bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Peanut Meal Enzymatic Optimization Process and its Products Replacing some Nitrogen Fertilizers on Potato Growth and Soil Environment
Authors: Qiu Zhihuang , Zhang Xinyi , Wen Binhai , Mao Yujie , Feng Zihui , He Danyi , Huang Kexin , Deng Lansheng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:
*Peanut meal is rich in proteins and minerals, and is commonly used in traditional agriculture for direct return to the field or compost fermentation and then applied. However, compost fermentation not only takes a long time and the products are unstable, but also tends to attract pathogens. Soil application of organic fertilizer is an effective method to maintain high crop yield and sustainable soil fertility. In this study, a 4-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken Design test was designed to optimize the process of alkaline protease hydrolysis of peanut meal, and used to prepare the enzymatic solution, and compared with the fermentation solution fermented by the traditional process, to evaluate the effects of both on potato growth and soil environment by replacing 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% nitrogenous fertilizer under field conditions.
Results:
The Box-Behnken Design test showed that the optimum reaction conditions for alkaline protease hydrolysis of peanut meal were: reaction time of 4 h, initial reaction pH 9.0, reaction temperature of 55 ℃, and enzyme addition of 800 U·kg− 1. The total nitrogen content of peanut meal after enzymatic hydrolysis was 5.10 g·kg− 1, which was much higher than that of the peanut meal fermentation broth obtained from traditional fermentation (N 1.80 g·kg− 1). The field experiment showed that the enzyme solution replacing 10% nitrogen fertilizer had the greatest increase in potato yield, which was 26.63% and 12.22% higher than that of the control group and the fermentation solution treatment group, respectively; in addition, the enzyme solution replacing nitrogen fertilizer could increase the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and dry matter content of potato tuber, and at the same time, it could effectively improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil, increase the diversity of the soil bacterial species in the rhizosphere, and change the structure of the bacterial community.
Conclusions:
The above results show that alkaline protease hydrolysis of peanut meal can greatly shorten the hydrolysis time of peanut meal and increase the nutrient content of the hydrolysate, which promotes the efficient use of peanut meal resources. The use of enzymatic hydrolysis solution to replace part of nitrogen fertilizer can not only reduce the use of chemical fertilizer, but also improve potato yield and quality, and improve the soil environment.
Financing Road Projects and Its Impact on Off-Farm Work
Authors: Bao Ligao , Kusadokoro Motoi , Chitose Atsushi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Since 2003, China has revamped its rural road construction policy, transitioning from "workers self-organised construction (Min Gong Jian Qin)" to a "one project, one discussion (Yi Shi Yi Yi)" approach and significantly increasing government investment. This study evaluates the impact of various financing sources—externally funded, self-financed, and mix financed—on rural off-farm income and migration intentions using the Chinese Household Income Project survey data, employing difference-in-differences and propensity score matching methodologies to analyze the socioeconomic impacts of rural road projects financed through different sources on off-farm work income and migration intentions of the rural Chinese population. Findings reveal that externally funded road projects significantly enhance off-farm income and encourage migration intentions for work. Conversely, self-financed projects that rely on local villagers' contributions and voluntary labor, show no positive impact on off-farm income and unexpectedly reduce migration intentions. Importantly, projects with mixed financing models were found to have no significant impact on either off-farm income or migration patterns, highlighting challenges in the coordination and efficacy of these hybrid financing strategies. These findings underscore the importance of continued investment in rural transport infrastructure, with an emphasis on poverty reduction and rural out-migration through diverse financing models for road construction. This research provides insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to enhance rural infrastructure and development through informed transport policy initiatives.
JEL codes: O18, J61, R42
Biodegradation of p-chloroaniline by fungus Isaria fumosorosea SP535
Authors: Huang Shicong , Gao Jiahui , Zhou Lin , Gao Liujian , Song Mengke , Zeng Qiaoyun 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Efficient methods to remediate PCA (p-chloroaniline) polluted environment are urgent due to the widespread, persistence and toxic of PCA in the environment. Biodegradation facilitated by microbes presents a promising approach for remediating PCA pollution. However, the PCA-degrading fungi still yet to be explored. This study confirmed the highly PCA degrading efficiency of an isolated fungus, Isaria fumosorosea SP535. This fungus can achieve a PCA degradation efficiency of 100% under optimal conditions characterized by initial PCA concentration of 1.0 mM, pH of 7.0, and temperature of 25 ℃. SEM and TEM analyses revealed that the toxicity of PCA resulted in roughened surfaces of SP535 hyphae, voids in the cytoplasm, and thickened cell walls. PCA addition significantly elevated the activities of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase in both cell-free extracts and microsomal fractions in the media, suggesting the important role of P450 system in PCA metabolization by SP535. The results provide microbial resource and fundamental knowledge for addressing PCA pollution.
Level of Completion of Maternity Continuum of Care among ever-married women: An analysis of Somalia Health and Demographic Survey 2020
Authors: Mohamed Adam A. , Akın Ayşe , Mihciokur Sare , Üner Sarp , Gele Abdi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Somalia has one of the worst maternal conditions in the world with maternal mortality ratio of 692 per 100,000 live births. For every maternal death, over 100 women suffer a severe obstetric morbidity. However, most of the maternal morbidity and mortality in Somalia are preventable through access to high quality care in pregnancy, and during and after childbirth. The aim of this study is to investigate the coverage and the level of completion of continuum of maternity care in Somalia.
Method
The study used a representative data from Somalia Health and Demographic Survey 2020. We restricted our analysis to ever-married women who had a live birth in the five years preceding the survey (n = 2432). The outcome variable was the completion of the continuum of maternity care (CoC). A binary variable was constructed with ‘completed CoC’ coded as ‘1’ and ‘not completed’ coded as ‘0’. We analyzed the data using descriptive analyses.
Results
More than half of the women (53.1%) had their most recent births at the age ≤ 19 years old. Of all the mothers (n = 2432), only 235 (9.7%) had at least four or more of the recommended antenatal care of four and above (ANC4+), 68 (2.8%) of them utilized skilled birth attendants (SBA) and 2.7% have received postnatal care (PNC) within 48hrs. In total, only 0.6% (N = 14) of the women had received all of the three maternal healthcare services (ANC4+, SBA, and PNC with in 48hrs). About 78.1% of the mothers did not attend any of the three CoC services.
Conclusion
Maternal health care utilization decreases as they progress from ANC4 + to PNC utilization. The government and partners should design and implement a tailored strategy to improve access and utilization of maternal healthcare services with special attention to rural and nomadic populations.
Semi-synthetic sapogenin derivatives inhibit inflammation-induced tumorigenic signaling alterations in prostate carcinogenesis
Authors: BUTUNER Bilge DEBELEC , OZTURK Mert Burak , TAG Ozgur , AKGUN Ismail Hakki , BEDIR Erdal 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Prostatic inflammation is closely linked to prostate cancer (PCa) and plays a pivotal role in tumor development and progression via altering a wide range of cellular mechanisms, including proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Since the tumor infiltration of the immune system cells, such as macrophages, leads to higher expression of inflammatory mediators in the tumor microenvironment, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs could provide a valid contribution to preventing and treating cancer. In our research, we explored semi-synthetic derivatives of cycloastragenol (CA) and astragenol (AG) molecules to assess their potential to inhibit inflammation-induced tumorigenic signaling pathways.
Methods
Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), expression of proteins function in tumorigenic cellular mechanisms, cellular apoptosis and migration were examined.
Results
Building on our previous study, which revealed the molecules' inhibitory activity on the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), we discovered that these molecules also suppressed enhanced cell proliferation and migration by inhibiting distinct molecular mechanisms. Additionally, they were able to mitigate elevated levels of ROS, NO, and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) caused by inflammation. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties of these molecules partially restored the loss of androgen receptor (AR) and tumor suppressor NKX3.1, both of which contribute to prostate tumorigenesis in an inflammatory microenvironment. Furthermore, they reversed the activation of Akt and β-catenin signaling induced by inflammation, suggesting their potential to inhibit inflammation-related prostate tumorigenesis. Our study also demonstrated that the molecules exhibited dose-dependent effects on inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as evidenced by increased p21 and decreased BCL-2 protein levels, ultimately leading to activated cell death and suppressed cellular migration.
Conclusion
Semi-synthetic sapogenol derivatives have displayed promise as anti-inflammatory and anticancer drug candidates for targeting prostatic inflammation and inflammation-induced prostate carcinogenesis.
Temperature regulation of Heterotrigona itama (Cockerell, 1918) in lamp posts nests
Authors: Anthony Florina , Yek Sze Huei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The commercial stingless bee Heterotrigona itama naturally nests in tree cavities but was kept in wooden boxes in meliponiculture farms. However, at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), these bees primarily nest in lamp posts. We conducted a temperature survey to assess lamp posts as potential nesting sites for H. itama, aiming to determine if the preference for occupied lamp posts was related to their distribution. We measured ambient temperatures in occupied lamp posts in shaded areas and unoccupied lamp posts in exposed areas on the UMS campus, calculating the percentage of time these temperatures fell outside the optimal range for H. itama. Additionally, we analyzed the occurrence and timing of temperature regulation in lamp post nests by comparing temperature differences between occupied and unoccupied lamp posts across four-time blocks. Temperature measurements of occupied (shaded) and unoccupied (exposed) lamp posts revealed that shaded lamp posts experienced temperatures outside the bees' optimal range (27°C-32°C) less often than exposed lamp posts (68.4% vs. 78.12%). This suggests that H. itama may prefer shaded lamp posts due to their more stable temperature profile. Additionally, the internal temperature of lamp posts, whether occupied or not, was consistently 1.54–1.76°C warmer than ambient during hotter periods and closer to ambient during cooler periods, indicating inherent insulation properties of the metal lamp posts. However, a notable difference in temperature between occupied and unoccupied posts was observed in the late afternoon and evening, suggesting active thermoregulation by bees to maintain optimal nest temperature.
Characterization of 3D printed composite for final dental restorations
Authors: Tanaka Lucas Eigi Borges , Rodrigues Camila Silva , Grangeiro Manassés Tércio Vieira , Campos Tiago Moreira Bastos , Melo Renata Marques 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study evaluated the surface, mechanical properties, and optical behavior of a 3D printing resin comparing it with a machinable resin composite.
Materials and Methods
Specimens of different sizes and shapes were either printed (Vitality, Smart Dent) or machined (Grandio Blocs, Voco GmbH) resin composites with similar composition were prepared. Surface and mechanical characterization were performed with Knoop hardness, flexural strength (three-point-bending), elastic modulus tests. The wear of the tested materials was evaluated against steatite antagonists. The optical properties stability (color change, ΔE00, and translucency, TP00) were observed after staining in red wine. In addition, the bond strength of the resin composites to two resin cement protocols were investigated with microshear bond strength tests at baseline and after thermocycling. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) was used for microstructural and chemical characterization. Statistical analyses were performed with t- and ANOVA tests.
Results
Hardness values (132.76 (16.32) KH- Grandio and 35.87 (2.78) KH - printed), flexural strength (172.17 (26.99) MPa - Grandio and 88.69 (8.39) MPa - printed) and color/translucency change of 1.86 (0.31)/0.06 - Grandio and 3.73 (0.36)/9, 16- printed and depth of wear (24.97 mm (3.60)- Grandio and 7.16 mm (2.84) - printed) were statistically different. No statistical differences were observed for mean roughness (Ra) between materials. For bond strength, mean values (MPa) for non-aged and aged groups were respectively 21.76 (6.64) / 31.9 (12.66) for Bifix cement (Voco GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany) and 26.75 (5.14) / 24.36 (6.85) for Variolink cement (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) in Vitality and 17.79 (3.89) / 9.01 (3.36) ) for Bifix cement and 22.09 (6.55) / 11.01 (3.77) for Variolink cement in Grandio. The material (p < 0.001) and aging (p < 0.003) factor did affect bond strength but the cement factor did not (p = 0.202). No statistical differences were observed for mean roughness (Ra) between materials. The better dispersion and larger size of the inorganic particles in the Grandio were contrasted with the clustered smaller particles of Vitality, under SEM.
Results
The mechanical properties and color stability of the machinable resin were superior to those of the printed resin, probably due to the greater amount and dispersion of inorganic particles in the machinable resin, but bond strength after aging was stronger and more stable in the printed resin.
Clinical Relevance:
This study aims to evaluate the possibility of the use of printed composite resin restorations, which can serve as a reference to corroborate its use or to indicate where the manufacture of printed restorations should be improved for the marketplace.
nonlinear site effect model for the horizontal component of ground-motion prediction equations using VS30 derived from the KiK-net and K-NET sites in Japan
Authors: Ruibin Hou , Zhao John 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The time-averaged shear-wave velocity in the top 30 meters of soil and rock, VS30, is the most commonly used site-effect proxy for ground-motion prediction equations (GMPEs). This article presents a nonlinear site amplification model, referred to as the 1D TVS30 model, which uses VS30 as a site-effect proxy for the horizontal component of motion for GMPEs, based on seismic data from Japan. The site amplification ratios were from Hou and Zhao (2022) using site period TS, and the site shear-wave velocity profiles were also from Hou and Zhao (2022) based on the selected KiK-net and K-NET networks. The data distribution characteristics show that 1D site amplification ratio data could compensate well for the scarcity of empirical data at strong shaking levels, and provide a more confident constraint on model development. The 1D TVS30 model in this study has a larger between-site standard deviation and slightly smaller within-site standard deviation than the 1D TS model that we published previously. The predicted site amplification ratios from the two models are close for sites with shallow soil but are significantly different for sites with deep soil. The method proposed in our previous study is recommended to implement the 1D TVS30 model into GMPEs. We also performed an informal test to validate our model. This matches well with ground-motion records with moderately or strong nonlinear site response in the NGA-West2 and NGA-Subduction datasets, especially for the NGA-Subduction records at the spectral periods up to 1.0s. Further comparison with other published models suggests that the nonlinearity of our model is moderately stronger than, or close to that of the NGA-West2 and NGA-Subduction models and is weaker than that of an existing model for Taiwan.
Improvement of Seismic Image Based on Coordinate Transformation and Incorporation of Anisotropy Factors in Seismic Velocity
Authors: Pradhan Nabanita , Gupta Saurabh Datta 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Imaging and interpreting seismic signatures in the Goru Formation of the Bandha region in the Jaisalmer Sub-basin is challenging due to its complex geological setting, which features significant lateral velocity variations, dipping flanks, steeply inclined reflectors, and overburden strata. This study introduces an innovative polar coordinate velocity-based Reverse Time Migration (RTM) technique with a novel algorithm for reconstructing images of intricate geological structures. A comparative analysis of phase shift migration, cartesian velocity-based RTM, and polar velocity-based RTM reveals that the polar method improves accuracy by utilizing the spherical propagation of seismic waves. The quality of seismic images is influenced by velocity variations, which are determined by the geological properties of the area, with minimal density changes at depth. By incorporating the anisotropic compressional velocity (\(\:v\)) of the Goru Formation, along with transformed circumferential velocity (\(\:{v}_{\theta\:}\)) and radial velocity (\(\:{v}_{r}\)) the study demonstrates significantly enhanced imaging capabilities. Specifically, for steep dips, the circumferential velocity-oriented RTM outperforms both cartesian and radial velocity-based RTM at far angles, while the radial velocity-based RTM shows better performance at near angles. Additionally, conventional cartesian velocity-based RTM provides superior imaging of horst-graben structures compared to phase shift migration.
Growth and Democracy:a U-shaped Relationship
Authors: Campos Nauro , Frigerio Marco , Coricelli Fabrizio 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This paper contributes to the study of the income-democracy relationship in three ways: it argues that the causal relation is U-shaped, not linear as often stated; it uses night-lights (in addition to official GDP statistics) to address measurement concerns; and it strengthens causal identification by implementing novel advances on differences-in-differences with heterogeneous treatment effects. The results show that “intermediate” regimes lead to a 20% decline in economic performance vis-à-vis both democracies and autocracies; and identify political instability as the key channel. Other potential mechanisms (such as education, investment, and inequality) lack empirical support. These findings are robust to a wide range of alternative estimators, specifications, and measures.
Mirror Reflections: The Influence of Body Perception on Obesity Bias among University Students
Authors: Onay Esra , Bozkir Cigdem 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the relationship between body perception and obesity bias among university students. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing interventions that promote positive body image and reduce weight stigma.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 334 university students (237 females, 97 males) aged 18-24 from Tekirdağ Dormitory at Namık Kemal University. Participants' sociodemographic and anthropometric details were collected, and assessments were made using the Body Cathexis Scale (BCS) and the Obesity Bias Scale (GAMS-27). Statistical analyses included Chi-Square, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U, t-test, Kruskall-Wallis H, One Way ANOVA, correlation analysis, and regression analysis.
Results: The study found that 81.1% of students had a high perception of their body image. Male students had higher body image and obesity bias scores than female students. Among the participants, 6.3% exhibited no bias, 43.1% were prone to bias, and 50.6% were biased. Obesity bias did not significantly differ among underweight, normal-weight, and overweight students. Individuals with low body perception exhibited higher obesity bias (65.1%) compared to those with high body perception (47.2%). A negative correlation was found between body perception and obesity bias, suggesting that lower body image scores are associated with higher obesity bias.
Conclusions: Improving body image is essential for reducing obesity bias among university students. Addressing societal ideals and fears related to weight gain can foster positive body perceptions and mitigate bias. Interventions promoting body acceptance and challenging stereotypes are necessary to create a more inclusive environment.
Use of Arch Bars versus IMF-Screws in Maxillomandibular Fixation of Mandibular Fractures: A Randomized Prospective Study with Special Evaluation of Sonographic Findings and Quality of Life
Authors: Ahmad Mukhtar Modibbo , James Olutayo , Farate Abubakar , Olasoji Hector Oladapo , Suleiman Ibrahim Kayode , Abdullahi Mohammed Adam Sheikh , Umar Farouk Kabir 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Traditionally, arch bars are used for mandibulomaxillary fixation (MMF) of mandibular fractures. The introduction of intermaxillary fixation screws (IMFS) has provided an alternative for this purpose. We compared the arch bar versus IMFS for treatment of mandibular fractures including evaluation of sonographic findings and Quality of Life (QoL).
Methods
Fifty patients with mandibular fracture were recruited and randomly divided into 2 groups, 25 each in arch bars and IMFS. The parameters evaluated were; mouth opening, malocclusion, pain, fracture healing using ultrasound scanner, operating time, wire prick injuries, oral hygiene and QoL.
Results
There was a significantly higher pain score by 3rd and 6th postoperative week (p = 0.015 and p = 0.003 respectively) and shorter operating time (p < 0.001) in the IMFS group, while a notable higher wire-prick injuries (p < 0.001) and poor oral hygiene (p = 0.25) in the arch bar group. Ultrasound Scan at 6 postoperative weeks showed complete hyperechoic bridging callus in (61.5%) arch bar group and (50%) in IMF screw group, no significant difference statistically. Regarding QoL, patients treated with arch bars had more difficulty in continuing with their normal diet and indicated “they will not undergo the same treatment again”. On the other hand IMFS patients had significantly isolated themselves because of feeling of bad mood, and their sleep and speak was significantly affected.
Conclusions
Although some similarities were observed in both groups, this study suggests that IMFS addressed some of the limitations associated with arch bars. It’s safer and can be used for long time MMF.
Trial registration number: PACTR202408851121914