bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the socio-economic and environmental components of infectious diseases using multivariate geovisualization: West Nile Virus
Authors: Kala Abhishek K. , Atkinson Samuel F. , Tiwari Chetan 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundThis study postulates that underlying environmental conditions and a susceptible population’s socio-economic status should be explored simultaneously to adequately understand a vector borne disease infection risk. Here we focus on West Nile Virus (WNV), a mosquito borne pathogen, as a case study for spatial data visualization of environmental characteristics of a vector’s habitat alongside human demographic composition for understanding potential public health risks of infectious disease. Multiple efforts have attempted to predict WNV environmental risk, while others have documented factors related to human vulnerability to the disease. However, analytical modeling that combines the two is difficult due to the number of potential explanatory variables, varying spatial resolutions of available data, and differing research questions that drove the initial data collection. We propose that the use of geovisualization may provide a glimpse into the large number of potential variables influencing the disease and help distill them into a smaller number that might reveal hidden and unknown patterns. This geovisual look at the data might then guide development of analytical models that can combine environmental and socio-economic data.MethodsGeovisualization was used to integrate an environmental model of the disease vector’s habitat alongside human risk factors derived from socio-economic variables. County level WNV incidence rates from California, USA, were used to define a geographically constrained study area where environmental and socio-economic data were extracted from 1,133 census tracts. A previously developed mosquito habitat model that was significantly related to WNV infected dead birds was used to describe the environmental components of the study area. Self-organizing maps found 49 clusters, each of which contained census tracts that were more similar to each other in terms of WNV environmental and socio-economic data. Parallel coordinate plots permitted visualization of each cluster’s data, uncovering patterns that allowed final census tract mapping exposing complex spatial patterns contained within the clusters.ResultsOur results suggest that simultaneously visualizing environmental and socio-economic data supports a fuller understanding of the underlying spatial processes for risks to vector-borne disease. Unexpected patterns were revealed in our study that would be useful for developing future multilevel analytical models. For example, when the cluster that contained census tracts with the highest median age was examined, it was determined that those census tracts only contained moderate mosquito habitat risk. Likewise, the cluster that contained census tracts with the highest mosquito habitat risk had populations with moderate median age. Finally, the cluster that contained census tracts with the highest WNV human incidence rates had unexpectedly low mosquito habitat risk.
Congenital Deficiency in Factor VII Revealed by Menorrhagia: Case Report
Authors: Mebrouk Nadia , Radi Abdelilah , Selouti Mohamed , Hassani Amal , Ourrai Abdelhakim , Kmari Mohamed , Abilkassem Rachid , Agadr Aomar 
Published: July 2020

Factor VII (FVII) deficiency is the most common among rare inherited autosomal recessive bleeding disorders. It is a multifaceted disease because of the lack of a direct correlation between plasma levels of coagulation FVII and bleeding manifestations. Clinical phenotypes range from asymptomatic condition—even in homozygous subjects—to severe, life-threatening bleedings (e.g., central nervous system and gastrointestinal bleeding). Menorrhagia is a frequent type of bleeding in FVII deficiency, with a prevalence rate of two in three women aged 10 to 50 years and with a peak prevalence in teenagers. When menorrhagia is observed and once the gynecological causes are excluded, it is important to carry out a hemostasis assessment because, if an anomaly is found, specific treatment can be administered and preventive measures taken. Basic diagnostic work-up includes routine assays, prothrombin level, activated partial thromboplastin time and platelet count, followed by FVII coagulant activity measurement for isolated decreased prothrombin level. To confirm the diagnosis, FVII assay should be repeated at least once. Several treatment options are currently available for FVII deficiency: Recombinant activated Factor VII (rFVIIa), plasma-derived Factor VII, fresh frozen plasma and prothrombin complex concentrates. rFVIIa is the most used replacement therapy. Other medical therapies of menorrhagia includes hemostatic agents and hormonal treatments (combined oral contraceptives, levonorgestrel intrauterine devices), in combination or not with rFVIIa.
We report the case of a fourteen-and-a-half-year-old girl who presented menorrhagia of great abundance at the age of thirteen, the exploration of which revealed a congenital deficit in FVII.
Lassa Virus Diagnostic Platforms: Limitations and Prospects
Authors: Hassan Yahaya , Kumurya Abdulhadi Sale , Aminu Ibrahim , Sharfadi Sanusi Rahinatu , Sharif Abdullahi Alhassan 
Published: July 2020

Background: Lassa virus (LASV) is the cause of lassa fever (LF) belonging to the Arenaviridae family. Clinical diagnosis is often difficult because of symptoms commonality with other infectious diseases. Early and rapid diagnosis is critical for therapy initiation and LF transmission prevention and control.
Aims: This review aims to highlight current diagnostic platforms and prospects of new emerging sensitive platforms.
Methodology: Available published articles on LASV diagnostics with a focus on current methods: virus culture, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT – PCR) and rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) were reviewed based on their performances and limitations. Prospects of new diagnostic platforms: mobile health, microfluidic, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated (Cas), Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for LASV diagnosis were also reviewed.
Results: Low sensitivity of the ELISA platform during the window period of LASV infection was observed. Moreover, RT – PCR findings indicated limitation of expertise necessity, cost of thermal cycler, and dedicated facility. Molecular-based point-of-care (POC) diagnostic development should be prioritized to increase speed and sensitivity.
Conclusion: The integration of POC device into molecular isothermal method against LASV scourge will be a success story in curving intermittent outbreaks in endemic areas and prompt clinical management.
Distribution of Volatile Compounds in Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix) Leaves Grown in Soilless Substrate Analyzed Using Electronic Nose
Authors: Ravi Ramasamy , Kennedy Steven , Pitchay Dharma 
Published: July 2020

Objective: The key objective of this research is to investigate the aroma profle of Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix) leaves grown under greenhouse and peatlite soilless substrate conditions using the electronic nose system.
Methodology: Fresh Citrus hystrix samples of recently matured (RML) and old (OL) leaves were analyzed using electronic nose. A total of 79 volatiles were identified and those equivalent to 90% were reported.
Results: The RML and OL leaves had similar volatiles such as Citronellal, N-Nonanal, Myrcene, Pentyl Octanoate and γ-Terpinene with no significant difference in the concentration. Citronellal was the major volatile found more than 20% in both recently matured and old leaves. Recently matured and old leaves also had dissimilar volatiles such as 5-Propyldihydro-2(3H)-Furanone(32.9%), β-Pinene (7.6%), Terpinen-4-ol (2.4%), 1-Hexanol (1.3%) and (Z)-3-Hexen-1-ol-Acetate (1.0%) were only found in the recently matured leaves, whereas 1-Nonanol (30.8%), 3-Methyl Butanoic Acid(4.6%), p-Methyl Acetophenone (1.5%), Trans-Hex-2-Enyl Acetate (1.4%) and Methyl Eugenol (1.1%) were detected only in OL.
Conclusion: The results are very useful in food and cosmetics industries to develop innovative products based on kaffirlime leaves/oil.
Study on Physico-chemical Properties and Fertility Status of Salt Affected Soils of Central Dry Zone of Karnataka, Hiriyur Taluk
Authors: Chandravamshi Parashuram , Jyothi T. V. , Naik A. H. Kumar , Sumana D. A. 
Published: July 2020

Aim: To study the effect of tube well irrigation water on soil physico-chemical properties and available nutrients status of central dry zone of Karnataka, Hiriyur taluk, Chitradurga district.
Place and Duration of Study: Aimangala, Hiriyur, Dharmapura and Javagondanahally hoblis of Hiriyur taluk, Chitradurga district from January, 2019 to September, 2019.
Methodology: Ninety-six soil samples using GPS from 0 - 22.5 cm depth were collected randomly representing Aimangala, Hiriyur, Dharmapura and Javagondanahally hoblis of Hiriyur taluk, Chitradurga district. The soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory for various physico-chemical parameters (pH and EC), organic carbon and available major (N, P2O5 and K2O) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu) status.
Results and Conclusion: The results revealed that the villages studied in different hoblis were saline to sodic in soil reaction, non-saline to saline, low to high in organic matter content, low to high in available nitrogen, low to high in available phosphorus and low to high in available potassium status and sufficiency in micronutrients viz., Cu, Fe and Mn and deficient in Zn in some of the villages.
First Detection of the Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance Determinants qnrB, qnrS and aac(6’)-Ib-cr in Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases-producing Klebsiella pneumonia in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Tuo Marie N. , Anoh Augustin E. , Wayoro Zéphirin O. , Coulibaly Baba , Monemo Pacome , Wohi Nadine F. , Schulte Eloise Mueller- , N’guetta Simon-Pierre A. , Becker Sören L. , Koffi Chantal Akoua- 
Published: July 2020

Aims: The aims of the present study were to investigate the presence of Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance (PMQR) determinants and the association of these determinants with Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) genes in ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Teaching Hospital of Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire.
Study Design: It is a retrospective study.
Place of Study: Bacteriology-Virology Laboratory of Teaching Hospital, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire.
Methodology: From January 2015 to December 2016, 96 ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were collected from several specimens. Antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was tested using the standard disk-diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton and interpretation according to recommendations of the 2017 EUCAST. These isolates analyzed for the detection of ESBL (blaCTX-M, blaTEM and blaSHV) and PMQR genes (aac(6’)-Ib-cr, qnrB and qnrS) using simplex PCR.
Results: Of the 96 ESBL-producing strains, 85 (88.55%) harbored at least one of the ESBL genes tested. Out of the 85 strains encoding ESBL genes, 96.47% carried blaCTX-M and 92.94% blaSHV and blaTEM genes. Eighty nine (89.6%) of the 96 ESBL producing-isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and 84.4% to norfloxacin. Among the 96 strains, 80 (83.33%) were found harboring at least one PMQR gene consisting of 78 (81.3%) aac(6’)-Ib-cr, 61 (63.5%) qnrB and 15 (15.6%) qnrS. Among the PMQR-positive strains, 68.4% coharbored qnrB+acc(6’)-Ib-cr genes, 10.5% qnrB+qnrS+acc(6’)-Ib-cr and 6.6% qnrS+acc(6’)-Ib-cr. The qnrB gene was always linked to aac(6’)-Ib-cr gene. Aac(6’)-Ib-cr gene showed the highest association with three ESBL genes (87.6%), followed by qnrB gene (70.6%), then qnrS (17.7%).
Conclusion: The PMQR genes were highly prevalent in ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, primarily the aac(6’)-Ib-cr gene. The high associated was observed between ESBL and PMQR genes, notably with the aac(6’)-Ib-cr gene.
Simultaneous Catalytic Oxidation of a Lean Mixture of CO-CH4 over Spinel Type Cobalt Based Oxides
Authors: Neha Neha , Prasad Ram , Singh Satya Vir 
Published: July 2020

A series of nickel-cobalt bimetal oxides in varying molar ratios and its single metal oxides were synthesized by reactive calcination of coprecipitated basic-carbonates. Several characterization techniques, such as: Bruneuer Emmett Teller (BET), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR), and Hydrogen Temperature Programmed Reduction (H2-TPR), were performed over the oxides. Activities of oxides were evaluated in methane total oxidation in the presence or the absence of CO. The best catalytic performance was observed over NiCo catalyst with a Ni/Co molar ratio of 1:1, and the complete conversion of CO-CH4 mixture was achieved at 390 °C. Moreover, the presence of carbon monoxide improves CH4 total oxidation over nickel-cobalt mixed oxides. Structural analysis reveals that the insertion of nickel into the spinel lattice of cobalt oxide causes the structural disorder, which probably caused the increase of the amount of octahedrally coordinated divalent nickel cations that are responsible for catalytic activity. Stability of the best-performed catalyst has been tested in the two conditions, showing remarkable long-term stability and thermal stability, however, showed deactivation after thermally ageing at 700 °C. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Immobilised Chlorella vulgaris as An Alternative for The Enhancement of Microalgae Oil and Biodiesel Production
Authors: Rushan Nur Hanani , Mat Yasin Nur Hidayah , Mohd Said Farhan , Ramesh Nagaarasan 
Published: July 2020

Microalgae are a promising alternative for biodiesel production and a valuable source of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME). In this research, Chlorella vulgaris has been chosen as the suitable microalgae because this species was able to produce highest oils for biodiesel processing. Previously, sodium alginate (SA) was used to entrap the microalgae in the culturing process due to its low toxicity and high transparency. However, SA have some disadvantages such as bead disruption which leading to the loss of microalgae cell. Therefore, this research has been conducted to evaluate the oil production of immobilised Chlorella vulgaris using different matric systems at different ratios which are 0.3:1, 1:1 and 2:1. Currently, six matric systems have been developed, they are SA as a control, a combination of SA and chitosan (SA+CT), SA and carrageenan (SA+CR), SA and gelatin (SA+GT), SA and calcium alginate (SA+CA), and SA and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SA+CMC). The microalgae was first cultivated, harvested and extracted to produce oil, prior to use in the transesterification process. The SA+GT showed the highest oil yield with 59.14% and a total FAME of 0.56 mg/g. The FAME profile of oil extracted microalgae showed high potential for biodiesel production as it consisted of palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic acid (C18:2) and linolenic acid (C18:3). The results proved that the combination of SA+GT had improved the oil yield and fatty acid composition as compared to the other matric systems, which may have useful application for the biodiesel industry. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Selective Production of Green Hydrocarbons from the Hydrotreatment of Waste Coconut Oil over Ni- and NiMo-supported on Amine-functionalized Mesoporous Silica
Authors: Trisunaryanti Wega , Larasati Savitri , Triyono Triyono , Paramesti Cahyarani , Santoso Nugroho Raka 
Published: July 2020

In order to overcome the depletion of energy resources, the production of fuel from a renewable source (green fuel) has aroused attention. The present work serves as a comparative study for green fuel production by utilizing monometallic Ni and bimetallic NiMo loaded on amine-functionalized mesoporous silica (MS). Two types of catalysts, denoted as Ni/NH2-MS and NiMo/NH2-MS, were prepared and evaluated for its catalytic activity in the hydrotreatment of waste coconut oil (WCO) at 450 ℃ under the flow of H2 gas (20 mL.min-1). Each catalysts were characterized by using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR). Study of selectivity by GC-MS showed that gasoline-range hydrocarbon, especially n-undecane, was the major compound in the liquid products generated by the two amine-functionalized catalysts prepared in this study. The result showed that monometallic Ni/NH2-MS with surface area, total pore volume, nickel loading and average pore diameter 328.68 m2.g-1, 0.25 cm3.g-1, 1.90 wt%, 3.10 nm, respectively, exhibited the best performance in producing liquid hydrocarbon and generated higher level of liquid product (77.9 wt%) than bimetallic NiMo/NH2-MS (76.3 wt%). However, it is highlighted that adding 1.08 wt% of Mo in bimetallic NiMo/NH2-MS comprising 0.83 wt% of Ni improved the catalyst selectivity towards producing higher level of gasoline-range hydrocarbon (43 wt%). The bimetallic NiMo/NH2-MS prepared was found to have surface area, total pore volume, and average pore diameter of 325.13 m2.g-1, 0.14 cm3.g-1, 3.22 nm, respectively. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Totally-green Fuels via CO2 Hydrogenation
Authors: Spadaro Lorenzo , Palella Alessandra , Arena Francesco 
Published: July 2020

Hydrogen is the cleanest energy vector among any fuels, nevertheless, many aspects related to its distribution and storage still raise serious questions concerning costs, infrastructure and safety. On this account, the chemical storage of renewable-hydrogen by conversion into green-fuels, such as: methanol, via CO2 hydrogenation assumes a role of primary importance, also in the light of a cost-to-benefit analysis. Therefore, this paper investigates the effects of chemical composition on the structural properties, surface reactivity and catalytic pathway of ternary CuO-ZnO-CeO2 systems, shedding light on the structure-activity relationships. Thus, a series of CuZnCeO2 catalysts, at different CuO/CeO2 ratio (i.e. 0.2-1.2) were performed in the CO2 hydrogenation reactions at 20 bar and 200-300 °C, (GHSV of 4800 STP L∙kg∙cat-1∙h-1). Catalysts were characterized by several techniques including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), N2-physisorption, single-pulse N2O titrations, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Temperature-programmed Reduction with H2 (H2-TPR). Depending on preparation method, the results clearly diagnostics the occurrence of synergistic structural-electronic effects of cerium oxide on copper activity, with an optimal 0.5 copper-to-cerium content. The rise of CuO loading up to 30% drives to a considerable increase of hydrogenation activity: C2Z1-C catalyst obtains the best catalytic performance, reaching methanol yield value of 12% at 300 °C. Catalyst activity proceeds according to volcano-shaped relationships, in agreement with a dual sites mechanism. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Product Distribution of Chemical Product Using Catalytic Depolymerization of Lignin
Authors: Damayanti Damayanti , Wulandari Yeni Ria , Wu Ho-Shing 
Published: July 2020

Lignin depolymerization is a very promising process which can generate value-added products from lignin raw materials. The main objective of lignin depolymerization is to convert the complex molecules of lignin into small molecules. Nevertheless, lignin is natural polymer which the molecules of lignin are extremely complicated due to their natural variability, and it will be a big challenge to depolymerize lignin, particularly high water yield. The various technology and methods are developed to depolymerize lignin into biofuels or bio chemical products including acid/base/metallic catalyzed lignin depolymerization, pyrolysis of lignin, hydroprocessing, and gasification. The distribution and yield of chemical products depend on the reaction operation condition, type of lignin and kind of catalyst. The reactor type, product distributions and specific chemicals (benzene, toluene, xylene, terephthalic acid) production of lignin depolymerization are intensive discussed in this review. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Modeling, Evaluating and Scaling up a Commercial Multilayer Claus Converter Based on Bench Scale Experiments
Authors: Sadighi Sepehr , Mohaddecy Seyed Reza Seif , Rashidzadeh Mehdi 
Published: July 2020

Industrial scale reactors work adiabatically and measuring their performance in an isothermal bench scale reactor is faced with uncertainties. In this research, based on kinetic models previously developed for alumina and titania commercial Claus catalysts, a multilayer bench scale model is constructed, and it is applied to simulate the behavior of an industrial scale Claus converter. It is shown that performing the bench scale isothermal experiments at the temperature of 307 ºC can reliably exhibit the activity of catalytic layers of an industrial Claus converter operating at the weighted average bed temperature (WABT) of 289 ºC. Additionally, an adiabatic model is developed for a target industrial scale Claus reactor, and it is confirmed that this model can accurately predict the temperature, and molar percentages of H2S and CS2. Based on simulation results, 20% of excess amount of Claus catalysts should be loaded to compensate their deactivation during the process cycle life. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Investigation on the Removal of Carbon Dioxide Exhausted from Industrial Units in a Lab-Scale Fluidized Bed Reactor
Authors: Nejad Puriya Mohamad Gholy , Hatamipour Mohammad Sadegh 
Published: July 2020

In this study, CO2 removal efficiency from flue gas was investigated in a fluidized bed reactor under semi-dry conditions. A lab-scale fluidized bed reactor, filled with inert glass beads, was used to investigate the effect of operating parameters on the CO2 removal efficiency using calcium hydroxide slurry as the absorbent. The Taguchi design method was used to design the experiments. The maximum inlet concentration of CO2 was 3 vol%. The most important factors were the reaction surface area, inlet gas velocity, inlet CO2 concentration, absorbent solution flow rate, inlet gas temperature and calcium hydroxide slurry concentration. The experimental results indicated that the CO2 removal efficiency increased when increasing the effective surface area of the reaction. Moreover, the removal efficiency increased by decreasing the input gas flow rate and inlet CO2 concentration. By performing experiments under optimum conditions, the maximum obtained CO2 removal efficiency was 79%. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).