bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Xylose Release From Sunflower Stalk by Coupling Autohydrolysis and Enzymatic Post-Hydrolysis
Authors: HALICI-DEMİR Fatmagül , AKPINAR Özlem 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to obtain xylose-based fermentation media from autohydrolysis liquors of sunflower stalk by using commercial xylanase formulation. Xylose is generally produced from xylan by diluted acid hydrolysis that causes the formation of some unwanted compounds during the process. As an alternative to dilute acid hydrolysis method, enzymatic hydrolysis of xylan can provide more specific hydrolysis under moderate conditions and does not cause the formation of undesirable compounds. In this study, xylose production carried out with Trichoderma longibrachiatum xylanase on solubilized xylan form of sunflower stalk, which was hydrothermally pretreated for 1 hour at 160ºC. The effects of substrate concentration and enzyme activity were investigated for the production of xylose. To obtain a high xylose yield and selectivity, the optimization study was conducted by the response surface methodology. The optimum substrate concentration and enzyme activity were found as 60 mg ds/mL CAL and 234 U/mL, respectively. Under the optimum condition, xylose yield and selectivity were found to be 69.5% and 8.2 g/g, respectively. This study showed that xylose could be produce with a high yield without requiring a neutralization process and corrosive chemical reagent apart from water.
Limit Analysis, Numerical and Physical Modelling of Pile Stabilized Slopes
Authors: Mazaheri Ahmadreza , Alipour Rasoul , Paknahad Masoud 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Vast researches have been performed in the field of earth slope stability analysis including limit equilibrium, strength reduction, and limit analysis methods. All the available methods present slope safety factors in a range with a bit of difference and confirm each other. Validation of analytical results performs with instrumentation in actual slopes existing in the field. Also, another approach that uses for validating results is experimental modeling. The physical modeling requires manufacturing of the intended model in the laboratory concerning the reducing effect of dimensions on the other parameters. This paper investigates slope safety factors against sliding by simulating the slopes in the laboratory and with an image processing system. The test container has dimensions of 1.5×1.5×2 m. The results have illustrated the crest displacement in reinforced slope, with increasing slope angle 13 degrees, is 30 mm in the experimental test and 13 mm in numerical modeling. In the unreinforced slopes, when the slope angle increased by 8 degrees, the experiment test failed, and the factor of safety in the numerical modeling is less than one.
COVID-19 and all-cause-mortality; differential trends between countries and selected states of India
Authors: Menon Jaideep C , Rakesh P Suseela , Bharti Omesh K , Mishra Kaushik , Swain Basanta K , Raina Sunil K , John Denny , Janakiraman Chandrasekhar , Banerjee Amitava 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: By 22nd January 2021, the SARS-CoV-2 virus had infected over 98 million and 10.6 million individuals globally and in India, with 1.7 million and 153, 067 deaths, respectively1. Case Fatality rates (CFR) due to COVID 19 have varied significantly between countries. In order to understand the true impact of the pandemic, we should report coronavirus (COVID-19) mortality in the context of all-cause and non-COVID-19 mortality, and compare with previous years. The consequences of the pandemic have been, and will be, different in different settings within and across countries.Objectives: To compare the all-cause mortality in the year 2020 with previous years in three selected states of India correlate it to the burden of COVID19 and compare all-cause mortality between three states of India to four high income countries.We also compared the number of cases, deaths, CFR, prevalence of NCDs per million and the proportion of population > age 65 in India to four high income countries (HIC)- the UK, US, Spain and Italy.Methods: We provide quantitative data in three states across India (Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and Odisha) and compare with high-income countries to illustrate the importance of context-specific data monitoring and public health responses.Results: There was a 1.9% increase in deaths, with 2.8% decrease in births in 2020, compared to 2019 in Himachal Pradesh, 13.3 and 9.2% decrease in Kerala and 16.7% and 21.4% decrease in Odisha.Conclusion: There was a direct correlation of all cause mortality to CFR on comparison between three states of India and despite the enormous burden of COVID19 in India all-cause mortality was lower compared to previous years in addition to the CFR due to COVID 19 being lower than in selected HICs.
Adsorption characteristics of Cr6+ on microalgae immobilized by different carriers
Authors: Chen Ran , Wang Junjun , Fan Ling , Cui Linlin , Zhang Yejuan , Wu Xueling , Li Jiaokun , Zeng Weimin , Shen Li 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
To solve the problem of harvesting microalgae during heavy metal adsorption, six different carriers were selected in this study to compare the adsorption behavior of microalgae after immobilization. The optimal immobilized carrier-chitosan was obtained under the following conditions of chitosan: acetic acid (2:40), microalgae concentration (10 8 cells/mL), and immobilization time (18 h). The optimal adsorption conditions were as follows: temperature: 30°C, pH: 5.0, adsorption dose: 1.5 g/L, initial ion concentration: 40 mg/L. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that the specific functional groups of the specific microalgae played an important role in the adsorption process. The kinetic and isothermal model data showed that the adsorption process was mainly chemical adsorption and homogeneous monolayer adsorption. Moreover, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed that the Cr adsorption process involves the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III).
Toxicity of chlortetracycline and oxytetracycline on Vallisneria natans (Lour.) Hare
Authors: Li Jing , Yang Lu , Wu Zhonghua 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Tetracyclines are frequently detected in water bodies due to their widespread use in aquaculture and animal husbandry. A hydroponic experiment was conducted to explore the phytotoxic effects of Vallisneria natans (Lour.) Hare exposed to various concentrations of chlortetracycline (CTC) and oxytetracycline (OTC) (0, 0.1, 1, 10, 30, 50 and 100 mg/L) for 7 days (7 D) and 14 days (14 D), respectively. The results showed that similar to OTC treatment for 7 D, the relative growth rates (RGR) and catalase (CAT) activity of V. natans , after 7 D of CTC exposure, decreased significantly at 10 mg/L and 30 mg/L, respectively. The content of soluble protein notably decreased when CTC ≥ 10mg/L and OTC ≥ 30mg/L. The hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) content was significantly stimulated when OTC ≥ 10mg/L, while it hardly changed when exposed to CTC. After 14 D, the malondialdehyde (MDA) and H 2 O 2 contents of V. natans were significantly higher than those of the control group under high concentration of OTC (≥ 30mg/L), but they didn’t change significantly under high concentration of CTC. The activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), under CTC treatment after 14 D, showed first a significant increase then decrease, the maximum value (125% of the control) was notice at 10 mg/L CTC, while it remained unchanged when exposed to OTC. The soluble protein content significantly decreased at 10 mg/L CTC and 0.1 mg/L OTC, respectively. The RGR, CAT and peroxidase (POD) activities, similar to OTC treatment after 14 D, decreased evidently when CTC was 10 mg/L, 30 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L, respectively. CTC and OTC harm the chlorophyll content of V. natans after 14 D, and the reduction of chlorophyll a and carotenoid were more pronounced than chlorophyll b. The results suggest that CTC and OTC both have negative effect on the growth of V. natans , and OTC can cause oxidative damage in V. natans but CTC harm the metabolism process without inducing oxidative damage. Overall, the toxicity of OTC to V. natans is stronger than that of CTC.
Nocturnal digital surveillance in aged populations and its effects on health, welfare and social care provision: a systematic review
Authors: Richardson Matt X. , Ehn Maria , Stridsberg Sara Landerdahl , Redekop Ken , Wamala-Andersson Sarah 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThis systematic review summarized the effects of nocturnal digital surveillance technologies on health, welfare and social care provision outcomes in populations ≥ 50 years, compared to standard care.Primary studies published 2005-2020 that assessed these technologies were identified in 11 databases of peer-reviewed literature and numerous grey literature sources. Five publications out of 629 met inclusion criteria. The Risk of Bias 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools were used for quality assessment. ResultHealth-related outcomes (e.g. injuries, unexplained absences) and social care outcomes (e.g. staff burden) did not differ between interventions and standard care. Quality of life and affect showed improvement with some interventions, as did economic outcomes in one setting. The quality of studies was low however, with a serious to critical risk of bias. ConclusionWe found little evidence for the benefit of nocturnal digital surveillance interventions as compared to standard care in several key outcomes. Higher quality intervention studies should be prioritized in future research to provide more reliable evidence.
Solving the Conundrum of Active Site Density of PGM-free ORR Catalysts in situ Fuel Cells Using Fourier Transform Alternating Current Voltammetry
Authors: Snitkoff Rifael , Friedman Ariel , Yurko Yan , Zelenay Piotr , Bond Alan , Elbaz Lior 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Advances in the development of Pt-group metal-free (PGM-free) catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells produced active catalysts that allow to reduce the performance gap to the incumbent Pt-based materials. However, the utilization of the state-of-the-art PGM-free catalysts in commercial applications is currently impeded by their relatively low durability. Methods designed to study catalyst degradation in operating fuel cells are critical for the understanding and ultimately solving the durability issues. This work is the first report on the use of Fourier-transformed alternating current voltammetry (FTacV) as an electrochemical method for accurately quantifying the electrochemical site density of PGM-free ORR catalysts, and following their degradation during the operation of polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Using this method we were capable of detecting changes in performance of electrochemically active species (electrocatalytic centers in this case), allowing us, for the first time, to calculate the electrochemical active site density (EASD) which is necessary for the elucidation of the degradation mechanisms of PGM-free ORR catalysts in situ fuel cells.
MOF-Based Nanoagent Enables NIR-Triggered Dual Damage to Mitochondria via Synergistically Reinforced Oxidative Stress and Calcium Overload
Authors: Tian Zhiyuan , Bao Weier , Liu Ming , Meng Jiaqi , Liu Siyuan , Wang Shuang , Jia Rongrong , Wang Yugang , Ma Guanghui , Wei Wei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We herein developed a core-shell type antitumor nanoagent based on the synergistically reinforced oxidative stress and calcium overload to mitochondria, both of which were triggered by near-infrared (NIR) light. The folic acid (FA) moiety decorated on MOF shells enabled efficient cellular uptake of nanoagents. The upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) core converted NIR light to ultraviolet (UV) light with the latter catalyzed Fe3+-to-Fe2+ reduction and simultaneously activated the photoacid generator encapsulated in the cavities of MOFs, which enabled the release of free Fe2+ and photoacidification of intracellular microenvironment, respectively. The overexpressed H2O2 in the mitochondria, highly reactive Fe2+ and acidic milieu synergistically reinforced Fenton reactions for producing lethal hydroxyl radicals in mitochondria. Moreover, the photoacidification of plasma induced calcium influx, leading to calcium overload in the mitochondria. The therapeutic potency of the nanoagent based on the dual mitochondrial damage has been unequivocally confirmed in cell- and patient-derived tumor xenograft models in vivo.
Exploring the Drivers of Vaccine Hesitancy Toward Childhood and Adolescent Vaccination in Malawi: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Adeyanju Gbadebo Collins , Betsch Cornelia , Adamu Abdu A. , Gumbi Khadijah Sanusi , Head Michael G , Aplogan Aristide , Tall Haoua , Essoh Tene-Alima 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Vaccine hesitancy is the delay or refusal of vaccines despite the availability of vaccination services. Although it is considered an important global health threat, it has only rarely been systematically studied within the African context. In this study, we explored the factors that influence vaccine hesitancy among caregivers of children and adolescent girls that are eligible for routine childhood immunisation and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Malawi. Methods: The study employed a qualitative exploratory research design. In-depth information was obtained from caregivers of children and adolescent girls eligible for routine immunisation (RI) and the HPV vaccine, respectively, as well as national and district-level representatives of the expanded program on immunisation (EPI) and community stakeholders through key informant interviews and focus-group discussions. These participants were purposively selected using predefined criteria A total of 25 key informant interviews and two focus-group discussions with 13 participants were conducted. Data collection took place between April 20 and May 24, 2020. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then analysed using a thematic content analysis approach. Results: The study shows that most of the vaccine-hesitancy drivers for RI also influenced the newly introduced HPV vaccine. Such drivers were inadequate awareness of the vaccination schedule, rumours and conspiracy theories exacerbated by religious beliefs, inability to translate knowledge and attitudes into actual vaccination behaviour, low literacy levels of caregivers, complacency occasioned by the stress of distance and transportation logistics, and disconnection between the community healthcare system and community leaders, among others. Conclusion: This study provides deeper insights into the determinants of vaccine hesitancy within the Malawian context. The findings can inform the design of context-specific interventions by decision-makers. While the study provided behavioural insights regarding vaccination behaviour in Malawi, there is need for further quantitative studies that can assess the prevalence of the determinants as well as their causal relationships to vaccine uptake.
Natural phage communities crosslink different species within the genus Staphylococcus
Authors: Goeller Pauline , Elsener Tabea , Lorgé Dominique , Radulovic Natasa , Bernardi Viona , Naumann Annika , Amri Nesrine , Khatchatourova Ekaterina , Coutinho Felipe Hernandes , Loessner Martin , Gómez-Sanz Elena 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The importance of the bacteriophage host range builds on its role as an innate barrier, which defines the phages’ impact on bacterial communities and genome diversity. Yet, little is known about host range natural patterns. We characterize 94 novel staphylococcal phages from wastewater and establish their host range on a diversified panel of 117 staphylococci from 29 species. Using this high-resolution phage-bacteria interaction matrix, we unveil a multi-species host range as a dominant trait of the isolated staphylococcal phages. Phage genome sequencing shows this pattern to prevail irrespective of taxonomy. Network analysis between phage-infected bacteria revealed that hosts from multiple species, ecosystems, and drug-resistance phenotypes share numerous phages. This could promote genetic mobilization facilitated by many transfer routes. Lastly, we demonstrate that phages throughout this network package foreign genetic material at various frequencies. Our findings defy a strong host specialism of phages and highlight great possibilities for horizontal gene transfer.
Spatiotemporal Effects of Urban Sprawl on Habitat Quality in the Pearl River Delta from 1990 To 2018
Authors: Wu Jiansheng , Li Xuechen , Luo Yuhang , Zhang Danni 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Since the implementation of the Chinese economic reforms, economic development in the coastal cities has resulted in serious degradation of habitat quality; however, the concept of "ecological civilization" has improved this situation. For quantitative analysis of the correlation between the Pearl River Delta urban expansion and changes in habitat quality under the influence of the policy, we first analyzed the habitat quality change based on the InVEST model and then measured the impact of construction land expansion on the habitat quality through habitat quality change index (HQCI) and contribution index (CI) indicators. Finally, the correlation between urbanization level and habitat quality was evaluated using geographically weighted regression (GWR) and the Self-organizing feature mapping neural network (SOFM). The results indicated that: (1) during the study period, the habitat quality index decreased from 0.7181 to 0.6672 owing to urban expansion, and the decrease was most significant from 2000 to 2010. (2) The urbanization index had a negative effect on the habitat quality, but this improved after 2000, reflecting the positive effect of policies such as "ecological civilization construction" (3) The importance of ecological civilization varies greatly among cities in the study area: Shenzhen, Dongguan, Foshan, and Zhongshan have the best level of green development. These results reflect the positive role of policies in the prevention of damage to habitat quality caused by economic development and provide a reference for the formulation of sustainable urban development policies with spatial differences.
The potential neuroprotective effect of allicin and melatonin in acrylamide-induced brain damage in rats
Authors: Edres Hanan A. , Taha Nabil M. , lebda Mohamed A. , Elfeky Mohamed S. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Acrylamide (ACR) is an unsaturated monomer that entered in various fields however, it is a potent neurotoxic. The present study target is to explore the neuroprotective efficacy of allicin and melatonin on ACR-induced neurotoxicity. Thirty-six male adult rats were non-selectively separated into six groups: placebo, allicin (20 mg/kg b.w daily per os), melatonin (10 mg/kg b.w 3 times/week per os), ACR (50 mg/kg b.w daily per os), ACR + allicin and ACR + melatonin with the same doses. The assessment of brain biomarkers, neurotransmitters, antioxidative status, Nrf2 signalling pathway, and histopathological analyses were performed following 21 days. ACR exposure enhanced the brain lipid and DNA oxidative damage as well as a reduction in the GSH levels. The obvious brain oxidative injuries was contributed to distinct brain dysfunction that was assured by alteration of brain neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine, and acetylcholinesterase), and pathological brain lesions. Furthermore, ACR exposure increased hydroxy deoxy guanosine (8-OHdG), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and amyloid protein (AB-42). Finally, the mRNA transcripts of brain Keap-1, Nrf2, and NF-kB were up regulated after ACR intoxication. Interestingly, allicin and melatonin alleviated the ACR-induced brain damage assessed by normalization of the mentioned analyses. The present study demonstrated the protective role of both allicin and melatonin on ACR-prompted neuropathy by alleviation of redox imbalance and enhancement of neurotransmitters as well as relieving DNA damage and anti-inflammatory effect.
Prevalence of Acute Malnutrition And Associated Factors Among Children under Five Years of Age in Rural Kebeles of Shashemene Woreda West Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, 2018
Authors: Endale Aschalew Gatiso , Debela Degfachew Ararso , Kisi Teresa , Ferede Abebe , Shiferaw Niguse 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Acute malnutrition is a devastating public health problem. Globally about, 52 million underfive years old were wasted. One-third of these children live in Africa and Ethiopia is the seventh country among the ten top countries in which wasting is concentrated and currently 10% of under-five children are wasted. Although Ethiopia is implementing different nutritional interventions, but the prevalence of wasting is increasing and there is no scientific study done previously in the study area. So this study aimed to assess the prevalence of Acute Malnutrition and associated factors among children under five years in Rural Kebeles of Shashemene District, West Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, 2018. METHOD: A community based cross-sectional study design with multi stage sampling technique was conducted from July 1-30/2018 on a total of 457Mothers/caretakers of under-five children were interviewed using structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements of the children were taken using standard procedures. Epi info version 7 was used for data entry and cleaning and SPSS version 21 was used for analysis bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. World Health Organization (WHO) Anthro software was used to convert nutritional data indices. RESULT: The prevalence of wasting was 91(19.9%) with 95%CI. Mothers with no Antenatal Care (ANC) visits (AOR=2.26, 95%CI 1.14-4.46), mothers who had no autonomous in decision making (AOR=2.42, 95%CI 1.42-4.12), children with diarrheal disease in the last 2 weeks preceding the survey(AOR=2.07,95%CI 1.19-3.59)and deprive colostrum’s (AOR=1.99, 95% CI 1.07- 3.71) were had high risks for Acute malnutrition of their children’s. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: This finding showed that, the prevalence of wasting is high; Mothers who had no power in decision making, squeezed out and throw colostrum’s, Mothers who had no ANC visit, child’s history of Diarrhea in the last two weeks were independent determinants of acute malnutrition. So the Woreda Health office and Health Extension Workers should consider empowering women, awareness and accessible antenatal care services, hygiene and sanitation to reduce acute malnutrition.