bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro effect-based monitoring of water, sediment and soil from a floodplain restoration site
Authors: Kuschik-Maczollek Nina , Glock Malte , Schmitz Markus , Hollert Henner , Krauss Martin , Piotrowska Aleksandra , Brack Werner , Oehlmann Jörg 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Floodplains are biodiversity hotspots and provide numerous ecosystem services. In recent decades, however, 70–90% of Europe's floodplains have been structurally degraded. Accordingly, many (inter-)national programs aim to restore and protect floodplain ecosystems. The success of such measures also depends on the chemical contamination, especially of floodplain soils and sediments, which serve as sinks and sources for a variety of pollutants. In this study, we assess the current ecotoxicological status of a floodplain restoration site along the Main river (Frankfurt am Main, Germany) and estimate its development potential with respect to the influence of a local industrial plant and potential legacy contaminations. We therefore use in vitro effect-based methods (EBMs) testing for baseline toxicity, mutagenicity, dioxin-like and estrogenic activities, coupled with chemical analysis.
Results
Of all water bodies analyzed, the overall toxicity was highest in two flood depressions. In the respective water phase, estrogenic activities exceeded the environmental quality standard and sediment samples were positive for all tested endpoints. Chemical analysis of these sediments revealed high concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Soil samples from frequently flooded areas showed the highest mutagenic potential for both frameshift and point mutations with and without metabolic activation. The industrial effluent showed baseline toxic, mutagenic, and dioxin-like activities, that were highly diluted in the Main river. Respective sediments, in turn, showed significantly elevated activities and chemical contamination downstream of the industrial discharge.
Conclusion
Based on the results of this study, we rate the overall ecotoxicological status of a recently established tributary and groundwater-fed ponds as good, and identified two flood depressions near the Main river as hot spots of contamination. We assume that the observed mutagenicity in the floodplain soils is related to legacy contaminations from former aniline and azo dye production. In terms of the development potential of the floodplain restoration site, we emphasize considering the remobilization of pollutants from these soils and suppose that, in the long term, pollution of the Main river and the local industrial plant may negatively impact sediment quality in its tributaries. With this study, we confirmed the utility of in vitro EBMs for identifying chemically and ecotoxicologically relevant sites.
The Effects of Response Time on Older and Young Adults’ Interaction Experience with Chatbot
Authors: Lo Chi-Wen , Wang Ya-Ling 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:Chatbots, text-based systems such as Siri, Alexa, and ChatGPT, have been integrated into various domains, serving roles from customer service to personal companionship. These systems have significantly transformed human-computer interactions. However, there remains a lack of clarity on how their interaction dynamics, especially response time, affect user satisfaction across populations of different ages.
Methods: This study examines the impact of chatbot response times on user experiences, focusing on differences between older and younger adults. Our investigation involved 160 Taiwanese participants, divided into young and older adults, interacting with chatbots under two conditions: instant and delayed response times. The study aimed to assess the impact of response time on user experience, compare interaction experiences across age groups, and explore age-related preferences in response times.
Results: Results revealed a general preference for instant responses across both groups, associated with higher user satisfaction. However, older adults displayed a notable preference for delayed responses, contrasting with the younger cohort's inclination towards immediacy. This suggests a need for adaptive chatbot designs, considering varied user expectations and preferences, especially in an aging society.
Conclusions: This study provides key advantages in understanding chatbot interactions, it sheds light on the critical role of response time in user satisfaction, revealing how different age groups perceive and interact with chatbots, this may help set a foundation for further exploration of chatbots in more global and diverse aspects.
AMMI and GGE-biplot Analysis of the Yield Performance and Stability of Medium-Mature Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] Genotypes in Southern and Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Amogne Asmamaw , Malede Molla , Tefera Gezahegn 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The aim of this research was to examine the genotype‒environment relationship for soybean genotype yield by employing AMMI and GGE biplot analysis and to identify stable genotypes in southwestern Ethiopia. Twenty-three recently introduced soybean genotypes, including two controls, were tested during two seasons, in 2020 and 2021, at four separate test sites. A simple lattice design was used to set up the experiment. Using additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMIs) and genotype main effects and a genotype × environment interaction (GGE), the adaptability and stability of the soybean genotypes were examined. Significant (p < 0.01) genotype, environmental, and genotype × environment interaction effects were found through AMMI analysis. According to the analysis of variance, 56.9% of the soybean yield was explained by the environment, 6.3% by genotype differences, and 36.7% by the GE interaction. The overall yield variability of the soybean genotypes exhibited considerable variation in the first four PCAs. The 10 (Tgx-2010-3F), 16 (Tgx-2007-11F), and 17 (TgX-2007-8F) genotypes were suggested for these particular tested environments because they were adaptive to the PW200, PW21, and AR20 environments according to the AMMI and GGE results. However, the 22 (Tgx-1989-19F) and 5 (Tgx-1987-10F) genotypes were found to be relatively stable and adaptable.
The Swedish version of the Barrier and Facilitator Assessment Instrument: translation, adaptation, and initial psychometric testing in a large and nationwide sample
Authors: Santesson Anna Helena Elisabeth , Gustafsson Peik , Holmberg Robert , Jarbin Håkan , Perrin Sean , Bäckström Martin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Few scales designed to assess factors that facilitate and/or impede the uptake of guidelines in routine care are valid, reliable, and cover multiple domains. The Barriers and Facilitators Assessment Instrument (BFAI) measures barriers on four scales: Innovation, Provider, Patient, and Context and is one of few evaluated for psychometric properties, primarily in the context of adult health care. This study aimed to contribute to the development and cross-validation of the BFAI by examining a Swedish version as part of a larger depression guideline implementation across child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). The study also explored the relationship between attitudes toward evidence-based practice, as measured by the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS), and perceived barriers to guideline implementation.
Methods
The BFAI was translated, adapted, and completed by 440 CAMHS clinicians (52% response rate) across Sweden. Items were tested and scales’ internal consistency and dimensionality were examined using Cronbach alpha and exploratory factor analyses.
Results
Items satisfied criteria set by developers. The internal consistency and dimensionality of the four scales were supported. The Patient and Innovation scales had the best psychometric properties, while the Context scale had some issues due to the intra- and interdomain correlations. Correlations between BFAI and EBPAS scales were in the expected direction (negative) but weak.
Conclusion
The Swedish version of the BFAI exhibited acceptable psychometric properties; single items can be used for tailoring local strategies in implementation programs. The BFAI scales might also be suitable for research by providing more specific information about guideline implementation challenges than the EBPAS.
Effects of banana on ameliorating hyperlipidemia and cardiomyopathy in diabetic SHR
Authors: Lin Hui-Li , Pan Peter , Su Hui-Chen , Chen Ya-Mei , Tseng Yu-Hsiu , Hao Chi-Long , Keng Chih-Yueh , Shen Kuo-Ping 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: We have shown that bananas could improve diabetes mellitus (DM) and related vascular dysfunction. Continuing the previous results, this study aims to find out the anti-DM-induced hyperlipidemia and cardiac dysfunction effect of bananas. This study selected spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) as the experimental subjects and divided them into 3 groups.
Method: The control group (n=8) was fed standard chew. The type 2 diabetes group (T2D group; n=8) was intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin and nicotinamide (STZ/NA) and fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Another group was intraperitoneally injected with STZ/NA and fed a HFD and the carbohydrate was exchanged with banana powder (BA) (T2D/BA group).
Results: After four weeks, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, and higher levels of GPT, IL-6, TNF-α, ox-LDL, and MDA occurred in the T2D group. Moreover, DM deteriorated the related lipid synthesis and metabolism proteins and also worsened the regulating cardiac fibrosis, hypertrophy-related proteins, and as well as inflammatory signaling proteins. In the T2D/BA group, except GPT, the above biochemical parameters affected by DM were all improved.
Conclusions: We concluded that BA ameliorated DM-induced hyperlipidemia and worsened cardiomyopathy by improving lipid homeostasis, reversing cardiac dysfunction, and inhibiting inflammation. Together, we suggest that bananas may serve as an effective dietary intervention for the management of metabolic syndrome.
An insight into the epidemiology of foodborne zoonotic fascioliasis in small ruminants in northwestern region of Bangladesh
Authors: TALUKDER MD Hasanuzzaman , Ahmed Nurnabi , ISLAM Md Nuruzzaman , ISLAM Md Rafiul , ROY Babul Chandra , Akter Shirin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Fascioliasis is one of the most common foodborne zoonotic infection of ruminants in Bangladesh. To estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors of fascioliasis and extent of liver damage, 825 livers of sheep and goats were randomly inspected during onsite slaughterhouse visiting in Naogaon, Natore, Rajshahi and Joypurhat districts. The overall prevalence of fascioliasis was 25.09% and significantly (P = 0.008) higher in goats (26.11%) than sheep (24.00%). During gross inspection, Fasciolainfected livers were increased in size, fibrosed, fatty, multiple white or reddish necrotic foci on the parietal surface, hard to cut, calcified, and numerous mature and immature flukes were also observed. In histoarchitecture, inflammatory cell infiltration in the hepatic parenchyma and periportal area, fibrous connective tissue proliferation around necrotic area, hyperplastic bile duct, congestion, and primary biliary cirrhosis were seen in acute and chronic fascioliasis. Epidemiological investigations revealed that fascioliasis was higher in goats than sheep. Age, sex, BCS and season were found to have statistically significant associations with fascioliasis in goats. In case of sheep, age (OR = 5.8671; 95% CI: 2.9482 - 11.6757, P < 0.0001), sex (OR = 3.7317; 95% CI: 1.9052 - 7.3094, p < 0.0001), BCS (OR = 6.0346; 95% CI: 1.7986 - 20.2472, p <.0001), and season (OR = 8.2308; 95% CI: 3.9922 - 16.9693, p = <.0001) were also found to have statistically significant associations with fascioliasis. Results of the study can help for molecular epidemiology of fascioliasis in small ruminants to plan fluke control programs for safe food production.
Влияние противоопухолевых препаратов эруфозина и доксорубицина на развитие метастазов в яичках хомяков с миелоидной опухолью Graffi. Морфометрическое и гистологическое исследования
Authors: Илиева И. Н. , Саинова И. В. , Тошкова Р. А. , Георгиева А. К. , Нанев В. Н. , Цонева Р. Д. 
Published: February 2024

Aim. The goal of the current study is directed to investigate the therapeutic effect of erufosine (ЕРС3) alone, as well as in combination with doxorubicin (DOX) on the development of metastases in the testes in an experimental model of transplantable Graffi myeloid tumor (GMT) in hamsters.
Materials & Methods. Experimental in vivo model of GMT in Golden Syrian hamsters was used. Animals were inoculated subcutaneously with live virus-transformed malignant cells. Testes from male tumor-bearing hamsters (TBHs), treated and non-treated with the antitumor agent erufosine alone or in combination with DOX, as well as untreated healthy controls, were subjected to morphometric and histological assays on the testicular architecture to evaluate potential antitumor/antimetastatic effects in in vivo conditions.
Results. The results showed no changes in blood vessels and morphology (impaired spermatogenesis and/or metastatic changes) of the testicular tissue in TBHs treated with antitumor agents (alone or in combination) compared to control healthy animals. In contrast, in the testes of TBHs without therapy, impaired spermatogenesis and foci of metastases, as well as significant changes in testicular blood vessels were found.
Conclusion. The data obtained demonstrated an antitumor/antimetastatic effect of EPC3 in the testes of hamsters in the experimental GMT model.
Ибрутиниб в лечении хронического лимфолейкоза у пациентов старше 60 лет из групп высокого и очень высокого риска
Authors: Куркина Надежда Викторовна , Репина Е. А. , Горшенина Е. И. , Куркина В. О. , Волкова П. В. , Репин А. А. 
Published: February 2024

Aim. To assess the efficacy and tolerability of ibrutinib in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) therapy for high- and very-high-risk patients over 60 years of age.
Materials & Methods. The study enrolled 18 CLL patients aged 60 and older. The patients were stratified by age: group 1 included 10 patients aged 60–70 years (median age 64.5 years) and group 2 included 8 patients aged ≥ 71 years (median age 75.8 years); there was equal number of men and women. All patients were subjected to molecular genetic analysis to identify poor prognosis factors and determine the IGHV gene mutation status. The cytogenetic analysis revealed karyotypic abnormalities including 17p deletion in 3 female patients aged 60, 66, and 77 years, respectively. All the patients had CLL without mutation in IGHV genes. They received ibrutinib 420 mg/day per os as first- and second-line therapies.
Results. All patients showed aggravated comorbidity. The median follow-up was 28 months (range 18–42 months) in age group 1 and 46 months (range 12–78 months) in group 2. In group 1, a complete remission in 2 patients with del(17p) and a partial remission (PR) in 3 patients were achieved. PR with lymphocytosis was reported in the rest of 5 patients treated with ibrutinib for 12 months. In group 2, PR with the management of autoimmune complications in 5 out of 8 patients and PR with lymphocytosis in 3 patients were reported. The drug was well tolerated in both groups. No signs of severe hematological toxicity were observed in either of them.
Conclusion. The choice of ibrutinib for high- and very-high-risk CLL patients aged 60 and older appeared to be optimal. This is also proved by the ease of administration of oral capsules, high efficacy, absence of tumor lysis syndrome, good tolerability, and acceptable toxicity profile.
Optimality and water conservation under non-system and system tank commands of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Upadhyayula Madhurima , Karunakaran K. R. , Yeligar Sharath S. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Indian agriculture relies on irrigation. India's net irrigated area has tripled in 60 years, although tank-irrigated regions suffered a large decline. This study examines the potential for improving tank irrigation performance through linear programming by developing individual optimal plans for two different tank irrigation systems (non-system and system tank) in the Chittoor and Srikakulam districts of Andhra Pradesh, India. The optimal plans under non-system tanks allocated less land under paddy while improving groundnut areas to optimally reorganize resources among head, middle, and tail ends. Net returns were maximized to ₹ 2.63, ₹ 2.52, and ₹ 1.92 lakhs. The system tank optimal plans advised less water-intensive crops like pulses and sesame over sugarcane with maximized net returns of ₹ 5.35, ₹ 2.61, and ₹ 1.71 lakhs. Both physical (kg/m3) and economic water productivity (₹/m3) were highest among optimal crop mix under non-system and system tank command farms. Participatory water management, adoption of less water-intensive crops, and promotion of pressurized technologies were highly recommended in the study area and similar agro-climatic conditions
Seeded membrane distillation crystallization for hypersaline brine treatment
Authors: Flatscher Stefanie , Hell Florian , Hlawitschka Mark W. , Lahnsteiner Josef 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Brine evaporation and crystallization are energy- and equipment-intensive technologies commonly used in industries. Alternatively, membrane distillation (MD) has shown ability for concentrating different saline solutions. However, there is a limited understanding of the impact of these solutions on the scaling and wetting behavior. To address this knowledge gap and reduce costs and energy consumption, we investigated a novel method called ‘seeded near-zero liquid discharge membrane crystallization’ (NZLDMC). This approach combines MD and crystallization in a single apparatus, reducing capital and operating costs while improving sustainability. Our study focused on applying seeding processes at NZLDMC for concentrating synthetic mono- and multi-salt solutions with a salinity of 300 g/L and a real salt solution. We investigated the effects of salt crystals and seeds on membrane performance under different operating conditions. Our findings indicate that seeding crystal technology leads to high yield and long-term stability, thereby offering the potential in industries and municipal water treatment to fractionate salt in multi-salt solutions and obtain purified water simultaneously.
The influence of public perception on acceptance of potable water reclamation schemes. The case of Diepsloot township, Johannesburg
Authors: Tshililo Fhulufhelo Phillis , Mutanga Shingirirai Savious , Gumbo Trynos , Sikhwivhilu Keneiloe , Chikozho Claudious 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

While a considerable amount of research in several parts of the world has already demonstrated reclaimed water safety and reliability for various uses, its acceptance and use by communities and households in South Africa remains very low. In this article, we use quantitative and qualitative data from a community-level cross-sectional perception survey that was carried out from 2018 to 2019 to assess water users' willingness to accept reclaimed water as an alternative source of water for domestic purposes in Diepsloot township as well as the main factors influencing respondents' perceptions. Results of this study show that there is high acceptance of reclaimed water for domestic uses. Respondents with higher levels of education were more likely to accept reclaimed water than those with lower levels of education. The assumption that the water they were using was already mixed with wastewater also increased water user's acceptance levels. The results of the study suggest that governments, municipalities, and other key actors in the water and sanitation sector should first work towards building community trust and confidence when establishing water reclamation projects for domestic use, particularly through strategic communication and awareness-raising initiatives before they can expect widespread community acceptance.
A tolerant hydrologic technique for real-time selection of optimum QPFs from NWPMs for flood warning applications
Authors: Salah Mahmoud , El-Mostafa Ashraf , Gad Mohamed A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The most important information required to successfully issue a flood warning is the quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs). This is important to run subsequent rainfall–runoff simulations. A rainfall–runoff simulation derives its accuracy mainly from the accuracy of the input QPFs. The dynamically based global numerical weather prediction models (NWPMs) are strong candidate sources of QPFs. A main problem is the real-time selection of which NWPM should be used to provide the QPFs for flood warning simulations. This paper develops an automated technique to solve this problem. The technique performs real-time comparisons with measured rainfall fields using a novel ‘tolerant’ hydrologic approach. The ‘tolerant’ approach performs the comparison on the basin scale and allows for timing shifts in the forecasts. This is because QPFs can be good but only a few hours early or late. Two events are used for illustration, and the proposed real-time application in flood warning is presented. The developed technique, employing the tolerant approach, could eliminate the effects of the timing shifts and, accordingly, succeeded to select the QPFs to be used. A Python package was developed for automation. The developed technique is expected to also be useful for offline assessments of historical performances of NWPMs.
Integrated assessment of available water volume for sustainable sponge city construction – A case study in Xi'an, China
Authors: Luo Li , Su Dong , Wang Tong , Guo Wenshan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

To address the lack of theoretical guidance for sponge city construction (SCC) in China, this study introduces a method to evaluate the available water volume (AWV) in urban watersheds. This evaluation is based on the water balance relationship, water volume, and ecological water demand (EWD). The Xi'an urban area was selected as a case study due to its water shortage and flooding issues. Results show monthly surface and subsurface AWV ranging between 53.06 and 53.98 million m3 and between 8,701.89 and 8,898.14 million m3, respectively. By maximizing the potential for surface AWV, an annual water supply of 527.75 million m3 could be provided, surpassing the annual artificial water consumption of 394.20 million m3, effectively addressing water scarcity. During the rainy season, implementing measures such as employing permeable paving materials, establishing wetlands and rainwater gardens, and constructing lakes and reservoirs can mitigate flooding caused by rainfall exceeding 32.8 mm. While the subsurface space in Xi'an holds significant potential for subsurface AWV utilization, revitalizing the ecological environment of subsurface water is crucial. Overall, the AWV theoretical framework offers a comprehensive solution to water shortage and flooding issues in the Xi'an urban area, serving as a vital theory for SCC.