bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nickel in Tuzla topsoils: Its distribution and impacts
Authors: Stjepić Srkalović Željka , Ahmetbegović Semir 
Published: February 2024

The paper presents the results of geoecological - pedological research of nickel (Ni) concentrations in the soil of the city of Tuzla. The main goal of the research was to determine the extent to which the soil of the city of Tuzla is contaminated with nickel and to determine the origin of pollutants. The 240 soil samples were collected during the terrain research, covering an area of 303 km2. The nickel concentration testing in soil samples was performed by mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with a detection range of 0.1 - 10000ppm. Exceeding the maximum allowable concentrations of nickel, defined by the Ordinance on determining the allowable amounts of harmful and dangerous substances in the soil and methods of their testing was recorded in 99.16% of samples.
The range of determined nickel concentrations is 30 - 1437.7ppm, and the average value of all measured concentrations in the samples is 297.91ppm. The highest concentration of nickel was recorded in sample 64 (1437.7ppm), collected in the area of Lipnica. Out of 240 total analyzed soil samples, nickel concentrations were increased in 238 samples, in some places several tens of times larger than the allowed limit. Elevated concentrations were also recorded in sample no. 59 (1109.1ppm) in the area of Požarnica - Kovačica and in sample 189 (1005ppm) in the area of Slavinovići. At twenty locations, nickel concentrations vary from 500-1000ppm.
Rumen Fermentation of Local Grasses Feed to Native Goat
Authors: Ismartoyo Ismartoyo , Islamiyati Rohmiyatul , Rusdy Muhammad 
Published: February 2024

The aim of this research was to examine the feed rumen fermentation in the rumen of goat fed 4 different diets. This study was designed based on the Latin Square Design which consists of 4 diet treatments with 4 replications in each diet treatment. A total of 4 male goats, with relatively the same weight and age, were randomly assigned to an individual metabolic cage fed with 4 diets. The four diets studied were R1: Elephant grass, R2: Mini elephant grass, R3: Panicum maximum grass and R4: Brachiaria decumbens grass. Each diet was added with 20% of rice bran. The result of this experiment indicated that there was no any significant effect of different diets on the pH values, concentrations of VFA (Volatile fatty acids), and Ammonia (NH3) in the rumen of goat. The pH values in the rumen of goat treated with R1, R2, R3, and R4 were 7.17, 7.12, 7.07, and 7.0, respectively. The concentration of ammonia (mM) in the rumen of goat treated with R1, R2, R3, and R4 were 4.6, 3.3. 4.5, and 4.1, respectively. Whereas the level of VFA (mM) in the rumen of goat treated with R1, R2, R3, and R4 were 40.4, 43.6, 48.7, and 49.9, respectively. There was no any significantly difference (p>0.05) in the characteristic of rumen fermentation between the diet treatment. This might be due to the similarity in the nutrient content of those grasses studied. The characteristic of rumen fermentation was in the range of optimal growth of rumen microbes. It is concluded that those of four grasses studied edible, acceptable and contain a good nutrient as a feed resource for goat. The nutrient content of the grasses studied creates a good rumen environment for optimum feed fermentation in the rumen of goat.
Quantitative Prediction of the Development and Opening Sequence of Fractures in an Ultradeep Carbonate Reservoir: A Case Study of the Middle Ordovician in the Shunnan Area, Tarim Basin, China
Authors: Li Yuntao , Ding Wenlong , Han Jun , Chen Xuyun , Huang Cheng , Li Jingtian , Ding Shihao 
Published: February 2024

Summary
Quantitative prediction of reservoir tectonic fracture development characteristics, opening pressures, and opening sequences is critical in the exploration and development of oil- and gas-bearing reservoirs and thus has received widespread attention. Using numerical simulations of the paleostress field during the formation of tectonic fractures and the rock fracture criterion, we predict the development and occurrence of fractures in the Middle Ordovician Yijianfang Formation in the Shunnan region of the Tarim Basin, China. The local paleostress fields reflected by the mechanical properties and occurrence of tectonic fractures obtained from core descriptions, acoustic emission (AE) experiments, paleomagnetic experiments, sound velocity measurements, and borehole breakouts were used to determine the regional paleostress and in-situ stress. We established a geomechanical model by combining the mechanical parameters of the rocks with the finite element method (FEM), optimizing the boundary conditions with a self-adaptive constraint algorithm, and conducting numerical simulations of the in-situ stresses. Fracture occurrence and numerical simulation results of the in-situ stress field were used to determine the opening pressure (Pk) and opening sequence of the fractures. The level of fracture development decreases away from the strike-slip fault in the study area. Fracture development is positively correlated with the Young’s modulus, paleostress difference, and paleostress difference coefficient of the rock. The direction of the maximum horizontal principal stress is from north-northeast (NNE) to northeast (NE). Initially, shear fractures and tensional fractures oriented NNE 30°–35° and NE 40°–45°, respectively, open during the water injection process. Pk is positively correlated with the horizontal stress difference coefficient and the angle between the fracture strike and the maximum horizontal principal stress. At the structural highs (burial depths shallower than 6450 m) and the structural lows (burial depths deeper than 6450 m), the burial depth correlates negatively and positively with Pk, respectively. This investigation of the development, occurrence, Pk, and opening sequence of tectonic fractures and their principal controlling factors will have a positive impact on the future exploration and production opportunities of similar fractured reservoirs.
Assessment of the magnitude and associated factor of psoriasis at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College among patients attending Dermatology clinic, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Authors: Abza Fantahun , Demisse Tsion , Muhammad Feysel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder resulting from a genetic predisposition combined with environmental triggers characterized by sharply demarcated erythematosus whitish scaly plaques. May be associated with psoriatic arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and other diseases. The prevalence is about 2% of the world’s population. Two peaks in the age of onset have been reported: Early-onset psoriasis at 20–30 years of age and Late-onset psoriasis at 50–60 years of age & equal in both sexes.
Objectives
This study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of psoriasis from October 2021 to June 2022 at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College Addis Ababa.
Methods
A hospital-based cross-sectional prospective study was conducted from October 2021 to June 2022. A total sample size of 422 patients aged from 11 and above years was included in the study. Then using SPSS version 21.0 The data was entered and analyzed. Descriptive analysis was done to characterize the study participants. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the crude and independent predictors of the dependent variable. AOR with 95% CI was used to determine the independent predictors of psoriasis. Statistically, a significant association was considered at a p-value < 0.05.
Result
In this study, the magnitude of psoriasis was found to be 6.01% (95% CI:11.6,18.7). Moreover, in the multivariable logistic regression model educational status AOR (95% CI): =0.054, (0.01–0.30). And patients themselves AOR (95%CI): =34.90, (8.27–147.30) stress history were significant predictors of psoriasis.
Conclusion
In this study 6.01% of patients were found to have psoriasis disease. Therefore, the finding needs to give great attention to strengthening national skin disease prevention and control services and implementation of public health policies on awareness, prevention, and treatment of psoriasis patients to keep care of skin and not neglect the disease contact health facility services.
Groundwater used for human consumption causes histological and molecular changes in the thyroid that affect the morphogenesis process of xenopus laevis
Authors: Modarelli Maria Fernanda , Bilbao Rodrigo Miguel , Ponzo Osvaldo Juan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Groundwater is a reservoir of fresh water. In the goitrous areas the water used for drinking and cooking generally is high in nitrate content. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in that areas, chronic effects to expose of xenopus laevis larvae during a complete metamorphosis process to groundwater. For analyze the effects on thyroid function. The xenopus laevis larvae were divided into 3 work groups submerged, until the end of metamorphosis, in: drinking water as control (C), groundwater as group (G) and drinking water plus potassium perchlorate as positive control (PC). In (G) group metamorphosis process was completed in 37% and 0% in (PC) (p < 0.0001). In the 60 of Niewkoop and Faber, stage the wet weight and body length was in (G) smaller than (C) and (PC) (p < 0.0001). But was not difference in 62 for (G), (PC) was bigger than (C). In 60 stage was no significant differences on the length of the hind limbs. In 62 was bigger in (G) and (PC) than in (C) (p < 0.001). Thyroid hyperplasia was grade 2 in (G) and 3 (PC) (p < 0.001) in 60 stage and 3 in (G) and (PC) in the 62 (p < 0.0001). Follicular hypertrophy and colloid depletion in (G) and (PC) (p < 0.0001). In groundwater was found high nitrates concentrations. These findings suggest that nitrate contaminate groundwater impairs thyroid function of xenopus laevis larvae. These observation could contribute to the current discussion about the acceptable daily intake of nitrate.
Analysis of quantitative OCT and SS-OCTA metrics three months after initiation of intravitreal faricimab for treatment-recalcitrant neovascular AMD
Authors: Mirza Rukhsana , Nadel Arnold , Drakopoulos Michael , Bains Harnaina , Bar-Meir Avram , Marchese Alessandro , Lyon Alice 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To utilize optical coherence tomography (OCT) and SS-OCT angiography (SS-OCTA) for quantifying morphological changes seen in eyes with recalcitrant neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) transitioned to intravitreal faricimab injections during the manufacturer’s recommended induction phase of treatment.
Methods
Fifty-four treatment-recalcitrant patients (60 eyes) were recruited. OCT and SS-OCTA images were obtained at 0 and 3 months. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), OCT, pigment epithelial detachment (PED), and macular neovascularization (MNV) parameters were analyzed at baseline and 3 months.
Results
Thirty-two patients (38 eyes) were included in baseline OCT characteristic analysis, 29 patients (35 eyes) in MNV analysis, and 18 patients (21 eyes) in PED analysis. Significant decreases in PED parameters were observed, including PED volume (mean = -19.66%, 95% CI [-36.77, -2.40], p = 0.0114), mean height (mean = -19.16%, 95% CI [-33.50, -4.81], p = 0.0114), and maximum height (mean = -15.28%, 95% CI [-25.59, -4.97], p = 0.0057). Significant decreases in MNV metrics were also observed, including area (mean = -9.06%, 95% CI [-15.45, -2.66], p = 0.0069) and vessel density (mean = -8.23%, 95% CI [-12.46, -4.01], p = 0.0004). BCVA remained stable between baseline and 3 months.
Conclusions
In recalcitrant nAMD patients who were transitioned to faricimab, patients maintained their vision while significant improvements in OCT PED and SS-OCTA MNV parameters were seen during the induction phase.
4.8-μm CO-filled hollow-core silica fibre laser
Authors: wang zefeng , Li Xuanxi , Yang Linyong , Zhou Zhiyue , Li Zhixian , Li Hao , Pei Wenxi , Huang Wei , Shi Jing , Lei Luohao , Wang Meng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Mid-infrared (MIR) fibre lasers are important for a wide range of applications in sensing, spectroscopy, imaging, defense, and security. Some progress has been made in the research of MIR fibre lasers based on soft glass fibres, however, the emission range of rare-earth ions and the robustness of the host materials are still a major challenge for MIR fibre lasers. The large number of gases provide a variety of optical transitions in the MIR band. When combined with recent advances in low-loss hollow-core fibre (HCF), there is a great opportunity for gas-filled fibre lasers to further extend the radiation to the MIR region. Here, a 4.8-µm CO-filled silica-based HCF laser is reported for the first time. This is enabled by a homemade broadband low-loss HCF with a measured loss of 1.81 dB/m at 4.8 µm. A maximum MIR output power of 46 mW and a tuning range of 180 nm (from 4644 to 4824 nm) are obtained by using an advanced 2.33-µm narrow-linewidth fibre laser. This demonstration represents the longest-wavelength silica-based fibre laser to date, while the absorption loss of bulk silica at 4824 nm is up to 13, 000 dB/m. Further wavelength expansion could be achieved simply by changing the pump absorption line. This work paves the way for the MIR silica fibre laser beyond 5 µm.
Process optimization-oriented deformation control of large aluminum alloy structures from high-speed EMU
Authors: Li Yana , Liu Jiahao , Zhang Zeyang , Dai Changlun , Yin Xingfu , Shi Xinpeng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Predicting and controlling the welding deformation of large aluminum alloy structures is crucial to ensure the accuracy during the manufacturing of high-speed electric multiple units (EMUs). On the basis of heat source calibration, the dual ellipsoid heat source model and simplified equation parameters were used for metal-inert gas (MIG) welding, and the simulation of residual stresses obtained from the three numerical simulation methods were compared with the experimental values, and it was determined that the thermoelastic-plasticity method was used as a method to establish a high-precision inherent strain database. Based on this database, the welding deformation of the entire sidewall (23 m, 44 welds) was predicted and compared with the experimental data, and the error of the two results was less than 1 mm, and the simulation model was able to reflect the actual situation. Meanwhile, on the basis of this model, the effects of welding sequence, spot fixing method and number of clamps on welding deformation were investigated separately, and the results showed that: the reasonable welding sequence reduced the maximum deformation by 30.90%; the appropriate spot fixing method reduced the maximum deformation by 12.56%; and the reduction of the number of clamps by 9% could get the same effect as the original scheme, and the reduction of the number of fixtures by 18% could still ensure that the overall deformation was basically unchanged. Thus, process optimization can effectively control welding deformation, providing insights for improving the welding quality of aluminum alloy-based high-speed EMUs structures.
Baseline knowledge on risk factors, symptoms and intended behaviour of women and men towards screening and treatment of cervical cancer in rural Uganda: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nakisige Carolyn , Fouw Marlieke , Nakalembe Miriam , Jackson Orem , Atukonyera Dan , Musheshe Mwalimu , Koot Jaap , Zeeuw Janine , Beltman Jogchum , Stekelenburg Jelle 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Knowledge of risk factors and symptoms of cervical cancer has been found to promote uptake of screening of cervical cancer. Most interventions targeted women without much involvement of men (husbands) who are often decision makers in many low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed at assessing baseline knowledge and intended behaviour of both women and men to enable design specific targeted messages to increase uptake of cervical cancer screening and promote early detection of women with symptoms.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in two districts in Western Uganda using the modified African Women Awareness of CANcer (AWACAN) questionnaire. Women aged 30–49 years and their husbands/decision makers were interviewed. Knowledge on risk factors and symptoms, intended behaviour and barriers towards participation in cervical cancer screening and treatment were assessed. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were done to establish the association between knowledge levels and other factors comparing women to men.
Results
A total of 724 women and 692 men were enrolled. Of these, 71.0% women and 67.2% men had ever heard of cervical cancer and 8.8% women had ever been screened. Knowledge of risk factors and symptoms of cervical cancer was high and similar for both women and men.
Lack of decision making by women was associated with low knowledge of risk factors (X2 = 14.542; p = 0.01), low education (X2 = 36.05, p < 0.01) and older age (x2 = 17.33, p < 0.01). Men had better help seeking behaviour than women (X2 = 64.96, p < 0.01, OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.31 - 0.50) and were more confident and skilled in recognising a sign or symptom of cervical cancer (X2 = 27.28, p < 0.01, OR = 0.52, CI (0.40 - 0.67).
Conclusion
The baseline knowledge for cervical cancer was high in majority of participants and similar in both women and men. Their intended behaviour towards screening was also positive but screening uptake was very low. This study suggests developing messages on multiple interventions to promote screening behaviour in addition to education, consisting of male involvement, women empowerment and making services available, accessible and women friendly.
Mindfulness associated with less Fear of Missing Out: Social Media Addiction as a mediator
Authors: Aldbyani Aamer 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between mindfulness, fear of missing out and social media addiction. and the potential mediating role of social media addiction in the association of mindfulness with Fear of Missing Out. Four hundred and seventy-six international students in China were recruited to complete the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Fear of Missing Out Scale (FOMOS), and the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS). The results found that mindfulness correlated negatively with social media addiction and fear of missing out. Furthermore, social media addiction was positively correlated with fear of missing out. Structural equation modelling revealed that the mediation model fit the data well, That’s is, social media addiction partly mediated the association of mindfulness with Fear of Missing Out. We concluded that this insight contributes to a better understanding of the interplay between mindfulness, social media use, and the psychological aspects of fear of missing out, providing valuable implications for interventions and strategies to promote healthier online behaviours and mental well-being among the target population.
Penetration resistance of joint joints of constrained ceramic-metal composite structures
Authors: Wu Hao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Aiming at the problems of edge weakening effect and gap defects in ceramic metal composite structure, the anti-penetration performance of ceramic metal composite structure was studied. Based on the experimental study of ceramic metal composite structure against 7.62 mm armor-piercing incendiary projectile penetration, the numerical model of ceramic metal composite structure against penetration was established. According to the experimental results, the reliability of the numerical simulation method was verified, and the anti-penetration performance at the ceramic joint was analyzed. The results show that the aluminum alloy sandwich plate can provide effective support for the ceramic. With the increase of the thickness of the aluminum alloy sandwich plate, the anti-penetration performance of the composite structure is improved. The anti-penetration performance of the composite structure increases with the increase of the thickness of the UHMWPE backplane. When the backplane reaches a certain thickness threshold, increasing the thickness of the backplane cannot significantly improve the anti-penetration performance of the composite structure. Adding a certain thickness of metal separator at the joint can effectively reduce the damage of ceramics.
The structural basis of DSAD1-DSR2 mediated phage immune evasion
Authors: Li Faxiang , Wang Ruiwen , Xu Qi , Wu Zhuoxi , Li Jialu , Guo Hao , Liao Tianzhui , Shi Yuan , Yuan Ling , Gao Haishan , Yang Rong , Shi Zhubing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
DSR2 belongs to the family of defense-associated sirtuins (DSRs) which protect bacteria from phage infection by hydrolyzing NAD+. Phage propagation is effectively inhibited through the induction of abortive infection by depleting this essential molecule. The enzymatic activity of DSR2 is triggered by the tail tube protein of phages, enabling its functional activation. To escape bacterial immunity, certain phages have evolved to encode DSAD1 protein, which binds to and deactivates DSR2, neutralizing its defensive capabilities. However, the structural basis underlying the degradation of NAD+ by DSR2 and the inhibitory mechanism of its NADase activity by DSAD1 remain elusive. Here, we report the cryo-EM structures of apo DSR2 from Bacillus subtilis and the DSR2-DSAD1 complex. The apo structure reveals that DSR2 assembles into a head-to-head tetramer, which is mediated by its N-terminal Sir2 domain. DSR2 Sir2 domain possesses the highly conserved residues that have been found to be essential for NAD+ coordination and depletion in ThsA. The structures of DSR2-DSAD1 complex demonstrate the binding of two DSAD1 molecules to the two of four C-terminal helical regions of DSR2 tetramer, forming a hetero-hexameric complex. Two DSAD1 protomers locate separately at two ends of DSR2 tetramer either on the same side or opposite sides. This binding at DSR2 C-terminus induces a conformational change in the Sir2 domain at its N-terminus, potentially suppressing its enzymatic activity. These findings not only broaden our understanding of the DSR2-mediated anti-phage defense system, but also uncover the mechanism of DSAD1-dependent phage immune evasion.
Role of Reactive C protein in Mediating the Effect of body mass index on bladder cancer Diseases
Authors: Chen# Junhao , Zuo# Jieming , Shi# Hongjin , Li# Xiangyun , Zhan Peiqin , Wang Haifeng , Fu Shi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate whether C-reactive protein (CRP) can mediate the causal relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the development of bladder cancer (BC), further elucidate the underlying mechanisms and the mediating role of CRP, and quantify the proportion of CRP in this mechanism.
Methods: Using two-sample Mendelian randomization and multivariable Mendelian randomization studies, we explored whether CRP serves as a mediator in the causal relationship between BMI and BC, and calculated the proportion of mediation in this context.
Results: There is a positive causal relationship between BMI and BC (OR=1.655, 95% CI=1.122-2.441, p=0.011). BMI is positively causally related to CRP (OR=1.237, 95% CI=1.175-1.304, p=9.417×10-16). CRP is also positively causally related to BC (OR=1.401, 95% CI=1.017-1.929, p=0.038). After adjusting for CRP, there is no causal relationship between BMI and BC (OR=1.413, 95% CI=0.959-2.081, p=0.079). Even after controlling for BMI, there is still a causal relationship between CRP and BC (OR=1.434, 95% CI=1.042-1.973, p=0.026). The mediating effect of CRP is 15.9%.
Conclusion: Using genetic data, this study provides evidence that higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) may serve as a mediator in the pathway through which BMI leads to BC. Clinical practitioners should pay closer attention to the inflammatory marker CRP levels in obese individuals for better BC prevention strategies.