bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mangrove mapping using Sentinel-1 data for improved decision support on sustainable conservation and restoration interventions in the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site, Ghana
Authors: Ashiagbor George , Asante Winston Adams , Quaye-Ballard Jonathan Arthur , Forkuo Eric Kwabena , Acheampong Emmanuel , Foli Ernest 
Published: July 2021

Despite the conservation importance of the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site (KLCRS), obtaining information on the extent and distribution of mangroves is challenging due to the unavailability of optical satellite data. This research explored Sentinel-1 radar data to provide information on mangrove distribution in the KLCRS. Global positioning system points from 443 training and 196 validation sites were used. In addition, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to corroborate information on mangrove distribution. Sentinel-1 data were processed for backscatter coefficients and two backscatter derivatives. These were stacked into a four-layer image composite and classified using a support vector machine. An overall classification accuracy of 89.28% was obtained. In addition, user and producer accuracies of 100 and 97.3% respectively were obtained for the mangrove class. The results show that mangroves occupy a total area of 41.02 km2 in the KLCRS and are mostly found around the Salo, Bomigo, Anyanui and Dzita communities. This study demonstrates the possibility of using Sentinel-1 imagery to map mangroves within the KLCRS. Thus, this study serves as a guideline for other data-constrained mangrove landscapes to map and monitor mangroves for conservation and restoration actions.
Contrasting genetic signal of recolonization after rainforest fragmentation in African trees with different dispersal abilities
Authors: Piñeiro Rosalía , Hardy Olivier J. , Tovar Carolina , Gopalakrishnan Shyam , Garrett Vieira Filipe , Gilbert M. Thomas P. 
Published: July 2021

SignificanceAlthough today the rainforest is continuous in Central Africa, the scarce fossil record suggests that arid conditions during the ice ages might have reduced tree density. However, the vast majority of the fossil pollen cores preserved in Tropical Africa are too young to inform about this period. Investigating whether the climate change left a genetic signature on trees can thus be useful to date past forest fragmentation. We use DNA technology to study five legume trees. Our results show significant differentiation of the populations of each species at a date compatible with forest fragmentation driven by ice age climatic oscillations. Contrasted timescales were obtained for each species, in agreement with different recolonization abilities in an expanding forest biome after fragmentation.
Tryptophan-metabolizing gut microbes regulate adult neurogenesis via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor
Authors: Wei George Zhang , Martin Katherine A. , Xing Peter Yuli , Agrawal Ruchi , Whiley Luke , Wood Thomas K. , Hejndorf Sophia , Ng Yong Zhi , Low Jeremy Zhi Yan , Rossant Janet , Nechanitzky Robert , Holmes Elaine , Nicholson Jeremy K. , Tan Eng-King , Matthews Paul M. , Pettersson Sven 
Published: July 2021

Significance
While the effects of gut microbes on brain development and function have been described, the mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we report that tryptophan-metabolizing gut microbes secrete indoles that regulate neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus. This stimulatory effect on adult neurogenesis is mediated by the metabolic- and immune-linked aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Another AhR ligand, the tryptophan metabolite kynurenine, failed to induce neurogenesis, suggesting ligand specificity of AhR-mediated regulation of adult neurogenesis. The indole-AhR signaling pathway elevates transcription factors and signaling proteins that promote adult neurogenesis, as well as key markers of synaptic maturation. Our data demonstrate a symbiotic gut–brain coregulatory axis that connects the metabolic status of gut microbes to the control of neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus.
A fluorescence-based genetic screen reveals diverse mechanisms silencing small RNA signaling in
E. coli
Authors: Chen Jiandong , To Leann , de Mets Francois , Luo Xing , Majdalani Nadim , Tai Chin-Hsien , Gottesman Susan 
Published: July 2021

Significance
The ability to promptly switch genes on and off allows bacteria to adapt rapidly to changing environments for better survival. Many small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs), including RyhB, a sRNA made in response to iron starvation, are important switches in bacteria. We discovered factors that can keep the sRNA switch off by using a facile genetic screen platform. These factors include an RNA sponge and an adaptor protein for a ribonuclease, providing distinct perspectives on controlling sRNA signaling in bacteria.
Dynamics and steady states of a tracer particle in a confined critical fluid
Authors: Gross Markus 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The dynamics and the steady states of a point-like tracer particle immersed in a confined critical fluid are studied. The fluid is modeled field-theoretically in terms of an order parameter (concentration or density field) obeying dissipative or conservative equilibrium dynamics and (non-)symmetry-breaking boundary conditions (BCs). The tracer, which represents, e.g., a colloidal particle, interacts with the fluid by locally modifying its chemical potential or its correlations. The coupling between tracer and fluid gives rise to a nonlinear and non-Markovian tracer dynamics, which is investigated here analytically and via numerical simulations for a one-dimensional system. From the coupled Langevin equations for the tracer-fluid system we derive an effective Fokker–Planck equation for the tracer by means of adiabatic elimination as well as perturbation theory within a weak-coupling approximation. The effective tracer dynamics is found to be governed by a fluctuation-induced (Casimir) potential, a spatially dependent mobility, and a spatially dependent (multiplicative) noise, the characteristics of which depend on the interaction and the BCs. The steady-state distribution of the tracer is typically inhomogeneous. Notably, when detailed balance is broken, the driving of the temporally correlated noise can induce an effective attraction of the tracer towards a boundary.
Seasonal prediction of Indian summer monsoon onset with echo state networks
Authors: Mitsui Takahito , Boers Niklas 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Although the prediction of the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) onset is of crucial importance for water-resource management and agricultural planning on the Indian sub-continent, the long-term predictability—especially at seasonal time scales—is little explored and remains challenging. We propose a method based on artificial neural networks that provides skilful long-term forecasts (beyond 3 months) of the ISM onset, although only trained on short and noisy data. It is shown that the meridional tropospheric temperature gradient in the boreal winter season already contains the signals needed for predicting the ISM onset in the subsequent summer season. Our study demonstrates that machine-learning-based approaches can be simultaneously helpful for both data-driven prediction and enhancing the process understanding of climate phenomena.
Effect of recycled aggregate on behaviour of tied reinforced fibrous rectangular short columns
Authors: Sahan Jabbar K , Sayhood Eyad K 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This study focuses on studying the behaviour of fibrous rectangular short columns (tied reinforced) using recycled coarse aggregate (f’c, ft, Ec, fr) is found by using recycled aggregates with comparison to normal aggregates with and without using steel fibres. For this purpose, five (5) tied short columns were cast (150 mm length x 150 mm width x 600mm height) with different percentage of recycled coarse aggregate (0%, 50%, 100%) and different percentage of steel fibre (0%, 0.5% and 1%). The study resulted that when adding the 50% normal aggregates with 50% recycled aggregates, a decrease of (10%, 18%, 30% and 22%) (compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength and elasticity module) respectively was observed, when replacing the100% normal aggregates with 100% recycled aggregates, a decrease of (30%, 35%, 58% and 63%) (Compressive strength f’c, splitting tensile strength ft, flexural strength fr and elasticity module Ec) respectively was observed. The changes in the compressive strength by adding steel fibres to the RAC by a proportion (0.5%, 1 %) resulted in a significant increase of about (14 %, 35 %), respectively.
Zoonotic Diseases in the eastern region of the Iraqi capital, between 2010-2016
Authors: Barrak A S , Saeed O A , Mohammed MTA 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
There are several cases in geographical areas with zoonotic diseases before they were evident due to evolving human and climate patterns. This study was carried out to identify diagnosis, emerging diseases, as well as epidemics and pandemics affected by the zoonotic disease in Al-Ressafa, Baghdad. Data was collected between the years 2010-2016 by the Food Research Institute, Public Health Directorate, Iraq. This study targeted emerging infective diseases such as anthrax, brucellosis, cutaneous leishmaniosis, hydatidosis, rabies, and toxoplasmosis. Out of 20797 involved cases were presented, 29% emerging from zoonotic diseases. The zoonotic diseases were included parasite, viral and bacterial 75.4, 0.70, and 23.9%, respectively. Brucellosis showed high-frequency infections during March, April, and May, while cutaneous leishmaniasis occurred between February and June. The number of cases showed the male cases were 52.4 %, while the female 47.6 %. Cutaneous leishmaniasis, toxoplasmosis, and hydatidosis cases were increased at the age between 10-19 years old. In conclusion, zoonotic diseases still common on the Eastern side of Baghdad
The adaptability of maize (Zea Mays l.) to drought tolerance by using Salicylic Acid (SA) foliar application under the middle area conditions of Iraq
Authors: Al Rawi Abdulnaser T. M. , Abdel Ghani Emad T. , Sabry Nawfal A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA field experiment is carried out in private farm of Silty loam textured soil, in Al-Latifiya, district southern Baghdad, Iraq during the spring season of 2018. The objective is to study Maize’s adaptability (Zea maysL.) plants to drought using water stress and Salicylic acid foliar application by determining some growth traits. A split-split plots system is used within Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The main plots include three irrigation treatments (IQ); 100% (full irrigation), 80% and 60% available water. The subplots involve four Salicylic acids (SA) concentrations; 0, 100, 200 and 300 mg.L-1. The results were as follows: The Salicylic acid (SA) has shown a clear significant effect in all characteristics. The (300 mg.L-1) concentration of SA gives the highest rates of growth traits. Similarly, the irrigation treatments have shown a clear significant effect on all traits. The full irrigation treatment gave highest rates on growth characteristics; leaf area (LA), leaf area index (LAI), plant’s height (PLH), number of leaves per plant (LN). Therefore, this study suggests the possibility of making Maise plants (Zea maysL.) more adaptable to drought tolerance using water stress and Salicylic acid foliar application. Such tolerance leads to reduce plant water requirement without significant effects on growth and yield characteristics as well.
Evaluation of some soil characteristics from field SPT values using random number generation technique
Authors: Kasim Mustafa Najdat , Raheem Aram Mohammed 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSeveral engineering attributes, such as soil strength and deformability, are very significant and are regarded as the basis of any sort of foundation design. In determining the vibration extent depending on the used soil numerical models, soil characteristics represented by the shear wave velocity, cohesion, angle of internal friction and Poisson’s ratio are crucial. Different kinds of parameters are identified in various used manuals in numerical modelling. The outputs of these numerical programs are commonly dependent on the input parameters. Thus, in the analysis of any geotechnical problem, the correct selection of rigorous values of the engineering properties of the soil is extremely serious. In this study, a set of field data for Standard Penetration Test (SPT) values has been collected from more than twenty different places in Kirkuk city. In addition, using the random number generation method, several empirical relationships of various soil properties have been advanced in terms of the spectrum of the collected SPT values. The functional benefit of the relationships developed can be used to validate the observed experimental geotechnical data integrated in the architecture of the different civil engineering ventures. As a result, for the SPT-N values ranged from 4 to 44, the predicted soil cohesion and angle of internal of friction increased from 17 kPa to 281 kPa and 4° to 38° respectively. As an overall evaluation, the shear wave velocity ranged from 72 (m/s) to 367 (m/s) whereas the field and predicted UCS varied from 60 kPa to 320 kPa and 54 kPa to 400 kPa respectively.
A Sustainable Framework to Reduce Traffic Accidents in Baghdad City
Authors: Abdulwahab Areej Muhy , Ismael Nabil T. , Aboud Ghufraan Mohammed 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Traffic accidents are the most critical problems related to safety and security in the city, and they have negative effects on human life and psychological, health, and economic impacts on people, society, and the city. After 2003, the number of cars increased in Iraqi cities and traffic accidents increased, as the number of traffic accidents in Iraqi cities reached between 8-11 thousand accidents annually during the period 2012-2018. The percentage of accidents in Baghdad Governorate 12.1 % of all incidents in Iraq, 66% of accidents in Baghdad Governorate are inside the Baghdad city (the capital), divided by 70 % in Rusafa and 30% in Karkh in 2017 and 2018. By preparing a questionnaire on the causes of accidents in Iraqi cities, it showed that the most important reasons are the lack of adherence to traffic laws and the weak knowledge of them and old laws and their non-conformity with technological developments and communications in the transport sector. The research proposes to develop an integrated framework that adopts sustainable transport along its social, institutional, and economic aspects to solve the problem of accidents in Baghdad city.
An outlook on deployment the storage energy technologies in iraq
Authors: Al-Mahdawi Emad 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This study aims to analyze and implement methods for storing electrical energy directly or indirectly in the Iraq National Grid to avoid electricity shortage. Renewable energy sources are changing with time and climatology conditions. Therefore, the impact of weather on power generated and demand using renewable energy is considerable. This issue becomes a new motivation for developing new energy storage systems independent of time and weather. Stored energy ensures the smooth and clean transmission of electricity in conditions where the delivery may be interrupted or mismatched. Storage energy technologies are intelligent as they diversify energy sources, develop economic growth and produce more jobs. Technologies like Redox Flow Batteries (RFB), Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS), Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) and other forms were analyzed within this study. The PHS mechanical indirect electrical energy storage system is a great way to store large amounts of off-peak energy; however, it faces geographical challenges when siting such a development. The paper has strongly recommended the PHS to be used in Iraq due to the unique characteristics of 20,000 cycles, 33 year lifespan, and 80% round trip efficiency. Although Iraq has two rivers, salinity and water management must take into consideration. The study also suggested that RFB and CAES can be added to the network. The future work will concentrate on employing biomass technology, protection and improving the life span of these technologies. Solar and Wind technologies are excluded, as many research papers are available online.
United kingdom energy survey considerations for enhancement of sustainable engineering
Authors: Al-Mahdawi Emad 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The UK is dedicated to dropping its greenhouse gas emissions by not less than 80% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. Therefore, the economy of the UK should be changed while confirming secure, low-carbon energy supplies to 2050. In most organizations, energy is one of the most substantial manageable costs. Energy-saving expands profitability along with reducing CO2 emissions and dropping impact on the environment. In this study, to determine the current energy usage of the gymnasium building, an Energy Survey was conducted at the facility assessing the following areas: a. Lighting and switching. b. Heating and Insulation. c. Appliances. d. Water usage. e. Windows. f. Building structure. These features are taken into the current study considerations for green buildings: Efficiently use of energy, availability of renewable energy sources, water resources, reduction in the waste, usage of non-toxic materials, enable reuse and recycling, good indoor air quality, and consider the quality of life of the occupants. The study provided several recommendations to reduce the energy usage of the fitness center. The results achieved a significant reduction in energy consumption at higher financial savings. From assumptions made by replacing all fluorescent luminaire tubes with compatible LED, the annual savings in energy would be approximately 104,000 kWh and a cost saving of £16,500. Replacing a 3 kW water heater with a 3 × 2 kW power shower, the total energy saving per year is 31937.5 kW that equate to £5078.06 and so on to other facilities.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Sustainability in Iraqi Construction Industry
Authors: Alsaeedi Firas , Lafta Mouhammed Jessam , Khattab Mustafa M. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) has gained great attention in construction management because it provides a significant benefit such as increasing project quality, providing accurate quantity take-offs, and improving scheduling, consequently diminishing total project contingencies and costs. There is a lack of research done for ether BIM application or sustainability in the construction industry in Iraq. Therefore, the goal of this research is to investigate the use of BIM applications for sustainable construction among designers and constructors in Iraq. An online survey was developed to determine the evidence for better understanding the current role of BIM by engineers and professionals as a tool in the fields of design and construction and its application toward enhancing sustainably built projects in the construction industry in Iraq. The survey results indicated that although the majority of the respondents believed that sustainable practices and BIM applications were important within their company, most still believed that the Iraqi construction firms did not apply the most recent technologies to enhance sustainability in construction in Iraq. Also, the result indicated that respondent firms were actively advised owners to apply sustainable methods during projects, however these firms were not willing to fund training courses on advanced sustainable practice developments for their staff.
Saline irrigation water matrix (siwm) to optimize crop productivity:- (a review)
Authors: Abdulhameed Isam M. , Malloki Hala Nadhem 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Due to water scarcity in the arid and semi-arid regions, it is necessary to find other renewable water alternatives to reduce its impact on the food security and drought environmental effects. Using the saline water is suitable especially in the regions containing huge quantities of this water; Iraqi Main Out Flow (MOF) discharges about 10 BCM of moderate saline water with water salinity ranging between (2.5 dS.m-1 to 10 dS.m-1) to the Arab gulf. Three salinity effects are osmotic, infiltration, and toxicity of special ions like chloride, sodium, and boron. Combining these effects with five field conditions, climate, crop tolerance, soil texture, field management, and irrigation system, constructs a matrix of three columns versus five rows representing the field conditions. This matrix is summarized any salinity effects on soil and crops. The current study aims to design and evaluate the Saline Irrigation Water Matrix (SIWM) referring to published studies that studying optimizing the use of saline water in irrigation. Many researchers recommend expanding in using these water resources to overcome food security and improve the environment by expanding green zones. The main conclusion can be summarized as a wide range of moderate saline water for irrigation proposes.
Improvement of the Ethanol activity by using leaves extract of Artemisia herb alba against Pseudomonas aeuroginosa
Authors: AlSalih Al-Bakri Salih Abdulridha , Abed Emaduldeen Hatem , Mohammed MTA , Ajeel Esraa Atea 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The current study objective to improve the influence of ethanol as antibacterial via mixing it with Artemisia herba-alba leaf extract by using a good diffusion method. Ethanol is well known as antimicrobial so that has been used as a hand sanitizer and disinfectant for a long time. Nowadays microbial resistance to disinfectants become a major problem in health care centers, Pseudomonas aeruginosa one of these microbes that tend to create biofilm in low concentrations of ethanol and considered a healthcare-associated pathogen causing nosocomial infections. Seven concentrations of ethanol 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20 and 10% were used and mixed with Artemisia herba-alba leaf extract at 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.12, 1.56 and 0.78 mg/ml in all concentration of ethanol. The results showed that the clear zone (C.Z.) of ethanol alone was 10, 10, 8 and 7 mm by using 70, 60, 50 and 40% respectively, well the low concentrations don't show any antibacterial effect. Additionally, the antibacterial of A. Herba-alba extracts also calculated, showing high C.Z. was 33, 29 and 27 mm at 50, 25 and 12.5 mg/ml, respectively. All the doses of mixture ethanol and A. Herba-alba extract showed a higher effect comparing to previous results, where 50 mg extract mixed with 70% and 60% ethanol showed C.Z. 39 mm also the low concentration of ethanol showed antibacterial effect up to 33 mm, Even 0.78 mg of extract show inducing in the effect of ethanol against P. Aeruginosa. In conclusion, mixing A. Herba-alba leaf extract can improve the antibacterial effect of ethanol.