bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of SPT-N Correlations for Different Geological Formations in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Authors: Kennedy Charles , TrustGod John A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study developed region-specific empirical correlations for estimating Standard Penetration Test (SPT)-N values across different geological formations in the seismically active Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Extensive in-situ and laboratory geotechnical investigations were conducted to obtain SPT blow counts and characterize engineering properties of soils representing the loose Benin sands, stiff Agbada sands, and indurated Akata shales. A database of over 1500 SPT-N data points and soil parameters was compiled from 50 borehole logs spanning Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to derive generalized and formation-specific SPT-N predictive models relating blow counts to depth, effective stress, and geological unit. The developed correlations showed good agreement (R2 > 0.68) with measured field values. Comparisons with existing empirical models from literature validated the accuracy of the customized regional approach. Predicted SPT-N values allowed estimating shear wave velocities based on established relationships, enabling classification of sites according to seismic design categories. This study highlights the need for developing geology-specific correlations to properly characterize the spatially varying geotechnical properties across the structurally complex Niger Delta subsurface. The generated predictive models enhance regional subsurface investigation for geohazard assessment and foundation design.
Anterior and Middle Petrosectomy via an Extended Transorbital Neuroendoscopic Approach: Anatomic Study
Authors: Orlev Alon , Kimchi Gil , Campo Eduardo Martinez , Young Mitchell , Levitan Idan , Harnof Sagi , Litvack Zachary 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background Transorbital neuroendoscopic (TONES) approaches have been described for resection of spheno-orbital, cavernous sinus, and Gasserian ganglion lesions. Lesions involving the petrous apex and cerebello-pontine angle (CPA) offer a formidable challenge via standard TONES approaches. This cadaveric study examined the surgical field-of-view and anatomic constraints provided by a novel extended transorbital neuroendoscopic (eTONES) approach and compared these to previously described TONES approaches and the traditional subtemporal anterior petrosectomy.Methods The eTONES approach includes single-piece removal of the superior and lateral orbital rims. This in turn offers expanded surgical trajectory to middle fossa skull base, anterior petrous ridge, and ventro-lateral posterior fossa, while reducing globe retraction. Four cadaveric heads underwent eTONES approach on one side and traditional subtemporal anterior petrosectomy on the contralateral side. Petrosectomy volume, location, and posterior fossa field-of-view were compared between the two approaches.Results Mean volume of petrous bone removed in the standard eTONES was 0.84 ± 0.38 ml. In comparison, the mean volume of petrous bone removed in the subtemporal approach was 0.72 ± 0.15 ml. On a single specimen, a superior eTONES variation was performed, tailored to provide access to the petrous apex and petroclival region, and 0.07ml of petrous bone was removed. Standard eTONES offered a straight on ventral-to-dorsal view of the internal acoustic canal and CPA contents. Conversely, traditional subtemporal approach, provided an unobstructed view of the medial CPA and petroclival region, with a lateral-to-medial viewing angle. Superior eTONES variation ‘bridges-the-gap’ between standard eTONES and subtemporal approaches in terms of petroclival and petrous apex exposure.Conclusion eTONES provides a straight on, minimally invasive endoscopic surgical approach that is comparable to the traditional subtemporal approach and may complement other surgical approaches for lesions involving the cavernous sinus, petroclival region, petrous ridge, and CPA. The describ1ed approach has yet to be examined in a clinical setting.
Quantitative trait loci mapping and candidate gene analysis for cotton yield, fiber quality, and early maturity
Authors: Jia Xiaoyun , Zhao Hongxia , Zhu Jijie , Wang Hantao , Wang Shijie , Li Miao , Wang Guoyin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background Cotton is the most important natural fiber-producing crop globally. High yield, super quality fiber, and early maturity are equally important breeding goals in the cotton industry. However, it remains challenging to synchronously improve these traits through conventional breeding techniques.Methods To identify additional genetic information relating to yield, fiber quality, and early maturity, a high-density genetic map was constructed using Jifeng 1271 and Jifeng 173 cultivars as parents. Sixteen phenotypic traits were tested and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping was performed. Candidate genes were analyzed using published RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR assays.Results All 16 tested traits showed bi-directional transgressive segregation and most traits followed an approximately normal distribution. Overall, 33 and 12 trait pairs showed significant positive and significant negative correlations, respectively. A total of 317 QTL and 39 chromosomal regions containing overlapping QTL were mapped based on the generated high-density genetic map, including 18 stable and 18 major QTL. Three outstanding QTL—qLP-A13-3, qSI-A2-1, and qFL-D13-1—that could be repeatedly mapped and had a major additive effect on phenotypic variation were screened out. Thirteen trait pairs exhibiting significant positive correlations contained overlapping QTL, and overlapping QTL within the same region exhibited the same additive-effect directions. Ten trait pairs showing significant negative correlations also had overlapping QTL; for 8 of these pairs, the QTL within a region had opposite additive-effect directions. Four genes locating in the mapped QTL regions were screened out due to their high expression levels in the evaluated RNA-seq datasets and their annotated functions. Ghir_A04G014830.1, covered by qBW-A4-1, qSI-A401, qHNFFB-A4-1, and qFU-A4-1, encoded ACLA-1. Ghir_D07G023700.1, covered by qFT-D7-1, qNFFB-D7-1, qHNFFB-D7-1, qFU-D7-1, qFE-D7-1, and qFE-D7-2, encoded ALDH2B4. Ghir_D13G015010.1, encoding VTC2, and Ghir_D13G016670.1, encoding GA2OX1, were in the stable QTL qFL-D13-1 region. The qRT-PCR results relating to the expression patterns of these four genes in ovules and fibers suggested that these four genes may be involved in promoting seed development, fiber initiation, and fiber elongation.Conclusions Overall, these findings contribute additional information for the breeding of high-yield, super fiber quality, and early-maturity varieties as well as research on related molecular mechanisms.
Synergistic Phytoremediation of Cadmium-Contaminated Soil: Intercropping Rapeseed and Kenaf for Enhanced Biomass, Metal Uptake, and Soil Health
Authors: Saeed Wajid , Mubeen Samavia , Fang Wangqiang , Rehman Muzammal , Ma Wenyue , Pan Jiao , Luo Dengjie , Liu Pingwu , Li Yun , Chen Peng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aims and Background
The growing human population and scarcity of new arable land necessitate exploring contaminated lands for agriculture production. Intercropping, a strategic method involving different plant species to enhance plant biomass, soil health and phytoremediation, thus promoting sustainable agricultural practices on contaminated lands. Therefore, the selection of suitable intercropping systems is of great interest for sustainable agriculture.
Methods
This research focused on the phytoremediation potential of rapeseed and kenaf in cadmium-contaminated soil, evaluating their performance in both intercropping and monoculture system. Additionally, it examined the growth, morphological, and physicochemical responses of the plants.
Results
The results revealed that intercropping of these two species significantly enhanced their biomass production, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic efficiency compared to monocultures. Antioxidant enzyme activities in both plants were elevated under intercropping, reducing oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide anion (O2−). Intercropping increased Cd accumulation in both shoots and roots of kenaf and rapeseed, correlating with a decrease in soil pH and an increase in available Cd content in the soil. Both species showed potential for metal phytostabilization, with BCF > 1 and TF < 1 in intercropping. It is also found that intercropping enhanced the activity of soil enzymes, urease and catalase while reducing sucrase activity, indicating improved soil health and microbial activity.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that intercropping kenaf and rapeseed not only improves plant growth and Cd uptake but also promotes better soil health and resilience under Cd stress, offering a sustainable approach for phytoremediation in contaminated soils.
Macroeconomic policies for rapid decarbonization, steady economic transition and employment creation
Authors: Lamperti Francesco , Wieners Claudia , Dosi Giovanni , Roventini Andrea 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

A large number of countries have by now pledged to undertake policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving carbon neutrality in the coming decades. However, evidence on the suitable policy package to induce an effective and orderly transition is scarce. Recent studies suggest that abrupt and aggressive climate policy may induce macroeconomic frictions. We extend a macro-financial agent-based integrated assessment model to test a variety of policy packages aimed at rapidly decarbonizing the global economy, guaranteeing macroeconomic stability, and fostering job creation. We show that carbon taxation alone is self-defeating: its role at internalizing environmental costs and triggering rapid decarbonization finds little support. However, an ensemble of industrial regulations and public subsidies coupled with a mild carbon tax is the most promising policy toolkit to support a rapid and orderly transition. Such a policy mix can be designed to have a neutral impact on public finances.
JEL codes: C63, Q40, Q50, Q54
Sorghum rhizosphere bacteriome studies to pinpoint, isolate and assess plant beneficial bacteria
Authors: Kumar Chandan , Esposito Alfonso , Bertani Iris , Musonerimana Samson , Midekssa Mulissa , Tesfaye Kassahun , Derr Devin , Donaldson Lara , Piazza Silvano , Bez Cristina , Venturi Vittorio 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
In the intricate relationship between plants and microorganisms, plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) play a vital role in the rhizosphere. This study focuses on designing synthetic bacterial consortia using key bacterial strains mapped and isolated from the sorghum rhizosphere microbiome.
Results
A large set of samples of the rhizosphere bacteriome of Sorghum bicolor was analyzed across various genotypes and geographical locations. We assessed the taxonomic composition and structure of the sorghum root-associated bacterial community using 16S rRNA gene amplicon profiling, identifying key taxa and core-bacterial components. A set of 321 bacterial strains was then isolated, and three multi-strain consortia were designed by combining culturable and unculturable microbiome-derived information. Subsequently, co-existence and plant-growth promoting ability of three consortia were tested both in vitro and in planta. In growth-chamber and in-field experiments demonstrated that bacterial Consortia 3 promoted plant growth in growth-chamber conditions while Consortia 1 and 2 performed better in field-plot experiments. Despite these differences, 16S rRNA gene profiling confirmed the stable colonization of the inoculated consortia in the sorghum rhizosphere without significant alterations to the overall bacterial community.
Conclusions
This study aims at translating microbiome knowledge into applications by designing and testing microbiome-based multi-strain bacterial consortia in promoting sorghum growth.
Evaluation of precipitation forecasting base on GraphCast over mainland China
Authors: Yan Zihuang , Lu Xianghui , Wu Lifeng , Liu Fa , Qiu Rangjian , Cui Yaokui , Ma Xin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The accurate cumulative precipitation forecasts are essential for monitoring water resources and natural disasters. Thecombination of deep learning and big data has become a new direction for precipitation forecasting. However, the currentlarge models are still lacking in-situ data verification. To accomplish this goal, the precipitation forecasting performance of astate-of-the-art model GraphCast was evaluated. Using the cumulative precipitation data from 2393 observation stations for the1-3 day period as a reference, we assessed the cumulative precipitation in mainland China region for the 1-3 day period from2020 to 2021, utilizing a high-resolution model with 0.25◦×0.25◦ grid spacing and 37 layers of parameters. The precipitation ofEuropean Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) was also compared. The results show that: (1) During the2020-2021 period, for the 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day cumulative precipitation forecasts, the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE)values of GraphCast were primarily between 0.46 to 9.38 mm/d, 0.44 to 9.06 mm/d, and 0.44 to 9.06 mm/d, respectively. TheMean Error (ME) values were mainly between −0.595 to 1.705 (0.01 mm). (2) As the forecast period extends, the forecastingcapability of GraphCast declines. (3) In the 1-3 day cumulative precipitation forecasts for various stations in mainland China,GraphCast demonstrates higher predictive accuracy than ECMWF. (4) Compared to ECMWF, GraphCast demonstrated thebest forecast performance in the warm-temperate humid and sub-humid north China, with the RMSE being approximately 12%higher. Our study indicates that GraphCast demonstrates significant potential and higher accuracy in precipitation forecasting.
The association of delivering during a war with the risk for postpartum depression, anxiety and impaired maternal-infant bonding
Authors: Klapper-Goldstein Hadar , Pariente Gali , Wainstock Tamar , Dekel Sharon , Binyamin Yair , Battat Talya Lanxner , Broder Orit Wissotzky , Kosef Tamar , Sheiner Eyal 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Examine the impact of war conditions on maternal mental health postpartum outcomes pertaining to depression and anxiety, as well as on maternal-infant bonding (MIB).
Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed in women who gave birth in a tertiary medical center, during (October-November 2023) and before (March-May 2020) the Israel-Hamas War. All participants completed validated self-reported questionnaires: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS>=10), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI>39) and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ>=26).
Results: A total of 502 women were included, 230 delivered during the War and 272 delivered before. Rates of symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) were higher in women delivering during the war (26.6% vs. 12.4%, p<0.001), while multivariable regression revealed two times higher risk (adjusted OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.16-4.74, p=0.017). Rate of postpartum anxiety risk was also higher (34.3% vs 17.0%, p<0.001), and reached a trend towards significance accounting for other risk factors (adjusted OR 2.06, 95% CI 0.97-4.36, p=0.058). Finally, delivery during the war was related to specific factors of impaired MIB. However, did not increase the overall impaired score (PBQ>=26) (10.2 ± 14.1 vs 8.3 ± 6.9, p=0.075).
Conclusion: The study revealed increased risk of PPD, marginal significance risk for PPA and some aspects of impairments in MIB among women delivering during the war. Maternal mental illness in the postpartum period has negative impact on the whole family. Therefore, comprehensive screening and adequate resources should be placed in women delivering in war-conflict zones.
The relationship between adherence, life satisfaction, and acceptance of illness among patients with mood disorders
Authors: Jeżuchowska Alicja , Cybulska Anna Maria , Rachubińska Kamila , Reginia Artur , Panczyk Mariusz , Ćwiek Dorota , Grochans Elżbieta , Schneider-Matyka Daria 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Mood disorders are among the most prevalent and debilitating mental conditions in worldwide populations.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to identify factors influencing life satisfaction, disease acceptance and therapeutic adherence among people with mood disorders.
Material: This survey-based study included 103 people with mood disorders. It was performed using the author questionnaire, and standardized research tools, namely: the Adherence to Refills and Medication Scale (ARMS), the A6cceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS).
Results: The level of life satisfaction decreased with an increase in the severity of depressive symptoms (βstd. = -0.665, p < 0.001). Mood disorder patients with more severe depressive symptoms had significantly higher scores on the adherence scale (βstd. = 0.290, p = 0.003). Patients with higher levels of depressive symptoms showed a lower level of acceptance of the disease.
Conclusions: 1. The dosage of medications taken, and the severity of depressive symptoms determine life satisfaction of people with mood disorders. 2. Respondents with greater severity of depressive symptoms scored higher on the adherence scale, which means that they were more likely to be non-adherent to treatment recommendations. The type of mood disorder may affect patient adherence. Subjects with bipolar disorder showed higher and those with anxiety-depressive disorder—lower adherence than patients with depression. 3. Subjects with more severe depressive symptoms showed a lower degree of acceptance of the disease.
Recognizing peer support initiatives organized outside of the clinical setting: insights from a Belgian Delphi method with peer supporters, patients and mental health professionals
Authors: Sylvie Gerard , Els Tobback , Frieda Matthys , Geert Van Isterdael , Pierre Gérain , Nele Van den Cruyce 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Peer support in mental health involves individuals with lived experience of mental illness providing assistance and encouragement to others facing similar challenges. This care practice is endorsed in best practice guidelines and has been shown to enhance individual-centered, recovery-focused, and rights-based mental health care, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In Belgium, there is currently no well-defined framework supporting the practical implementation of peer support in mental health practice, including role descriptions and training needs. Moreover, the added value of peer support compared to formal care is not thoroughly examined at individual and societal levels. This research aims to explore the role and organization of peer support in the mental health care system, focusing on intentional, asymmetric peer interactions organized outside the clinical setting.
Methods: The Delphi method gathered insights from peer supporters, mental health professionals, and patients. Three rounds of data collection and analyses achieved consensus on key statements regarding the added value of peer support and the requirements for a framework enabling peer support as a valid care practice outside clinical settings.
Results: Participants agreed that peer support can play a significant role in various stages of the recovery process, complementing clinical care. They agreed that peer support offers benefits for both patients and peer supporters. Requirements for a framework include logistical, financial, and human resources support, as well as training and status recognition. Consensus emerged on many statements, but divergent views surfaced on the peer supporter’s role limitations in the healthcare system, the balance between regulation and preserving the informal nature of peer support, and the roles of remuneration and training.
Conclusions: This study achieved consensus on 38 statements, outlining requirements to optimize the organization of intentional, asymmetric peer interactions organized outside clinical settings. It underscores the added value of such peer support in Belgian mental health care.
Trial registration: Ethical approval was not required as experts freely shared their experiences on peer support within a national expert group, contributing to policy recommendations and publications.
Italian HCV eradication screening protocol and genotypes characterization (2022–2023) in Ferrara’s province: a real-world study
Authors: Landini Nicolò , Chiericati Chiara , Boni Michela , Simone Loredana , Trombini Massimo , Zanforlin Chiara , Palmonari Caterina 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a worldwide health hazard, and in chronic form (nowadays affecting 58 million people as World Health Organization estimation) can be lethal. To forestall it, preventive screening is a mandatory approach. Since 2021, Italy conducts a national-wide screening program to eradicate the virus from its population. The team perfected an innovative method throughout the period between 2022 and 2023, to answer that medical necessity and map HCV genotypes spreading. The medical protocol introduced dedicated double invitations and pre-prepared medical consumables. The population was divided in three separate groups: born between 1969 to 1989, addiction services, and prison. Two screening levels were carried out: anti-HCV antibodies (indirect chemiluminescence immunoassay) and quantitative HCV RNA reverse transcription. 51,283 adherents were registered: 447 resulted positive to the first screening round, and 88 to the second (393 and 77 patients respectively from population born between 1969–1989). The medical protocol introduced allowed to substantially increase patients and medical staff compliance to HCV screening (adherence: 51.83%, the highest in Italy). HCV genotypes’ prevalence was mapped as well, distinguishing by patients’ age, biological sex and origin the different strains distribution in the population, over five groups comprehending subtypes 1a, 1b, 2a/2c, 3a, 4a/4c/4d.