bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determining the influence of structural and technological parameters of strip tillage on sunflower vegetation
Authors: Golub Gennadii , Nadykto Volodymyr , Dvornyk Andrii , Tsyvenkova Nataliya , Tsaruk Illia , Chuba Viacheslav , Krupa Natalia , Kaminetska Oksana , Chuba Ivan , Omelchenko Evgeniy 
Published: November 2024

The object of this study is the process of strip tillage, its effect on soil moisture in the strip, and subsequent vegetation of sunflower plants. At the same time, the task to increase the efficiency of strip tillage was solved.
It has been established that the rational values of the structural and technological parameters of the strip tillage section in terms of fuel consumption depend on the speed of movement of the unit, the depth and width of the tilled strip of soil. One section of the unit was used for the research. The studies were conducted using the Box-Benkin three-factor experiment design. It was established that the rational values of the structural and technological parameters of strip tillage in terms of fuel consumption have the following values: the depth of strip tillage h=20‒25 cm, the width of strip tillage b=20‒25 cm, the speed of the unit from 7.5 to 11 km/hours. In this case, the actual fuel consumption ranged from 4.2 to 6.3 l/ha.
It was also established that an increase in the width and depth of the strip cultivation leads to an increase in moisture loss in it. The highest value of soil moisture occurs at the minimum values of the depth and width of the strip cultivation, and the lowest at their maximum values. The influence of the width of the cultivated strip on the height of sunflower plants is more significant than the influence of the depth of tillage. This applies both to the range of changes in the height of sunflower plants (12.4‒13.6 cm compared to 12.5‒13.1 cm) and the intensity of the impact. The greatest influence on the height of sunflower plants is exerted by the magnitude of the transverse displacement of the axis of the row of plants. The intensity of this influence is approximately the same as the depth of tillage, and the range of changes in the height of sunflower plants is 11.7‒14 cm.
Research results could be used in the design of units for strip tillage and sowing units.
Applying heterogeneous building materials for the protection of people against electromagnetic radiation
Authors: Burdeina Nataliia , Levchenko Larysa , Korduba Iryna , Shamanskyi Sergii , Biruk Yana , Dovhanovskyi Maksym , Zozulya Serhii , Klymchuk Andrii , Nikolaiev Kyrylo , Osadchyi Dmytro 
Published: November 2024

The object of this study is the processes of shielding electromagnetic radiation by building and facing materials. The research is aimed at solving the problem of ensuring the electromagnetic safety of people by improving the composition and structures of building and facing materials.
Means for improving the electromagnetic safety of people under industrial and domestic conditions using non-homogeneous building materials have been determined. The shielding properties of reinforced concrete structures were studied. A methodology for increasing their efficiency depending on the amplitude-frequency characteristics of the radiation that needs shielding has been devised. The efficiency of electromagnetic radiation shielding by heterogeneous dielectric building materials based on cement concrete and basalt fibers was determined. It was established that shielding through the refraction of electromagnetic waves on inhomogeneities does not give an acceptable effect. The expediency of covering basalt fibers with a conductive substance to increase the protective properties of materials was substantiated. The protective properties of flat facing material with carbonyl iron content were studied. It has been shown that the properties of materials can be effectively controlled by adjusting the filler. The material's transmission coefficient of ultra-high frequency electromagnetic radiation does not exceed 0.40, and the reflection coefficient – 0.25 with a filler content in the base of 14–15 % by volume. This makes it possible to simultaneously ensure the electromagnetic safety of people and the stable functioning of wireless communication devices. The advantage of the material is the low coefficients of reflection of electromagnetic waves, which does not lead to deterioration of the electromagnetic situation in other areas where people stay. It has been established that the addition of boron nitride to the facing material significantly increases the thermal insulation characteristics of the coating and contributes to the solution of energy saving problems. Adding a layer containing boron nitride to the material provides thermal conductivity coefficients of 0.030–0.031 W/m·K, which is better than known analogs
Identifying the distribution and source of riverine plastic waste contamination: case study of Brantas River in Malang city
Authors: Anggayasti Wresti L. , Sudaryanti Sri , Pertiwi Maya , Nurjannah R. S. Fitriah , Sheviyandini Tsamara Yona , Suryatama Jaka , Rubiyatadji Renung , Koentjoro Maharani Pertiwi , Kurniawan Andi 
Published: November 2024

Brantas River experiences significant pollution due to domestic and industrial wastes. This condition also causes natural disasters such as floods. Single use plastics generally made up a large portion of local wastes. However, previous studies mostly investigated plastic waste pollution and local waste management habits as separate topics. Therefore, the objects of this study are the plastic wastes in Brantas River, as microplastic particles, and the identification of its source. The assessments were based on microplastic counts, macroinvertebrate bioassessment with SIGNAL-2 index, and the quantitative data of local domestic waste management at three Stations in Malang City area. Riverine microplastic pollutant concentrations and its sources were both successfully identified and solved. The results showed that the highest riverine microplastic particles were found in Station 3. This station only had four macroinvertebrate taxa with a SIGNAL-2 score of 4.42, indicating severe degradation. Quantitative data showed that 80 % of Station 3 residents threw plastic wastes directly to Brantas River. The low macroinvertebrate counts possibly caused by ingestion of microplastic from households and small-scale enterprises which heavily utilized single use plastics to trade their goods. The first distinctive feature of this study is the comparability of the microplastic, and macroinvertebrate counts with the river degradation status. Secondly, the quantitative data can serve as complementary evidence. Practically, the obtained results can be developed into an integrated plastic waste management plan for the residents surrounding the rivers, particularly in developing countries with similar socio-cultural conditions as elaborated in this study, to maintain the ecosystem quality
Assessing the potential accuracy of a small-sized goniometer with extended dynamic range based on nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Ivanov Sergiy 
Published: November 2024

This paper evaluates potential accuracy characteristics of a small-sized goniometer based on nuclear magnetic resonance with an extended dynamic range. This required constructing a model of goniometer errors, estimating its accuracy based on this model, and formulating practical recommendations for the design of such a device based on the accuracy assessment.
To evaluate the accuracy of a nuclear goniometer, a theoretical model was built that makes it possible to determine the optimal operating parameters of the cell gas mixture, the ranges of their permissible changes, the sensitivity of the goniometer, and the dependence of its characteristics on external and internal factors. In particular, the dependence of output signal of the device on the parameters of gas mixture and optical pumping has been determined. For a goniometer with a cell volume of 8 cm3, the optimum temperature is 130 °C, and the optimum intensity of the pumping radiation is 5 mW.
The dependence of output signal on the measured angle of rotation was also established, as well as the noise and error dependence of the device on the permissible values of its parameters. Based on the model built, parameters of a goniometer with a cell volume of 8 cm3 were determined; the maximum angular sensitivity of such a goniometer with complete suppression of technical noise is δφsen=1.0 arcsec. The greatest contribution to the angle measurement error is from the instability of pumping power Ip (ΔIp/Ip=0.05) – 85 %, magnetic field B0 (ΔB0/B0=10-8) – 13 %, temperature T (ΔT/T=0,1) – 2 %.
The goniometer under consideration corresponds to the medium accuracy class, δφtot≥10 arcsec. It could be used in optical manufacturing for operational control, calibration, and certification of optical products. To improve the angular accuracy of the goniometer, it is necessary to increase the stability of the laser pumping intensity
Devising a method for determining the moisture conductivity coefficient of subgrade soils taking into account European approaches and standards
Authors: Bubela Andrii , Bondarenko Liudmyla , Kvatadze Yevheniia , Stozhka Vitalii , Ivko Andrii 
Published: November 2024

The object of this study is the theoretical and methodological approaches to determining the coefficient of moisture conductivity of subgrade soils. The work focuses on considering the European approaches and standards when devising a method for determining the coefficient of moisture conductivity of soils.
In the course of the research, a method was developed for determining the coefficient of moisture conductivity of soils K1, which characterizes the diffusion movement of water, through the filtration coefficient K0, calculated in accordance with European requirements based on laboratory test data.
The proposed method is based on a mathematical model built on the basis of the differential equation of changes in soil moisture. The model is special in that, unlike existing ones, the movement of water was modeled from the bottom up, which reflects the process of moisture accumulation in the lower layers of the subgrade from groundwater or topwater.
A good agreement of the mathematical model with the data by other authors was obtained (the relative error did not exceed 12.98 %).
A direct relationship between the moisture conductivity coefficient of soils K1 and their initial moisture content W0 and an inverse relationship between K1 and the total moisture capacity of soils WFH were established in the paper. Dependences were derived in the range of changes in initial soil moisture W0 from 0.08 to 0.15 and WFH from 0.15 to 0.5. It was found that the values of the moisture conductivity coefficient of soils K1 increase from 4.64·10-6 to 3.81·10-5 m2/h with an increase in their initial moisture content and with a decrease in total moisture capacity.
From the point of view of engineering practice of road construction, the proposed method makes it possible to predict seasonal changes in soil moisture in the subgrade, to determine the strength of the road structure. This makes it possible to make sound design decisions on the installation of drainage systems on roads in order to extend their service life
Contact Toxicity and Repellent Activity of a Powder Extracted from Tridax Daisy (Tridax procumbens) against Maize Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)1
Authors: Wanna Ruchuon , Kunlanit Benjapon , Bunphan Darika , Khaengkhan Phirayot , Khaengkhan Parinda , Bozdoğan Hakan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky) is a significant pest affecting stored seeds and grains, leading to substantial losses in both quantity and quality. Utilizing crushed plant powders derived from specific natural plants offers a promising alternative to synthetic insecticides, which pose risks to both consumers and the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the contact toxicity of Tridax daisy (Tridax procumbens L.) plant powder derived from its aerial parts against S. zeamais when incorporated into jasmine brown rice, Oryza sativa L., grains. Laboratory experiments were conducted at 30°C ± 5°C and 70% ± 5% relative humidity following a completely randomized design with four replications and five treatments. Jasmine brown rice grains were treated with different application rates of 0 (control), 20, 40, 60, and 80 g/kg, with five pairs/replicate of 7-d-old S. zeamais. Results showed that T. procumbens powder exhibited a contact toxicity of 93.08 g/kg of grain after 12 d, resulting in a mortality of 27.5%. Additionally, the F1 generation comprised 51 adults, indicating an 85% reduction in adult progeny emergence. These findings demonstrate the potential of T. procumbens powder as a natural grain protectant to control S. zeamais populations in storage.
Review of the Patterns of Clinical Presentation, Histopathological Classes, and Outcomes of Lupus Nephritis Patients at a Tertiary care facility in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Rajoo Sarisha , Chiba Sheetal , Davies Malcolm , Cassimjee Zaheera 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Lupus nephritis (LN) is a significant factor in the burden of secondary glomerular disease in South Africa and has a poorer prognosis in people of African descent. Early identification and treatment are required to impact patient outcomes meaningfully.

Methods: A retrospective review of biopsy-proven LN diagnosed over a 10-year period was undertaken. Clinical, histopathology, and renal outcomes data were tested with logistic regression and general discriminant analysis. Survival curves of renal outcomes were also calculated.

Results: Over the 10-year study period, 47 patients were identified. The majority (72.7%) of patients were of Black African ancestry with median age at diagnosis of 26.5 years. Proliferative LN lesions predominated (66%) and were associated with higher creatinine (p = 0.007). An estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 90mL/min/1.73m2 increased the odds of proliferative LN (OR = 5.60; CI 1.06-29.59; p = 0.043). Proliferative LN was associated with a trend towards poorer renal outcomes (p = 0.057); higher baseline eGFR was associated with better-preserved kidney function at follow-up (p = 0.003). Baseline urine white cell count inversely correlated with eGFR and directly correlated with serum creatinine at follow-up (p = 0.041 and p = 0.001, respectively)

Conclusion: The present study demonstrates a possible role for baseline eGFR and leukocyturia in predicting the presence of proliferative LN. Since proliferative LN is associated with poorer kidney survival, these investigations may identify patients likely to benefit from empiric high-dose immunosuppression when access to biopsy confirmation is delayed.
Impact of Delayed Surgery as a Risk Factor for Complications in Acute but Uncomplicated Appendicitis at a regional hospital in the public sector in South Africa
Authors: Farhana Jassat , Marietha Nel 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Historically, surgery without delay was the standard of treatment for acute appendicitis. This has been challenged by studies focussing on defining a safe time frame for delaying surgery without any increase in morbidity.

Methods: A single-center, retrospective, two-year descriptive cohort study was undertaken at a regional hospital. This study examined the effect of pre- and in-hospital delay on the outcomes of patients with clinically acute unperforated appendicitis. Descriptive statistics described the patient population, pre- and in-hospital delay, and surgical outcomes, namely, severity of appendicitis, morbidity, and length of hospital stay.

Results: A total of 103 patients were included in this study. The median age was 25 years (IQR 21-33), and 60 (58%) were male. The median pre-hospital delay was 48 hours (IQR 24-72), and the in-hospital delay was 16.1 hours (IQR 9.5-22.5). Pre-hospital delay rather than in-hospital delay was associated with findings of suppurative/ gangrenous appendicitis at surgery (p = 0.032), more likely to develop post-operative complications (p = 0.002) and have more extended hospital stays (median 4 days (IQR 3-6). Age (aRR 1.34 (95% CI [0.99, 1.80]) and white cell count (aRR 1.55 (95% CI [1.09, 2.20]) independently predicted adverse outcomes.

Conclusion: A safe time frame for delaying appendicectomies could not be determined. However, patients older than 25 years, with a pre-hospital delay of > 2 days and a white cell count of ≥ 11 cells/ul on presentation, should be fast-tracked for surgery.
Bupivacaine subcutaneous infiltration without tourniquet versus lignocaine regional block with tourniquet for hand surgery
Authors: Botha Alexandra , Ndobe Elias , Phiri Sibusiso , Nel Marietha 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Local anaesthesia is the inhibition of all sensation from an area of the body without loss of consciousness. The search for a non-addictive local anaesthetic led to the discovery of lignocaine in 1943 and later to the longer-acting bupivacaine in 1952.
In this study, a prospective, randomised trial was conducted in 72 patients undergoing hand surgery to compare bupivacaine with adrenaline (wide awake local anaesthesia without tourniquet (WALANT) Group A) to a specific nerve block, either using axillary, wrist, or digital block using lignocaine plus tourniquet (Control Group B).

Method: These two groups of patients consisted of elective and trauma cases in equal numbers. The parameters assessed included pain relief measured by a numeric pain grading scale, time taken to achieve complete haemostasis from the initial incision and toxic complications.

Results: The grade of intraoperative pain was similar in both groups (p=0.86).
The time taken from the incision to achieve a bloodless field was longer in Group A. This reflects increased bleeding when using the WALANT method.
There were no toxic complications in either group.

Conclusion: The use of bupivacaine with adrenaline proved to be safe and effective but is not recommended for patients with a history of bleeding or anticoagulant therapy. Regional anaesthesia with lignocaine and a tourniquet may be preferred for those patients.
Successful thrombolysis of a geriatric patient with bilateral massive pulmonary embolism complicated by diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Venter Jakus , Titi Onwabe , Flowerday Claire , Sehlabo Lebogang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Pulmonary embolism has a high prevalence in the elderly population. It is, however, rare for pulmonary embolism to precipitate diabetic ketoacidosis in a geriatric patient. Massive pulmonary embolism, complicated by diabetic ketoacidosis, poses a unique resuscitation challenge. The risk of systemic thrombolysis must be weighed against cardiovascular collapse, worsening metabolic acidosis, and impaired respiratory compensation. We report on a case of a geriatric patient who received systemic thrombolysis after presenting with a massive pulmonary embolism complicated by diabetic ketoacidosis.
What advances monsoon onset over India?
Authors: Goswami Bidyut , Muller Caroline 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In the monsoon regions, atmospheric convection is typically stronger over the oceans than over land. Rainfall over land is potentially affected by the dynamic response of the atmosphere to deep convection over the adjacent oceans. Here, we show, in the case of the Indian summer monsoon, that enhanced atmospheric deep convection over the Bay of Bengal ∼2 weeks before onset, advances monsoon onset over India. Since the sea surface temperature of the Bay of Bengal is already hot during spring, warm anomalies further enhance convection that drives a convergence of low-level winds. A part of this circulation response blows from central India to the Bay of Bengal. It paves the way for monsoon circulation over India and advances the onset of monsoon. We tested this hypothesis using an atmospheric model forcing it by warm sea surface temperature anomalies over the Bay of Bengal 10-15 days before monsoon onset.
Erosion and rising primary production correlate with shifts in cladoceran community composition across three eastern Canadian lake records
Authors: Aucoin Madeleine E. , Rabinovitch Zoë , Pham Jennifer , Zilkey David R. , Gregory-Eaves Irene 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Anthropogenic stressors are increasing the vulnerability of freshwater systems, causing them to alter their ecosystem functions and lose biodiversity. Cladocerans are widely used paleolimnological indicators because they respond quickly to disturbances and are common prey for many fish taxa. For this project, we combined analyses of sediment elemental composition, chlorophyll a, and subfossil cladoceran assemblages to assess the environmental history of three eastern Canadian lakes that are currently experiencing a range of pressures in their watersheds over the past ~ 300 years. The study lakes were sampled by the NSERC Canadian Lake Pulse network, designed to advance the understanding of lake health in Canada. In all three lakes, we observed changes in erosional geochemical indicators to occur as early as the mid-1700s whereas pronounced changes in sediment chlorophyll a were observed to increase in all three lakes around 1950 CE. The key changes in cladoceran assemblages varied somewhat by lake but occurred shortly after the shifts in erosional elements. With rising primary production, high nutrient levels, and metal contamination, more competitive pelagic cladocerans, such as the Bosmina taxa were observed to remain dominant despite the newly introduced stressors. Overall, the complete time series presented herein demonstrates the importance of expanding research beyond top-bottom comparison to better contextualize changes observed in recent times.
Identification of High-Risk SNPs in SLC22A transporter Genes: Their Potential Role in PCOS and Metformin uptake
Authors: Ravindran Harini , Usha Balasundaram , Ramalingam Satish , Akshatha Pai , kumar T. M. Vijaya 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) presents as a multifaceted endocrine disorder impacting women of reproductive age. Metformin, a first-line medication for type 2 diabetes, has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for PCOS due to its beneficial effects on insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and ovulation induction. Integral to the pharmacokinetic profile of metformin, the Organic Cation Transporter (OCT) family, encompassing OCT1 (SLC22A1), OCT2 (SLC22A2), and OCT3 (SLC22A3), assumes a pivotal role in mediating the cellular uptake and distribution of this medication. In PCOS, alterations in OCT expression and function contribute to the diversity of metformin response among affected individuals. Numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within OCT genes have been discovered, potentially affecting the uptake, distribution, and effectiveness of metformin. The human OCT family comprises three members: OCT1 (SLC22A1), OCT2 (SLC22A2), and OCT3 (SLC22A3). In this study, we utilized sequence-based prediction methodologies to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within SLC22A1, SLC22A2, and SLC22A3. Among the SNPs cataloged by the NCBI database, four nonsynonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) in SLC22A1, three in SLC22A2, and seven in SLC22A3 were consistently predicted to be highly damaging and deleterious by five in-silico tools (Align GVGD, PolyPhen-2, PANTHER, PROVEAN, and PhD-SNP). These nsSNPs were associated with reduced stability of the SLC22A1-SLC22A3 proteins. Specific mutations, such as L42R and F422S in SLC22A1, R404C, G373D, and E227A in SLC22A2, and G259R, R348W, and R407C in SLC22A3, were identified as highly conserved and exposed, making them significant nsSNPs in our study. The insights gained from these mutations hold the potential to inform large-scale investigations aimed at developing precision medicine approaches for the management of PCOS.