bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate Change In The Argentinean Wheat Region: Temperature And Precipitation At Two Contrasting Sites
Authors: Basile Silvana Marisol Luján , Tognetti Jorge Alberto , Gandini Marcelo Luciano , Rogers William John 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Global climate change is shifting temperature and precipitation regimes, which is modifying the environments that define wheat yield and quality. The current work characterises the changes that have occurred in the thermal and hydric environment in two contrasting sites of the wheat growing region of Argentina, allowing comparison between sites for these changes and for how the changes are accelerating. Temperature and precipitation variables were analysed by regression and trend testing (Mann Kendall), and future projections were made based upon significant relationships. The two sites compared were in the zones around the cities of Azul in the Province of Buenos Aires and Marcos Juárez in the Province of Córdoba, located approximately 500 km apart. The climate data analysed covered the period 1931–2014 for Azul and 1952–2014 for Marcos Juárez. At both sites, temperatures increased significantly in mean and extreme values over these periods, where the rate of change accelerated during the first years of the 21st century. The changes observed were in general more pronounced in Marcos Juárez than in Azul. Furthermore, in Marcos Juárez, mean precipitation increased from September to December and there was a higher frequency of extremes of precipitation greater than 100 mm in September and October during the early 21st century. Evidence was found for temperature rise and the occurrence of extreme temperature and precipitation events occurring differently between sites, as well as for its acceleration rate in the early 21st century. The projected future changes made implied that wheat yield is expected to suffer losses over the coming century.
Locating drainage tiles at a wetland restoration site within the Oak Openings region of Ohio, United States using UAV and land based geophysical techniques
Authors: Becker Anna M. , Becker Richard H. , Doro Kennedy O. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Drainage tiles were used to drain wetlands in the midwestern United States to convert them into farmlands. With decades of farm operations, utility maps showing tiles’ locations are now mostly innaccurate or simply do not exist. However, knowledge of the location of tile networks is needed to effectively restore these farmlands to their original wetlands conditions. With many fields spanning several hectares, efficiently locating drainage tiles at large farmfields can be problematic. Drainage tiles create variations in soil physical properties including moisture content, surface temperature and dielectric permeativity within and around the pipes which can be sensed by geophysical methods. Our study assesses the application of electromagnetic radiation via visible and thermal infrared imaging using an unmanned aerial vehicle and ground penetrating radar (GPR) to locate drainage tiles at large farmfield scale. The study was conducted at the Sandhill Crane wetland, a 1.1 km2 old agricultural field located in Swanton, Ohio. A UAV equiped with visible and thermal infrared cameras acquired imagery on a regular grid and about 100 GPR lines were measured using a 250 MHz radar system. Both visible and thermal infrared images identified the drainage tiles and their orientations. GPR profiles reveal the drainage tiles mostly in a parallel East-West direction. By using a UTV to pull the GPR system, we efficiently collected data along long profiles covering the entire site. The delineated tile network will improve management of the anthropogenically altered hydrology at the site as it is being restored into its original wetland conditions.
Distributed Energy-Efficient and Secure Offloading in Air-to-Ground MEC Networks
Authors: Liu Wanning , Xu Yitao , Wu Ducheng , Wang Haichao , Zheng Xueqiang , Qi Nan , Chen Xueqiang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This paper mainly investigates the energy-efficient and secure offloading problem in air-to-ground MEC networks. The proposed efficient offloading mechanism is as per the requirements of the heterogeneous tasks of ground users. Further, the optimizing offloading rate, offloading object, and channel access jointly formulate system energy consumption and eavesdropping rate minimization. A distributed two-stage offloading scheme is proposed for achieving the sub-optimal solution for the Mixed-integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) problem. Finally, simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme is superior to several benchmark schemes.
Systems Capacity To Conduct Non-Communicable Disease Focused Implementation Research In The Malawian Health Sector: A National Needs Assessment
Authors: Banda Chimwemwe Kwanjo , Hosseinipour Mina C , Kumwenda Johnstone , Banda Ndaziona Peter Kwanjo , Lutala Prosper , Makwero Martha , Muula Admason Sinjani 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in Malawi and are the second leading cause of deaths in adults after HIV and AIDS. The purpose of this assessment was to identify human, infrastructural and systems requirements in implementation research to support the response to the NCD epidemic in the Malawian health sector.Methods: This national needs assessment was conducted using a concurrent triangulation mixed methods approach. Twenty-two health facilities providing tertiary (n =4), secondary (n =2) and primary (n = 16) care level were included in the assessment. Qualitative interviews with 72 participants from the health facilities, academic institutions, development partner organizations, Ministry of Health and the Central Medical Stores Trust from across the country were also conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data from the facility assessment and thematic content analysis was done to identify themes from the qualitative data. Results: The qualitative and quantitative findings were merged and categorized into five thematic areas. Theme 1: Record keeping and surveillance for NCDs – which showed a high incidence of hypertension and diabetes at the facilities. Theme 2: Availability of NCD services- 15 (68%) facilities had an NCD clinic available. NCD clinics were reported available at 75% of the tertiary facilities, 100% of secondary facilities and 63% of the primary facilities. Theme 3: Perceived needs for improving NCD care – where key informants highlighted the need for more human resources, drugs, guidelines and diagnostic technologies. Theme 4: Limited NCD focused implementation research engagement. This was due to lack of funding and limited number of researchers conducting NCD focused research. Theme 5: Opportunities for improving NCD focused implementation research. Opportunities were available through the growing interest and focus on NCDs by the government and development partners.Conclusion: NCDs are a significant health burden in the Malawian healthcare services. A general lack of human, systems and material resources in the healthcare system negatively affects extent of coverage of NCD services and implementation research activities necessary for improving care.
Candida Rugosa Lipase Immobilized on Hydrophobic Support Accurel MP 1000 in the Synthesis of Emollient Esters
Authors: de Menezes Luiz Henrique Sales , Santo Eliezer Luz do Espírito , Santos Marta Maria Oliveira dos , Tavares Iasnaia Maria de Carvalho , Mendes Adriano Aguiar , Franco Marcelo , de Oliveira Julieta Rangel 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In the present work, Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) was immobilized by physical adsorption in organic medium on Accurel MP 1000 (AMP) with a protein load of 6.5 mg g-1 (mg protein/g support). CRL-AMP was applied with 5 and 10% of catalyst/volume of medium (m v-1) in esterification reactions of stearic acid with lauryl and cetyl alcohols producing the wax esters such as dodecanoyl octadecanoate 1 and hexadecanoyl octadecanoate 2 in a heptane medium. Six reaction cycles were studied to evaluate the stability and recyclability of the prepared biocatalyst. The specific activity (Asp) for CRL-AMP was 200 ± 20 U mg-1. Its catalytic activity was 1300 ± 100 U g-1. CRL-AMP was used in the synthesis of esters in heptane medium with a 1:1 acid:alcohol molar ratio at 45°C and 200 rpm. In synthesis 1, conversion was 62.5 ± 3.9% in 30 min at 10% m v-1 and 56.9 ± 2.8% in 54 min at 5% m v-1, while in synthesis 2, conversion was 79.0 ± 3.9% in 24 min at 10% m v-1, and 46.0 ± 2.4% in 54 min at 5% m v-1. Reuse tests after 6 consecutive cycles of reaction showed that the biocatalyst retained approximately 50% of its original activity for both reaction systems. CRL-AMP showed a high potential in the production of wax esters, since it started from low enzymatic load and high specific activities and conversions were obtained, in addition to allowing an increase in stability and recyclability of the prepared biocatalyst.
Bee Venom Allergy in Chinese Beekeepers and Patients Under Live Bee Apitherapy
Authors: Cui Le , Xu Ying-Yang , Li Li-Sha , Wang Zi-Xi , Bian Sai-Nan , Han Qiao-Ju , Li Wan-Yao , Li Yi , Lanier Bobby Quentin , Chang Christopher , Guan Kai 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Hymenoptera stings are one of the common causes of anaphylaxis. The prevalence of systemic allergic reactions seems to be higher in highly exposed populations such as beekeepers and individuals receiving live bee acupuncture (LBA). However, there are a very few of studies on venom allergy in these populations. We performed two observational studies to describe the characteristics and risk factors of venom allergy in beekeepers and the LBA population.Methods: A total of 99 beekeepers and 127 individuals receiving live bee acupuncture were interviewed. Skin prick tests were performed on subjects with suspected bee venom allergy.Results: The prevalence of bee venom allergy was 34.3% among beekeepers and 29.0% in the LBA population. Systemic reactions occurred in 11.3% of the LBA population, and 28.3% of beekeepers. For beekeepers with exposure to 2-4 stings per year and ≥5 stings per year, the risk for developing venom allergy increased to 6.745-fold (95% CI 2.139-21.266) and 42.297-fold (95% CI 7.060-253.399) respectively, compared to the ≤1 sting per year group. Conversely, in the LBA population, compared to frequency ≤2 LBA stings per week, the adjusted OR of venom allergy was 0.281 (95% CI 0.075-1.047) and 0.166 (95% CI 0.045-0.612) for frequency 3-6 LBA stings per week and ≥7 stings per week respectively. The knowledge of adrenaline and venom immunotherapy was limited in both beekeepers and traditional doctors.Conclusion: The frequency of stings with high risk for bee venom allergy was >4/year in beekeepers and <3/week in the LBA population. The education on anaphylaxis management should be strengthened.
Experimental Investigations on the Mechanical Properties, Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Cu-20Al-4Ni/SiC Composites Synthesized Using Powder Metallurgy
Authors: L Mamundi Azaath , U Natarajan , G Veerappan , M Ravichandran , S Marichamy 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The present investigation pertains to synthesize aluminium bronze silicon carbide composite by powder metallurgy route. Three various weight percentages of silicon carbide (0, 2, 4 & 6) were reinforced with aluminium bronze matrix (Cu-20%Al-4%Ni) and the hydraulic press was used to prepare the green compact. This compact was heated at two different temperatures such as 6500C and 7500C using tubular furnace. The effect of silicon carbide on density, sinterability, compression test and hardness test was analyzed. The scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to confirm the presence of alloying elements. The results showed that the sinterability and density were reduced with an increase in silicon carbide content. The composite reinforced with 6%SiC exhibited lowest compressive strength among other composites. The 4 wt.% SiC reinforced composites sintered at 7500C has highest corrosion resistance.
Characteristics of the Meconium Microbiota in Neonates with Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: Tu Xinzhi , Duan Chun , Lin Bingying , Li Kangfeng , Gao Jie , Yan Huaying , Wang Kejian , Zhang Quanfu , Yao Jilong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major cause of fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Since meconium microbiome is a critical component for the health of newborns, the aim of this study was to characterize the meconium microbiota in neonates with FGR compared with healthy controls.
Methods

To avoid bacteria contamination, all included neonates were delivered by elective C-section, with their samples collected in the operation room. We collected meconium samples from 14 neonates affected by FGR and 20 matched healthy newborns. The microbiome profiles were examined by using high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing and analyzed with customized bioinformatics pipelines.
Results

The β-diversity analysis demonstrated that FGR neonates clustered together that was distinct from control subjects. A number of taxa were found to be significantly depleted (e.g., Chryseobacterium) or enriched (e.g., Asticcacaulis) in the FGR group. In addition, the coordination network between various intestinal bacteria was found to be altered in FGR neonates.
Conclusions

FGR neonates exhibited alterations in the composition and symbiosis of microbiome, which will contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between the gut microbiota and FGR.
HVEM/BTLA Immune Checkpoint Expression in Development of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Azarafza Maryam , Tehrani Mohsen , Valadan Reza , Maleki Iradj , Hamedani Seyed Mohammad Mehdi Ghaffari , Ghanadan Alireza , Alizadeh-Navaei Reza , Ajami Abolghasem 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Regarding the role of B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator/Herpesvirus entry mediator (BTLA/HVEM) in tumorigenesis, this research was conducted to determine the HVEM/BTLA expression in development of gastric cancer.Methods: The statistical population of this study consisted of 114 patients, who were divided into 3 groups of non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD; n=32), intestinal metaplasia (IM; n=19), and gastric cancer (GC; n=63). BTLA and HVEM in gastric biopsies were evaluated using SYBR Green-based on real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. In this research, soluble HVEM (sHVEM) concentration and anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody were assessed in sera of all study subjects. Results: Our result showed that in contrast to mRNA, HVEM protein expression was significantly higher in the GC group, compared to that in the NUD and IM groups (P<0.0001 and P=0.0002, respectively). It was found that BTLA mRNA expression was significantly higher in the GC group than in the IM and NUD groups (P=0.004 and P=0.0003, respectively). It was also significantly elevated in the advanced stages of GC (P=0.039). IHC results showed significant expression of BTLA in GC and IM groups, compared to the NUD group (P=0.0002, and P=0.008, respectively), and advanced stages than early stages of gastric cancer (p = 0.005). The sHVEM concentration was also higher in the GC group than in the NUD groups (P=0.001). Conclusions: High expression of BTLA/HVEM and sHVEM suggested that this inhibitory pathway is involved in immune regulation and progression of IM and GC. Therefore, these molecules can be used for the diagnosis and prognosis of GC.
Sanxicun Landslide: An Investigation of Progressive Failure of a Gentle Bedding Slope
Authors: Pei Xiangjun , Cui Shenghua , Zhu Ling , Wang Hui , Luo Luguang , Zhang Xiaochao 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
A gentle bedding slope (16° dip angle) failure at Sanxicun (SXC) village in Dujiangyan city was triggered by heavy rainfall in 2013. The landslide (composing of sandstone and mudstone strata) has a sliding distance of up to 1200 m and caused 166 deaths. After this failure event, a detailed field survey and a series of laboratory tests were carried out by us to investigate the progressive failure mechanism of the slope. The results revealed that the slope deformation could be traced back to the Ming Dynasty in China (400 years before) at least. A sliding block with a width of 330 m and a length of 240 m detached its original position, resulting in a depression belt with 10 m in width and 25 m in depth at the rear of the sliding block. On the scarp, a large number of cracks were widely observed not only in the sandstone but also in the mudstone. The field evidence revealed that the depression belt and cracked mudstone had provided convenience for water infiltration for a long time. The shake table test results showed that these cracks could be initiated and propagated in the slope during earthquakes. Especially, seismic stresses amplifications were induced in the mudstone to degrade this layer obviously. Besides, Direct shear tests of cracked mudstone with different immersion time were carried out. It was showed that the shear strength of mudstone decreased rapidly in the initial immersion and then tends to be stable gradually. Finally, numerical calculation indicated that the hydrostatic pressure in the depression belt and uplift pressure in the basal layer generated by the strongest rainwater in history (537.4 mm daily) caused the kilometer- slide of the block in 2013. We concluded that the catastrophic failure of the SXC landslide triggered by the rainwater in 2013 strongly depended on the pre- existing deformation and damage caused by historical earthquakes and rainwaters.
Exercise Training Volume and the Fitness-fatness Index in Adults With Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomised Trial
Authors: Ramos Joyce S. , Dalleck Lance C. , Fennell Mackenzie , Martini Alex D. , Welmans Talita R. , Stennett Rebecca , Keating Shelley E. , Fassett Robert G. , Coombes Jeff S. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background Cardiorespiratory fitness and fatness (notably central obesity) are mediating factors of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), and consequent cardiovascular disease (CVD)/mortality risk. The fitness-fatness index (FFI) combines these factors and has been reported to be a better indicator of CVD and all-cause mortality risk, beyond the capacity of either fitness or fatness alone. Objective This study sought to investigate the effects of different exercise volumes on FFI in adults with MetS. Methods This was a sub-study of the ‘Exercise in the prevention of Metabolic Syndrome’ (EX-MET) multicenter trial. Ninety-nine adults diagnosed with MetS according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria were randomized to one of the following 16-week exercise interventions: i) moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) at 60-70% HRpeak for 30 min/session (n=34, 150 min/week); ii) 4 x 4 min bouts of high-intensity interval training at 85-95% HRpeak, interspersed with 3-min active recovery at 50-70% HRpeak (n=34, 38min/session, 114 mins/week); and iii) 1 x 4 min bout of HIIT at 85-95% HRpeak (n=31, 17 min/session, 51 min/week). Cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake, V̇O2peak) was determined via indirect calorimetry during maximal exercise testing and fatness was the ratio of waist circumference-to-height (WHtR). FFI was calculated as V̇O2peak in metabolic equivalents (METs) divided by WHtR. A clinically meaningful response to the exercise intervention was taken as a 1 FFI unit increase. Results Seventy-seven participants completed pre and post testing to determine FFI. There was a greater proportion of participants who had a clinically meaningful change in FFI following high-volume HIIT (60%, 15/25) and low-volume HIIT (65%, 17/26) compared to MICT (38%, 10/26), but with no significant between-group difference (p=0.12). A similar trend was found when a sub-analysis comparing the FFI between those with type 2 diabetes (MICT, 33%, 3/9; high-volume HIIT, 64%, 7/11; and low-volume HIIT, 58%, 7/12) and without type 2 diabetes (MICT, 41%, 7/17; high-volume HIIT, 57%, 8/14; low-volume HIIT, 71%, 10/14). Conclusion This study suggests that the response to changes in FFI in adults with MetS is affected by aerobic exercise intensity.
Liquid-phase catalytic growth of graphene
Authors: Tian Pin , Tang Libin , Xiang Jinzhong , Lau Shu Ping , Yuan Shouzhang , Yang Dengquan , Li Lain-Jong , Teng Kar 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Ability to mass produce graphene at low cost is of paramount importance in bringing graphene based technologies into market. Here we report a facile liquid-phase catalytic growth of graphene suitable for mass production. Iodine tincture is used to catalyze graphene quantum dots to form graphene films at room temperature. Such method has many advantages, such as environment friendly, high yield, low cost and wide choice of substrates. Furthermore, bandgap of the graphene films is tunable by post-annealing. A photodetector based on the graphene films was developed and could response to a broad wavelength between 365 and 1200 nm. It exhibited detectivity and responsivity of up to 1.1x1013 cmHz1/2W-1 and 81.3 mAW-1 respectively. Hence, the graphene films demonstrated significant applications in the field of optoelectronics. Interestingly, surface of the graphene film prepared by this method has wrinkles that can also be explored for energy storage applications.
Designing and Conducting Initial Application of a Performance Assessment Model for in-Hospital Trauma Care
Authors: Mousazadeh Yalda , Sadeghi-Bazargani Homayoun , Janati Ali , Pouraghaei Mahboub , Rahmani Farzad , Sokhanvar Mobin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Trauma is a major cause of death worldwide, especially in developing countries. The increasing cost of health care and the differences in the quality of provided services indicates the need to assess trauma care. This study aimed to develop and use a performance assessment model for in-hospital trauma care with a focus on traffic injures.Methods: This multi-method study was conducted in three main phases of indicators determination, model development, and model application. Trauma care performance indicators were extracted through literature review and were confirmed using a two-round Delphi survey and experts’ perspective. Two focus group discussions and 16 semi-structured interviews were held to design the initial model. In the next step, components and final form of the model were confirmed following pre-determined factors including importance and necessity, simplicity, clarity, and relevance. Finally, the model was tested by applying it in a trauma center. Results: A total of 50 trauma care indicators were approved after reviewing the literature and obtaining the experts' views. The final model consisted of six components of assessment level, teams, methods, scheduling, frequency, and data source. The model application revealed problems of a selected trauma center in terms of information recording, patient deposition, some clinical services, waiting time for depositing, recording of medical errors and complications, patient follow-up, and patient satisfaction.Conclusion: Performance assessment with an appropriate model can identify deficiencies and failures of provided services in trauma centers. Understanding the current situation is one of the main requirements for designing any quality improvement programs.