bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semantic Segmentation With Labeling Uncertainty and Class Imbalance
Authors: Bressan Patrik Olã , Junior José Marcato , Martins José Augusto Correa , Melo Maximilian Jaderson , Gonçalves Diogo Nunes , Freitas Daniel Matte , Ramos Ana Paula Marques , Osco Lucas Prado , Silva Jonathan Andrade , Luo Zhipeng , Li Jonathan , Garcia Raymundo Cordero , Gonçalves Wesley Nunes 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Recently, methods based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) achieved impressive success in semantic segmentation tasks. However, challenges such as the class imbalance and the uncertainty in the pixel-labeling process are not completely addressed. As such, we present a new approach that calculates a weight for each pixel considering its class and uncertainty during the labeling process. The pixel-wise weights are used during training to increase or decrease the importance of the pixels. Experimental results using different datasets like aerial, terrestrial, and ultrasound images show that the proposed approach leads to significant improvements in three challenging segmentation tasks in comparison to baseline methods. It was also proved to be more invariant to noise. The approach presented here may be used within a wide range of semantic segmentation methods to improve their robustness.
Green Globular Body (GGB) Induction and Differentiation in the Medicinal fern Drynaria Roosii
Authors: Wang Di , Li Yang , Li Dong , Shi Lei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The green globular body (GGB) of ferns is a special propagule induced in plant in vitro culture systems. Owing to its high proliferation efficiency, GGB is widely used in the in vitro propagation of important ornamental and medicinal ferns. In addition, propagation using GGB shows great development prospects in the conservation of rare or endangered ferns and the breeding of new fern varieties. However, due to the lack of systematic studies on GGB ontogenesis, the morphogenetic aspects of GGB during induction and differentiation remain unclear.Results: We characterized the response of five types of explants of Drynaria roosii to GGB inductive medium and further investigate morphological and anatomical changes of explants that developed GGBs. We found that the rhizome explants directly produced GGBs through cell proliferation of the shoot apical meristem and lateral meristem. The leaf and petiole explants produced GGBs indirectly through the proliferation of meristematic cells of somatic embryos derived from the epidermal cells of the explants. The root and gametophyte explants failed to produce GGB under our induction conditions. We further investigated the differentiation process of GGB. During GGB differentiation, shoot primordia and leaf primordia differentiate from meristematic cells on the epidermis, and the root primordia develop from an inner meristematic tissue with developing vascular tissue connecting all these primordia, which indicates the involvement of multiple organogenesis processes.Conclusions: Our results suggested that preexisting or reestablished meristematic cells were the direct source of GGB in D. roosii. Somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis were involved in GGB induction and differentiation, respectively. The comparison with other common propagules revealed that GGB in D. roosii was largely different from somatic embryos, callus, and protocorm or protocorm-like bodies.
Online Learning as Teaching - Learning Pedagogy in B.ED. Colleges
Authors: Farooqui Yusra , Shah Darshana , Saboowala Rabiya 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In the 21st century, the attainment of knowledge and education goes far beyond the boundaries of educational institutions. Learning takes place in many diversified forms, be it in form of location or time or course content. This makes it easy to facilitate learning across the globe with ease so that the learners can pursue what they wish to. Among these various diversified and facilitated forms of learning, the most adopted and acceptable way of promoting academics in reputed educational setup undoubtedly is online learning. The concept of online learning has been implemented in all educational sectors throughout the globe due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. The present action research aimed at examining the attitudes of second year Prospective teachers who are working as well as those who are not working towards online learning during the prevailing pandemic in Mumbai. A questionnaire with 5-point Likert scale was adopted for data collection from a sample of 54 prospective teachers. Findings of the study reveal the working prospective teachers have a higher attitude towards adopting online learning as teaching-learning pedagogy for B.Ed. teachers as compared to non-working Prospective teachers. Also, working Prospective teachers had a higher attitude towards Computer/Internet self-efficacy, Self-directed learning and Online communication self-efficacy dimension of online learning when compared with non-working Prospective teachers. Not-Working B.Ed. Teachers had a higher attitude towards the Learner Control dimension of online learning, whereas both working and non-working Prospective teachers had a similar attitude towards Motivation for learning (in an online context) dimension of online learning. Policy makers should include online learning topics in the B.Ed. curriculum not just theoretically but also practically in order to help learners develop a positive attitude towards adoption of online learning not just for learning but also for teaching. Also, the government and educational institutes need to organize workshops and seminars for teachers and student-teachers in order to equip them with knowledge and application of computers in the academic process which is the need of the hour during the prevailing pandemic.
Population suppression of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae by gene drive technology: A large-cage indoor study bridging the gap between laboratory and field testing
Authors: Hammond Andrew , Pollegioni Paola , Persampieri Tania , North Ace , Minuz Roxana , Trusso Alessandro , Bucci Alessandro , Kyrou Kyros , Morianou Ioanna , Simoni Alekos , Nolan Tony , Müller Ruth , Crisanti Andrea 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
CRISPR-based gene drives are self-sustaining genetic elements that have been recently generated in the laboratory with the aim to develop potent genetic vector control measures targeting disease vectors including Anopheles gambiae. We have shown that a gene drive directed against the gene doublesex (dsx) effectively suppressed the reproductive capability of mosquito populations reared in small laboratory cages. These experiments, though informative, do not recapitulate the complexity of mosquito behaviour in natural environments. Additional information is needed to bridge the gap between laboratory and the field to validate the vector control potential of the technology.
We have investigated the suppressing activity of dsx gene drive strain Ag(QFS)1 on age-structured populations of Anopheles gambiae in large indoor cages that provide a more challenging ecology by more closely mimicking natural conditions and stimulating complex mosquito behaviours. Under these conditions, the Ag(QFS)1 drive spreads rapidly from a single release to the indoor large-cage populations at low initial frequency, leading to full population suppression within one year and without inducing resistance to the gene drive.
Initial stochastic simulations of the expected population dynamics, as based on life history parameters estimated in small cages, did not fully capture the observed dynamics in the large cages. Thus, we used the method of approximate Bayesian computation to better estimate population dynamics in the more realistic ecological setting in large cages, allowing the mosquitoes to show a complex feeding and reproductive behaviour.
Together, these results establish a new paradigm for generating data to bridge laboratory and field studies, and form an essential component in the stepwise and sound development of gene drive based vector control tools.
Association of Early Pubertal Onset in Female Rats with Inhalation of Lavender Oil
Authors: Kim Yoo-Mi , Lim Han H. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Central precocious puberty is caused by early activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis but its major cause remains unclear. Studies have indicated an association between chronic environmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and pubertal onset.
Methods
To evaluate this association, we compared the hormone levels and timing of vaginal opening in female rats exposed to lavender oil (LO) through different routes [study groups: control, LO nasal spray (LS), and indoor exposure to LO (LE)] during the prepubertal period. The body weights of the animals were also compared every 3 days until the day of vaginal opening, at which time gonadotropin levels and internal organ weights were assessed.
Results
The LS group showed early vaginal opening at 33.8 ± 1.8 days compared with the control (38.4 ± 2.9 days) and LE (36.6 ± 1.5 days) groups. Additionally, luteinizing hormone levels were significantly higher in the LE and LS groups than in the control group. Body weights did not differ significantly among the groups.
Conclusions
Exposure to an exogenic simulant via inhalation during the prepubertal period triggered early puberty onset in female rats. Further evaluation of exposure to other endocrine-disrupting chemicals capable of inducing central precocious puberty through the skin, orally, and/or nasally is warranted.
Structural, Conductivity, and Dielectric Properties of Nickel Oxide and Copper (Cu) or Chromium (Cr) Doped Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Bashal Ali , Baset Tarob A Abdel , Abboudi Mostafa , Qasem Hamza , Al-Wadaani Fahd 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this study, NiO NPs and doped NiO NPs were prepared in a two-step process and they were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and nitrogen adsorption desorption. X-ray diffraction outcome clarified that all the patterns present the similar peaks that are attributed to the cubic variety of the NiO and all doping metals could be inserted into the NiO structure. TEM result showed that the NiO NPs are assembled side by side and aligned along the same direction to form small array shaped nano-agglomerates of 500 nm in length and 50–70 nm in diameter. Adsorption-desorption isotherms for N2 showed that NiO NPs represents type IV isotherms containing a hysteresis loop at relative pressure between 0.5 and 1.0. Hysteresis loop’s shape was of H2 type which is characteristic of inckbottle shaped pores. It was also in the shape of solids composed by small spherical particles. The dielectric properties and electrical conductivity for these samples were also studied within the temperature range 25oC – 110oC and within the frequency range 100 Hz to 0.3 MHz.
Antibiotic-resistant profile and the factors affecting the intravenous antibiotic treatment course of generalized Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome: A retrospective study
Authors: Yang Tao , Wang Jiangyi , Cao Junya , Zhang Xinyue , Lai Yun , Li Longnian , Ye Xiaoying , You Cong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) is caused by a special type of Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) which can produce exfoliative toxins. The generalized SSSS is recommended to be admitted and treated with intravenous antibiotics. However, there were limited reports on whether personal and clinical factors can have impacts on the duration of intravenous antibiotic application for pediatric patients with generalized SSSS.We performed a study to assess the factors affecting intravenous antibiotic treatment course of SSSS patients. Additionally, the positive culture rates of S.aureus in different samples and the antibiotic-resistant profile were investigated. Methods: 219 patients with generalized SSSS were included. Gender, age, area, season, maximum axillary temperature, white blood cell(WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, types of intravenous antibiotics, and types of external antibiotics were recorded as the baseline. Simple linear regression was applied in the univariate analysis to determine the variables with statistical significance and then these variables were further examined in multivariate linear regression model. The positive culture rates of S.aureus in different samples and the drug sensitivity results were statistically compared by Fisher’s exact test and pairwise Chi square test respectively. Results: According to the multiple linear regression, older ages (β=-0.01, p <0.05) and external application of fusidic acid (β=-1.57, p <0.05) were associated with shorter treatment course, elevated leukocytes (β=0.11, p <0.001) and CRP level (β=1.64, p <0.01) were associated with longer treatment course. The positive culture rates of periorificial (54.55%) and throat swabs (30.77%) were higher than the ones of blood samples (5.97%) (p <0.01). The resistant rates of levofloxacin (8.33%), gentamycin (8.33%), tetracycline (25%), oxacillin (8.33%), vancomycin (0%) were significantly lower than the ones of erythromycin (100%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) (83.33%), clindamycin (91.67%), penicillin G(100%) (p <0.001).Conclusion: Elevated leukocytes and CRP level indicated prolonged intravenous antibiotic treatment course. Older ages and external application of fusidic acid helped to reduce the treatment course. Periorificial and throat swabs were useful to identify causative S.aureus. Oxacillin and vancomycin resistance was rare and clindamycin resistance was common. Clindamycin monotherapy for SSSS should be avoided.
Halal food supply chains: A literature review of sustainable measures and future research directions
Authors: Rejeb Abderahman , Keogh John G. , Rejeb Karim , Dean Kevin 
Published: April 2021

Introduction. Although sustainability represents a high-profile topic in supply chain management, it remains an unexplored research area for Halal food supply chains (HFSCs). Hence, to bridge this knowledge gap, we conducted a systematic literature review to identify the measures necessary for the development of sustainable HFSCs and potential research gaps at the nexus of sustainability and Halal food literature.
Study objects and methods. We carefully analyzed forty (40) papers selected from leading, highly-ranked journals to answer the following research question: “What are the measures necessary for the development of sustainable Halal food supply chains?”
Results and discussion. The findings revealed that the improvement of Halal processes through the implementation of quality management systems, the effectiveness of Halal labeling, and the use of technology could enhance the economic performance of HFSCs. Furthermore, HFSC’s sustainability efforts are strengthened by enhancing trust and transparency benefitting human resource skills development, promoting animal welfare issues, and increasing regulatory compliance. The implementation of environmental protection measures is a primary driving factor for environmental sustainability activities. Environmental sustainability could be fostered by a shift to the application of greening practices and the support of environmentalism in the Halal food industry.
Conclusion. The findings of this study provide critical managerial implications for Halal food practitioners as they can have a summary of the previous studies and thus use it as a benchmark for introducing sustainable measures in their Halal food firms.
Influence of blackberry juice addition on mead fermentation and quality
Authors: Savić Aleksandar , Velemir Ana , Papuga Saša , Stojković Maja 
Published: April 2021

Introduction. Mead, one of the oldest alcoholic beverages that man consumed is obtained by fermentation of honey solution, and contains from 8 to 18% vol. ethanol. Honey can be considered as an excellent source of carbohydrates for the fermentation process, but low concentrations of other substances in the honey can slow down the process. Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.) contains dietary fibers, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin A, vitamin E, potassium and calcium, along with the phenolic metabolites that are a source of possible health benefits.
Study objects and methods. In this study was investigated the influence of blackberry juice addition on mead fermentation process, chemical composition and antioxidative activity. Dynamics of the fermentation process were controlled based on weighing the flasks in time on a scale every 24 h throughout the alcoholic fermentation. At the end of fermentations, oenological parameters of mead: dry matter content, pH, volatile acidity and ethanol content and reducing sugars. For the determination of antioxidative capacity the content of total phenolics, total flavonoids and total flavonols were measured and two tests were performed: DPPH and ABTS.
Results and discussion. Addition of blackberry juice had a positive effect on fermentation dynamics (almost 25% higher rate of fermentation than in control samples), and improved all physicochemical characteristics and composition of resultant meads. Also, meads with the addition of blackberry juice had a significantly higher concentration of total phenolics, total flavonoids and total flavonols and significantly stronger antioxidative properties compared to the control meads without juice addition. The highest total phenolics, total flavonoids and total flavonols content was determined in the mead with the maximum addition of blackberry juice (B20W): it reached 490.88, 50.34 and 62.57 μgQE.mL–1, respectively, and was 6-fold higher for total phenolics and total flavonoids content, and 10-fold higher for total flavonols content than in the mead without juice addition (CW). The strongest antioxidative activity was determined in the B10W mead; it accounted for 6.98 μgTE.mL–1 (DPPH assay) and 0.65 μgTE.mL–1 (ABTS assay), what was 1.5-fold and 3-fold higher, respectively, than in the mead without juice addition (CW).
Conclusion. The conducted study demonstrated that the use of blackberry juice influenced the course of fermentation of meads as well as their physicochemical and antioxidative properties (positive effect on fermentation dynamics – almost 25% higher rate of fermentation than in control samples, and improvement of all physicochemical characteristics and composition of resultant meads).
Lead exposure through eggs in Iran: health risk assessment
Authors: Faryabi Sajad , Ghorbiani Mohsen , Nazarpak Hadi Haghbin , Rashidimehr Azadeh 
Published: April 2021

Introduction. Contamination of food, including animal protein sources, with heavy metals is a major threat to humans. The aim of this research was to determine lead concentrations in eggs from different Iranian regions and assess risks to human health.
Study objects and methods. In this study, lead concentrations in eggs produced at laying hen farms in Qom, Isfahan (Kashan city), and Khorasan Razavi (Mashhad city) provinces were measured by an atomic absorption device. Health risk was estimated using the Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) model.
Results and discussion. The levels of lead in eggs were significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) among the three regions. They were lower than the permissible limit (0.1 mg/kg) for Kashan (0.0756 mg/kg) and Mashhad (0.0633 mg/kg), but eggs from Qom contained
0.1163 mg/kg of lead. In all the three regions, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of lead was lower than the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI), indicating no health risk for lead through egg consumption among Iranian consumers. Also, no risks were detected for adults in terms of non-cancer risk, or target hazard quotients (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR) of lead (THQ < 1 and CR < 10–6).
Conclusion. The results of this study indicated that lead health risk through egg consumption is within safe limits. However, the nutritional importance and high consumption of eggs among households necessitate a more careful monitoring of lead concentrations to meet public health requirements.
Functional and sensory properties of jam with different proportions of pineapple, cucumber, and Jatropha leaf
Authors: Ogori Akama Friday , Amove Julius , Evi-Parker Precious , Sardo Giacomo , Okpala Charles Odilichukwu R. , Bono Gioacchino , Korzeniowska Małgorzata 
Published: April 2021

Introduction. Fruits and vegetables are vital for healthy food consumption. Conservation is the only option to prolong their shelf life. Nigeria is currently experiencing an increase in production of fruit jams that incorporate vegetables. Cucumbers, Jatropha tanjorensis L. leaf, and pineapples have a lot of health benefits, which makes them very promising for jam making. The present research featured the effect of cucumber, pineapple, and Jatropha leaf in different proportions on the functional and sensory properties of composite jam.
Study objects and methods. The technology of jam making followed standard procedures. Pineapple jam without cucumbers and Jatropha leaf served as control (pineapple:cucumber:Jatropha leaf = 100:0:0). The experimental jam samples had increasing amounts of Jatropha leaf (J), decreasing amounts of pineapple pulps (P), and a constant amount of cucumber (C), i.e. P:C:J = 85:10:5, 80:10:10, 75:10:15, and 70:10:20. The functional analysis involved chemical and proximate aspects, whereas the sensory evaluation involved appearance, aroma, taste, spreadability, and overall liking.
Results and discussion. The experimental samples showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in vitamins, minerals, total titratable acidity, pH, Brix, and total soluble solids. The control sample (P:C:J = 100:0:0) had significantly lower (P < 0.05) contents of moisture, protein, ash, fat, and fiber than the experimental ones. However, the pH and total titratable acidity of the experimental samples 85:10:5 and 80:10:10 appeared to be quite similar (P > 0.05). Compared to the control sample, the sensory properties of the experimental samples differed significantly (P < 0.05) by appearance, aroma, and spreadability but were of similar (P > 0.05) taste and overall liking.
Conclusion. The obtained functional and sensory data proved that the new pineapple jam with cucumber and Jatropha leaf is a promising functional product.
α-amylase from white pitaya (Hylocereus undatus L.) peel: optimization of extraction using full factorial design
Authors: Shad Zahra , Mirhosseini Hamed , Motshakeri Mahsa , Sanjabi Mohammad Reza , Meor Hussin Anis Shobirin 
Published: April 2021

Introduction. Amylase is a significant enzyme with numerous commercial applications, which is largely used to convert starches into oligosaccharides. Extraction of amylase from plant by-products or cheap sources is cost-effective. Annually, pitaya fruit juice industry produces huge amounts of peels that could be utilized as an alternative source in enzyme production industry. The work aimed to examine and optimize extraction process.
Study objects and methods. In this study, we investigated parameters of extraction to optimize the process, as well as activity of α-amylase from white pitaya fruit (Hylocereus undatus L.) peel. For this purpose, a two-level full factorial design was applied. Three variables, namely the pH of sodium phosphate buffer (X1, 4.5–7.5), mixing time (X2, 1–3 min), and a sample-to-buffer ratio (X3, 1:3–1:5), were used to identify significant effects and interactions within the samples.
Results and discussion. The results demonstrated that the buffer pH had the most significant (P ≤ 0.05) effect on total amylase activity. Based on full factorial design analysis, we revealed the optimal conditions for amylase enzyme extraction ‒ pH of 6, mixing time of 2 min, and a sample-to-buffer ratio of 1:4. Lower and higher values influenced adversely on specific activity of amylase.
Conclusion. Optimization increased the enzyme specific activity by a factor of 4.5. Thus, pitaya peel could be used in different industries as a rich natural α-amylase source.