bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antifungal Activity and Molecular Docking of Phenol, 2, 4-Bis (1, 1-Dimethylethyl) - Produced By Plant Growth-Promoting Mangrove Actinobacteria; Kutzneria Sp. Strain TSII
Authors: Devi Thangarasu Suganya , Vijay Karuppiah , RM Vidyavathi , Kumar Ponnuchamy , Govarthanan Muthusamy , Kavitha Thangavel 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The present study reveals the plant growth-promoting (PGP) potentials and characterizes the antifungal metabolites of Kutzneria sp. strain TSII isolated from mangrove sediment soil through in vitro and in silico studies. In this study, Kutzneria sp. strain TSII was screened for PGP activities and the antifungal activities against Pithomyces atro-olivaceous, a leaf spot associated pathogen in groundnut plants. The ethyl acetate extract of Kutzneria sp. strain TSII was purified using column chromatography, and the presence of various antimicrobial compounds was studied by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. In silico modeling and docking were carried out to evaluate the antifungal potent of bioactive compound. Kutzneria sp. strain TSII produced Proteases, Phosphatases, Ammonia, Siderophores, Cellulases, Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), Lipases, and Amylases, indicating its ability to enhance the growth of plants. The ethyl acetate extract of Kutzneria sp strain TSII was found to be a potent inhibitor of fungal mycelial growth in the potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates. The GC-MS spectral study showed 24 antimicrobial compounds belonging to five chemical groups: Phenolics, Phthalates, Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), Spiro, and Fatty alcohols. In silico docking studies showed that Phenol, 2, 4-Bis (1, 1-Dimethylethyl) – effectively attaches with the active site of mitochondrial F1F0 Adenosine triphosphate synthase enzymes of Pithomyces atro-olivaceous. Hence, it is clear that these antifungal compounds shall be formulated shortly to treat many plant fungal diseases in an eco-friendly manner.
Fine Mapping and Candidate Gene Analysis For A Novel Male-Sterile Mutant Ms40 in Maize
Authors: Xiaowei Liu , Yujing Yue , Zicheng Gu , Qing Huang , Zijin Pan , Zhuofan Zhao , Mingmin Zheng , Zhiming Zhang , Chuan Li , Cao Moju 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Maize male sterile mutant 40 (ms40) was obtained from the progeny of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) treated inbred line RP125. Genetic analysis showed that it was controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene. Cytological observation of anthers revealed that abnormal cuticles and disappearing of Ubisch bodies presented in ms40. Moreover, its tapetum exhibited delayed degradation and blocked the formation of abnormal microspore. Using map-based cloning, ms40 locus was located in a 282-kb interval on chromosome 4, five annotated genes were predicted within this region. PCR-based sequencing detected a single nonsynonymous SNP (G>A) which changed glycine (G) to arginine (A) in the seventh exon of Zm00001d053895, while no difference was found for the other four genes between ms40 and RP125. Zm00001d053895 encodes the bHLH transcription factor bHLH51 which protein was located at nuclear. Phylogenetic analysis presented that bHLH51 had the highest homology with Sb04g001650, a tapetum degeneration retardation (TDR) bHLH transcription factor in Sorghum bicolor. Co-expression analysis exposed a total of 1192 genes coexpressed with Zm00001d053895 in maize, 647 out of 1192 were anther-specific genes. In summary, these findings are conducive to the marker-assisted selection of ms40 in hybrid breeding and laid a foundation for further studies on the mechanisms of male fertility.
Outlining the Prior Infection with SARS-CoV-2 study (PICOV) - preliminary findings on symptoms in nursing home residents and staff.
Authors: Goossens Maria E. , Neven Kristof Y. , Pannus Pieter , Barbezange Cyril , Thomas Isabelle , Gucht Steven Van , Dierick Katelijne , Schmickler Marie-Noëlle , Verbrugghe Mathieu , Loon Nele Van , Ariën Kevin K , Marchant Arnaud , Goriely Stanislas , Desombere Isabelle 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 has presented itself as one of the most important health concerns of 2020. The geriatric population is arguably hit the hardest by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The ”Prior Infection with SARS-COV-2” (PICOV) study investigates both residents and staﬀ members from nursing homes. The primary aim of the study is to compare the time to occurrence of an inﬂuenza-like illness (ILI) or acute respiratory infection (ARI) between participants with a conﬁrmed past SARS-CoV-2 infection and those without an infection. This paper details the study design, sampling scheme, biological measurements, and population characteristics at baseline.Methods: In 26 Belgian nursing homes, all eligible residents and staﬀ members with or without a past SARS-CoV-2 infection (ratio 40/60) were invited to participate. Consent was obtained from 1,375 participants and 1,226 completed the baseline questionnaire. Prevalence of symptoms during a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection was compared between residents and staﬀ members with χ2 statistics.Results: Nursing home residents (both with and without a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection) systematically reported fewer symptoms than staﬀ members. Moreover, results from prior nasopharyngeal RT-qPCR and baseline serology show that antibody development after a SARS-CoV-2 infection diﬀers between residents and staﬀ members.Conclusions: We can postulate that disease development and symptoms is diﬀerent between a geriatric and younger population. Therefore, the occurrence and severity of a future ILI and/or ARI might vary from resident to staﬀ.
Associated factors of sexual and gender based violence among female high school students in Debre Markos Town, North West Ethiopia: an institutionally based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ashebir Wassachew , Ayichew Abiot 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) continues to be a concern of health, sexual and reproductive rights, sustainable peace and development issue that cuts across boundaries, cultural backgrounds and socio-economic groups to touch individuals of every sort around the world. SGBV remains one of the greatest inequalities of our time that takes life, violates the right they are entitled with, and seriously endangers women and girl’s mental and physical wellbeing, as well as sexual and economical security. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of sexual and gender based violence among female high school students in Debre Markos Town, North West Ethiopia:. Methods: An institutionally based-cross-sectional study was conducted among 309 randomly selected female high school students in Debre Markos Town. Data was collected using self- administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression with odds ratio and 95% confidence interval to identify factors associated with sexual and gender based violence. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05.Results: The lifetime prevalence of GBV, sexual violence, and physical violence were found to be 47.0, 23.3, and 39.5%, respectively. The prevalence of sexual violence in the current academic year was 13.2%. Ever drink alcohol (AOR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.18–0.86), have friends using substances (AOR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.09–0.82), Grade level (AOR = 3.15; 95% CI: 1.32–7.48), witnessing parental conflict (AOR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.17–0.52), ever discuss gender related issues (AOR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.31–3.78) and living condition of students (AOR = 3.53; 95% CI: 1.55–8.07) were significantly associated with gender-based violence.Conclusion: The prevalence of sexual and gender-based-violence was high. This needs further intervention like awareness creation at school and community settings should be strengthened.
An Infrared Dim Target Detection Algorithm based on Density Peak Search and Region Consistency
Authors: Zhang Baohua , Zhu Jinhui , Lu XIAOQI , Gu Yu , Li Jianjun , Liu Xin , Zhang Ming 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
To suppress background clutter and improve detection accuracy, this paper propose a dim target detection algorithm based on density peak search and region consistency. Firstly the density peak search algorithm is used to extract the candidate targets. And then the candidate targets are classified and marked according to the local mosaic probability factor, which is important to suppress the background clutter and accurately strip the candidate target region from the background. Considering the regional stability of the dim targets, local mosaic gradient factors are used to screen real targets from the candidate targets, and then facet kernel filter is used to extract the irregular contours of the dim targets, and as a result, the targets can be enhanced. The experimental results show that compared with the existing algorithms, the proposed method has better detection accuracy and stronger robustness in different complex scenarios.
Greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation potential of hybrid maize seed production in northwestern China
Authors: Liu Dan , Zhang Wushuai , Wang Xiaozhong , Guo Yanjun , Chen Xinping 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Although hybrid maize seed production is one of the most important agriculture systems worldwide, its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and potential mitigation measures have not been studied. In this study, we used life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify the GHG emissions of 150 farmers run by 6 companies in an area of northwest China known for hybrid maize seed production. The results indicated that the average reactive nitrogen (Nr) losses and GHG emissions from hybrid maize seed production were 53 kg N ha− 1 and 8077 kg CO2 eq ha− 1, respectively, which are higher than those of the conventional maize production system. Furthermore, the average nitrogen and carbon footprints of the process were 12.2 kg N Mg− 1 and 1495 kg CO2 eq Mg− 1, respectively. Nitrogen fertilizer and electricity consumption for irrigation were the main contributors to high GHG emissions, accounting for 60% and 30% of the total, respectively. The GHG emissions from seed production for different companies varied greatly with their resource input. There was also a large variation in environmental burdens among the 150 farmers. Based on an analysis of the yield group, we found that the carbon footprint of the first group (the one with the highest yield) was 27% lower than the overall average. Scenario analysis suggests that a combined reduction of N input rate, optimizing irrigation, and increasing yield can eventually mitigate the carbon footprint of hybrid maize seed production by 37%. An integrated systematic approach (e.g., ISSM: integrated soil-crop system management) can reduce the GHG emissions involved in producing hybrid maize seeds. This study provides quantitative evidence and a potential strategy for GHG emissions reduction of hybrid maize seed production.
Cartesian-closedness and Subcategories of (L,M)-fuzzy Q-convergence Spaces
Authors: Pang Bin , Zhang Lin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we first construct the function space of ( L,M )-fuzzy Q-convergence spaces to show the Cartesian-closedness of the category ( L,M )- QC of ( L,M )-fuzzy Q-convergence spaces. Secondly, we introduce several subcategories of ( L,M )- QC , including the category ( L,M )- KQC of ( L,M )-fuzzy Kent Q-convergence spaces, the category ( L,M )- LQC of ( L,M )-fuzzy Q-limit spaces and the category ( L,M )- PQC of ( L,M )-fuzzy pretopological Q-convergence spaces, and investigate their relationships.
Effect of passenger uncertainty on the inertial properties of a railway coach
Authors: Gao Xue-jun , Li Yinghui 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The rotation transformation matrix and translation transformation matrix are derived. They are combined to study the variation of inertial properties of the loaded coach with seating and standing passengers. After that, a CRH2 (China Railway Highspeed) motor coach and Chinese adults in statistical terms are illustrated for precise modelling. It is indicated that CG (Center of Gravity) positions and moments of inertia are all close to linear varying with passenger numbers but at different slopes before and after full-load. It is also found that yaw moment of inertia and pitch moment of inertia are highly correlated. The mass has larger correlation on CG z than CG x and CG y, and larger correlation on roll moment of inertia than yaw and pitch moment of inertia. It may offer some instructions and reference for more realistic simulation of railway vehicle dynamics and measure experiments.
Perception of University students towards National Efforts at Controlling COVID-19 Pandemics, The Practice of Prevention Measures and its Associated Factors During School Reopening
Authors: Tadese Mesfin , Desta Saba , Mihretie Abebe , Beyene Assalif , Tsegaw Birhan , Yeshaneh Alex , Misganaw Worku 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the whole communities, including students. University students are more dynamic and energetic than older ones so that they are more susceptible to contract and spread the virus. Up-to-date information about the disease, preventive methods, its spread, and government-issued advisories are crucial for containing an outbreak. Thus, the study aimed to assess the perception of students towards national efforts at controlling COVID-19 pandemics, the practice of prevention measures, and its associated factors during school reopening, Northeast Ethiopia.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Debre Berhan University students from December 1 to 15/2020, when students just get back to school. Multistage sampling technique was applied to recruit 682 participants. Epi-Data version 4.6 and SPSS version 25 software was used for data entry and analysis, respectively. The perception and practice of the participants were assessed using a scoring system. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to detect significant (p ≤0.05) predictors of COVID-19 prevention practice.Result: The overall high perception and good practice of prevention behaviors were 32%, 95% CI (28.8–35.2), and 37.5%, 95% CI (33.7–41.2), respectively. Being female (AOR (CI) =1.67(1.17-2.37), rural residence (AOR (CI)= 1.56(1.07-2.29), fathers’ education (AOR (CI)= 1.94(1.06-3.56), having respiratory disease (AOR (CI)= 2.81(1.32-5.95), and information source from YouTube (AOR (CI)= 1.87(1.19-2.91) were significant factors of COVID-19 prevention practice. Besides, high perception towards national efforts at controlling COVID-19 (AOR (CI)= 2.94(2.04-4.25) was positively associated with the practice of prevention measures.Conclusion: During school reopening, most students had a low perception towards national efforts at controlling COVID-19 and poor prevention practice. Socio-demographics, having a chronic illness, information source, and perception towards national efforts were factors of COVID-19 prevention practice. Thus, raising the perception about the national efforts, promoting precautionary measures, managing chronic illnesses, and disseminating information through YouTubes are critical to prevent and control COVID-19 among students during school reopening.
A Method for Assessing Axial and Temporal Effects of the Leaf Sheath on the Flexural Stiffness of the Maize Stem
Authors: Hale Jared , Webb Spencer , Hale Nathan , Stubbs Christopher , Cook Douglas D 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The leaf sheath of many plants has been observed to influence both stiffness of the stem and ultimate strength. The leaf sheath has been implicated in studies of maize “greensnap” (or “brittle-snap”) failure. However, but the influence of the sheath is still not well understood and few methods exist for studying the influence of the sheath. The goal of this study was to develop a method for assessing longitudinal and temporal patterns of sheath influence on flexural stiffness. This metric of flexural stiffness was chosen because it is non-destructive and has been shown to be highly predictive of bending strength. Results: A three-point bending test method was successfully developed for assessing the influence of the sheath on flexural stiffness. The method relies upon comparisons between pairs of tests at the same location (sheath present vs. absent). The influence of the sheath was statistically significant in all varieties tested. The test method provided insights into the longitudinal and spatial variation of sheath influence: sheath influence appears to be closely related to maturity since both spatial and temporal patterns of influence mirror the sigmoidal maturation patterns previously observed in maize stalks. Conclusions: The paired nature of this test method increases statistical significance while the non-destructive feature of this test allows for multiple tests along the length of the stalk. This method can be used to provide new insightsregarding how the leaf sheath influences stalk flexibility (and therefore strength). Preliminary results indicate that the influence of the sheath changes over the life span of the plant in parallel with maturation patterns. However, further studies will be needed to confirm this hypothesis more broadly and to study additional issues such as heritability and the influce of genotype and environment on sheath influence.
Inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi and irrigation management shaped the bacterial and fungal communities and networks in vineyard soils
Authors: Torres Nazareth , Yu Runze , Kurtural Kurtural 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Vineyard-living microbiota play a relevant role in supporting grapevine health and adaptation to changing environments and determining the biological quality of soils that strongly influence the wine quality and characteristics. However, management practices may shape the abundance and interactions of bacteria and fungi in vineyard soils. We conducted this experiment to assess whether the vineyard soil microbiome was altered by different management practices with the use of biostimulants (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation vs. non-inoculated) and/or irrigation management (full irrigated vs. half irrigated). Results: Bacterial and fungal communities in vineyard soils were shaped by both time course and soil management (i.e. use of biostimulants or irrigation). Regarding alpha diversity, fungal communities were more responsive to treatments whereas changes on beta diversity were mainly recorded in the bacterial communities. Edaphic factors rarely influenced bacterial and fungal communities. Microbial network analyses suggested that the bacterial associations were weaker than the fungal ones under half irrigation and that the inoculation with AMF led to the increase of positive associations between vineyard soil-living microbes. Conclusion: Our results indicated different sensibilities within microbial communities living in vineyards, as well as, how they changed during the season, and in response to management practices. Moreover, results highlighted the need of more studies leading with the effect of management practices, especially the addition of AMF, to cropping systems to fully understand the factors that drive their variability, strengthen beneficial microbial networks and achieved a better soil quality that improves crop performance.
Corrosion effects on high-cycle fatigue lifetime and fracture behavior for heat-treated aluminum-matrix nano-clay-composite compared to piston aluminum alloy
Authors: Aroo Hanieh , Azadi Mohammad , Azadi Mahboobeh 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this research, the corrosion effect has been investigated on the high-cycle fatigue lifetime and the fracture behavior for the heat-treated aluminum-matrix nano-clay-composite and piston aluminum alloys. For this objective, after fabricating stir-casted nano-clay-composite, standard samples were machined and rotary bending fatigue tests were performed. To study the corrosion effect, some specimens were corroded in in the 0.00235% H2SO4 solution after 200 hours and then, they were tested under cyclic bending loading. Due to increase in the hardness by adding nano-clay particles and the heat treatment, higher fatigue strength occurred, compared to the base material. Nano-clay particles shortened the fatigue lifetime; however, this effect was less in the corrosion-fatigue lifetime. Moreover, the failure mechanism was the brittle fracture behavior due to the observation of quasi-cleavage and cleavage marks.
Hydrochemical Characteristics, Toxic Element Sources, and Health Risk Assessment of Surface Waters in the Amu Darya Basin of Uzbekistan, arid Central Asia
Authors: Zhan Shuie , Wu Jinglu , Jin Miao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
As the core of arid Central Asia, Uzbekistan is experiencing prominent water scarcity with increasingly warming climate and accelerated human impact. To determine the hydrochemical characteristics and sources of toxic elements, as well as to assess water quality and health risks in Uzbekistan, 55 surface water samples were collected from the Amu Darya Basin of Uzbekistan (ADBU) and monitored for 20 parameters. A hierarchical cluster analysis showed that river water samples from the middle reach and Amu Darya Delta (ADD) were dominantly HCO3-Ca and SO4-Ca·Mg type, respectively. While the water samples collected near the former shoreline of the ADD and sewage outlets were dominantly Cl-Ca·Mg and Cl-Na types, which were consistent with the distribution of sites with high concentrations of toxic elements, seriously affected by human activities. Furthermore, principal component analysis indicated that the toxic elements of Pb and Cd in surface waters of the ADBU had industrial origins; local agricultural activities were considered to have contributed much of the NO3, Zn, Ni, Hg and Mn through pesticides and fertilizers; and Cu, Cr, As, and Co were controlled by mixed anthropogenic and natural sources. The results of water quality and health risk assessment also suggested that unsuitable drinking waters were displayed near the former shoreline of the ADD region and sewage outlets, and human health risks also occurred these areas.
Preparation of polyethyleneimine modification of flower molybdenum disulfide composite(PEI/MoS2) adsorbent and studying it enriched and reduction property for hexavalent chromium from wastewater
Authors: Tang Miao Shan , Chen Jian hua , Wang JingMei , Lin Qiao Jing , Fang Li Jun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this study, flower molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) was surface-modified with polyethyleneimine(PEI) to prepare PEI/MoS2 composite adsorbents for Cr(VI) enrichment in aqueous solution. The physicochemical properties of PEI/MoS2 were characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, BET and XPS methods. The influences of PEI loading, solution pH, contact time, adsorption temperature, and initial Cr(VI) ion concentration on the adsorption performance of PEI/MoS2 for Cr(VI) were investigated. Under the optimal conditions, and the initial Cr(VI) ion concentration is 50 mg L− 1, the adsorption capacity of PEI/MoS2 is 120.7 mg g− 1. The adsorption rate is fast, equilibrium time is 6 h. Competitive adsorption studies of the Cr(VI), Co(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) quaternion system were also investigated, the results indicated that selectively adsorbed amount of Cr(VI) on PEI/MoS2 is significantly higher than that of Co(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) ions. The adsorption process was spontaneous and conformed to Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second kinetic model. The consecutive adsorption-desorption experiments indicated that the PEI/MoS2 has excellent reusability.