bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling of the potential distribution of Eichhornia crassipes on a global scale: risks and threats to water ecosystems
Authors: Cordeiro Pedro Fialho , Goulart Fernando Figueiredo , Macedo Diego Rodrigues , Campos Mônica De Cássia Souza , Castro Samuel Rodrigues 
Published: April 2020

The water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is listed among the 100 worst invasive plants and was ranked as the 11th worst invasive species in Europe, being a threat to aquatic biodiversity and water-provision. Predicting species distribution is the first step to understanding niche suitability, forecasting the invasion impact and building resilience against this species. In this study, we used a potential distribution model to assess the global risk of water hyacinth invasion by overlapping maps of highly suitable areas for water hyacinth occurrence and areas of biological importance and water scarcity. The MaxEnt - Maximum Entropy algorithm was used in the construction of the model and included five global bioclimatic layers and one of urbanized areas. Among the variables used, occurrence is mainly explained by urban areas, highlighting the importance of cities as a source or dispersion mechanism of the water hyacinth. Global biodiversity hotspots are predominantly situated in high suitability regions for the species. Ramsar sites and global protected areas are at a lower risk level compared to hotspots; however, future climate change and urban growth scenarios could put these areas at higher risk for invasion. Threats posed by the water hyacinth are possibly more acute in regions suffering from current or chronic drought. The results suggest that niche models that do not consider anthropic variables may be underestimating potential distribution of invasive species. Furthermore, the ecological plasticity of the water hyacinth and its close association with cities increase the concern about the impact of this species on the environment and on water security.
Evaluating Pfeiffer Chromatography for Its Validation as an Indicator of Soil Quality
Authors: Graciano Igor , Matsumoto Leopoldo Sussumu , Demétrio Gilberto Bueno , Mello Peixoto Erika Cosendey Toledo 
Published: April 2020

Soil monitoring is fundamental to promote sustainability agroecosystems. It is necessary to consider indicators that bring together biological, physical, chemical and inter-relational attributes. Pfeiffer chromatography (PC) represents an important method for soil diagnosis, so the present study aims to analyze it in order to contribute to its validation. The soil samples of 12 production systems were evaluated in quintuplicate. The chromas were elaborated using Whatman no 4 filter paper, and the soil extract was performed by sodium hydroxide solution 1%. The results were obtained using revealing solution (AgNO3 0.5%) ascension by capillarity, and the chrome zones: central, internal, medium and external were correlated to soil penetration, chemical, biological and enzymatic parameters, respectively. Variance analysis was applied to the results that presented normal distribution and the means were compared by Scott-Knott test. T-test for Spearman correlations and principal component analysis were used to evaluate the correlations. There was negative correlation between the central zone and the average penetration resistance within the range 0-40 cm in depth. The internal, medium and external zones presented positive correlation with organic matter, carbon microbial biomass, and enzymatic activities, respectively. Quality standard features such as coloration, size and proportion of zones, presence of enzymatic clouds, peaks and radial lines were also confirmed. Thus, the standardization developed by this study contributed to validation of PC. Since PC is a low-cost and easy-to-perform method, it proves to be a useful tool allowing farmers autonomy to monitoring different agricultural systems, contributing to their production sustainable.
Agility-based exercise training compared to traditional strength and balance training in older adults: a pilot randomized trial
Authors: Lichtenstein Eric , Morat Mareike , Roth Ralf , Donath Lars , Faude Oliver 
Published: April 2020

Background
In addition to generally high levels of physical activity, multi-component exercise training is recommended for the maintenance of health and fitness in older adults, including the prevention of falls and frailty. This training often encompasses serial sequencing of balance, strength, endurance and other types of exercise. Exercise training featuring integrative training of these components (i.e. agility training) has been proposed, as it more likely reflects real life challenges like stop-and-go patterns, cutting manoeuvers, turns and decision-making. In this study, we compared the efficacy of an agility-based training to the traditional strength and balance training approach with regard to selected risk factors for falls and frailty.

Methods
We trained twenty-seven community-dwelling healthy seniors (16♂; 11♀; age: 69.5 ± 5.3 y; BMI: 26.4 ± 3.7 kg/m2) for 8 weeks in a group setting with 3 sessions per week, each lasting 50 minutes. Participants were randomized into either the agility group (AGI; n = 12), that used the integrative multi-component training, or the traditional strength and balance group (TSB; n = 15). TSB performed balance and strength exercises separately, albeit within the same session. The training of both groups progressively increased in difficulty. Outcomes were static and dynamic balance (single leg eyes open stand, Y-balance test, reactive balance), lower limb (plantar flexion and dorsal extension) and trunk flexion and extension maximum strength and rate of torque development (RTD). In addition, we tested endurance by the six-minute walk test (6MWT). We calculated linear mixed effects models for between-groups comparisons as well as effect sizes (ES) with 95 % confidence intervals.

Results
Small ES in favor of AGI were found for plantar flexion strength (ES > 0.18[−0.27;0.89]) and RTD (ES > 0.43[−0.19;1.36]) as well as trunk extension RTD (ES = 0.35[−0.05;0.75]). No other parameters showed notable between group differences. Compliance was high in both groups (AGI: 90 ± 8% of sessions; TSB: 91 ± 7% of sessions).

Discussion
Agility-based exercise training seems at least as efficacious as traditional strength and balance training in affecting selected physical performance indicators among community-dwelling healthy seniors. In particular, lower limb and trunk extension explosive strength seem to benefit from the agility training.
Assessing the Financial Statement (Ratios) of Anglogold-Ashanti Limited, Ghana
Authors: Bagina Regina Wompakeah 
Published: April 2020

This study assessed the financial position of Anglogold –Ashanti ltd, Ghana by conducting various financial ratio analyses. The study used time series data for a period of 7 years (2008/09 to 2013/14) of Anglogold Ashanti Limited. The data was analysed using standard tool ratio analysis. This was applied to evaluating the financial performance. Among the ratios used are the Liquidity ratio, current or acid test ration, profitability ratio, gross margin, return on equity, debt to equity. Tables were used in the data presentation. The study findings revealed that both current and the quick ratios has a fluctuating trend of continues increase for the study period (2009-2011), that is (1.68, 1.93, 1.33, 1.77, 0.53, 0.53) and (0.90, 0.89, 0.62, 1.06, 0.65, 0.67 0.84). Also, the higher the ratio the more solvent the business is. Although, the company’s ratio was high it did not always imply that there was solvency but also indicated that the company was holding excess liquid funds. The quick ratio was also in a fluctuating trend throughout the period 2008 – 14. The company liquidity position was not far from the normal standard; to some extent it was satisfactory. The total assets turnover ratio also indicated an increasing trend from the year 2008 – 14(0.56, 0.62, 0.73, 0.54, 0.56, 0.49 and 0.39. Based on the findings, the study concluded that, the company’s overall position is not at a good position, particularly the last year under review due to decreased profit level from the previous year. It is better for the organization not to diversify the funds to different sectors in the present market scenario. The study recommended the need for the company to increase its sales by more promotions and by quick movements of the finished goods.
Productivity and Economic Performance of NERICA Varieties under Two Harvest Modes and Rainfall Intensities in Uganda
Authors: Kaiira M. G. , Owere L. , Kagoda F. , Elesu M. 
Published: April 2020

The productivity of upland rice is highly determined by the available soil moisture and nutrients. Droughts highly influence yields especially in the second 30 days growth period. A field experiment was conducted at the Uganda National Agricultural Research Institute, Ikulwe station during 2018B and 2019B seasons to determine the productivity and economic returns of four rice varieties under two harvest modes and rainfall intensities. The treatments included NERICA 1, 4 & 6 and NAMCHE 2 given 80 kg N and 30 kg P ha-1. Treatments were replicated three times under a randomised complete block design. Data was collected on plant height, leaf number, leaf length, leaf width and number of tillers during vegetative stages in all treatments. The panicles m-2, sink size, panicle filling percentage and grain yields were determined at harvest. All the yield attributes and grain yield reduced during the droughty 2018B relative to the rainy 2019B. On the contrary, the number of tillers reduced in 2019. Correlation coefficient (r) for spikelets per m-2 were significant (>8.0) and positive (0.86) to grain yield during 2018 but were lower (0.13) in 2019. The r values were also positive, but not significant, for panicles m-2 (0.76) and for percent filled panicles (0.23) with respect to grain yield during 2018 and 2019 respectively. NERICA 4 & 6 produced higher grain yield under both moisture stress and high rainfall conditions. The results indicate that NERICA 4 and 6 varieties could be adopted and harvested at 75 days after rice emergence (DAE) for NERICA 4 and at 75 DAE and 90 DAE for NERICA 6 under low (630 mm) rainfall or harvested once at 90 DAE given high (1,500 mm) rainfall to get higher yields and Returns on Investment.
Accumulation of Heavy Metals by Vegetables Grown in Kembu Farms, Gombe, Nigeria
Authors: Magaji Buhari , Yirankiyuki Fai F. , Simon Simon Y. 
Published: April 2020

Background: Contamination of vegetables with heavy metals is a health concern. Therefore, monitoring levels of heavy metals in vegetables can provide useful information for promoting food safety. The level of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in mg/kg) in vegetable samples from different farms in Kembu, Gombe, North Eastern Nigeria were assessed by using atomic absorption spectrophotometry method.
Methods: Samples of vegetables including tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) were collected from production/farming sites in Kembu and analyzed for presence of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) after extraction by drying, grounding and acid digestion.
Results: The level of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd did not indicate excessive contamination that could be considered a serious health hazard to the consumers except for the tomato samples in which the level of Pb was higher than the minimum Pb permissible level for human consumption approved by WHO/FAO (2007) and EU (2006) and are thus, considered unsafe to be used.
Evaluation of Bread Waste Fortified with Moringa Leaf Meal on Performance and Health Status of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Adegbenro Muyiwa , Oyedun Oluwagbenga Ifeoluwa , Aletor Valentine Ayobore 
Published: April 2020

Aim: This study is to evaluate the effects of using bread waste fortified with moringa leaf meal on broiler chickens.
Methodology: Bread wastes were sun-dried and moringa leaves air-dried. The two dried products were milled separately. Thereafter, the meals were mixed in ratio 9:1 (9 kg Bread Waste + 1 kg Moringa Leaf) to produced fortified bread wastes. Four broiler starter diets and four finisher diets were formulated using fortified bread waste at graded levels of 0, 5, 10 and 15% and designated diets I, II, III and IV, respectively. Two hundred chicks were assigned to four dietary treatments of five replicates and ten chicks per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design. Diets and water were fed to the broilers ad libitum from 0 - 28 days as starter phase and 29 - 56 days as finisher phase.
Results: Highest final weight gain and total weight gain (2.12 kg/bird and 2.07 kg/bird) and least feed conversion ratio (2.32) were observed in bird fed Diet I. The dressed weight, eviscerated weight, head, chest, drumstick, wing, thigh, back and shank were influenced significantly (P˂0.05) by the dietary treatments. Highest dressed weight (92.64%), eviscerated weight (79.52%), head (25.34 g/kg body weight), chest (206.53 g/kg body weight) and wing (83.10g/kg body weight) were recorded in bird fed Diet I. Only lymphocyte was influenced (P < .05) by the dietary treatments. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate varies: 2.33 - 3.33 mm/hour, packed cell volume: 26.67 - 28.67%, haemoglobin concentration: 9.23 - 9.88 g/100 ml and mean cell haemoglobin concentration: 34.41 - 34.61%. Cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase were influenced (P < 0.05) by the dietary treatments. The cholesterol: 22.57 - 32.78 mg/dl and alkaline phosphatase: 144.17-150.98 IU/I.
Conclusion: From the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that increasing levels of fortified bread wastes in broiler chicken diets up till 5% inclusion level can be practiced.
ATP regulates the activity of an alternative oxidase in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Luévano‐Martínez Luis Alberto , Girard Richard M. B. M. , Alencar Mayke Bezerra , Silber Ariel Mariano 
Published: April 2020

The reduced mitochondrial respiratory chain from the bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei is composed of only a membrane‐bound glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and an alternative oxidase. Since these enzymes are not proton pumps, their functions are restricted to the maintenance of the redox balance in the glycosome by means of the dihydroxyacetone phosphate/glycerol‐3‐phosphate shuttle. Additionally, an F1Fo‐ATP synthase functions as an ATP‐hydrolysing enzyme to establish the proton motive force necessary to maintain the basic functions of mitochondria. In this report, we studied the interplay between the alternative oxidase and ATP synthase, and we found that, in addition to its role as a proton pump, ATP synthase contributes to maintain safe levels of ATP to prevent the inhibition of the alternative oxidase by ATP.
An expert–novice comparison of feature choice
Authors: Robson Samuel G. , Searston Rachel A. , Edmond Gary , McCarthy Duncan J. , Tangen Jason M. 
Published: April 2020

SummaryPerceptual experts have learned to rapidly and accurately perceive the structural regularities that define categories and identities within a domain. They extract important features and their relations more efficiently than novices. We used fingerprint examination to investigate expert–novice differences in feature choice. On each fingerprint within our set, experts and novices selected one feature they thought was most useful for distinguishing a particular print and one feature they thought was least useful. We found that experts and novices often differed in the features they chose, and experts tended to agree more with each other. However, any such expert–novice difference appeared to depend on the image at hand typically emerging when salient or more conspicuous features of a fingerprint were unclear. We suggest that perceptual training ought to direct attention to useful features with the understanding that what is useful may change depending on the clarity of the stimuli.
Trace‐Level, Multi‐Gas Detection for Food Quality Assessment Based on Decorated Silicon Transistor Arrays
Authors: Yuan Zhen , Bariya Mallika , Fahad Hossain M. , Wu Jingbo , Han Rui , Gupta Niharika , Javey Ali 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMultiplexed gas detection at room temperature is critical for practical applications, such as for tracking the complex chemical environments associated with food decomposition and spoilage. An integrated array of multiple silicon‐based, chemical‐sensitive field effect transistors (CSFETs) is presented to realize selective, sensitive, and simultaneous measurement of gases typically associated with food spoilage. CSFETs decorated with sensing materials based on ruthenium, silver, and silicon oxide are used to obtain stable room‐temperature responses to ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and humidity, respectively. For example, one multi‐CSFET sensor signal changes from its baseline by 13.34 in response to 1 ppm of NH3, 724.45 under 1 ppm H2S, and 23.46 under 80% relative humidity, with sensitive detection down to 10 ppb of NH3 and H2S. To demonstrate this sensor for practical applications, the CSFET sensor array is combined with a custom‐printed circuit board into a compact, fully integrated, and portable system to conduct real‐time monitoring of gases generated by decomposing food. By using existing silicon‐based manufacturing methodologies, this room‐temperature gas sensing array can be fabricated reproducibly and at low cost, making it an attractive platform for ambient gas measurement needed in food safety applications.
A Transfer Method for High‐Mobility, Bias‐Stable, and Flexible Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Peng Boyu , Ji Xudong , Jiao Xuechen , Chu Ming , Liu Jinyu , Li Yang , Chen Ming , Zhou Zhiwen , Zhang Cuiping , Miao Qian , Dong Huanli , Huang Baoling , Hu Wenping , Feng Shien‐Ping , Li Wendi , Chan Paddy K. L. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSubstrates are crucial to the growth of organic semiconductor thin films and crystals, and thus the performance of the organic field‐effect transistors. To date, there has been no single substrate that can fulfill the demand for low‐voltage operation, large‐area crystal growth, bias stress stability, and mechanical flexibility at the same time. Here, a novel transfer method is reported, which separates the growth of the organic semiconductor active layers and the rest of the fabrication steps of the field‐effect transistors, so that high‐mobility active layers and bias‐stable dielectric substrates are combined. With the proposed transfer method, both vacuum sublimated thin films and solution‐processed crystals show remarkable improvement in the bias stability. With the high‐k dielectric and ultraflexible substrate, the device can operate at 2 V and shows no degradation in the carrier mobility when the bending radius is down to 215 mm. It is believed that this transfer method can advance the fabrication techniques of high‐performance organic field‐effect transistors, especially for their conformal or ultraflexible applications.
LncRNA UCA1 Antagonizes Arsenic‐Induced Cell Cycle Arrest through Destabilizing EZH2 and Facilitating NFATc2 Expression
Authors: Dong Zheng , Gao Ming , Li Changying , Xu Ming , Liu Sijin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractArsenic (As) is a widespread metalloid contaminant, and its internal exposure is demonstrated to cause serious detrimental health problems. Albeit considerable studies are performed to interrogate the molecular mechanisms responsible for As‐induced toxicities, the exact mechanisms are not fully understood yet, especially at the epigenetic regulation level. In the present study, it is identified that long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) urothelial cancer associated 1 (UCA1) alleviates As‐induced G2/M phase arrest in human liver cells. Intensive mechanistic investigations illustrate that UCA1 interacts with enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and accelerates the latter's protein turnover rate under normal and As‐exposure conditions. The phosphorylation of EZH2 at the Thr‐487 site by cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) is responsible for As‐induced EZH2 protein degradation, and UCA1 enhances this process through increasing the interaction between CDK1 and EZH2. As a consequence, the cell cycle regulator nuclear factor of activated T cells 2 (NFATc2), a downstream target of EZH2, is upregulated to resist As‐blocked cell cycle progress and cytotoxicity. In conclusion, the findings decipher a novel prosurvival signaling pathway underlying As toxicity from the perspective of epigenetic regulation: UCA1 facilitates the ubiquitination of EZH2 to upregulate NFATc2 and further antagonizes As‐induced cell cycle arrest.
Ultrathin PEDOT:PSS Enables Colorful and Efficient Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Lu Jianxun , Feng Wenjing , Mei Guanding , Sun Jiayun , Yan Chuanzhong , Zhang Di , Lin Kebin , Wu Dan , Wang Kai , Wei Zhanhua 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRecently, metal halide perovskite light‐emitting diodes (Pero‐LEDs) have achieved significant improvement in device performance, especially for external quantum efficiency (EQE). And EQE is mostly determined by internal quantum efficiency of the emitting material, charge injection balancing factor (ηc), and light extraction efficiency (LEE) of the device. Herein, an ultrathin poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (UT‐PEDOT:PSS) hole transporter layer is prepared by a water stripping method, and the UT‐PEDOT:PSS can enhance ηc and LEE simultaneously in Pero‐LEDs, mostly due to the improved carrier mobility, more matched energy level alignment, and reduced photon loss. More importantly, the performance enhancement from UT‐PEDOT:PSS is quite universal and applicable in different kinds of Pero‐LEDs. As a result, the EQEs of Pero‐LEDs based on 3D, quasi‐3D, and quasi‐2D perovskites obtain enhancements of 42%, 87%, and 111%, and the corresponding maximum EQE reaches 17.6%, 15.0%, and 6.8%, respectively.
Achieving High Alignment of Conjugated Polymers by Controlled Dip‐Coating
Authors: Li Qi‐Yi , Yao Ze‐Fan , Lu Yang , Zhang Song , Ahmad Zachary , Wang Jie‐Yu , Gu Xiaodan , Pei Jian 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRealizing high polymer chain orientation and ordered thin‐film microstructures is beneficial for efficient charge transport of conjugated polymers. However, achieving a high alignment degree remains a challenge due to the sensitive nature of polymers to the processing conditions. By simply varying concentrations during a dip‐coating method, the component of polymer aggregates that adopt the planar backbones is enlarged and the ensuing assembly process is promoted. Herein, highly oriented polymer thin films of an isoindigo‐based conjugated polymer (PII‐2T) are prepared to enhance polymer orientation resulting in a drastic booming in carrier mobilities of organic field‐effect‐transistors (OFETs). The maximum mobility from aligned polymer films increases by up to 8.3 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is tenfold beyond the value evaluated from the unaligned direction or traditional spin‐coated samples. The enhanced orientation can also reduce the adverse effects of the contact resistance and facilitate charge transport in transistors. This work demonstrates that the highly aligned conjugated polymer films can be approached by the dip‐coating method while offers a latent cornerstone toward understanding the critical role of processing‐related parameters in determining morphology of solution‐coated thin films.