bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Technical Efficiency of Wheat Production in Row Planting and Broadcasting Methods: Empirical Evidence from Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Anaye Assefa Ayele , Erkalo Kassa Tarekegn 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Introduction Ethiopia is the largest wheat producer in Sub-Saharan Africa and wheat is one of the major staple food crops in many parts of the country. However, due to technical and socioeconomic factors the productivity of wheat is below the estimated potential. As a result of this the country remains a net importer of wheat. To improve this problem, row planting of wheat with improved level of efficiency becomes more crucial. This study was aimed to measure technical efficiency, yield gap due to inefficiency and identify the factors that influence the efficiency levels of wheat producers’ row planting and broadcasting methods in Hadiya zone, southern Ethiopia. Cross sectional data from 203 farmers from both row planting and broadcasting methods were selected using multistage sampling procedure and analyzed using stochastic frontier Cobb–Douglas production. Results and Conclusions Descriptive results indicated that the average wheat output in row planting (3250 kg/ha) was 1360 kg/ha higher than in broadcasting (1890 kg/ha). The estimated results of the Cobb-Douglas frontier model shows that the mean technical efficiency was 83.4% and 57.8% under row planting and broadcasting respectively. About 646.882 kg/ha under row planting and 1393.038 kg/ha under broadcasting of wheat output was lost due to inefficiency. This reveals that under the existing practices there is a room to increase wheat yield more under broadcasting (42.2%) than row planting (16.6%) following the best-practiced farms in the study area. The SPF model indicates that NPS, urea, labor and seed, are significant determinants of wheat production level in both methods. The estimated SPF model together with the inefficiency parameters shows that education, age, fertility status of the plot, family size and extension contact negatively and significantly affected technical inefficiency whereas land fragmentation positively and significantly affected technical inefficiency of wheat farmers. Hence, emphasis should be given to improve the efficiency level of those less efficient farmers by adopting the practices of relatively efficient farmers in the area. Beside this, policies and strategies of the government should be directed towards the above mentioned determinants.
Implications of VIP and PACAP in Parkinson’s Disease: What do we Know So Far?
Authors: de Souza Filipe Resende Oliveira , Ribeiro Fabiola Mara , Lima Patrícia Maria d’Almeida 
Published: March 2020

Background:Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders and although its aetiology is not yet fully understood, neuroinflammation has been identified as a key factor in the progression of the disease. Vasoactive intestinal peptide and pituitary adenylate-cyclase activating polypeptide are two neuropeptides that exhibit anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, modulating the production of cytokines and chemokines and the behaviour of immune cells. However, the role of chemokines and cytokines modulated by the endogenous receptors of the peptides varies according to the stage of the disease.Methods:We present an overview of the relationship between some cytokines and chemokines with vasoactive intestinal peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide and their endogenous receptors in the context of Parkinson’s disease neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, as well as the modulation of microglial cells by the peptides in this context.Results:The two peptides exhibit neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties in models of Parkinson’s disease, as they ameliorate cognitive functions, decrease the level of neuroinflammation and promote dopaminergic neuronal survival. The peptides have been tested in a variety of in vivo and in vitro models of Parkinson’s disease, demonstrating the potential for therapeutic application.Conclusion:More studies are needed to establish the clinical use of vasoactive intestinal peptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide as safe candidates for treating Parkinson’s disease, as the use of the peptides in different stages of the disease could produce different results concerning effectiveness.
Oral Supplements of Ginkgo biloba Extract Alleviate Neuroinflammation, Oxidative Impairments and Neurotoxicity in Rotenone-Induced Parkinsonian Rats
Authors: Mohammed Nema A. , Abdou Heba M. , Tass Mona A. , Alfwuaires Manal , Abdel-Moneim Ashraf M. , Essawy Amina E. 
Published: March 2020

Background:
Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) is known to contain several bioactive compounds
and exhibits free radical scavenging activity. Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative
disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons and is associated with oxidative stress, neuroinflammation
and apoptosis.

Objective:
The current study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of GbE in a rat model of
PD induced by rotenone (ROT; a neurotoxin).

Methods:
Twenty-four male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups of six rats each: normal
control, GbE treated, toxin control (ROT treated) and GbE+ROT group.

Results::
Oral administration of ROT (2.5 mg/kg b.w.) for 50 days caused an increased generation of
lipid peroxidation products and significant depletion of reduced glutathione, total thiol content and activities
of enzymatic antioxidants, i.e., superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the brains
of treated rats. Furthermore, ROT caused an elevation in acetylcholinesterase, interleukin-1β, interleukin-
6 and tumor necrosis factor-α and a significant reduction in dopamine in the stratum and substantia
nigra. Immunohistochemical results illustrated that ROT treatment reduced the expression of tyrosine
hydroxylase (TH). GbE treatment (150 mg/kg b.w./day) significantly reduced the elevated oxidative
stress markers and proinflammatory cytokines and restored the reduced antioxidant enzyme activities,
DA level and TH expression. These results were confirmed by histological observations that clearly
indicated a neuroprotective effect of GbE against ROT-induced PD.

Conclusion:
GbE mitigated ROT-induced PD via the inhibition of free-radical production, scavenging
of ROS, and antioxidant enhancement.
Studies on the IC50 of Metabolically Stable 1-(3,3-diphenylpropyl)- piperidinyl Amides and Ureas as Human CCR5 Receptor Antagonists Based on QSAR
Authors: Zhao Yutao , Liu Xiaoqian , Ouyang Jing , Wang Yan , Xu Shanyu , Tian Dongdong , Si Hongzong 
Published: March 2020

Background:
In this study, modulators of human Chemotactic cytokine receptor 5
(CCR5) were described using a quantitative structure-activity relationship model (QSAR). This
model was based on the molecule’s chemical structure.

Methods::
All 56 compounds of CCR5 receptor antagonists were randomly separated into two sets,
43 were reserved for training and the other 13 for testing. In the course of this study, molecular
models were drawn using ChemDraw software. By means of Hyperchem software as well as optimized
with both AM1 (semi-empirical self-consistent-field molecular orbital) and MM+ (molecular
mechanics plus force field), molecular models were described through numerous descriptors using
CODESSA software.

Results:
Linear models were obtained by Heuristic Method (HM) software and nonlinear models
were obtained using APS software with optimal descriptor combinations used to build linear QSAR
models, involving a group of selected descriptors. As a result, values of the above two different sets
were shown to result from 0.82 in testing and 0.86 in training in HM while 0.83 in testing and 0.88
in training in Gene Expression Programming (GEP).

Conclusion:
From this method, the activity of molecules could be predicted, and the molecular
structure could be changed to alter its IC50, avoiding the testing of large numbers of compounds.
The Role of Parathyroid Hormone in Alveolar Bone Resorption on Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Puspitadewi Susi R. , Kusdhany Lindawati S. , Masulili Sri Lelyati C. , Wulandari Pitu , Iskandar Hanna B. , Auerkari Elza I. 
Published: March 2020

Background:
Postmenopausal women exhibit reduced bone mineralization, which causes bone resorption, including that of alveolar bone. Parathyroid hormone has been shown to play a role in alveolar bone resorption.

Objective:
This study aims to analyze relationships between parathyroid hormone and other factors that may contribute to alveolar bone resorption in postmenopausal women.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 82 postmenopausal women aged 50–74 years, who resided in Central and East Jakarta, Indonesia. Subjects' data were obtained through questionnaires, dental examinations, and blood collection for the examination of parathyroid hormone levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and using panoramic radiography to measure bone resorption.

Results:
Spearman correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between parathyroid hormone level (p = 0.005) and extent of alveolar bone resorption, but age (p = 0.292), menopausal duration (p = 0.244), and number of missing teeth (p = 0.517) were not significantly correlated with the extent of alveolar bone resorption.

Conclusion:
Various factors play a role in the mechanism of bone resorption, so knowing the role of each factor is expected to reduce the effects of alveolar bone resorption that occurs in postmenopause. Among the factors investigated in this study, the parathyroid hormone was the sole factor correlated with postmenopausal alveolar bone resorption.
The Response of Two Drip-Irrigated Sweet Corn Varieties to the Twin-Row Production System in the Dry Mediterranean Region
Authors: Mubarak Ibrahim 
Published: March 2020

Introduction:
Minimizing production costs for drip-irrigated crops by reducing the number of driplines per unit-area is an urgent need to address the sustainability of the present production system.

Materials and Methods:
A two-year field experiment (2017 and 2018) was carried out to assess the effects of twin-row crop production system on two sweet corn varieties (Zea mays L.: an introduced variety “Silver Queen” and a local variety “White Kokab”) grown in a clay loam soil in the dry Mediterranean region. Three-row crop/dripline spacing configurations for each variety with three replicates were tested as: (i) single-row system at 75-cm crop row spacing with 75-cm dripline spacing (a dripline for each crop row), (ii) single-row system at 75-cm crop row spacing with 150-cm dripline spacing (a dripline for two crop rows), and (iii) twin-row system, 37.5 cm apart, on 150-cm centers, with 150-cm dripline spacing (a dripline for each twin-rows).

Results and Conclusion:
The local variety was better than the introduced variety in husked cop yield (13.93 t ha-1) and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE, 1.92 kg m-3). Results also showed that the twin-row system with 150-cm dripline spacing provided similar husked cop yield and IWUE as the conventional 75-cm dripline spacing due to the more favourable rootzone soil water status; and both were higher in the two attributes than the single-row 150-cm dripline spacing. With 50% less unit-area driplines, twin-rows with 150-cm dripline spacing was considered to be more productive, economical and environmentally friendly.
Determinants of Malnutrition in Under-five Children in Angola, Malawi and Senegal
Authors: Khulu Chris , Ramroop Shaun 
Published: March 2020

Introduction:
Malnutrition is one of the leading causes of under-five mortality globally. With the estimated target of reducing mortality in this age group by 2030, understanding and determining the factors contributing to child mortality are critical.

Methods:
The current study used Demographic Health Survey (DHS) data from Angola (2016), Malawi (2016) and Senegal (2016). The DHS data for under-five children from these three countries were then combined in this study to create a pooled sample. This method allows for a comparison and generalization of the results across countries and has also been used in previous studies. The dependent variables (severely nourished, moderately nourished and nourished) were developed by using calculated Weight-for-age Z-scores (WAZ) from DHS data. The exploratory analysis was conducted by performing a gamma measure and chi-square test of independence to evaluate the association between malnutrition status and covariates.

Results & Discussion:
Based on the generalized linear mixed model, the type of residence, sex of the child, age of the child, mother’s level of education, birth interval, wealth index and the birth order are correlated to malnutrition in Angola, Malawi and Senegal. Children who are from rural communities, poor households, with a mother having attained primary education, are female and are between the age of 24 and 59 months are associated with malnutrition. The results of the study suggest that children from these three countries who reside with mothers who have attained only primary education are at the highest risk of being affected by malnutrition.

Conclusion:
The results show the necessity of collaboration among the three countries in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target.
Social and Ethical Impact of Advanced Artificial and Biological Enhancements
Authors: Alexiou Athanasios , Simou Panagiota , Alexiou Filia , Chatzichronis Stylianos , Ashraf Ghulam Md 
Published: March 2020

Background:While modern humans seek ways to extend life expectancy, the necessity of advanced bioengineering tools for the production of effective human enhancement applications appears as compelling as ever.Objective:The technological future of Homo sapiens has been scheduled within a quantum environment and advanced physical interventions are imperative to occur in the anatomy of modern humans, including genetic improvement and human cloning. New terminologies and latest projects such as genome editing, mind uploading and tissue engineering applications for the growth of new organs are issues of discussion in this paper.Methods:Several advanced biotechnological methods are presented in this paper, including the 14-days rule, the 2045 Initiative project and the CRISPR technique and their social and ethical implications are discussed.Results:The exponential aging of the population results in rapidly increasing demands for next-generation drugs and innovative pharmaceutical products that target individualized genetic treatment, resulting in the emergence of controversial ethical and social implications in the forthcoming post-Homo sapiens Era.Conclusion:The next-generation ethics must be clarified, an interdisciplinary debate should be initiated, and all the different perspectives must be recorded and evaluated to adopt the most efficient practices for controversial topics like the potential digital immortality.
Recent Patents on the Electrode Structures and Electrode Materials in EDM Process
Authors: Xie Baocheng , Li En , Chen Yongqiu 
Published: March 2020

Backgroun:
Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) technology is widely applied for micro-
manufacturing of difficult-to-process materials and complex shapes, which causes a growing demand
for tool electrodes. The machining performance of an electrode eventually affects machining
efficiency and accuracy and electrode loss of EDM. Thus, more researches on the electrode structures
and electrode materials in the EDM process are gradually conducted.

Objective:
To meet the growing processing requirement of processing efficiency and accuracy and
electrode loss of EDM, the electrode structures and electrode materials in the EDM process are continuously
improved.

Methods:
This paper retraces various current representative patents relative to the electrode structures
and electrode materials in the EDM process.

Results:
Through comparing the characteristics of different electrode structures and electrode materials
in the EDM process, the current principal problems such as low machining efficiency and accuracy and
serious electrode loss are concluded. Furthermore, the future development tendencies of electrode
structures and electrode materials of EDM are discussed.

Conclusion:
The optimization of electrode structures and electrode materials in the EDM process is
conducive to solve the problems of machining efficiency and accuracy and electrode loss during EDM.
More correlative patents on electrode structure and electrode material will be filed in the future.
Синтез, структура и теплофизические свойства оксидов системы YVO_4-BiVO-=SUB=-4-=/SUB=-
Authors: Денисова Л.Т. , Голубева Е.О. , Чумилина Л.Г. , Денисов В.М. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract The Y_0.4Bi_0.6VO_4 and Y_0.6Bi_0.4VO_4 solid solutions two-phase at x _Bi = 0.95, 0.90, and 0.80 have been formed by the solid-phase synthesis from the initial Y_2O_3, Bi_2O_3, and V_2O_5 oxides burned in air at a temperature of 1173 K for 200 h and their high-temperature heat capacity has been measured in the range of 350–1000 K by differential scanning calorimetry. The thermodynamic properties of the solution solutions have been calculated using the data obtained.
Web-Based Consumer Health Education About Back Pain: Findings of Potential Tensions From a Photo-Elicitation and Observational Study
Authors: Setchell Jenny , Turpin Merrill , Costa Nathalia , Hodges Paul 
Published: March 2020

Background
Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with huge social and economic impact. There is extensive extant literature investigating the efficacy of various management approaches ranging from surgery to psychological interventions to exercise. However, this work has focused almost entirely on efficacy in terms of pain reduction, functional improvement, and psychological changes. This focus has meant that unanticipated social or socio-cultural effects of back pain health care have received little attention.

Objective
This study aimed to scrutinize some of the conceptual tensions inherent in contemporary LBP health care approaches and to highlight their material effects.

Methods
We used a qualitative research design adapted from discourse analysis, which was able to consider key discursive tensions underpinning a LBP website. Data collection involved observing the interaction between adult participants with LBP and the website in the following two ways: (1) observational interview, where participants were observed interacting with the website for the first time and asked to discuss their responses to it as they moved through the website and (2) photo-elicitation, where for a month after their first use of the website, people took photographs of what was happening in their lives when they thought of the website and discussed them in a follow-up interview. We used a postcritical discourse analysis approach to examine data produced from these methods.

Results
Our postcritical discourse analysis identified key discursive tensions, including between living with and reducing LBP, keeping active and resting, and patient choice and giving guidance.

Conclusions
Our analysis suggests ways for considering less dominant perspectives without having to discard the benefits of dominant ones. Although the focus of LBP discourses has changed (less biomedical and less about cure), they still hold on to some of the problematic dominant paradigmatic concepts such as biomedicine and individualism. The tensions we highlight are likely to be highly useful for teaching and implementing LBP care across multiple health care settings.
ANALYSIS OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF PRUNUS CERASUS (SOUR CHERRY)
Authors: SHETTY NAGENDAR , INDU  
Published: March 2020

Objective: Prunus cerasus L. is consumed as a dietary supplement to promoting health benefits. The purpose of this study was to investigate the phenol and flavonoids content of sour cherry methanol extract in terms of antioxidant activity.
Methods: The content of polyphenols and flavonoids was quantified. DPPH and FRAP assay were used to evaluate the radical scavenging properties and reducing the antioxidant power of sour cherry fruit.
Results: DPPH scavenging activity was evaluated IC50 10.32±2.23 mg/ml and FRAP was estimated at 205±30 µmol/g.
Conclusion: Sour cherry methanol extract includes various bioactive compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanidins, which can be valuable beneficial effects to the prevention of various vascular diseases.
IDENTIFICATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTY OF DIFFERENT MEDICINAL PLANT EXTRACTS
Authors: KUMARI SWETA , VAISHNAV VIRENDRA 
Published: March 2020

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of some plant extracts they are-Curcuma longa, Cinnamomum tamala, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Azadirachta indica, Datura stramonium, Zingiber officinale, Punica granatum and Cinnamomum cassia against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli.
Methods: The evaluation of antibacterial activity for different extracts of each plant was carried out by using the disc diffusion method and by pouring technique to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).
Results: In the disc diffusion method the plant extracts showed zone of inhibition ranging 02.0 to 16.0 mm against bacteria and In pouring technique plant extracts showed positive control against pure culture of a bacterium and their efficiency in terms of MICs where ranged from 0.2 gm/ml to 0.8 gm/ml. The extracts of Curcuma longa and Cinnamomum tamala shown high efficiency then other plant extracts in terms of zone of inhibition and also in pouring technique less amount of extracts was inhibited the growth of bacteria.
Conclusion: This study indicates that extracts of these plants have antibacterial activity against bacteria. This report supports their use in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria.
ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT EFFECT OF NATURAL EXTRACTS FROM LEAVES, ROOT, STEM AND FLOWERS OF BACCHARIS LATIFOLIA FROM ECUADOR
Authors: BAYAS-MOREJON FAVIAN , TIGRE ANGELICA , RAMON RIVELINO , YANEZ DANILO 
Published: March 2020

Objective: The increase in chronic and degenerative diseases and the use of synthetic antioxidants such as (butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)) are being restricted because they can be considered carcinogenic. Therefore, there is a growing interest in the search for natural antioxidants, especially from plants, due to their content in different bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants and antimicrobials. To evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of Baccharislatifolia extracts.
Methods: For the determination of the antimicrobial activity of extracts of leaves, root, stem and flowers of Baccharislatifolia (Bl), the disk plate diffusion method was used, the strains of Listeria, Salmonella and E. coli were studied; antibiotics Penicillin G and Ciprofloxacin were the controls. For the antioxidant activity, a solution of H2O2 (Abs at 230 nm) was prepared in Potassium Phosphate Monobasic-Sodium Hydroxide buffer.
Results: The antimicrobial activity against Listeria and Salmonella, showed that the extracts of leaves and flowers were more effective with inhibition zones>15 mm and>20 mm respectively. In front of E. coli, the extracts of flowers and stem were the best with zones>7.0 mm. Antibiotics studied inhibited the development of Listeria and Salmonella. However, E. coli isolates were resistant. In the antioxidant activity, the flower extract of Bl in 60 mg/ml presents a higher effect with 47.25%.
Conclusion: Bl extracts from leaves and flowers were more efficient both in their antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity.