bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating SARS-CoV-2 Spike Antibody Levels Among Sputnik V First Dose Vaccinated People in Pakistan: Formulation of Anti-COVID-19 National Mass Vaccination Strategy.
Authors: Saeed Umar , Uppal Sara Rizwan , Piracha Zahra Zahid , Khan Aftab Ahmad , Rasheed Azhar , Waheed Amir , Uppal Rehan , Uppal Rizwan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Rapid ramp up of immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 during pandemic enables adequate prevention and treatment for COVID-19. Estimating levels of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibodies post vaccination is crucial for designing mass-vaccination strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate effectiveness of Sputnik V first dose in Pakistan. A cross-sectional study of 2000 participants was conducted for examining Gam-COVID-Vac or Sputnik V first dose effects at 21st days post administration at Islamabad Diagnostic Center, Islamabad, Pakistan. From 100 real-time PCR negative (SARS-CoV-2 RNA) individuals, samples were collected and analyzed for antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using Electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) (Elecsys # 09289267190 Roche, USA). 85% of the participants showed strong positive results with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibodies >1.5 AU/ml. The individuals with antibody titer >250 AU/ml were 34.9%. Among those with antibody levels >250 AU/ml 52% had previous history of COVID-19 infection. While participants with >100 AU/ml of antibodies were 12.7%. However 9.5% showed antibody titer of >25 AU/ml. 27% of participants had antibody titers of >1.5-2.5 AU/ml. While antibody titers of <1.5 AU/ml were observed among 15.9% of participants. Majority of the individuals represented significantly high antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 even before second booster dose of Ad5 based Sputnik V vaccine. Continuous monitoring of antibody levels among COVID-19 vaccinated populations are deemed to assess humoral immunity status against SARS-CoV-2 infections.
HPV Infection and its Relationship with Expression of PIK3CA, PIK3CB in Esophageal Squamous Cells Carcinoma
Authors: Wen Feifei , Li Yangyang , He Shuang , Xu Xiaoyang , Guo Ningjie , Jia Zhenzhen , Cui Zhongze , Lu Lizhen , Wu Shuhua 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly lethal cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is currently considered as a potential risk factor for ESCC, but this assumption is still contradictory. P16INK4a (p16) staining can be used as an alternative marker of HPV oncogene activity. This study was to investigate the role of HPV in esophageal cancer and to compare the relationship between HPV status and PIK3CA, PIK3CB. Methods: Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and RT-PCR analyses were performed to detect the expression of p16, PIK3CA, PIK3CB and p53 in 156 cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The patients were followed up by telephone or clinic. Results: The positive rates of p16, PIK3CA, PIK3CB and p53 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were significantly higher than those in normal esophageal mucosa. The overexpression of p16 was closely related to tumor location, TNM stage, differentiation and lymph node metastasis. In addition, the expression of p16 was positively correlated with the expression of PIK3CA, but not with the expression of PIK3CB and p53. Survival analysis showed that p16 was a good prognostic marker, while PIK3CA and p53 were poor prognostic markers. Conclusions: HPV infection is associated with ESCC. The imbalance of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is closely related to HPV infection and prognosis. Detection of p16 and PIK3CA is of great significance in evaluating the prognosis and optimizing the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Key Validity Using the Multiple-parameter Fractional Fourier Transform for Image Encryption
Authors: Zhao Tieyu , Chi Yingying 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Multiple-parameter fractional Fourier transform (MPFRFT) is proposed and applied to image encryption. The MPFRFT with two vector parameters has better security, which becomes the main technical means to protect information security. However, our study found that many keys of the MPFRFT are invalid, which greatly reduces its security. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation verify our point of view.
Simulation of Sugarcane Growth and Yield Under Optimized Subsurface Irrigation System
Authors: Gunarathna M.H.J.P. , Kumari M.K.N. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The optimized subsurface irrigation system (OPSIS) is a newly developed subsurface irrigation system to irrigate upland crops. Although it is already evaluated for few crops using field experiments, further evaluation is required. Since field experiments are tedious, expensive, we need an alternative approach to evaluate the OPSIS. A well-calibrated and validated crop model is a fast-alternative option for developing and evaluating agronomic practices. Therefore, this study aimed to develop the modeling capabilities of APSIM to simulate the OPSIS. We conducted field experiments for three growing seasons (main crop and two ratoons), two planting seasons (spring and summer planting), and two separate crops to collect necessary data for calibration and validation processes. We scripted a new module named "OPSIS" to couple OPSIS to the APSIM engine. We parameterized, calibrated, and validated the APSIM to simulate the growth and yield of sugarcane with OPSIS. After firm parameterization and calibration, APSIM-Sugar can successfully simulate the growth and yield of sugarcane with OPSIS. However, the simulation of soil moisture dynamics and irrigation water use were not up to the standards. Although it gives quite reasonable results for growth and yield simulations of sugarcane, further studies are suggested to develop the simulation accuracy of soil water dynamics and irrigation water use through the OPSIS.
Young Women In The United States Increasingly Underestimate Their Weight, and Young Women In Korea Overestimate It
Authors: Kim Yoon-Sook , Kim Jin Kook , Cho Jae Hoon 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in body image perception between young women in the United States and Korea. The study was conducted using data from young women aged between 20 and 40 who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2018) of the US and Korea. "Overweight" body image perception with normal body weight was considered underestimation. Overweight or obesity with a "normal weight" or "underweight" body image perception is considered as overestimating. The percentage of young women who were overweight or obese was about 60% in the US and about 20% in Korea. Twenty years ago, the percentage of young women who overestimated their weight in the US was 30.3%, before steadily declining. In Korea, it was 25.8% before rising to more than 41.9% in 2008. Of the overweight women, 32.6% in the US and 15.7% in Korea underestimated their weight 20 years ago, but since then, the percentage has gradually increased in the US and declined in Korea. Body image perception differed according to marital status and race. In conclusion, young women in the US tend to underestimate their weight while in Korea they tend to overestimate it.
Investigating the Relationship Between Water Production and Interfacial Activity of Γ-oryzanol, Ethyl Ferulate, and Ferulic Acid During the Peroxidation of Bulk Oil
Authors: Toorani Mohamad Reza , Golmakani Mohamad-Taghi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In this study, lecithin (as a surfactant) was added to promote the inhibitory-mechanism of γ-oryzanol, ethyl-ferulate and ferulic acid (based on the interfacial phenomena) so as to inhibit the oxidation of stripped sunflower oil. Monitoring the amount of water production as a byproduct of oxidation showed that the water content of the lipid system increased remarkably through the oxidation progress. Lecithin enhanced the critical concentration of hydroperoxides in reverse micelles, compared to the basic state (14.8 vs. 9.2 mM), thereby improving the hydrogen-donating mechanism of antioxidants. The size of reverse micelles increased progressively during the oxidation, while two breakpoints were pointed out in the micelles growth, i.e. at the end of the initiation and the propagation phases. Based on the kinetic data, ferulic acid showed the highest antioxidant activity (23.4), compared to ethyl-ferulate (15.5) and γ-oryzanol (13.7). Generally, lecithin enhanced antioxidant activity (~65%) by improving the interfacial performance of antioxidants.
Putative functions and co-occurrence patterns of the microbial communities in natural and engineered ecosystems
Authors: Xia Yu , Li Na , Chen Yiyun , Li Weijia , He Xuwen , Xu Heng , Wang Jianbing 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Understanding functions and co-occurrence patterns of microbial communities in various ecosystems enriches the knowledge on ecosystem characteristics and microbial ecology. However, such analyses have rarely been reported. Herein, functions and inter-taxa correlations of microbial communities in a set of natural environments (farmland (SA), forest soil (SB) and Caspian Sea sediments (CSS)) and engineered ecosystems (wastewater treatment plants (FW, WA and WB) and anaerobic digesters (AD)) were studied based on FAPROTAX and network analyses, respectively, by a collection of 115 samples from seven published 16S rRNA gene datasets generated by high-throughput sequencing. The results show that chemoheterotrophy related populations were the most abundant in almost all the communities. Their relative abundances (RAs) in the AD systems were the highest (43.7%±4.2%), followed by those of the soil environments (40.2%±1.9% in SA and 36.4%±2.0% in SB). For each ecosystem, the indicative community and overall community showed differentiations in several function categories. For example, the SA and SB indicative communities showed higher RAs in aerobic chemoheterotrophy, the CSS indicative community showed higher RAs in sulfate respiration, the AD indicative community showed higher RAs in fermentation, and the WB indicative community included higher RAs of predatory/exoparasitic bacteria. Three molecular ecological networks of the communities from the AD, WB and SB datasets were constructed, respectively. The WB network showed the highest proportion of negative correlations (70.4%), possibly attributed to the environmental pressure which aggravated microbial competition. The positively correlated taxa showed lower phylogenetic distances than the negatively correlated taxa on average in each network.
Quantitative Recommendation of Phosphorus Fertilizer Based On The Correlation Between Phosphorus of Plant Organs and Soil Phosphorus In Washington Navel Oranges
Authors: Ejraei Abdolkarim 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
AimMany methods have been proposed to recommend plant nutrients, all of which are qualitative and based on the concentration of the element in the soil or leaves. But, in the "Integrated Plant and Soil System" (IPSS) method, there is a recommendation of fertilizer quantified and based on the correlation between concentration of elements in plant and soil organs. MethodsIn this study, 39 Washington Navel Oranges orchards were selected and in each orchard, three trees were chosen and sampled from roots, stems, leaves, fruit as well as the soil around the roots. Sampling was performed in late March and early May for two consecutive years and phosphorus was measured in the samples. After a correlation analysis between "soil properties and phosphorus of plant organs" with soil phosphorus, those factors that had a significant correlation with soil phosphorus were selected. And based on that, there was determined a regression model between them.ResultsAmong all the studied factors, fruit phosphorus had the highest correlation with soil phosphorus. Based on that, two regression equations were obtained by which the required phosphorus can be calculated.DiscussionsSince the physicochemical properties of each element are different from the other, so the leaf alone cannot be a good indicator to determine the nutritional status of all elements. Therefore, it is more logical that the fertilizer recommendation of each element is based on the correlation between the element in that organ of the plant that has the highest correlation with that element in the soil.
Structural modification and evaluation of Dielectric, Magnetic and Ferroelectric Properties o f Nd- modified BiFeO3– PbTiO3 Multiferroic Ceramics
Authors: Baloni Manoj , Sharma Ram Chhavi , Singh Hemant , Khan Bushra , Singh Manoj K , Thakur Vikash N , Kumar Ashok 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
0.9Bi1 − xNdxFeO3 – 0.1PbTiO3 solid solution where x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 were success fully synthesized by the standard solid-state reaction method. The effect of Nd3+ion substitution on structural, micro structural, ferroelectric, magnetic, dielectric and magneto-electric properties of 0.9BiFeO3-0.1PbTiO3 have been investigated. The XRD analysis for the samples under study revealed distorted rhombohedral structure with R3C space group. 0.9Bi1 − xNdxFeO3 – 0.1PbTiO3 where x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 i.e.(BNFPT)x compounds crystallised as single-phase materials with the same structure as the parent BiFeO3 compound.. The SEM study revealed the uniform grain scattering for all prepared samples. Raman spectroscopy showed disappearance of some Raman modes indicated a structural phase transition with substitution of Nd dopants at Bi site and also confirmed the distorted rhombohedral perovskite structure of (BNFPT)x compounds with R3c symmetry. Dielectric measurements showed magnetoelectric coupling around Neel temperature in all the samples and also improved dielectric properties with addition of dopants in BiFeO3(BFO) compound. All the prepared samples exhibit weak ferro-magnetic character at room temperature. However, the variation in linear behavior and enhancement in magnetization is found at 5 K which shows gradual increase in remnant magnetization from 0.00785 emu/g to 0.37513 emu/g with increase in Nd doping for all (BNFPT)x samples. Nd doping reduces leakage current by three orders of magnitude, from 10− 4 to 10− 7. Ferroelectric study revealed the pinning effect in hysteresis loops with low remnant polarization.
Mg and Cd biosorption by native bacteria form Djebel Onk mine (Algeria)
Authors: Rabia Hakim , Hamou Malek Ould , Kasperkiewicz Katarzyna , Krzykawski Tomasz , Malicka Monika , Bodnaruk Iryna , Merchichi Amira , Skowronek Magdalena , Augustyniak Maria 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Mining and processing of phosphate ore are one of the most important branches of the economy in developing countries, including Algeria. However, this activity can negatively influence the environment, as huge amounts of waste, which contains dangerous metals, are released during ore processing. Therefore, in line with environmental needs, conventional methods of ore beneficiation should be gradually replaced with safe, biotechnological methods that involve (among others) the biosorption phenomenon. This work aimed at the investigation of biosorption abilities of native microorganisms, isolated from Djebel Onk ore (Kef Essnoun region, Algeria). Examined bacterial strains differed in their efficiency of metal accumulation. In the vast majority of native bacteria, the content of Cd or Mg found was higher than in a reference B. subtilis strain. Incubation of phosphate ore with selected bacterial strains (for 20 minutes and at different pH) significantly increased the recovery of Mg and Cd. Thus, we showed that biosorption could be much more effective for native bacteria isolated from the specific substrate. We have shown that Bacillus sp. HK4 strain can be used to remove various metals over a wide pH range, and it can be considered in the development of eco-friendly measures to clean ore and post-flotation waste.
Changes in Surface Urban Heat Island Effect with the Development of New Towns
Authors: Lee Kyungil , Kim Yoonji , Sung Hyun Chan , Kim Seung-Hee , Jeon Seong Woo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
A new town is a planned and built within a relatively short period compared to existing cities. It is suitable for climate and thermal research, particularly formulating urban planning strategies to analyse problems such as urban heat islands (UHIs). Herein, a comprehensive approach was demonstrated for determining changes in surface UHI (SUHI) distribution during 1989–2048 in two new towns with different urban planning. A significant increase in built-up areas was observed from 1989 (< 5%) to 2018 (> 40%) in both new towns. However, the areas where SUHIs occurred before and after development increased further (approximately 12.25%) in Bundang new town where the green area ratio was lower and the building density was higher. However, in terms of SUHI intensification, the building structure of Pangyo new town, which has a lower floor area ratio, was analysed to be more suitable. Moreover, without effective mitigation, the built-up area in each new town is estimated to increase to approximately 60%, and the SUHI intensity in most areas to increase by 4°C in 2048. Thus, these results combined with architectural assessment models can improve the understanding of thermal environmental impacts of urbanisation and help mitigate urban thermal hazards.
A Rare, Complicated Busoga Hernia
Authors: Mohanty Arnab , Rajpal Aditya 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Inguinal herniae are the most common herniae encountered in the Surgical OPD or even the emergency setting. The indirect variety has a higher rate of bowel obstruction due to the constriction of the sac at the superficial ring. Direct herniae, owing to the larger defect, are relatively safe from complications. Busoga hernia (1) is a rare subtype, which is prone to strangulation of contents, owing to the extremely narrow neck under continual tension within a tough fascial sling.
COVID-19 Treatment Protocols in the WHO African Region - Results of a Survey
Authors: Mukankubito Immaculee , Annan Edith Andrews , Sougou Aissatou , Taguembou Diana , Kniazkov Stanislav , Loua André , Mankele Ray , Nikiema Jean-Baptiste , Bisoborwa Geoffrey , Julius Ossy Kasilo Muganga 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: As of May 2021 no ethiotropic treatment for COVID-19 demonstrated safety and efficacy. A number of clinical trials are underway to investigate candidate products, most of them are repurposed products. As new evidenced emerges, WHO updates its recommendations on clinical management to support Member States amending their treatment protocols. Hydroxychloroquine / Chloroquine (HCQ/CQ) and Lopinavir + Ritonavir arms of the Solidarity Trial were discontinued. There is strong recommendation against administrating these products to COVID-19 patients. In contrary, Corticosteroids were identified as lifesaving medicines, substantially reducing mortality for critically ill patients. This study aimed at checking the alignment of countries’ COVID-19 treatment protocols in the WHO African region with the WHO recommendations, and analyze their impact on supply chain and quality of care. Methods: In October-November 2020, country treatment protocols were collected, and data on therapeutics were summarized in an Excel Sheet to facilitate their comparison with the WHO recommendations. Results: From the thirty protocols collected, 50% were recommending HCQ/CQ for mild COVID-19. The proportion was quite similar for moderate and severe cases accounting 57% and 53 % of protocols respectively, while 27% were still recommending HCQ/CQ for critically ill patients. Antibiotics were recommended in 53% and 80 % of protocols for mild and moderate cases respectively. Only 47 % and 60% of protocols were recommending corticosteroids for severe and critical cases respectively. Convalescent Plasma was reflected in few protocols. Discussion: HCQ and CQ were the standard treatment of COVID-19 in most of countries, diverting resources from the supply chain for essential services. There is a serious risk of antibiotic misuse, which can potentially lead to antimicrobial resistance surge, the increased rates of morbidity, mortality, treatment costs and financial burden for patients and communities. Slow uptake of corticosteroids may compromise the quality of care for severe and critical cases.Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that, in cases similar to COVID-19 without efficacious treatment, treatment protocols are handled as living documents to be timely amended. Proactive update of country protocols to reflect evolving scientific evidences is critical, to ensure that all patients benefit from high standard quality of care.
Identification of cathelicidin gene from Hoplobatrachus rugulosus and the antioxidant capacity of PC29 peptide
Authors: Tankrathok Anupong , Karnmongkol Chutima , Punpad Arpaporn , Wiriyaumpaiwong Piyachat , Srisam Nattapong , Rattanavichai Wutti , Tanomtong Alongkod , Daduang Sakda , Klaynongsruang Sompong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Emerging Strains Of SARS-Cov2 And Their Inhibition by The Use of Phytochemicals: An In-Silico Analysis
Authors: Khan Mohammad Faheem , Ahamad Tanveer , Ansari Waseem Ahmad , Khan Mohsin Ali , Khan Zaw Ali , Khan Mohd Aamish 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Recently identified coronavirus namely severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus with a genome of 29.9 kb in size encoding 14 open reading frames (ORFs) and 27 different structural and non-structural proteins. Among the structural proteins, trimeric-shaped spike glycoprotein is responsible for the entry of the SARS-CoV2 genome into host cells by interacting with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors that are present on the cell surface with high affinity. Notably, inhibition of spike protein is considered a prime target for the development of drugs against COVID-19. Viruses can mutate, and SARS-CoV-2 is no exception. Since the first whole genome of SARS-CoV2 was published in February 2020, at least 4400 amino acid substitutions and several thousand mutations have been identified to date. As of today, more than 3500 new variants of SARS-CoV2 have been sequenced with a high spreading and infectivity rate which makes the virus more contagious. These new variants have been spread to several countries including United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, South Africa, India, and other countries, etc. Therefore, herein, we analysed the new SARS-CoV2 strains, constructed the 3D homology models of Brazil P.1 and Indian B.1.617 variants, and screened them against 100 phytochemicals having previously identified anti-viral activity. Our study revealed that the top three phytochemicals for each of the new strains might serve as potential anti- SARS-CoV-2 agents for further drug discovery and development process to tackle COVID-19.