bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applying 3D-eco routing model to reduce environmental footprint of road transports in Addis Ababa City
Authors: Busho Seifu Woldemichael , Alemayehu Daniel 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Climate change has emerged as a very important threat to economic development, atmosphere, and public health. One of the driving factors behind global climate change is road transportation. Therefore, the sector needs to take on the responsibility of addressing its negative impacts on the environment. This study seeks to find ways of mitigating the impacts of climate change. It pays particular attention to greenhouse gas emissions and other selected air pollutants based on a new navigation concept called eco-route, a 3D eco-routing transportation planning method that can help reduce the environmental footprints of Road transports in Addis Ababa city for distribution vehicles. The model applied in this study considered the road gradient, varying velocity or speed of vehicles, and weight of vehicles to evaluate gradient effects on consumption of fuel, CO2 and also other air pollutants emission. The model is applied in three scenarios within different vehicle weight ranges and three different cases in Addis Ababa.

Result
The finds of the study imply the eco-routes emission reduction potential from fuel and CO2 in the tested scenarios is up to 39.81% while other air pollutants account for 25.65%. The results prove that eco routes have the ability of reducing Fuel consumption, CO2 and other air pollutant emission rate.

Conclusions
Eco routes have the potential to provide sustainable transportation opportunities for Addis Ababa city. This study recommends that eco-routes should be used instead of shortest and fastest routes where significant road gradients exist.
Using heat maps to identify areas prone to violence against women in the public sphere
Authors: Garfias Royo Margarita , Parikh Priti , Belur Jyoti 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe lack of accessible crime data, especially geolocations, in developing countries often acts as a barrier to identifying environmental or situational factors in high crime areas that might contribute to the facilitation of those crimes. This paper presents a methodology for conducting fieldwork for creating heat maps to identify areas prone to violence against women (VAW) in Corregidora, Mexico. Heat maps were produced based on household survey data. The results were used to select specific high concentration locations to conduct structured observations and inductive visual analysis at street level in order to identify if and what situational factors might influence the perpetration of VAW in those locations. Four broad features were identified in the urban built environment during the site visits linked to the facilitation of opportunities for the commission of VAW: (1) lacking infrastructure, (2) presence of physical obstacles, (3) poor visibility and (4) restricted pedestrian mobility. The paper demonstrates the utility of this method for aiding situational crime prevention strategies in areas where official spatial crime data is unavailable or lacking. This study presents a relatively low cost (although labour intensive) and independent method of aiding crime prevention strategies, which will hopefully be of practical value for organisations in areas with poor crime recording practices and limited access to expensive mapping technologies.
Pharmacokinetic and metabolomic analyses of Mangiferin calcium salt in rat models of type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Lin He , Teng Houlei , Wu Wei , Li Yong , Lv Guangfu , Huang Xiaowei , Yan Wenhao , Lin Zhe 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Non-alcoholic fatty liver is one of the most common comorbidities of diabetes. It can cause disturbance of glucose and lipid metabolism in the body, gradually develop into liver fibrosis, and even cause liver cirrhosis. Mangiferin has a variety of pharmacological activities, especially for the improvement of glycolipid metabolism and liver injury. However, its poor oral absorption and low bioavailability limit its further clinical development and application. The modification of mangiferin derivatives is the current research hotspot to solve this problem.

Methods
The plasma pharmacokinetic of mangiferin calcium salt (MCS) and mangiferin were monitored by HPLC. The urine metabolomics of MCS were conducted by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS.

Results
The pharmacokinetic parameters of MCS have been varied, and the oral absorption effect of MCS was better than mangiferin. Also MCS had a good therapeutic effect on type 2 diabetes and NAFLD rats by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. Sixteen potential biomarkers had been identified based on metabolomics which were related to the corresponding pathways including Pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, citric acid cycle, arginine biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, etc.

Conclusions
The present study validated the favorable pharmacokinetic profiles of MCS and the biochemical mechanisms of MCS in treating type 2 diabetes and NAFLD.
Diarrheal morbidity and predisposing factors among children under 5 years of age in rural East Ethiopia
Authors: Solomon Ephrem Tefera , Gari Sirak Robele , Kloos Helmut , Mengistie Bezatu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Diarrheal diseases remain a leading cause of preventable death among children under-five in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Ethiopia, diarrhea is the major contributor to deaths for children under the age of 5 years. In order to develop prevention strategies for the alleviation of childhood diarrhea, it is necessary to identify the important predisposing factors. These predisposing factors have been observed to vary by location across Eastern Ethiopia. Moreover, the evidence on prevalence and determinants of diarrhea among children under 5 years of age in Dire Dawa and its suburbs is very limited and those available have been erratic. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and predisposing factors of diarrhea among children under the age of 5 years in rural Dire Dawa, East Ethiopia.

Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in rural Dire Dawa City Administration in May 2018. Multistage sampling technique was employed to recruit 1180 under-five children from the rural population of Dire Dawa City Administration. Data on socio-demographic, environmental, and child- and hygiene-related factors were collected by trained data collectors using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for childhood diarrhea.

Results
The 2-week prevalence of diarrhea among the under-five children was 23% (95% CI 20.8–25.7%). Maternal diarrhea (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.10–4.47), handwashing after contact with child feces (AOR = 6.27, 95% CI 2.01–19.55), use of a dipper to draw water from containers (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI 1.41–5.89), and presence of a refuse disposal facility (AOR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.09–5.60) were the significant predisposing factors of diarrhea.

Conclusion
Our study identified a high burden of childhood diarrheal disease in rural Dire Dawa City Administration in Eastern Ethiopia. The identified risk factors were maternal diarrhea, handwashing after contact with child feces, use of a dipper to draw water from containers, and presence of refuse disposal facility. To minimize the risk of diarrhea, health education programs focusing on good hygiene practice and sanitation as well as early treatment are recommended.
Method to simulate distal flow resistance in coronary arteries in 3D printed patient specific coronary models
Authors: Sommer Kelsey N. , Iyer Vijay , Kumamaru Kanako Kunishima , Rava Ryan A. , Ionita Ciprian N. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Three-dimensional printing (3DP) offers a unique opportunity to build flexible vascular patient-specific coronary models for device testing, treatment planning, and physiological simulations. By optimizing the 3DP design to replicate the geometrical and mechanical properties of healthy and diseased arteries, we may improve the relevance of using such models to simulate the hemodynamics of coronary disease. We developed a method to build 3DP patient specific coronary phantoms, which maintain a significant part of the coronary tree, while preserving geometrical accuracy of the atherosclerotic plaques and allows for an adjustable hydraulic resistance.

Methods
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) data was used within Vitrea (Vital Images, Minnetonka, MN) cardiac analysis application for automatic segmentation of the aortic root, Left Anterior Descending (LAD), Left Circumflex (LCX), Right Coronary Artery (RCA), and calcifications. Stereolithographic (STL) files of the vasculature and calcium were imported into Autodesk Meshmixer for 3D model optimization. A base with three chambers was built and interfaced with the phantom to allow fluid collection and independent distal resistance adjustment of the RCA, LAD and LCX and branching arteries. For the 3DP we used Agilus for the arterial wall, VeroClear for the base and a Vero blend for the calcifications, respectively. Each chamber outlet allowed interface with catheters of varying lengths and diameters for simulation of hydraulic resistance of both normal and hyperemic coronary flow conditions. To demonstrate the manufacturing approach appropriateness, models were tested in flow experiments.

Results
Models were used successfully in flow experiments to simulate normal and hyperemic flow conditions. The inherent mean resistance of the chamber for the LAD, LCX, and RCA, were 1671, 1820, and 591 (dynes ∙ sec/ cm5), respectively. This was negligible when compared with estimates in humans, with the chamber resistance equating to 0.65–5.86%, 1.23–6.86%, and 0.05–1.67% of the coronary resistance for the LAD, LCX, and RCA, respectively at varying flow rates and activity states. Therefore, the chamber served as a means to simulate the compliance of the distal coronary trees and to allow facile coupling with a set of known resistance catheters to simulate various physical activity levels.

Conclusions
We have developed a method to create complex 3D printed patient specific coronary models derived from CCTA, which allow adjustable distal capillary bed resistances. This manufacturing approach permits comprehensive coronary model development which may be used for physiologically relevant flow simulations.
Technological innovation in architecture and engineering education - an investigation on three generations from Turkey
Authors: Bayhan Hasan Gokberk , Karaca Ece 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe developments in technology have caused many radical changes in the curriculum of architecture and engineering (a/e) disciplines. At the same time, generations and their personal characteristics are in continuous change that is shaping newer education techniques. In this context, this study is aimed to compare the educational perceptions of generations X, Y and Z for the advancements in the curriculum. For this purpose, a literature review concerning the technological advancements in education and characteristics of X, Y, and Z generations are demonstrated. Then, a survey was conducted on 160 respondents to differ the perceptions between these generations while considering the respondents’ educational and social-related features. Results of this study support that Information Technology (IT)-related education is insufficient for the upcoming generations who were born and grew in the digital age. Generation Y is the least satisfied with IT-related lectures and more affected by the movement of sustainability. The perceptions between the generations are found statistically different and solutions are offered for the upcoming generations. The outcomes of this study are expected to guide professionals in a/e education to better fulfill the expectations of the upcoming generations.
Effects of vitamin D3 on the level of heat shock protein 70 and oxidative stress in human sperm: a pilot study
Authors: Taheri Moghadam Mahin , Hamidian Omid , Mansouri Esrafil , Nikbakht Roshan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Vitamin D3 (Vit.D3) is an antioxidant that can improve sperm motility. However, the specific mechanisms of Vit.D3’s effect on sperm are not yet elucidated. Since heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and oxidative stress (OS) are effective in sperm motility and it has been shown that vitamin D3 is associated with these factors, thus this pilot study evaluated the effects of Vit.D3 on HSP70 and OS levels in normal and asthenozoospermic semen samples.

Results
In this study, the level of HSP70 proteins was evaluated by western blotting and immunocytochemistry in eight normal and nine asthenozoospermic samples. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA) assay and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test were used for measuring OS. The results showed that the amount of HSP70 protein was higher in the groups treated with Vit.D3 compared to the control groups. Likewise, in normal and asthenozoospermic samples, OS was increased in treatment groups, but the increase was insignificant in asthenozoospermic samples.

Conclusion
According to the data, HSP70 and OS levels were increased in the sperm cells after incubation with Vit.D3; thus, vitamin D3 might improve sperm motility via these factors in vitro.
Role of multi-detector CT in analysis of the greater and lesser palatine foramina
Authors: Awad Ahmad Sayed , Tohamy Hadeer Maher Ahmed , Gadallah Hanan Nabieh , Ibrahim Mohamed Emad El-Din , Raafat Tarek Ahmed 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
The objective of this study was to assess variation in number, size, shape, and location of greater and lesser palatine foramina using multiple anatomical landmarks through data obtained from adult head CT scans. CT skulls of 200 adult persons were included in this study. There were 100 males and 100 females, aged from 22 to 65 years old. An e-film DICOM viewer version 2 was applied to estimate morphological parameters and to calculate the linear measurements related to the greater palatine foramen.

Results
On the basis of CT findings, regarding the position of GPF in relation to maxillary molar teeth, the most frequent location was opposite the third maxillary molar (41%). Regarding the dimensions of the GPF, the mean AP diameter was 3.94 ± 1.13 mm on the right side and 4.22 ± 1.21 mm on the left. The mean LM diameter was 2.17 ± 0.59 mm on the right side and 2.28 ± 0.74 mm on the left. It was concluded that the GPF was AP elongated in 90.5% and circular in 9.5% of the examined CT scans. Linear measurements from the center of GPF to surrounding anatomical landmarks were done and showed no statistically significant difference existed between sides, but a statistically highly significant difference existed between males and females.

Conclusions
Proper localization of GPF is important to facilitate therapeutic, local anesthetic, and surgical manipulation in the maxillofacial region. Based on CT findings, we demonstrated that the GPF is most often located opposite the M3 in the majority of the cases. The maxillary molars are the best landmarks for locating the GPF.
Structural characterization of the C-terminal domain of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein
Authors: Zhou Renjie , Zeng Rui , von Brunn Albrecht , Lei Jian 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe newly emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in a global human health crisis. The CoV nucleocapsid (N) protein plays essential roles both in the viral genomic RNA packaging and the regulation of host cellular machinery. Here, to contribute to the structural information of the N protein, we describe the 2.0 Å crystal structure of the SARS-CoV-2 N protein C-terminal domain (N-CTD). The structure indicates an extensive interaction dimer in a domain-swapped manner. The interface of this dimer was first thoroughly illustrated. Also, the SARS-CoV-2 N-CTD dimerization form was verified in solution using size-exclusion chromatography. Based on the structural comparison of the N-CTDs from alpha-, beta-, and gamma-CoVs, we demonstrate the common and specific characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 N-CTD. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the SARS-CoV-2 N-CTD possesses the binding ability to single-stranded RNA, single-stranded DNA as well as double-stranded DNA in vitro. In conclusion, this study could potentially accelerate research to understand the complete biological functions of the new CoV N protein.
Implications of Nonphysiological Ovarian Primordial Follicle Activation for Fertility Preservation
Authors: Grosbois Johanne , Devos Melody , Demeestere Isabelle 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn recent years, ovarian tissue cryopreservation has rapidly developed as a successful method for preserving the fertility of girls and young women with cancer or benign conditions requiring gonadotoxic therapy, and is now becoming widely recognized as an effective alternative to oocyte and embryo freezing when not feasible. Primordial follicles are the most abundant population of follicles in the ovary, and their relatively quiescent metabolism makes them more resistant to cryoinjury. This dormant pool represents a key target for fertility preservation strategies as a resource for generating high-quality oocytes. However, development of mature, competent oocytes derived from primordial follicles is challenging, particularly in larger mammals. One of the main barriers is the substantial knowledge gap regarding the regulation of the balance between dormancy and activation of primordial follicles to initiate their growing phase. In addition, experimental and clinical factors also affect dormant follicle demise, while the mechanisms involved remain largely to be elucidated. Moreover, most of our basic knowledge of these processes comes from rodent studies and should be extrapolated to humans with caution, considering the differences between species in the reproductive field. Overcoming these obstacles is essential to improving both the quantity and the quality of mature oocytes available for further fertilization, and may have valuable biological and clinical applications, especially in fertility preservation procedures. This review provides an update on current knowledge of mammalian primordial follicle activation under both physiological and nonphysiological conditions, and discusses implications for fertility preservation and priorities for future research.
An inexpensive and easy-to-implement approach to a Quality Management System for an academic research lab
Authors: Hewera Michael , Nickel Ann-Christin , Knipprath Nina , Muhammad Sajjad , Fan Xiaolong , Steiger Hans-Jakob , Hänggi Daniel , Kahlert Ulf Dietrich 
Published: August 2020

Background: Increasing concerns emerge regarding the limited success in reproducing data and translating research results into applications. This is a major problem for science, society and economy. Driven by industry or scientific networks, several attempts to combat this crisis are initiated. However, only few measures address the applicability and feasibility of implementation of actions into an academic research environment with limited resources. Methods: Here we propose a strategy catalogue aiming for a quality management system suitable for many research labs, on the example of a cell culture focused laboratory. Our proposal is guided by its inexpensiveness and possibility of rapid installation. For this we used eLabFTW, an electronic lab book, as hub for all other components of our Quality Management System (QMS) and digital storage of lab journals. We introduced Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) as well as a managed bio bank for safer long-term storage of bio samples. Next, we set up a lab meeting as feedback mechanism for the QMS. Finally, we implemented an automated pipeline to be used for example for drug screens. Results: With this effort we want to reduce individual differences in work techniques, to further improve the quality of our results. Although, just recently established, we can already observe positive outcomes in quality of experimental results, improvements in sample and data storage, stakeholder engagement and even promotion of new scientific discoveries. Conclusions: We believe that our experiences can help to establish a road map to increase value and output of preclinical research in academic labs with limited budget and personnel.
Pooled testing conserves SARS-CoV-2 laboratory resources and improves test turn-around time: experience on the Kenyan Coast
Authors: Agoti Charles N. , Mutunga Martin , Lambisia Arnold W. , Kimani Domtila , Cheruiyot Robinson , Kiyuka Patience , Lewa Clement , Gicheru Elijah , Tendwa Metrine , Said Mohammed Khadija , Osoti Victor , Makale Johnstone , Tawa Brian , Odundo Calleb , Cheruiyot Wesley , Nyamu Wilfred , Gumbi Wilson , Mwacharo Jedidah , Nyamako Lydia , Otieno Edward , Amadi David , Thoya Janet , Karani Angela , Mugo Daisy , Musyoki Jennifer , Gumba Horace , Mwarumba Salim , M. Gichuki Bonface , Njuguna Susan , Riako Debra , Mutua Shadrack , Gitonga John N. , Sein Yiakon , Bartilol Brian , Mwangi Shaban J. , O. Omuoyo Donwilliams , M. Morobe John , de Laurent Zaydah R. , Bejon Philip , Ochola-Oyier Lynette Isabella , Tsofa Benjamin 
Published: August 2020

Background. International recommendations for the control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic emphasize the central role of laboratory testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent, at scale. The availability of testing reagents, laboratory equipment and qualified staff are important bottlenecks to achieving this. Elsewhere, pooled testing (i.e. combining multiple samples in the same reaction) has been suggested to increase testing capacities in the pandemic period. Methods. We discuss our experience with SARS-CoV-2 pooled testing using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on the Kenyan Coast. Results. In mid-May, 2020, our RT-PCR testing capacity for SARS-CoV-2 was improved by ~100% as a result of adoption of a six-sample pooled testing strategy. This was accompanied with a concomitant saving of ~50% of SARS-CoV-2 laboratory test kits at both the RNA extraction and RT-PCR stages. However, pooled testing came with a slight decline of test sensitivity. The RT-PCR cycle threshold value (ΔCt) was ~1.59 higher for samples tested in pools compared to samples tested singly. Conclusions. Pooled testing is a useful strategy to increase SARS-CoV-2 laboratory testing capacity especially in low-income settings.