bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technical Efficiency of Smallholder Farmers in Tanzania: A Stochastic Frontier Approach
Authors: Lutonja Emilian Joseph 
Published: December 2023

Aims: This study focused on determining the level of technical efficiency (TE) and its corresponding common factors across all crops grown by Tanzanian smallholder farmers. The motive of this study came from production theory and production efficiency and the research was strongly attracted by the ongoing subsistence nature of the agriculture sector in the country that doesn’t fully meet the desired productivity
Methology: The study employed the cross-sectional National Sample Census of Agriculture 2019/2020 dataset while focusing on smallholder farmers operating in the long-rainy season by employing a single-step stochastic frontier model with an assumption of a Cobb-Douglas production function.
Results: The results of production on frontier show that land size (Ha), seeds (Kg), and fertilizers (Kg) are the main requirement for smallholder farmers to produce their maximum output. Based on the efficiency equation, improved seeds, inorganic fertilizers, and access to extension services decrease farmers' technical inefficiency while household age and membership in a cooperative organization increase farmers' technical inefficiency. Further, the average level of technical efficiency among smallholder farmers in Tanzania is 56.7% which allows farmers to increase their output level up to 43.2% with the same level of inputs.
Conclusion: As per the results, improved seeds and inorganic fertilizers are essential, however farmers organizations act as stumbling blocks. Thus, in this regard, Tanzanian farmers still have a room to improve and unlock their full potential, and so it is imperative for the government to take immediate measures to improve their technical efficiency such as introduction of more irrigation schemes, improved seed subsidies among others and farmers organizations should also be enhanced and streamlined to support farmers efficiency.
Effect of Crop Specific Blended Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Arun, S.  , Soumya, T. M.  , Hugar, A. Y.  , Salimath, S. B.  , Sharanabasappa, S. D.  
Published: December 2023

A Field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022-23 at Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Kathalagere, KSNUAHS, Shivamogga, to study the effect of crop specific blended fertilizers on the growth and yield of maize. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with ten treatments replicated thrice. Nutrient composition of blended fertilizer used for basal application was 16:18:11:4:1 N:P2O5:K2O:S:Zn and for top dress was 27: 0:13 N:P2O5:K2O. The treatments T1, T2, T3 consisted of application of basal blended fertilizer @ 312.5, 412.5 and 515 kg ha-1, respectively and top dress blended fertilizer @ 237.5, 312.5 and 390 kg ha-1, respectively. Basal blended fertilizer @ 412.5 kg ha-1 + top dress of urea at 30 and 45 DAS (T4), Package of practice (PoP) through straight fertilizer (T5), PoP through complex fertilizer (T6), recommended dose through Urea, DAP, MOP and ZnSO4 + top dress of nano urea @ 0.4% at 30 and 45 DAS (T7), physical blending of Urea, SSP, MOP and ZnSO4 (16:18:11:4:1 N:P:K:S:Zn) for basal and Urea and MOP (27:0:13 N:P:K) for top dress (T8), farmers' practice (T9) and absolute control (T10). Among all treatments, the application of basal blended fertilizer @ 515 kg ha-1 + Top dress of blended fertilizer @ 390 kg ha-1 recorded the maximum plant height (222.4 cm), number of leaves (10.3 plant-1), total dry matter accumulation (285.86 g plant-1), cob length (21.31 cm), cob girth (18.31 cm), number of kernels per cob (516.57) and test weight (24.22 g) at harvest as compared to PoP through straight and complex fertilizer and absolute control. The same treatment recorded significantly higher kernel and straw yield (69.51 and 89.36 q ha-1, respectively) in comparison to other treatments but it was on par with T2, T5 and T6. The treatment T3 recorded 27.8 % higher yield compared to T9. In study area the application of basal blended fertilizer @ 515 kg ha-1 + Top dress of blended fertilizer @ 390 kg ha-1 is recommended to achieve higher growth and yield of maize.
Comparison of Sensitivity and Specificity of Direct Microscopy and Culture Methods as Diagnostic Tool for for Diagnosing Trichomoniasis among Females of Reproductive Age, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Onosakponome E. O.  , Nyenke C. U.  , Ikpeama R. A.  , Nathaniel C. D.  , Lawson S. D.  
Published: December 2023

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted parasitic disease caused by Trichomonas vaginalis and is distributed worldwide. This study was a comparison of direct microscopy and culture methods in diagnosis of trichomoniasis in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was adopted involving the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis using culture and direct microscopy techniques among females attending Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt after ethical approval was sought and obtained. Samples were analyzed using direct wet preparation and culture technique. Sociodemographic data were obtained using well-structured questionnaires. A total of 650 specimens were examined, 450 were urine samples and 200 were high vaginal swab (HVS) samples which were examined directly under the microscope and cultured in Trichomonas medium (Oxoid CM0161) at 37ºc for 7 days. Out of 450 urine specimens examined, 4 were positive using direct microscopy with a prevalence of 0.9% (P>0.05), while 22 were positive using culture technique with a prevalence of 4.9% (P<0.05). 5 out of 200 HVS were positive using direct microscopy with a prevalence of 2.5% (P>0.05), while 18 were positive using culture technique with a prevalence of 9% (P<0.05). Direct microscopy and culture techniques recorded a moderate agreement (κ=0.412) and was statistically significant (P<0.05). Culture of HVS recorded the highest sensitivity of 94.44% with specificity of 99.45%, while direct microscopy of HVS recorded a sensitivity of 80% with specificity of 99.49%. Culture of urine recorded a sensitivity of 90.91% with specificity of 99.53%, while direct microscopy of urine recorded a sensitivity of 75% with specificity of 99.78%.
Conclusion: It is recommended that culture should be incorporated as an additional method for routine testing of Trichomonas vaginalis in our health care centres for improved monitoring and control of the disease.
Use of M-health Application to Figure Out Post-natal Depression, an Evidence-based Study
Authors: Mustafa Nasir 
Published: December 2023

Background: Post-natal depression is a clinical condition that may go undiscovered. A common mental health issue and one of the main factors contributing to mother sorrow and poor health is postpartum depression (PPD). The disease is prevalent on a global scale in a range of 10 to 15%. The high-risk phase, the first four to six weeks, is when symptoms typically manifest. However, it could appear up to a year after birth. Traditional depressed symptoms like mood swings, crying fits, losing consideration for a kid, despite suicide thoughts are signs. PPD impacts growth and development but also the mother's health. In the past few years, postpartum depression research has gained momentum. The illness and its effects are still largely unknown to the General public. Furthermore, not many people are aware of the PPD risk factors. There hasn't been much research done on the variations in symptoms and suitable preventive actions between cultures. PPD risk factors include obstetrical and podiatric variables in addition to some that are comparable to those for classic depression. The evolution of a clinical issue needs medical attention, where study-proven results suggested great compassion, efficient and satisfactory precision in outcomes especially prompt accomplish, simple to elucidate, in cultural terms appropriate, and economical. The objective of this study, to generate organizational paradigms for identifying the risk of post-natal depression after a week of child delivery, accordingly permit quick interruption, and also, to create a digital health application for the latest platform such as (Google Health Studies, Mountain View, Medication Management, Point-of-Care Diagnostics) along with the elite implementation for both pregnant mothers and physician that desire to observe their patient’s test.
Methodology: The study was a prospective cohort study. A set of prognostic paragons used for computing the chance of post-natal depression was utilized device acquisition capabilities and record evidence practically PPD mothers gathered from different hospitals. The analysis was implemented through a hold-out technique. A simple scheme diagram and framework for organizing the figure. Idol picture portrait (IPO) of the mobile health application was tracked.
Results: The results showed that the study of Naive Bayes demonstrated the significant equilibrium among specificity and sensitivity through the prognostic paradigm for post-natal depression, after a few days of delivery. It was unified toward the clinical verdict assist method for the Android m-application. Unique strategy can permit the premature prognostic and identification of post-natal depression so long as it satisfies the requirements of a potent screening trial with a great degree of specificity and sensitivity which is rapid to execute, simple to interact with, ethically perceptive, sympathetic, and economical.
The Geohazard as Land Subsidence in Anthropocene, India
Authors: Mishra Siba Prasad 
Published: December 2023

Land subsidence events, natural or anthropogenic, will be future national challenges for India. The positioning of the Indian plate in the globe, and human activities on the frustum compel land subsidence everywhere, on mountains, in deltas, riverbeds and in settlements. Many mega deltas of the globe including India are sinking, shrinking, and subsiding which shall invite catastrophes.
The present search uses the available datasets in print media, books, information technology and electronic media. The survey responses sourced from websites were physically ground verified, etc. Considering Bhuban data, Arc GIS software and Microsoft Excel, India's hazard, organic and inorganic maps are prepared to alert our forthcoming ancestors. Using those maps the zonal map of geo-hazards in various states of India can be prepared and future action plans can be shorted out.
Studies reveal that geo-hazards in various zones of India are different. Hazards on mountains are land slide, torrential rain, and land subsidence, whereas the calamities along the coasts, and deltas are cyclones, coastal erosions, floods, and deltaic subsidence. With surging human activities, the frequency and intensity of geo-hazards are swelling presently. It is high time to plan to appease the vulnerability of the rising devastation to attain sustainability of SDG Targets 11.5, and 13 which will moderate the adverse effects of such disasters.
A Nationwide Network of Health AI Assurance Laboratories
Authors: Shah Nigam H. , Halamka John D. , Saria Suchi , Pencina Michael , Tazbaz Troy , Tripathi Micky , Callahan Alison , Hildahl Hailey , Anderson Brian 
Published: December 2023

ImportanceGiven the importance of rigorous development and evaluation standards needed of artificial intelligence (AI) models used in health care, nationwide accepted procedures to provide assurance that the use of AI is fair, appropriate, valid, effective, and safe are urgently needed.ObservationsWhile there are several efforts to develop standards and best practices to evaluate AI, there is a gap between having such guidance and the application of such guidance to both existing and new AI models being developed. As of now, there is no publicly available, nationwide mechanism that enables objective evaluation and ongoing assessment of the consequences of using health AI models in clinical care settings.Conclusion and RelevanceThe need to create a public-private partnership to support a nationwide health AI assurance labs network is outlined here. In this network, community best practices could be applied for testing health AI models to produce reports on their performance that can be widely shared for managing the lifecycle of AI models over time and across populations and sites where these models are deployed.
Coal Dust
Authors: Blackley David J. , Halldin Cara N. , Hall Noemi B. , Porter Dale , Cauda Emanuele , Scott Laney A. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Coal is an organic, combustible, rock‐like natural substance that occurs in various forms from hard and brittle anthracite to soft and friable lignite. Coal mine dust often contains silica and other minerals found within the coal seam or in the adjacent strata. In the United States and other countries, coal miners are at risk of developing chronic lung diseases caused by cumulative exposure to respirable coal mine dust. These diseases can lead to significant lung function impairment, disability, and premature death. Collectively known as “black lung,” they include a spectrum of interstitial lung diseases including coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP), mixed dust pneumoconiosis, and dust‐related diffuse fibrosis as well as chronic airway diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Since the late 1990s, the prevalence of CWP and its most severe form, progressive massive fibrosis, have increased in the United States, most notably in central Appalachia. Factors contributing to this resurgence might include thin‐seam coal mining and/or cutting rock to access coal seams, which likely exposes miners to respirable coal mine dust with a higher content of other hazardous dusts including silica and silicates. Many countries have occupational exposure limits for coal mine dust typically based on assessment of the mass of dust collected during a work shift.
Monohydric Alcohols: C
1
to C
6
Authors: Bevan Christopher 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This chapter reviews both linear and branched monohydric aliphatic C
1
to C
6
alcohols. The C
7
to C
20
monohydric alcohols are covered in Chapter 74. The low‐molecular‐weight alcohols, including methanol, ethanol, 1‐propanol, and isopropanol, are used extensively in industry. These alcohols exist as volatile liquids at ambient temperatures, and exposure can occur in both industrial and nonindustrial environments. The C
1
to C
6
monohydric alcohols are flammable, but not reactive. The health effects in laboratory animals and in humans for the C
1
to C
6
alcohols are reviewed, as well as workplace exposure methods and biomonitoring and/or biomarker information.
Toxicology of Mycotoxins
Authors: Wang Jia‐Sheng , Xue Kathy S. , Tang Lili 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxic fungal metabolites, which are structurally diverse and commonly present in animal feed and human food ingredients. This chapter briefly reviewed the toxicology of naturally occurring mycotoxins with more details on some highly studied mycotoxins, such as aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, and deoxynivalenol, because they are of concern to toxicologists in both experimental and regulatory settings. Aflatoxin B
1
is a human carcinogen and its presence constitutes a major economic and health problem worldwide; however, fumonisin B
1
and ochratoxin A are animal carcinogens, and their roles in human cancers are to be studied. Trichothecene toxins, especially deoxynivalenol, are predominant contaminants in grains and their immune toxic effects are well documented. The toxicological impact from these mycotoxins ranges from acute toxicity to immune suppression to cancer in experimental models; however, very few studies to date have examined the potential increased toxicological interactions from combinative exposure with multiple mycotoxins exposure. Future toxicological research should focus on studying adverse effects caused by exposure to complex mycotoxin mixtures and their interactions to impact human health outcomes.
Development of automated region of interest selection algorithms for surface‐guided radiation therapy of breast cancer
Authors: Cui Songye , Li Guang , Kuo Hsiang‐Chi , Zhao Bo , Li Anyi , Cerviño Laura I. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTo investigate automation of the preparation of the region of interest (ROI) for surface‐guided radiotherapy (SGRT) of the whole breast with two algorithms based on contour anatomies: using the body contour, and using the breast contour. The patient dataset used for modeling consisted of 39 breast cancer patients previously treated with SGRT. The patient's anatomical structures (body and ipsilateral breast) were retrieved from the planning system, and the clinical ROI (cROI) drawn by the planners was retrieved from the SGRT system for comparison. For the body‐contour‐based algorithm, a convolutional neural network (MobileNet‐v2) was utilized to train a synthetic human model dataset to predict body joint locations. With the body joint location knowledge, an automated ROI (aROIbody) can be created based on: (1) the superior‐inferior (S‐I) borders defined by the joint locations, (2) the left‐right (L‐R) borders defined with 3/4 of chest width, and (3) a curation of the ROI to avoid the ipsilateral armpit. For the breast‐contour‐based algorithm, an aROIbreast was created by first defining the ROI in the S‐I direction with the ipsilateral breast boundaries. Other steps are the same as with the body‐contour‐based algorithm. Among the 39 patients, 24 patients were used to fine‐tune the algorithm parameters, and the remaining 15 patients were used to evaluate the quality of the aROIs against the cROIs. A blinded evaluation was performed by three SGRT expert physicists to rate the acceptability and the quality (1–10 scale) of the aROIs and cROIs, and the dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was also calculated to compare the similarity between the aROIs and cROIs. The results showed that the average acceptability was 14/15 (range: 13/15–15/15) for cROIs, 13.3/15 (range: 13/15–14/15) for aROIbody, and 14.6/15 (range: 14/15–15/15) for aROIbreast. The average quality was 7.4 ± 0.8 for cROIs, 8.1 ± 1.2 for aROIbody, and 8.2 ± 0.9 for aROIbreast. The DSC with cROIs was 0.81 ± 0.06 for aROIbody, and 0.83 ± 0.04 for aROIbreast. The ROI creation time was ∼120 s for clinical, 1.3 s for aROIbody, and 1.2 s for aROIbreast. The proposed automated algorithms can improve the ROI compliance with the SGRT protocol, with a shortened preparation time. It is ready to be integrated into the clinical workflow for automated ROI preparation.
In vivo detection of poststroke cerebral cell proliferation in rodents and humans
Authors: Chiang Pu‐Tien , Tsai Hsin‐Hsi , Yen Ruoh‐Fang , Tsai Yi‐Chieh , Wu Chi‐Han , Chiu Ching‐Hung , Tsai Li‐Kai 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveF‐18‐fluorothymidine (FLT) is a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for imaging cell proliferation in vivo. We aimed to assess FLT uptake as a marker for cerebral cell proliferation in a rat model of ischemic stroke and patients with cerebral infarct, correlating with disease severity and outcomes.MethodsCerebral FLT PET was performed in rats subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and patients with cerebral infarct. PET data were analyzed and expressed as average standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) using cerebellar cortex as reference. Infarct volume was analyzed by 2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining in rats and by magnetic resonance imaging in patients. Neurological function was assessed using modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS) for rats and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) for patients.ResultsSeven days post‐MCAO, rats' FLT PET displayed higher SUVRs in the infarcted brain, declining gradually until Day 28. FLT‐binding ratio (SUVR in the infarcted brain divided by that in contralateral side) correlated positively with stroke severity (p < 0.001), and to early mNSS decline in rats with mild to moderate stroke severity (p = 0.031). In 13 patients with cerebral infarct, FLT PET showed high SUVR in the infarcted regions. FLT‐binding ratio correlated positively with infarct volume (p = 0.006). Age‐adjusted initial NIHSS (p = 0.035) and early NIHSS decline (p = 0.076) showed significance or a trend toward positive correlation with the FLT‐binding ratio.InterpretationIn vivo FLT PET detects poststroke cerebral cell proliferation, which is associated with stroke severity and/or outcomes in MCAO rats and patients with cerebral infarct.
NIR‐II Emissive Superoxide Radical Photogenerator for Photothermal/Photodynamic Therapy against Hypoxic Tumor
Authors: Xiao Huichun , Wang Yuran , Chen Jian , Xi Simin , Duan Zeyu , Zhan Qiyu , Tian Ye , Wang Lei , Qu Jinqing , Liu Ruiyuan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDue to the “Achilles' heels” of hypoxia, complicated location in solid tumor, small molecular photosensitizers with second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II) fluorescence, type‐I photodynamic therapy (PDT), and photothermal therapy (PTT) have attracted great attention. However, these photosensitizers are still few but yet challenging. Herein, an “all in one” NIR‐II acceptor–donor–acceptor fused‐ring photosensitizer, Y6‐Th, is presented for the in‐depth diagnosis and efficient treatment of cancer. Benefiting from the strong intramolecular charge transfer, promoted highly efficient intersystem crossing, largely p‐conjugated fused‐ring structure, and reduced planarity, the fabricated nanoparticles (Y6‐Th nanoparticles) can emit NIR‐II fluorescence with the peak located at 1020 nm, exclusively generate O2•− for type‐I PDT, and display excellent PTT performance under an 808 nm laser stimulation. These characteristics make Y6‐Th a distinguished NIR‐wavelength‐triggered phototheranostic agent, which can effectively therapy the hypoxic tumor using NIR‐II‐fluorescence‐guided type‐I PDT/PTT. This work provides a valuable guideline for fabricating high‐performing NIR‐II emissive superoxide radical photogenerators.
Design of a Biohybrid Materials Circuit with Binary Decoder Functionality
Authors: Mohsenin Hasti , Wagner Hanna J. , Rosenblatt Marcus , Kemmer Svenja , Drepper Friedel , Huesgen Pitter , Timmer Jens , Weber Wilfried 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSynthetic biology applies concepts from electrical engineering and information processing to endow cells with computational functionality. Transferring the underlying molecular components into materials and wiring them according to topologies inspired by electronic circuit boards has yielded materials systems that perform selected computational operations. However, the limited functionality of available building blocks is restricting the implementation of advanced information‐processing circuits into materials. Here, a set of protease‐based biohybrid modules the bioactivity of which can either be induced or inhibited is engineered. Guided by a quantitative mathematical model and following a design‐build‐test‐learn (DBTL) cycle, the modules are wired according to circuit topologies inspired by electronic signal decoders, a fundamental motif in information processing. A 2‐input/4‐output binary decoder for the detection of two small molecules in a material framework that can perform regulated outputs in form of distinct protease activities is designed. The here demonstrated smart material system is strongly modular and can be used for biomolecular information processing for example in advanced biosensing or drug delivery applications.