bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of totally minimally invasive right colectomy in the obese patients: a multicenter propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Manigrasso Michele , Musella Mario , Elmore Ugo , Allaix Marco Ettore , Bianchi Paolo Pietro , Biondi Alberto , Boni Luigi , Bracale Umberto , Cassinotti Elisa , Ceccarelli Graziano , Corcione Francesco , Cuccurullo Diego , Degiuli Maurizio , De Manzini Nicolò , D’Ugo Domenico , Formisano Giampaolo , Morino Mario , Palmisano Silvia , Persiani Roberto , Reddavid Rossella , Rondelli Fabio , Velotti Nunzio , Rosati Riccardo , De Palma Giovanni Domenico , Milone Marco 
Published: May 2022

AbstractDespite the well-known benefits of the minimally invasive approach for the right colon cancer treatment, less is known about its feasibility and advantages in morbid obese patients. The aim of this study is to compare the postoperative outcomes after totally minimally invasive right colectomy between the obese and non-obese population. Data derived from a prospectively maintained multicenter colorectal database were analysed, dividing the enrolled patients into two groups: obese (BMI > 29.99) patient group and non-obese patient group. Data about gender, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Score, tumor characteristics, operative time, anastomosis time, extraction site, incision length, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, postoperative recovery, specimen length and retrieved nodes were taken to assess the achievement of the oncologic standards. After a propensity score matching, a total of 184 patients was included, 92 in each group. No differences were found in terms of demographic data and tumor characteristics. Intraoperative data showed a significant difference in terms of anastomosis time in favour of non-obese group (p < 0.0001). No intraoperative complications were recorded and no conversion was needed in both groups. No differences were found in terms of postoperative complications. There were no differences in terms of first mobilization (p = 0.745), time to first flatus (p = 0.241) time to tolerance to liquid and solid diet (p = 0.241 and p = 0.06) and length of hospital stay (p = 0.817). The analysis of oncologic outcomes demonstrated adequate results in both groups. The results obtained by our study confirmed the feasibility and safety of the totally minimally invasive approach even in obese population.
Accurate computations with Gram and Wronskian matrices of geometric and Poisson bases
Authors: Mainar E. , Peña J. M. , Rubio B. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn this paper we deduce a bidiagonal decomposition of Gram and Wronskian matrices of geometric and Poisson bases. It is also proved that the Gram matrices of both bases are strictly totally positive, that is, all their minors are positive. The mentioned bidiagonal decompositions are used to achieve algebraic computations with high relative accuracy for Gram and Wronskian matrices of these bases. The provided numerical experiments illustrate the accuracy when computing the inverse matrix, the eigenvalues or singular values or the solutions of some linear systems, using the theoretical results.
Agricultural Pea Waste as a Low-Cost Pollutant Biosorbent for Methylene Blue Removal: Adsorption Kinetics, Isotherm And Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Holliday Mathew C. , Parsons Daniel R. , Zein Sharif H. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBiosorbents are an alternative pollutant adsorbent, usually sourced from waste biomass and requiring little to no treatment. This makes them cheaper than conventional adsorbents. In this paper, green pea (Pisum sativum) haulm was used as a biosorbent for the adsorption of methylene blue dye. The potential application of pea haulm as a biosorbent has not been investigated before. Characterisation using scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and thermal gravitational analysis showed the surface to be coarse, detected functional groups important for adsorption and identified the composition of key biomass components. The effects of particle size, contact time, agitation, dosage, solution pH, temperature and initial dye concentration on the removal of MB by pea haulm were investigated. Using the data from these studies, the best fitting kinetic and isotherm models were found and the thermodynamic properties were identified. The maximum theoretical adsorption capacity was 167 mg/g, which was relatively high compared to other recent biosorbent studies. The pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetic and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models were the best fitting models. The biosorption process was exothermic and spontaneous at low temperatures. It was concluded that pea haulm was an effective adsorbent of methylene blue and could perhaps find application in wastewater treatment.
Comparing the structural characteristics and expression of GA2ox gene in dwarf banana and its wild type
Authors: Lin Jiaqi , Feng Dou , Li Yanpei , Xiao Shixiang , Xuan Weiyan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIt is necessary to understand the molecular mechanism of banana dwarfing mutation in order to improve the high stem character of banana varieties and breed the new excellent dwarf lines. To elucidate the molecular-level regulation of banana dwarf mutations and identify the relevant genes, the complete cDNA sequence of the gibberellin 2-oxidase gene (GA2ox) in the dwarf banana and its wild type was cloned by RT-PCR and the encoded amino acid sequences bioinformatically was analyzed. Meanwhile, the expression levels of banana GA2ox gene in different tissues of dwarfed banana and its wild type were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Between the GA2ox gene sequences of the dwarf banana and its wildtype, there were 5 base pairs of variation, leading to the predicted GA2ox proteins having different molecular weights, isoelectric points, fat indices, total numbers of positive and negative charges, and hydrophilicity. In addition, the expression of GA2ox in the leaves, stalks, and fruits of dwarf banana plants was higher than that in the wild type in the early and middle stages of banana development. The results showed that the GA2ox gene may have important regulatory effects on banana stem dwarfing, the knowledge of which can help our understanding and manipulation of this important plant.
Microstructure evaluation of dissimilar AA2024 and AA7050 aluminum joints made by corner stationary-shoulder friction stir welding
Authors: Mertinger V. , Varbai B. , Adonyi Y. , DeBacker J. , Nagy E. , Leskó M. , Kárpáti V. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Fillet welds made by the corner stationary-shoulder friction stir welding process between AA7050-T7451 and AA2024-T4 sheets were characterized using different metallographic techniques and mechanical testing. Robotic welds of an aircraft’s skin-to-internal stiffeners were examined using Barker’s electrolytic and Keller’s etching techniques and correlated with electron backscattered diffraction results and energy-dispersive microprobe analysis. The composition and grain orientation maps and material flow lines demonstrated excellent weld quality in spite of the apparent inhomogeneities in the stir zone where mechanical mixing was complete. Welded joint efficiencies were in the 85–92% of the base metals and were acceptable in terms of resistance to crack initiation and propagation and corrosion resistance, even with softening of the heat-affected zones. It was concluded that several optical and electron microscopy techniques are needed to characterize these dissimilar aluminum welds fully and that post-weld mechanical and thermal treatments could even further improve their quality.
Recruitment, Retention, and Future Direction for a Heart Health Education and Risk Reduction Intervention Led by Community Health Workers in an African American Majority City
Authors: Gleason-Comstock Julie , Calhoun Cindy Bolden , Mozeb Ghadir , Louis Cardell , Hill Alex , Locke Barbara J. , Harrell Victor , Yasmin Sadia , Zhang Liying , Flack John M. , Artinian Nancy T. , Xu Jinping 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Heart disease is a leading cause of death for African Americans. A community-academic partnership cross-trained community health workers to engage African American adults in a 6-month heart health education and risk reduction intervention. We conducted a one-group feasibility study using a one group (pre-posttest) design. A total of 100 adults were recruited from 27 zip codes in an African American majority city through community-based organizations (46%), churches (36%), and home visits (12%). Ninety-six percent were African American; 55% were female, 39% were male, and 6% were transgender. Their mean age was 44.6 years (SD = 15.9). Ninety-two percent had health insurance. Seventy-six percent of participants averaged blood pressure (BP) readings > 130/80 mmHg. Eleven percent of participants had a 30% or higher probability of developing cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years. Six-month follow-up was completed with 96% of participants. There were statistically significant increases in knowledge and in perception of personal risk for heart disease. However, slightly more participants (n = 77, 80.2%) had BP > 130/80 mmHg. The Community Advisory Group recommended expanding the intervention to 12 months and incorporating telehealth with home BP monitoring. Limited intervention duration did not meet longer term objectives such as better control of high BP and sharing risk reduction planning with primary care providers.
A survey on COVID-19 impact in the healthcare domain: worldwide market implementation, applications, security and privacy issues, challenges and future prospects
Authors: Shakeel Tanzeela , Habib Shaista , Boulila Wadii , Koubaa Anis , Javed Abdul Rehman , Rizwan Muhammad , Gadekallu Thippa Reddy , Sufiyan Mahmood 
Published: May 2022

AbstractExtensive research has been conducted on healthcare technology and service advancements during the last decade. The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has demonstrated the ability to connect various medical apparatus, sensors, and healthcare specialists to ensure the best medical treatment in a distant location. Patient safety has improved, healthcare prices have decreased dramatically, healthcare services have become more approachable, and the operational efficiency of the healthcare industry has increased. This research paper offers a recent review of current and future healthcare applications, security, market trends, and IoMT-based technology implementation. This research paper analyses the advancement of IoMT implementation in addressing various healthcare concerns from the perspectives of enabling technologies, healthcare applications, and services. The potential obstacles and issues of the IoMT system are also discussed. Finally, the survey includes a comprehensive overview of different disciplines of IoMT to empower future researchers who are eager to work on and make advances in the field to obtain a better understanding of the domain.
Zero-Waste Approach: Assessment of Aluminum-Based Waste as a Photocatalyst for Industrial Wastewater Treatment Ecology
Authors: Thabet Rahma Hussien , Fouad Mai Kamal , Sherbiny Shakinaz Aly El , Tony Maha Abdelbaset 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAlum sludge (AS) is produced in inevitable amounts from drinking water treatment plants. Also, dye-contaminating wastewater is usually discharged from textile industries that must be treated to meet the environmental authorities; thus, Fenton’s reagent is a suitable candidate. However, reducing the quantity of chemicals used in Fenton reactions can be partly achieved by an industrial ecology approach. This paper is introducing alum sludge waste as a photocatalyst, (termed as AS-Fenton), that is prepared under mild experimental conditions. Thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimetric analyses were conducted to attain full illustrations of the thermal treatment steps. Its chemical composition and morphology is revealed using X-Ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscope. Thus, this research is of great significance for the application of a waste by-product for being a Fenton source for photocatalytic removal of Levafix Blue dye effluent. A new modified Fenton reagent was applied with the addition of 1.0 g/L and 800 mg/L of catalyst and H2O2, respectively, at pH 3.0 shows high potential for the dye removal. The starting concentration of the Levafix Blue CA was halved during the first 5 min under the UV illumination. The most effective operating variables are optimized through Response Surface Methodology. The kinetics of the dye removal was investigated and the reaction following the pseudo-first-order regime with the kinetic constant (KF), ranged in 0.04–0.57 min−1. Thermodynamic parameters reveal that the reaction is a non-spontaneous and endothermic in nature. Hence, toxicity of the dye is significantly reduced via Fenton reaction to non-toxic end products.
Transfer of Learned Opponent Models in Zero Sum Games
Authors: Guennouni Ismail , Speekenbrink Maarten 
Published: May 2022

AbstractHuman learning transfer abilities take advantage of important cognitive building blocks such as an abstract representation of concepts underlying tasks and causal models of the environment. One way to build abstract representations of the environment when the task involves interactions with others is to build a model of the opponent that may inform what actions they are likely to take next. In this study, we explore opponent modelling and its transfer in games where human agents play against computer agents with human-like limited degrees of iterated reasoning. In two experiments, we find that participants deviate from Nash equilibrium play and learn to adapt to their opponent’s strategy to exploit it. Moreover, we show that participants transfer their learning to new games. Computational modelling shows that players start each game with a model-based learning strategy that facilitates between-game transfer of their opponent’s strategy, but then switch to behaviour that is consistent with a model-free learning strategy in the latter stages of the interaction.
Multiprofessionelle Kooperation an Ganztags(grund)schulen
Authors: Hochfeld Lasse , Rothland Martin 
Published: May 2022

ZusammenfassungDer systematische Forschungsüberblick verfolgt das Ziel, eine Synthese der Befunde deutschsprachiger Studien aus den Jahren 2005 bis 2019 zur multiprofessionellen Kooperation an Ganztags(grund)schulen bereitzustellen und studienübergreifende Einsichten aus den Einzelbefunden abzuleiten. Abschließend werden ausgewählte Herausforderungen, die Kooperations- und Forschungspraxis betreffen, diskutiert.
Impact of Sulfur on Biofortification and Speciation of Selenium in Wheat Grain Grown in Selenium-Deficient Soils
Authors: Yeasmin Marjana , Lamb Dane , Choppala Girish , Rahman Mohammad Mahmudur 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient in humans that is required for both physical and mental well-being. Low Se content in food crops is linked to Se-deficient soils globally. The aim of this study was examined the influence of sulfur (S) on the speciation and accumulation of selenium (Se) in three wheat cultivars grown in Se-deficient soils. Plants were grown in soil under glasshouse conditions with two doses of S (0 and 14 mg kg−1) as sulfate and three doses of selenium (0, 1, and 2 mg kg−1) as selenate (SeVI) in a randomized factorial design. Selenium speciation was determined using liquid chromatography inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy after enzymatic hydrolysis. Selenocysteine (SeCys), seleno-methyl-cysteine (SeMeCys), selenomethionine (SeMet), selenite (SeIV), and selenate (SeVI) were determined. The addition of SeVI increased the Se content in grain in all wheat cultivars compared to the control treatment. Selenium accumulated to the highest extent in leaf tissue while stem accumulated low amounts of Se. Speciation analysis in grain showed that most of the Se accumulated in wheat grain in the organic forms, SeCys and SeMeCys. Inorganic Se was below 10%, primarily as SeVI. Longsword, a multi-tillering variety, accumulated the highest proportion of SeMeCys (67%). Fertilization with S concurrently with Se resulted in decreased production of SeCys and SeMeCys in grain. The findings from this study provide new insights into the Se biofortification and speciation transformation processes in wheat as impacted by S supplementation in Se-deficient soils.
A Better Decision Tree: The Max-Cut Decision Tree with Modified PCA Improves Accuracy and Running Time
Authors: Bodine Jonathan , Hochbaum Dorit S. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractDecision trees are a widely used method for classification, both alone and as the building blocks of multiple different ensemble learning methods. The Max Cut decision tree introduced here involves novel modifications to a standard, baseline variant of a classification decision tree, CART Gini. One modification involves an alternative splitting metric, Max Cut, based on maximizing the distance between all pairs of observations that belong to separate classes and separate sides of the threshold value. The other modification, Node Means PCA, selects the decision feature from a linear combination of the input features constructed using an adjustment to principal component analysis (PCA) locally at each node. Our experiments show that this node-based, localized PCA with the Max Cut splitting metric can dramatically improve classification accuracy while also significantly decreasing computational time compared to the CART Gini decision tree. These improvements are most significant for higher-dimensional datasets. For the example dataset CIFAR-100, the modifications enabled a 49% improvement in accuracy, relative to CART Gini, while providing a $$6.8 \times$$

6.8
×

speed up compared to the Scikit-Learn implementation of CART Gini. These introduced modifications are expected to dramatically advance the capabilities of decision trees for difficult classification tasks.
Laboratory-Based Surveillance of COVID-19 in South Batinah, Oman, March–July 2020
Authors: Almayahi Zayid K. , Al Kindi Nawal , Al Shaqsi Nasser , Al Hattali Noaman , Al Hattali Azza , Al Dhuhli Khalid , Beatty Mark E. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe successful response to COVID-19 would require an effective public health surveillance and management, technical expertise, and smart mobilization of many resources. This study aimed to analyze COVID-19 epidemiological profile with respect to the changing case definitions and testing performance.MethodsData were extracted from the electronic notification system (Tarassud) from 1 January to 13 July 2020. The information used was primarily composed of details regarding samples, age, sex, nationality, residence and hospital admission. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used to determine the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsA total of 20,377 COVID-19 tests were performed from 15 March to 13 July 2020. Most (4885; 87.2%) positive tests were among Omanis, and 3602 (64.3%) were in males. The median age of people tested was 30 (standard deviation 16.5) years (interquartile range 22, 38). The odds of acquiring infection increased with age. The ORs of infection for groups of 30–39, 40–49 and over 50 years of age were 2.75 (95% CI 2.42–3.13), 3.29 (95% CI 2.85–3.79) and 3.34 (95% CI 2.89–3.87), respectively. Likewise, admission rates increased with age; the ORs for the groups 40–49 and ≥ 50 years of age were 4.45 (95% CI1.35–14.67) and 16.53 (95% CI 5.18–52.75), respectively. Multivariate analysis identified Barka 1.4 (95% CI 1.33–2.27) and Al Musanaah 1.4 (95% CI 1.07–1.84) as having the highest risk of transmission. Of 5604 people with positive results, 160 (2.9%) required hospital admission, and males had higher odds of admission, with an OR of 1.5 (95% CI 1.05–2.13). The average delay in the release of test results further increased after the fourth and fifth case definitions were adopted (2.04 and 2.56 days, respectively).ConclusionAge was a significant factor associated with infection and hospital admission. Transmission occurred mainly among Omanis, and Barka and Al Musanaah reported the highest rates of transmission. Prioritization of testing accessibility should continually be assessed for high-risk groups, particularly when resources become limited.
Evaluation of Rapid Antigen Detection Kits for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529
Authors: Mak Gannon C. K. , Lau Stephen S. Y. , Wong Kitty K. Y. , Lau C. S. , Lam Edman T. K. , Ng Ken H. L. , Chan Rickjason C. W. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Currently, there is a lack of studies evaluating rapid antigen detection (RAD) kits to detect SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529.

Objective
To evaluate the analytical sensitivity of seven RAD kits to detect SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529.

Study design
The analytical sensitivity was determined by means of limit of detection (LOD). A dilution set using a respiratory specimen collected from a COVID-19 patient infected with SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 was prepared. RT-PCR was used as a reference method.

Results
The LOD results showed that all seven RAD kits had comparable analytical sensitivity for detection of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529.

Conclusions
The RAD kits selected in the current study may be used for first-line screening of the recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529.
Quality of Life, Self-Esteem, and Depression Among Thai Transgender Women Before and After Male-to-Female Gender Confirmation Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Observational Study
Authors: Chaovanalikit Thiti , Wirairat Kantapon , Sriswadpong Papat 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Previous studies have reported low quality of life scores and a high prevalence of depression among transgender women in Thailand; however, there is still little research on the effects of gender confirmation surgery among this population.

Aim
This study aims to prospectively evaluate the overall quality of life, self-esteem, and depression status among male-to-female transgender individuals in Thailand.

Methods
This prospective observational cohort study was conducted between January 2018 and December 2020 and included 41 participants who underwent gender confirmation surgery. All participants underwent a psychiatric evaluation and received 3 sets of questionnaires preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively to evaluate quality of life, self-esteem, and depression: the Thai abbreviated version of the World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, respectively. We examined scores from each questionnaire and depression status before and after gender confirmation surgery, with P &lt; .05 considered significant.

Main Outcome Measure
This study's primary outcomes measured quality of life, depression, and self-esteem before and after gender confirmation surgery.

Results
Thirty-seven participants completed all sets of questionnaires (response rate 90.2%). The mean age of the participants was 26.2 ± 4.7 years at the time of surgery. Five (13.5%) participants met the criteria for mild depression preoperatively, but none did postoperatively. There were no signs of major depressive disorder, suicidal ideation, or suicidal attempts in any of the participants. There was a significant improvement in quality of life (P &lt; .001) and self-esteem (P &lt; .001), as well as lower depression (P &lt; .001) after gender confirmation surgery. The greatest quality of life improvement was related to participants’ sexual relationships.

Conclusion
Male-to-female gender confirmation surgery significantly contributes to improving quality of life, self-esteem, and depression in Thai transgender women. Persons diagnosed with gender dysphoria who intend to undergo gender confirmation surgery should be supported by healthcare providers in accessing the medical facilities and treatment needed to improve their quality of life.