bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compared impact of compost and digestate on priming effect and hydrophobicity of soils depending on textural composition
Authors: Voelkner Amrei , Diercks Charlotte , Horn Rainer 
Published: June 2019

Summary
Digestates and compost are used as valuable fertilizers in agriculture because of their benefits for plant nutrition and carbon sequestration potential. These amendments are also suspected to interfere negatively with the soil. To compare their relevance for priming effect and hydrophobicity of soils, two amounts of digestate or compost, respectively, were mixed with a homogenized cambic Luvisol and a Podzol. The basal respiration rate (BAS), the repellency index (RI) and organic carbon content (Corg) of pre-dried mixtures were investigated. The podsolic mixture showed quantitative reduction of Corg and increased BAS (this effect was not statistically significant) due to priming effect through microbial stimulation. As a result of enhanced organic substance (OS) protection in the cambic Luvisol mixture, constant amounts of Corg and declined BAS could be detected. The wettability was reduced in both soils: either directly by the supply of amphiphilic components or indirectly by increased incorporation of microbial exudates. This reduction was not statistically significant. Higher contents of available organic compounds in digestates and higher amounts of hydrophobic humic acids in the compost could be assumed to be decisive for generation of hydrophobicity. Also the soil texture controlled the microbial decomposition by higher incorporation of OS in finer pores and contributed to the protection against microbial decay.
ISAR Imaging of a Rotating Asteroid Irradiated by Pulsar’s Electromagnetic Emission
Authors: Lazarov Andon D. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The aim of the present study is imaging of moving objects, asteroids illuminated by continuous coherent wideband pulsar’s signals. As pulsars are located on more than thousands of light years from Earth, objects crossing pulsars’ emission beams are considered as second sources of electromagnetic waves, carrying object’s shape and velocity information that can be extracted by application pulsar emission-based inverse aperture synthesis. Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) scenario, geometry and kinematics are analytically described. Models of pulsar signals and ISAR signals secondary emitted by asteroids are developed. White Gaussian noise of high level is added to the deterministic reemitted signal in order to approach the real signal scenario. Two-Dimensional (2D) Fourier transform for image extraction is applied. Special iterative noise removing procedure is suggested for asteroid’s image enhancement. To verify mathematical model and imaging algorithms numerical experiments are carried out.
An Approach to Evaluation of Clinically Healthy People by Preventive Cardio Control
Authors: Manukova Aneliya , Marinov Matey , Grozeva Maya 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
This article presents the main algorithms and the methodology for the development of the evaluation criteria and the results of the work of the program environment developed for evaluation and analysis of the electrocardiographic signals in the preventive control of clinically healthy people after emotional or physical stress for the purpose of diagnosing of current disorders in the cardiac activity. The presented structure combines a new approach to building an electronic system for assessing individual medical information from the real life of healthy people and a specific method for analyzing the results. The purpose of preventive control is to preserve human health through early and timely assessment of its current health status.
Impact of River Bank Erosion on Mental Health and Coping Capacity in Bangladesh
Authors: SarzamArobi  , Naher Jamiun , Soron Tanjir Rashid 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Riverbank erosion is a regular phenomenon that displaces millions of people every year worldwide. More than 100,000 people are displaced due to river erosion every year in Bangladesh. People have to resettle in a different place leaving behind their property and familiar environment. This transformation with economic crisis acts as a major stressor for the persons and their families. However, people may adapt different strategies to adapt this difficult situation and keep themselves healthy. They might have higher coping skills due to what they had to endure. This study aimed to find out the difference in the mental health status and coping strategies among the river bank erosion affected and non-affected people in Bangladesh

Methods
We interviewed 100 adult respondents, of whom 50 had been affected and 50 had never been affected by river erosion in Bangladesh. All the participants completed self-report sociodemographic questionnaires; their mental state was evaluated with the Bangla version of the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) and the coping was measured using the COPE scale.

Result
The mental health well-being score of the affected group was significantly lower than the non-affected group. However, accounting for gender, income and age, the affected group had lower mean score in coping (55.86) then the non-affected group (64.04). However, the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions
Riverbank erosion is a major natural disaster in Bangladesh that makes people vulnerable to mental disorder. However, it receives less attention; we hope this study will stimulate future researcher to explore mental state and coping mechanism in multiple perspectives and develop evidence-based service for them.
Measuring Trust in Medical Researchers: Adding Insights from Cognitive Interviews to Examine Agree-Disagree and Construct-Specific Survey Questions
Authors: Dykema Jennifer , Garbarski Dana , Wall Ian F. , Edwards Dorothy Farrar 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWhile scales measuring subjective constructs historically rely on agree-disagree (AD) questions, recent research demonstrates that construct-specific (CS) questions clarify underlying response dimensions that AD questions leave implicit and CS questions often yield higher measures of data quality. Given acknowledged issues with AD questions and certain established advantages of CS items, the evidence for the superiority of CS questions is more mixed than one might expect. We build on previous investigations by using cognitive interviewing to deepen understanding of AD and CS response processing and potential sources of measurement error. We randomized 64 participants to receive an AD or CS version of a scale measuring trust in medical researchers. We examine several indicators of data quality and cognitive response processing including: reliability, concurrent validity, recency, response latencies, and indicators of response processing difficulties (e.g., uncodable answers). Overall, results indicate reliability is higher for the AD scale, neither scale is more valid, and the CS scale is more susceptible to recency effects for certain questions. Results for response latencies and behavioral indicators provide evidence that the CS questions promote deeper processing. Qualitative analysis reveals five sources of difficulties with response processing that shed light on under-examined reasons why AD and CS questions can produce different results, with CS not always yielding higher measures of data quality than AD.
Interaction between turbidity currents and a contour current – A rare example from the Ordovician of Shaanxi province, China
Authors: Li Hua , van Loon A.J. [lpar]Tom[rpar] , He Youbin 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The silty top parts of graded turbidites of the Late Ordovician Pingliang Formation, which accumulated along the southern margin of the Ordos Basin (central China), have been reworked by contour currents. The reworking of the turbidites can be proven on the basis of paleocurrent directions in individual layers: the ripple-cross-bedded sandy divisions of some turbidites show transport directions consistently into the downslope direction (consistent with the direction of other gravity flows), but in the upper, silty fine-grained division they show another direction, viz. alongslope (consistent with the direction that a contour current must have taken at the same time). Both directions are roughly perpendicular to each other. Moreover, the sediment of the reworked turbidites is better sorted and has better rounded grains than the non-reworked turbidites.
Although such type of reworking is well known from modern deep-sea environments, this has rarely been found before in ancient deep-sea deposits. The reworking could take place because the upper divisions of the turbidites involved are silty and consequently relatively easily erodible, while the contour current had locally a relatively high velocity – and consequently a relatively large erosional capability – because of confinement within a relatively narrow trough.
A literature review on multimodality molecular imaging nanoprobes for cancer detection
Authors: Shahbazi-Gahrouei Daryoush , Moradi Khaniabadi Pegah , Shahbazi-Gahrouei Saghar , Khorasani Amir , Mahmoudi Farshid 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Molecular imaging techniques using nanoparticles have significant potential to be widely used for the detection of various types of cancers. Nowadays, there has been an increased focus on developing novel nanoprobes as molecular imaging contrast enhancement agents in nanobiomedicine. The purpose of this review article is to summarize the use of a variety of nanoprobes and their current achievements in accurate cancer imaging and effective treatment. Nanoprobes are rapidly becoming potential tools for cancer diagnosis by using novel molecular imaging modalities such as Ultrasound (US) imaging, Computerized Tomography (CT), Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Optical Imaging. These imaging modalities may facilitate earlier and more accurate diagnosis and staging the most of cancers.
Study the Anti-MUC1 antibody-based iron oxide nanoparticles on three-dimension spheroid and breast cancer (MCF-7) cell imaging
Authors: Khaniabadi Pegah Moradi , Shahbazi-Gahrouei Daryoush , Majid Amin Malik Shah Abdul , Khaniabadi Bita Moradi 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Non-invasive methods for breast cancer detection in early stages may help to increase the survival rate of patients. This study aimed to evaluate the application of Anti-MUC1 antibody-based iron oxide nanoparticle (SPIONs-C595) which was assessed in vivo as a molecular imaging probe for breast cancer (MCF-7) detection using MRI. Nine groups of female NRC NU/Nu mice (each group of 3), 6 to 8 weeks old were used and MCF-7 cells were injected subcutaneously into both flanks of nude mice. After two weeks the mice received an intravenous injection of different concentrations of SPIONs-C595. The uptake ability of SPIONs-C595 on three-dimension (3D) macrostructure is exploited a modified hanging drop method using Prussian blue for MCF-7 cells. The iron content was measured in liver, kidney, spleen, and tumor. The MR imaging features and biodistribution of nanoprobe was also investigated. The MR images obtained from digested tumor after nanoprobe administration in different time-period revealed that enhancement of T1 and T2 relaxation time. Moreover, the storage stability test was shown great application and no sedimentation of nanoparticles within two months storage at 4°C. Additionally, great validation of SPIONs-C595 on the 3D spheroid of MCF-7 was observed. The biodistribution analysis showed that iron content of the spleen was more than the other studied organs. These results highlighted the feasibility of an in-vivo model for detection of breast cancer MUC1 expression. Current researches are ongoing to further enhancement of relaxation times for classification of MUC1 status using clinical specimens.
A Monte Carlo study on the radio-sensitization effect of gold nanoparticles in brachytherapy of prostate by 103Pd seeds
Authors: Jangjoo Amir Ghasemi , Ghiasi Hosein , Mesbahi Asghar 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

103Pd seed is being used for prostate brachytherapy. Additionally, the dose enhancement effect of gold nanoparticles (GNP) has been reported in previous studies. The aim of this study was to characterize the dosimetric effect of gold nanoparticles in brachytherapy with a 103Pd source. Two brachytherapy seeds including 103 Pd source was simulated using MCNPX Monte Carlo code. The seeds’ models were validated by comparing the MC with reported results. Then, GNPs (10 nm in diameter) with a concentration of 7mg Au/g were simulated uniformly inside the prostate of a humanoid computational phantom. Additionally, the dose enhancement factor (DEF) of nanoparticles was calculated for both modeled brachytherapy seeds. A good agreement was found between the MC calculated and the reported dosimetric parameters. For both seeds, an average DEF of 23% was obtained in tumor volume for prostate brachytherapy. The application of GNPs in conjunction with 103Pd seed in brachytherapy can enhance the delivered dose to the tumor and consequently leads to better treatment outcome.
The effect of SSD, Field size, Energy and Detector type for Relative Output Factor measurement in small photon beams as compared with Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Setilo Itumeleng , Oderinde Oluwaseyi Michael , Plessis Freek Cp du 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Introduction: Small fields photon dosimetry is associated with many problems. Using the right detector for measurement plays a fundamental role. This study investigated the measurement of relative output for small photon fields with different detectors. It was investigated for three-photon beam energies at SSDs of 90, 95, 100 and 110 cm. As a benchmark, the Monte Carlo simulation was done to calculate the relative output of these small photon beams for the dose in water.
Materials and Methods: 6, 10 and 15 MV beams were delivered from a Synergy LINAC equipped with an Agility 160 multileaf collimator (MLC). A CC01 ion chamber, EFD-3G diode, PTW60019 microdiamond, EBT2 radiochromic film, and EDR2 radiographic film were used to measure the relative output of the linac. Measurements were taken in water for the CC01 ion chamber, EFD-3G diode, and the PTW60019. Films were measured in water equivalent RW3 phantom slabs. Measurements were made for 1 × 1, 2 × 2, 3 × 3, 4 × 4, 5 × 5 and a reference field of 10 × 10 cm2. Field sizes were defined at 100cm SSD. Relative output factors were also compared with Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of the LINAC and a water phantom model. The influence of voxel size was also investigated for relative output measurement. Results and Discussion: The relative output factor (ROF) increased with energy for all fields large enough to have lateral electronic equilibrium (LEE). This relation broke down as the field sizes decreased due to the onset of lateral electronic disequilibrium (LED). The high-density detector, PTW60019 gave the highest ROF for the different energies, with the less dense CC01 giving the lowest ROFs.
Conclusion: These are results compared to MC simulation, higher density detectors give higher ROF values. Relative to water, the ROF measured with the air-chamber remained virtually unchanged. The ROFs, as measured in this study showed little variation due to increased SSDs. The effect of voxel size for the Monte Carlo calculations in water does not lead to significant ROF variation over the small fields studied.
Feasibility study of conformal forward planned simultaneous integrated boost technique comparable to IMRT and VMAT in pelvic irradiation for locally advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Johnjothi Sam Deva Kumar , Ranganathan Arulpandiyan , Jayapaul Vasanth Christopher , Santosham Rithesh , Rajasekaran Dhanabalan , Nagarajan Vivekanandan , Ganesharaja Selvaluxmy 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Aim: To check the feasibility of simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) using a forward planned field in field (FIF) conformal technique for the treatment of carcinoma of the cervix IIIB and compare it dosimetrically with other advanced inverse planning techniques.
Methods: In our study 33 patients of carcinoma of the cervix IIIB were planned for SIB using conformal FIF technique and they were compared with retrospectively planned IMRT and VMAT techniques. SIB using conformal FIF was planned by two different methods.
Results: The results of our study indicate that forward planned Conformal SIB techniques are comparable with inverse planned techniques dosimetrically, in terms of conformity Index, Homogeneity Index, Maximum dose, etc. The ability of FIF SIB plans to produce dose contrast in differential dose accumulation was compared and analyzed and the results were encouraging. To treat an advanced/bulky disease like Carcinoma of the Cervix IIIB in centers with large patient load, utilizing advanced techniques such as IMRT and VMAT is both technically and practically difficult. Despite VMAT’s shorter delivery time, the procedures involved are time-consuming.
Conclusion: Hence forward planned SIB techniques may be used to achieve similar dosimetric effects of IMRT and VMAT techniques without much compromise in plan quality and patient throughput for treating bulky carcinoma of the cervix IIIB cases. However, the clinical results need to be carefully compared and evaluated and reported.
Prevalence of Rapid Weight Loss Practices and Their Profiles Among Non-Elite Combat Athletes in Kuching, East Malaysia
Authors: Cheah Whye Lian , Bo Myat Su , Kana Winnie Anak , Tourisz Nur Irdina Binti Mohd , Ishak Mohamad Arif Hadzimi Bin , Yogeswaran Mahanagaraani 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Introduction.
Rapid Weight Loss (RWL) is a common practice in combat sports where weight is classified to ensure equitable competition in terms of strength and agility. This study aimed to investigate the profiles of non-elite combat athletes and their RWL practices.

Material and methods
. This research was a cross-sectional study conducted in Kuching, Sarawak. Data were collected using a validated self-administered dual-language questionnaire.

Results.
A total of 65 respondents participated in the study; two-thirds were male, and the majority were taekwondo athletes. About 66% of the respondents reported to have practised rapid weight loss, with average weight loss of 3.4 kg (SD = 1.90) and highest weight loss of 4.9 kg (SD = 3.16). The most common RWL methods used were exercising more (69.8%), gradual dieting (51.1%), and training in heated rooms (20.8%). Physical trainers and training colleagues were rated as persons having the most influence on the use of RWL by the respondents. The perceived adverse effects which were mentioned the most frequently by the respondents were fatigue (69.2%), decreased vigour (50.8%), and muscle cramps (46.2%). As for the type of combat sport practised, muay thai and jiu jitsu had the highest number of respondents who used RWL. There were significant differences in RWL practices depending on the influences of training colleagues, physicians/doctors, physical trainers, parents, dieticians, and former athletes as well as perceived adverse effects of RWL.

Conclusions
. The findings of the current study were observed to be similar to those of research involving elite combat sport athletes where the prevalence of RWL was reasonably high, with similar characteristics. A proper regulatory programme should be put in place to assist both the athletes and their coaches/trainers in implementing proper weight control.
Sensory Evaluation of Liver/Meat Pâté Made from Fresh or Frozen Eland Meat and Beef
Authors: Kolbábek P. , Maxová P. , Kouřimská L. , Lukešová D. , Kotrba R. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Small animal producers in Europe can financially benefit if they sell not only carcasses or dissected cuts, but also processed meat and edible offal in value added products such as traditional and popular pâté. In particular, when introducing a new exotic species like eland (Taurotragus oryx) to the market, the sale of low valued cuts with higher collagen content is problematic. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the sensory traits of several pâtés made from liver and less valuable fresh or frozen meat cuts (neck, brisket and plate) of eland and cattle. Four batches of pâté made from fresh and frozen material (45 and 90 days) were tested by 35 panellists using sensory profiling method with 14 descriptors. Two pâté batches consisted of chicken liver and beef or eland meat. Another two were made from eland or beef liver together with eland meat. Pâté made from fresh material, including chicken or eland or beef liver, together with eland meat or beef showed the main differences in textural characteristics such as friability, overall texture being better scored for pâté which includes chicken liver. Chicken liver also resulted in a higher intensity of colour. Freezing of material (meat and liver) before processing into pâté resulted in worse scoring of the final product. Chicken liver batches scored better in sensory traits of overall appearance, pleasantness of taste, colour and intensity of colour, colour hue and textural friability, overall texture and of pleasantness of consistency. Pâté made from chicken liver from frozen material also had lower off-flavour. This pilot study showed that pâté from fresh eland meat and chicken liver scored the best in most of the sensory traits. Freezing and storing meat and liver before processing resulted in worse scores, especially in olfactory, visual and textural traits. The use of chicken liver instead of eland or beef liver to process pâté improves sensory traits.
Effect of Genotype on Ileal and Caecal Microbiota in Pasture-Reared Dominant Cockerels
Authors: Čermák L. , Vlčková J. , Skřivanová E. , Laloučková K. , Englmaierová M. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Outdoor access is an important part of organic and free-range poultry production, yet limited information exists on the effect of various housing and production systems on the growth performance and colonization of food-borne pathogens. Therefore, the primary purpose of the current study was to evaluate the influence of different housing systems (particularly fixed versus small, portable houses, with and without outdoor access to pasture) and different broiler genotypes on the gastrointestinal bacteria in broilers. The fundamental factor studied was the presence of any quantitative changes in common gastrointestinal microbiota, including pathogenic genera such as Campylobacter sp. and Salmonella sp. The results showed differences in intestinal microbiota and confirmed lowered counts of caecal coliforms in pasture-reared broilers.