bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of microbial contamination of urban runoff and reduction of microbial load using new column and biological batch filter design
Authors: Parvinnia Mohammad , Sirouspour Somayeh , Khalili Reza 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In this study first, amounts of coliform contamination were measured by sampling from urban runoff of Yasouj city, Iran. In order to designing column experiments, zeolite, anthracite, sand, iron filings, sawdust, geotextile and polyester fiber were used. In the next step, batch experiments were designed: PRB materials included 25% anthracite, 20% zeolite, 20% iron filings, 10% sawdust and 25% sand. This experiment was performed in two ways: with and without the availability of nutrients. For all experiments, E. coli used as biological contaminants and bacterial enumerations were done by MPN test. Amounts of coliform contamination in urban runoff were at the 93 to 1200 instance. The results of the column experiments showed that removability of these materials was 90.48 to 96.13% and materials saturated after operated for some time and it shows the phenomena detachment of pollutants. The results of batch experiment showed bacterial elimination 91.55–93.18% and detachment rate with and without nutrients 0.2% and 0.14% rate attachment respectively. Coefficients, growth rates, death rates, rates of attachment and detachment were 0.1396, 0.1633, 0.396 and 0.0555 per unit time, respectively. As a supplementary case, modeling of contaminant transport in the porous medium of a new biological filter was also investigated. Synthetic wastewater with an initial nitrate concentration of 100 mg/l is introduced to the filter over 25 minutes of the filter breakthrough curve (BTC). The BTC from the column test is assumed as a normal curve and the obtained longitudinal dispersion coefficient is equal to 1×10− 7m2/s.
Methane Production and Nutrient Recovery after Applying MW Technology in Sewage Sludge Pretreatment
Authors: ALHRAISHAWI Ali , Aslan Sukru , Ozturk Mustafa 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study investigates the effect of microwave (MW) treatment on the disintegration of municipal activated sludge. Sludge samples underwent heating at a targeted temperature of 90°C for 35 minutes, with a 5-minute retention time. Soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD), sugars, proteins, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) exhibited notable increases compared to untreated samples. Results indicate a substantial (42-45%) rise in methane production during the anaerobic digestion process of the disintegrated sludge compared to the untreated counterpart Methane production was estimated using a transference model, which showed the best fit compared to other models. Further experimentation involved testing digested sludge with excess soluble ammonium for the recovery of struvite at a 1.50/1/1 (Mg/N/P) ratio. The findings reveal that up to 90.09% and 90.43% of orthophosphate and ammonium, respectively, can be efficiently removed from the solution. Despite the increased methane output, the energy recovered was insufficient to offset the electrical energy used by the MW. Notably, the sludge filter resistance performance deteriorated significantly, increasing from 1.64×1014 m/kg for the control sludge to 3.76×1014 m/kg for the treated sludge.
Investigation and Exploring the Microstructural and Thermal Properties of Pseudostem Juice and Cassava Juice as a Quenching Media.
Authors: Gbadeyan Oluwatoyin Joseph 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The utilization of pseudostem juice and cassava juice as non-Newtonian fluids for quenching applications is examined in this study. These fluids' microstructural and thermal characteristics were investigated and contrasted with those of conventional quenching mediums. The findings demonstrated that these fluids have distinctive qualities that make them attractive substitutes for conventional quenching mediums. The tensile strength of the samples increased when quenched in pseudostem juice of bananas (PJB) at 30 0C and water at 90 0C, exceeding the as-cast value of 435 MPa. Quenching in PJB resulted in a higher tensile strength of at least 442 MPa. Additionally, the hardness value reached its highest point for the sample quenched in banana pseudostem juice at 30 0C and its lowest point for the sample quenched in water at 90 0C, which was 418 BHN. Although lower than its as-cast value, samples of ductile iron that were quenched in water exhibited a slight improvement in impact energy compared to those that were quenched in banana and cassava pseudostem juice. According to the microstructural analysis, the smallest grain sizes for ductile iron samples quenched in pseudostem juice of bananas were 0.18 µm, 0.235 µm, and 0.255 µm, respectively, when quenched at 30 0C. The findings of this study affirm the effectiveness of Pseudostem juice and Cassava juice as quenching media, opening doors to the development of more streamlined and sustainable quenching processes.
Transient Deception: Recent Advances and Trends in Short-Lived Adversarial Examples
Authors: Srivas Devansh 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The emergence of adversarial attacks has highlighted the vulnerabilities of deep learning models. This led adversaries to develop novel techniques for generating adversarial examples that are short-lived and imperceptible to humans. These short-lived adversarial examples exploit the temporal aspects of the model and constitute a significant challenge to the robustness and reliability of deep learning systems, as they exploit transient vulnerabilities in the models' decision-making processes. This paper examines the recent trends in short-lived adversarial attacks on machine learning systems. By focusing on the categorisation and taxonomy of these attacks, the distinctions between whitebox vs blackbox, targeted vs untargeted, physical vs digital, and persistent vs short-lived attacks are discussed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the approaches used by adversaries. The paper also explores the increasing sophistication and diversity of short-lived adversarial attack techniques using flickering-based, motion-based, sensor-based, projection-based and gradient-based perturbations to deceive machine learning models. Furthermore, various methods of generating short-lived adversarial examples using these techniques are discussed, providing insights into the evolving aspects of short-lived adversarial attacks and highlighting the need for robust defence mechanisms and other challenges associated with short-lived adversarial examples.
Anti-elastase, anti-tyrosinase and anti-inflammatory activities of three compounds isolated from Psorospernum aurantiacum Engl. : in- silico and in- vitro assays
Authors: Njikam Jacqueline Manjia , Njoya Emmanuel M. , Harishchander Anandaram , Munvera Aristide M. , Ogundolie Frank A. , Mkounga Pierre , McGaw Lyndy J. , Njayou Frederic N , Moundipa Paul 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The hexane fraction of Psorospermum aurantiacum (PA) was found to prevent photoaging in skin cells lines. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the anti-skin aging potentials of compounds isolated from this bioactive fraction using in- silico and in- vitro models. Compounds were isolated by column chromatography and their structures were determined using spectroscopic techniques. A molecular docking was conducted to determine the interactions of compounds with selected targets: Elastase, 15-lipoxygenase, activator protein-1, Nuclear Factor Kappa B involved in skin aging processes. Furthermore, the in-vitro anti-elastase and anti-tyrosinase activities of compounds and their anti-inflammatory effect were evaluated on 15-lipoxygenase and nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Chromatographic purification of PA yielded three known compounds namely 3-geranyloxyemodinanthrone (1), 3-geranyloxyemodine (2) and lupeol (3) were identified, and in-slico study showed that (3) (− 12.83 kcal/mol) had high affinity with elastase while (2) (− 8.98 kcal/mol) effectively interacted with lipoxygenase. The in vitro assays revealed that (1) possessed high anti-tyrosinase activity (IC50 = 65.00 µg/mL) and anti-lipoxygenase activity (IC50 = 35.35 µg/mL) as compared with vitamin C (IC50 = 48.85 µg/mL) and quercetin (IC50 = 26.79 µg/mL) respectively. Additionally, (3) showed a high percentage of elastase inhibition (88.09%) at 10 µg/mL and also inhibited NO production with IC50 of 28.74 µg/mL compared to quercetin (IC50 = 15.13 µg/ mL). Compounds 1 and 3 showed anti-elastase, anti-tyrosinase and anti-inflammatory properties through in vitro study. Molecular docking results confirmed the elastase inhibitory activity demonstrated by 3. These compounds could be incorporated skin care products after further studies.
18F-FDG PET/CT metabolism multi-parameter prediction of chemotherapy efficacy in locally progressive gastric cancer
Authors: jin luqiang , zhang linghe , fu liping , song fahuan , Cheng aiping 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to use an 18F-FDG PET/CT multiparametric quantitative analysis to determine the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally progressive gastric cancer.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 34 patients with pathologically identified gastric cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. Chemotherapy regimens were followed and 18F-FDG PET/CT was conducted. We ascertained multiparamaters of the target lesions pre- and post-treatment and determined the ideal cutoff values for the percentage change in biomarkers. Independent factors were evaluated using binary logistic regression. A response classification system was used to explore the association between metabolic and anatomical responses and the degree of pathological remission.
Results: Binary logistic regression analysis showed that Lauren bowel type and change in total lesion glycolysis >45.2% were risk predictors for the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy; total lesion glycolysis demonstrated the best predictive efficacy. The categorical variable system of the two-module response (metabolic and anatomical response) group had a higher predictive accuracy than that of the single-module response (metabolic or anatomical response) group.
Conclusions: Using 18F-FDG PET/CT multiparametric quantitative analysis, Lauren bowel type and change in total lesion glycolysis >45.2% were independent predictors of the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. Additionally, the dual-module assessment demonstrated high predictive efficacy.
Trial Registration Number:MR-33-23-034719 2023.09.07 Review the registration
A method of screening for Klinefelter syndrome by detecting amniotic fluid punctures
Authors: Xiang Junbei , Wan Qian 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We aimed to develop a new method of screening for Klinefelter Syndrome by detecting amniotic fluid punctures to complement the current methods. Two commercially available genomic DNA extracted from the amniotic fluid puncture of the pregnant woman with the Klinefelter syndrome fetus, two genomic DNAs extracted from two healthy females and four genomic DNAs extracted from four healthy males were used as the qPCR template DNAs and the commercially available Sybr green qPCR master mix were used; we designed and synthesized 5 pairs of qPCR primers respectively corresponding to IL-10 gene on 1# chromosome, STAT1 gene on 2# chromosome, CXCR3 gene on X chromosome, TSPY1 gene on Y chromosome and LINC00458 on 13# chromosome. We then performed Sybr green qPCR measurement. We processed the qPCR data by mathematical calculation and finally formed a new algorithm. Using the new algorithm, we easily distinguished the Klinefelter syndrome samples out of the normal male samples. We developed a new method of screening for Klinefelter syndrome for the male fetus by detecting amniotic fluid punctures to complement the current methods.
Occurrence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile in Locally and Commercially Produced Yogurt Sold in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Frew Mihret , Wolkaro Takele , Galmassa Ulfina 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The present study was conducted to assess the occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus isolates from locally and commercially produced yogurt sold in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 40 yogurt samples (20 commercially and 20 locally produced) were collected from retail markets. Samples were cultured according to standard microbiology techniques, and the Vitek 2XL compact systems (bioMérieux) were used both to confirm the presumptive colonies and antimicrobial sensitivity testing following the manufacturer’s instructions. E. coli and Salmonella spp. were found to be 9 (45%) and 2 (10%) and 5 (25%) and 1 (5%) of locally and commercially produced yogurt samples, respectively. However, S. aureus was not detected in any of the yogurt samples. Interestingly, 7–28% of E. coli isolates were resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin, cephalexin, cefalotin, cefpodoxime, enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, pardofloxacin, doxycycline, tetracycline, nitrofurantoin, chloramphenicol and cotrimoxazole (thrimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole). Similarly, Salmonella spp. isolates were resistant to ampicillin, pardofloxacin, doxycycline, and tetracycline. Our findings indicate that. E. coli and Salmonella spp. isolates with a high percentage of antimicrobial resistance highlight the health risk for consumers. Therefore, yogurt producers and handlers need to place more emphasis on quality assurance.
Effects of cold spray on thirst, frequency of oral care, and pain of general surgery intensive care unit patients
Authors: GÜNGÖR SERAP , TOSUN BETUL , CANDIR GOZDE , OZEN NURTEN 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
This study aims to investigate the effects of intraoral cold water spray on thirst, frequency of oral care and postoperative pain at surgical incision site in patients having abdominal surgery.
Methods
The study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial. Data were collected using patient information form, NRS, Intensive Care Oral Care Frequency Assessment Scale (ICOCFAS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Results
The severity of thirst at post-operative 1st, 8th, 16th hours (p < 0.01) and the frequency of oral care application at 16th hour were statistically significantly decreased in the intervention group when compared to the control group (p < 0.01). There wasn’t statistically significant difference between the patients in the intervention and control groups in terms of pain at surgical incision site (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
In patients undergoing abdominal surgery, the use of cold water spray application may be recommended to reduce thirst and the need for frequency of oral care application.
Trichoderma koningiopsis applied as seed coating protects sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) from fungal contaminants during storage
Authors: Guerrero Karen Viviana Osorio , Moscoso Manuel Patiño , Gómez Deisy Lorena Flórez , Cortes-Rojas Diego Francisco 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Seed coating is an effective method for delivering beneficial microorganisms to the soil, additionally, coated seeds are protected against pathogens or microbial contaminants during storage. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of seed coating with the beneficial fungusTrichoderma koningiopsisagainst fungal contaminants of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench) during storage. Sorghum-treated seeds with three concentration ofTrichoderma koningiopsiswere stored at two temperatures (5°C and 18°C) over 12 months to evaluate physiological-, and sanitary quality of seeds. The concentrations of the most prevalent contaminant fungiDiaporthe melonis,Curvularia lunataandPenicillium polinocumwere monitored. The viability ofTrichoderma koningiopsisover seeds was evaluated every three months and correlated with the seed quality variables. The results indicate that beneficial fungi can protect seed against fungal contamination during storage avoiding the application of a chemical fungicide. The coating procedure did not affect the seed germination over the 12 months of storage.
UV-light-responsive Ag/TiO2/PVA nanocomposite for photocatalytic degradation of Cr, Ni, Zn, and Cu heavy metal ions
Authors: Dehghani Mohammad Taha , Delnavaz Mohammad 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The rapid growth of industrialization has led to the uncontrolled pollution of the environment, and rapid action is needed. This study synthesized Ag/TiO2/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nano photocatalyst for promising light-derived photocatalytic removal of heavy metal ions. The design of experiment (DOE) was used to study the effect of important factors (pH, reaction time, and photocatalyst dosage) to maximize the final performance of the photocatalyst. In the optimized condition, the Ag/TiO2/PVA nano-photocatalyst removed more than 94% of Cr6+ in 180 minutes, and the efficiency was more than 70% for Cu2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+ metal ions. The adsorption of the heavy metal ions on the photocatalyst was described well with the Langmuir isotherm, while the pseudo-second-order linear kinetic model fitted with the experimental data. The nano-photocatalyst's stability was confirmed after maintaining its performance for five successive runs. The enhanced photocatalytic activity for the heavy metal ions removal can be attributed to the presence of metallic silver nanoparticles (electron transfer and plasmonic fields mechanisms) and PVA, which delayed the recombination of electron-hole. The synthesized ternary Ag/TiO2/PVA nano-photocatalyst showed promising performance for the elimination of heavy metal ions and can be used for environmental remediation purposes.
Evaluation of the sentinel yellow fever surveillance system in Uganda, 2017–2022: strengths and weaknesses
Authors: Wanyana Mercy Wendy , King Patrick , Migisha Richard , Kwesiga Benon , Okello Paul Edward , Kadobera Daniel , Bulage Lilian , Ario Alex Riolexus , Kayiwa Joshua , Nankya Annet Martha , Harris Julie R. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Uganda has a sentinel surveillance system in seven high-risk sites to monitor yellow fever (YF) patterns and detect outbreaks. We evaluated the performance of this system from 2017–2022.
Methods
We evaluated selected attributes, including timeliness (lags between different critical time points), external completeness (proportion of expected sentinel sites reporting ≥ 1 suspect case in the system annually), and internal completeness (proportion of reports with the minimum required data elements filled), using secondary data in the YF surveillance database from January 2017–July 2022. We conducted key informant interviews with stakeholders at health facility and national level to assess usefulness, flexibility, simplicity, and acceptability of the surveillance system.
Results
In total, 3,073 suspected and 15 confirmed YF cases were reported. The median time lag from sample collection to laboratory shipment was 37 days (IQR:21–54). External completeness was 76%; internal completeness was 65%. Stakeholders felt that the surveillance system was simple and acceptable, but were uncertain about flexibility. Most (71%) YF cases in previous outbreaks were detected through the sentinel surveillance system; data were used to inform interventions such as intensified YF vaccination.
Conclusion
The YF sentinel surveillance system was useful in detecting outbreaks and informing public health action. Delays in case confirmation and incomplete data compromised its overall effectiveness and efficiency.
An adult with hemorrhagic varicella co-infects with cytomegalovirus:A case report
Authors: Shi Siman , Zheng Rongchang , Cai Xuexin , Zhou Xiuxian , Wen Ju 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background Hemorrhagic varicella(HV) is a rare disease with high mortality in adults. Thus far,approximately 4 cases have been reported. Occasional cases of HV have been reported in adults with hemopathy or other diseases. There only one case described simultaneous reactivation of cytomegalovirus in a chickenpox adult but we are not aware of any description of the changes in liver function indicators of the patient. This is very regrettable for that CMV infection can further exacerbate liver failure and increase mortality.Here we describe a patient with hemorrhagic varicella co-infection with cytomegalovirus and provide a specific description of the indicators of liver damage.Case Presentation: We report the case of a 25-year-old male with HV.He had a history of nephrotic syndrome generally controlled with orally administered prednisone,50mg per day for two months.The patient presented to the emergency room with a complaint of abdominal pain and hemorrhagic vesicles on his body for 3 days.And doctors were unable to make a clear diagnosis.On the first day of hospitalization, the leukocyte count was 20.96/L. So he was given broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment.At the same time, the quantitative analysis of cytomegalovirus DNA was IU/ml in his plasma,so he was treated with intravenous administered ganciclovir. However,he died due to rapidly worsening symptoms. Within one week of the patient's death, chickenpox gradually developed in the doctors and nurses who came into contact with him. In situations like this We speculated that the diagnosis of this patient should be rare hemorrhagic varicella.Conclusions Rapid recognition and appropriate treatment of adult HV are needed to improve the prognosis.
Redefining Ellisembia sensu stricto with a reassessment of related taxa in Sordariomycetes
Authors: Delgado Gregorio , Koukol Ondřej , Maciá-Vicente Jose G. , Colbert William , Piepenbring Meike 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The generic limits of the large and polyphyletic genus Ellisembia are redefined in a strict sense based on a recent collection of its type species, E. coronata, on the original host at the type locality in Germany. Multigene phylogenetic analyses revealed that the fungus belongs to Sporidesmiaceae (Sordariomycetes) where it groups together with other morphologically similar ellisembia-like taxa in a distinct monophyletic lineage distant from Sporidesmium. Ellisembia is therefore restricted to those members of this novel group having distoseptate conidia and producing none or a few percurrent extensions. Its previous synonymy under Sporidesmium is rejected and four novel combinations are proposed including E. pseudobambusae comb. nov., recently collected on a dead branch of Arundinaria sp. (Poaceae) in Texas, USA. To further stabilize the application of this generic name, Ellisembia is lectotypified with an authentic specimen of S. coronatum, the basionym of E. coronata, preserved at G. Additionally, the genus Lomaantha, typified by L. pooga, is expanded and emended to include E. brachypus and related ellisembia-like taxa grouping together in a distinct lineage within Chaetosphaeriaceae (Sordariomycetes) distant from Sporidesmiaceae. A reassessed taxonomy for members of this monophyletic clade is proposed including six new combinations. The presence of distinct pores in the conidial distosepta was assessed for this group of species and their developmental processes are described for L. brachypus and L. folliculata based on fresh and herbarium specimens. Sporidesmiella angustobasilaris, which typifies the genus Anasporidesmiella, is reduced to synonymy of L. folliculata upon examination of its type material.