bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global burden of cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases due to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, 1990-2019
Authors: Liu Zhi-Peng , Ouyang Guo-Qing , Huang Guo-Zhen , Wei Jie , Dai Luo , He Song-Qing , Yuan Guan-Dou 
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the leading cause of cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases (COCLDs).
AIM
To conduct a comprehensive and comparable updated analysis of the global, regional, and national burden of COCLDs due to NAFLD in 204 countries and territories from 1990 and 2019 by age, sex, and sociodemographic index.
METHODS
Data on COCLDs due to NAFLD were collected from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019. Numbers and age-standardized prevalence, death, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were estimated through a systematic analysis of modelled data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019. The estimated annual percentage change was used to determine the burden trend.
RESULTS
In 2019, the global age-standardized prevalence rate of COCLDs due to NAFLD was 15022.90 per 100000 population [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 13493.19-16764.24], which increased by 24.51% (22.63% to 26.08%) from 1990, with an estimated annual percentage change of 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.74-0.82). In the same year, however, the age-standardized death rate and age-standardized DALYs per 100000 population were 1.66 (95%UI: 1.20-2.17) and 43.69 (95%UI: 31.28-58.38), respectively. North Africa and the Middle East had the highest prevalence rates of COCLDs due to NAFLD. The death rate increased with age up to the 95+ age group for both sexes. Males had higher numbers of prevalence, death rate, and DALYs than females across all age groups before the 65-69 age group. The sociodemographic index was negatively correlated with the age-standardized DALYs.
CONCLUSION
Globally, the age-standardized prevalence rate has increased during the past three decades. However, the age-standardized death rate and age-standardized DALYs decreased. There is geographical variation in the burden of COCLDs due to NAFLD. It is strongly recommended to improve the data quality of COCLDs due to NAFLD across all countries and regions to facilitate better monitoring of the burden of COCLDs due to NAFLD.
Groundwater-recharge estimation in Waja-Golesha Sub-basin, Northern Ethiopia: An approach using WetSpass Model
Authors: Kidane Seyoum Bezabih 
Published: November 2023

Understanding the spatial variability of groundwater recharge in response to distributed Land-use, soil texture, topography, groundwater level, and hydrometeorological parameters is significant when considering the safety of groundwater resource development. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the groundwater recharge of the Waja-Golesha watershed, in northern Ethiopia using the WetSpass (Water and Energy Transfer between, Soil, Plants, and Atmosphere under quasi Steady State) hydrological model. The model inputs are prepared in the form of 20m grid size maps and attribute tables. The model parameters table was prepared using expert knowledge and scientific literature. The modeling results of long-term spatial-temporal annual rainfall of 664.5 mm were fractionated as 161.5 mm (24%) of runoff, 438.2 mm (71%) evapotranspiration, and the remaining 29 mm (5%) of groundwater recharge. From the entire area of the sub-basin (532.6 km2), 1.6*105 cubic meters (m3) of water was added to the groundwater through infiltration. The seasonal distribution of the recharge indicates that 72% occurred in the wet season while the rest 28% resulted in the dry season. The evaluation of the modeled output indicates that WetSpass works well to model the groundwater recharge of the Waja-Golesha sub-basin. To preserve the resource's long-term viability, the balance between groundwater recharge and projected abstraction rates for agriculture and domestic water supply must be considered in future groundwater resource development plans in the watershed.
Identification and characterization of honeybee flora in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Mossie Tesfa , Worku Hayat 
Published: November 2023

Due to the existence of diverse floral resources and favorable ecological conditions, Ethiopia is still one of the top ten natural honey producers worldwide. The study was conducted to identify and characterize the phenology and pollen potential of major bee forages in the various Agro-ecological conditions of Jimma zone. A total of 90 beekeepers were purposefully selected from three districts and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire. The density and abundance of flowering plants were determined using sixty main quadrant sampling techniques. In addition, sixty-six pollen specimens were collected for one year using pollen traps at seven-day intervals and were also traced back to plant species level under a light microscope. The diversity of the bee flora was determined using the Shannon-Wiener diversity index. Based on survey, pollen load collection, and plant inventory data, the study has revealed the presence of 141 pollen and/or nectar-source honeybee plant species belonging to 62 families in the study area. Herbs were the most dominant bee flora growth forms, accounting for 62 (44%) of a total of 141 honeybee plant species, followed by trees at 48 (34%) and shrubs at 31 (22%), respectively. Herbaceous plant had a greater density value of plant species per plot than did trees and shrubs. The families with the highest number of species were Fabaceae 18 (12.8%), Asteraceae 11(7.8%), Poaceae 9(6.4%), Solanaceae 6 (4.3%), Acanthaceae 4 (2.8%), and Euphorbiaceae 4 (2.8%) in the study area. One hundred fifteen (81.6%) bee forage species were both sources of pollen and nectar, whereas fifteen (10.6%) were pollen sources and the remaining eleven (7.8%) were nectar source plant species. The Shannon diversity index and evenness were found to be 2.8 and 0.6, respectively. This indicated that the study area has a rich bee floral plant species and is suitable for beekeeping. The midland Agro-ecology relatively has the highest species diversity, richness and evenness compared to the highland and lowland Agro-ecologies. Two main flowering periods of honeybee plants were followed by two honey flow season. Therefore, beekeepers should follow floral calendar of honeybee plants to exploit the potential of the area for honey production.
Dry matter accumulation dynamics, morphological characteristics and nutritive value of desho (Pennisetum glaucifolium) grass varieties in the central Highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Gezahagn , Feyissa Fekede , Faji Mulisa , Mohammed Kedir , Dejene Mesfin , Mengistu Gezahegn , Geleti Diriba , Assefa Getnet , Alemayehu Mengistu , Mengistu Solomon , Mengistu Alemayehu , Tsegahun Aschalew 
Published: November 2023

Desho (Pennisetum glaucifolium) grass is one of the indigenous cultivated multipurpose perennial forage crops grown for animal feed and soil conservation practices in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to evaluate desho grass varieties for their morphological characteristics, dry matter yield performance, and nutritive value in the central highlands of Ethiopia. The study was conducted at Holetta Agricultural Research Center during the main cropping seasons of 2013 - 2017 under rain fed conditions. Four varieties of desho grass, viz. Areka (DZF # 590), Kulumsa (DZF # 592), Kindu Kosha-1 (DZF # 591), and Kindu Kosha-2 (DZF # 589) were planted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Though the plant height of desho grass varieties was not significant (P>0.05) at each production year and combined over years, it significantly differed among the production years. The number of nodes per plant and leaf to stem ratio varied significantly while the internode length was not significant among desho grass varieties. The combined over years analysis indicated that the leaf and stem dry matter yields varied significantly (P<0.05) for desho grass varieties. Furthermore, the leaf and stem dry matter yields differed significantly among the production years. The total dry matter yield accumulated by desho grass varieties varied significantly and Areka (DZF # 590) variety accumulated the highest dry matter yield (23.8 t/ha) followed by Kulumsa (DZF # 592) variety (23.1 t/ha), while Kindu Kosha-1 (DZF # 591) accumulated the least (18.8 t/ha) dry matter yield. The first year of production produced the lowest dry matter yield while the accumulation of dry matter yield increased for consecutive production years but the yield declined in the last production year. The highest dry matter yield was accumulated in the 2016 production year and it had 19.8 and 4.3% advantages over the 2014 and 2015 production years, respectively. The crude protein yield and nutritive value among desho grass varieties was not significant. The result indicated that the crude protein yield of desho grass varieties ranged from 2.8 to 4.0 t/ha with a mean of 3.4 t/ha. Similarly, the crude protein content ranged from 10.7 to 12.5% with a mean of 11.7%. Generally, the varieties have comparable performances for measured traits in the study area. However, further study should be conducted over locations and years to select and recommend the best variety for the study area and to other similar agro-ecologies.
Physicochemical Composition of Leaf Protein Concentrates and Bagasse Obtained from Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Leaves Using Three Different Processing Methods
Authors: Akaeze N. C. , Paul-Osagie M. A. 
Published: November 2023

The experiment was conducted to determine yield, physical and chemical composition of leaf protein concentrates (LPC) and bagasse obtained from Cassava leaves using three different methods. The process of extraction was done using heat coagulation, alum precipitation and acid coagulation methods, then the leaf protein concentrates and bagasse obtained were analysed for their chemical compositions. The yield of LPC obtained via alum precipitation was statistically (p<0.05) higher than that obtained from heat coagulation method and acid coagulation method. The bagasse yield was (19.47%). The chemical analysis reveals that ether extract from alum precipitated LPC was higher than that of heat coagulation method and acid coagulation method, the crude protein from alum precipitation method was also higher than that from heat coagulation method and acid coagulation. The CP and EE of the bagasse were low (30.92% and 6.32%), respectively. The Ash of the heat coagulation method was lower than that from alum precipitation method but higher than that from the acid coagulation. The CF of the LPC obtained from heat coagulation method was higher than that of the LPC obtained from alum precipitation method but lower than that of the LPC obtained from acid coagulation. The CF of bagasse was high; while the Ash of the bagasse was low. The minerals, potassium, phosphorus and calcium were higher in LPC heat coagulation method than that obtained in LPC from the other two methods (p<0.05). Cassava leaf protein concentrates obtained using alum precipitation would be preferred as a result of its high crude protein content.
Imaging assessment of photosensitizer emission induced by radionuclide-derived Cherenkov radiation using charge-coupled device optical imaging and long-pass filters
Authors: Aung Winn , Tsuji Atsushi B , Rikiyama Kazuaki , Nishikido Fumihiko , Obara Satoshi , Higashi Tatsuya 
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND
Radionuclides produce Cherenkov radiation (CR), which can potentially activate photosensitizers (PSs) in phototherapy. Several groups have studied Cherenkov energy transfer to PSs using optical imaging; however, cost-effectively identifying whether PSs are excited by radionuclide-derived CR and detecting fluorescence emission from excited PSs remain a challenge. Many laboratories face the need for expensive dedicated equipment.
AIM
To cost-effectively confirm whether PSs are excited by radionuclide-derived CR and distinguish fluorescence emission from excited PSs.
METHODS
The absorbance and fluorescence spectra of PSs were measured using a microplate reader and fluorescence spectrometer to examine the photo-physical properties of PSs. To mitigate the need for expensive dedicated equipment and achieve the aim of the study, we developed a method that utilizes a charge-coupled device optical imaging system and appropriate long-pass filters of different wavelengths (manual sequential application of long-pass filters of 515, 580, 645, 700, 750, and 800 nm). Tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) was utilized as a model PS. Different doses of copper-64 (64CuCl2) (4, 2, and 1 mCi) were used as CR-producing radionuclides. Imaging and data acquisition were performed 0.5 h after sample preparation. Differential image analysis was conducted by using ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health) to visually evaluate TCPP fluorescence.
RESULTS
The maximum absorbance of TCPP was at 390–430 nm, and the emission peak was at 670 nm. The CR and CR-induced TCPP emissions were observed using the optical imaging system and the high-transmittance long-pass filters described above. The emission spectra of TCPP with a peak in the 645–700 nm window were obtained by calculation and subtraction based on the serial signal intensity (total flux) difference between 64CuCl2 + TCPP and 64CuCl2. Moreover, the differential fluorescence images of TCPP were obtained by subtracting the 64CuCl2 image from the 64CuCl2 + TCPP image. The experimental results considering different 64CuCl2 doses showed a dose-dependent trend. These results demonstrate that a bioluminescence imaging device coupled with different long-pass filters and subtraction image processing can confirm the emission spectra and differential fluorescence images of CR-induced TCPP.
CONCLUSION
This simple method identifies the PS fluorescence emission generated by radionuclide-derived CR and can contribute to accelerating the development of Cherenkov energy transfer imaging and the discovery of new PSs.
Relación entre estado nutricional y hábitos alimentarios en pacientes pre-quirúrgicos
Authors: Durán Muentes Fátima Andrea 
Published: November 2023

Introducción: Una intervención quirúrgica representa una agresión que puede comprometer la evolución del paciente cuando existe un problema nutricional de base causado por patologías o por otras circunstancias (deficientes hábitos alimentarios o causas sociales). Objetivo: El objetivo del presente trabajo de investigación fue describir la relación entre el estado nutricional y los hábitos alimentarios en pacientes pre-quirúrgicos del Hospital Provincial Dr. Verdi Cevallos Balda de la ciudad de Portoviejo, provincia de Manabí. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal en 50 pacientes que tenían planificada una intervención quirúrgica. Se identificaron variables como el índice de masa corporal (IMC), porcentaje (%) de pérdida de peso, índice de riesgo nutricional (IRN) y hábitos alimentarios, que permitieron analizar la influencia del estado nutricional y los hábitos alimentarios sobre la recuperación pos-quirúrgica. Resultados: Se encontró que el 38% de los pacientes tenía rangos normales de peso. Entre las mujeres predominó la obesidad, mientras que entre los hombres el sobrepeso y el bajo peso. Los trastornos nutricionales fueron más frecuentes en pacientes mayores de 35 años. El 23.08% de las mujeres presentó pérdida severa de peso y el 79% riesgo nutricional pre-quirúrgico. El 42% de los varones presentó una recuperación pos-quirúrgica retrasada. Conclusiones: La evaluación pre-quirúrgica de los pacientes puso en evidencia una alta frecuencia de sobrepeso y obesidad. La evolución pos-quirúrgica de estos pacientes no fue adecuada, ya que necesitaron más tiempo para incorporaron a sus actividades cotidianas.
Physical modelling of tsunami barrier and debris interaction
Authors: Schlesier Hauke Günther , von Häfen Hajo , Goseberg Nils 
Published: November 2023

Tsunami events can cause vast damage to infrastructure and human lives. A self-lifting membrane barrier was proposed to limit impacts of tsunami inundation during an event while allowing permanent access to the sea. Many aspects of this novel barrier concept have not been studied yet, including its performance under debris impact. In this context, this study investigates the interaction between a self-lifting membrane barrier and tsunami-induced debris transport. Laboratory experiments in a wave flume were carried out, in which 20 ft shipping-container models were propagated by tsunami-like waves into a model membrane barrier. Varying hydrodynamic boundary conditions and amount of debris were used to study different magnitudes of surge and debris loading. The tests showed that an increased amount of debris led to decreased surge propagation upstream the barrier. Formation of a temporally stable debris dam was prevented by the dynamic character of the barrier-debris-interaction. In total, 90% of debris transport further in land was obstructed in presence of the studied membrane barrier. The self-lifting membrane barrier retains functionality under debris-loaded surge impact.
Interpersonal Communication Barriers to Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
Authors: Chepngeno Judy B. , Kiptoo Michael 
Published: November 2023

Cervical cancer is still a major health risk for women even though it is preventable. Its prevalence indicates lack of success with screening and early diagnosis. Considering most women who visit hospitals have advanced stages of the disease, deaths from this type of cancer will rise if immediate action is not taken. This study sought to determine the obstacles to interpersonal communication as a means for encouraging adoption of cervical cancer testing in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study was conducted at the maternal child-health services and family planning clinic at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. This cross-sectional study at MTRH's MCH-FP clinic investigated barriers to communication on cervical cancer and screening. Targeting women aged 18-65, the sample of 308 was drawn from the monthly population of 1,000. Six key informants and 20 focus group participants were chosen through purposive sampling. Systematic random sampling, selecting every 3rd respondent, was employed. The mixed methods approach provided comprehensive insights into communication challenges regarding cervical cancer and screening services. A questionnaire for women, two focused group discussions with ten women each, and a schedule of key informant interviews were used to gather data. The qualitative data was analysed thematically using NVivo version 12 software. For quantitative data, descriptive statistical analysis using SPSS version 29 was undertaken. The findings showed there was a significant inverse link between interpersonal communication barriers and cervical cancer testing uptake (r=-0.561, p=<0.001). This implied that with significantly more perceived or experienced communication barriers reported, there was significantly less uptake of cervical cancer screening uptake. The interpersonal communication barriers identified in the study included low levels of knowledge about cervical cancer, limited understanding of screening benefits, fear and stigma of being found with cervical cancer and fear of the screening procedure, language barriers, myths and misconceptions about cervical cancer, poor relationship between the health care workers and clients stemming from age and gender and the women’s religious beliefs. In order to enhance cervical cancer screening, better and more targeted information should be provided to address the barriers and specifically the low levels of knowledge that was recognized as a leading barrier in the study. A lack of adequate knowledge about the disease or the benefits of screening prevents women from participating in screening.
Assessing impacts of coastal warming, acidification, and deoxygenation on Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) farming: a case study in the Hinase area, Okayama Prefecture, and Shizugawa Bay, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Fujii Masahiko , Hamanoue Ryuji , Bernardo Lawrence Patrick Cases , Ono Tsuneo , Dazai Akihiro , Oomoto Shigeyuki , Wakita Masahide , Tanaka Takehiro 
Published: November 2023

Abstract. Coastal warming, acidification, and deoxygenation are progressing primarily due to the increase in anthropogenic CO2. Coastal acidification has been reported to have effects that are anticipated to become more severe as acidification progresses, including inhibiting the formation of shells of calcifying organisms such as shellfish, which include Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas), one of the most important aquaculture resources in Japan. Moreover, there is concern regarding the combined impacts of coastal warming, acidification, and deoxygenation on Pacific oysters. However, spatiotemporal variations in acidification and deoxygenation indicators such as pH, the aragonite saturation state (Ωarag), and dissolved oxygen have not been observed and projected in oceanic Pacific oyster farms in Japan. To assess the present impacts and project future impacts of coastal warming, acidification, and deoxygenation on Pacific oysters, we performed continuous in situ monitoring, numerical modeling, and microscopic examination of Pacific oyster larvae in the Hinase area of Okayama Prefecture and Shizugawa Bay in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, both of which are famous for their Pacific oyster farms. Our monitoring results first found Ωarag values lower than the critical level of acidification for Pacific oyster larvae in Hinase, although no impact of acidification on larvae was identified by microscopic examination. Our modeling results suggest that Pacific oyster larvae are anticipated to be affected more seriously by the combined impacts of coastal warming and acidification, with lower pH and Ωarag values and a prolonged spawning period, which may shorten the oyster shipping period and lower the quality of oysters.
Comprehensive evaluation of typical planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterization schemes in China – Part 2: Influence of uncertainty factors
Authors: Jia Wenxing , Zhang Xiaoye , Wang Hong , Wang Yaqiang , Wang Deying , Zhong Junting , Zhang Wenjie , Zhang Lei , Guo Lifeng , Lei Yadong , Wang Jizhi , Yang Yuanqin , Lin Yi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract. This study focuses on the uncertainties that influence numerical simulation results of meteorological fields (horizontal resolution: 75, 15, and 3 km; vertical resolution: 48 and 62 levels; near-surface (N-S) scheme: MM5 and Eta schemes; initial and boundary conditions: Final (FNL) and European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) reanalysis data; underlying surface update: model default and latest updates; model version: version 3.6.1 and 3.9.1). By further evaluating and analyzing the uncertainty factors, it is expected to provide relevance for those scholars devoted to factor analysis in order to make the results closer to the observed values. In this study, a total of 12 experiments are set up to analyze the effects of the uncertainties mentioned above, and the following conclusions are drawn: (1) horizontal resolution has a greater effect than vertical resolution; (2) the simulated effects of temperature and wind speed in the N-S scheme are smaller than those in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) scheme; (3) the initial and boundary conditions of different products have the most remarkable effect on relative humidity, while the simulation results of ECMWF data are the best; (4) the updates with urban and water bodies as the underlying surface have a more significant contribution to the meteorological fields, especially on temperature; and (5) for the PBL parameterization schemes, the update of the model version has less impact on the simulation results because each update has small changes and no major changes overall. In general, the configuration of uncertainties needs to be considered comprehensively according to what you need in order to obtain the best simulation results.