bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Maize Commercialization among Smallholder Farmers: Empirical Evidence from North Western Ethiopia
Authors: Wassihun Agerie Nega , Feleke Fikeremaryam Birara , Abate Tadie Mirie , Bayeh Gebrehiwot Abebe 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Agricultural commercialization is a process of transformation from subsistence farming system to market oriented production system. Promoting smallholder farmers to produce beyond their consumption and enabling them to be profit oriented should be given priority in order to foster the economic growth in developing countries where agriculture is the pillar of the economy and smallholder farmers are the largest section of the country like Ethiopia. However, due to a number of reasons smallholder farmers’ level of commercialization is very low and insignificant. There are only few studies conducted about agricultural commercialization in Ethiopia but the studies are not focused to specific crop. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the factors that determine market participation and degree of commercialization by smallholder maize producers in North Western Ethiopia. Data were collected from 385 smallholder maize producers in three districts where maize is produced potentially through multistage sampling method. Interview schedule, focus group discussion and key informant interview were used to collect the required primary data. In order to achieve the study objectives, Tobit model was employed to analyse both market participation and intensity of commercialization. From the analysis education level, livestock holding, frequency of extension contact, training, off/non-farm income activity, quantity of maize and lagged price were found to have significant effect on market participation whereas intensity of commercialization was significantly influenced by education level, livestock holding, training, frequency of extension contact, off/non-farm activity, quantity of maize produced and lagged price. Finally based on the findings, smallholder maize producers should be supported regularly by extension agents in order to increase their practical skills which results enhancement of their market participation and intensity of commercialization.
WITHDRAWN: Investigating Okun’s Law in SAARC Countries: An ARDL Approach
Authors: Hanif Md. Abu , Ahmed Zobayer , Acet Hakan , Çevik Savaş 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this paper is to test the applicability of Okun’s law in SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) counties. It also intends to find the long-run association between unemployment rate and growth rate and investigate the impact of growth rate on unemployment in the South Asian Region.Design/methodology/approach: The study uses annual time series data for eight SAARC countries, from 1991 to 2015. To meet the objectives of the research, the graphical illustration of trend with descriptive statistics are followed by econometric analysis. Based on the stationarity of the variables, an autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) model has been estimated to test the long-run relationship between unemployment and growth.Findings: The results indicate that per capita GDP negatively influences the unemployment rate in the long run only in three member countries of SAARC, namely- Afghanistan, India and Sri Lanka and in the South Asian Region in aggregate. This paper also finds a negative relationship between the growth rate and unemployment rate in Bangladesh, but this association is not statistically significant. The study doesn’t find any negative relationship between the two variables in Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan. The study discovers the validity of Okun’s law, but the attained Okun coefficient is less than that of the actual Okun coefficient, documented by Arthur Okun. Another substantial evidence is that the significance of the connection between the growth rate and unemployment rate varies among the SAARC countries.Research limitations: The main limitation of this paper is the unavailability of data for Afghanistan compared to other SAARC countries. Originality/value: This paper is unique as it tests the validity of Okun’s law in every member country of SAARC and as a region of South Asia. To date, no such study like this has been found in the body of literature which finds long-run relationship in all SAARC countries.JEL Classification: E24, J64, O11, O40.
New Insights Into the Role of MADS-box Transcription Factor Gene CmANR1&nbsp;on Root and Shoot Development in Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum Morifolium)
Authors: Sun Cui-Hui , Wang Jia-Hui , Gu Kai-Di , Zhang Peng , Zhang Xin-Yi , Zheng Cheng-Shu , Ma Fangfang , Hu Da-Gang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: MADS-box transcription factors (TFs) are the key regulators of multiple developmental processes in plants; among them, a chrysanthemum MADS-box TF CmANR1 has been isolated and described as functioning in root development in response to high nitrate concentration signals. However, how CmANR1 affects root and shoot development remains unclear.Results: We report that CmANR1 plays a positive role in root system development in chrysanthemum throughout the developmental stages of tissue culture. Metabolomics combined with transcriptomics assays show that CmANR1 promotes robust root system development by facilitating nitrate assimilation, and influencing the metabolic pathways of amino acid, glycolysis, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) cycle. Also, we found that the expression levels of TFs associated with the nitrate signaling pathways, such as AGL8, AGL21, and LBD29, are significantly up-regulated in CmANR1-transgenic plants relative to the wild-type (WT) control; by contrast, the expression levels of RHD3-LIKE, LBD37, and GATA23 were significantly down-regulated. These results suggest that these nitrate signaling associated TFs are involved in CmANR1-modulated control of root development. In addition, CmANR1 also acts as a positive regulator to control shoot growth and development.Conclusions: These findings provide potential mechanisms of MADS-box TF CmANR1 modulation of root and shoot development, which occurs by regulating a series of nitrate signaling associated TFs, and influencing the metabolic pathways of amino acid and glycolysis, as well as TCA cycle and nitrate assimilation.
Foliar Spraying Suitable Dosage of Silicon Fertilizer on Wheat Suppressed Inoculated Aphid Reproduction by Activating Plant Induced Defense Response
Authors: Qi Xiuxiu , Wei Chang , Yan Fengming , Zhang Zelong , Jiang Ying , Han Yanlai 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Although the ability of silicon to induce plant resistance against some insect is known, it is still unknown that the effect of the different concentrations of silicon on activates the secondary defense system in wheat, and then influence the life cycle table of wheat aphids. In this experiment, different levels of silicon (Si) fertilizer was applied to change the secondary defense system of wheat, to study the impact on the life table parameters of aphid (Sitobion avenae F.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and to explore the mechanism of Si application in enhancing wheat resistance to aphids. Wheat seedlings were cultured in a hydroponic experiment with the seven different levels of Si (0, 0.3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 9 mmol/L). Results: Our ﬁndings indicated that the application of Si can suppress the net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (rm), mean generation time (T), finite rate of increase (λ), and prolong the population doubling time (t) of aphid. Besides, aphid infection elicited immune responses in wheat, which was enhanced by Si: Between the treatments, a foliar application of Si improved the activity of four defense enzymes (PAL, PPO, CAT, LOX), and increased the content of signal transduction substances (JA, SA) and secondary metabolites (tannin, alkaloids, lignin, total phenolics and ﬂavonoids). Moreover, the results of the correlation analysis showed that the concentration of Si in wheat was positively associated with the activities of defense enzymes and the concentrations of secondary metabolites and signal transduction substances. There was a significant positive correlation between the activities of four defense enzymes and the concentrations of secondary metabolites and signal transduction substances in wheat. Furthermore, the activities of defense enzymes, the concentrations of secondary metabolites and signal transduction substances and Si in wheat were negatively associated with the R0, T, rm, ƛ and positively related to the t of the life table parameters from the aphid. Conclusions: In conclusion, the current result suggested that the application of Si can increase the signal transduction pathway of wheat and regulate the secondary metabolism by influencing the concentration of Si in wheat. As a result, the application of Si affected the life table parameters of aphids and enhanced the resistance of wheat. Also that 3 mmol/L Si application was more beneficial to enhance the resistance of wheat than higher or lower concentrations. The application of Si in wheat might provide an important basis for pest management control.
Analysis of Female Labor Participation and Economic Growth: The Case of Rwanda
Authors: Uwimana Olive , Ruranga Charles 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This paper examines the possible existence of a long run relationship between economic growth and female labor participation in the case of Rwanda. As a land-locked country in the Central-East Africa, Rwanda has made remarkable economic transformations in recent years with considerably high GDP growth rate such as between 2018 and 2019 where GDP per capita increased by 5.6 percent which is why it is often referred as the future “Singapore of Africa”. On the other hand, the country is also often exalted for its outstanding efforts to empower women in all aspects of life including having the majority of women in the parliament on a global scale and other gender reforms. Therefore, this study aims at determining any long-run correlation between the two economic indicators by also using explanatory variables such as female unemployment rate, fertility rate and educational attainment of girls. By using ARDL Boundary Test, the findings indicate that there is indeed a U-shape relationship between economic growth and Rwanda female labor participation. It is recommended that the government establish a quota on the least number of women especially in male-dominated industries as a way to reduce the labor gender gap and ensure socio-economic uplift of women.
Comparison of Non-operative Versus Operative Management of Resectable Colorectal Cancer in Elderly Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hu Richard , Selvam Rajajee , Moloo Husein , Williams Lara , Raiche Isabelle , Musselman Reilly 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: In 2010, 1.3 million Canadians were aged 80 and older. This number is expected to more than double to 3.3 million by 2036. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in both men and women, with its highest incidence rate in septu- and octogenarians. As clinicians encounter a growing number of very elderly patients (80 years and older) with resectable colorectal cancer, justifying major surgery in a comorbid population with limited life expectancy is difficult. Therefore, this study aims to systemically review the available literature to compare non-operative management to surgical resection with respect to overall survival and quality of life. Method: A systematic review will be conducted, in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Database of Controlled Trials from 2000 to 2020 with the assistance of a health information specialist and clinical expert in the field of colorectal surgery.Discussion: The goal of this review is twofold: to synthesize the existing data on management of colorectal cancer in the very elderly patients, and identify the gap in the literature for potential future research. More specifically, we aim to streamline non-operative outcome data on resectable colorectal cancers to aid clinicians’ decision making with respect to survival outcomes and quality of life. We foresee challenges with this study, for example, we expect a lack of outcome data with regards to non-operative management of resectable, as well we also envision large degrees of heterogeneity with retrospective data and suboptimal study designs. In addition, outcomes such as quality of life and change of level of care lack widely recognised assessment tools, which will render comparisons difficult. Ultimately, despite these challenges, this review will serve to synthesize the existing data and lay the groundwork for future research. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO. Registration number: CRD42020199509
Localized Co-delivery of Serca2a and Cx43 Genes Combined With Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Restores Rat Ischemic Cardiac Mechano-electrical Function
Authors: Wang Wei , Tayier Baihetiya , Guan Lina , Yan Fei , Mu Yuming 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Aim: Significantly reduced expression of Ca2+-ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) and Connexin 43 (Cx43) which play important roles in regulating mechano-electrical function was found in an ischemic heart. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation brings with a weak improvement of ischemic heart in cardiac contractility and anti-arrhythmias effect. The aim of this study was to recover mechano-electrical function of ischemic heart through combining stem cell therapy with SERCA2a/Cx43 co-delivery by biotinylated microbubbles (BMBs) via ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD).Methods: Dual gene-loaded BMBs were developed through conjugating SERCA2a-adenovirous (S-Ad) and Cx43-adenovious (C-Ad) onto BMBs via biotin-avidin linkage. UTMD was used to mediate the local co-delivery of S-Ad and C-Ad into the infarct zone where BMSCs were transplanted. The expression of SERCA2a and Cx43 gene, neovascularization in the infarct area and mechano-electrical function of rats were detected. Results: UTMD-mediated dual gene delivery could significantly enhance the expression of SERCA2a/Cx43 genes in the infarct zone receiving BMSCs transplantation. Significantly improved neovascularization was observed. More importantly, UTMD-mediated dual gene delivery greatly improved cardiac function and reduced arrhythmia in these myocardial infarct (MI) hearts transplanted with BMSCs. Conclusions: BMSCs-based dual gene therapy can effectively improve cardiac mechano-electrical function and reduce arrhythmia in heart with MI. It is necessary to rebuild the gene network in damaged heart rather than supply a single gene. BMSCs transplantation combined with localized dual-gene delivery by UTMD might point out a novel strategy to recover mechano-electrical function of ischemic heart.
Neuron Specific Enolase Promotes Metastasis by Activating the Wnt/β-catenin Pathway in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zha Zhiqiang , Li Dailing , Zhang Peiling , Wang Peipei , Fang Xisheng , Liu Xia , Weng Chengyin , Li Baoxiu , Wu Yong , Mao Haibo , Wang Lina , Xu Lin , Dong Jiaming , Guan Mingmei , Lu Lin , Liu Guolong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundNeuron-specific enolase (NSE) has been used as a specific biomarker for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients. Nevertheless, the biological function and mechanism of NSE in SCLC are still unclear. MethodsWe conducted an investigation in SCLC patients and then analyzed the association between NSE concentration and the distant metastasis. The migration and invasion were analyzed using Wound-healing and Transwell assays. The proteins and mRNA levels were measured by western blot and qRT-PCR. Furthermore, we conducted Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to explore potential signaling pathways. The interaction between NSE and β-catenin was verified through CO-IP experiments. In addition, animal experiments were performed in tumor metastasis models of nude mice.ResultIn this study, we clarified the role of NSE in the progression of SCLC and found that NSE expression was positively correlated with distant metastasis. Functional analysis showed that overexpression of NSE promoted migration, invasion and metastasis of SCLC cells, while knocking down NSE inhibited these effects. Mechanism analysis showed that NSE overexpression induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of SCLC cells, while knocking down NSE inhibited this effect. Moreover, overexpression of NSE increased the protein expression of β-catenin and its downstream target genes, and silencing β-catenin eliminated NSE-mediated cell migration, invasion and EMT process. Furthermore, NSE interacted with β-catenin and inhibited the degradation of β-catenin. Besides, the animal experiments also indicated that NSE could promote the EMT process and tumor distant metastasis of SCLC cells by activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway in vivo.ConclusionOur results revealed that NSE could promote EMT process of SCLC cells by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby promoting migration, invasion and distant metastasis, which might serve as a potential target for the therapy of SCLC patients.
WITHDRAWN: Shifting Hazards: Footprint trends of the German Bioeconomy
Authors: Bringezu Stefan , Distelkamp Martin , Lutz Christian , Wimmer Florian , Schaldach Rüdiger , Hennenberg Klaus , Böttcher Hannes , Egenolf Vincent 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Hoping to support sustainability, many countries established policies to foster bioeconomy (BE). While shifting towards more biomass use bears chances and risks, appropriate monitoring is still lacking. Here we show for the first time global key environmental footprints (FPs) of the German BE. From 2000 to 2030, the agricultural biomass FP is dominated by animal-based food consumption, which is slightly declining. Forest biomass FP of consumption could be potentially supplied from domestic territory. Agricultural land use for consumption is triple of domestic agricultural land (which covers half of Germany), having induced significant land use change in other regions from 2000 to 2015. Water FP for irrigation has decreased and might decline in absolute terms, but the share of supply regions with water stress might increase until 2030. The climate FP of BE contributes 20 to 18 % to the total climate FP of domestic consumption, while employment makes up 10 % and value added only 8 % of total.
In silico comparative study of SARS-CoV-2 proteins and antigenic proteins in BCG, OPV, MMR and other vaccines: evidence of possible putative protective effect
Authors: Haddad-Boubaker Sondes , Othman Houcemeddine , Touati Rabeb , Ayouni Kaouther , Lakhal Marwa , Mustapha Imen Ben , Ghedira Kais , Kharrat Maher , Triki Henda 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background:Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) is a viral pandemic disease that induces severe pneumonia in human. Until now, no effective therapeutic interventions or specific vaccines have been developed. In this paper, we attempt to investigate the putative implication of 12 vaccines, including BCG, OPV and MMR in the protection against COVID-19. First, we compared sequences of the main antigenic proteins in the investigated vaccines and SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Then, we investigated identified segments using a combination of structural and antigenicity prediction tools to assess their immunogenic effect.Results:A total of 14 highly similar segments were identified in investigated vaccines. After mapping on S and N proteins and analysis of the antigenicity prediction, three segments, in Hepatitis B, Tetanus and Measles proteins showed structural and antigenic properties that can induce possible putative protective effect.Conclusions:HBV, Tetanus and Measles vaccines should constitute a good candidate for a clinical trial to evaluate their real protective effect against COVID-19.
Theoretical and Experimetal Hints to a Flux of Doppler-Transformation-Energies during processes with Energy Conservation
Authors: Schultheiss Christoph 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In a microscopic model of the photoelectric effect it becomes clear that the conservation of energy is exclusively determined by Doppler shift processes, i.e., the whole energy of the pho-ton vanishes by means of Doppler redshifts. Accordingly, if a photon is generated, the energy is won by Doppler blueshifts. This is supposed to be valid for all processes with energy con-servation. An experiment is carried out to make this Doppler energy flow visible by means of interactions with probes. The result of this experiment is that a weak force is measurable in the vicinity of processes with energy conservation. With the aid of a twisted rubber driven low-power device ( ), accelerations of about 10-6 m/s2 are measurable. In the close vicinity of the device, accelerations with values up to 10-3 m/s2 can be concluded. The conse-quences which result from this force are discussed.
Keywords: Compton-Effect, Doppler-Effect, energy- momentum conservation, flywheel
A new proposed mechanism of some known drugs targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein using molecular docking
Authors: Moussa Tarek , Sabry Nevien 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
COVID-19 is caused by the novel enveloped beta-coronavirus with a genomic RNA closely related to severe acute respiratory syndrome-corona virus (SARS-CoV) and is named coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The receptor binding domain (RBD) of the S-protein interacts with the human ACE-2 receptor that enables the initiation of viral entry. Hence, blocking the S-protein interactions by means of synthetic compounds mark the pivotal step for targeting SARS-CoV-2. Most of the six compounds were observed to fit nicely with specific noncovalent interactions, including H bonds, electrostatic, Van der Waals and hydrophobic bonds (pi and sigma bonds). Oseltamivir was found to be the most strongly interacting with the RBD, exhibiting high values of full fitness and low free energy of binding. it formed multiple noncovalent bonds in the region of the active site. Hydroxychloroquine also demonstrated high binding affinity in the solvent accessbility state and fit nicely into the active pocket of the S-protein. The results revealed that these compounds could be potent inhibitors of S-protein that could, to some extent, block its interaction with ACE-2. It is obvious from the 3D structure of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was changed with the interaction of different drugs, which led to the unsuitability to bind ACE2 receptor. Hence, laboratory studies elucidating the action of these compounds on SARS-CoV-2 are warranted for clinical assessments. Chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine and oseltamivir interacted well with the receptor binding domain of S-protein via noncovalent interactions and recommended as excellent candidates for COVID-19.