bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on Physicochemical Characterization of Coal and Its Alternative use as Source of Energy in Jelo Leka and Michoka in Kemashi Zone, Benishangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Haile Mekdes 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Abstract Jelo Leka and Michoka sites are found in Kemashi zone 240 kms and 547 kms from Assosa town and Addis Ababa respectively and known for their coal resources. This study was conducted from February, 2022- May, 2022 with the aim of analyzing the physical and chemical properties of coal resources in the study areas. For this study, proximate analysis and Ultimate was used. Using the proximate analysis the moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, fixed carbon content and using Ultimate analysis Calorific value and sulfur content were determined based on the American Society for materials and testing. The current study investigated the moisture content and volatile matter is an index for evaluating maturity, quality and potential application of different coals in the area. Accordingly, moisture content (5.62 %; 1.97%), volatile matter (28.2%; 22.78), ash content (29.28%; 33.62%), fixed carbon content (43.67%; 41.63%), Calorific value (4989.4cal/gram; 5312.86; cal/gram) and sulfur content (0.43%; 0.55%) were observed in Michoka and Jelo-Leka coal respectively. This study revealed higher calorific value, ash content and sulfur content in Jelo-Leka than Michoka, whereas higher moisture content, volatile matter and fixed carbon content were observed in Michoka than Jelo-Leka. In conclusion this result provided important information regarding the sutability of coal for a particular domestic heating and power generation in Michoka whereas steel manufacturing and cement production in Jelo-Leka. As this study is limited with time and scope further large scale and detailed analysis is recommended to see the clear picture of coal in the Region.
Predicting the potential distribution of 12 threatened medicinal plants on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), with a maximum entropy model
Authors: Yang Lucun , Zhu Xiaofeng , Song Wenzhu , Shi Xingping , Hang Xiaotao 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Climate change is a vital driver of biodiversity patterns and species distributions, understanding how organisms respond to climate change will shed light on the conservation of endangered species. In this study, the MaxEnt model was used to predict the potential suitable area of 12 threatened medicinal plants in the QTP (Qinghai-Tibet Plateau) under the current and future (2050s, 2070s) three climate scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP8.5). The results showed that the climatically suitable habitats for the threatened medicinal plants were primarily found in the eastern, southeast, southern and some part of the central regions on the QTP. Moreover, 25% of the threatened medicinal plants would have reduced suitable habitat areas within the next 30-50 years in the different future global warming scenario. Among these medicinal plants, FP (Fritillaria przewalskii) would miss the most habitat (97.1%), while the RAN (Rhododendron anthopogonoides) would miss the least habitat (0.30%). Nevertheless, 41.6% of the threatened medicinal plants showed an increase in their future habitat area because of their physiological characteristics which are more adaptable to a wide range of climate. The climatic suitable habitat for 50% of the threatened medicinal plants would migrate to higher altitudes or higher latitudes regions.
This study provides a data foundation for the conservation of biodiversity and wild medicinal plants on the QTP.
The effect of irrigation solution temperature and novel heat-treated rotary files on apical debris extrusion and canal preparation time.
Authors: AlOmari Taher , Atmeh Amre R. , Algahtani Fahda N , Dkmak Alaa , Albanna Rami , Tabnjh Abedelmalek 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to compare apical debris extrusion and canal preparation time of two NiTi files (ProTaper-Gold (PTG), ProTaper-Ultimate (PTU)) when operated with irrigation solutions of different temperatures.
Materials and Methods
Mesio-buccal roots of sixty mandibular first molars were distributed into six groups depending on the file type (PTG, PTU) and irrigation solution temperature (20°C, 37°C, 45°C). During canal preparation, apically extruded debris was collected in glass tubes, where the difference of the pre and post extruded debris wight was measured. The time required for canal preparation was recorded in seconds. One-way and two-way ANOVA tests were used followed by multiple comparisons using the Bonferroni post-hoc test.
Results
Both file systems were associated with debris extrusion, which was affected by the file type and temperature (p < 0.05). Only PTU was affected by the temperature with significantly lower extrusion at 37°C. The canal preparation time was only affected by the temperature, (p = 0.001) without a significant effect of the file type (p = 0.552). Both file types had shorter canal preparation times at 20°C.
Conclusions
The novel PTU file system has a similar performance to the PTG at room and body temperatures and higher debris extrusion on heated irrigation, the irrigant temperature could influence the debris extrusion and time of preparation.
Clinical relevance:
This study highlights the importance of considering the temperature of irrigation solutions during root canal treatment. Depending on the file system used, the temperature was found to impact the amount of apical debris extrusion and canal preparation time during instrumentation.
Assessment of the Concentration of Potentially Contaminating Metals in the Soil Profile of an Area Under the Use of Swine Liquid Waste
Authors: Rodrigues Suzane , Borba Willian Fernando , Ros Clóvis Orlando , Silva Vanderlei Rodrigues , Golombieski Jaqueline Ineu , Somavilla Lucindo , Torchelsen Marcela Melo , Kemerich Pedro Daniel Cunha , Bones Mayara Aline 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Pig farming is a significant economic activity, especially in the Southern states of Brazil. However, it can have environmental impacts, primarily through the discharge of liquid effluents into the soil. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the variability in the concentration of chemical elements in the soil in two areas located on the same property, one using swine waste and the other without, in the Northwestern region of the Rio Grande do Sul State. To do this, the concentrations of the chemical elements Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, and Zinc were analyzed at three depths (0.00, 0.50, and 1.00 meters) using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Physical parameters (particle size distribution and saturated hydraulic conductivity) were also determined. The results indicated that the soil has low permeability, with a predominance of the silt fraction. Regarding the chemical parameter analyses, values above the levels established by current legislation were identified, with Copper and Cadmium showing higher values at all analyzed spots and depths. Significant differences between the areas were observed only at a depth of 1.00 meter and for the elements Zinc, Cobalt, and Manganese. It can be concluded from this that the use of swine liquid waste did not alter the natural properties of the soil, and the higher concentration of Copper may be related to the geological origin of the region. For some chemical elements, leaching through the soil profile and/or translocation of the clay fraction to deeper layers were observed.
GTF2A1L frameshift variant of a primary open angle glaucoma family from Chinese Han nationality
Authors: Gao Jianlu , Zhang Qiang , Li Siyuan , Wang Xizi , Zhai Yuxi , Zheng Juan , Jia Xiaodong , Gu Mingliang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a chronic, progressive optic neuropathy with a characteristic optic disc and no other eye disease or congenital abnormality. We have collected a 4-generation family of POAG from Chinese Han nationality. Gene-chip linkage localization and whole exome sequencing were performed on this family to identify pathogenic mutations. Linkage localization analysis identified a linkage peak overlapping with glaucoma candidate genes on chromosome 2, with a LOD value of 2.4, a NPL value of 4.62. Whole exome sequencing revealed frameshift variant in GTF2A1L gene on chromosome 2, which was adjacent to linkage localization. The specific frameshift mutation of GTF2A1L gene correlates with the phenotype of glaucoma in this family, which conforms to an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern.
Enhancing Insight into Regional Differences: Hierarchical Linear Models in Multiregional Clinical Trials
Authors: Kim Jeewuan , Kang Seungho 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: The planning and analysis of multi-regional clinical trials (MRCTs) has increased in the pharmaceutical industry to facilitate global research and development. The ICH E17 guideline emphasizes the importance of considering the potential for regional differences, which may arise from shared intrinsic and extrinsic factors among patients within the same region in MRCTs. These differences remain as challenges in the design and analysis of MRCTs.
Methods: We introduce and investigate hierarchical linear models (HLMs) that account for regional differences by incorporating known factors as covariates and unknown factors as random effects. Extending previous studies, our HLMs incorporate random effects in both the intercept and slope, enhancing the model's flexibility. We facilitate understanding through illustrative figures that depict the distribution of the primary endpoint and covariates under the proposed models. Moreover, we investigate the test statistics for the overall treatment effect and derive the required sample size under the HLM, considering both a fixed number of regions and real-world budgetary constraints.
Results: Our simulation studies show that HLMs with random effects in both the intercept and slope provide empirical type I error rates that are closer to the nominal level than those of conventional models. However, the estimate for the regional variabilities remains challenging for the small number of the regions. Budgetary constraints impact the required number of regions, while the required number of patients per region is influenced by the variability of treatment effects across regions.
Conclusion: We offer a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing regional differences in the primary endpoint for MRCTs. Through the proposed HLMs and required sample size, considering the budget constraints, designs for MRCT could be more efficient.
Ten-year follow-up after chemotherapy (S1 + cisplatin + trastuzumab) and surgery for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive stage IV esophagogastric junction cancer with pathological complete response: a case report
Authors: Enomoto Takeharu , Mikami Shinya , Otsubo Takehito , Tsuda Takashi , Chosokabe Motohiro 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background:
In recent years, many reports have focused on the usefulness of conversion surgery, in which chemotherapy is given to patients with unresectable advanced gastric cancer (GC) and radical surgery is performed if resection becomes possible. However, no consensus has been reached regarding the usefulness of this strategy.
Case presentation:
A 74-year-old man was diagnosed with GC after experiencing abdominal pain. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed an elevated lesion with ulceration at the esophagogastric junction (40 mm in size, type 1 gross type), and biopsy revealed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Chest and abdominal computed tomography showed wall thickening at the hilum and multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the left supraclavicular fossa and around the aorta from the hilum to the upper abdomen. These findings were consistent with a malignant tumor at the esophagogastric junction, and esophagogastric junction cancer was diagnosed [T3N3M1 (LYM): stage IV]. Chemotherapy was chosen, and seven courses of S1 + cisplatin (SP) + trastuzumab (HCN) were administered. The patient developed neuropathy, and two courses of S1 + HCN were administered. Approximately 10 months after the start of chemotherapy, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed that the tumor was almost gone; therefore, we decided to perform conversion surgery. The patient underwent open total gastrectomy, D2 lymph node dissection, and Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Scarring at the esophageal junction was evident on palpation of the specimen, but pathologic examination of the specimen and dissected lymph nodes showed no cancer. Postoperatively, the patient underwent 2 cycles of S1 + HCN followed by 48 cycles of HCN until the second postoperative year. No metastasis or recurrence was observed for 9 years after surgery.
Conclusions:
We have reported a case of stage IV esophagogastric junction cancer with a pathological complete response obtained by SP + HCN therapy. Conversion surgery after chemotherapy resulted in recurrence-free survival. However, further study is needed to elucidate the effect of surgery on top of chemotherapy for stage IV GC as chemotherapy continues to evolve.
Screening of Multi-Traits PGPR isolates for their potential as Growth Promoters for Wheat plantation
Authors: Mathur Abhishek , Jain Rashmi , Singh Devendra 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Global food production has increased by historic amounts thanks to the Green Revolution of the 20th century. Chemical inputs (pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilisers) and better crop plants (achieved through selective breeding and sophisticated genetic engineering) made up the bulk of the Green Revolution. Gains from fertilizer inputs, however, come at a significant environmental cost. To meet the needs for food, fuel, and fiber of a growing global population and a changing environment during the 21st century, a new agricultural innovation revolution will be required. It is necessary for a "Fresh" Green Revolution—possibly the Bio-Revolution—to be built on fewer intensive inputs with less negative environmental impact. Some of the bacteria have evolved into facultative intracellular endophytes as a result of the co-evolution of plants and microbes. PGPR is one of these bacteria that may live freely and has both direct and indirect advantages for plants. In order to increase plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress, beneficial rhizobacteria have been used. The mechanism(s) through which soil bacteria display beneficial activities are frequently unclear, despite the fact that, several soil bacteria have been found to support plant growth and development.
Results
The PGPRs viz. RS03 Bacillus subtilis, RS07 Bacillus cereus, RS21 Bacillus mycoides and RS25 Pseudomonas fluorescens were isolated and screened independently and also in possible combinations for evaluation of growth promotion activities in wheat (Triticum aestivum). The growth promotion activity was determined after 50 days of treatment in terms of growth parameters like plant height, shoot dry mass and root dry mass, seedling length and vigor index. Effect of PGPR isolates [sole as well as consortium] shown enhanced effect on germination %, growth and vigor index of wheat plants in comparison to non-inoculated control plants. The consortium application of RS03 + RS07 + RS21 + RS25 showed maximum seedling vigor index followed by the RS03 + RS21 + RS25.
Conclusions
Effect of PGPR isolates [sole as well as consortium] shown enhanced effect on germination %, growth and vigor index of wheat plants in comparison to non-inoculated control plants. The consortium application of RS03 + RS07 + RS21 + RS25 showed maximum seedling vigor index followed by the RS03 + RS21 + RS25.
Fate of Residual Patch Leak after Surgical Closure of Congenital Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defects
Authors: Mufti Hani Nabeel , Bucklain Ysmeen T , Shaheen Abdulaziz M , Qumsani Ahmed , Alrrzqi Arwa A , Kazim Sereen M , Acosta Luis , Gamboa Alfredo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Introduction:
Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) account for 50% of congenital heart defects (CHDs) in children. Moderate to large VSDs can lead to heart failure. To prevent future complications, surgical closure of moderate to large VSDs using patch material is considered the standard treatment in children within the first year of life.
Objectives:
We evaluated the fate of VSD patch leak and its impact on aortic and tricuspid valve regurgitation at 1 year after surgery.
Methods:
Patients with a perimembranous VSD who underwent surgery between January 2016 and December 2021 were included in the study. Demographic, echocardiographic, clinical and operative data were retrospectively reviewed. All patients’ echocardiographic images were analyzed at discharge and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Echocardiography assessment focused on the degree of residual VSD (rVSD) patch leak and aortic and tricuspid regurgitation grade compared with preoperative echocardiography.
Results:
Seventy-one consecutive patients who underwent perimembranous VSD surgical closure were included. There was no mortality during follow-up. No patient required re-intervention. Forty-three patients (~ 61%) had no rVSD patch leak on discharge. On 12-month follow-up echocardiography, 67 patients (95.7%) had no rVSD patch leak. Aortic and tricuspid valve regurgitation significantly improved from discharge to 12 months after surgery. No relationship between the size of the patch leak and patient weight was identified (P value = > 0.005).
Conclusions:
We demonstrated that a less than 2 mm rVSD patch leak is benign in nature, has no impact on tricuspid or aortic valve function, and almost always decreases in severity or disappears.
Moral distress thermometer: Translation and validation in Greek
Authors: Katsiroumpa Aglaia , Moisoglou Ioannis , Konstantakopoulou Olympia , Papasimakopoulou Elisavet , Gallos Parisis , Tsiachri Maria , Tsakalaki Anastasia , Galanis Petros 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Moral distress occurs when people’s moral integrity is compromised by external factors. Healthcare workers experience difficult situations that can increase their moral distress.
Aim
To translate and validate the “Moral Distress Thermometer” (MDT) in Greek.
Methods
Our study included 142 nurses in Greece. We collected our data during September 2023. We employed the forward-backward method to translate and adapt the MDT in Greek. We examined the concurrent validity of the MDT using the “Moral Injury Symptom Scale-Healthcare Professionals” (MISS-HP), the revised “Rushton Moral Resilience Scale” (RMRS), the “Quiet Quitting Scale” (QQS), and the single item burnout measure. Moreover, we performed a test-retest study to examine the reliability of the MDT.
Results
The MDT showed very good psychometric properties. Concurrent validity of the Greek version of the MDT was exceptional. We found statistically significant correlations between the MDT and MISS-HP (r = 0.51, p < 0.001), RMRS (r = -0.33, p < 0.001), QQS (r = 0.41, p < 0.001), and the single item burnout measure (r = 0.40, p < 0.001). We found that the MDT had excellent reliability since the intraclass correlation coefficient in test-rest reliability analysis was 0.994 (95% confidence interval = 0.991 to 0.996, p-value < 0.001).
Conclusions
The “Moral Distress Thermometer” is a reliable and valid tool to measure moral distress among healthcare workers.
Integrated intelligent system for water quality monitoring and theft detection
Authors: Karthikeyan V. , Palin Visu Y. , Raja E. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In India, water demands have risen inexorably over the last decade. The world's growing need for water has become a huge concern. The resource has been depleted due to wastewater, global warming, and industrialization. The importance of resource conservation and management must be prioritized. This work introduces an Internet of Things concept for water scanning and management in this work, which provides real-time feature extraction via the Internet. The suggested strategy addresses emerging needs within the aquatic sector, like gauging flow velocity and the imperative for scrutinizing water provision to minimize wastage and promote conservation. It also utilizes pH and conductivity sensors to examine the excellence of the aquatic that is distributed to every home. Traditional water metering methods necessitate consistent personal engagement for conservation, rendering them unwieldy and inefficient. To address the shortcomings of existing models, the proposed strategy employs wireless technology for smart quality sensing and information communication.
Characterizing hydrological-sensitive areas of the Kinyerezi river sub-catchments in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania using the topographic index approach
Authors: Swilla Livingstone , Katambara Zacharia , Lingwanda Mwajuma 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Several areas experience frequent floods due to anthropogenic activities. Among them, is the Dar es Salaam city, which experiences frequent floods along the Msimbazi River, whose flows originate from different tributaries including the Kinyerezi River. This study aims to evaluate the hydrological-sensitive areas of the Kinyerezi River sub-catchments using topographic index values (λ*) that enable the identification of areas with a higher probability of generating surface runoff. A digital elevation model was utilized to delineate the Kinyerezi River sub-catchment characteristics using ArcGIS 10.4. Soil infiltration rates (Ks) on selected open places were determined using a Guelph permeameter. Soil particle size distributions were analyzed and the λ* values were evaluated. The results showed the particle size distribution contains sand and silt-clay ranging from 46 to 84% and 16 to 53%, respectively. The Ks ranged from 0.6 to 7.8 mm/h while the sub-catchment KS3 scored the highest λ* value of about 10.7. Hence, there is a higher probability for generating surface runoff. Sub-catchment KS16 scored the smallest λ* value of 5.7, perceived to generate less surface runoff. Low-impact development practices capable of capturing runoff and enabling infiltration, evaporation, and detention should be employed in sub-catchments with higher λ* values.
Preparation of emulsion hydrogels encapsulating extractant by the Pickering emulsion template method to recover lanthanum ions in aqueous solutions
Authors: Guo Yong , Cai Jindian , Liang Yaodong , He Yongjun 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

To solve the problem of liquid–liquid extraction of La(III), the oil-in-water Pickering emulsions were prepared by utilizing the aqueous solution of sodium alginate as the continuous phase, kerosene-diluted extractant di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (P204) as the dispersed phase, and modified silica as an emulsifier. Then the emulsions were added to a calcium chloride solution to prepare the Pickering emulsion hydrogels (PEHGs) to better remove La(III). The PEHGs were characterized using Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The adsorption properties of PEHGs for La(III) in the aqueous solution were investigated using a UV–vis spectrophotometer. The study found that P204 was successfully coated by hydrogels and reached the highest adsorption capacity of 48 mg/g at pH 4. The amount of adsorption increased with the rise in temperature from 298 to 318 K. La(III) adsorption experimental data were more consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model. Thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption of La(III) by PEHGs was a spontaneous endothermic process. The internal diffusion model revealed a linear relationship, indicating that internal diffusion played a role in the adsorption process. The encapsulating property of PEHGs indicated its potential usefulness in industrial wastewater for treating La(III).