bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extended characterization of petroleum aromatics using off-line LC-GC-MS
Authors: Huynh Khoa , Jensen Annette E. , Sundberg Jonas 
Published: November 2021

Characterization of crude oil remains a challenge for analytical chemists. With the development of multi-dimensional chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry, an impressive number of compounds can be identified in a single sample. However, the large diversity in structure and abundance makes it difficult to obtain full compound coverage. Sample preparation methods such as solid-phase extraction and SARA-type separations are used to fractionate oil into compound classes. However, the molecular diversity within each fraction is still highly complex. Thus, in the routine analysis, only a small part of the chemical space is typically characterized. Obtaining a more detailed composition of crude oil is important for production, processing and environmental aspects. We have developed a high-resolution fractionation method for isolation and preconcentration of trace aromatics, including oxygenated and nitrogen-containing species. The method is based on semi-preparative liquid chromatography. This yields high selectivity and efficiency with separation based on aromaticity, ring size and connectivity. By the separation of the more abundant aromatics, i.e., monoaromatics and naphthalenes, trace species were isolated and enriched. This enabled the identification of features not detectable by routine methods. We demonstrate the applicability by fractionation and subsequent GC-MS analysis of 14 crude oils sourced from the North Sea. The number of tentatively identified compounds increased by approximately 60 to 150% compared to solid-phase extraction and GC × GC-MS. Furthermore, the method was used to successfully identify an extended set of heteroatom-containing aromatics (e.g., amines, ketones). The method is not intended to replace traditional sample preparation techniques or multi-dimensional chromatography but acts as a complementary tool. An in-depth comparison to routine characterization techniques is presented concerning advantages and disadvantages.
Thresholds of acidification impacts on macroinvertebrates adapted to seasonally acidified tropical streams: potential responses to extreme drought-driven pH declines
Authors: Ganong Carissa , Hidalgo Oconitrillo Minor , Pringle Catherine 
Published: November 2021

BackgroundDrought-driven acidification events of increasing frequency and severity are expected as a consequence of climate change, and these events may expose macroinvertebrate taxa to increased acidification beyond their tolerance levels. Recent work in lowland Costa Rica has shown that poorly-buffered tropical streams exhibit natural seasonal variation in pH, with extremely low levels (<4.5) after extreme dry seasons). Our goal was to determine the threshold of pH effects on survival of three tropical stream macroinvertebrate taxa.MethodsWe conducted laboratory mesocosm experiments to determine acidification effects (using diluted HCl) on three focal macroinvertebrate taxa collected from a poorly-buffered stream at La Selva Biological Station: (1) mayfly naiads (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae:Traverella holzenthali), (2) adult shrimp (Decapoda: Palaemonidae:Macrobrachium olfersii), and (3) larval midges (Diptera: Chironomidae). We also compared the effect of pH on survival and growth rates of larval midges from a poorly-buffered (pH 4.3–6.9) vs. a naturally well-buffered (pH 5.1–6.9) stream.Results/DiscussionMayfly and shrimp survival decreased between pH 4.0 and 3.5, overlapping with the range of lowest pH levels (3.6–4.0) recorded during a previous extreme El Niño Southern Oscillation event in 1998 and suggesting that increasingly extreme acidification events induced by climate change may negatively affect their survival. In contrast, survival of larval midges was unaffected by pH regimes at/above 3.5, indicating tolerance to pH levels experienced in poorly-buffered stream during seasonal acidification, which has presumably occurred over millennia. These findings highlight the potential importance of historical pH regimes in structuring macroinvertebrate communities. These results are relevant not only to lowland Neotropical streams, but also signal the need for further research in lotic ecosystems worldwide where drought-driven pH declines have been documented or are probable in the future.
A decrease in reports on road-killed animals based on citizen science during COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Dörler Daniel , Heigl Florian 
Published: November 2021

BackgroundTo avoid the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 in early 2020, many countries have implemented strict lockdown measures for several weeks. In Austria, the lockdown in early spring has led to a significant drop in human outdoor activities, especially in road traffic. In Project Roadkill, a citizen science project which aims to collect data on road-killed animals, we observed a significant decrease in reported roadkills.MethodsBy asking the citizen scientists through a survey how their travelling routines were affected, we investigated if the observed decrease in roadkills was grounded in less animals being killed by traffic, or in citizen scientists staying at home and thus reporting less road-killed animals.ResultsA majority of the respondents stated that they felt to have reported less roadkills during the lockdown, regardless if they changed their travelling routine or not. This observation in combination with the overall decrease in road traffic indicates that fewer animals were killed during the lockdown. We conclude that when analyzing citizen science data, the effects of lockdown measures on reporting behaviour should be considered, because they can significantly affect data and interpretation of these data.
Yield Response of Short Duration HYV Aman Rice to Transplanting Times in the Coastal Region of Southwestern Bangladesh
Authors: Lima Fatematujjohora , Sarker Bidhan Chandro , Kabir Md. Enamul , Kabir Md. Nazmul 
Published: November 2021

Transplanted (T.) aman rice is the major crop in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh where most of the fields remain fallow the rest of the year due to the cultivation of late-maturing and long-duration aman rice varieties with low yield potential. Timely transplanting of short-duration HYV varieties increased grain yield and allowed the field to be cleared earlier for the next crop. The experiment was conducted in the experimental field of Agrotechnology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna during the monsoon (June to December) for investigating the influence of transplanting dates on growth, yield attributes, and yield of Binadhan-7. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. The experimental treatment comprised of ten transplanting dates (viz.,9 July, 16 July, 23 July, 30 July, 6 August, 13 August, 20 August, 27 August, 3 September, and 10 September) at 7 days intervals. Data recorded on different growth, yield, and yield contributing parameters were influenced substantially by the dates of transplanting. Results of this study showed that transplanting on 30 July produced the tallest plant (105.40 cm), highest tiller hill-1 (20.40), effective tillers hill-1 (17.30), panicle length (22.22 cm), number of grain panicle-1 (10.34), 1000 grain weight (22.83 g), grain yield (4.72 tha-1), straw yield (5.15 tha-1) and harvest index (47.85%) which were on parity with 6 August of transplanting. From the findings of this study, it can be concluded that from 30 July to 6 of August is optimum and recommended transplanting window for the short duration aman rice variety (Binadhan-7) in the coastal zone of southwestern Bangladesh. Furthermore, this transplanting window resulted in an early harvest and timely vacant the field for winter crop planting.
Economics of Banana Production in Solapur District of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Rede B. H. , Ratnaparkhe A. N. , Rede G. D. 
Published: November 2021

The study analyses the resource-use efficiency of banana cultivation in relation with per ha return and cost based on the information of 90 sample farmers of Solapur district, Maharashtra in 2018-19. Findings show that production level was 563.11q/ha on an aggregate level. The estimated cost of cultivation was Rs.324671.04/ha. The per hectare inputs utilized for banana at overall level were 118.58 human days, 22.67 tonnes manures, 399.60 kg N, 126.11 kg P, 720.29 kg K. Average gross income was Rs.627708.57. The gross income received in size group small, medium and large was Rs. 609142.70, Rs. 614926.70 and Rs.659056.30, respectively. The benefit-cost ratio was 1.93 at the overall level indicating highly prosperous crop. This ratio is the highest (2.06) for large size farms. Thus, the crop was found to be economically viable. The results of Cobb-Douglas production function howed that seed, manures, potassium fertilizer and irrigation had positive and significant influence on the yield of banana. The magnitude of coefficient of multiple determination (R2) was 0.92. Value of the ratio of MVP/Px was found greater than unity in case of seed, manures and irrigation indicated the underutilization of these resources. Quantity of per hectare produce marketed was maximum (99.09 per cent) for large size group and minimum in (98.88 per cent) for small size group i.e. there is no significant differences as marketing system was similar.
Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty: Technique and Results
Authors: Ahmed Elsaka Omar Mohamed Raouf Mohamed , Elsaka Omar 
Published: November 2021

Background: Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty is a procedure used to dilate the mitral valve in cases of rheumatic mitral stenosis. The catheter is inserted into the female vein to the right atrium and atrial septum. The mitral valve is then passed through the inflated balloon to facilitate effective integration of mitral adhesions, which increases the area of the mitral valve and decreases the rate of mitral stenosis. Mitral regurgitation is a potential problem, and thus balloon percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) is prevented in moderate to severe relapse. The Wilkins score studies mitral valve morphology and evaluation by echocardiography to assess the viability of PBMVs based on specific echocardiographic conditions.
Conclusion: There are many factors in the immediate and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing PMV. Echo-Sc can be used in combination with other clinical and morphological predictions of PMV effects to identify patients who experience the best effects on PMV.
Potential Map of Community Welfare Based on Strong and Flexible Statistics Modelling in the Framework of Poverty
Authors: Fernandes Adji Achmad Rinaldo , Isaskar Riyanti , Rahmawati Intan , Muflikhah Lailil 
Published: November 2021

Purpose: This study aims to map the level of family welfare in the Wajak District.
Methods: This study uses a survey method with a mixed-method approach. The data used in this study is secondary data regarding HDI (Human Development Index), ISSI (Infrastructure Service Satisfaction Index), and EQI (Environmental Quality Index). The population in this study was all villages in Wajak District, which amounted to 13 villages. Then with the sampling technique using simple random sampling, the village selected as the sample for analysis is Bringin Village. The data analysis used in this study includes biplot, cluster, and IPA analysis.
Findings: The result of this study is that the level of welfare of the community in Bringin Village is said to be quite prosperous, this can be seen from the results of mapping the variables of religiosity, entrepreneurship, and service quality showing that cluster 1 is quite prosperous with 39 members, while in cluster 2, which is less prosperous, there are 11 members.
Originality: The outputs obtained for the Wajak Rural community include a mapping related to the level of family welfare and its distribution in various areas in the Wajak District area.
Assessment and Factors Influencing Protein Content of Human Breast Milk at Various Stages of Lactation in Yobe State Nigeria
Authors: Adekoyeni Oludare Olumuyiwa , Lami Jafiya , Fisayo Ajayi Feyisola 
Published: November 2021

Aims: Aim: Protein in breast milk has diverse functions which gives short and long term benefits. This means human milk must adequately supply the nutritional needs of infants especially during the period of exclusive breast feeding as mandated for lactating mothers. The study assessed quantity of proteins in lactating stages of mother’s breast milk and the factors that influence its availability in Yobe State, Nigeria.
Study Design: Quantitative experimental and descriptive survey methods were adopted for the study. Quantitative experimental design was used for the analysis of breast milk samples collected while descriptive survey method was used to derive primary and secondary data to determine factors influencing protein in breast milk.
Place and Duration of Study: The collection of the samples was done in three stages of lactation from October to December (2019) in Yobe State, Nigeria.
Methodology: Primiparous women residing in Nguru (n= 49/town) were recruited base on agreement with the hospitals prior to their delivery. Breast milk samples were collected at three stages of lactation; colostrums (1-2 days), transition (12 day) and mature (30 day) for protein analysis. Descriptive survey through structured questionnaire was adopted to derive primary data which was used to determine nutrition during pregnancy and factors influencing breast milk composition.
Results: The mean proteins are 3.88%, 1.79% and 1.23% for colostrum, transition and mature milk respectively. It showed that breast milk is a dynamic fluid with changes in its protein content over the course of lactation and varies within and between nutrition and between mothers. Those with low, normal and high BMI accounted for 6.1%, 81.6% and 12.2% respectively. Based on WHO standard, 82% of the women has normal BMI during pregnancy which translate good nutrition.
Conclusion: The nutrition of the pregnant women influenced breast milk proteins. Age, ethnicity, religion and parity have no significant effect on protein quantity in breast milk. Increased education stratification and income levels contribute positively to proteins in lactation stages.
Chemical Characterisation and Biological Effects of Essential Oils of Four Gabonese Medicinal Plants
Authors: Mbot Elvis Jolinom , Obiang Cédric Sima , Nyegue Maximilienne Ascenssion , Bikanga Bill Raphaël , Agnaniet Huguette , Menut Chantal 
Published: November 2021

Aims: The objective of this work is to determine the chemical composition and in vitro evaluation of the antibacterial activities of essential oils of four species of aromatic plants of Gabonese origin obtained by hydrodistillation.
Methods: All the samples were examined by chromatographic analyzes and by GC / MS coupling. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by diffusion and microdilution methods.
Results: The most common compounds found in essential oils were terpene hydrocarbons and oxygenates. The major constituents are β-phellandrene (56.3%), β-pinene (11%) and myrcene (10.4%). The three bacterial strains used are sensitive to essential oils. However, some essential oils stood out with greater spectra of action compared to others, such as Maranthes gabunensis and Mammea africana which showed activity against all strains. The inhibition parameters (MIC and CMB) are between 0.78 and 25 mg / mL. Some oils have shown bacteriostatic and / or bactericidal activity on the targeted strains.
Conclusion: The essential oils studied present a diversity of chemical compositions and good antibacterial activities.
Impact of Human Activities on the Distribution of Termite Communities in Teak Plantations (Tectona grandis L. F., Verbenaceae) in the Korhogo Communal Area (North Côte d'Ivoire)
Authors: Coulibaly Tenon , Doh Franceline , Bertille Kadio Ekien Alloua A. , Yves-Joël Boko Kindo , Akpa Akpesse Alexandre Moïse , Kouassi Kouassi Philippe 
Published: November 2021

Aims: This study aimed to assess the impact of human activities on termites in teak plantations in the Korhogo communal area.
Methodology: Termites were sampled from October to November 2020 using the transect method recommended by Jones and Eggleton (2000). The study was carried out in three teak plantations undergoing different levels of human activities, with a forest fragment as reference area. Five types of human activity were assessed and the overall proportion of human pressure on each habitat was calculated. The species richness (S), Shannon index (H'), Evenness (E) and the relative abundance were calculated of termites for each habitat type. Analyses of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare the species richness and abundance of termites.
Results: The results showed that the village plantation of teak (PVT) had the highest degree of human pressure (50.94%), followed by the teak plantation of the forest of Mount Korhogo (TFMK) (29.24%). The teak plantation of Botanical Garden (TJB) was under low pressure (6.60%). A total of 30 species grouped in 19 genera and 8 sub-families of termites were identified in all plots. Termite diversity was high in the forest fragment (19.67 ± 1.15) and in the teak plantation of Botanical Garden (21.33 ± 2.08), but low in the village teak plantation (11 ± 1). The abundance of termites evolves in the same direction as the species richness.
Conclusion: Anthropogenic activities affect the trophic composition of termites, particularly the humivore group. Reconstruction of the fauna and flora of the teak forests would be beneficial for the conservation of termite species. In this region, teak forests would thus play a role as a refuge for termite communities, which are recognised as the main soil fertilising organisms in the tropics.
The Use of Mathematical Model to Predict Levels of N and K for Optimum Yield
Authors: Behera Jyotiranjan , Mahanti M. K. 
Published: November 2021

Sometimes, yield from a commercial plantation is reduced because of inadequate availability of fertilisers to the plant due to various reasons such as poor quality of fertilizers used, loss of fertilizers in the field during cultivation due to natural causes etc. One way of preventing such loss in yield is to apply remedial fertiliser doses in the field in an intermediate stage of cultivation. To implement such a method effectively, a mathematical model has been proposed in this work.
The model first determines the amount of fertilisers needed at the beginning of cultivation to optimize yield. It then ascertains at an intermediate stage of cultivation whether the plant receives adequate fertilisers for producing optimum yield. In case it is found out that required fertilisers are not available to the plant, the model decides how much more remedial fertilizer doses should be applied at the intermediate stage so that yield will not be affected. A potato plantation has been considered to illustrate the applicability of the proposed mathematical model.
Comparison of Efficacy and Antibody Levels among Healthcare Providers after Second Dose of Two Different COVID Vaccines
Authors: Ejaz Iqra , Rasheed Adeena , Munir Mian Seher , Shahid Fawzia , Zia Areeba , Mukhtar Shahnila 
Published: November 2021

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in significant death and morbidity rates around the globe. SARS-CoV-2 infection has been linked to 43.3 million confirmed cases worldwide, killing 1.15 million people. Physical separation, quarantine, and isolation were successful in minimizing the number of individuals who became sick during the epidemic, but the lack of immunity in the community makes them vulnerable to further waves of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Elderly persons (those 60 and older) and those with pre-existing medical problems are particularly vulnerable.
Material and Methods: In this observation study, people who were vaccinated with sinopharm vaccine and sinovac vaccine were included to see the response of vaccine in the body. The aim of the study was to compare the rise in the antibody level after 2 doses of two different COVID-19 vaccines i.e sinopharm and sinovac. Initially, in this pilot study, 40 people were included randomly from our health care team, after proper informed consent regarding the study.
Results: Among total 40 people were involved, male were 21 of 40 (52.5%) and female were 19 of 40 (47.5%). Most of the individuals were doctors (26 of 40, 65%). Mean age, weight, height and body mass index (BMI) are also shown below.
Conclusion: This study was to report the response of people of Pakistan toward sinopharm and sinoVac vaccines in terms of COVID antibody level. Response of the body was around 40 to 50% for sinopharm and 50 to 70 percent towards CoronaVac vaccine. Further data collection is being done to improve sample size and better outcome.
Comparison of Antibacterial Efficacy of Fenugreek Seed Extract Rinse and Nigella Sativa Seed Extract Rinse against Streptococcus Mutant Colonies
Authors: Iqbal Nasima , Rehman ATA UR , Zaidi Syeda Amber , Khan Kiran , Farooq Lubna , Mehmood Hira 
Published: November 2021

Background: Dental infections were caused by the bacterium overgrowth on the surface of the tooth, and treatment should always be set up to prevent this development.Antibiotics have long been used as a conventional antibacterial medication, but their overuse has resulted in microbes gaining resistance to many of the antibiotics, trying to make many commercialized therapeutic remedies ineffectual and resulting to infection recurrence. In this regard we aim to analyze the antibacterial activity of nigella sativa seeds’ and fenugreek seed extract rinses against S. mutans' colonies.
Methodology: It was a preclinical experimental study conducted at Baqai Medical and Dental College Karachi., from January - June 2021. Calculated sample size was n = 80 Consecutive sampling technique was used. Plaque of study participants was collected on sterile strips that was transported to laboratory for culture in sterile containers.The extract of Fenugreek seed and nigella sativa seed was kept in an airtight bottle and stored in a refrigerator till usage. The extracts were diluted in distilled water in 1:4 (Extract: Distilled water). Study participants were instructed to not brush their teeth before sampling. Study participants were divided into four groups (negative control, positive control, fenugreek seed extract group and Nigella sativa group) each group had 20 participants. Diluted Fenugreek seed extract and Nigella sativa extract was given to experimental groups for rinses.
Results: There was significant decrease in number of colonies in positive controls, fenugreek seed extract group and nigella sativa extract group and there was no change in number of colonies in control group. Furthermore, the analysis showed significant (p-value = 0.001) difference among the groups followed by post hoc analysis. Post hoc analysis showed no difference between positive control, fenugreek seed extract group and nigella sativa group.
Conclusion: Fenugreek seed extract and Nigella Sativa seed extract showed comparable antibacterial properties. Also, the effect was found to be similar to commercially available mouth rinse.