bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of carbon dioxide emissions on agricultural production indicators in Sub-Saharan African countries: New perspectives from static and dynamic panel models
Authors: ORACH HENRY , Qianling Shen , Arthur Anita Afra , Twumasi Martinson Ankrah , Zhang Shemei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The ongoing crisis of climate change, caused by increased emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, has drawn attention from environmental activists to address its destructive effects on agricultural production and food security. This research examines the impact of CO2 emissions on agricultural production indexes, considering renewable energy contributions, institutional quality, and technological advancements. The study utilizes panel data for Sub-Saharan African countries from 1996 to 2021 sourced from the World Development Indicator of the World Bank. Various static and dynamic panel models including OLS, fixed effects, difference, and system GMM were employed in this study. The results indicate that CO2 emissions, gross capital formation, renewable energy, and arable land size contribute positively to the crop production index with statistical significance. Additionally, crop production index, Labor, and government effectiveness have a positive influence on livestock production. Conversely, the effect of government effectiveness and Labor on agricultural production remained inconclusive.CO2 emission, gross capital formation, renewable energy consumption, and arable land size demonstrate a negative impact on livestock production. To achieve zero hunger as laid out in the UN Sustainability Development Goals, Sub-Saharan African countries must commercialize agricultural procedures, enforce property rights in land acquisition and utilization, and adopt more environmentally friendly practices.
Husbandry practices, reproductive and production performanceof indigenous goats in Ahferom district of central Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Asmelash Hiwot , Woldegebriel Daniel , Gebremariam Tikabo , Begashaw Teshome 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate indigenous goats’ husbandry practices, productive and reproductive performances, and constraints was conducted in Ahferom district of central Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Two Tabias from midland and one from lowland in the district were purposively selected based on their potentiality. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select 147 smallholder goats’ keepers. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire wasused to gather data. Focus group discussions were also held with knowledgeable farmers and key informants. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS statistical software Version 28.0. In the study area, goats were kept by farmers for sale (52.5%), home consumption (24.4%), saving (13.1%), manure (10%), and prestige (1.0%) in the midland. Nevertheless, goats were kept for sale (33.3%), home consumption (33.3%), saving (12.5%), manure (16.6%), and prestige (4.1%) in the lowland. Goats were mainly dependent on browsing plants in both wet and dry seasons. The overall sources of water in the study area were water wells (40.1%), hand pumps (32.7%), and ponds (27.2%). Most (89.8%) farmers used separate houses for their goats. The mean amount of milk produced/day from a lactating goat was estimated to be 0.2 liters. The overall mean litter size, age at first kidding and kidding interval were 2.35±0.59, 13.01±0.96 years and 7.44±0.76 months, respectively. Diseases, drought, predators, inadequate extension support, feed and water shortages were the most important problems identified in the study area. Designing sustainable improvement programs calls for understanding the husbandry practices and reproductive performance of goats in the study area.
The potential role and molecular mechanisms of a Chinese Traditional Aerobic Exercise- Baduanjin in improving diabetes
Authors: Zhen Xian-Jie , Liu Jun-Chang , Zhang Yue-Lin , Ma Yue , Huo Xin-Hui , Wang Yan , Lv Bo-Han , Wu Yan-Xiang , An Tian , Jiang Guang-Jian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Among the many clinical practices that use Baduanjin as a treatment for type 2 diabetes patients, it has shown to be effective, but there is still a lack of research on molecular regulation mechanisms. Meta-analysis and transcriptome analysis are used in this study to reveal the evidence and molecular regulation of Baduanjin in diabetes treatment. Twenty-eight randomized controlled trials studies were included after systematic searches of major medical databases. Compared with placebo, Baduanjin significantly improved FBG levels, however heterogeneity was eliminated when average age exceeded 60 years and exercise duration exceeded 12 weeks were matched. The next step was to investigate the molecular mechanism of Baduanjin against diabetes. This was done by selecting diabetics over 60 years of age with type 2 diabetes. Then we detected the levels of long noncoding RNA, circular RNA, and mRNA in the blood of type 2 diabetes patients before and after the intervention of Baduanjin for 12 weeks. Our analysis used sequencing and bioinformatics methods to identify differentially expressed genes, circRNAs, and lncRNAs possibly related to the regulation of diabetes by Baduanjin. From peripheral blood of patients with diabetes before and after Baduanjin intervention, 4244 DE mRNAs, 463 lncRNAs, and 516 circRNAs were determined. Systematic bioinformatics analysis revealed that the DE genes are functionally rich in oxidative phosphorylation and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. In addition, the results indicated that the potential ENST00000512668-G0S2 interplay, which has been methodically validated in the lncRNA prediction database, participates in Baduanjin regulation of diabetes by altering oxidative phosphorylation in patients with diabetes. This finding provides molecular targets for improving the use of Baduanjin as adjunctive therapy for diabetes.
Ising Dynamics for Programmable Threshold Sensing in Wireless Devices
Authors: Cassella Cristian , Casilli Nicolas , Kim Seunghwi , Hussein Hussein , Tetro Ryan , Colombo Luca , Rinaldi Matteo , Feng Philip , Alu Andrea 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The dynamics of interconnected networks of Ising spins have been exploited in the past to achieve various heterogeneous goals, such as modeling ferromagnetic materials and phase transitions, and analyzing spin glasses. Ising machines, comprised of dissipatively coupled nodes capable of emulating the behavior of ferromagnetic spins, have also garnered increasing attention as analog computing engines surpassing the sequential processing constraints of von Neumann architectures. However, the incorporation of Ising dynamics into radio frequency (RF) wireless technologies has yet to be explored, especially in terms of their potential to enhance modern wireless sensing capabilities. In this work, we demonstrate a passive wireless sensor exploiting Ising dynamics to accurately implement threshold sensing. This component, which we name “Sensing Parametric Ising Node” (SPIN), correlates the occurrence of violations in a sensed parameter with transitions in the coupling state of two parametric oscillators (POs) acting as Ising spins. This feature renders SPIN’s accuracy unaffected by distortions in its input and output signals caused by multipath and it permits to reduce co-site interference. We discuss the principles of operation, the implementation, and the performance of a SPIN prototype used for temperature threshold sensing. We also show how coupling SPIN’s two POs with a microelectromechanical resonant sensor enables the wireless reprogramming of SPIN’s threshold. Through the demonstration of SPIN, this work introduces a new paradigm in wireless sensing by presenting the core unit of a novel passive computing system that can facilitate decision-making well beyond what is possible with existing passive technology.
Bioinformatics and Genetic Correlation Studies of Functional Gene Partners of Tp53 Gene Associated With Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Liver Cirrhosis Among Patients in Ucth, Calabar
Authors: Ubi Godwin Michael , Ekpenyong Blessing B , Edodi Iyam O , Effiom Bassey E. , Etangetuk Nseabasi A. , Ettah Ivon A. , Edu Ndem E. , Kooffreh Mary E. , Osondu Chinyere A. , Essien Imaobong S. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The present study investigated the rate of change (mutation) in TP53 and the associated functional partner genes and revealed that they play very significant role in hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cancer disease conditions in humans. Genetic correlation analysis has shown that there is very high association, strong relationship with significant impact between TP53 and the functional partner genes. The strength of association between TP53 gene and other functional partners gene was found to be high (> 0.5) in normal liver but low than in cancerous liver. The proteomic parameters of TP53 and other functional partner genes such as the molecular weights, number of amino acids, theoretical pl, total number of atoms, total number of positive and negative amino acids residues, extinction coefficients, estimated half-life, instability index, aliphatic index and hydropathicity were revealed in the study and viewed using the circos visualizer which showed bigger strands for genes with high molecular weights. The expasy.org prosites analysis of the TP53 and associated functional partner genes revealed the functional domain protein site reaction hotspots with the corresponding amino acids. The main prosites reaction hotspots were the protein kinase II phosphorylation site (PKC) which was similar for all the associated genes. Other domain reaction hotspots for TP53 and associated genes includes N-glycosylation sites, N-myristylation sites, N-Amidation sites, Tyrosine II kinase phosphorylation sites I and II, the casein II protein kinase phosphorylation sites (CK2) and the cAMP and cGMP phosphorylation sites. Two principal components were used to explain the variations in dimensionality of the TP53 and associated genes. ATM gene showed the highest loading value in PC1 while EP300 gene exerts the highest impact in terms of dimensionality in PC2. The principal component axes delineated the genes into two major cluster sets. Major cluster one had four genes which major two had 6 genes. The intensity of interactions among the genes to induce hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cancer was demonstrated using interactive heatmap with red colour depicting intense interactions, black colour depicting moderate interactions and green colour depicting slow interactions.
Secretory factors released from high dose radiation-activated osteoclasts increase the expression level of pain-associated neuropeptides in sensory neuronal cultures
Authors: Park Sun H , Peters Megan , Aguayo Caleb , Farris Michael K , Hughes Ryan T , Moore Joseph , Munley Michael T , Reno Kaitlyn E , Gardin Jean , Cline J Mark , Peters Christopher M , Willey Jeffrey S 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for lung tumors near the chest wall often causes significant chest wall pain (CWP), negatively impacting patients' quality of life. The mechanisms behind SBRT-induced CWP remain unclear and may involve multiple factors. We investigated the potential crosstalk between radiation-activated osteoclasts and sensory neurons, focusing on osteoclast-derived factors in CWP. Using the murine pre-osteoclast cell line Raw264.7, we induced differentiation with RANKL, followed by 10Gy gamma-irradiation. Conditioned media from these irradiated osteoclasts was used to treat sensory neuronal cultures from mouse dorsal root ganglia. Neuronal cultures were also directly exposed to 10Gy radiation, with and without osteoclast co-culture. Analysis of osteoclast markers and pain-associated neuropeptides was conducted using RT-qPCR and histochemical staining. Osteoclast differentiation and activity were inhibited using Osteoprotegerin and risedronate. Results showed that high-dose radiation significantly increased osteoclast size, resorption pit size, and activity biomarkers. Neurons treated with CM from irradiated osteoclasts showed increased expression of pain-associated neuropeptides CGRP and Substance P, which was mitigated by osteoprotegerin and risedronate. This study suggests that high-dose radiation enhances osteoclast activity, upregulating pain-associated neuropeptides in sensory neurons, and that inhibitors like osteoprotegerin and risedronate may offer therapeutic strategies for managing radiation-induced pain.
Structured diabetes care routines in cardiac rehabilitation are associated with increased diabetes detection and improved treatment after myocardial infarction: a nationwide observational study
Authors: Sharad Bashaaer , Eckerdal Nils , Magnusson Martin , Michelsen Halldora Ögmundsdottir , Jujic Amra , Lidin Matthias , Mellbin Linda , Shaat Nael , Pingel Ronnie , Wallert John , Hagström Emil , Leosdottir Margret 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite the detrimental impact of abnormal glucose metabolism on cardiovascular prognosis after myocardial infarction (MI), diabetes is both underdiagnosed and undertreated. We aimed to investigate associations between structured diabetes care routines in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and detection and treatment of diabetes at one-year post-MI.
Methods
Center-level data was derived from the Perfect-CR survey, which evaluated work routines applied at Swedish CR centers (n = 76). Work routines involving diabetes care included: 1) routine assessment of fasting glucose and/or HbA1c, 2) routine use of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), 3) having regular case rounds with diabetologists, and 4) whether glucose-lowering medication was adjusted by CR physicians. Patient-level data was obtained from the national MI registry SWEDEHEART (n = 7601, 76% male, mean age 62.6 years) and included all post-MI patients irrespective of diabetes diagnosis. Using mixed-effects regression we estimated differences between patients exposed vs. not exposed to the four above-mentioned diabetes care routines. Outcomes were diabetes incidence and the proportion of patients receiving oral glucose-lowering medication at one-year post-MI.
Results
Routine assessment of fasting glucose/HbA1c was performed at 63.2% (n = 48) of the centers, while 38.2% (n = 29) reported using OGTT for detecting glucose abnormalities. Glucose-lowering medication adjusted by CR physicians (n = 13, 17.1%) or regular case rounds with diabetologists (n = 7, 9.2%) were less frequently reported. In total, 4.0% of all patients (n = 304) were diagnosed with diabetes during follow-up and 17.9% (n = 1361) were on oral glucose-lowering treatment one-year post-MI. Routine use of OGTT was associated with higher diabetes incidence at one-year (adjusted incidence change 2.00%, risk ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.62 [1.26, 1.98], p = 0.0007). At one-year a higher proportion of patients were receiving oral glucose-lowering medication at centers routinely using OGTT (1.22 [1.07, 1.37], p = 0.0046) and where such medication was adjusted by CR physicians (1.31 [1.06, 1.56], p = 0.0155). Compared to having none of the structured diabetes care routines, the more routines implemented the higher the diabetes incidence (from 0 routines: 2.7% to 4 routines: 6.3%; p for trend = 0.0014).
Conclusions
Having structured routines for diabetes care implemented within CR can improve detection and treatment of diabetes post-MI. A cluster-randomized trial is warranted to ascertain causality.
Neuroplasticity In Glioblastoma: There Is More To Plasticity Than Just Low Grade Glioma
Authors: Price Sally-Ann , Kalaitzoglou Dimitrios , Rajwani Kapil , Patel Sabina , Wren Hilary , Gullan Richard , Ashkan Keyoumars , Bhangoo Ranjeev , Vergani Francesco , Lavrador José Pedro 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Neuroplasticity is well established in low grade glioma patients. Our case report demonstrates that it can occur even in more aggressive brain lesions.
Methods
A 56-year-old lady presented with a recurrent speech deficit seventeen months after her initial craniotomy for a language eloquent glioblastoma (GBM). Pre-operative navigated trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (n-TMS) for language mapping, tractography and intra-operative language mapping were performed.
Results
During her second admission, preoperative n-TMS revealed positive responses anterior and posterior to the tumour recurrence. Tractography showed superior displacement of the Arcuate Fasciculus (AF) with fewer perisylvian fibres and more prominent fibres adjacent to the inferior frontal sulcus (IFS). The Fronto-Aslant Tract (FAT) was displaced supero-anteriorly. A second resection was carried out and the patient was discharged with no language deficit for second line treatment with Lomustine. Intraoperatively, speech arrest was found in a new position posterior to the previous surgical cavity and away from tumour recurrence (where speech arrest was previously located).
Conclusions
Language function neuroplasticity in glioblastoma is supported by preoperative cortical and subcortical mapping. This report supports that neuroplasticity can occur even with aggressive lesions and in a shorter period of time compared to low grade gliomas.
Application of Deep Reinforcement Learning in Heterogeneous Sensor Networks
Authors: Li Yaofang , Ma Maode , Wu Bin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

With the wide and rapid development of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), current WSNs have become more and more complex with lager capacity, which need emerging technologies to support. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is required to deal with huge data transmission and parameter optimization. Big data and data mining technique is required to collect a large amount of data and explore those data to find hidden significance. In this paper, we essentially investigate the way of application of abovementioned technologies including AI, big data, and data mining in heterogeneous sensor networks. We focus on the following three application scenarios including resource scheduling, unmanned air vehicle (UAV)-assisted data collection, and three-dimensional spatial path autonomous deployment of heterogeneous sensor networks. We discuss the various aspects involved in each scenario. For different scenarios, AI algorithms such as proximal policy optimization (PPO), pointer network (PN) and multi-agent deep deterministic policy gradient (MADDPG) are used to optimize the sensor networks. Through a case study, we reduce the energy consumption of WSNs and verify the superiority of AI technology and data mining in heterogeneous sensor networks. I believe that this study will inspire future research on heterogeneous sensor networks.
Effect of NPS and Vermicompost Addition on the Physico-Chemical Properties of the Soil under (Zea mays) at the Bako Agricultural Research Center in Western Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebrekidan Lami , Wogi Lemma , Chimdi Achalu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The main chemical, physical, and biological limitations on soil production in western Ethiopia include low soil fertility, nutrient unavailability, and acidity. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to evaluate how specific physico-chemical properties of soil were influenced by the combined application of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer rates at Bako Agricultural Research Center. Four vermicompost levels (0, 2.32, 3.48, and 4.64 tons ha− 1) and four NPS fertilizer levels (0, 50, 75, and 100 kg ha− 1) were combined in a factorial manner were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The study's findings demonstrated that while bulk density decreased below the control due to different levels of organic fertilizer application, all treatments applied increased soil moisture and total porosity relative to the control or NPS fertilizer alone. The results showed that the combination of vermicompost and NPS fertilizer rates significantly affected organic carbon, organic matter, total nitrogen, basic cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+), and available phosphorous. Nevertheless, the experiment indicated the integration of organic and inorganic fertilizers to enhance nutrient availability by maintaining soil fertility and health because the pH of the soil was significantly influenced by the primary effects of vermicompost levels (P ≤ 0.01).
An Assessment of Wildfire Risk in Historically Redlined Neighborhoods: An Analysis of Environmental Justice
Authors: Keyoung Estella Sky 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the correlation between historical redlining from Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) maps and wildfire risk through the lens of environmental justice. By integrating historical and socio-economic data into wildfire risk assessment models, the research aims to better understand vulnerability in affected neighborhoods. Background information was collected from a literature review of two topics—redlining and wildfire mapping–to assess data gaps. Publicly available datasets were then used to create an updated wildfire risk assessment map. The “Zonal statistics” tool within QGIS (QGIS.org) was utilized to calculate mean wildfire risk values in all four redlined neighborhood types for over 8,000 points across the continental United States. The Kruskal-Wallis-test analysis of variables was used to examine the association between HOLC rankings and wildfire risk and indicated a weak correlation. Historically richer White neighborhoods have a higher risk for wildfire than redlined neighborhoods in the present. The study’s findings highlight the complexity of environmental justice issues, suggesting that other factors besides wildfires, like urban heat islands, pose a more immediate concern for historically marginalized communities. Future research may assess the relationship between wildfire risk and urban-to-rural gradients to gain a more comprehensive understanding of wildfires and environmental racism.
Physical Exercise and Sleep Quality Among Chinese College Students: The Mediating Role of Self-Control and The Moderating Role of Mindfulness
Authors: Li Xiaopeng , Xu Chengli , Chen Wanyi , Tian Jing 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Although a few studies have examined the relationship between physical exercise and sleep quality, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of this association. This study constructed a moderated mediation model to examine the mediating role of self-control and the moderating role of mindfulness in the association between physical exercise and sleep quality.
Methods
Data were collected through convenient sampling at five universities in China, a total of 1028 college students, aged 16 to 29 participated in the study. They were recruited to complete the self-report questionnaires measuring their physical exercise, self-control, sleep quality and mindfulness.
Results
The study found significant associations between physical exercise, sleep quality, self-control and mindfulness of Chinese college students. Specifically, the self-control significantly mediated the relationship between physical exercise and sleep quality. In addition, moderated mediation analyses suggest that the association between physical exercise and sleep quality is moderated by mindfulness. The effect was stronger among college students with high mindfulness levels than those with low.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that the physical exercise have a significant impact on the sleep quality of college student, the influence mediated by self-control, and moderated by mindfulness.