bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Biodiesel Production from Fusarium oxysporum NRC 2017 with Various Mutagenesis and Optimization of the Cultural Conditions Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Abdelhamid Sayeda Abdelrazek , El-Shatoury Einas Hamed , Asker Mohsen Selim , Abd-El-Aal Samir Khalef , Attallah Ashraf Gamil , Mohamed Sahar Saleh , Elsoud Mostafa Mostafa Abo 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Climate change is still a problem we face that has an impact on us every day even as our world develops technologically. Energy has been and will continue to be a key engine of economic growth. The greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from biodiesel are less than those of fossil fuels. The objective was to improve biodiesel production from a fungus called Fusarium oxysporum NRC 2017 using the bagasse hydrolysate of Bacillus cereus 3SME as a cheap carbon source.
Results: To enhance lipid accumulation in F. oxysporum NRC 2017, four mutagenic agents were used: gamma radiation (Ɣ ray); ethidium bromide (Et Br); ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS); and sodium azide (NaN3). Using the Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) as a molecular biomarker, the findings demonstrated a significant difference between the F. oxysporum NRC 2017 wild type and induced mutants examined. The culture conditions were optimized for F. oxysporum NRC 2017 and F. oxysporum NRC 2017-1, F. oxysporum NRC 2017-2, and F. oxysporum NRC 2017-3 using the response surface methodology (RSM) and the maximum lipid content (g/l) was 2.40, 3.47, 3.81, and 2.63, respectively. According to gas chromatography (GC) analysis, the biodiesel compositions produced from the F. oxysporum NRC 2017 wild type and its mutants exhibited generally C16-C18 and were suitable for biodiesel synthesis. F. oxysporum NRC 2017 and mutant biodiesels indicated physical features that were close to those of standard biodiesel.
Conclusion: The biodiesels produced from the F. oxysporum NRC 2017 and its mutants could be used for large scale as eco-friendly products from a cheap carbon source.
Seed Nanopriming Using Silica Nanoparticles: Effects in Seed Germination and Physiological Properties of Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni
Authors: Hasanaklou Nasibeh , Mohagheghi Vahid , Hasanaklou Hourieh Tavakoli , Ma'mani Leila , Malekmohammadi Marjan , Moradi Foad 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Stevia is one of the most dominant medicinal and industrial plants. However, poor seed emergence is the main impediment to obtain a high yield in stevia. Seed priming techniques represent very important strategies to ensure seed productivity. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of Si nutrient sources including bulk silicon dioxide (bSiO2), and two different silica nanoparticles including nSiO2 (I) and nSiO2 (II) at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 ppm in improving emergence, seedling growth, antioxidant enzymes activity, and biochemical attributes. Hence, the effect of seed nanopriming was investigated on germination parameters in stevia using two experiments carried out in a completely randomized design with three replicates. All nanoprimed stevia seedlings had significantly improved germination percentage, root and shoot dry weight, and seedling vigor compared to controls. As well, sucrose concentration, catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX) activity were increased by seed nanopriming especially when seeds were primed by nSiO2 (I) at concentration of 10 ppm, respectively. However, there was a reduction in germination parameters in high concentrations of NPs. On the other hand, bSiO2 showed less effect on increasing germination, seedling growth, antioxidant activities, and biochemical attributes of stevia compared to nanopriming with nSiO2 (I), and nSiO2 (II). Thus, this study proved that seed priming with nSiO2 (I) at 10 ppm were more effective in improving germination percentage and rate, root and shoot dry weight, biochemical attributes, and enzymes activities (α-amylase, CAT, and POX). The highest concentration of nanopriming led to oxidative damage with increasing H2O2 concentration. It was suggested that seed priming with nSiO2 (I) at optimal concentrations improved the seed germination by improving the antioxidant system and starch metabolism, which protects plants from oxidative damage.
Does alien invasive species (Lantana camara L.) impact natural regeneration and soil properties
Authors: Rashmitha H. R. , Sathish B N , Ashwath M N 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Invasive plant species are considered one of the important threats to global biodiversity. Lantana camara L. is an alien invasive species spread across India. The spreading patterns of Lantana indicate a serious threat to native plant biodiversity and regeneration. The present study was carried out to assess the effect of Lantana invasion on natural regeneration and soil properties in two forest types (dry deciduous and moist deciduous) of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Karnataka, India. Four levels of lantana infestation that is, highly infested, moderately infested, lantana uprooted areas and areas without lantana infestation were considered for the present study. To assess the regeneration status, five sub quadrates of 2×2 m was laid in each main quadrats of 20 m ×20m. Four soil samples were randomly collected at 0-15 cm and 15- 30 cm depths, and a composite sample was made for analysing different soil physicochemical properties. The highest density of regenerates was observed in Lantana uprooted areas (1121±108.79 stems ha-1) followed by moderately infested areas (660±108.79 stems ha-1) in dry deciduous forests. In moist deciduous forests, the highest density of regenerates was observed in non-infested areas (845±73.31 stems ha-1) followed by uprooted areas (740±73.31 stems ha-1). It was noticed that higher canopy openings had higher Lantana infestation. Maximum soil moisture content, bulk density, pH and electric conductivity were observed in highly infested areas, but the percentage of organic carbon and organic matter was highest in non-infested areas. The study shows that the higher Lantana infestation is affected by natural regeneration, and Lantana uprooting is favouring natural regeneration.
Development of Sandy Soil Properties Over Time within Subtropical Residential Landscapes
Authors: Bacon Allan R. , Enloe Heather A. , Fox Ronald A. , Bean Eban Z. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Urbanization is homogenizing residential developments and soils across a wide climate gradient of the United States. Land development practices commonly install landscapes on low quality compacted fill material. While previous research shows that soil quality beneath urban lawns improves over time, studies used golf courses to represent lawns or sampled across variable development and management styles. Limited data on sandy soil quality within residential landscapes in subtropical climate warranted investigation. To evaluate the effect of age on residential soil characteristics, two residential developments from Central and Southwest Florida were selected based on known lot ages up to 31 years. Soil samples (0 to 30 cm) were collected from landscape beds and lawns, along with lawn of common areas, to evaluate bulk density and organic matter over time. Though landscape beds typically require less management, soil characteristics were similar between lawns and landscape beds, suggesting similar processes. Bulk densities decreased by 22–34% and 9–20% within the upper (0–15 cm) and lower (15–30 cm) soil depths, respectively. Upper layer soil carbon accumulation rates ranged from 0.060–0.156 kg C m− 2yr− 1, comparable to previous studies but did not exceed 0.021 kg C m− 2yr− 1or were not significant for greater depths. The results of this study are representative of past chronosequence studies conducted in cooler climates with fine soil texture. Sandy soil texture and warm climate do not govern carbon sequestration rates, but instead vegetation type and landscape management practices overcome these conditions.
Different journeys, same struggle: Practitioner experiences in environmental justice policy, assessment, and decision-making
Authors: Yarbrough P.E. Collin , Smith-Collin Ph.D Janille 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Over the past two decades, environmental justice (EJ) has been seen as an important concept for ensuring transportation infrastructure planning does not perpetuate a legacy of disproportionately impacting low income and/or minority communities in the United States. However, state-centered EJ research often focuses on quantitative methods for carrying out EJ analysis, focusing less on qualitative assessments of agency practitioners responsible for performing EJ work. We present a qualitative case study grounded in semi-structured interviews with nineteen EJ and community impact assessment practitioners at state departments of transportation (DOTs) across the United States. Four major themes arose surrounding practitioner role specialization, agency context, tool and data availability, and assessment of disproportionate impacts. Challenges and opportunities identified in the study provide practitioners and state DOTs with operational lenses to evaluate how to further justice and equity in the transportation project delivery process.
The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on the Obesity Treatment: 10 Years-Follow-up After Surgery
Authors: Catarino Diana , Lavrador Mariana , Rodrigues Dírcea , Paiva Isabel 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease associated with several complications. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe obesity, leading to evident reduction of morbidity and mortality of patients. There are few long-term follow-up studies. This study aims to evaluate the impact of bariatric surgery on the anthropometric and metabolic parameters, during ten years of follow-up of patients who underwent surgery.Methods Retrospective study including patients followed at the obesity consultation, that underwent bariatric surgery between 2003–2007, with a follow-up of 10 or more years. Anthropometric parameters were evaluated: body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (%BF), percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL); as well as metabolic parameters: type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), arterial hypertension and dyslipidaemia; before surgery, one, five and ten years after surgery.Results The study included 30 patients (24 females). Age at the time of surgery: 54.1 ± 9.1 years; follow-up during 12.2 ± 1.6 years. Of these patients, 53.3% underwent gastric bypass, 33.3% gastric band, 10% gastric sleeve and 3.3% biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Before surgery the BMI was 50.2 ± 6.9 kg/m2 and the %BF was 56,2 ± 11.9%. There was significant reduction of BMI (p < 0,001) and %BF (p < 0,001) one year later, and that reduction remained significant after five and ten years of follow-up. The %EWL in the first year was 66.0 ± 19.3%, at five years it was 62.0 ± 23.7% and at 10 years it was 55,3 ± 23,0%, with a significant difference at 10 years versus one year (p = 0,004). Regarding diabetes, there was total remission one year after surgery. The long-term remission was 33%, with a reduction on the number of drugs. 80% of patients were hypertensive before surgery and one year later there was a reduction to 36.7%. The highest reduction on percentage of hypertensive patients was achieved one year later. At long term follow-up there was a significant reduction on the number of drugs. 76.6% of patients had dyslipidaemia before surgery and one year later there was a reduction to 33,3%. The highest reduction occurring one year later.Conclusion This study showed the long-term efficacy of bariatric surgery for obesity treatment, leading to a significant reduction of the BMI and %BF and an improvement of the associated comorbidities.
Time-varying Determinants of Changes in E-cigarette Relative Harm Perception among US Young Adults
Authors: Li Wei , Osibogun Olatokunbo 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Current e-cigarette use has increased among young adults in the United States (US) despite a consistent decrease in perceiving e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes over time. This study examined time-varying predictors associated with the changes in e-cigarette relative harm perception over time among US young adults.
Methods
Data were from the 2013-2018 Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study for young adults (18-24 years). A time-varying effect model (TVEM) was applied to examine the association between the relative harm perception change and the associated time-varying predictors.
Results
Of the 8,427 young adults, the prevalence of those who perceived e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes decreased from 50.3% in Wave 1 (2013-2014) to 27.7% in Wave 4 (2016-2018). Young adults who were male were more likely to perceive e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes over time (OR=1.58; 95%CI: 1.53-1.64). In addition, the changes in e-cigarette relative harm perception were less noticeable among those with advanced degrees, who had non-combustible smoke-free home rules, who held negative tobacco-related attitudes, and those who were current e-cigarette users or ever used alcohol (all p-values<0.05).
Conclusions
A decline was observed in US young adults who perceived e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes from the PATH Study across four waves (2013-2018). The study findings underscore the importance of risk communication that focuses on harm perception profiles and the need for appropriate interventions to balance the considerations of e-cigarette use among young adults.
Value Chain Analysis of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: The Case of Rosemary (Rosemarinus Officinalis L.) in Ethiopia
Authors: Geyo Guta Bukero 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The study was conducted in two districts of which one was from Finfine surrounding area Oromia special zone of Oromia region and the other was from Guraghe zone of Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region. farming system was used as a criterion to stratify the target society in order to make them relatively homogenous. Sample size was determined to be 137 households after target population and resource availability known. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, percentage, and standard deviation was used. Inferential statistics such as t-test and chi-square coupled with value chain mapping and profit margin was used for analyzing the data. The value chains for Rosemary herbal products have some unique characteristics, which seem to have had little impact on the discussion about value chains in the socioeconomic that it is a market often dominated by small and medium sized enterprises, and one which is governed by diverse regulations relating to the products quality and health claims. The market requires suppliers to adhere to collectors’ terms (quantity and quality), proper packaging, and consistency on product, price, and delivery. To create competitive advantage, the value chain must become more dynamic, innovative, and efficient. In addition, the MAPs industry must establish effective channels of communication among value chain actors to allow them to respond quickly to shift market demands.
Modified Delphi analysis of the clinical guideline “Sedation of patients in the departments of anesthesiology, intensive care and intensive care”
Authors: Lakhin Roman E. , Andreenko A. A. , Vlasenko A. V. , Martynov D. V. , Lazarev V. V. , Ovezov A. M. , Gorbachev V. I. , Leiderman I. N. , Belkin A. A. , Fisher V. V. , Lomivorotov V. V. , Kuzkov V. V. , Shifman E. M. , Grigoryev E. V. , Popov A. S. , Magomedov M. A. , Yaroshetskiy A. I. 
Published: May 2023

INTRODUCTION: Approaches to sedation in the departments of anesthesiology, intensive care and intensive care have changed over the past 20 years. In 2020, the guidelines “Sedation of patients in the departments of anesthesiology, intensive care and intensive care” were placed in the rubric of clinical recommendations. OBJECTIVE: To contribute to improving the quality of planned updating of recommendations with the help of a modified Delphi analysis of the provisions and quality criteria of the current version of the document published in the rubricator of clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a modified Delphi method with two rounds of questionnaires to develop a consensus. The agreement of specialists was reached in three stages: preparatory, discussions and the development of a consensus conclusion. To conduct the assessment, a questionnaire was created consisting of 3 blocks: assessment of the provisions of the clinical recommendation; assessment of the quality criteria of the clinical recommendation and an overall assessment of the clinical recommendation. The assessment was made on the basis of the Likert scale. Median, fashion and weighted average score were calculated. If, when evaluating the provisions and quality criteria of a clinical recommendation, the median value or mode of any provision was less than 7, the weighted average score was less than 70 %; the median value or mode of quality criteria is less than 7.5, the weighted average score is less than 75 %, then this provision (quality criterion) should be recommended for processing. RESULTS: The assessment of the provisions and criteria was carried out in the first round of discussion. At the second round of discussion, comments and recommendations were finally developed for the developers of the methodological recommendation. Consensus was reached during two rounds of modified Delphi analysis. As a result of the analysis, 16 out of 21 provisions and 5 out of 6 quality criteria were agreed, the rest required processing. CONCLUSIONS: As a result of an independent assessment by experts, 5 provisions and 1 quality criterion were recommended for processing. Comments and recommendations on all these provisions and quality criteria of the methodological recommendation “Sedation of patients in the departments of anesthesiology, intensive care and intensive care” were also agreed.
Analysis of the structure of bacteremia and sensitivity to antibiotics of microorganisms isolated in intensive care units in an emergency hospital in the period from 2003 to 2021: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Bykov А. О. , Suvorova M. P. , Protsenko D. N. , Yakovlev Sergey V. , Ignatenko O. V. , Burmistrova E. N. , Sychev I. N. , Krotenko N. P. 
Published: May 2023

INTRODUCTION: Creation of protocols for effective empiric antimicrobial therapy is impossible without the analysis of current antibiotic susceptibility data. OBJECTIVE: Analysis of changes in the etiological significance of the leading pathogens of bacteremia in the ICU (intensive care unit) in the period from 2003 to 2021, and their sensitivity to antibiotics; study of the types of carbapenemases in the most relevant pathogens — Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis included all microorganisms isolated from the blood of patients who were in the medical 12-bed ICU in the emergency hospital of Moscow in the period from 2003 to 2021. Identification of microorganisms and determination of antibiotic sensitivity were carried out with an automatic PHOENIX analyzer and a standardized disco diffusion method. Detection of carbapenemases was carried out by PCR (polymerase chain reaction). RESULTS: In the period from 2003 to 2021, 17 034 blood samples were examined, from which 6372 microorganisms were isolated. During this period, the proportion of Gram-negative microorganisms increased from 21.0 to 52.8 %, mainly due to K. pneumoniae from 1.0 to 24.5 % and A. baumannii from 0 to 9.1 %. The resistance of these microorganisms to carbapenems increased significantly from 2008 to 2021: K. pneumoniae from 2.3 % to 70.3 %, A. baumannii — from 7.5 to 99.5 %. K. pneumoniae produced the following types of carbapenemases: OXA-48 (73.8 %), KPC (6.2 %), NDM 1.5 %, NDM + OXA-48 (15.4 %), KPC + OXA-48 (3.1 %). All A. baumannii strains produced OXA-40 type carbapenemase. OXA-48 carbapenemase producers were resistant to colistin and tigecycline in 14.6 and 44.8 %, and to ceftazidime/avibactam in 4.2 %. CONCLUSIONS: The increased level of antimicrobial resistance in recent years among Gram-negative microorganisms isolated from blood is a very significant problem in the ICU. Most K. pneumoniae strains are characterized as multi-drug resistant, about 10 % of the strains were categorized as extremely-drug resistant (XDR) or pan-drug resistant. All strains of A. baumannii belong to the category of XDR.
Quality of latrines and willingness to improve them in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Mamo Biruk Getachew , Novotný Josef , Admasie Amha 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Ethiopia recorded the world's fastest increase in latrine coverage over the past two decades, but it was largely achieved by the adoption of latrines that do not meet basic hygienic standards. Therefore, this study aims to examine the quality of latrines and their upgrading at household level through a case study from the Loka Abaya district, South Ethiopia. Of the initially sampled 549 households, 422 (77%) had private latrines, and a survey was administered among them. The data were characterized descriptively, and correlates of the latrine quality and willingness to improve were analysed. The average latrine quality score in the sample was only 2.8 of the maximum six quality dimensions. Despite the low quality of latrines, 63% of respondents were satisfied with their sanitation situation. Both past improvements and plans to improve latrines were frequently reported. However, these reported changes mostly involved regular maintenance or reconstructions of collapsed latrines. No substantial upgrading of the functionality was identified. We identified inadequate awareness about the means of hygienic sanitation, implying the importance of community education. Demand for as well as supply of hygienic sanitation products are further constrained by the low purchasing power of households implying a need for sanitation subsidies.
Investigation of a basic nitrification–denitrification biofiltration system for primary wastewater treatment
Authors: Hassen Wafa , Ben Rejab A. , Hassen B. , Jedidi N. , Hassen A. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The study aimed to eliminate the nitrogen and its main residual forms from municipal wastewater by using a biofilter system adapted for a small community. The biological nitrification/denitrification system used involved two successive polyvinyl chloride (PVC) columns; a first gravel column (C1) loaded with primary wastewater followed by a second sandy column (C2). A complex biofilm development on the gravel and sand materials has been confirmed by scanning electron microscope. The efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD), BOD5, TSS, and NH4+-N removal from primary wastewater reached 75.3, 88.4, 83.5, and 88.1%, respectively, at the exit of the sandy column (C2). Inoculation with activated sludge as an external carbon source allowed an improvement in the nitrate removal, from 80 to 28 mg/L N-NO3. However, sludge inoculation showed non-significant fecal coliforms and Streptococcus contamination, and the biofilter appeared as effective for total nitrogen removal and a bacterial abatement of over 3.2 U-log10. The average bacterial removal seemed directly related to the applied load of about 50 cm/day and a tertiary disinfection treatment, such as UV-C254 irradiation, is needed as a preventive step to ensure the removal of pathogens.