bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Vulnerable West African Dwarf Crocodile (Osteolaemus Sp. Aff. Tetraspis) is Worth Conserving in Urban Ecosystems: Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Naabeh Clement Sullibie Saagulo , Oppong Samuel Kingsley , Amoah Emmanuel , Ahmed Shamim , Anokye Akwasi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

The study aims to investigate the population structure and encounter rates of the West African dwarf crocodile in urban landscapes, which have been neglected in research due to their perceived lack of biodiversity. The study was conducted in six purposively selected urban centers in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana, where surveys were conducted using interviews, literature review, and standard diurnal crocodile survey methods. The study found no significant difference (P = 0.143) in encounter rates between urban and non-urban environments, but significant variations (P = 0.002) under an alpha level of 0.05 were observed at the site level. Population structures did not vary significantly, but there were differences in dwarf crocodile abundance among habitat types, with forest habitats recording the highest abundance. Based on the findings, the study recommends that habitats with forest fragments be given great conservation importance when planning urban crocodile management programs. This study provides baseline data that can serve as a guide for policymakers and management bodies in developing urban management strategies for the West African dwarf crocodile. The study's results highlight the need to consider biodiversity in urban planning and development, particularly for keystone species like the West African dwarf crocodile, to support sustainable and inclusive urban development.
Stationary and Non-stationary Temperature-Duration-Frequency Curves for Australia
Authors: Laz Orpita U , Rahman Ataur , Ouarda Taha B M J , Jahan Nasreen 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Australian summer heat events have become more frequent and severe in recent times. Temperature-duration-frequency (TDF) curves connect the severity of heat episodes of various durations to their frequencies and thus can be an effective tool for analysing the heat extremes. This study examines Australian heat events using data from 82 meteorological stations. TDF curves have been developed under stationary and non-stationary conditions. Generalised Extreme Value (GEV) distribution is considered to estimate extreme temperatures for return periods of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 years. Three major climate drivers for Australia have been considered as potential covariates along with Time to develop the non-stationary TDF curves. According to the Akaike information criterion, the non-stationary framework for TDF modelling provides a better fit to the data than its stationary equivalent. The findings can be beneficial in offering new information to aid climate adaptation and mitigation at the regional level in Australia.
Phosphate-solubilizing fungi in riparian sediment of Xiangxi Bay (China) and implications of phosphorus pollution control
Authors: Chen Guohuo , You Song 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

The implementation of the Three Gorges Project (Yangtze River, China) has caused severe eutrophication in Xiangxi Bay (XXB). Although several studies have investigated the mechanism of eutrophication in physical and chemical fields, biological factors were neglected. Discarded food, phosphate rock mining, and transportation result in the nutrient input to XXB. To better understand the aquatic eutrophication in XXB, we screened phosphate-solubilizing fungi (PSF) from XXB riparian sediments and studied the factors influencing PSF activities. It was observed that (1) PSF was present in all seven sampling sites, (2) strains ofPenicilliumsp. XXR-A andAspergillussp. XXR-B1 exhibited higher phosphorus release thanTalaromycessp. XXR-F andTalaromycessp. XXR-D, and (3)Aspergillus. sp. XXR-B1 could solubilize phosphate rock efficiently, and some substances derived from discarded food could influence its phosphorus-release activity. Based on this study, we suggest the following: a) covering the phosphate rock piles on wharves could reduce the inflow of phosphate rock powder into XXB with rainwater, which is a simple and emerging strategy; b) prevention of the discharge of food waste into XXB can abate the nutrient supply for PSF and c) decrease of nitrogen content (especially NO3–-N) can influence on the behavior of PSF. Moreover, PSF may be an active participant during XXB eutrophication. Furthermore, nutrient conditions play an important role in regulating the phosphorus-release activity of PSF.
Assessing the impact of captivity on the growth and development of pyjama sharks (Poroderma africanum)
Authors: Kiyatake Itsuki , Johnson Thomas L , Cottrant Emy , Kitadani Yoshikazu , Onda Kiyoko , Murata Mikito , Drobniewska Natalia J , Paulet Timothy G , Nishida Kiyonori 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The pyjama shark (Poroderma africanum) is a Scyliorhinid species endemic to South Africa. Even though it is kept in captivity in many aquariums, there is a lack of research on its growth and development. In this study, we investigated the fertilization rate of eggs, growth, and age at female sexual maturation in captive pyjama sharks, and compared their growth to that of wild individuals. The fertilization rate of 319 eggs was 18.8%, and total length (Lt) and body weight (Wt) at hatching were 14.65 ± 0.26 cm and 16.6 ± 0.8 g, respectively. Both in captivity and in the wild, males showed negative allometric growth and females showed isometric growth. The growth performance (Φ') was also greater in captive sharks compared to wild sharks regardless of sex. One female laid fertilized eggs (85.2 cm Lt and 3300 g Wt at laying) 2419 days (6.6 years) after hatching and was considered sexually mature. It was suggested that the difference in growth was due to the difference in habitat depth preference between males and females. This is the first study to compare the growth of captive and wild catsharks as well as the first study to compare growth in male and female pyjama sharks. Therefore, this study provides a greater insight into the effects of captivity on different elasmobranch families, as well as aiming to inform differential husbandry techniques depending on sex.
Production of Industrial Applicable Enzymes From Rhizopus Oryzae Through Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Anwar Zahid , Muhammad  
Published: April 2023

Abstract

The agricultural wastes are used for production of vital enzymes like cellulase, protease and lipase through Solid State Fermentation (SSF) which reveal their industrial potential aspect. This study was done to find out the ability of Rhizopus oryzae to produce lipase, protease and cellulase through SSF. Wheat bran showed maximum enzyme activities as related to others agricultural wastes. The enzymes showed maximum activities (21.4 ± 0.04) (4.6 ± 0.02 IU/mL) and (1.1 ± 0.01 IU/mL) for cellulase, lipase and protease respectively at temperature 25ºC and incubation period 72 hours. Response surface methodology (RSM) used to optimize conditions likes temperature, pH, moisture contents, inoculum size and substrate concentration. RSM revealed maximum enzyme activities using 100% moisture contents, temperature 25ºC, pH 5, substrate concentrations 12g and inoculum size of 6 mL. The method of ammonia sulphate precipitation used for the purification and crystallization of enzymes like lipase, protease and cellulase. The precipitation of cellulase, lipase and protease performed with 80%, 70% and 90% ammonium sulphate concentrations to increase yield. The characterization of lipase, protease, cellulase revealed that it worked best below acidic conditions (pH 5) and at moderate temperature (25ºC). The results revealed that the mold oryzae had potential to produce industrially important enzymes at acidic pH.
Extending the toolbox for RNA biology with SegModTeX: A polymerase-driven method for site-specific and segmental labeling of RNA
Authors: Haslecker Raphael , Pham Vincent , Glänzer David , Kreutz Christoph , Dayie Theodore , D'Souza Victoria 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
RNA performs a wide range of functions regulated by its structure, dynamics, and often post-transcriptional modifications. While NMR is the leading method for understanding RNA structure and dynamics, it is currently limited by the inability to reduce spectral crowding by efficient segmental labeling. Furthermore, because of the challenging nature of RNA chemistry, the tools being developed to introduce site- specific modifications are increasingly complex and laborious. Here we use a previously designed Tgo DNA polymerase mutant to present SegModTeX — a versatile, one-pot, copy-and-paste approach to address these challenges. By precise, stepwise construction of a diverse set of RNA molecules, we demonstrate the technique to be superior to RNA polymerase driven and ligation methods owing to its substantially high yield, fidelity, and selectivity. We also show the technique to be useful for incorporating fluorescent- and a wide range of other probes, which significantly extends the toolbox of RNA biology in general.
Optimizing the performance of microwave photonic signal processors based on Kerr microcombs
Authors: Moss David J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMicrowave photonic (MWP) transversal signal processors offer a compelling solution for realizing versatile high-speed information processing by combining the advantages of reconfigurable electrical digital signal processing and high-bandwidth photonic processing. With the capability of generating a number of discrete wavelengths from micro-scale resonators, optical microcombs are powerful multi-wavelength sources for implementing MWP transversal signal processors with significantly reduced size, power consumption, and complexity. By using microcomb-based MWP transversal signal processors, a diverse range of signal processing functions have been demonstrated recently. In this paper we provide a detailed analysis for the errors induced by experimental imperfections processors. First, we investigate the errors arising from different sources including imperfections in the microcombs, the chirp of electro-optic modulators, chromatic dispersion of the dispersive module, shaping errors of the optical spectral shapers, and noise of the photodetector. Next, we provide a global picture quantifying the impact of error sources on the overall system performance. Finally, we introduce feedback control to compensate the errors caused by experimental imperfections, achieving significantly improved accuracy. These results provide a guide for optimizing the accuracy of microcomb-based MWP transversal signal processors.
Modified magnetite and hydrothermal apatite in banded iron-formations and implications for high-grade Fe mineralization during retrogressive metamorphism
Authors: Shi Kangxing , Wang Changming , Bagas Leon , Duan Hongyu 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Modified magnetite and hydrothermal apatite in banded iron formations (BIFs) are ideal minerals for studying hydrothermal and metamorphic processes and are applied to linking with high-grade Fe mineralization and metamorphism in iron deposits hosted by BIFs. In this study, we have investigated the geochemical composition of modified magnetite and hydrothermal apatite and in situ U-Pb geochronology on apatite from the Huogezhuang BIF-hosted Fe deposit in northeastern China. The magnetite in metamorphosed BIF is modified, locally fragmented, and forms millimeter-to micrometer-scale bands. The apatite is present surrounding or intergrowing with magnetite, has corroded surfaces, and contains irregular impurities and fluid inclusions, indicating that it has been partly hydrothermally altered. Original element compositions (e.g., Fe, Al, Ti, K, Mg, and Mn) of magnetite in BIFs have been modified during high-grade Fe mineralization and retrogressive metamorphism with temperature reduction and addition of acids. The hydrothermally altered apatite has been relatively reduced in the contents of Ca, P, F, La, Ce, Nd, δCe, δEu, and total REEs compared to non-altered apatite. The magnetite and apatite in low-grade BIFs are poorer in FeOT than those from the high-grade Fe ores, indicating that Fe is remobilized during the transition from BIFs to high-grade Fe ores. The magnetite and apatite in high-grade Fe ores are overgrown by greenschist-facies minerals formed during retrograde metamorphism, suggesting that the high-grade Fe mineralization may be related to retrogressive metamorphism. In situ U-Pb geochronology of apatite intergrown with magnetite and zircon LAICP-MS U-Pb dating at Huogezhuang deposit reveals that the BIF-hosted magnetite was altered and remobilized at ca. 1950–1900 Ma, and deposition of the BIF began during the Late Neoarchean. The changes of elements in the modified magnetite and different geochemical compositions of the altered and unaltered apatite confirm that the modified magnetite and hydrothermal apatite can be effective in tracing high-grade Fe mineralization and retrogressive metamorphism in BIFs.
Evaluation of the geomorphological scenario of Shimsha River Basin, Karnataka, India
Authors: A. Bharath , Maddamsetty Ramesh , Pawar Uttam 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Drainage morphometric analysis is very substantial in determining the characteristics of a river basin. It is performed through spatial analysis, which helps study the various hydrological interactions and responses in the watershed. In this research, the authors have tried to study the geomorphological scenario of the Shimsha River basin using the remote sensed data, toposheets, and geographic information systems tools. In the current study, linear, aerial, and relief parameters are derived and analysed to evaluate the runoff and erosion characteristics of the basin. The stream pattern of the Shimsha River is mostly dendritic with a sixth-order stream and a drainage density of 0.56 km/km2. According to the morphometric characteristics, the study area appears to be in the equilibrium stage of development, slightly elongated, with moderate to low flow rates and reduced sensitivity to erosion. The hypsometric curve and hypsometric integral value of the Shimsha River basin show the mature phase of the geomorphic evolution of the basin and imply that runoff will be moderate to high. The asymmetry factor of the Shimsha River basin is 49.3, which specifies that the basin is slightly tilted towards the right. The study's results clarify the phenomena of runoff and erosion, which is crucial for watershed management initiatives.
Diluições do preparado homeopático Sulphur e seu efeito na germinação de sementes de canafístula Peltophorum dubium (Spreng.) Taub
Authors: Thuany Aparecida Levandoski Jansen  , Douglas Andre Wurz  , Lauro William Petrenthcuk  , Rabechlt Stange Almeida  , Thalia Aparecida Silva Maciel  , Alcemir Nabir Kowal  , Eduarda Schmidt  
Published: April 2023

Apesar do grande potencial da utilização da homeopatia na agricultura, são escassos os estudos, e muitas vezes com resultados contrastantes, havendo a necessidade de maior número de trabalhos, a fim de compreender os efeitos da homeopatia na agricultura. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo tem como objetivo verificar a influência da aplicação do preparado Sulphur na germinação de sementes de canafístula. Foram selecionadas 200 sementes de canafístula para cada tratamento, distribuídas em um delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro blocos, 50 sementes por parcela. Os tratamentos consistiram em quatro dinamizações: 6, 12, 24 e 30 CH, além do tratamento controle. Avaliaram-se: germinação de sementes, altura de plântula e comprimento de raiz. Os maiores valores encontrados para germinação foram observados nas diluições de 12, 24 e 30 CH, com 24, 22 e 24% de sementes germinadas, respectivamente. Em relação ao comprimento de raiz, o maior valor foi o da testemunha, apresentando 7,25 cm. Para altura de plântula, não houve diferenças entre os tratamentos, com valores variando de 6,22 a 6,50 cm de altura. Conclui-se que o Sulphur apresentou efeito na germinação de sementes de canafístula, sendo recomendadas as diluições de 12, 24 e 30 CH.
Palavras-chave: agroecologia; agricultura sustentável; homeopatia; quebra de dormência.
Oxidative DNA Damage-induced PARP-1-mediated Autophagic Flux
Disruption Contributes to Bupivacaine-induced Neurotoxicity During
Pregnancy
Authors: Luo Jiaming , Zeng Lei , Li Ji , Xu Shiyuan , Zhao Wei 
Published: April 2023

Objective:
Severe neurologic complications after spinal anesthesia are rare but highly distressing,
especially in pregnant women. Bupivacaine is widely used in spinal anesthesia, but its neurotoxic
effects have gained attention.

Methods:
Furthermore, the etiology of bupivacaine-mediated neurotoxicity in obstetric patients remains
unclear. Female C57BL/6 mice were intrathecally injected with 0.75% bupivacaine on the 18th
day of pregnancy. We used immunohistochemistry to examine DNA damage after bupivacaine treatment
in pregnant mice and measured γ-H2AX (Ser139) and 8-OHdG in the spinal cord. A PARP-1 inhibitor
(PJ34) and autophagy inhibitor (3-MA) were administered with bupivacaine in pregnant mice.
Parp-1flox/flox mice were crossed with Nes-Cre transgenic mice to obtain neuronal conditional knockdown
mice. Then, LC3B and P62 staining were performed to evaluate autophagic flux in the spinal
cords of pregnant wild-type (WT) and Parp-1-/- mice. We performed transmission electron microscopy
(TEM) to evaluate autophagosomes.

Results:
The present study showed that oxidative stress-mediated DNA damage and neuronal injury
were increased after bupivacaine treatment in the spinal cords of pregnant mice. Moreover, PARP-1
was significantly activated, and autophagic flux was disrupted. Further studies revealed that PARP-1
knockdown and autophagy inhibitors could alleviate bupivacaine-mediated neurotoxicity in pregnant
mice.

Conclusion:
Bupivacaine may cause neuronal DNA damage and PARP-1 activation in pregnant mice.
PARP-1 further obstructed autophagic flux and ultimately led to neurotoxicity.
PENGARUH MASA PERAM TERHADAP KARAKTERISTIK TANAH GAMBUT KERING YANG DICAMPUR KAPUR DAN FLY ASH
Authors: Ma'ruf Muhammad Afief , L Rezky Permana 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT Some part of the peatlands nowadays have been excessively drained. This makes peatland drought and damaged. One method of improvement for this case is stabilization. For dry peat soils, previous research has obtained an optimum percentage of 5% lime and fly ash for stabilization materials with 10 days curing periods. But there is still unknown result if the periods is different. The present research studied the characteristics of dry, stabilized peat soils with 5% stabilization materials with varying periods of 10 days, 20 days and 30 days. The study conducted on a laboratory scale to determine it's characteristics. From the results of test of physical properties of soil, the moisture content decreased by 28.42%; volume weight increased by 18.64%; And a decrease in pore by 34.89%. From the result of testing the mechanical properties of soil on shear strength decreased by 4.6%, while consolidation compression optimized to 56.29%. Keywords: curing periods, dry peat, stabilization, lime, fly ash ABSTRAK Sebagian lahan gambut selama ini telah mengalami drainase yang berlebihan dan kekeringan. Hal ini membuat gambut mengalami kekeringan dan rusak karakteristiknya. Salah satu metode perbaikan untuk kasus ini adalah stabilisasi. Untuk tanah gambut kering sendiri penelitian terdahulu telah memperoleh prosentase optimum 5% bahan stabilisasi kapur dan fly ash dengan masa peram 10 hari. Namun dalam penelitian tersebut belum diketahui perubahan yang terjadi jika masa peramnya berbeda. Penelitian kali ini melihat perubahan karakteristik tanah gambut kering yang distabilisasi dengan 5% bahan stabilisasi dengan masa peram bervariasi yaitu 10 hari, 20 hari, dan 30 hari. Penelitian dilakukan dalam skala laboratorium untuk mengetahui karakteristik fisik dan teknisnya. Dari hasil pengujian sifat fisik tanah pada kadar air terjadi penurunan sebesar 28,42%; peningkatan berat volume sebesar 18,64%; dan penurunan angka pori sebesar 34,89%. Dari hasil pengujian sifat teknis tanah pada kuat geser terjadi penurunan sebesar 4,6%, sedangkan pemampatan konsolidasi berkurang hingga 56,29%. Kata kunci: masa peram, gambut kering, stabilisasi, kapur, fly ash
A Mobile Medication Support App and Its Impact on People Living With HIV: 12-Week User Experience and Medication Compliance Pilot Study
Authors: Suzuki Mai , Yamanaka Kou , Fukushima Shinichi , Ogawa Mayu , Nagaiwa Yuki , Naito Toshio 
Published: April 2023

Background
The continuity of care between hospital visits conducted through mobile apps creates new opportunities for people living with HIV in situations where face-to-face interventions are difficult.

Objective
This study investigated the user experience of a mobile medication support app and its impact on improving antiretroviral therapy compliance and facilitating teleconsultations between people living with HIV and medical staff.

Methods
Two clinics in Japan were invited to participate in a 12-week trial of the medication support app between July 27, 2018, and March 31, 2021. Medication compliance was assessed based on responses to scheduled medication reminders; users, including people living with HIV and medical staff, were asked to complete an in-app satisfaction survey to rate their level of satisfaction with the app and its specific features on a 5-point Likert scale.

Results
A total of 10 people living with HIV and 11 medical staff were included in this study. During the trial, the medication compliance rate was 90%, and the mean response rates to symptom and medication alerts were 73% and 76%, respectively. Overall, people living with HIV and medical staff were satisfied with the medication support app (agreement rate: mean 81% and 65%, respectively). Over 80% of medical staff and people living with HIV were satisfied with the ability to record medications taken (9/11 and 8/10 medical staff and people living with HIV, respectively), record symptoms of concern (10/11 and 8/10),and inquire about drug combinations (8/10, 10/10). And further, 90% of people living with HIV were satisfied with the function for communication with medical staff (9/10).

Conclusions
Our preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of the medication support app in improving medication compliance and enhancing communication between people living with HIV and medical staff.