bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ichthyofauna of Gibe Sheleko National Park and Some Morphometric Relationships of Fish of the Tributary Rivers, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonen Sefi , Hailu Abera 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This study was carried out along a tributary of Gibe Sheleko National Park to investigate the diversity, relative abundance and morphometric characteristics of fish. By using monofilament gill-nets, fish were collected, their species identifiedand their morphometric data measured. A total of 10 species were identified, dominated overall by Synodontis schall (28.52%), followed by Labeobarbus nedgia (18.88%) and Labeobarbus intermedius (14.06%). According to the Index of Relative Importance (IRI), S. schall was also first (49.13%), followed by L. intermedius (15.49%). There were no significance differences in the IRI values of fish and relative abundance between the dry and wet season (p > 0.05). Synodontis schall had the largest girth (23.1 cm), but Clarias gariepinus had the largest eye diameter (8.4 mm) and body weight (1713.4 g). Heterobranchus longifilis was first in total fork and standard length (64.7 cm, 64.7 cm and 59.8 cm, respectively). However, the paired t test of the total body length was not significantly different from the fork length (Pn> 0.05), but not showing statistical differences from standard length, weight and girth (P < 0.05). Gibe River had a higher number of species (N) than Wabe River in both seasons. The Shannon Diversity Index (H') in Gibe River was also higher (2.09) than Wabe (1.84) during the dry season, but lowest in the wet season (1.52 and 1.57, respectively). Furthermore, both (N) and (H') were not statistically different between tributaries and seasons (p > 0.05). Generally, differences in sampling habitats and fishing effort might have contributed to discovered variants findings. Fishery development should be implemented in the Park to use the fish resource sustainably.
Pattern of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies Among Anemic Under-Five Children of Northern Bangladesh: A Hospital Based Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Rafi Md. Abdur , Zaman M. Morsed , Hossain Md. Golam 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Congenital hemoglobin defects are significant global health concern affecting more than 330,000 newborns every year. In Bangladesh more than half of the under-five children are anemic, but the contribution of hemoglobin disorders to childhood anemia is quite unexplored. Hence, the objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and pattern of hemoglobinopathies among anemic under-five (age 6–59 months) children visiting the hematology department of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH).
Methods

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study among anemic patients aged between 6 to 59 months conducted in the hematology department of RMCH from July 2018 to June 2020. The guideline of WHO was used to define the severity of anemia. Hemoglobinopathies was measured using standard methods. Chi-square test was used to find the association between two categorical factors.
Results

Female and younger children included in the study were more likely to suffer from moderate to severe form of anemia compared to their counterparts. Out of 534 patients 183 were suffering from different types of hemoglobinopathies (prevalence 34.3%). E-β-Thalassemia was the most common type of hemoglobinopathy (14%) followed by Hemoglobin E trait (11%) and β-Thalassemia minor (5.6%). Prevalence of these hemoglobin disorders was comparatively higher among female and older children (p < 0.05). Patients with E-β-Thalassemia and β-Thalassemia major of our study were mostly suffering from severe form of anemia while patients with hemoglobin E trait and β-Thalassemia minor were mostly suffering from mild anemia (p < 0.01).
Conclusions

A remarkable number of children were suffering from severe anemia and different types of hemoglobinopathies. Gender and age group were the risk factors of anemia and hemoglobinopathies among under-five children. Health authorities of Bangladesh should especially take care of anemic children in this country.
Factors influencing the success of trial of labor after one previous caesarean section in a secure inter-delivery interval at Panzi Hospital.
Authors: Maroyi Raha , Bahaya Naomi , Ingersoll Celeste , Nerville Roselyn , Mukwege Denis 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: In middle- and low-income countries, the inter-delivery interval is an important parameter considered in the decision of TOLAC. The objective of this study is to determine influencing factors for success of trial of labor after cesarean in women with secure inter-delivery interval after a cesarean-section at a referral hospital.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Panzi hospital on 231 cases in one year period. Women with one previous cesarean section, an inter-delivery interval space at least 18 months and no contracted pelvis were included. A successful TOLAC was defined as vaginal delivery and failed if cesarean section after trial of labor. Chi-square univariate testing and multi-variate logistic regression were used to understand the relationship between influencing factors the recorded variables and successful TOLAC, with a significance threshold of 5%.Results : 57.6% (133 cases) successfully completed TOLAC with vaginal delivery. Many obstetric factors have a significant effect on success of TOLAC. middle cervix was likely to increase success of TOLAC by 61.50 times (OR=61.50, p-value=0.000). Cervical softening was likely to increase success of TOLAC by 5.96 times (OR=5.96, p-value=0.001). Active labor was likely to increase success of TOLAC by 7.79 times (OR=7.79, p-value=0.013). Uterine height also has a significant effect such that every centimeter increase in uterine height decreased likelihood of successful TOLAC by about half (OR= 0.62, p-value=0.000). Every unit increase in Apgar score in the 1st minute after birth increased likelihood of successful TOLAC by 1.71 times (OR=1.71, p-value=0.010). For every increase in parity, the likelihood of successful TOLAC increases by 1.30 (OR=1.30, p-value=0.031). The remaining obstetric factors in the model had no significant effect on success of TOLAC. Conclusions: Our study shows that within a secure inter-delivery interval, high parity, uterine height less than 34 cm, active labor and cervical parameters such as cervical softening and middle cervix are important contributing factors to the success of TOLAC and VBAC. These factors should be considered by practitioners to influence their decision making regarding TOLAC.
Iron removal and pH stabilization of synthetic acid mine drainage (AMD) using peat soil and limestone.
Authors: Halim Mohd Syazwan Mohd , Ibrahim Abdul Haqi , Izhar Tengku Nuraiti Tengku , Ismail Suhaina , Jaafar Zul Fahmi Mohamed 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A Successive Alkalinity Producing System (SAPS) was evaluated for the remediation of synthetic Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) by using an organic substrate of peat soil and limestone aggregate. The characterization of the AMD was conducted by the testing the AMD effluent originated from active mining site at Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, Malaysia. The characterization of the peat soil and limestone revealed stipulated composition, carbon content in the peat soil and particle size distribution of the limestone. Synthetic AMD was prepared incorporating iron sulphate (FeSO4) and sulphuric acid (H2SO4). The synthetic AMD was acidic (pH < 4.0) and with 50, 75 and 100 ppm Iron (Fe) concentration. A laboratory scale physical model to simulate a tailing pond was developed. The synthetic AMD was introduced and passed through the filtration media. Subsequently, water samples were collected and analyzed to determine pH level. Additionally, the Fe concentration was analyzed using UV-Vis test at 6 to maximum 48 hours’ retention time. The residues of the peat soil and limestone from the physical model were further analyzed using SEM-EDX microscopic to determine the remaining iron content absorb or precipitate onto the peat soil and limestone. The analysis revealed that the innovative methodology has successfully reduced more than 85 % iron content and neutralized the pH only after 6 hours of retention time. These results proved the combination of peat soil and limestone potentially can be proposed as the alternate solution for treating the AMD effluent from the mining site.
Adverse Effect of Rheumatoid Arthritis on Male Wistar Rat’s Fertility: Protective Role of Costus Extract
Authors: Kamel Samar , Tag Hend M. , Ebeid Hala , Khaled Howayda E. , Almallah Amani A , El-Naggar Mohamed S. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune systemic complaint. Costus speciosus, an ornamental plant, which traditionally used in urinary diseases, rheumatism, jaundice and dropsy. The purpose of the study is to assess the protective effect of Costus on rheumatoid arthritis induced male rat in fertility. Thirty male adult Wistar rats (190-200 g) were sectioned into 6 groups. They were subdivided into 3 groups; group 1 was control received Distilled water, groups II and III received two various doses of Costus extract (200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively) for 60 days. Another 3 groups were subjected to RA induction via Freund's adjuvant. First group of RA induced rats was given Distilled water. Other two groups were given orally (200 and 400 mg/kg dosage of extract, respectively) from the 2nd day of RA induction for 60 days. Sex organ relative weight, sperm concentration assay, testicular histopathology and immunohistochemistry of androgen receptors, TNF α and Bax protein were determined. Rheumatoid arthritis caused significant decrease in relative weight of sex organs which relatively improved by doses of Costus (200, 400 mg/kg). In addition, RA caused a significant reduction in sperm count which was improved via Costus (200, 400 mg/kg). RA induction caused testicular degeneration with marked depletion of spermatozoa, which markedly improved with costus treatment as shown in histopathological sections. Rheumatoid arthritis caused a reduction in %IHC of androgen receptors and increase of %IHC of both TNF α and Bax protein. Costus (200, 400 mg/kg) significantly improved %IHC of androgen receptors and significantly decreased %IHC of both TNF α and Bax protein, in RA induced groups. We can concluded that Costus speciosus had potentially useful role in improving fertility disorders caused by RA.
Ultrasound guided platelet rich plasma injections for post-traumatic greater occipital neuralgia: a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Stone Jacqueline , Fung Tak S. , Machan Matthew , Campbell Christina , Shan Rodney Li Pi , Debert Chantel 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Post-traumatic headaches (PTH) are a common sequalae of TBI and greatly impact patient function and quality of life. Post-traumatic greater occipital neuralgia (GON) is a type of post-traumatic headache. Conventional treatment includes steroid/anesthetic injections which typically alleviate pain but have a short duration of effect. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is an emerging biological treatment for numerous degenerative disorders, including peripheral nerve disorders. The primary aim of this pilot study is to evaluate whether a randomized control trial of PRP for the treatment of GON in patients with post-traumatic headaches is feasible in regard to recruitment, adherence, retention, and adherence and adverse events. Exploratory aims includes improvement in pain, function and quality of life in patients with post-traumatic GON receiving PRP compared to steroid/anesthetic and normal saline injections. Methods: Thirty adults (over 18 years of age) with post-traumatic GON will be randomized into one of three groups: 1) autologous PRP injection 2) steroid/anesthetic injection (standard care) or 3) placebo injection with normal saline. Injections will be performed to the greater occipital nerve under ultrasound guidance by a trained physician. Daily headache intensity and frequency data will be collected pre-injection and for the duration of the study period. Feasibility will be defined as greater than 30% recruitment, 70% completion of intervention, 70% retention and less than 2 minor adverse events. Exploratory outcomes will be explored using the (HIT-6; a valid and reliable 6-item questionnaire for assessment of the impact of headaches across different diagnostic groups of headaches (42, 43)) and the quality of life in following brain injury questionnaire (QOILIBRI). Discussion: This pilot study will be the first to evaluate the feasibility of PRP as a potential treatment of GON in patients with post-traumatic headache. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT04051203 (registered August 9, 2019), available at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04051203?cond=greater+occipital+neuralgia&draw=2&rank=1
Based on the Current Level of Economic Development, Predict&nbsp;PAHs Concentration in Sediment of Dianchi Lake in Southwest China From 2021 to 2030
Authors: Ma Xiaohua , Yang Hao , Li Shuaidong , Huang Changchun , Huang Tao , Wan Hongbin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The analysis of the correlation between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and economic parameters show that the total population, gross domestic product, coal consumption, and oil consumption have significant relationships with PAH concentrations in Dianchi Lake, Yunnan province, China. An artificial neural network model was developed in order to predict the trend in PAHs concentration in the sediments of Dianchi Lake in the next ten years, based current indicators of economic development. The artificial neural network model estimated the concentration of PAHs for the period 1980 to 2014. The R2 and RMSE of the training samples were 0.97 and 44.2, respectively; the R2 and RMSE of the validation samples were 0.99 and 18.7, respectively the R2 and RMSE of the testing samples were 0.99 and 13.2, respectively; and the R2 and RMSE of all samples were 0.98 and 39.2, respectively. The concentration of PAHs in the sediments of Dianchi Lake predicted by the neural network model shows that the concentration of PAHs from 2021 to 2030 can reach as high as 2128.9 ng/g. The ecological environment of Dianchi Lake has a great impact on the lives of local residents, including through its support for the local economy. Therefore, it is necessary for the government to take more effective measures and increase investments to control the environmental problems in Dianchi Lake.
Design and Fabrication of RGO/WO3 as A Novel Photoanode For High Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Ramesh K. , Gnanavel B 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The hydrothermal approach for photovoltaic applications introduces an easy and scalable synthesis of RGO/WO3 nanocomposites. Some advanced techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy showed that high-quality RGO/WO3 nanocomposites contained single crystal WO3 nanoparticles in the characterization of RGO/WO3 nanocomposites. Due to its charge transport and light-scattering properties, the RGO/WO3 photoanode with DSSC greatly improved the cell efficiency. A power conversion efficiency of 7.9 % was demonstrated by the RGO/WO3 DSSC, which is better than that of the bare WO3 (4.1 %) and industrial Pt (6.5 percent) electrolytes. Our findings indicate that the electrochemical efficiency of the RGO/WO3 electrode shows a higher charge transfer and series cell resistance of 64.9 and 6.88 cm2, respectively) than the RGO electrode and is equivalent to the Pt electrode.
Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study of Antimicrobial Stewardship and Antifungal Stewardship Programs in Inpatient Settings in Japan
Authors: Moriyama Yuki , Ishikane Masahiro , Kusama Yoshiki , Matsunaga Nobuaki , Tajima Taichi , Hayakawa Kayoko , Ohmagari Norio 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
To prevent antimicrobial resistance, both antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and antifungal stewardship (AFS) in inpatient settings are needed in small/middle-sized hospitals as well as large hospitals.
Methods
We conducted the web-based, self-administered, nationwide cross-sectional study regarding AMS and AFS in inpatient settings in Japan, targeting hospitals that participated in a hospital epidemiology workshop conducted in July 2018. The questionnaire was composed of intervention protocols for use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials and antifungals within 7 or 28 d of beginning usage. These broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antifungal protocols were compared between large (≥ 501beds) and small/middle-sized (≤ 500 beds) hospitals.
Results
Of 240 hospitals surveyed, 39 (16%; 18 large and 21 small/middle-sized) responded. The number of hospitals that intervened in the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials within 7 and 28 d were 17 (44%) and 34 (87%), respectively; those that intervened for antifungals were 3 (8%) and 10 (26%), respectively. Interventions for use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials within 7 d were significantly more frequent in small/middle-sized hospitals compared to large hospitals [13 (61. 9%) vs. 4 (22. 2%), odds ratio = 5.7, 95% confidence interval = 1.4–23.3, p = 0.023].
Conclusions
Small/middle-sized hospitals had more frequent interventions within 7 d of broad-spectrum antimicrobial use than large hospitals. More effort to improve AFS is needed among all hospitals.
Geometric Analysis of Mixed-mode Oscillations in a Model of Electrical Activity in Human Beta-cells
Authors: Battaglin Simone , Pedersen Morten Gram 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Human pancreatic beta-cells may exhibit complex mixed-mode oscillatory electrical activity, which underlies insulin secretion. A recent biophysical model of human beta-cell electrophysiology can simulate such bursting behavior, but a mathematical understanding of the model's dynamics is still lacking. Here we exploit time-scale separation to simplify the original model to a simpler three-dimensional model that retains the behavior of the original model and allows us to apply geometric singular perturbation theory to investigate the origin of mixed-mode oscillations. Changing a parameter modeling the maximal conductance of a potassium current, we nd that the reduced model possesses a singular Hopf bifurcation that results in small-amplitude oscillations, which go through a period-doubling sequence and chaos until the birth of a large-scale return mechanism and bursting dynamics. The theory of folded node singularities provide insight into the bursting dynamics further away from the singular Hopf bifurcation and the eventual transition to simple spiking activity. Numerical simulations confirm that the insight obtained from the analysis of the reduced model can be lifted back to the original model.
Physical and Chemical Properties of Volcanic Ejecta Produced by the Eruption of Mt. Kirishima Shinmoe-dake, Japan -A Case Study After the Explosive Eruption on March 25, 2018-
Authors: Akita Hiromi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clarify the physical and chemical properties of volcanic ejecta that fell after the explosive eruption on March 25, 2018 at Shinmoe-dake. In order to investigate the infiltration capacity, which is one of the physical properties of volcanic ejecta, plots were set up on the outer forest plain, the forest plain, and the forest talus, and a cylindrical frame test was conducted with reference to the method of Takeshita (2011). In addition, soil samples were collected at the three locations where the cylindrical frame test was conducted. The final infiltration capacity of 38-92 mm / h appeared lower in the forest talus than in the forest plain. It is considered that this is due to the small particle size distribution of 0.1 mm or more, regardless of the particle size of the silt / clay particle size classification. When the chemical properties of the collected volcanic ejecta were examined, Ca and SO4 were contained at high values. Since these compounds become the source of gypsum that reduces infiltration capacity when they react with water, it has become clear that they have the potential to contribute to the generation of debris-flow as a chemical property.
Maternal Gut Microbes Contribute to Rapid Acquisition of Intestinal Microbiota and High-Altitude Adaptation of Pre-Weaning Yak Calves
Authors: Zhang Jianbo , Liang Zeyi , Kao Renqing Ding , Han Jianlin , Du Mei , Ahmad Anum Ali , Wang Shengyi , Salekdeh Ghasem Hosseini , Long Ruijun , Yan Ping , Ding Xuezhi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundLong time exposure to seasonal forage availability and harsh environment on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) has resulted in a series of unique adaptation mechanisms following the evolution of yak to cope with nutritional deficiencies and other adverse conditions. This is likely achieved by an unprecedented genetic resource for fibrolytic enzymes of microbial origins that allow the host to efficiently degrade plant polysaccharides. However, to what extent of maternal symbiotic microbial transmission throughout early microbial successions and its adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia in grazing yak driven by the harsh environment and nutritional stress have been far from clear. Understanding the colonization and succession of yak gut microbiota would help to clarify the functional interaction and crosstalk between microorganisms and their hosts. This study explored the succession of intestinal microbiota of yak ( Bos grunniens ) and cattle ( Bos taurus ) kept in the same habitat during pre-weaning period. ResultsThe gut microbiota of yak and cattle calves were dominated by members of the families Ruminococcaceae , Lachnospiraceae , and Bacteroidaceae during pre-weaning. Moreover, source-tracking models revealed that maternal microbiota was critical for the rapid establishment and colonization of initial intestinal microbiota of their calves at development stage and its impact persisted until weaning or even longer. Compared with cattle calves, the gut microbiota of yak calves was rapidly established and reached to a relatively stable status at the 5th week after birth, indicating the evolutionary significance of interaction between the yak and its intestinal microbial community that could facilitate the adaptation of this flagship species to adapt to the harsh environment on the QTP. ConclusionOur results revealed that under natural grazing conditions, the calves raised by their mothers acquire gut microbiota through the contacts with maternal feces and the social learning behavior, which accelerate the establishment of stable intestinal microbiota. In addition, after long-term natural selection, the yak calves acquire a relatively mature and stable intestinal microbiota earlier than the cattle calves, facilitating their strong adaptation to the harsh environment on the QTP.