bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the water status of winter wheat using ground-based spectral data
Authors: Jin Ning , He Liang , Xia Haoming , Zhang Dongyan , Yu Qiang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Tracking crop water status is important for assessing crop water balance and developing water-saving irrigation strategies. These actions are of great theoretical and practical significance for promoting sustainable use of regional water resources and for improving crop water use efficiency. We conducted experimental field trials in 2012–2016 for winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under three water treatments (rainfed, deficit-irrigated, and fully-irrigated). Canopy spectral reflectance and leaf water content were measured during the growing season. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Ratio Vegetation Index (RVI), and Difference Vegetation Index (DVI) were calculated using all possible combinations of two spectral reflectance bands between 451 nm and 2400 nm. Correlations between these vegetation indices (VIs) and leaf water content before and after irrigation were evaluated. Finally, we established estimation models of leaf water content and compared 16 commonly used VIs (such as NDII, WI, and WBI) at 144 trial plots to select the optimal vegetation index and wavebands. We found that leaf water content and VIs for the three water treatments followed the order of fully-irrigated > deficit-irrigated > and rainfed. Leaf spectral reflectance increased from greening to jointing, and then decreased from jointing to harvest. The spectral bands that were sensitive to crop water content were mainly observed in the visible and near-infrared regions. The highest correlation between leaf water content and VIs was for NDVI when using spectral bands at 1191 nm and 1305 nm. A predictive model was subsequently proposed that accounted for 82% of the leaf water content variation. The average R-square for all VIs was 0.80, indicating that a number of uncertainties remain when only using VIs to track irrigation activity. These results provide guidance for selecting spectral bands when developing portable instruments for monitoring crop water status. Our method to monitor crop water status and irrigation activities is a template that can be used at regional scales.
Impact of educational interventions on Hepatitis B and C awareness among school students of Delhi NCR
Authors: Kaushal Kanica , Aggarwal Priyanka , Dahiya Neha , Bhardwaj Neha , Kumar Guresh 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Viral hepatitis, particularly B and C, is a major cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer, leading to about 1.4 million deaths annually. Alarmingly, less than 20% of those with hepatitis are aware of their status, with only 6.3% receiving treatment. School children can play a pivotal role in raising awareness and preventing the spread of infections. This intervention study focuses on understanding and enhancing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to Hepatitis B and C, among school children in Delhi NCR aiming to foster dialogue and awareness
Methods: An intervention study was conducted in selected schools across Delhi NCR between September and October 2022 to assess baseline knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to Hepatitis B and C. Three of seven schools were randomly selected by probability sampling representing 9-12 grade students where 901 students participated. Following this, an educational interventional program was conducted with the help of educational material, interactive sessions, and audio-visual aids. Post-intervention assessments were done to measure the impact on knowledge improvement.
Results: The study is expected to provide insights into the current level of awareness regarding Hepatitis B and C. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the intervention was analysed by using the pre-formed questionnaire. The average pre-test knowledge score was 8.9 ± 3.2, while the post-test average was 15.6 ± 4.4, indicating a substantial increase of 6.7 ± 4.7 points (+75.2%). There was a positive correlation of 0.240 between pre and post-test scores. Attitude change before and after the session showed a positive percentage change of +38.0% with a correlation of 0.351. The study indicated substantial improvements in knowledge about hepatitis B and C where awareness about transmission methods and risk factors notably improved.
Conclusion: This interventional study seek to bridge the knowledge gap among school children regarding Hepatitis B and C in Delhi NCR fostering a proactive approach towards prevention, detection, and treatment. The considerable rise in awareness and favourable changes in perspectives post-intervention say that specific health education initiatives are pivotal in raising awareness and comprehension of infectious diseases, ultimately contributing to the overall improvement of community health.
Association between social cohesion and food insecurity among adults in southern Brazil
Authors: Pereira Francielle Veloso Pinto , Canuto Raquel , Schuch Ilaine 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The situation of food insecurity (FI) has grown worldwide in recent years, especially in developing countries. Studies have shown that aspects of the social environment, such as social cohesion in the neighborhood, may be associated with FI; however, in Brazil, this topic has been little explored. The objective of this study is to verify the association between aspects of the perceived social environment of the neighborhood (social cohesion) and FI.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional study with adults and elderly individuals (n = 400) residing in a healthcare region in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil). The sample is selected proportionally from areas of higher and lower socioeconomic status, and data are collected through household interviews. The presence of FI is assessed using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (short version). The perception of the neighborhood regarding social cohesion is obtained using a questionnaire validated for the Brazilian population. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to estimate the crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).
Results
Individuals with more positive perceptions of social cohesion in the neighborhood are less likely to experience FI than are those with less positive perceptions [PR = 0.73; 95% CI (0.55–0.97)].
Conclusions
The community social environment is independently associated with FI and may have characteristics that positively influence the probability of individuals experiencing FI. Interventions at the community level are necessary to address FI.
Comparative study of three synthesis methods of wollastonite: synthesis, characterization and CO2 mineral sequestration efficiency
Authors: Dahmani Jaouad , khalfaouy Redouan El , Tanji Karim , Gaidoumi Abdelali El , Kindri Hakima El , Addaou Abdellah , Lahsini Ahmed , Laajeb Ali 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Wollastonite CaSiO3 material type was successfully prepared by three conventional methods: sol-gel, hydrothermal, and solution combustion synthesis. These as-prepared materials were employed for the mineral sequestration of CO2, and the ability of all synthesized materials to fix CO2 has been discussed. The pre- and post-sequestration impact analysis was validated by various characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction, SEM, TGA, and infrared spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction results showed that all synthesized materials consistently retained the structure of wollastonite, indicating that the synthesis method did not influence the phase purity. The study also demonstrated that the CaSiO3 material produced by the solution combustion method exhibited reduced crystallite size, elucidating its increased ability to bind CO2 during the sequestration process, as supported by the TGA results. These results suggest that particle size can affect carbonate CaCO3 formation. Finally, this work provides us with insights and suggestions about the use of solution combustion as a promising method to be applied for the synthesis of environment-oriented materials that may capture other atmospheric gases, not only CO2.
Effect of nickel acetyl acetonate as lubricant additive in base oils with different molecular structure on in-situ formation and tribomechanism of carbon-based tribofilms of steel-steel sliding pair
Authors: Peng Feng , FAN Shuguang , Song Ningning , Gao Chuanping , Zhang Shengmao , Zhang Yujuan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Nickel acetyl acetonate (Ni(acac)2), a metal-organic compound, was directly dispersed in base oils alkylated naphthalene (AN-5), diisooctyl sebacate (DIOS), poly-α-olefin (PAO6), and 150N in the presence of commercial dispersant RF1151 (monoallyl poly(isobutylene succinimide). The tribological properties of the lubricants were tested with a four-ball friction and wear tester. The friction-induced in-situ formation of carbon films on rubbed steel surfaces under the catalysis of Ni(acac)2 was investigated, and the as-formed carbon films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that Ni(acac)2 added in the base oils can release metallic Ni to form nickel layer on the rubbed metal sub-surfaces and catalyze the degradation of the base oil molecules adsorbed to form carbon-based tribofilms. The carbon film formed from AN-5 with six-membered ring structure has a high degree of graphitization and the best friction-reducing and antiwear abilities, and those formed from PAO6 and 150N with linear structure have a low degree of graphitization as well as good tribological properties. Under the lubrication of DIOS with Ni(acac)2, however, there is no carbon film formation while the tribological properties of the lubricant are relatively poor, due to the absence of the catalytic metallic Ni and nickel oxide layer on the rubbed metal sub-surface. Thanks to the catalytic effect of metallic Ni released from Ni(acac)2 for the degradation of various base oils with different molecular structure, the present approach could provide a rational pathway to tune the in-situ formation of carbon-based tribofilm on rubbed steel surfaces so as to effectively reduce the friction and wear of steel-steel sliding pair.
Detection of the 30-bp deletion and protein expression of Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 in extranodal nasal type NK/T-cell lymphoma and its prognostic significance
Authors: Lu Xingmei , Li Peng , Huang Kate , Ji Xiuhuan , Lin Rixun , Wang Xiaoyu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is strongly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) is a major viral oncogene in the EBV carcinogenic process, and 30-base pair (bp) deletion (del-LMP1) was the most frequent mutation. Our study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of del-LMP1 and LMP1 expression in ENKTL. Total DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Nested polymerase chain reaction was used to identify the del-LMP1, and immunohistochemistry was used to detect LMP1 protein expression. Our results showed that the LMP1 gene was detected in 37/42 cases of ENKTL, of which 2 cases were wild-type, 35 cases had 30-bp deletion, and LMP1-positive expression was detected in 21/42 cases. In the control group, the LMP1 gene was detected in 6/10 cases, and all had 30-bp deletion; LMP1-positive was detected in 4/10 cases. The Fisher’s exact test showed no difference between the two groups in LMP1 gene, del-LMP1, and LMP1 expression. At the same time, del-LMP1 and LMP1 expression in ENKTL had no significant correlation with age, gender, angiodestruction, Ki67 index, and other clinical characteristics, but LMP1-positive expression was associated with tissue necrosis (p = 0.030). ENKTL patients with wild-type LMP1 survived longer than the median survival time of patients with del-LMP1, but the 1-year survival rate in the LMP1-positive group was lower than in the LMP1-negative group. The findings suggest that LMP1 may be closely related to ENKTL, del-LMP1 and LMP1-positive expression may be related to the poor prognosis of this lymphoma in Wenzhou.
The loss of OPA1 accelerates intervertebral disc degeneration and osteoarthritis in aged mice
Authors: Risbud Makarand , Madhu Vedavathi , Hernandez-Meadows Miriam , Coleman Ashley , Sao Kimheak , Inguito Kameron , Haslam Owen , Boneski Paige , Sesaki Hiromi , Collins John 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
NP cells of the intervertebral disc and articular chondrocytes reside in avascular and hypoxic tissue niches. As a consequence of these environmental constraints the cells are primarily glycolytic in nature and were long thought to have a minimal reliance on mitochondrial function. Recent studies have challenged this long-held view and highlighted the increasingly important role of mitochondria in the physiology of these tissues. However, the foundational understanding of mechanisms governing mitochondrial dynamics and function in these tissues is lacking. We investigated the role of mitochondrial fusion protein OPA1 in maintaining the spine and knee joint health in mice. OPA1 knockdown in NP cells altered mitochondrial size and cristae shape and increased the oxygen consumption rate without affecting ATP synthesis. OPA1 governed the morphology of multiple organelles, including peroxisomes, early endosomes and cis-Golgi and its loss resulted in the dysregulation of NP cell autophagy. Metabolic profiling and 13C-flux analyses revealed TCA cycle anaplerosis and altered metabolism in OPA1-deficient NP cells. Noteworthy, Opa1AcanCreERT2 mice with Opa1 deletion in disc and cartilage showed age-dependent disc degeneration, osteoarthritis, and vertebral osteopenia. Our findings underscore that OPA1 regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and multi-organelle interactions is critical in preserving metabolic homeostasis of disc and cartilage.
Leaky pollination barrier in edaphic vicarious alpine plants
Authors: Huber Thomas M. , Fuchs Roman , Robin Julian , Tribsch Andreas , Dötterl Stefan , Schaefer Hanno 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Adaptation to siliceous versus carbonate substrates is thought to be an important driver of speciation in the alpine flora. The role of the pollination system in formation and maintenance of such species is presently unclear. Here, we chose three species pairs in the genera Gentiana, Primula, and Rhododendron which often occur in geographic proximity or even sympatry, to study the existence of pollination barriers in these lineages. Using remote camera and direct observation approaches, scent and color analyses, and morphological comparisons, we tested the hypothesis that divergent pollinator communities help to maintain genetic separation of plant populations adapted to different soil types. We found differences in frequency, diurnal activity and to some extent also community composition of flower visitors in edaphic vicarious species pairs. Floral traits like color and scent as well as plant-flower-visitor co-distributions indicate that there are divergent but overlapping pollination systems. Our results suggest a relatively small reproductive barrier function of the pollination system. While the adaptation to different soils still seems to be the main force keeping edaphic vicarious alpine plants genetically separated, pollinators might break down hybridization barriers in contact areas.
Graphical Approach to Unveil Evolutionary Relationship from DNA Sequence Analysis
Authors: Khan Riaz Hussain , Salamat Nadeem , Yousef Amr , Baig A. Q. , Shaikh Zaffar Ahmed , Mikhaylov Alexey 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Graph theory is an efficient bioinformatics approach that offers a methodical approach to modelling and evaluating complex biological data. In this work graph theory was utilized for comparing DNA sequences. Each DNA sequence was break up into nucleotide couples, from which weighted loop digraphs with sixteen vertices was constructed. To assess the sequence similarity distance metrics like Cosine, Correlation, and Jaccard were employed. Nucleotides fragments of 1 different species were examined to confirm the methodology. This research elucidate as an effective tool graph theory is applied for sequence comparison and investigation of biological data in the field of bioinformatics.
Comparative Study on the Application of Water Resources Index for a Highly-Regulated Urbanized Basin
Authors: Ishak Ahmad Fakhri , Lee Wei-Koon , Lim Foo Hoat 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

As water scarcity intensifies in the face of climate change, water resources decision-making process requires the selection of appropriate indices which are subjected to accurate interpretation. This study undertakes a comparative analysis of three water resources indices: the Falkenmark Indicator (FI), Water Stress Index (WSI) and Water Resources Index (WRI). These indices are useful to assess water resource availability but each using different methodology and thus giving different insights to the basin water resource condition. We consider Klang River basin in Malaysia, a highly-regulated and urbanized basin with escalating water demand and competition between sectorial users. The indicator/ indices are derived from water allocation modelling based on historical data between year 2016 to 2018. Results show that consideration of basin storage (WRI) and water abstraction (WSI) offers more realistic representation of the basin water availability. The WRI offers further advantage in terms of temporal resolution over the course of the calendar year. It is concluded that decision-makers and stakeholders stand to benefit from effective water resource management strategies derived based on reliable analysis using the most relevant index.
A Late Nonsyndromic Craniosynostosis with Sagittal, Metopic, and Bilateral Coronal Suture Fusion: Case Report
Authors: Baskurt Ozan , Hicdonmez Tufan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Multisutural synostosis, characterized by the fusion of multiple cranial sutures without a clear underlying syndrome, represents a rare subtype of craniosynostosis. Particularly uncommon is the simultaneous fusion of the sagittal, metopic, and bilateral coronal sutures. This report details the case of a 50-month-old boy, previously healthy, who has displayed an abnormal head shape since infancy due to complex, non-syndromic craniosynostosis involving the simultaneous fusion of four sutures. The closure of the sagittal, metopic, and bilateral coronal sutures has led to a distinct head shape marked by flattening of the forehead and anterior skull, contrasting with the typical Mercedes-Benz pattern observed in craniosynostosis cases. Surgical intervention involved osteotomy with symmetrical barrel staves in the parietal and frontal regions, resulting in improved forehead contour following the operation.
Impacts of urban-rural integration on landscape patterns and their implications for landscape sustainability: The case of Changsha, China
Authors: He Yanhua , Wen Chubing , Fang Xuening , Sun Xiao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

ContextLandscape patterns result from complex social-ecological interactions, such as urban-rural integration which is especially notable in China. However, the impacts of urban-rural integration on landscape sustainability remain understudied.ObjectivesOur objectives were to examine the impacts of urban-rural integration on landscape pattern and to explore its implications for landscape sustainability.MethodsThe study area is the Changsha metropolitan area in central China, which has undergone urban-rural integration since 2005. A three-step approach was used to: (1) assess the spatiotemporal patterns of urban-rural integration dynamics with a multidimensional indicator system; (2) quantify landscape pattern dynamics using landscape metrics; and (3) explore the main drivers and processes in urban-rural integration responsible for the observed changes in landscape pattern through a time-fixed effects model.ResultsOur findings reveal a significant increase in the level of urban-rural integration in Changsha metropolitan area from 2005 to 2020. Concurrently, the regional landscape has experienced increasing trends characterized by the loss and fragmentation of ecological and agricultural patches, alongside heightened connectivity among constructed patches. Urban-rural integration exerts notable impacts on landscape patterns through processes such as societal convergence, economic interaction, technology sharing, and spatial interlinkage, subsequently influencing landscape (un)sustainability.ConclusionsDifferent drivers and processes of urban-rural integration exhibit varying effects on landscape patterns, with complex and intertwined impacts on landscape sustainability. Therefore, integrated landscape governance is imperative to address the disadvantages of urban-rural integration while strategically leveraging its advantages in various social-ecological contexts.
Postoperative paralytic ileus following emergency surgery for bowel obstruction
Authors: Axelsen David Reiss , Lomholt Marianne Lund , Lauridsen Mette Cathrine , Funder Jonas Amstrup 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Abdominal surgery is followed by various degrees of postoperative paralytic ileus (POI). If the condition persists for four days after surgery, it is referred to as prolonged POI (PPOI). PPOI significantly increases the risk for severe complications. We wished to access the proportion of PPOI in patients undergoing emergency surgery for acute intestinal obstruction (AIO) and investigate risk factors associated with development of PPOI.
Methods
Data were retrospectively collected from electronical patient journals from all patients undergoing surgery for AOI from 1st of January 2019 to 31st of December 2022 at the Department of Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
Results
101 (46%) of the patients operated for AIO developed PPOI. The mean LOS for patients with PPOI was 17.6 days versus 8.5 days for patients without PPOI. We identified several risk factors associated with development of PPOI in univariate analyses including age, hyperpotassiamia, high levels of carbamide, laparotomy, adhesiolysis, time in surgery, resection of small intestine, and use of temporary closure for second look. Patients with an active cancer diagnoseis were less likely to experience PPOI assessed in a multivariate analysis. We found no association between PPOI and 30 or 90-day mortality rates.
Conclusion
Almost half of patients who had emergency surgery for AIO developed PPOI. This is more frequent than reported incidences for elective intestinal surgery. Patients with PPOI had significantly longer LOS than patients without PPOI. Risk factors associated with PPOI included age, adhesiolysis, laparotomy, resection of small intestine, temporary vacuum assisted closure and time in surgery.
WITHDRAWN: Study on the pharmacokinetics of Polygonatum cyrtonema polysaccharide DPC1 through fluorescence labeling
Authors: Yong Jin , Zhang Chaozheng , Cao Yuening , Tang Shuang , Long Fei , Cao Zhixing , Lu Jun , Peng Teng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors due to author disagreement with the posting of the preprint. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.