bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of MnO 2 @TiO 2 composite electrodes via hydrolysis and calcination for high stability zinc ions batteries
Authors: Zhu Jun , Shi Hongwei , Liu Chengcheng , Ouyang Wenzhu , Liu Yuling , Li Xiaoling 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Aqueous Zn/MnO2 batteries have been extensively attracted attentions for their superior comprehensive performance. However, the poor structural stability and dissolution of MnO2 have seriously prevented its further development. Therefore, TiO2 is introduced for coating MnO2 to improve its electrochemical stability. Firstly, TiO2 used as a protective layer could hamper the direct contact between the electrode and the electrolyte, and effectively inhibiting the dissolution of manganese. Secondly, TiO2 has good mechanical strength to adapt to the volume change of MnO2 during the charge/discharge processes, which consolidates the stability of the electrode material. Finally, TiO2 could improve the electrical conductivity of the composite material, achieving lower polarization and good electron/ion transport. As a result, Zn/MnO2@TiO2-2 exhibits extraordinary electrochemical performance with a rate capacity of 245.16 mAh g− 1 at 0.2 A g− 1 and maintains a capacity of 137.09 mAh g− 1 after 1000 cycles at 1 Ag− 1. Even at a high current density of 3 A g− 1, it has a capacity of 93.35 mAh g− 1 after 1500 cycles, and the capacity retention rate is 97.47%. This work provides the inspiration and foundation method for designing high-performance Zn/MnO2 batteries.
Seroprevalence of Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) in Goats and Sheep from Northeastern Uganda, Karamoja Region
Authors: Muhanguzi Dennis , Nkamwesiga Joseph , Kimuda Magambo Phillip , Etiang Patrick , Mugezi Israel , Wamala Henry , Wasswa Auther Tamale , Mayanja Maureen Nanziri , Kamusiime Maureen , Ainebyoona Solomon , Abizera Harriet , Kakuru Mesearch , Amanyire Wilson , Mwiine Frank Norbert , Tweyongyere Robert 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia [CCPP] is a notifiable respiratory tract disease of small ruminants caused by by Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae (Mccp) [goats] or Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (Mcop) [sheep]. CCPP is associated with high economic losses due to high morbidity, mortality and restrictions to livestock and livestock products market access. Endemic countries need to generate area-wide Mccp | Mcop seroprevalence data and use them to design CCPP control and surveillance programs, to which effort this study contributed.
Methods: We collected 2,296 sheep and goat blood samples from 38 randomly selected small ruminant village [clusters] herds. These herds were drawn from three randomly selected [out of nine] Karamoja region districts. These sera were screened for anti-Mccp | Mcop IgG antibodies using the IDEXX CCPP competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [cELISA] kits. The Mccp | Mcop seroprevalence estimates, their 95 % confidence intervals were computed and mixed-effect binomial logistic regression modelswith random intercepts for villages fit to determine which risk factors explained the computed seroconversion rates. All statistical analyses were completed in R-4.1.2 for Microsoft Windows.
Results and their significance: Over a third [42.7%; CI: 40.7-44.7] of all screened goats and sheep were seropositive for Mccp and Mcop respectively. Goats [34.0%] were 3.5 times more likely to be Mccp seropositive than sheep [8.7%]. Statistically significant [p<0.05] predictors of goat and sheep seroconversion to Mccp and Mcop included overnight stay in protected kraals, increasing age, sex in favor of females and location of some herds [some villages, sub counties, along international boarders].
Conclusion: We report a high seroprevalence of Mccp/Mcop across Amudat, Kaabong and Karenga districts of Karamoja region, indicating increased endemicity of CCPP since the sampled herds had no history of CCPP vaccination. Risk-based CCPP control programs should target predictors of seroconversion to Mccp/Mcop. For example, goats can particularly be targeted since they present a higher risk of seroconversion. Hot-spot villages along regional boarders should be priority for intervention. Overnight stay in protected kraals should only be considered if small ruminants have been vaccinated.
An improved density peaks clustering algorithm based on mutual nearest neighbor distance
Authors: Chen Yaru , Zhou Jie , He Xingshi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Density peaks clustering (DPC) algorithm determines the cluster centers by calculating the local density and relative distance, and then assigns the non-center points to the cluster where the nearest high-density point is located. In this paper, an improved density peaks clustering algorithm based on mutual nearest neighbor distance (MD-DPC) is proposed to solve the problem of uncertainty and influence of the cutoff distance and poor fault tolerance of one-step allocation strategy. Firstly, the local density is calculated by the mutual nearest neighbor distance without cutoff distance parameter to overcome the influence of cutoff distance parameter on the clustering result. Secondly, a measurement criterion is defined to consider the density of the region where the data point are located. According to this criterion, the data points are divided into core region and non-core region, and a two-step allocation strategy is proposed to overcome the problem of poor fault tolerance of the one-step allocation strategy of DPC. The allocation strategy of the data points in the core region is the same as the original DPC algorithm, and the data points in the non-core region are assigned to the cluster with the highest likelihood. Finally, in order to validate MD-DPC, we test it on synthetic and real-world datasets, and compare it with DPC, DBSCAN, k-means, KNN-DPC and DPCSA methods. Experimental results suggest that MD-DPC can effectively find clusters.
Pay-it-forward enhanced uptake of Mycoplasma pneumoniae testing among pediatric outpatients in China: a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tang Weiming , Shi Chao , Xie Yewei , Wang Yan , Ai Wei , Wu Dan , Yang Fan , Liu Shuo , Ong Jason , Tucker Joseph , Shen Yuan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Pay-it-forward intervention involve a person receiving a free test and then having the option to donate money to support testing for others. This study assessed the effectiveness of a pay-it-forward in increasing Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) testing uptake among children in Wuxi, China. We conducted a two-arm, pragmatic superiority cluster randomized controlled trial (Clinical Trial registration: ChiCTR 2300078623). Participants were children under 14 years old attending two outpatient pediatric clinics, randomized into pay-it-forward or standard-of-care arms. In the pay-it-forward arm, participants received free M. pneumoniae testing and could voluntarily contribute to future participants' testing costs. The standard-of-care arm participant needed to pay 14 USD for tests. The primary outcome was M. pneumoniae testing uptake based on administrative records. Between December 2 and December 20, 2023, 320 children were enrolled (160 per arm). M. pneumoniae testing uptake was significantly higher in the pay-it-forward arm (72.5%) than in the standard-of-care arm (34.4%) (adjusted proportion difference 39.6%, 95% confidence interval 23.6–55.7%). In the pay-it-forward arm, 9.5% of participants donated money. The intervention effect showed variation in caregivers’ education level and study sites. No adverse events were reported. The pay-it-forward intervention significantly increased M. pneumoniae testing uptake among symptomatic children, demonstrating the feasibility of innovative diagnostic incentives for respiratory pathogens.
Quantifying the Affective Dynamics of Pornography Use and Masturbation: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study
Authors: Henry Nathan I. N. , Pedersen Mangor , Williams Matt , Donkin Liesje 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The causal relationships between pornography use, masturbation, moral incongruence, and mental health are poorly understood. While the link between problematic pornography use (PPU) and depression is well documented, the affective dynamics (i.e., emotional shifts over time) associated with pornography use and masturbation have not yet been quantified. Utilizing an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) design, we measured the affective dynamics of mental health variables collected from 22 participants before, during and after pornography use and masturbation, and examined the moderating role of moral incongruence in these relationships. Participants completed an initial survey followed by a four-week EMA, capturing data on sexual activities and mental health variables. Bayesian hierarchical mixed-effects models were employed to analyse affective dynamics. Findings suggest that pornography use and masturbation were linked to changes in affective states that spiked both before and after sexual episodes. The magnitude of these state changes was greater in participants with high moral incongruence, who experienced increases in guilt, shame, loneliness, and difficulty thinking, along with decreased hedonic mood and perception of relationship connectedness, either before or after sexual episodes. Our findings signalled the potential for intermittent spiking effects in craving prior to sexual episodes, as well as potential evidence for ‘brain fog’ following pornography use in both low and high moral incongruence participants. Further, we discovered opponent process dynamics in the mood of high moral incongruence participants, providing a possible causal mechanism that may explain how PPU can lead to depression.
Socioeconomic Disparities in Adolescent Growth: an Anthropometric Study of Nigerian School Children in Lagos
Authors: Mbagwu Smart 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The dearth of literature on studies investigating the influence of various factors impacting adolescent growth patterns in African populations remain a major challenge in growth research. The aim of the current study was to assess the variation in anthropometric dimensions estimated from stature and limb parameters of adolescent Nigerian school children based on socio-economic backgrounds in Lagos, using school type as an indicator.
Methods
Ethical clearance was sought and obtained, and upon full consent of the participants, anthropometric measurements of stature, arm span, thigh, percutaneous tibial, arm, forearm, hand and foot lengths were taken from 640 adolescent school children (320 males and 320 females), aged 10–17 years, selected from public and private schools in Lagos using a systematic random method. The anthropometric protocol adopted were those recommended by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK); and the data collated was analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Results
We observed statistically significant differences in the mean of measured anthropometric dimensions between age matched private and public-school boys {Stature (167.69:160.33; p = 0.000*), Thigh length (45.92:42.66; p = 0.000*), Percutaneous tibial length (37.73:34.55; p = 0.000*), Arm length (28.89:26.81; p = 0.000*), Forearm length(26.14:23.65; p = 0.000*), Hand length (18.26:17.66;p = 0.004*), Foot length(25.07:24.08; p = 0.000*), Arm span (165.73:152.27; p = 0.000*)}, and girls {Stature (166.29:161.61; p = 0.000*), Thigh length (47.98:43.95; p = 0.000*), Percutaneous tibial length (37.43:35.35; p = 0.000*), Arm length(28.76:27.35; p = 0.000*), Forearm length (25.52:24.53; p = 0.002*), Hand length (18.07:17.76;p = 0.000*), Foot length(24.21:23.89; p = 0.023*), Arm span (164.19:154.25; p = 0.000*)}, showing that school types are indicative of socio-economic status. Additionally, significant male-female differences in anthropometric dimensions were greater in public than private schools, with the females exhibiting higher values than the males in the public schools, and the males recording higher values than the females in the private schools.
Conclusion
The observed variations in anthropometric dimensions among the study population may reflect a complex interaction between growth and socio-economic status, as these factors have been found to influence adolescent growth patterns.
The Crocus panrepeatome reveals the links between whole-genome duplications, repeat bursts, and descending dysploidy
Authors: Waminal Nomar Espinosa , Blattner Frank , Harpke Doerte 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Dysploidy is a crucial driver for species diversification by changing karyotypes through diploidization after a whole-genome duplication (WGD). A WGD could trigger repeat bursts but our knowledge about the evolutionary links between WGD, repeat bursts, and descending dysploidy is limited. Using Crocus as a model, we performed a panrepeatomic analysis to gain insights into the influence of WGD on repeat bursts and of repeat dynamics in descending dysploidy. We first established a phylogenetic backbone of the genus using chloroplast (cp) and 35S rDNA sequences to which we could anchor our panrepeatome data. We identified a WGD event before the initial divergence of Crocus, and nested WGD events before the divergence of some series coinciding with repeat bursts. We demonstrate repeat-linked chromosome fusions of C. longiflorus chromosomes in its dysploid relative C. vernus. This work demonstrates the links between WGD, repeat bursts, and descending dysploidy.
Physics-informed deep-learning model for mitigating spatiotemporal imbalances in FLUXNET2015 global evapotranspiration data
Authors: Wang Jiancheng , Xu Tongren , Bateni Sayed M. , Liu Shaomin , Jun Changhyun , Kim Dongkyun , Li Xiaoyan , Li Xin , Yang Xiaofan , Xu Ziwei , Zhang Gangqiang , Ming Wenting 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

As a key component of the water cycle, evapotranspiration (ET) plays a critical role in agricultural management and climate prediction. While numerous long-term observation sites have been established in Europe and North America (data-rich regions), fewer short-term observation sites exist in South America and, particularly, in Africa (data-poor regions). Several machine learning approaches have been developed for ET estimations. However, most existing studies in this field have used training and testing data from the same region, potentially leading to poor extrapolation in unseen areas. This paper proposes a physics-informed deep-learning model that considers external environmental variables, enabling more accurate identification of different underlying surfaces. Our results demonstrate that the proposed model effectively transfers the knowledge acquired from its training on data-rich regions to data-poor regions, thereby mitigating spatiotemporal imbalances in global in-situ ET observations. Overall, this approach can support the sustainable development of data-deficient regions or countries.
Genomic Analysis of the Caleosin Family in Theaceae Reveals Lineagespecific Evolutionary Patterns
Authors: Zhang Zaibao , Xiong Tao , Fan Tianyu 
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
Caleosins are recognized as the key proteins found in Lipid Droplets (LDs) and are crucial for the creation, maintenance, and breakdown of LDs. Nevertheless, our understanding of caleosins remains limited within Theaceae, a prominent botanical family encompassing
economically significant tea and oil tea species.

Methods:
In this research, we conducted a comprehensive genome-wide exploration and examination of the caleosin family in Theaceae species with sequenced genomes. The gene number of caleosin was similar among Theaceae species. Segmental duplication was the main form of caleosin
expansion in Shuchazao (SCZ), Huangdan (HD), Biyun (BY), Tieguanyin (TGY), Longjing (LJ),
C. lanceoleosa (Cla) and C. chekiangoleosa (CCH). Synteny analysis revealed one-to-more and
more-to-one collinear relationships of caleosin genes among Theaceae species.

Results:
Caleosins in Theaceae are categorized into either the H-family or the L-family, each exhibiting distinct motif structures and physicochemical properties. Expression analysis revealed an
apparent flower-predominant expression pattern of caleosin genes in Theaceae species. In addition, most paralogous pairs displayed expression divergence.

Conclusion:
This research enhanced our understanding of the lineage-specific evolution of caleosin genes in Theaceae, and is valuable for future functional analysis of this gene family in tea
and oil-tea species.
Strategies in Taxol Development: A Review
Authors: Zwawiak Justyna , Zaprutko Lucjusz , Pawelczyk Anna 
Published: September 2024

:
Taxol is a compound with a rigid, tetracyclic structure of diterpene, which is characterized
by significant antitumor properties. Firstly, Taxol has been isolated by extraction from the bark
of the yew tree. However, the low level of availability obligated the researchers' world to uncover
alternative techniques of Taxol obtainment. In the last few years, many synthetic and semi-synthetic
methodologies have been elaborated. Nowadays, many novel biotechnological approaches using cell
suspension cultures and biotransformation are initiated and expanded. These processes are very beneficial.
The reason is that both the final product and the yield of the process have high levels. Such
approaches are very distinctive and they help achieve significant quantities of natural compounds,
which often exist in small amounts in plants. Moreover, a very important aspect of Taxol development
is nanotechnology. The use of this method has many benefits - the retention time is protracted
and the concentration of a drug in tumor tissue is raised. This is due to the specific targeting of nanomolecules.
What is essential for patients is that systemic side effects are reduced and the healthy
biological systems and tissues do not damage. Also, the paper presents new directions with the application
of Artificial Intelligence methods.

:
Every year, new concepts are created for obtaining Taxol and developing methods to significantly
increase its bioavailability.
Visual and Spectrophotometric Detection of Iodide Ion by Pyridine based Silver Nanoprobe and DFT Analysis
Authors: Naseer Ayesha , Awan Asia Naz , Hameed Abdul 
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
A novel chemosensor has been developed utilizing a newly synthesized
pyridine-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone silver nanoprobe (PT-AgNP) for detecting
and quantifying iodide ions in aqueous media, both visually and spectrophotometrically using
a UV-Vis spectrophotometer.

Methods:
Notably, this sensor demonstrates remarkable selectivity for I- ions, effectively distinguishing
them from other common anions such as AcO-, Br-, Cl-, CN-, and F-. The PTAgNP
solution undergoes a rapid color change from yellow to black, providing a clear visual
indication of the presence of iodide ions. This color transition is directly proportional to the
concentration of iodide ions, as indicated by the reduction in the intensity of the surface plasmon
resonance band due to nanoparticle aggregation. A linear correlation is observed between
the change in intensity and the concentration of iodide ions within the range of 10 to 50 nM,
with a detection limit of 8.8 nM. The stability of the PT-AgNP complex is evaluated through
experimental methods such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, zeta potential analysis, and powder X-ray
diffraction (PXRD), complemented by theoretical calculations using density functional theory
(DFT) with Gaussian 09W software.

Results:
Theoretical investigations reveal that the silver ion (Ag+) and the imine bond of pyridine
carboxaldehyde act as potential nucleophilic targets, consistent with the observed morphological
color change from yellow to black upon PT-AgNP complexation with iodide ions.

Conclusion:
Furthermore, DFT calculations indicate a higher HOMO-LUMO energy gap in
the pyridine molecule compared to the PT-AgNP complex, suggesting its enhanced sensitivity
and reactivity towards iodide ions.
Antibacterial Activity of Medicinal Plants and the Impact of Isolated Bioactive Compounds against Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Sharma Vanshika , Kalita Ranjan Dutta 
Published: September 2024

Abstract:
Staphylococcus aureus is amongst those microorganisms that have the potential to cause broad-spectrum infections. The bacteria can be both hospital and community-acquired due to the resistance mechanism developed against the available antibiotics. As the bacteria is resistant to almost all β-lactam antibiotic families, its treatment is becoming increasingly difficult. Therefore, new strategies should be implemented to control the pathogen which is fast transforming as a multi-drug resistant (MDR) microorganism. Medicinal plants serve as an alternative candidate to antibiotics due to their efficacy and have attracted many researchers in the last decade. Several studies are being carried out worldwide to treat this pathogenic bacterium with the active ingredients present in various plant species. This review paper aims to depict the antibacterial activity of different medicinal plants and the impact of the isolated bioactive compounds against the multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogen-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and to introspect the mechanism of action of the natural prod-ucts in interrupting the resistance mechanism of MRSA thereby killing the bacteria
ANALISIS BAHAN AJAR SASTRA DALAM BUKU TEKS BAHASA INDONESIA SMP/MTs KELAS VII
Authors: Suparti Suparti , Suryaman Maman 
Published: September 2024

(Title: An Analysis of Literary Materials in Indonesian Textbook to Junior Hig School/MTs VII). This study attempted to describe (1) knowledge aspects of literary teaching materials; (2) skill aspects of literary teaching materials; and (3) attitude aspects of literary teaching materials in Indonesian textbook for Junior Hig School/MTs VII grades by using education character approach. This research used qualitative descriptive approachment type of document analysis. The source of the research data was based on the Indonesian textbook of SMP/MTs VII. The technique to collect the data was done by reading and recording technique by using instrument which had been validated in the form of document analysis guide. The research data were analyzed using Miles and Hubermen model which included data reduction, presentation, and conclusion. The results of this study indicated that the knowledge, skills, and attitude aspect of literary materials had fulfilled in the Indonesian textbook for SMP/MTs VII with details (1) based on knowledge aspect of literary materials, the conceptual knowledge was more dominated than factual and procedural knowledge, (2) based on skills aspects of literary materials, the reading skills most often taught than listening, speaking, and writing skills; and (3) based on attitude aspects literary materials, the social attitudes is more dominated than spiritual attitudes.Keywords: literary materials, textbooks, character education.