bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) seed coating material against rodents and evaluation of its performance on seed germination and emergence
Authors: Tandoğan Mesut , Özdemir Mehmet , Aslan Vedat , Hacıyusufoğlu Ahmet F. , Kul Ali Ayhan , Şen Emine , Polatoğlu Kaan , Oran Duygu Sultan , Arıcıoğlu Feyza , Turan İlhami , Atmaca Salih 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Protection of sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) seeds, which are sown for various purposes such as artificial regeneration, afforestation, rehabilitation, seedling production, and seed supplementation in natural regeneration, from rodents is one of the factors affecting germination and emergence success. In this study, the effects of 12 natural or natural-identical substances (Foeniculum vulgare, Carthamus lanatus L., Ferulago confusa Velen, Heracleum sphandylium L. essential oils, Ferulic acid, 1,8-cineol, Benzothiazole, Capsaicin, Eugenol, Camphor, Pomarsol Forte + alumina powder, Diesel fuel + hair) of different origins—|thought to have a repellent effect—on the germination, emergence and survival characteristics of oak acorns were tested under laboratory and field conditions. The repellent effects of the substances on rodents were tested in the laboratory using the "Y-maze" test. Additionally, a new oak acorn coating equipment and coating method (using diatomaceous clay) was developed and applied to coat sessile oak acorns with these substances. As a result of the research, among the tested substances, Ferulago confusa and Foeniculum vulgare were recommended as rodent repellents due to their success in laboratory germination, field emergence and survival. İt was determined that the germination, emergence and survival percentages of the conventionally applied “Diesel fuel + hair” treatment were lower than the Control and other substances and it did not have a repellent effect on harmfuls.
The Effect of Intergenerational Care on Chinese Elderly’ s Mental Health from the Perspective of Social Role: The Moderating Effect of Care Intensity
Authors: Wang Ruolin , Li Yifei , Zhou Kai 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives: This study examines the influence of caring for grandchildren on Chinese elderly’s life satisfaction to elucidate the informal cultural institutions.
Background: Intergenerational care is an important mean for ensuring family security in China in the face of deficient childcare services. However, the impact of caregiving on grandparents’ quality of life is uncertain. This study bridged the role tension and role enhancement theories which were a pair of competitive hypothesesto explain the impact of intergenerational care.
Methods: This study used the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey(http://class.ruc.edu.cn/) 2018 database obtained by probability sampling method and sorted out 5,773 eligible elderly samples. Multiple linear regressions and polynomial models were used to analyze the data. Endogeneity was solved through propensity score matching.
Results: The grandparents caring for grandchildren scored significantly high for life satisfaction. The relationship between the duration of care and the life satisfaction of grandparents was inversely U-shaped. Caring for grandchildren and advanced age elderly, such as respondents’ parents, inhibited the benefits of intergenerational care.
Conclusions: Caring for grandchildren moderately improves Chinese elderly’s quality of life. The intensity of care is an important factor determining the direction of the influence of intergenerational care on grandparents’ quality of life.
Implications: For the sake of the mental health of the elderly and family unity, the older adults should be ensured to care for their grandchildren under conditions of low care intensity and high care willingness.
Challenges and Solutions in Clustering Low-Resource Language Social Media Text: An Evaluation Using Unsupervised Algorithms
Authors: HOTI Mërgim , REXHEPI Avni , HOTI Arbër , REXHA Blerim 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The challenge of data clustering, especially for text data in low-resource languages such as Albanian, is exacerbated by the lack of linguistic resources and research. This paper evaluates the performance of three unsupervised machine learning clustering algorithms: K-Means, DBSCAN, and HDBSCAN, on datasets sourced from social media posts in Albanian, where clients expressed their opinions about services of two local telecommunication companies: first and second company. The methodology involves comprehensive preprocessing steps: cleaning, tokenization, and vectorization using TF-IDF. The results indicate that the K-Means algorithm achieved optimal clustering with an accuracy of 70.1\% for the first company dataset and 76.4\% for the second company dataset. DBSCAN, though effective in identifying dense clusters, showed lower accuracy due to outliers. HDBSCAN improved data density clustering but had reduced overall effectiveness. The study concludes that while K-Means is reliable for clustering Albanian text data, the unique attributes of low-resource languages require further refinement.
The abundance and localization of environmental microplastics in gastrointestinal tract and muscle of Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus)
Authors: Pitt Jordan A. , Gallager Scott M. , Youngs Sarah , Michel Anna P. M. , Hahn Mark E. , Aluru Neelakanteswar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) have been found in a diverse range of organisms across trophic levels. While a majority of the information on organismal exposure to plastics in the environment comes from gastrointestinal (GI) data, the prevalence of MP particles in other tissues is not well understood. Additionally, many studies have not been able to detect the smallest, most prevalent, MPs (1 µm – 5mm) that are the most likely to distribute to tissues in the body. To address these knowledge gaps, MPs in the GI tract and muscle of Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) collected from two sites on Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod, MA were quantified down to 2 µm in size. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to identify all particles. Of the 2,008 particles analyzed in various fish tissue samples, only 3.4 % (69 particles) were identified as plastic; polymers included nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyurethane. MP abundance in the GI tract was greater than in the muscle. MPs detected in the GI tract samples also tended to be more diverse in both size and polymer type than those found in the muscle. We found that MPs <50 µm, which are often not analyzed in the literature, were the most common in both the GI tract and muscle samples. There was not a significant correlation between the MP content in the muscle compared to the GI tract, indicating that GI tract MP abundance cannot be used to predict non-GI tract tissue MP content; however, MP abundance in muscle correlated with fish total length, suggesting potential bioaccumulation of these small MPs.
IGFBP1 and routine laboratory Indicators for early prediction of pre-eclampsia in Chinese population
Authors: Qi Hongbo , Zhang Xiao , Li Jia , Hou Guixue , Zhou Niya , Zhao Zhiguang , Xu Wenqiu , Diao Zhuo , Qiu Zhixu , Chen Songchang , Xu Naixin , Zhao Qiang , Feng Suihua , Xiao Gefei , Qin Jie , Wei Fengxiang , Zhang Rui , Zhang Lanlan , Han Xu , Li Shuyuan , Chen Xinzhen , Zhou Wei , Chen Zhen , Wang Lan , Yang Huan , Gao Jie , sun Sun , Lin Liang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Early prediction of pre-eclampsia (PE) is crucial for timely intervention and medical monitoring. The accuracy of existing prediction models is limited, especially in the Chinese population. Here, we conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 3,772 pregnancies from eight hospitals across China. Using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) techniques, a novel biomarker IGFBP1 was identified in maternal plasma samples. Furthermore, white blood cell (WBC), platelet (PLT), monocyte count (MO#), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AS)/alanine aminotransferase (AL), and uric acid (UA) were systemically evaluated as indicators from 90 routine laboratory tests. Machine learning model incorporating maternal factors, protein biomarkers, and laboratory indicators outperforming existing prediction model and validated in an external cohort (EPE: AUC 0.95, sensitivity 92.86%, specificity 90% and LPE: AUC 0.84, sensitivity 55.93%, specificity 90%). Those results suggest our study provide a novel protein biomarker and a valuable prediction strategy for early prediction and management of PE in the obstetric clinic.
Linking Chamber-Specific Spatial Chromatin Interactions to Disease Variants and Gene Programs in Human Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Gilsbach Ralf , Haydar Shaza , Bednarz Rebecca , Laurette Patrick , Pedrosa Nuria Díaz i , Videm Pavankumar , Lüneburg Tanja , Kuss Sabine , Lahm Harald , Dressen Martina , Krane Markus , Schmidt Constanze , Grüning Björn , Streckfussß-Bömeke Katrin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Cell-type specific gene expression programs and response to stimuli are modulated by cis-regulatory elements (CREs). CREs modulate the activity of spatially interacting gene promoters. Heart disease is a major cause of death worldwide. Here, we aim to decode CRE-promoter interactions in atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes and link them to heart disease and genetic risk factors. Therefore, we analyze the epigenetic features and chromatin interactions of human atrial, ventricular, and failing cardiomyocytes (CM). In failing CM a limited number of genes, including NPPA, showed rewiring events orchestrating differential gene expression. Remarkably, we find that atrial and ventricular CM harbor chamber-specific chromatin interactions which are linked to gene expression indicating that chromatin organization underlies atrial and ventricular CM specification. The chamber-specific chromatin interactions also explain the contribution of non-coding genetic CRE variants to the occurrence of atrial and ventricular diseases, including atrial and ventricular arrhythmia. Functional silencing of CREs carrying genetic QT-duration risk factors confirmed their functional relevance.
Our human CM data demonstrates that cell type-specific chromatin interaction analysis provides crucial insights into regulatory mechanisms and aids the interpretation of genetic risk factors identified in patients and association studies.
Prediction of Neurological Outcomes after Treatment of Paraclinoid Aneurysms: A Modern Reappraisal of Microsurgical Techniques
Authors: Bocanegra-Becerra Jhon E. , Sánchez José Luis Acha , Montenegro Luis Contreras , Bellido Adriana , Contreras Shamir , Santos Oscar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Microsurgery for paraclinoid aneurysms remains the first line of treatment in select limited-resource settings. The authors aimed to describe their institutional experience and evaluate predictors of good functional outcomes after microsurgical treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms.
Methods: A retrospective review of clinical records was conducted. Multivariate logistic regression assessed predictors of neurological outcomes.
Results: Fifty-six patients (80.4% female; mean 55.55 ± 11.27 years) with 80 brain aneurysms (72.5% paraclinoid aneurysms) were analyzed. Most paraclinoid aneurysms were located in the ophthalmic segment (53.5%), presented in a ruptured state (56.9%), measured 10-25 mm (65.5%), and had a wide neck [median: 5.2 mm (IQR: 3.07-48)]. The median time from symptom onset to intervention was five days (IQR: 2-20). Preoperative visual deficits were present in 51.8% of patients. Aneurysm repair involved clipping (87.5%) and clipping with bypass surgery (12.5%). Most cases were performed under a minipterional craniotomy (51.8%) and involved the use of extradural anterior clinoidectomy (71.4%), carotid control (92.9%), fluorescein video angiography (91.1%), and intraoperative doppler (89.3%).
An increasing Hunt and Hess score at presentation was associated with poor functional outcomes (OR: 0.25, 95% CI 0.03-0.745; p = 0.038). At the 6-month follow-up, 91.1% of patients had good outcomes, and 72.4% had improved visual outcomes.
Conclusions: The present series showcases the valuable role of microsurgical treatment for patients with paraclinoid aneurysms in contemporary times. Despite the challenges posed by the poor grade of subarachnoid hemorrhage and delayed intervention, proficiency in adjunct techniques remains essential to optimizing functional outcomes and minimizing surgical morbidity.
Plasmidome derived antibiotic resistome reveals the partitioning of different geographic regions and treatment compartments in the urban water systems
Authors: Yu Zhuofeng , He Wanli , Nesme Joseph , Klincke Franziska , Madsen Jonas Stenløkke , Kot Witold , Hansen Lars Hestbjerg , Dechesne Arnaud , Smets Barth , Sørensen Søren Johannes 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Mobile genetic elements such as plasmids drive the dissemination and evolution of antibiotic resistance in the microbiome. And plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance has been a growing concern in the wastewaters since urban water systems (UWSs) are known to breed and spread antibiotic resistance to the downstream rivers, which constitutes environmental exposure risks to human health. Here we investigated the plasmid derived antibiotic resistance at different treatment compartments in three comparable UWSs located in Spain, Denmark, and the United Kingdom using direct plasmid DNA metagenome sequencing. We assembled contigs (circular and linear) and removed chromosome ones using bioinformatic tools. Thereby, a plasmidome dataset was generated and analysed. We identified 225 different ARGs belonging to 180 groups of ARG families in the wastewater plasmidome. Genes conferring resistance to aminoglycoside, tetracycline, macrolide and phenicol drug contributed to more than half of the plasmidome resistome abundance across samples. The plasmid resistome richness and relative abundance detected in Spanish UWS samples were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the other studied countries, which mirrors the remarkable domestic antibiotic use in Spain. And we only detected significant (p < 0.05) differences in ARG risk scores between the hospital and residential sewers in Spain. Meanwhile, different sewer compartments showed a partitioning role for the resistome richness and abundance distributions. Intriguingly, we perceived a group of shared ARGs among the three countries regardless of treatment stages. Further, ≥ 80% of ARG types in the wastewater treatment plants could be found in the sewer sources, which implies these ARGs were persistent in the UWSs. Overall, this study shed light on the plasmidome derived resistome as an integral part of the total resistome, and this resistome is shaped by geographic-regional and UWS-sectional variations in the UWS environment.
Analysing the Impact of Solar and Ultraviolet Radiations on Human Health and Agriculture: a Case Study of Nigerian and the Us Cities.
Authors: Olatona Gbadebo I. , Oyedokun Sherifdeen M. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the impact of solar and ultraviolet radiations on human health and agricultural productivity in Lagos, Ibadan, and New Richmond. Solar radiation is essential for warmth and photosynthetic activities by plants. However, excessive to both radiations can lead to harmful consequences on both animals and plants. Using wavelet analysis, the study examines patterns and trends in the hourly data of solar radiation as well as ultraviolet radiation from 1st of January, 2000 to 31st of December, 2020. The findings reveal significant correlations between levels of solar radiation and ultraviolet radiation and their health outcomes, such as skin cancer rates and vitamin D synthesis, as well as agricultural impacts like crop productivity and plant health in the study locations. These results highlight the need for tailored health interventions and agricultural practices to mitigate the adverse effects of radiation in the selected locations, such as, avoiding long stay in the sun in Lagos and Ibadan, and introduction of UV radiation enhanced plants in New Richmond.
Evaluation of a pilot-scale anaerobic biofilm reactor for the treatment of slaughterhouse effluents in rural areas
Authors: Marín-Peña Oscar , Alvarado-Lassman Alejandro , Alvarado-Vallejo Andrea , Sandoval-Herazo Mayerlin , Hernández-Castelán Denisse A. , Zamora-Castro Sergio Aurelio , Sandoval Herazo Luis Carlos 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Rural slaughterhouses often lack strict effluent treatment rules, resulting in inadequate treatment prior to release into water bodies. Slaughterhouse wastewater (SWW) is a high-strength effluent, posing risks of contamination to ecosystems and human health. To tackle the need for suitable technologies in these areas, this study evaluated a 215 L pilot-scale fixed-bed biofilm reactor (FBBR), known for its simplicity in implementation, operation, and maintenance. During the operation, an initial startup period, with the liquid fraction of fruit and vegetable waste (LF-FVW) was conducted, followed by a gradual transition to SWW, creating a co-digestion period during the substrate transition. Organic load variations (1.59, 3.35, and 4.00 kgCOD/m3·d), corresponding to flow rates of 50, 75, and 120 L/d, respectively, were implemented to address potential alterations in effluent concentration and composition in authentic rural settings. Removal rates of up to 83.69, 91.81, 87.00, and 92.00% were achieved for COD, sCOD, TS, and VS, respectively, with an average removal of 32.00% for TN, and biogas production exceeded 300 L/h at 4.00 kgCOD/m3·d. These results suggest that FBBR implementation in rural areas effectively confronts SWW treatment challenges by reducing contamination, generating biogas, and adapting to rural conditions.
Characterization of flowback and produced water from shale oil and gas wells fractured with different levels of recycled water
Authors: Kim Seongyun , McCormick Brian , Carlson Ken , Lee Sangchul , Kim Geonwoo , Lee Kyungsu , Yun Yeo-Myeong , Kang Woochul 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Hydraulic fracturing requires large volumes of water, and it is therefore crucial to establish sustainable water sources. We analyzed the flowback and water produced from three wells using different fresh-to-recycled water ratios for hydraulic fracturing: freshwater only, 20% recycled water, and one-seventh (∼15%) recycled water. Water samples were collected over a 36-day period (flowback started on day 0). There were no significant differences between the total organic carbon (TOC) levels of the wells, but the total dissolved solid (TDS) concentrations increased for all wells over time, and there were significant differences among the wells. The TDS level of the well fractured with 20% recycled water was significantly higher than that of the other wells. Liquid chromatography quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry revealed ethoxylated functional groups in all three wells. Agilent qualitative analysis software B.06.00 was used to perform a qualitative analysis based on the exact mass of organic compounds within 1 ppm mass accuracy. The results of this study provide new insights into the quality of flowback and produced water from wells fractured using different fresh-to-recycled water ratios and can be used as a reference for improving the reusability of treated water and reducing wastewater discharge.
Seasonal dynamics and hydrogeological assessment of Najafgarh drain and its irrigation channels for agricultural purposes in Southwest Delhi, India
Authors: Bisht Mamta , Shirvastava Manoj , LR Pooja 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

This research paper focuses on evaluating the suitability of drain water, whether untreated or treated, for irrigation purposes in a peri-urban region of southwest Delhi, India. A total of 11 drain water samples were collected during the pre-monsoon (PRM) and post-monsoon (POM) seasons. A comprehensive assessment of various water quality parameters, including pH, EC, major cations (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+), anions (Cl−, HCO3−, SO42−, NO3−, F−), heavy metals, and irrigation water quality (SAR, Na%, RSC, KR, MH, PI) were analyzed. The results revealed that the drain water was highly unsuitable and marginally suitable for irrigation in PRM and POM. The Wilcox diagram classified 91% of samples as doubtful to unsuitable during PRM but only 63% during POM due to the rainfall. Heavy metal concentrations often exceeded permissible limits, with Fe ranging from 0.98 to 8.65 ppm (PRM) and 0.004 to 10.32 ppm (POM). Other metals like Mn (0.12–0.98 ppm PRM), Zn (0.02–2.54 ppm POM), Cd (0–0.031 ppm POM), and Cu (0.07–0.345 ppm POM) also showed elevated levels. The chemical composition of the water was influenced by evaporation and rock–water interactions as indicated by Gibbs diagrams in both the seasons.
Thermal chemical pretreatment of waste-activated sludge for enhanced solubilization and biogas production: a review
Authors: Munshi Faris Mohammad A. , Almegbl Abdulaziz Mohammed , Rahmani Ali Mohammad , Khursheed Abbas , Ali Muntjeer , Khursheed Anwar 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Waste-activated sludge (WAS) generation is increasing due to the increased generation of wastewater owing to industrialization and urbanization. The disposal of WAS is a significant environmental and financial concern that can be offset by stabilization and valorization via anaerobic digestion (AD). However, the biodegradation is limited due to microbial cells and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Physical, chemical, biological, and hybrid pretreatments and the addition of accelerant materials for enhancing direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) are among the strategies to overcome the poor biodegradation of WAS. Alkaline pretreatment disintegrates the floc structure of WAS by increasing the osmotic pressure, while microwave irradiation has thermal and a-thermal effects and increases the availability of organics for biodegradation. Moreover, the combination of alkaline and thermal pretreatments has synergic effects on solubilization, biogas production, and dewaterability. The disintegration of WAS is recognized by alteration in volatile solid (VS) content, sCOD, BOD/sCOD, turbidity, nutrients solubilization, dewaterability, particle size, specific surface area, change functional group, alteration in microorganism community, microorganism abundance, color, moisture content, lag phase, and biogas production. Higher doses of pretreatment increase COD solubilization but not biodegradable COD. Maximum COD solubilization ranged from 2 to 37% in alkaline, 21 to 260% in the microwave (MW), and 28 to 624% in hybrid pretreatments.
DESCARTE DE MEDICAMENTOS DE USO DOMICILIAR VENCIDOS E/OU EM DESUSO EM UMA COMUNIDADE ESCOLAR DE BELO HORIZONTE
Authors: De Lourdes Almeida Vieira Mariana 
Published: September 2024

O descarte de medicamentos domiciliares vencidos e/ou em desuso é uma preocupação para a saúde pública e para o meio ambiente. Há, no Brasil, regras para o manejo dos resíduos de serviços de saúde, no entanto, existem poucos trabalhos que avaliam como produtos de uso domiciliar devem ser descartados pela população. Este artigo apresenta uma discussão sobre a importância da destinação correta dos resíduos sólidos, com enfoque no descarte de medicamentos, e o papel que a educação ambiental tem nesse processo. A ação extensionista foi realizada em uma comunidade escolar de Belo Horizonte/MG, no período de julho a outubro de 2020. Após aquisição de dados por meio de questionários, foi realizada uma campanha educativa buscando orientar a população acerca da importância do tema e dos problemas ambientais e à saúde humana causados pela destinação incorreta dos medicamentos.
Palavras-chave: Contaminação ambiental; medicamentos; resíduos sólidos.