish's ability to grow and develop normally. The Algaltoxkit kit could also be a useful, quick test instrument for detecting the beginning of hazardous metabolites in a fish pond.
Violence perpetration by husbands and their risky sexual behaviour among young couples in India: Emerging Evidences from Demographic Health Survey (2015-16)
Authors: Manisha Manisha , Dakua Tushar 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objective: To explores the association between sexual risk behaviour among men and their violence perpetration on their wives in India.Methods: The data of Indian National Family Health Survey-4 was used for the present study. Analyses were limited to sample size of 18,631 husband, whose wife interviewed and selected for the domestic violence module. Logistic regression was used to see the association between violence perpetration by husbands and their risky sexual behaviour among young couples in India. Sexual activity with multiple partners, sexual intercourse with other than a spouse and number of lifetime partners, were classified as sexual risk behaviour.Results: One third (31%) of the youth married women (15-29-year-old) experienced intimate partner violence in India. Men who reported having multiple sexual partners were more likely to involve in sexual violence (AOR=1.8) and emotional violence (AOR=1.93) on their wives. Similarly, Men with history of high-risk sex were 1.77 times more likely to have carried out emotional violence on their wives. Sexual abuse is also 1.4 times more among men who have more than a one-lifetime partner. Conclusion: Men who perpetrate abuse represent increased risk regarding their wives’ sexual health because they are more likely to participate in extramarital sexual behaviour.
Effect of Nano-Curcumin on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus cereus inoculated in chicken kofta
Authors: Elsabagh Rasha , Abd-Elaaty Elsayed M. , Elfeil Wael K. , Diab Mohamed S. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Food safety is the major issue in the food industry. Curcumin is a natural antimicrobial that has nutritional and health benefits. Nanotechnology can improve its bioavailability and application in food. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of nano-curcumin on some food poisoning bacteria, especially those of zoonotic importance, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus, in vitro and inoculated in chilled chicken kofta. Nano-curcumin showed antimicrobial effects on the microbes under study in vitro, which were confirmed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).The microbiological quality and physicochemical and sensory attributes of chilled chicken kofta was evaluated at 4°C for 27 days. Nano-curcumin reduced the count of E. coli from 5.73 to 1.09 log cfu/g, the count of S. aureus from 5.73 to 1.02 log cfu/g, and the count of B. cereus count from 5.87 to 3.13 log cfu/g. Nano-curcumin increased PH, TBA and TVB-N values over the storage period. Moreover, it enhanced the sensory attributes and shelf life of chicken kofta until the 27th day of storage. Nano-curcumin is considered a novel antimicrobial and antioxidant agent for meat products.
Multiplex core of the human brain using structural, functional and metabolic connectivity derived from hybrid PET-MR imaging
Authors: Devrome Martijn , Laere Koen Van , Koole Michel 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
With the increasing success of mapping brain networks and availability of multiple MR- and PET-based connectivity measures, the need for novel methodologies to unravel the structure and function of the brain at multiple spatial and temporal scales is emerging. Therefore, in this work, we used hybrid PET-MR data of healthy volunteers (n = 67) to identify multiplex core nodes in the human brain. First, monoplex networks of structural, functional and metabolic connectivity were constructed, and consequently combined into a multiplex SC-FC-MC network by linking the same nodes categorically across layers. Taking into account the multiplex nature using a tensorial approach, we identified a set of core nodes in this multiple network based on a combination of eigentensor centrality and overlapping degree. We introduced a coreness coefficient, which mitigates the effect of modeling parameters to obtain robust results. The proposed methodology was applied onto young and elderly healthy volunteers, where differences observed in the monoplex networks persisted in the multiplex as well. The multiplex core showed a decreased contribution to the default mode and salience network, while an increased contribution to the dorsal attention and somatosensory network was observed in the elderly population. Moreover, a clear distinction in eigentensor centrality was found between young and elderly healthy volunteers.