bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of surface evolution via Modified Ion Beam Sputtering Semi-Empirical Model (MIBSEM)
Authors: Oyewande Oluwole E. , Awelewa Samuel A. , Omotoso T.V. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
An Ion Beam Sputtering Monte Carlo Model (IBSM) was modified to study the effect of different surface diffusion mechanics on the surface height and surface roughness of materials when bombarded with energetic ions. The extension was done by incorporating Seahet al.’s semi-empirical ion sputtering equations into the sputter erosion algorithm of the MC model and by enforcing curvature dependence of sputter yield. Also, TRansport of Ions in Matter (TRIM) software, was used to calculate the sputter yield and the values obtained were compared with those obtained from Seahet al.’s semi-empirical model and the sputter yield obtained from sputtering experiments. Our studies show that the surface diffusion mechanics that occurs during a sputtering process controls the substrate surface height and its roughness while curvature dependence of sputter yield has little or no contribution to the target surface height and its roughness. Our comparison of the calculated sputter yield values of TRIM and Seahet al.’s model with experimental sputter yield values show that Seahet al.’s model gives sputter yield values closer to experimental values than TRIM at a normal angle of incidence while TRIM gives sputter yield values closer to experimental values at 60°angle of incidence.
Diagnostic reference levels for adult’s abdominal computed tomography in a referral centre in Nigeria
Authors: Joseph D.Z. , Mansur I.S. , Garba I. , Umar M.S. , Nkubli F.B. , Shem B. S. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
To address the limitation of CTDIvol, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine recently published a report on SSDE in body CT, where a patient’s size is used to compute an estimate of patient dose from CTDIvol. This study estimates patients’ radiation dose in abdominal computed tomography examination by considering patient size and established a facility diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) based on CTDI, DLP and SSDE for the purpose of dose optimization. A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano-Northwestern Nigeria from April 2019 to September 2019. The study reviewed Fifty-five patients for abdominal Computed Tomography based on the recommendation of ICRP for DRLs. The study considered CTDIvol, DLP and SSDE. The SSDE is based on the anterior-posterior and lateral diameters of the patients; and a conversion factor (f). Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23.0 was used to analysed the mean, median, standard deviation and interquartile range of the radiation dose received. Independent Student t-test was used to determine the relationship between CTDIvol, DLP and SSDE by taking SSDE as an independent variable. The mean and standard deviation values of the estimated SSDE for 18-27, 28-37, 38-47, 48-57, 58-67 and 68-77 patients’ age groups are 12.9, 13.74, 13.22, 13.49, 10.44 and 12.43mGy and 4.15, 5.71, 5.21, 4.05, 3.14 and 5.24 respectively. The established DRL values for CTDI, DLP and SSDE are 11.50, 620.30 and 16.85 respectively. There was no statistical significance difference (P<0.05) between reported CTDI and DLP and the estimated SSDE. There is good optimization of radiation dose in Aminu Kano teaching hospital, with regard to CT abdomen but still patients’ size needs to be considered.
Assessment of environmental impact of telecommunication base transceivers stations in residential areas
Authors: Elehinafe F. B , Ayeni A. O. , Mamudu A. O , Odunlami O. A , Abatan O. G , Folayan A. J , Sonibare J. A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper assessed the environmental impact of a telecommunication base transceiver stations (BTS) located at Cardoso Close, Apapa, Lagos State, Nigeria with the coordinates 6°4392’N, 3°3126’E. The ambient air quality parameters: SO2, NO, CO, CH4 and total suspended particulates (TSP) were measured using the ITX Emission Analyzer at four sampling points within the base station. The concentrations of SO2, NO, CO and TSP atthe base station ranged between 0.3-0.5 ppm, 1.9-2.2 ppm, 5.5-7.5 ppm, 101-110 µg/m3 respectively for 24-hour averaging period. CH4 was not detected at any of the sampling points. A digital Realistic Sound Level Meter was used in measuring the noise level. The measured average noise levels in all the four sampling points at the BTS studied ranged between 83.1-88.7 dB (A). Samples of water were collected from boreholes around the base station and were subjected tophysico-chemical examinations using the ‘standard methods for water and waste water’ 14th edition prepared by American Public Health Association (APHA). The analyses of the water samples showed that all the parameters are within limits. To measure the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the station during the field study, the SPECTRAN HF-4049 RF, an in-situ dosimeter for radio frequency measurement was used. The results obtained showed that, the measured averageradiation levels in all the four sampling points within the BTS studied ranged between 0.051-0.054 µW/m2. All the measured parameters are within safety margins apart from SO2 and NO. SO2 was not traceable to the BTS while NO was only partly connected with the fossil-fuelled electricity generating sets. The parameters of the physico-chemical analysis of the borehole water were significantly below limits.
Detection of Concealed Mineral Deposits using Magnetic Data in part of Osun State and its Environs, South-western Nigeria
Authors: Lawal T.O. , Omar D.M. , Salami M.K. , Adewumi T. , Sunday J.A. , Fawale O. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Magnetic data of part of Osun State and its Environs, Southwestern Nigeria has been studied with the aim of identifying structures concealing mineral deposits through some enhancement techniques. These techniques are Analytic signal, Euler deconvolution, Center for exploration targeting and porphyry analysis. In this work we were have applied Analytic signal to identify edges and distribution of magnetic sources that are equivalent to concealed mineral deposits, Euler deconvolution was used to identify and estimate depth to various magnetic source geometries using prescribed structural indices of 0.0, 1.0 and 2.0 respectively and lastly, the center for exploration targeting and porphyry analysis was used to obtain magnetic lineaments and porphrytic intrusives that may serve as structures concealing mineral deposits. From this study, we were able to identify several volcanic intrusions which appeared beyond surface exposure and at the same time of Cenozoic era. These intrusions resulted from the high magnetic content which serves as a contributing factor for the presence of positive magnetic anomalies in the area. In conclusion, we have been able use magnetic data of Osun State and its environs to delineate structures concealing mineral deposits.
Radiometric survey of natural radioactivity concentration and risk assessment on dwellers around Ijako active dumpsite in Ogun State
Authors: Adagunodo T.A. , Enemuwe C. A. , Usikalu M.R. , Orosun M. M. , Adewoyin O.O. , Akinwumi S.A. , Oloke O.C. , Lukman A.F. , Adeniji A.A. , Adewoye A.O. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Radiometric assessment of natural radioactivity concentration around Ijako dumpsite was done using hand held gamma spectrometer. A total of 10 in situ measurements were taken at the site. The U-238, Th-232, and K-40 radioactivity concentration obtained were used to assess the radiological hazard level in the area. Comparing the mean results of radiological parameter obtained with world average; Radium equivalent was far less than 370Bqkg-1, External hazard was less than 1, Annual effective dose equivalent was less than 0.08mSvy-1, Gamma index was less than 1, and Excess life cancer risk was less than 0.29 × 10-3. This implies that Ijako dumpsite poses no radiological hazard to the general public.
Remote Sensing and Land Use Management in Nigeria: a Review
Authors: Ajibola M. O. , Oluwunmi A. O. , Iroham C. O. , Ayedun C. A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Land is essential for man’s existence, and its use involves the management and modification of the natural environment into built environments such as recreational, transportation, agricultural, residential, and commercial. The global population increase is exerting more pressure and demand on this limited natural resource. Accompanying man’s need is the grievous depletion of the natural environment and the extent of this depletion and conversion has yet to be fully determined by the application of traditional approaches. Therefore, the focus of this study is on how to apply remote sensing principles to land use and its management in Nigeria. Secondary data, the literature on land use, and remote sensing were adopted in the study. The study revealed that in the South West land use for settlements increased from 107.3ha in 1986 to 210.96 in 2003, while other land uses reduced in sizes – cropland (6021ha to 5,351.10ha). In Abuja, urban/built-up land increased from 36.8km2 (1987) to 385.4km2 (2017). The study further revealed that land management, using remote sensing, fosters inventory and management, periodic monitoring, and effective allocation and coordination of land resources. It provides automated techniques for integrating both quantitative and qualitative data in land information management that helps better decision-making processes, efficient policy formulation, and monitoring in land-related problems across local and global scales. The study therefore recommends the integration of remote sensing into land management and policy decision in Nigeria.
Human-wildlife conflicts and rural livelihood in Okomu national park, Edo state, Nigeria
Authors: Akinsorotan Oluseun A. , Odelola Veronica A. , Olaniyi Oluwatobi E. , Oguntuase Bukola G. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Human-wildlife conflict remains a major challenge in wildlife conservation. This study explored the occurrence of human-wildlife conflict and its impact on the subsistence of rural communities’ adjoining Okomu National Park (ONP), Edo State, Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire (for villagers and law enforcement staff of Okomu National Park) and focus group discussion were employed to establish the occurrence and impact of human-wildlife conflict in ONP from January to April 2019. A total of 5 villages were purposively sampled of which 160 villagers, 70 rangers and 3 focused groups (comprising 7 individuals per group) were surveyed. The results revealed that Monkey (Cercopithecus erythrogaster), Buffalo (Syneruscafer), Elephant (Loxodontacylotis), Duikers (Philatombamaxwelli), and Porcupine (Histrixcristata)causes significant problem (χ2 =102.28, P= 0.000; χ2=10.592, P=0.000; χ2=15.454, P= 0.001; χ2= 10.213, P= 0.001; χ2=27.815, P= 0.007 respectively). Also, the occurrence of human-wildlife conflict was higher in villages within 2km radius to park boundary. The livelihood of villagers was negatively affected as they lose their crops to wild animals with no intervention from the park authorities. Management of conservation areas should ensure clear boundary demarcation to reduce the rate of encroachment into the park. Besides, management strategies that aid in the preservation of ecological integrity of the site and human well-being should be taken into account. Improved conservation education and compensation for the loss incurred to crop-raiding should be designed and implemented.
Elucidating local pollution and site representativeness at the Jungfraujoch, Switzerland through parallel aerosol measurements at an adjacent mountain ridge
Authors: Bukowiecki Nicolas , Brem Benjamin T. , Wehrle Günther , Močnik Griša , Affolter Stéphane , Leuenberger Markus , Coen Martine Collaud , Hervo Maxime , Baltensperger Urs , Gysel-Beer Martin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Many long-term air pollution and climate monitoring stations face the issue of increasing anthropogenic activities in their vicinity. Furthermore, the spatial representativeness of the sites is often not entirely understood especially in mountainous terrain with complex topographic features. This study presents a 5-year comparison of parallel aerosol measurements (total particle number concentration and equivalent black carbon mass concentration) at the Jungfraujoch in the Swiss Alps (JFJ, 3580 m a.s.l.), and an adjacent mountain ridge, the Jungfrau East Ridge (JER, 3705 m a.s.l.), in 1000 m air-line distance to the main site. The parallel aerosol measurements reveal characteristic differences in the diurnal variations between the two sites under certain specific meteorological conditions. Our analysis estimates that on 20%–40% of the days local activities at the Jungfraujoch have a clear influence on the measured time series of the total aerosol number concentration and the equivalent black carbon mass concentration. This influence is mainly seen in form of strong isolated spikes rather than by an increase in the on-site background concentration. They can thus be flagged during the data quality assurance process and filtered from those measurement parameters available at high time resolution. Removing the spikes from the original time series results in daily mean values for the total aerosol number concentration and equivalent black carbon mass concentration that are 5%–10% lower compared to the original signals. During nighttime with hardly any local pollution sources that cause spikes this percentage decreases towards 0%. The signal baselines at the Jungfraujoch and Jungfrau East Ridge correlate well during more than 50% of the days.
Effect of the use of volcanic pozzolan from Mbepit Massif (West-Cameroon) on the mechanical properties of mortar and composite cements production
Authors: Mahomed Aziz Mounjouohou , Moundi Amidou , Dawai Daouda , Ntieche Benjamin , Koungang Bernard Morino Ganou , Michel Frederic 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The rise in industrialization and infrastructural development is increasing leading to a constant need for construction materials; however, some of these materials continue to pose a problem to the concerned environments. There is a need to search for materials that will reduce environmental degradation and ensure sustainability. Natural pozzolanic materials possess certain characteristics such that their use in mortar and cement production could reduce the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) due to the transformation of limestone (CaCO3) into lime for production of Portland cements. Colossal deposits of volcanic pozzolan outcrop in the Njimbouot II locality and the characterization of those materials is vital in deciphering their suitability in cement production as a construction material for sustainable development. Grinding is the only treatment performed on pozzolans in order to increase their specific surface area and reactivity. The rate of substitution of cement with pozzolan in the samples varied from 0%, 10%, and 15% to 25%. Mechanical tests were carried out after 7, 28 and 90 days on mortar specimens (4 × 4 × 16 cm3). Results revealed the presence of amorphous phases. The activity index obtained was approximately 75% and the lapilli and volcanic ash in this area are classified as pozzolans (classification ASTM C618). Regardless of the rate of substitution, the mechanical proprieties of mortars are observed to increase with age. The compressive strength values changed from 33.72 to 52.5 MPa while the flexural strength evolved from 5.62 to 8.29 MPa revealing that the Njimbouot II Pozzolan are advantageous in the manufacture of ecological cements.
The Heterogonic Life Cycles of Oak Gall Wasps Need to Be Closed: A Lesson From Two Species ofDryophanta(Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini)
Authors: Ide Tatsuya , Abe Yoshihisa 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn heterogonic gall wasps, the gall structure, phenology, and adult morphology differ between the asexual and sexual generations, even within the same species. Dryophanta japonica Ashmead and Dryophanta mitsukurii Ashmead were described in 1904, but their heterogonic life cycles were uncertain. To match their asexual and sexual generations, we compared the type specimens of both species with specimens of gall wasps reared to demonstrate heterogonic life cycles. This revealed that these two species are the respective asexual and sexual generations of a single heterogonic species. Based on the morphological characteristics, we transferred D. japonica to Cerroneuroterus Melika and Pujade-Villar as Cerroneuroterus japonicus (Ashmead, 1904) comb. nov. and treated the sexual generation as a junior synonym: Dryophanta mitsukuriiAshmead, 1904syn. nov. Moreover, we examined the type specimens of other species previously suggested to be synonymous with D. mitsukurii. This showed that Neuroterus vonkuenburgiDettmer, 1934syn. nov. (and N. vonkuenburgi wakayamensisMonzen, 1954syn. nov.) is the asexual generation of C. japonicus and that Neuroterus bonihenriciDettmer, 1934syn. nov. is the sexual generation. Judging from the original descriptions, Andricus asakawaeShinji, 1943syn. nov., Andricus kanagawaeShinji, 1943syn. nov., Andricus asakawaeShinji, 1944syn. nov., Andricus kanagawaeShinji, 1944syn. nov., and Neoneuroterus kashiyamaiMonzen, 1954syn. nov. were also regarded as the sexual generation of C. japonicus. Finally, we discussed how matching asexual and sexual generations in heterogonic gall wasps not only avoids taxonomic confusion but also contributes to progress in gall wasp biology.
Skin Reactions to Personal Protective Equipment among First-Line COVID-19 Healthcare Workers: A Survey in Northern Morocco
Authors: Marraha Farah , Al Faker Ibtissam , Charif Faiza , Chahoub Hanane , Benyamna Youness , Rahmani Najlaa , Kabbou Soukaina , Rkiek Yasmine , Najdi Adil , Gallouj Salim 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Health care workers (HCWs) adopted several protective measures, including hand hygiene and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the frequent use of these preventive measures can lead to skin reactions. Our study aimed to determine the frequency of these reactions in Northern Morocco. In addition, we also looked at the risk factors and the consequences of these injuries on work efficiency and performance.

Materials and Methods
An anonymous online survey was used to collect data, which was sent to 500 health workers in the study region. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data on IBM SPSS software.

Results
In total, 273/500 responded to the questionnaire (55%). For the participants’ profession, 41% were doctors, 32% were nursing staff, and 26% held other jobs. The general prevalence rate of adverse reactions for all health workers was (80%), including skin problems: after wearing goggles (58%), after wearing surgical masks and respirators (57%), after handwashing and wearing gloves (45%), after wearing a face shield (23%), and after wearing protective clothing (11%). Bleach immersion was highly significantly associated with hand reaction (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.77–4.90; P &lt; 0.001). Moreover, we found a statistically significant association between hand cream use more than twice daily and fewer reactions (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 0.98–3.77; P = 0.038). The skin reactions related to goggles use were also significantly associated with use duration (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 0.988–3.12; P = 0.05). Similarly, wearing masks and N95 respirators and their related adverse reactions were significantly associated with use duration (OR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.20–0.7; P = 0.02). In addition, adverse reactions of regular use of protective clothing were related to the frequency of its use per shift (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.47–8.54; P = 0.05).

Conclusions
Our survey-based study showed that the prevalence of these skin reactions in our context should not be neglected. The length of daily wearing time and the frequency of PPE uses were the most implicated factors. More attention must be paid to these reactions for better care of HCWs during these critical times.
An efficient heterologousEscherichia coli-based expression system for lectin production fromPleurocybella porrigens
Authors: Suzuki Tomohiro , Nakamura Luna , Inayoshi Satomi , Tezuka Yuki , Ono Akiko , Choi Jae-Hoon , Dohra Hideo , Sasanami Tomohiro , Hirai Hirofumi , Kawagishi Hirokazu 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTIn this study, we report a more efficient heterologous expression of lectin from Pleurocybella porrigens (PPL) using an Escherichia coli-based expression system. The yield (9.3 mg/L culture broth) of recombinant PPL (rPPL) using this expression system was increased approximately 9-fold compared to our previous study. The rPPL obtained in this study exhibited the same biochemical properties as the native PPL.
Chemotactic disruption as a method to control bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum
Authors: Tunchai Mattana , Hida Akiko , Oku Shota , Tajima Takahisa , Kato Junichi 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
We have demonstrated that chemotaxis to l-malate facilitated motility of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum MAFF 106611, a causative agent of bacterial wilt, to plant roots. Here, we evaluated the assumption that the disruption of chemotaxis to l-malate leads to inhibition of plant infection by R. pseudosolanacearum MAFF 106611. Chemotactic assays revealed that chemotaxis to l-malate was completely or partially inhibited in the presence of l-, d-, and dl-malate, respectively. Moreover, l-malate served as a carbon and energy source for R. pseudosolanacearum MAFF 106611, while d-malate inhibited the growth of this bacterium. In the sand-soak inoculation virulence assay for tomato plants, the addition of l-, d-, and dl-malate to sand suppressed the plant infection. We concluded that supplementation of l- and dl-malate suppresses tomato plant infection with R. pseudosolanacearum MAFF 106611 by disrupting its chemotaxis to l-malate, while d-malate suppresses it by both the disruption of l-malate chemotaxis and inhibition of growth.
A modeling framework for embedding-based predictions for compound–viral protein activity
Authors: Mall Raghvendra , Elbasir Abdurrahman , Almeer Hossam , Islam Zeyaul , Kolatkar Prasanna R. , Chawla Sanjay , Ullah Ehsan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Motivation
A global effort is underway to identify compounds for the treatment of COVID-19. Since de novo compound design is an extremely long, time-consuming and expensive process, efforts are underway to discover existing compounds that can be repurposed for COVID-19 and new viral diseases.
We propose a machine learning representation framework that uses deep learning induced vector embeddings of compounds and viral proteins as features to predict compound-viral protein activity. The prediction model in-turn uses a consensus framework to rank approved compounds against viral proteins of interest.

Results
Our consensus framework achieves a high mean Pearson correlation of 0.916, mean R2 of 0.840 and a low mean squared error of 0.313 for the task of compound-viral protein activity prediction on an independent test set. As a use case, we identify a ranked list of 47 compounds common to three main proteins of SARS-COV-2 virus (PL-PRO, 3CL-PRO and Spike protein) as potential targets including 21 antivirals, 15 anticancer, 5 antibiotics and 6 other investigational human compounds. We perform additional molecular docking simulations to demonstrate that majority of these compounds have low binding energies and thus high binding affinity with the potential to be effective against the SARS-COV-2 virus.

Availability and implementation
All the source code and data is available at: https://github.com/raghvendra5688/Drug-Repurposing and https://dx.doi.org/10.17632/8rrwnbcgmx.3. We also implemented a web-server at: https://machinelearning-protein.qcri.org/index.html.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.