bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diel activity of insectivorous bats in response to land-use change in São Tomé Island, Gulf of Guinea
Authors: Araújo-Fernandes Ana Catarina , Castro-Fernandes Ana Sofia , Guedes Patrícia , Cassari José , Mata Vanessa Alves , Yoh Natalie , Rocha Ricardo , Palmeirim Ana Filipa 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Land-use change poses a significant threat to biodiversity, particularly in insular ecosystems where species exhibit higher levels of specialisation. Despite the importance of tropical islands for biodiversity conservation, the impacts of land-use change on the diel activity of insular species remain poorly understood. We addressed this gap by investigating the diel activity patterns of insectivorous bats in response to land-use change in São Tomé Island, Central West Africa. Using passive acoustic detectors, we surveyed insectivorous bats across forests, shaded plantations, oil palm plantations, agricultural and urban areas. We examined (1) how intraspecific diel activity varies between forest and human-altered land-use types, and (2) how interspecific diel activity varies within the same land-use type, by quantifying overlap coefficients in species activity. Based on 19,383 bat passes from four species, we found that the degree of overlap in species-specific activity between forests and human-altered land-use types varied between species, with the least overlap being observed between forests and urban areas for Miniopterus newtoni, and between forests and oil palm plantations for Chaerephon spp.. Overlap in the activity of different species was lower within less or not disturbed land-use types (forests and shaded plantations), where more species were present. Overall, diel activity of insectivorous bats altered according to the magnitude of structural land-use change. Such bat responses might be eventually due to the different temporal prey availability and interspecific competition in the altered land-use types. These findings comprise baseline knowledge informing evidence-based management actions across tropical island systems.
Mycological Analysis of Spoilt Colocassia Escukenta Obtained From Selected Markets (Kawo and Bakindogo) Within Kaduna Metropolis
Authors: Uthman Abdulgafar Ishola , Rashidat Muhammed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) is a staple food crop in many regions, but it is highly susceptible to spoilage caused by fungal pathogens. This study aimed to identify the fungal organisms associated with rot in cocoyam corms purchased from Kawo and Bakindogo markets in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Understanding the fungal species involved and their impact on cocoyam can help develop better storage and handling practices to improve food safety.
Results: Spoiled cocoyam corms were examined, and tissues were aseptically cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. The isolated fungi were purified and identified through macroscopic and microscopic analyses using the slide culture technique. The fungi identified included Aspergillus spp., Rhizopus spp., Mucor spp., Penicillium spp., and Fusarium spp. Notably, Rhizopus, Mucor, and Fusarium species caused extensive tissue maceration. These pathogens likely infiltrated the cocoyam corms via air, wounds, harvesting tools, and pests.
Conclusions: The study identified several fungal pathogens responsible for cocoyam spoilage, with Rhizopus, Mucor, and Fusarium species causing significant damage. Proper handling and storage of cocoyam corms are crucial to prevent contamination and subsequent spoilage. Additionally, some of these fungi produce mycotoxins, posing health risks to humans and animals. Implementing better agricultural and storage practices can mitigate these risks and enhance cocoyam shelf life and safety.
A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Video Assisted Teaching Program Acharya Technique on Reduction of Back Pain Among It Professionals in Selected It Company, Delhi NCR
Authors: kuriyal Samiksha 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Back pain is the most widely recognized medical consultation in all nations. One of the most common causes of disability worldwide is back pain. It can occur for several reasons that are not always connected to an underlying illness. Overusing muscles from heavy lifting or excessive exercise, extended sitting or lying down, sleeping in an awkward position, or wearing an improperly fitting backpack are some typical causes of back discomfort.
Aims
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for back pain among industrial workers.
Materials and Methods
An experimental study was conducted among industrial workers seeking back pain at an IT Company in Delhi. Demographic data were collected through a self-structured questionnaire. The level of pain was assessed by using the Functional Rating Index. The data were analyzed by using inferential statistics.
Results
The findings of the study revealed that the mean severity of test back pain in the experimental group was 3.36, and the mean prevalence of test back pain was 8.76. This findings suggested that there was a significant improvement in back pain in the experimental group (tcal= 23.407), p < 0.05.
Conclusions
The present study concluded that the Acharya technique was highly beneficial for improving back pain among industrial workers.
“Away from the lungs”: A case report of extrapulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Piekarska Julia , Niewrzał Patrycja , Czupryna Piotr , Adamczuk Justyna , Zajkowska Joanna , Moniuszko-Malinowska Anna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of primary extrapulmonary tuberculosis in immunocompetent.
Method: Retrospective observational case report.
Results: A 68- year old female presented in a clinic with cervical lymphadenopathy with a suppurative fistula which she has had since April of 2023.
During an examination before admission to a clinic on the neck in the right area under the clavicle was a fistula from which sipped a little secretion. In addition, this area was also edematous and painful. In differential diagnosis cat scratch disease has been ruled out. The lab tests showed slightly elevated inflammatory parameters and anemia. The ultrasonography of the neck’s lymph nodes showed multiple lymph nodes which looked like Mts. Indicators of a tumor were negative. Actinomycosis and tularemia were excluded. No oxygenic or anaerobic bacteria was grown in the samples drawn from the nodes. The PCR was positive for DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis but acid-fast mycobacteria didn’t grow in samples drawn from fistula. Although the QFT-Plus test was positive and pathomorphology test proved the existence of MTB. Patient was treated with antituberculosis drugs with clinical improvement.
Conclusion: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis still occurs in society. It can be difficult to diagnose if there isn’t any source of infection in the lungs.
The influence of bottle shape on the formation of the equilibrium state of sparkling wine
Authors: Taranenko Vlada 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Foaming and sparkling properties are the main indicators in the evaluation of sparkling wine. Taking into account the morphological type of the bottle, it is possible to assume the production technology of sparkling wine. Sparkling wines produced by classical technology are traditionally bottled in champagne type bottles. When sparkling wine is aged in such bottles, the amount of dissolved CO2 is observed to be conserved due to the preservation of pressure. It was found that in bottles whose shape is radically different from the classic bottle, there is a decrease in pressure and deterioration of the foaming index. It was found that the surfactants formed during secondary fermentation are found to be in lower quantity in the non-standard Monroe bottle and experience thermodynamic disequilibrium, which is explained by the fact that the total volume of molecules of biochemical nature is smaller than the volume of the vessel and, consequently, the average distance between molecules is much larger than the size of the molecules themselves.
Pregnancy and Childbirth: Experiences of Primiparous Women From Selected Hospitals in Tamale
Authors: Rita Yabang , Abdul-Rahim Mumuni 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study was an exploratory descriptive study which sought to explore on the experiences of primiparous mothers regarding the support they received and the challenges they faced during pregnancy, delivery and post-delivery. This study used a purposive sampling to sample 17 participants (primiparous mothers) from three selected hospitals within Tamale metropolis in the Northern region of Ghana. These mothers were interviewed on the phenomenon under study using a semi-structured interview guide which was developed by the investigators and in line with the The study revealed two main themes with six sub-themes; thus, three sub-themes under each theme. Most of the participants expressed various forms of support they received such as physical, emotional, medical etc. however, they also expressed some challenges they faced during this period which included; physical, financial, and social and transportation challenges which affected them in one way or the other. The study revealed that, supportive care during pregnancy, labour and post-delivery among primiparous mothers is very crucial because it makes them feel at home which leads to quality childcare and motherhood. Furthermore, this study highlights the challenges these women faced as first-time mothers which deprived them from accessing quality health care services, having problems with child growth and motherhood
Governance of carbon dioxide removal (CDR): an AI-enhanced systematic map of the scientific literature
Authors: Lück Sarah , Mohn Anna , Lamb William F. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

For limiting global warming to well below 2°C rapid and stringent GHG emissions reductions are required. In addition, we also need to actively remove CO2 from the atmosphere via carbon dioxide removal (CDR). This will require advances in policymaking and governance to incentivise, coordinate and regulate CDR, including strict monitoring to ensure durable, additional removals that do not compete with emission reduction efforts. While it is critical to learn from the existing evidence on CDR policy and governance, there is no overview of this dispersed body of literature right now. IPCC and other science assessments have therefore treated the subject very selectively. This work addresses this lack of overview by systematically mapping the literature assessing policy and governance dimensions of CDR. Systematic mapping provides a comprehensive view of a research field by analysing the state of evidence, i.e. how much research is available at any point in time on which topics and geographies studied by whom, when and where. We use an AI-enhanced approach to systematic mapping, trimming down an initial set of about 30,000 documents on CDR to a set of 876 that deal with governance and policy issues. Our findings show sharply growing attention to CDR policies and governance issues over time, but with limited coverage of the Global South. Long established conventional CDR methods such as afforestation dominate the literature - particularly in ex-post studies - with little coverage of many novel CDR methods, such as biochar or direct air carbon capture and storage. We observe a shift from an initial discussion on CDR in international agreements towards the planning and implementation phase of national and sub-national policies. Our map can help to inform upcoming science assessments with critical information around CDR policies and governance and might serve as a starting point for generating a rigorous knowledge base on the topic in the future.
Associated Factors to Atrial Fibrillation in Diabetics at a Peruvian Northern Hospital
Authors: Vilela-Farfán Jordan Pierre Alexander , Rodriguez-Saldaña Christian Alberto , Fiestas-Cordova Jessenia , Vilela-Estrada Martín A. , Serna-Alarcón Victor , Juárez-Lloclla Jorge Paul 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Studies have demonstrated that patients with diabetes mellitus have higher risk of developing Atrial Fibrillation compared to those without Diabetes Mellitus. The aim of this research was to identify the factors associated with AF in diabetic patients in Piura, Peru. A cross-sectional study included diabetic patients over 18 years old, treated in the internal medicine department for hospitalization, emergencies, and referrals. Conducted at a Hospital, located in Piura in northern Peru. A frequency of 50.36% of diabetic patients with AF was determined. For the adjusted model, age, alcoholism, and elevated glycosylated hemoglobin levels were considered for inclusion, in addition to gender due to biological reasoning to suspect an association with AF. Only age (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR): 0.97; 95% CI: 0.968-0.987; p-value < 0.001) and alcoholism (aPR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.132-1.835; p-value = 0.003) were found as associated factors. Being younger and having alcoholism were significantly associated with the onset of atrial fibrillation in diabetic patients.
Robot Visual Place Recognition Method Based on Scan-Descriptors and Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Liu Yu , YE Minying , Zhao Jinwei , Jin Yongze , Shangguan Anqi , Liang Jonathan Tay Yu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Visual place recognition using 3D lidar in robotics is a popular research topic. Feature representation descriptors, such as scan-context descriptors, which are 2D descriptors obtained from 3D point clouds, are one of the research directions with great in-depth research value. This paper proposes a new method to improve the robot visual place recognition method based on scan-context descriptors. Our approach focuses on using a combination of loss functions and optimizers to improve the accuracy and robustness of the recognition system. Specifically, we introduce a custom loss function that encourages the network to learn more discriminative features and a Heun optimizer that enables faster and more stable convergence during training.
To evaluate the effectiveness of our method, we conduct experiments on the NCLT benchmark dataset. The results show that our method outperforms some existing methods in terms of recognition accuracy and computational efficiency.
Our proposed method provides a promising solution for improving robot place recognition, which has significant implications for a wide range of robotic applications, including autonomous navigation, mapping, and localization.
Efeito do arranjo espacial e do genótipo sobre a idade técnica de corte de eucalipto
Authors: Cacau Filipe Valadão do Prado , Urbano Edilson , Oliveira Isabeli Moraes de , Falcão Karina dos Santos 
Published: May 2024

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do arranjo espacial e do genótipo sobre a produção e idade técnica de corte de clones de eucalipto no município de Aquidauana - MS. Os clones híbridos de Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla (I-144) e Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus camaldulensis (1277) foram estabelecidos nos arranjos espaciais de 3,00 x 3,00 m e 3,00 x 1,80 + 9,00 m. O diâmetro (dap) e a altura total (Ht) foram mensuradas entre 6 e 84 meses, em 12 parcelas permanentes. As variáveis do povoamento foram estimadas pelo modelo de Gompertz. Aos 7 anos de idade, o volume individual (Vi) foi maior para o clone I-144 no arranjo espacial 3,00 x 3,00 m. A redução da distância entre árvores na linha de plantio (3,00 x 1,80 + 9,00 m), resultou em Vi menores em relação ao arranjo 3,00 x 3,00 m, ambos com 9 m² árvore-1. O clone I-144 no arranjo 3,0 x 1,8 + 9,0 m, apresentou o maior incremento médio anual na idade técnica de corte. A idade técnica de corte (ITC) variou entre 41 e 45 meses, sendo observada uma tendência de maior idade de corte para o arranjo 3,0 x 1,8 + 9,0 m, independente do genótipo.
Projected effects of climate change in precipitation and streamflows of the Upper Orinoco River Basin from global and regional climate models
Authors: Salas Hernán D. , Builes-Jaramillo Alejandro , Florian Carolina , Valencia Juliana , Tamayo Yesid , Bermúdez Mariana , Rodríguez Melissa , Echeverri Katherine 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

We studied the projections of streamflows under climate change scenarios in the Upper Orinoco River Basin by using precipitation from 15 global and regional climate models for the period 2020–2099. For this purpose, we calibrated and validated a hydrological model with a very good performance. Our results show that both precipitation and streamflow have a significant reduction for the RCP8.5 scenario that ranges from 5 and 7% in relation to the long-term means at the end of the century. The changes in both variables are not significant for the RCP2.6 scenario. Moreover, we compute several indicators of change in the streamflow to quantify alterations in high-, mid-, and low-range flows. Our results suggest that the main alterations for the future runoff would be evidenced in the mid-range and low flows, which could increase around ∼5 and ∼25%, respectively. These alterations could lead to changes in the hydrological, environmental, and ecological balance of the basin. This work provides information regarding the possible effects of climate change on the streamflow of one of the most important river basins of northern South America, which is pivotal for supporting future decision-making on water supply for social, environmental, and productive sectors.
Research Progress on Podocyte Pyroptosis in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Zhu Rong , Bai Xue , Xu Chengyi , Qi Wenyi , Luo Ping , Wu Man , Luo Manyu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract:
Pyroptosis is a recently discovered type of lytic-programmed cell necrosis.
The process involves cells assembling an inflammasome and cleaving gasdermin (GSDM)
to trigger the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that eventually induce inflammatory
cell death. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a microvascular complication of diabetes
mellitus, which leads to end-stage renal disease. Podocyte damage or loss is an important
feature of diabetic kidney injury. Pyroptosis involvement in podocyte injury is closely
associated with DN progression, manifesting as increased renal fibrosis, glomerulosclerosis,
and tubular injury. The study aims to elucidate the mechanism of pyroptosis
and summarize the pathways and potential inhibitors related to pyroptosis activation in
DN podocytes. We undertook a search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research
literature on various aspects of pyroptosis. Multiple different pathways mediate
podocyte pyroptosis to promote DN progression. Inhibition of pyroptosis can reduce podocyte
damage and improve renal function in DN, suggesting that pyroptosis may help
identify potential new therapeutic targets for DN treatment.
Examination of Tumor-related Biomarkers in Women with Breast Cancer Referred to Naft Hospital of Ahvaz, Southwest Iran
Authors: Dehghan Bahram , Ace Ali Asghar , Shamsaei Mehdi , Fatahi Ladan , Saeidimehr Saeid , Alinezhadi Mastaneh , Moulaei Birgani Pouran , Omidi Khaniabadi Yousef , Kazemi Forough 
Published: May 2024

Introduction:
Breast cancer is acknowledged as the most prevalent form of cancer in
women. The aim of the present study was to examine tumor-related biomarkers such as ER, PR,
HER2/neu, P53, Ki-67, CEA, CA-125, and CA 15-3 in women with breast cancer referred to Naft
Hospital of Ahvaz, southwest Iran.

Methods:
This research was a cross-sectional investigation. A total of 100 Iranian women patients
were selected who were diagnosed with breast cancer tumors (stage 3). All tumor markers like CEA,
CA 15-3, and CA-125 were determined using a chemiluminescent instrument. In addition, the immunohistochemical
technique was used to analyze the expression of ER, PR, HER/neu, Ki-67 antigen,
and P53 protein.

Results:
The mean of patients' age was 48.53 ± 9.57 years. ER accounted for the highest frequency
(73, or 73%) out of 100 cases. There were 69 (69%), 55 (55%), and 53 (53%) positive cases for PR,
HER2/neu, and P53, respectively. The chi-square analysis revealed a significant difference for
HER2/neu and P53 biomarkers (p = 0.027). The odds ratio was 2.625 [95% CI: (1.167-5.906)], and
the positive correlation between them was 0.236 (p = 0.018). Moreover, a significant difference was
found for ER and PR biomarkers (p < 0.0001), and the odds ratio was 18.25 [95% CI: (7.039-
47.319)]. There was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.908, p < 0.0001) between ER and PR. A
remarkable positive correlation (r = 0.256, p = 0.010) was also observed between CEA and CA 15-3
biomarkers.

Conclusion:
Our findings indicated that the highest frequency of tumor-associated biomarkers was
ER, and there was a positive correlation between ER and PR, HER2/neu, and P53, as well as CEA
and CA 15-3.
Study on the Mechanism of Action of the Traditional Chinese Medical Prescription Gushukang in Treating Osteoporosis Based on Network
Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Authors: Wang Shujun , Zhu Shaowen , Li Xincheng , Yang Zhao 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Gushukang (GSK), a traditional Chinese medical prescription, has
made a great and extensive contribution to the treatment of different forms of osteoporosis, but
polypharmacology studies of its mechanism of action are lacking. This study investigates
the pharmacological mechanism of osteoporosis using network pharmacology and molecular
docking. Experimental verification was carried out to confirm the efficacy of GSK on RANKLinduced
osteoclast differentiation in RAW264.7 cells to verify the network pharmacology
studies.

Methods:
The effective chemical components and corresponding targets of osteoporosis
with oral bioavailability of more than 30% and drug-like properties greater than 0.18 were
searched in the TCMSP and TCM-ID databases. DrugBank, GeneCards, OMIM, TTD, and
other databases were examined for targets related to osteoporosis. Using Cytoscape software,
a network of possible TCM-active ingredient-osteoporosis targets was created. STRING
software was used to create the networks of protein-protein interactions. The DAVID
program was carried out to conduct GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses of the
targets. Molecular docking and pattern of action analysis were carried out using software
like AutoDock Vina and Discovery Studio Visualizer. The growth media for RAW264.7
cells contained varying doses of GSK serum and 50 ng/mL RANKL. The activity of TRAP
was altered. Additionally, genes related to osteoclasts were examined using an RT-PCR
assay.

Results:
Network pharmacological analysis revealed that the primary efficacy targets of osteoporosis
were PTGS2, PTGS1, HSP90AA1, NCOA2, ADRB2, ESR1, NCOA1, and AR. The
pharmacological targets of osteoporosis may be mediated by substances including quercetin,
kaempferol, luteolin, naringenin, icariin, anthocyanin, tanshinone IIA, and cryptotanshinone.
GSK markedly inhibited RANKL-induced TRAP activity. qRT-PCR results revealed decreased
expression of the PTGS2 and ADRB2 genes upon GSK treatment.

Conclusion:
The findings of network pharmacology, molecular docking, as well as experimental
verification provide a new further study for elucidating the pharmacodynamic substance
basis and polypharmacology mechanism of GSK in treating osteoporosis.