bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulp and Papermaking Characteristics of South Sudanese Cordia Africana (Gambil) Wood
Authors: Elzaki Osman Taha , Tuphach Selim Otuk , Khider Tarig 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective The wood of an important indigenous Sudanese hardwood species, Cordia africana lam, was examined to determine its suitability for pulp and papermaking. Basic density, bark-to-wood ratio, fiber dimensions and chemical composition were studied. Results Pulps were evaluated and papermaking characteristics were tested. C. africana wood showed medium basic density (410 kg m-1). The average bark-to wood ratio by mass (6.82%) and volume (11.67%) were in the normal average for pulpwood and could be used for production of high grade pulp. The fibers of C. africana were long with an average fiber length of 1.13 mm, average fiber diameter was 30 µm with an average lumen diameter 20 µm and cell wall thickness of 5 µm. the wood showed high ash content (2.7%), high pentosans (25%), relatively medium lignin content (23.9%).C. africana pulped with 12-15% alkali charge as Na2O for two hours at 170 0C gave good Kappa numbers with normal and relatively high yield with very low rejects. The addition of 0.13% anthraquinone (AQ) in cooking liquor reduced the active alkali consumption by 2-2.3%, increased the pulp yield and reduced bleachable Kappa numbers. The pulp produced suitable for wrapping paper and paperboard.
Plants Used in Podkarpackie Voivodeship (Poland) To Treat Urinary Diseases
Authors: Olas Beata , Różański Waldemar , Urbańska Karina , Bryś Magdalena 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

This manuscript contains the results of Podkarpackie Voivodeship (Poland) ethnomedical studies on the treatment of urinary tract diseases using wild and cultivated plants. The study concerns plants mainly used for the supportive treatment of urinary tract infections, urolithiasis and benign prostatic hyperplasia. In this present study, we aim to collect and assess the ethnomedicinal potential of plants used in Podkarpackie Voivodeship (Poland) to treat urological diseases.
Methods

This article is based on interviews with fourteen recognized traditional healers (urban areas) and nine informants (rural areas) living in the south-eastern region of Poland - Podkarpackie Voivodeship. The survey took place between November 2019 and January 2021. For each plant mentioned in herbal remedies, polish name, part used, mode of preparation, and their properties, according to the healers and informants, were recorded.
Results

For the analysis, 123 species that belong to 43 families were selected. The most common families used to treat urinary diseases in Podkarpackie herbal medicine are the Compositae (18 species), Rosaceae and Apiaceae (11 species in each), Leguminosae (9 species), and Ericaceae (6 species). Of the species listed, Apium graveolens L., Arctium lappa L., Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng., Elymus repens (L.) Gould, Juniperus communis L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss, Solidago virgaurea L., Urtica dioica L., and Viola tricolor L. were the most frequently mentioned. Most plants are used in multicomponent blends, which are given in the form of infusions or decoction. The described plants have mainly antiseptic, diuretic, spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Conclusions

The results of the research described in this paper indicate that herbal treatment of urinary tract diseases is still used in Poland in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. It is mainly used by people who do not want to use allopathic medicine, especially antibiotics. They are both inhabitants of large cities and villages. The latter often because of the multi-generational tradition, prefer self-healing.
Pseudonocardia Pini Sp. Nov., An Endophytic Actinobacterium Isolated From Roots of the Pine Tree Callitris Preissii
Authors: Kaewkla Onuma , Franco Christopher Milton Mathew 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A Gram positive, aerobic, actinobacterial strain with rod-shaped spores, CAP47RT, which was isolated from the surface-sterilized root of a native pine tree (Callitris preissii), South Australia is described. The major cellular fatty acid of this strain was iso-H-C16:1 and major menaquinone was MK-8(H4). The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was identified as meso-diaminopimelic acid. These chemotaxonomic data confirmed the affiliation of strain CAP47RT to the genus Pseudonocardia. Phylogenetic evaluation based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis placed this strain in the familyPseudonocardiaceae, being most closely related to Pseudonocardia xishanensis JCM 17906T (98.8%), Pseudonocardia oroxyli DSM 44984T (98.7%),Pseudonocardia thailandensis CMU-NKS-70T (98.7%), and Pseudonocardia ailaonensis DSM 44979T (97.9%). The results of the polyphasic study which contain genome comparisons of ANIb, ANIm and digital DNA-DNA hybridization revealed the differentiation of strain CAP47RT from the closest species with validated names. This strain represents a novel species and the name proposed for this microorganism is Pseudonocardia pini sp. nov., indicating the source of actinobacteria from a pine tree. The type strain is CAP47RT (= DSM 108967T = NRRL B-65534T). Genome mining revealed that this strain contained a variety of genes encoding enzymes to degrade hazard chemicals.
Targeted Metabolomics Identifies High Performing Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers for COVID-19
Authors: López-Hernández Yamilé , Monárrez-Espino Joel , Oostdam Ana-Sofía Herrera-van , Delgado Julio Enrique Castañeda , Zhang Lun , Zheng Jiamin , Valdéz Juan Oropeza , Mandal Rupasri , González Fátima Ochoa , Borrego Juan Carlos , Medinilla Flor María Trejo , López Jesús Adrián , Moreno José Antonio Enciso , Wishart David S. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Research exploring the development and outcome of COVID-19 infections has led to the need to find better diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. This cross-sectional study used targeted metabolomics to identify potential COVID-19 biomarkers that predicted the course of the illness by assessing 110 endogenous plasma metabolites from individuals admitted to a local hospital for diagnosis/treatment. Patients were classified into four groups (≈ 40 each) according to standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 testing and disease course: PCR-/controls (i.e., non-COVID controls), PCR+/not-hospitalized, PCR+/hospitalized, and PCR+/intubated. Blood samples were collected within 2 days of admission/PCR testing. Metabolite concentration data, demographic data and clinical data were used to propose biomarkers and develop optimal regression models for the diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC; 95%CI) was used to assess each models’ predictive value. A panel that included the kynurenine: tryptophan ratio, LysoPC a C26:0, and pyruvic acid discriminated non-COVID controls from PCR+/not-hospitalized (AUC = 0.947; 95%CI 0.931–0.962). A second panel consisting of C10:2, butyric acid, and pyruvic acid distinguished PCR+/not-hospitalized from PCR+/hospitalized and PCR+/intubated (AUC = 0.975; 95%CI 0.968–0.983). Only LysoPC a C28:0 differentiated PCR+/hospitalized from PCR+/intubated patients (AUC = 0.770; 95%CI 0.736–0.803). If additional studies with targeted metabolomics confirm the diagnostic value of these plasma biomarkers, such panels could eventually be of clinical use in medical practice.
Protect Our Kids: A Novel Program Bringing Hemorrhage Control to Schools
Authors: Tobias Joseph , Cunningham Aaron , Krakauer Kelsi , Nacharaju Deepthi , Moss Lori , Galindo Carlos , Roberts Michael , Hamilton Nicholas A. , Olsen Kyle , Emmons Molly , Quackenbush Jim , Schreiber Martin A. , Burns Beech S. , Sheridan David , Hoffman Benjamin , Gallardo Adrienne , Jafri Mubeen A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Following the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the Hartford Consensus produced the Stop the Bleed program to train bystanders in hemorrhage control. In our region, the police bureau delivers critical incident training to public schools, offering instruction in responding to violent or dangerous situations. Until now, widespread training in hemorrhage control has been lacking. Our group developed, implemented and evaluated a novel program integrating hemorrhage control into critical incident training for school staff in order to blunt the impact of mass casualty events on children.Methods: The staff of 25 elementary and middle schools attended a 90-minute course incorporating Stop the Bleed into the critical incident training curriculum, delivered on-site by police officers, nurses and doctors over a three-day period. The joint program was named Protect Our Kids. At the conclusion of the course, hemorrhage control kits and educational materials were provided and a four-question survey to assess the quality of training using a ten-point Likert scale was completed by participants and trainers. Results: 1018 educators underwent training. A majority were teachers (78.2%), followed by para-educators (5.8%), counselors (4.4%) and principals (2%). Widely covered by local and state media, the Protect Our Kids program was rated as excellent and effective by a majority of trainees and all trainers rated the program as excellent. Conclusions: Through collaboration between trauma centers, police and school systems, a large-scale training program for hemorrhage control and critical incident response can be effectively delivered to schools.
Biocontrol potential of endophytic fungus Talaromyces trachyspermus against root rot pathogens of sunflower
Authors: Farhat Hafiza , Urooj Faizah , Irfan Muhammed , Sohail Nida , Majeed Saima , Shafique Hafiza , Hameedi Sidra , Ehteshamul-Haque Syed 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Several reports revealed that endophytic fungi have great influence on host plants, as they promote plant growth and minimize disease severity caused by various pathogens. In this study, endophytic fungi isolated from healthy plants were identified as Aspergillus terreus, Curvularia lanata, C. hawaiiensis, Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium solani, Talaromyces assiutensis and T. trachyspermus were evaluated for antimicrobial activity, using dual-culture plate assay and agar disc diffusion method. They have shown significant activity against root rot pathogens, Macrophomina phaseolina, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium solani and F.oxysporum. Talaromyces assiutensis and T. trachyspermus were selected for further study, since other fungi are well known plant pathogens or environmental contaminants. They were applied in pots and field plot experiments using sunflower as test plant. There efficacy was also compared with endophytic Cephalosporium sp., and Chaetomium sp. Talaromyces spp., significantly suppressed root rotting fungi and improved plant biomass. They ameliorated production of plant defense biochemical markers (polyphenolic content and salicylic acid) and antioxidant potential of treated plants. GC-MS profiling of n- hexane fraction of T. trachyspermus yielded several new compounds from this source. Endophytic fungi associated with healthy plants have great potential to suppress root rotting fungi and stimulate production of plant’s defense biochemical markers.
Expanding Access to Health Facility Delivery in Nigeria: Progress, Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Ajayi Anthony Idowu , Awopegba Oluwafemi Emmanuel , Obisesan Matthew Tobiloba , Nwogwugwu Charlotte , Owolabi Eyitayo Omolara 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Nigeria has the highest maternal deaths counts globally, and this reflects poor access to quality maternal health care services. Previous research on access to health facility delivery has not sufficiently probed the within-country inequalities in access to and progress in expanding maternal health care services in Nigeria. Our study fills this gap by examining the progress, challenges, and opportunities in expanding access to health facility delivery in Nigeria. Methods Data of 37,928 and 40,567 live births in the 2013 and 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health surveys (NDHS) respectively were analysed in this study. NDHS employs a multistage sampling and is representative of both the country and each of the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT). We used descriptive statistics to examine the trend in health facility delivery in Nigerian states and presented the results using maps. Also, we used logistic regression analysis to examine progress in expanding access to health facility delivery across Nigerian states. Results The proportion of births delivered in health facilities increased from 35.8% in 2013 to 39.4% in 2018, representing a 3.6% increment. After adjusting for relevant covariates, women were 17% more likely to deliver in health facilities in 2018 than in 2013 surveys. However, progress in expanding access to health facility delivery was uneven across the country. While the odds of delivering in a health facility significantly increased for women living in 13 of the 36 states and FCT, the odds reduced significantly in seven states and no progress was recorded in 17 states. Conclusion There was a slight improvement in access to health facility delivery in Nigeria between 2013 and 2018. However, progress remains uneven across the states with only 13 states recording some progress. Four states stood out, recording over a three-fold relative increase in odds of health facility deliveries. These states implemented maternal health care policies that not only made services free but also improved infrastructure and human resources for health. Thus, providing examples of what works in improving access to services for other states to follow.
Integrated Hydrochemistry and Statistical Methods to Investigate Groundwater Origin and Salinization Process in Arid Regions (Central-eastern Tunisia)
Authors: Souei Ali , Hamzaoui-Azaza Fadoua , Zouaghi Taher , Oueslati Chafik 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Hydrochemistry is a discipline widely used given the groundwater quantitative and qualitative reliability in the hydrogeological study. The geochemical study of groundwater in the Nadhour-Sisseb-El Alem basin aimed to characterize the water chemistry, determination of the physicochemical parameters and chemical facies well as and the mineralization processes. The Piper and Durov diagrams and scatter plots, conventional classification techniques, are applied to evaluate the geochemical processes. Samples are classified using two multivariate statistical methods, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). Waters compositions are affected by cation exchange reactions in the intercalated clay, resulting in a Na+ increase, and peaks of K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+. PCA analyses show that the water samples have been classified into 8 groups. The waters quality deterioration is caused essentially by; overexploitation, decreased in freshwater recharge rates, climate condition; height evaporation low precipitation, artificial recharge by dam water, and irrigation return water.
Different patterns of belowground fungal diversity along altitudinal gradients with respect to microhabitat and guild types
Authors: Park Ki Hyeong , Yoo Shinnam , Park Myung Soo , Kim Chang Sun , Lim Young Woon 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Fungi are key components of belowground ecosystems with various ecological roles in forests. Although the changes in the richness and composition of belowground fungi across altitudinal gradients have been widely reported, only a few studies have focused on the microhabitat types along altitudinal gradients. Results Here, we analyzed the effect of altitudinal gradients on the fungal communities of belowground microhabitats (roots and soil) and their different ecological roles. Root and nearby soil samples were collected from 80 Pinus densiflora trees in 16 localities at various altitudes across the country, and their community composition was analyzed using DNA metabarcoding of the ITS2 region on the Illumina MiSeq platform. We found that ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi and ericoid mycorrhizal fungi were more abundant in the soil, whereas the relative abundance of endophytic and saprotrophic fungi was higher in the roots. Altitude negatively affected the species richness of root-inhabiting and ECM fungi but did not influence that of non-ECM fungi. However, the composition of ECM fungi was less influenced by altitude than that of non-ECM fungi.Conclusion Our results demonstrate that microhabitat types and altitudinal gradients affect the diversity, composition, and function of fungal communities associated with a single plant host and contribute to a better understanding of plant-associated fungal communities.
Evaluation and Analysis of Environmental Protection Investment Efficiency in China Based on DEA Model
Authors: Bian Jilan , Shan Yao , Zhao Guiyan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The environmental protection investment aims at protecting the environment, improving the quality of the environment and preventing the deterioration of the ecological environment. A certain amount of capital is put into environmental protection in the form of money, machinery and other elements to form the environmental capital stock. In this study, the DEA model was used to calculate and analyze the input-output efficiency of environmental protection in China from 2001 to 2015. The results show that the overall efficiency of environmental protection input-output in China was low from 2001 to 2015, and the DEA efficiency was not fully achieved in most years, and the contribution of environmental protection investment to the output of environmental protection industry needs to be further improved. Finally, according to the analysis results of DEA model, the countermeasures and suggestions were put forward to optimize the investment structure of environmental protection and promote the rapid economic development from the aspects of broadening the investment channels of environmental protection, actively guiding residents and enterprises to participate in environmental protection undertakings, optimizing the investment mode of environmental protection, vigorously promoting the progress of environmental protection science and technology, adhering to the circular development, and adjusting the industrial structure.
CCN1 gene polymorphisms associated with atrial septal defect susceptibility in Northwest Chinese population from different high-altitude areas
Authors: Yang Wenke , Bai Jun , Song Xinyu , Zhang Shasha , Chen Nana , You Tao , Yi Kang , Li Zhenglin , Xie Dingxiong , Xie Xiaodong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
High-altitude hypoxic environment exposure is considered as one of the risk factors for congenital heart disease (CHD), but the genetic factors involved are still unclear. CCN1, one of the synergistic molecules in the hypoxic response, is also an indispensable molecule in cardiac development. Considering that CCN1 may play an important role in the occurrence of CHD in high-altitude areas, we investigated the association between CCN1 polymorphisms and CHD susceptibility in Northwest Chinese population from different high-altitude areas. We conducted a case-control study with a total of 395 CHD cases and 486 controls to evaluate the associations of CCN1 polymorphisms with CHD risk. Our results showed that the protective alleles rs3753793-C (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.42–0.81, P = 0.001), rs2297141-A (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.49–0.90, P = 0.001) and C-A haplotype of rs3753793-rs2297141 (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.42–0.82, P = 0.002) were significantly associated with a decreased atrial septal defect (ASD) risk. Further subgroup analysis in different geography populations revealed robust association of SNP rs2297141 with ASD risk in a Han population residing in high-altitude of 2500–4287 m. We also found that the frequency of protective alleles was higher in high-altitude population, and the alleles were responsible for the difference of oxygen physiology related erythrocyte parameters in different high-altitude populations. rs3753793-C and rs2297141-A are likely related to high altitude and hypoxia adaptation, which may also be the reason for the association between CCN1 polymorphism and ASD risk.
An Intelligent Semanticification Rules Enabled User-Specific Healthcare Framework Using IoT and Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: R Radhika , A Bhuvaneswari , G Kalpana 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Things or device under the Internet of Things, when connected to the internet, becomes a product, offers various applications and services for end-users. Existing methodologies offer sensor-based IoT based health-care services, to the end-users populated with lots of sensed values all at a time, making the health-care system with least robustness and inefficient due to unsystematic preview of patient’s health record. In order to address this issue, a novel semantic-based service framework is proposed in this paper which allows the end-user to subscribe for a specific physiological parameter, among all the available sensed data, making the health-care system more efficient. In the SeSem framework, Semantification rules and semantification relationship table are applied to the sensed JavaScript object Notation format (JSON) data, in order to semantically separate the JSON data, into a meaningful format. To list the sensed data according to the significance of health issues, a priority is assigned to the sensors in the semantification relationship table. Hence, semantically separated data can be done along with assigned priority. Sensor-based Sematic (SS) ontology is then applied to the semantically separated data, to transform the sensed data more relevant in terms of particular disease and sensor associated with it. The semantically separated sensed data are then published to the Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) interface. Using MQTT subscribe, the end-user along with date and time, requests for a particular service, using a Semantic Similarity mapping algorithm, which compares the entire sensed data to that of requested data and responds with a particular physiological parameter request. To make the health care system deploy services in an intelligent way, deep learning algorithm Feedforward Recurrent Neural Networks are applied, which makes the prediction of sensed data based on the latest update when the end-user subscribes for a certain sensed data without specifying date and time. The proposed methodology is evaluated against IoT performance metrics which had shoed showing better results in terms of service-oriented IoT.
Additive Effect of Carbon Nanostructures on the Microstructures and Properties of Pitch Derived Carbon Foam Composites
Authors: khan muhammad , hussain amjad , Ahmad hammad , Tiehu Li , Zada Amir , hussain hidayat , hussain javid , imran muhammad , altaf ataf ali 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In the present work, carbon foam (CF) coupled multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and CF/MWCNTs coupled nanodiamond (NDs) hybrid composites were prepared by the direct treatment of MWCNTs and NDs with pretreatment pitches through foaming, graphitization, and carbonization process. Both series of CF composites were compared and explored by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy techniques. It was investigated that the structural morphology, pore size and pore uniformity upgraded with the increment of MWCNTs content, however, the effect of ND particles in this aspect was more influential. Furthermore, the effect of additive loading of MWCNTs and NDs on the mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of CF composites were checked. The results revealed that maximum compressive strength 15.8 MPa and electrical conductivity 30.2×103 S/m of CFs were obtained at 4 wt.% MWCNTs and ND loadings respectively. While the maximum thermal conductivity value of 32.2 Wm-1k-1 was revealed by CFs having 2 wt.% MWCNTs and NDs loadings.