bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Test preparation pedagogy for international study: Relating teacher cognition, instructional models and academic writing skills
Authors: Clark Tony , Yu Guoxing 
Published: January 2022

There now exists an established body of work outlining the challenges international students can face as part of the acculturation process, including a range of academic and non-academic pressures to overcome. For many students, writing essays in academic English for the first time is problematic. This article considers pedagogical approaches for IELTS writing test preparation prior to university admission, and the potential for introducing academic writing skills at an earlier stage of students’ learning. Noting implications of test constructs, we investigate pedagogical support for candidates preparing for the writing section of IELTS. Conducted at a test preparation centre in China, observational data from courses across three proficiency levels provided the basis for inquiry, alongside interviews with teachers ( n = 2), students ( n = 20), and collating homework essays ( n = 50). Results indicate that teacher cognition highly influenced pedagogical practice for writing test preparation at the centre involved. It was also evident that (despite variations) overall test preparation objectives were broadly similar. Additionally, higher proficiency learners appeared to be more receptive to – and capable of – learning about early-stage academic writing skills. We suggest a series of tentative recommendations for instructors and areas for future research, including looking at other major university entrance tests, newer ‘digital first’ tests, and the implications of online test preparation.
Railway defect detection based on track geometry using supervised and unsupervised machine learning
Authors: Sresakoolchai Jessada , Kaewunruen Sakdirat 
Published: January 2022

Track quality affects passenger comfort and safety. To maintain the quality of the track, track geometry and track component defects are inspected routinely. Track geometry is inspected using a track geometry car (TGC). Measured values are stored in the machine and processed to evaluate the track quality. However, track component defects require more effort to inspect. Track component defects can be inspected manually which is time- and workload-consuming or using sensors installed at additional cost. This study presents an approach using track geometry obtained by a TGC to detect track component defects, namely, rail, switch and crossing, fastener and rail joint defects. Detection models are developed using several supervised machine learnings. The relationships between track component defects are analysed to gain insights using unsupervised machine learnings. From the study, the best model for detecting track component defects using track geometry is a deep neural network with an accuracy of 94.31% followed by a convolutional neural network with an accuracy of 93.77%. For the exploration of insights, k-means clustering is used to cluster the track components defects, and association rules are used to find the relationships between them. Examples of the insights from applying these two techniques are that switch and crossing defects are usually found where the radius of curvature is less than 2000 m and the gradient is positive, the most common defects when the radius of curvature higher than 4000 m are rail defects, or a worn wing rail will be found when the rail section has failed, ties in switches and worn point blades are found with the confidence of 92.17%. The findings of the study can be applied to detect track component defects using track geometry where additional cost is not required and unsupervised machine learning provides the insights that will be beneficial for railway maintenance. The information obtained from machine learning models will be complementary information to support decision making and improve the maintenance efficiency in the railway industry.
Initial Treatment Choice Affects Cost-Effectiveness and Reintervention Rates for Dupuytren Contracture: A National Census Among Veterans Affairs Patients
Authors: Drinane James J. , Gemoets Darren , Hoftiezer Yannick A. J. , Hoehn James , Eberlin Kyle R. 
Published: January 2022

Background: A multitude of treatments for Dupuytren contracture are available, including both invasive and minimally invasive options. This study compares the reintervention rates and costs associated with various treatment options for Dupuytren disease (DD) within the Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Administration. Methods: Using the Corporate Data Warehouse, a national census was performed including all patients treated for DD in years 2014 to 2020 within the VA health care system. Patients treated with collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH), percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (PNA), open fasciotomy, palmar fasciectomy, single finger fasciectomy, and multifinger fasciectomy were compared. The total cost of initial treatment was compared between modalities. The 5-year reintervention rates were compared using a Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: During the study period, 8530 patients were treated for DD (3501 fasciectomy, 3351 CCH, 880 PNA, 798 fasciotomy). The overall median treatment cost was found to be the least for PNA ( P < .0001). The 5-year reintervention rates were significantly lower for single finger fasciectomy (6.5%), operative fasciotomy (8.2%), and palmar fasciectomy (9%) when compared with PNA (12.3%), multifinger fasciectomy (13.1%), and CCH (14.4%) ( P < .001). However, reintervention rates were comparable between patients treated with PNA, multifinger fasciectomy, and CCH ( P > .05). Conclusions: Within the VA population, PNA is the most affordable procedure per treatment episode and is associated with reintervention rates that are comparable to those of CCH. Multifinger fasciectomy, CCH, and PNA had comparable reintervention rates. The differences in reintervention rates may partially be explained by patients’ willingness to consider additional treatment to correct any remaining or recurrent deformity.
Cellular and Biochemical Effects of Combined X-Ray Radiation and Storage on Whole Blood
Authors: Torres Filho Ivo P. , Torres Luciana N. , Barraza David , Williams Charnae E. , Hildreth Kim 
Published: January 2022

Background Evaluating the impact of ionizing radiation on stored blood is relevant since blood banks are major assets in emergency conditions such as radiation incident/attack. This study aimed to fill our knowledge gap of combined radiation and storage effects on blood. Methods Blood collected from 16 anesthetized rats was anticoagulated, aliquoted into storage bags, and assigned to 8 groups using protocols combining storage (1-day vs 3-day 4oC) plus irradiation (75 Gy vs 0 Gy - control). Bags were positioned inside an X-ray irradiator (MultiRad-350). Complete blood count, differential white blood cell count, biochemistry, and hemostasis were analyzed (≥7 bags/group). Results Na+, bicarbonate, glucose, and pH significantly reduced, while K+, Cl−, and lactate increased by storage. Coagulation measures were not significantly altered after radiation. White blood cell count and most cell types were numerically reduced after radiation, but changes were statistically significant only for monocytes. No significant alterations were noted in aggregation or rotational thromboelastometry parameters between irradiated and control. Conclusions Evaluating cellular/biochemical parameters aids in assessing stored blood adequacy after radiation. Data suggest that fresh or cold-stored blood can sustain up to 75 Gy without major critical parameter changes and may remain suitable for use in critically ill patients in military/civilian settings.
Suffering as a Lifelong Companion: A Phenomenological-Hermeneutic Study of Men Living With Severe Psychiatric Illness
Authors: Kasén Anne , Bondas Terese 
Published: January 2022

Accumulation of suffering in later life due to severe psychiatric illness has received surprisingly little interest in nursing research. Suffering in daily living seems to be more demanding for men, a phenomenon still debated in the literature. This phenomenological-hermeneutic study aims at describing and interpreting the perspectives of adult men and their experiences of suffering in daily living with severe psychiatric illness, diagnosed as schizophrenia. Data were collected in dialogical conversations with four men aged between 20 and 40 years, living alone in northern Norway. The themes created from the structural understanding illuminate the participants’ suffering as simultaneously struggling against the grasp of the illness and for reshaping the future. The theoretical interpretation unfolds the multidimensionality of their suffering and the need for confirmation of the suffering and reconciliation with the losses from illness, thus making reorientation to the future possible.
The New German-speaking School of Balkankompetenzen: Knowledge production and truth claims in post-colonial post-communist context
Authors: Doja Albert 
Published: January 2022

In this paper, I show how some strands of contemporary Western scholarship in Albanian studies reproduce substantive empirical and methodological flaws and perpetuate imperial attitudes and othering stereotypes. In particular, I level a number of criticisms at what I refer to as the New German-speaking School of Balkankompetenzen that has colonized Albanian and more generally Southeastern European issues. I argue that disregard and patronizing of local scholars, and occasionally over-reliance on essentialized, insufficient or misinterpreted research outcomes, can be shown in the writings of various scholars that are representative of strategic othering, methodological essentialism, dubious deconstructionism and outright misinterpretation of Albanian foundational myths, national history, social structures, and cultural behavior. Arguably, this methodological imperialism reproduces a discourse of Western superiority that serves to legitimate Western political, economic and social control.
The efficacy and safety of atogepant for the prophylactic treatment of migraine: evidence from randomized controlled trials
Authors: Tao Xinyu , Yan Zeya , Meng Jiahao , Wang Wei , Dai Qiling , Zhou Qiufeng , Wang Zhifeng , Wang Zhong 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Migraine is a common neurovascular disorder that has a severe impact on the individual daily life. Atogepant (AGN-241689) is an orally ingested, small-molecule drugs belonging to calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist, which has been initiated for the prophylactic treatment of migraine. However, there is no comprehensive literature to study the efficacy and safety of atogepant for the treatment of migraine. In this article, we present a meta-analysis of the available studies.

Methods
MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched before October 20, 2021 for any relevant literature. Eventually, three randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with 2,466 patients were included in our study.

Results
We pooled 2,466 patients from 3 RCTs and primary outcome was mean monthly migraine days, the secondary endpoints were monthly headache days, acute medication use days per month and ≥ 50% reduction in monthly migraine days, baseline to end of trials. It was found that atogepant (10 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg once a day) led to a significant reduction in monthly migraine days (P < 0.00001, P < 0.00001, P = 0.007), monthly headache days (P < 0.00001, P < 0.00001, P = 0.001), and monthly medication use days (P < 0.00001, P < 0.00001, P = 0.0001), and an increase in the proportion of people with ≥ 50% reduction in monthly migraine days (P = 0.0008, P = 0.02, P = 0.04) in comparison with placebo. Moreover, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in outcomes of adverse events between atogepant and placebo.

Conclusions
Atogepant has shown good efficacy and safety in the prophylactic treatment of migraine, and further studies are expected.
Genome-wide bioinformatics analysis of Cellulose Synthase gene family in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and the expression in the pod development
Authors: Liu Xiaoqing , Zhang Hongmei , Zhang Wei , Xu Wenjing , Li Songsong , Chen Xin , Chen Huatao 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
CesA and Csl gene families, which belong to the cellulose synthase gene superfamily, plays an important role in the biosynthesis of the plant cell wall. Although researchers have investigated this gene superfamily in several model plants, to date, no comprehensive analysis has been conducted in the common bean.

Results
In this study, we identified 39 putative cellulose synthase genes from the common bean genome sequence. Then, we performed a bioinformatics analysis of this gene family involving sequence alignment, phylogenetic analysis, gene structure, collinearity analysis and chromosome location. We found all members possess a cellulose_synt domain. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these cellulose synthase genes may be classified into five subfamilies, and that members in the same subfamily share conserved exon-intron distribution and motif compositions. Abundant and distinct cis-acting elements in the 2 k basepairs upstream regulatory regions indicate that the cellulose synthase gene family may plays a vital role in the growth and development of common bean. Moreover, the 39 cellulose synthase genes are distributed on 10 of the 11 chromosomes. Additionally expression analysis shows that all CesA/Csl genes selected are constitutively expressed in the pod development.

Conclusions
This research reveals both the putative biochemical and physiological functions of cellulose synthase genes in common bean and implies the importance of studying non-model plants to understand the breadth and diversity of cellulose synthase genes.
Increased serum adenosine deaminase activity in patients with adult-onset Still's disease
Authors: Xu Zhiye , Geng Linyu , Guo LiLi , Song Hongyan , Pan Jie , Shen Han , Wang Sen 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a systemic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, lacking specific diagnosis and disease activity evaluation indicators. This study will analyze the activity and clinical significance of Adenosine deaminase (ADA) in AOSD patients.

Methods
Totally 53 AOSD patients, 60 patients with other autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), sjogren syndrome (SS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as 60 healthy subjects were included in this study. AOSD activity was determined by Pouchot score. We analyzed the correlation between ADA activity and clinical parameters. In addition, the correlation between ADA activity and disease activity score was also analyzed.

Results
This study showed that the activity of ADA in AOSD patients was significantly higher than that of healthy controls, SLE, SS and RA patient groups (p < 0.0001). The ADA activity of AOSD patients decreased significantly after systemic treatment (p < 0.0001). Correlation analysis showed that ADA activity was positively correlated with ALT(r = 0.54, p < 0.0001), AST (r = 0.82, p < 0.0001) and serum ferritin (r = 0.67, p < 0.001). ADA activity was negatively correlated with white blood cell (r = − 0.42, p = 0.002) and platelet counts (r = − 0.44, p = 0.001). We also found a significant positive correlation between the activity of ADA and Pouchot score in AOSD patients (r = 0.51, p = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that ADA activity had a sensitivity of 93.3%, and a specificity of 83% for the diagnosis of AOSD, with an area under the curve of 0.93.

Conclusion
This study showed that serum ADA activity can be used as a potential biomarker for AOSD diagnosis and disease activity assessment.
Antibiotic resistance genes in gut of breast-fed neonates born by caesarean section originate from breast milk and hospital ward air
Authors: Zhang Kunming , Jin Min , Yang Dong , Shen Zhiqiang , Liu Weili , Yin Jing , Yang Zhongwei , Wang Huaran , Shi Danyang , Yang Jiping , Li Haibei , Chen Yaqiong , Gao Zhixian , Qiu Zhigang , Shi Haixia , Li Jun-Wen 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe human gut is a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Even in the absence of antibiotics, ARGs are present in large quantities in faeces of adults, children and even newborns. However, where and when ARGs are acquired remains unclear, as does the types of ARGs acquired. Herein, we recruited 82 pairs of women and their caesarean section newborns. Conventional culture methods and quantitative PCR were employed to detect nine species and six ARG types in meconia, faeces from 3-day-old newborns, amniotic fluid, colostrum, and hospital ward air samples. Furthermore, ARG transfer was explored by tracking Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from faeces of 3-day-old newborns, colostrum and ward air samples using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). No ARGs or microorganisms were detected in meconia or amniotic fluid. One or more ARGs were detected in 90.2% of faeces from 3-day-old newborns, and the mecA gene exhibited the highest detection rate (45.1%). ARGs were detected in 85.4% of colostra consistent with ARGs in faeces from 3-day-old newborns. Some ARGs were detected in ward air, and might also be a source of ARGs in neonatal faeces. Isolation of S. epidermidis from neonatal faeces was consistent with antibiotic resistance and gene profiles for colostrum samples. Traceability analysis of S. epidermidis showed that ARGs in neonatal faeces mainly originated from colostrum, and partly from ward air. After birth, neonates born by caesarean section obtain a variety of ARGs mainly from colostrum, and partly from ward air.
Diagnostic efficacy of FibroScan for liver inflammation in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a single-center study with 1185 liver biopsies as controls
Authors: Jiang Kaiping , Zhang Lei , Li Jianhong , Hu Hongtao , Huang Qinghua , Qiu Tengyu , Mo Xiaoai , Ren Jian , Guo Wenqiang , Tao Yin , Cui Haijun , Zuo Ying , Chen Xuli , Xie Youqing , Li Yanxing , Liang Haimin , Liu Zhaohong , Xie Le , Mao Rongjun , Jiang Qunfang , Huang Kaizhou 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Noninvasive diagnostic technologies that can dynamically monitor changes in liver inflammation are highly important for the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and thus warrant further exploration. This study assessed the diagnostic efficacy of FibroScan for liver inflammation in CHB patients.

Methods
A total of 1185 patients were selected, and ultrasound-guided liver biopsy was performed within 1 month after the FibroScan test. The liver stiffness measurement (LSM), the reliability criteria (IQR/M) of LSM, the quality of liver biopsy (complete portal area, PA), and the liver inflammation grades were the main observation items of this study. With liver biopsy as the control, the diagnostic efficacy of FibroScan for liver inflammation in CHB patients was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results
The grade of liver inflammation was positively correlated with the stage of fibrosis (rho = 0.829, P < 0.001). Different grades of inflammation will have significant rise in LSM values within the same fibrosis stage, and LSM values were positively correlated with liver inflammation grade and fibrosis stage, and the rho is 0.579 and 0.593 respectively (P < 0.001). Significant differences in the LSM of FibroScan were observed among different grades of liver inflammation (P < 0.0001). Liver biopsy (PA > 10) served as the control, and the cutoff point and the area under ROC curves (AUCs) of the LSMs for different inflammation grades were as follows: G2, 8.6 kPa, 0.775; G3 9.8 kPa, 0.818; and G4, 11.0 kPa; 0.832. With LSM cutoff values of 8.6 kPa, 9.8 kPa and 11.0 kPa, FibroScan showed certain diagnostic value for CHB patients with G2, G3 and G4 liver inflammation, especially those with G4 inflammation.

Conclusions
The grade of liver inflammation was positively correlated with the stage of fibrosis, different grades of inflammation will have significant rise in LSM values within the same fibrosis stage. In addition to liver fibrosis, FibroScan could evaluate liver inflammation in CHB patients in a noninvasive manner.
Using the hybrid EMD-BPNN model to predict the incidence of HIV in Dalian, Liaoning Province, China, 2004–2018
Authors: An Qingyu , Wu Jun , Meng Jun , Zhao Zhijie , Bai Jin Jian , Li Xiaofeng 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a malignant infectious disease with high mortality caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus, and up to now there are no curable drugs or effective vaccines. In order to understand AIDS’s development trend, we establish hybrid EMD-BPNN (empirical modal decomposition and Back-propagation artificial neural network model) model to forecast new HIV infection in Dalian and to evaluate model’s performance.

Methods
The monthly HIV data series are decomposed by EMD method, and then all decomposition results are used as training and testing data to establish BPNN model, namely BPNN was fitted to each IMF (intrinsic mode function) and residue separately, and the predicted value is the sum of the predicted values from the models. Meanwhile, using yearly HIV data to established ARIMA and using monthly HIV data to established BPNN, and SARIMA (seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average) model to compare the predictive ability with EMD-BPNN model.

Results
From 2004 to 2017, 3310 cases of HIV were reported in Dalian, including 101 fatal cases. The monthly HIV data series are decomposed into four relatively stable IMFs and one residue item by EMD, and the residue item showed that the incidence of HIV increases firstly after declining. The mean absolute percentage error value for the EMD-BPNN, BPNN, SARIMA (1,1,2) (0,1,1)12 in 2018 is 7.80%, 10.79%, 9.48% respectively, and the mean absolute percentage error value for the ARIMA (3,1,0) model in 2017 and 2018 is 8.91%.

Conclusions
The EMD-BPNN model was effective and reliable in predicting the incidence of HIV for annual incidence, and the results could furnish a scientific reference for policy makers and health agencies in Dalian.