bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating agricultural yield and economic implications of varied irrigation depths on maize yield in semi-arid environments, at Birfarm, Upper Blue Nile, Ethiopia
Authors: Amare Dessie G. , Zimale Fasikaw A. , Sulla Guchie G. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The agricultural crop that is particularly important to the world is maize, and its development is frequently impacted by a crucial factor known as moisture stress. It is crucial to understand how maize reacts to different irrigation depths, especially in dry and semi-arid locations where it has high irrigation requirements and is sensitive to water stress. Using the furrow irrigation method, an experiment at Birr Farm in the irrigation seasons of 2022–2023 examined the effects of varying irrigation depths (from 50% ETc to 150% ETc) on maize yields and related components. The experiment is set as a randomized complete block design with three replications. The outcomes showed that different irrigation depths had a substantial (P < 0.001) impact on yield characteristics. The highest grain yield, reaching 6.08 t/ha and 5.83 t/ha, occurred at 100% ETc in the second and first seasons, respectively. Similarly, the peak above-biomass yield, at 14.28 and 14.94 t/ha, was observed at 100% ETc in the second and first seasons, respectively, diminishing with further deviations in irrigation depth. From an economic standpoint, applying 100% ETc proved financially viable for small-scale farmers. Notably, utilizing a 50% ETc irrigation depth allowed for water savings of 4345.95 m3/ha, subsequently enabling the irrigation of an additional 0.43 ha, demonstrating a practical water-saving approach for downstream users in irrigation schemes, even if it was 8.9 kg m−3 yield reductions.
Die Zukunftsquote: ein neuer Kompass für den Bundeshaushalt
Authors: Bohne Albrecht , Heinemann Friedrich , Niebel Thomas , Thöne Michael 
Published: August 2024

Zusammenfassung
In diesem Beitrag beschreiben Albrecht Bohne, Friedrich Heinemann, Thomas Niebel und Michael Thöne das Konzept und die Implementierung einer „Zukunftsquote“ als einen möglichen neuen Kompass zur Bewertung von Staatsausgaben. Ziel dieser Kenngröße ist es, den Haushaltsanteil zu identifizieren, der nicht primär auf einen Gegenwartsnutzen ausgerichtet ist, sondern mit teilweise langen Wirkungsverzögerungen primär Nutzen erst in der Zukunft stiftet. Die Zukunftsquote grenzt sich dabei vom klassischen Investitionsbegriff ab. Die Autoren beschreiben die finanzwissenschaftliche Fundierung des Konzepts und demonstrieren dessen Operationalisierbarkeit für den Bundeshaushalt. Die Berechnungen einer Zukunftsquote für die Bundeshaushalte von 2018 bis 2023 unter Einschluss der extrabudgetären Sondervermögen deuten auf eine steigende Zukunftsorientierung des Bundeshaushalts hin. Allerdings war dieser Anstieg zuletzt den Sondervermögen zu verdanken, die sich in ihrer bisherigen schuldenfinanzierten Konstruktion als nicht verfassungsgemäß erwiesen haben. Der Beitrag schließt mit Überlegungen zur möglichen Nutzung der Zukunftsquote für die Überwachung des Haushalts bis hin zu einer möglichen Rolle für eine reformierte Schuldenbremse.
The effectiveness of auditory intellectually repetition learning aided by questions box towards studentsâ€™ mathematical reasoning ability grade XI SMA 2 Pati
Authors: Agoestanto Arief , Priyanto Oei Yuda Setiyo , Susilo Bambang Eko 
Published: August 2024

The objective of this study is to determine does the AIR learning is effective towards studentsâ€™ mathematical reasoning ability grade XI SMA 2 Pati on the sequence and the series material. The population in this study is all students grade XI SMA 2 Pati Academic Year 2016/2017. The method used in this study is quantitative method. While the data collection includes test methods, questionnaires, and observations. The results showed that: (1) the mathematical reasoning ability of students grade XI SMA 2 Pati who learn with AIR learning model is reaching the mastery learning; (2) the mathematical reasoning ability of students grade XI SMA 2 Pati who learn with AIR learning model aided by Questions Box is reaching the mastery learning; (3) the mathematical reasoning ability of students grade XI SMA 2 Pati who learn with AIR model aided by Questions Box is better than the mathematical reasoning ability of students who learn with AIR learning model and expository learning model; (4) the mathematical reasoning ability of students grade XI SMA 2 Pati who learn with AIR model aided by Questions Box is better than the mathematical reasoning ability of students who learn with AIR learning model and expository learning model for each group, either low, medium or high. Based on the four results of the above research, it can be concluded that the AIR learning aided by Questions Box is effective towards studentsâ€™ mathematical reasoning ability grade XI SMA 2 Pati on the sequence and series material.
No Conclusions: Response to Symposium, August 16, 2021
Authors: Sun Eidsheim Nina , Walden Daniel 
Published: August 2024

Tools and perspectives serve particular ends. When they are no longer useful because a goal, such as writing a book, has been achieved, pieces of paper change status from vital tools to a pile of materials to be recycled. Also, when the goal (or question) changes—for example, from racially differentiating people by voice, exhibiting musical superiority, or settling and colonizing continents to uncovering vocal and musical multiplicities or writing the complex history of settler music history and land practices—we discard outdated tools and perspectives and adopt those that will serve our current goals. At least to this point in my work, it has been vital to focus on understanding the questions we ask and the ways we arrive at them, rather than dealing in conclusions.
One of the main questions I asked in The Race of Sound was: How can the sound of the voice be essential if, as we know from vocal pedagogy and vocal artists, the voice is material, formed by practices, and practices are determined by understandings limited by culture and history? The question I am currently concerned with is: How have deep (and largely unarticulated) conceptual metaphors shaped musical practice, thinking, sensing, and imagination?
Development and validation of a method for studying Relugolix and its impurities by UPLC-MS
Authors: Thrinath S.R. , Lakshmi K.S. , Krishnan Manikandan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn accordance with the International Coordinating Committee's recommendations, an acceptable UPLC-MS method is being developed for analyzing Relugolix stability under various stress scenarios. Stress conditions included exposure to 0.1 and 1 N acid, alkali, hydrolysis, peroxide, light, reduction, and heat. The mobile phase for this analysis was prepared by blending acetonitrile and a 0.1% orthophosphate solution in a 50:50 (v/v) ratio. A C18 Column with dimensions of 100 × 2.1 mm and a particle size of 1.7 µm was employed as the stationary phase. The wavelength at which detection was performed was 247 nm, and the flow rate was maintained stable at 0.5 mL min−1. Strong linearity was shown by this method across a concentration range of 1.25 μg mL−1 to 7.5 μg mL−1. The method's reliability was shown by ensuring all of the validation parameters fell within the acceptable range.Furthermore, forced degradation studies were conducted using standard drugs. Different stress conditions led to the formation of degradation products, which were successfully separated from Relugolix using the C18 column in combination with an auto-purification mass spectrometer. Among the stress conditions, alkaline conditions showed a lower degradation rate. Interestingly, seven distinct types of degradation products were identified from the degradation studies under acid, alkali, hydrolysis, hydrogen peroxide, light, reduction, and thermal conditions. Remarkably, these seven degradation products have not been reported in previous literature, making this study the first to document their existence.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS: GENERALIZATION OF THE EXPERIENCE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Demchenko Oleksandr 
Published: August 2024

The article is devoted to identifying key trends in implementing the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union and the European Green Deal in rural areas,

determining directions for efforts in the context of their sustainable development, and ensuring the reproduction of human capital in Ukraine. It was determined that the practical experience of the European Union in the implementation of agrarian and regional policy allows it to highlight the most priority areas of efforts to ensure the development of rural areas, namely, diversification of the economic activity of small and medium-sized agricultural producers, agricultural cooperation; state support for small organizational forms of agricultural producers; development of non-agricultural types of business activity; development and maintenance of a sufficient level of the social infrastructure of rural settlements; formation of sustainable food systems and reduction of the distance between the point of food production and its consumption; maintaining biodiversity; development of agricultural production according to the principles of the circular economy; development of organic production; rational use of land resources; preservation and reproduction of natural landscapes. The priority areas of efforts to ensure the sustainable development of rural areas of Ukraine are based on the generalization of the experience of the European Union, with the division into economic, social, and ecological components proposed. It is substantiated that the conceptual basis of the livelihood of rural areas of Ukraine is the principles of sustainable development; such an approach is irreplaceable in achieving harmony between the development of agricultural production and multifunctional rural areas. The multifunctionality of rural areas, together with the modern level of their social infrastructure, is a prerequisite for the formation of human capital.
Lake toxin concentrations increase when phosphorus is reduced
Authors: Schampera Charlotte , Merder Julian , Niemeyer Thomas , Pries Julia , Hellweger Ferdi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Cyanobacterial harmful algae blooms (e.g. those of Microcystis) and their toxins (e.g. microcystins - MCs) threaten the safe use of lakes for drinking and recreation and this hazard is anticipated to worsen due to a warming climate. Present management approaches aim at lowering biomass by reducing the input of the growth-limiting nutrient, typically phosphorus. It is assumed that phytoplankton stoichiometry (MC per biomass) remains constant and that cyanotoxins decrease proportionally. However, lower biomass due to phosphorus reduction means an increase in other resources, like nitrogen and light, which stimulate MC production (we show here a comprehensive summary of published laboratory results). High MC cell quotas benefit toxin-producing strains within the community, causing the toxigenic fraction to increase. While reducing phosphorus may increase MC concentrations in lakes, there is currently insufficient evidence from natural field conditions to support this effect. Here, we present two analyses leveraging the National Lakes Assessment (NLA) dataset. The first focuses on changes in MC concentration within individual lakes across time. In the second analysis, we applied Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) across all lakes and time points. Both analyses indicate that lower phosphorus levels reduce biomass but increase available inorganic nitrogen, available light the MC/biomass ratio, which, in turn, can lead to peaking MC concentrations. Hence, field data from hundreds of lakes confirm that a reduction in phosphorus increases MC concentrations. However, when nitrogen is reduced together with phosphorus, both biomass and MC concentrations decrease. As such, there is a surging need to focus on dual reduction management.
Preclinical evaluation of a cross-protective ß-SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particle vaccine adjuvanted with MF59
Authors: Torresi Joe , Earnest Linda , Ruiz Daniel , Edeling Melissa , Montoya Julio , Yap Ashley , Wong Chinn , Holz Lauren , Gras Stephanie , Collett Simon , Cooney James , Davidson Kathryn ,   Samantha Grimley1, Purcell Damian , Roberts Jason , Mumford Jamie , Tan Chee Wah , Wang Lin-Fa , Godfrey Dale , Hans Dhiraj , Vincan Elizabeth , Anderson Danielle , Subbarao Kanta , Pellegrini Marc , Rockman Steve , Heath William 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the development of many vaccines, most notably the mRNA and recombinant adenoviral vaccines. Whilst the vaccines proved to be effective in preventing severe COVID disease, they failed to prevent infection or to control the ongoing emergence of vaccine escape variant viruses. The rapid waning of vaccine induced antibody responses has also necessitated frequent boosting.
Methods: We report the findings of a recombinant ß-SARS-CoV-2 variant virus like particle (VLP) vaccine. The ß-S13EM-SARS-CoV-2 VLPs were composed of the viral spike (S), membrane (M) and envelope (E) proteins. The VLPs were produced in Vero cell factories and purified from culture supernatants using tangential flow filtration, diafiltration, anion exchange chromatography and ultrafiltration and characterised by ELISA, Western blot, and electron microscopy. The vaccine was formulated with Addavax or MF59 and tested for immunogenicity and protection in mice.
Results: The ß-S13EM-SARS-CoV-2 VLPs were strongly reactive by ELISA probing with anti-S and anti-ß-RBD antibodies. Western blot showed the presence of S, M and E proteins, with the E protein present as a dimer. The ß-S13EM-SARS-CoV-2 VLPs formulated with Addavax produced strong antibody responses. T cell depletion studies confirmed that strong CD4+ responses predominated. The ß-S13EM-SARS-CoV-2/Addavax vaccine was completely protective in mice against pulmonary infection with beta SARS-CoV-2 virus. ß-S13EM-SARS-CoV-2 VLPs formulated with MF59 were similarly strongly immunogenic producing high titre anti-S and anti-ß-RBD antibodies. The vaccine was completely protective in mice against pulmonary infection with beta, delta and omicronBA.5 variant viruses. Multiplex RBD-ACE2 binding inhibition assay revealed immune sera from immunised mice produced broad neutralising antibodies (NAb) to Alpha, Delta, Beta, Gamma and Mu variants. At the highest dose of 20µg, the ß-S13EM-SARS-CoV-2 VLPs/MF59 vaccine produced NAb against against Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BA.5 and XBB1.5.
Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the ß-S13EM-SARS-CoV-2 VLP formulated with Addavax or MF59 is strongly immunogenic producing broad antibody and T cell responses and is protective against infection with SARS-CoV-2 variant viruses. The vaccine offers a viable and alternative approach to supplement current COVID-19 variant vaccines.
Proposing adjustments to heat safety thresholds for junior high and high school sports clubs in Japan
Authors: Oyama Takahiro , Honda Yasushi , Fujii Minoru , Nakajima Kenichi , Hijioka Yasuaki 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

With higher temperatures expected in the future due to global climate change, addressing health risks such as heat illness is increasingly important. In Japan, thousands of heat illness cases occur annually during school sports club activities. The risk may vary by sport, location, and region, but how heat safety thresholds (HSTs) should be adjusted to provide effective guidelines remains uncertain. Thus, we conducted a case-crossover study using data of heat illness cases and wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) throughout Japan to evaluate the heat illness risk for the current HSTs and propose adjustments. A significant relationship was found between heat illness incidence and WBGT at the time of the incident, as well as the average WBGT one and two days prior. The risk significantly varies with factors such as club, region, location, year, month, and the average WBGT in summer. Therefore, we recommend lowering the current HSTs by one category (3°C) in the following cases: (1) clubs at high risk (baseball, softball, soccer/futsal, tennis, track and field, kyudo, and other with sustained exercise or thick uniforms); (2) from April to June; (3) in cooler regions (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Hokuriku, or where the average WBGT in summer ≦ 18℃); (4) for outdoor activities; (5) when heat rapidly increases without adequate heat acclimatization.
Investment Cost Analysis in Small Hydropower Plants in Terms of Efficiency and A Case Study in the Euphrates and Tigris Basins
Authors: YUKSEL Ibrahim 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Flow rate is the basic parameter for calculating the energy capacity and investment costs of small hydropower plants.
Because energy costs are directly related to energy capacity. While the energy capacity increases, the investment cost of the hydropower plant increases also. However, if the energy capacity is high, the energy production will be high and the investment cost will be amortized in a short time.
In this study, small rivers in the Euphrates and Tigris Basins with previously determined hydropower capacities were selected, and the investment costs of small hydroelectric power plants to be designed on these rivers were analyzed.
For this analysis, 10 streams were selected from the Euphrates and Tigris Basins, and only Baskoy and Celebiyan streams have flow observation stations. The flow values of the remaining 8 streams were found by regression analysis using the basin and flow values of Baskoy and Celebiyan streams.
Therefore, cost-benefit analyzes were carried out seperetely for these flows in this study.
Keywords: Small Hydropower, Hydrological Model, Cost Analysis, Efficiency, Euphrates and Tigris Basins
Augmented Reality in Zoos (ZAR): Employing an Innovative Image Enhancement Technique and Localization with Offline Features
Authors: Khan Sajid Ullah , Khan Faheem 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Pakistan is not getting tourism exposure due to inadequate digitization and technological advancement availability. Peshawar Zoo is one of the emerging tourist places in the whole province of Khyber PakhtoonKhuwa (KPK) and more than five thousand tourists visit it every day. A lack of availability of Localization of sign boards such as guide plates, internet, and technological features are posing challenges to increasing tourist interest and promoting Pakistan's tourism industry. The aim of this research is to design and develop an image de-noising algorithm that will improve the quality of images obtained for database (Vuforia) storage. Moreover, this study design an Augmented Reality (AR) based App that makes the Zoo more informative and interactive. The uses of Localization (descriptions of sign boards in their own language) and offline solutions are the key features added to this AR-app. This system defines a new way of seeing, thinking, and understanding reality. As part of this study, a case study was also conducted to examine the impact of AR on the travel experiences of Peshawar Zoo visitors. The questionnaire was used to gather data, which was later analyzed using the Chi-Square test. The results prove the overall improved experience of the tourists while using AR technology along with Localization and Offline solution. Visitors were asked regarding the recommendation of the ZAR App, and they would like to revisit the Peshawar Zoo. It was found that almost all the visitors liked ZAR App and they would like to revisit Peshawar Zoo and recommended ZAR App to other as well. 91% of visitors were interested in ZAR App and 81% agreed that ZAR has improved their tourism experience. 97% of the visitors said that they will recommend ZAR to potential visitors who expressed a desire and agreed to revisit if it provided an AR-based tourism Experience.
Analysis of risk factors for liver metastasis in patients with gastric cancer and construction of prediction model: A multicenter study
Authors: Yu Heng , Jiang Hang , Lu Xiaofeng , Bai Chunhua , Song Peng , Sun Feng , Ai Shichao , Yin Yi , Hu Qiongyuan , Liu Song , Chen Xin , Du Junfeng , Shen Xiaofei , Guan Wenxian 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: To retrospectively analyze the risk factors of liver metastases in patients with gastric cancer in a single center, and to establish a Nomogram prediction model to predict the occurrence of liver metastases.
Methods: A total of 96 patients with gastric cancer who were also diagnosed with liver metastasis (GCLM) and treated in our center from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2020 were included. The clinical data of 1095 patients with gastric cancer who were diagnosed without liver metastases (GC) in our hospital from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017 were retrospectively compared by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. 309 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer in another medical center from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018 were introduced as external validation cohorts. Results: Based on the training cohort, multivariate analysis revealed that tumor site (OR=0.55, P =0.046), N stage (OR=4.95, P =0.004), gender (OR=0.04, P =0.001), OPNI (OR=0.95, P =0.041), CEA (OR=1.01, P =0.018), CA724 (OR=1.01, P =0.006), CA242 (OR=1.01, P =0.006), WBC (OR=1.13, P =0.024), Hb (OR=0.98, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for liver metastasis in patients with gastric cancer, and Nomogram was established based on this analysis (C-statistics=0.911, 95%CI: 0.880-0.958), and the C-statistics of the external validation cohorts achieved 0.926. ROC analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA) revealed that the nomogram provided superior diagnostic value than single variety.
Conclusions: By innovatively introducing a new tumor location classification method, systemic inflammatory response indicators such as NLR and PLR, and nutritional index OPNI, the risk factors of gastric cancer liver metastasis were determined and a predictive Nomogram model was established, which can provide clinical prediction for patients with gastric cancer liver metastasis.
The Impact of COVID-19 on College Students' Mental Health
Authors: Khan Raihan , Jehi Tony , Zaman Sojib , Peachey Andrew 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc in every aspect of human life including college students' physical and meatal health condition. The aim of this study was to assess the fear of COVID-19, anxiety, and stress among Shenandoah Valley college students, part of the Great Appalachian. An online survey was conducted among undergraduate and graduate level college students in a large US public university, and a total of 680 students completed it. The mean age was 22.14 ± 5.48 years. The majority were White (81.9%), and female (80.4%) undergraduate (78.0%) students. Approximately 41% of them were enrolled in health-related majors (41.4%). Female students had significantly higher anxiety, depression, and fear of contracting COVID-19 than male students. Undergraduate students had significantly higher depression than graduate students. Students' perceptions of university' support had a negative relationship with their anxiety, depression and fear of COVID-19. While the COVID-19 pandemic is almost over, the higher education system and policymakers should work together to identify areas to improve student support and better communication strategies.