bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Hexane and Methanol Extracts of Piper guineense (Schum and Thonn) Seeds against the Maize Weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) in Stored Maize Grains
Authors: Odii Emmanuel , Okonkwo Nnaemeka Joe , Uko Ibeabuchi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Methanolic and hexane extract of black pepper Piper guineense Schum & Thonn was evaluated for its insecticidal properties against the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky in stored maize grains. The extracts were applied at various concentrations (4000, 2000, 1000, 500, 250 µl/ml) with ordinary acetone as control. The experimental setup involved placing ten unsexed adults of each insect species into petri dishes treated with each of the extracts as applicable for the residual treatment application. Also, maize grains weighing twenty grams were treated with the different concentrations of the extracts and the control before being artificially infested with Sitophilus zeamais and left for a period of thirty-three days. All of the treatments significantly reduced emergence holes and grain damage compared with the control.
Masked by Sustainability Metrics: Exposing the Sustainable Development Target Indicator 11.3.1’s Blindness to Urban Disparities in Ulaanbaatar City’s Expansion
Authors: Guanyu YAN , Wataru TAKEUCHI 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Urban expansion in developing countries is a complex phenomenon, often accompanied by disparities of informal settlements. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.3.1 index, which measures the ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate, has been widely adopted for monitoring urban growth. This study posits that the index may fail to adequately capture the internal dynamics of rapidly urbanizing cities in the developing world. Using Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia as a case study, we critically analyze the SDG 11.3.1 indicator and propose a comprehensive approach that incorporates both city-wide and district-level analyses, with a focus on informal settlement. We find the indicator of the city total is in reverse trend to that of informal settlement area, the "Ger District." Our findings highlight the limitations of the existing indicator design and underscore the need for a more nuanced understanding of urban expansion in developing countries, informing sustainable urban policy-making.
Personalized Food Elimination Diet: A Clinical Trial based on Food sensitivity assessment
Authors: Krishnamurthy Hari Krishnan , Pereira Michelle , Jayaraman Vasanth , Krishna Karthik , Wang Tianhao , Bei Kang , Barker Suzanne , Turnpaugh Chris , West Cynthia , Murray Rebecca , Lee Edwin , Mazaheri Terri , Rustad Janis , Ellis Erin , Levinson Andrew Marc , Kirschling Meaghan , Rajasekaran John J. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Food sensitivity, a common but overlooked condition, has been associated with a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. Typically, patients suffering from food sensitivity are placed on elimination diets, although the success of this approach has not been sufficiently validated. We aimed to assess whether effective serological assessment for food sensitivity and the implementation of a subsequent elimination diet improved patients’ symptoms and overall well-being. In this study, 52 participants were tested for serum IgG and IgA levels against 262 food antigens. Based on the results, participants followed personalized elimination diets excluding foods they were reactive to, for a period of 4 weeks. Symptoms were assessed weekly using the ‘Food Sensitivity-Symptom Severity Scale’ (FS-SSS), which was seen to decrease in 88.46% of participants from baseline to week 4 (p < 0.05). The physician’s evaluation of participants' responses was analyzed using the ‘Food Sensitivity-Global Improvement Scale’ (FS-GIS), where 84.61% of participants saw notable improvements. Antibody titers post-intervention showed improved IgG levels in 96.15% of the participants while IgA levels showed improvement in 84.61% of the participants. Serological assessment followed by a personalized elimination diet effectively addressed food sensitivity, evidenced by reduced symptoms, improved antibody titers, and favorable physician assessments of patient response.
Enhancing Sustainable Urban Planning Through Sleuth Modeling: a Case Study of Urban Growth in the Asan Watershed, Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Sharma Ankita , Krishan Radha , Nikam Bhaskar , Bagri Dhirendra Singh 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Urban growth monitoring and assessment are crucial for sustainable long-term planning and the efficient utilization of natural resources. Unplanned urbanization poses risks such as pollution and environmental disruption, emphasizing the need for proactive management. Changes in Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) with time indicate ongoing urbanization trends. This study focuses on predicting and simulating urban growth in the Asan watershed, Uttarakhand, India until 2040 using the SLEUTH model and assessing the impact on the surrounding areas. The research utilizes primary datasets from 1980 to 2016, including the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and LULC, to forecast future urban expansion. The SLEUTH (Slope, Land use, Exclusion, Urban, Transportation, and Hill-shade) model, based on Cellular Automata (CA) principles, is employed to simulate urban growth by analysing and projecting LULC changes from 2016 to 2040. Recent methodologies prioritize the detection of LULC changes through multispectral satellite images, emphasizing factors like radiometric efficiency, spatial uniformity, and climatic conditions. The predicted urban growth output revealed that the projected increase of urban area by 2040 will be 67.73 km² from 36.5 km² in 2016 with an increment of 31.23 km². Additionally, by 2040, urban settlement is expected to occupy around 9.5% of the total watershed area, an increase of 4.3% from the urban area observed in 2016. The study aims to guide infrastructure planning and promote sustainable development practices by comprehending urban dynamics, growth patterns, and resource management.
Investigating the effect of salinity and UV stress on the biochemical properties of Scenedesmus obliquus algae
Authors: Fatemeh  
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Scenedesmus obliquus is a unique eukaryotic microorganism that has a high range of tolerance against environmental fluctuations including salinity and UV radiation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the coping method of Scenedesmus obliquus algae cells against salinity stress and ultraviolet rays. The experiments were performed under different salinity treatments of 0 mM, 150 mM , 250 mM , 350 mM NaCl, 450 mM NaCl, 150mM NaCl+UV, 250mM NaCl+UV, 350mM NaCl+UV, 450mM NaCl+UV and UV. The effect of salinity and ultraviolet radiation on survival ability, growth rate, total protein content, photosynthetic pigment content, total sugar content, soluble sugars, insoluble sugars, hydrogen peroxide content, malondialdehyde content, activity of antioxidant enzymes including catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase were investigated. In high concentrations of sodium chloride along with UV stress, cell growth rate, total protein content, photosynthetic pigments, content of insoluble sugar, peroxidase enzyme activity and polyphenol oxidase enzyme activity decreased. The content of soluble sugars, catalase enzyme activity and ascorbate peroxidase enzyme activity increased along with the content of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde. According to the findings of this research, it can be said that ultraviolet rays combined with high salinity reduce the growth of Scenedesmus obliquus algae. The increase in soluble sugar content is caused by the activity of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes to deal with oxidative damage to cells. Also, the reduction of photosynthetic pigmentand and other indicators show the low resistance and lack of adaptation of this type of algae to the intensity of ultraviolet rays and high salinity.
Right heart strain on CT pulmonary Angiography in Pulmonary Embolism patients and its prognosis
Authors: kanwal shadab 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective :
The purpose of this study was to identify the different factors on CTPA that determine right heart strain and the prognostic significance of right heart strain in pulmonary embolism patients.
Method:
In this prospective cohort study, we selected 100 patients of pulmonary embolism. Factors determining the presence of right heart strain were looked for on CT, patients were followed for 30 days and their record was reviewed for mortality. Univariable logistic regression was employed to compare this result in patients with right heart strain versus those without right heart strain.
Results:
Out of 100 patients, 31% showed right heart strain on CT pulmonary angiogram. Patients with right heart strain had higher 30-day death rates(13%) compared to those without right heart strain(4%)
Conclusion :
Our study concludes that Right heart strain is a significant predictor of 30 day mortality in acute pulmonary embolism highlighting the importance of early detection and aggressive management in right heart strain patients.
Stakeholders’ Perceptions of the Implementation of the Door-to-Door Vaccination Campaign for the Novel Oral Polio Vaccine (nOPV2) in Uganda, 2022 – 2023: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Katana Elizabeth B. , Simbwa Brenda N. , Odongpiny Eva Agnes Laker , Nsubuga Edirisa J. , Namayanja Josephine , Amodan Bob O. , Ampeire Immaculate , Kisakye Annette , Ario Alex R. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Mass vaccination campaigns are crucial for public health interventions, especially in the eradication of diseases such as polio. Understanding stakeholders' perceptions and experiences during the implementation of these campaigns is essential for improving strategies and addressing challenges. This study aimed to document experiences, identify challenges, and explore stakeholders' perceptions of the implementation of a door-to-door mass vaccination campaign for the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV2) in Uganda.
Methods
A qualitative research design was employed using face-to-face in-depth interviews with 46 randomly selected implementers from eight randomly selected districts in Uganda. The stakeholders included national/central supervisors, district, subcounty, and parish-level supervisors directly involved in the campaign implementation. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the collected data, aligning with the major campaign activities.
Findings
Stakeholders expressed good views with some of the campaign aspects, including effective communication, advocacy and social mobilization, successful vaccine delivery and distribution, efficient district readiness assessments, appropriate cold chain management, coordination, and partner/intersectoral collaborations.
However, they highlighted challenges that included poor planning, inadequate training of vaccination teams, community resistance, difficulties in recruitment and teaming of vaccinators, payment delays, and logistical issues. They perceived that the first round of the campaign was poorly planned and implemented, while the second round showed improvement based on lessons learned.
Conclusion
The study highlights successes in implementation from the perspectives of the campaign supervisors that can be a benchmark for the implementation of the door-to-door mass campaigns for nOPV2 in Uganda.
It also highlights the need for improvements in future campaigns, focusing on motivating implementers and addressing logistical issues. Recommendations include performance reviews, enhanced planning, routine updates, verification of target populations, microplanning training, and mapping of community resistance. We also recommend that campaign planning and implementation should take the bottom-up approach as opposed to the current top-down approach that begins at the national level of the health system and regular simulations of mass vaccination response plans. These findings provide valuable insights for the implementation of future mass campaigns and contribute to the ongoing efforts to eradicate polio.
Evaluating the Quality of Large Language Model-Generated Cybersecurity Advice in GRC Settings
Authors: Li Zhiyuan , Wang Xiaoxi , Zhang Qingxiang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The growing complexity and frequency of cybersecurity threats require innovative approaches to enhance Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) frameworks. Evaluating the quality of cybersecurity advice generated by ChatGPT and Google Gemini introduces a novel method to harness artificial intelligence for more effective threat mitigation and regulatory compliance. The study reveals that ChatGPT generally outperforms Google Gemini across metrics such as relevance, accuracy, completeness, and contextual appropriateness. Detailed comparative analysis, statistical evaluation, and case studies demonstrate the superior performance of ChatGPT, while also highlighting areas for improvement in both models. The findings emphasize the potential benefits of integrating LLMs into GRC frameworks, provided that their use is complemented with human expertise to address nuanced challenges. This research offers valuable insights into the practical application of AI in cybersecurity, suggesting strategic directions for future advancements.
Distributive Convolution for Faster Feature Mapping of Two-Dimensional and Volumetric Images
Authors: Xu Qinwu , Jiang Yifan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study introduces a distributive convolution framework for feature mapping based on the distributive property of matrix multiplication, aiming to improve computing speed of convolutions for the two-dimensional (2D) plane and three-dimensional (3D) volumetric images. This method distributes the 2D and 3D kernels (filters) to the 1D (one-dimensional) and 2D ones, and apply convolutions concurrently at each spatial direction, and then fuses (adds) results together. It is different than the spatially separable convolution based on the associative property which applies convolution with separated filters in sequence. The Gaussian and Laplacian filters using the distributive convolution are evaluated on some public images for de-noise and edge detection. Results show that this method achieves similar effects as compared to the traditional convolution, and even improves the edge detection performance for some cases. The fusion of direct linear addition achieves similar performance as that of root mean square. In comparison, the spatially separable convolution obtains similar effect for the Gaussian blur but inferior performance for edge detection.
A variable template matching algorithm for anomaly detection versus kernel density and gradient convolution algorithms and ResNet-50
Authors: Xu Qinwu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study first proposes a variable template matching algorithm for anomaly detection of images. Variational forms of template for defect with multiple scales, rotations and perspective transformations are included to improve its variational robustness. The normalized cross correlation between the template and the sliding window on the image is computed as the matching result. Secondly, it proposes a kernel density algorithm, in which a lower kernel density index (intensity percentile/range) of the sliding window indicates a potential anomaly. Lastly, it proposes a gradient convolution algorithm. These three traditional computer vision algorithms are implemented for anomaly detection of a group of biological images, and results are compared with that of the convolutional neural network ResNet-50. Results show that the variable template matching algorithm achieves superior performance (true positive 82% and false positive 4.9%) than both the kernel density and gradient convolution algorithms. Its detection rate is lower than the prediction of ResNet-50 (true positive 86%), but it is much faster and does not need any train images as an unsupervised learning. Therefore, it can be a potential candidate for object detection of small dataset or for a quick solution.
A Study of the Impact of Feature Selection on the Accuracy of
Short-term Crude Oil Price Prediction
Authors: Abu-Ajamieh Fayez 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In this study, we analyze the impact of input feature selection on the accuracy of short-term 1 price predictions of crude oil futures. We analyze the impact of using 39 different features compared 2 to using the Close price alone. The features we consider are the High, the Low, the Open and the 3 Close (OHLC) prices and the Volume, in addition to a list of technical indicators derived from them. 4 We use a model built from Bi-directional Gated Recurrent Units (BGRUs) for the analysis. In addition, 5 we quantitatively analyze the impact of varying the prediction window on the accuracy of prediction. 6 We find that adding more input features does not improve the accuracy of prediction compared 7 to using the Close price alone. On the contrary, we find evidence that using more input features 8 beyond the close price actually deteriorates the accuracy of prediction. We also find that the accuracy 9 of prediction is quickly lost once the prediction window exceeds about an hour into the future. 10 Therefore, it is recommended to confine the input features to the Close price alone, and limit the 11 prediction window to less than an hour for the purposes of day trade.
Paulišite, Ca2Zn(CO3)3·2H2O, a new mineral with a novel crystal structure
Authors: Sejkora Jiří , Biagioni Cristian , Dolníček Zdeněk , Škoda Radek , Ederova Jana 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Paulišite, Ca2Zn(CO3)3·2H2O, is a new mineral species discovered in the underground workings at the abandoned mine adit of the 1st level of the Staročeské Lode, near the historical shaft Šafary, Kaňk near Kutná Hora, central Bohemia, Czech Republic. Paulišite is associated with hydrozincite and aragonite (holotype sample) or with calcite, aragonite, hydrozincite and monohydrocalcite (other samples). The new mineral occurs as crusts, up to 1 cm thick, formed by parallel or radial aggregates of acicular crystals, elongated on [100], up to 5 mm in length. Paulišite is colorless to white, with a white streak. It is transparent and has a vitreous luster. Mohs hardness is ca. 4; the calculated density is 2.756 g/cm3. Paulišite is optically biaxial positive, with α = 1.554(1), β = 1.569(2), and γ = 1.605(1) (589 nm), and 2V(meas.) = 68(2)°. The empirical formula, based on electron-microprobe analyses (n = 11), is Ca2.00(Zn0.97Mg0.02Cu0.01Al0.01)Σ1.01(CO3)3·2H2O on the basis of three cations (excluding C) per formula unit. The ideal formula is Ca2Zn(CO3)3·2H2O, which requires (in wt%) CaO 31.02, ZnO 22.50, CO2 36.51, H2O 9.97, total 100.00. The strongest reflections of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d(Å)/(Irel)/hkl] are: 8.226/(100)/011, 6.492/(100)/002, 4.112/(18)/022, 3.246/(35)/004, 3.085/(19)/130, and 2.458/(21)/042. According to single-crystal X-ray diffraction data, paulišite is monoclinic, space group Ia, Z = 4 with a = 6.3007(6), b = 10.6236(11), c = 12.9837(12) Å, β = 90.840(5)°, V = 868.99(15) Å3. The crystal structure was refined to R1 = 0.0229 for 2330 unique reflections with Fo &gt; 4σ(Fo) and 164 refined parameters. It is characterized by Zn(1)-centered tetrahedra, two independent Ca(1)- and Ca(2)-centered polyhedra, and CO3 groups. Heteropolyhedral Ca-Zn-CO3 {001} layers occur in paulišite and are connected along c through CO3 groups and Ca(2)-centered polyhedra, as well as H-bonds. Along with minrecordite, skorpionite, and znucalite, paulišite is the fourth mineral containing Ca, Zn, and (CO3) groups as species-defining elements. Its origin is related to the supergene alteration of ore deposits following the mining activity, probably at low T and basic pH conditions. The mineral and its name, honouring the Czech mineralogist and geologist Petr Pauliš (b. 1956), have been approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association (number 2023-031).
Reaction and transport phenomena in millisecond microchannel reactors for hydrogen production by autothermal reforming
Authors: Chen Junjie 
Published: June 2024

Numerical methods and algorithms were used to solve and analyse problems
that involve fluid flows in a millisecond autothermal reforming reactor.
Computers were used to perform the calculations required to simulate the
interaction of gasses with catalyst surfaces defined by boundary
conditions. Computational modelling for the reactor design was performed
to investigate the effects of various factors on the efficiency and
performance of the system and clarify the relationship between heat,
temperature, and energy. The yield and productivity from the chemical
process were determined by performing computational fluid dynamics
analysis. Additionally, the efficiency difference between feed
compositions was determined by thermodynamic analysis. Strength and
weakness were assessed under different reaction conditions. Design
recommendations were provided and operation strategies were mapped out.
The results indicated that the calculated output power of the system is
of the order of thousands of kilowatts per cubic meter. Operation at
millisecond contact times is feasible, but optimisation of reaction
conditions is necessary to balance efficiency and performance. The
conversion to hydrogen is influenced greatly by the feed composition,
which must be controlled precisely within certain needed limits to
maximize the yield and productivity from the chemical process while
avoiding the problems of combustion or explosion.
Keywords: Millisecond reactors; Thermodynamic analysis;
Autothermal reforming; Output power; Reactant conversions; Reaction
phenomena
Association of total arsenic exposure with allostatic load and cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Barbee Elon , Obeng-Gyasi Emmanuel 
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between arsenic
exposure (as measured in urine) and both allostatic load and
cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers within a representative group
of participants from the U.S. noninstitutionalized civilian population.
The results revealed individuals with high arsenic levels were
significantly older than those with lower arsenic levels. Other findings
indicated no significant associations between cardiovascular variables
by degree of arsenic exposure as measured by total urinary arsenic.
These results underscore the need to assess numerous biomarkers when
examining the potential health implications of exposure to arsenic as
markers of longer-term Arsenic exposure or consideration of specificity
of arsenic species may have yielded different results.