bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatially lagged predictors from a wider area improve PM2.5 estimation at a finer temporal interval—A case study of Dallas-Fort Worth, United States
Authors: Karale Yogita , Yuan May 
Published: February 2023

Fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5, has many adverse impacts on human health. However, there are few ground monitoring stations measuring PM2.5. Satellite data help fill the gaps in ground measurements, but most studies focus on estimating daily PM2.5 levels. Studies examining the effects of environmental exposome need accurate PM2.5 estimates at fine temporal intervals. This work developed a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to estimate the PM2.5 concentration at an hourly average using high-resolution Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) from the MODIS MAIAC algorithm and meteorological data. Satellite-acquired AOD data are instantaneous measurements, whereas stations on the ground provide an hourly average of PM2.5 concentration. The current work aimed to refine PM2.5 estimates at temporal intervals from 24-h to 1-h averages. Our premise posited the enabling effects of spatial convolution on temporal refinements in PM2.5 estimates. We trained a CNN to estimate PM2.5 corresponding to the hour of AOD acquisition in the Dallas-Fort Worth and surrounding area using 10 years of data from 2006–2015. The CNN accepts images as input. For each PM2.5 station, we strategically subset temporal MODIS images centering at the PM2.5 station. Hence, the resulting image-patch size represented the size of the area around the PM2.5 station. It thus was analogous to spatial lag in spatial statistics. We systematically increased the image-patch size from 3 × 3, 5 × 5, … , to 19 × 19 km2 and observed how increasing the spatial lag impacted PM2.5 estimation. Model performance improved with a larger spatial lag; the model with a 19 × 19 km2 image-patch as input performed best, with a correlation coefficient of 0.87 and a RMSE of 2.57 g/m3 to estimate PM2.5 at in situ stations corresponding to the hour of satellite acquisition time. To overcome the problem of a reduced number of image-patches available for training due to missing AOD, the study employed a data augmentation technique to increase the number of samples available to train the model. In addition to avoiding overfitting, data augmentation also improved model performance.
A multidimensional learning curve analysis of totally laparoscopic ileostomy reversal using a single surgeon' s experience
Authors: Xu Zheng , Zhang Yueyang , Su Hao , Guan Xu , Liang Jianwei , Liu Qian , Wang Xishan , Zhou Haitao 
Published: February 2023

PurposeRecently, totally laparoscopic ileostomy reversal (TLAP) has received increasing attention and exhibited promising short-term outcomes. The aim of this study was to detail the learning process of the TLAP technique.MethodsBased on our initial experience with TLAP from 2018, a total of 65 TLAP cases were enrolled. Demographics and perioperative parameters were assessed using cumulative sum (CUSUM), moving average, and risk-adjusted CUSUM (RA-CUSUM) analyses.ResultsThe overall mean operative time (OT) was 94 min and the median postoperative hospitalization period was 4 days, and there was an estimated 10.77% incidence rate of perioperative complications. Three unique phases of the learning curve were derived from CUSUM analysis, and the mean OT of phase I (1–24 cases) was 108.5 min, that of phase II (25–39 cases) was 92 min, and that of phase III (40–65 cases) was 80 min, respectively. There was no significant difference in perioperative complications between these 3 phases. Similarly, moving average analysis indicated that the operation time was reduced significantly after the 20th case and reached a steady state after the 36th case. Furthermore, complication-based CUSUM and RA-CUSUM analyses indicated an acceptable range of complication rates during the whole learning period.ConclusionOur data demonstrated 3 distinct phases of the learning curve of TLAP. For an experienced surgeon, surgical competence in TLAP can be grasped at around 25 cases with satisfactory short-term outcomes.
Validation of Genome-Wide SSR Markers Developed for Genetic Diversity and Population Structure Study in Grain Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus)
Authors: Vats Gautam , Das Dimpi , Gupta Rajat , Singh Akshay , Maurya Avantika , Rajkumar S. , Singh Amit Kumar , Bharadwaj Rakesh , Kumar Sandeep , Kaushik Surinder Kumar , Gupta Veena , Singh Kuldeep , Singh Rakesh 
Published: February 2023

Grain Amaranth is the most promising C4 dicotyledonous pseudocereal and is distributed globally. It has an excellent nutritional profile and adaptability against a broad range of environmental factors. These traits have renewed the interest of researchers and breeders in exploring this underutilized orphan crop. The present study aimed to validate the genome-wide SSR to assess the genetic diversity among 94 Amaranthus hypochondriacus accessions using 57 genomic SSR (g-SSR) markers developed in-house. A total of 36 g-SSRs were recorded as polymorphic and amplified 138 alleles, with an average of 3.83 alleles per locus. Major allele frequency ranged from 0.29 to 0.98, with an average of 0.63 per marker. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.03 to 0.81, with an average of 0.46 per locus. Polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.03 to 0.79, with an average of 0.40, indicating a high level of polymorphism across amaranth accessions. Population structure analysis resulted into two major genetic clusters irrespective of their geographical origin, which suggests there may be sharing of common genomic regions across the accessions. High allelic frequency and heterozygosity levels indicate significant genetic variability in the germplasm, which can be further used in future breeding programs.
The Lichen Genus Sticta (Lobariaceae, Peltigerales) in East African Montane Ecosystems
Authors: Kaasalainen Ulla , Kirika Paul M. , Mollel Neduvoto P. , Hemp Andreas , Rikkinen Jouko 
Published: February 2023

The lichen flora of Africa is still poorly known. In many parts of the tropics, recent studies utilizing DNA methods have revealed extraordinary diversity among various groups of lichenized fungi, including the genus Sticta. In this study, East African Sticta species and their ecology are reviewed using the genetic barcoding marker nuITS and morphological characters. The studied regions represent montane areas in Kenya and Tanzania, including the Taita Hills and Mt. Kilimanjaro, which belong to the Eastern Afromontane biodiversity hotspot. Altogether 14 Sticta species are confirmed from the study region, including the previously reported S. fuliginosa, S. sublimbata, S. tomentosa, and S. umbilicariiformis. Sticta andina, S. ciliata, S. duplolimbata, S. fuliginoides, and S. marginalis are reported as new to Kenya and/or Tanzania. Sticta afromontana, S. aspratilis, S. cellulosa, S. cyanocaperata, and S. munda, are described as new to science. The abundance of new diversity detected and the number of taxa represented by only few specimens show that more comprehensive sampling of the region may be needed to reveal the true diversity of Sticta in East Africa. More generally, our results highlight the need for further taxonomic studies of lichenized fungi in the region.
A New Alternative to Szeged, Mostar, and PI Polynomials—The SMP Polynomials
Authors: Knor Martin , Tratnik Niko 
Published: February 2023

Szeged-like topological indices are well-studied distance-based molecular descriptors, which include, for example, the (edge-)Szeged index, the (edge-)Mostar index, and the (vertex-)PI index. For these indices, the corresponding polynomials were also defined, i.e., the (edge-)Szeged polynomial, the Mostar polynomial, the PI polynomial, etc. It is well known that, by evaluating the first derivative of such a polynomial at x=1, we obtain the related topological index. The aim of this paper is to introduce and investigate a new graph polynomial of two variables, which is called the SMP polynomial, such that all three vertex versions of the above-mentioned indices can be easily calculated using this polynomial. Moreover, we also define the edge-SMP polynomial, which is the edge version of the SMP polynomial. Various properties of the new polynomials are studied on some basic families of graphs, extremal problems are considered, and several open problems are stated. Then, we focus on the Cartesian product, and we show how the (edge-)SMP polynomial of the Cartesian product of n graphs can be calculated using the (weighted) SMP polynomials of its factors.
Dietary Effects of a Short-Term Administration of Microalgae Blend on Growth Performance, Tissue Fatty Acids, and Predominant Intestinal Microbiota in Sparus aurata
Authors: García-Márquez Jorge , Rico Rosa María , Acién Francisco Gabriel , Mancera Juan Miguel , Figueroa Félix L. , Vizcaíno Antonio Jesús , Alarcón Francisco Javier , Moriñigo Miguel Ángel , Abdala-Díaz Roberto Teófilo 
Published: February 2023

Given the potential of microalgae as new aquafeed ingredients, this study focuses on using a blend of microalgae, Tisochrysis lutea, Nannochloropsis gaditana, and Scenedesmus almeriensis, as a dietary ingredient for feeding Sparus aurata juveniles. The growth performance, carcass composition, tissue fatty acid profile, and intestinal microbiota were evaluated after a 30 day-feeding period. A microalgae-free diet was used as control, and three experimental diets were formulated containing 5%, 15%, and 25% of the microalgae blend (MB-5%, MB-15%, and MB-25%, respectively). After 7, 15, and 30 days of feeding experimental diets, biological samples were taken. Growth performance and nutrient utilization were not significantly modified at the end of the experiment. Microalgae inclusion tended to decrease body lipids and affected the fatty acid profile, especially MB-25 diet increased DHA levels. Diet MB-25 promoted appropriate microbial diversity, favoring the presence of probiotic bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, and significantly influencing the fatty acid composition and lipid metabolism in fish. In conclusion, using a short pulse of dietary administration of 25% microalgal blend in S. aurata modulates the intestinal microbiota and lipid composition while maintaining growth performance.
Resonance Raman and Visible Micro-Spectroscopy for the In-Vivo and In-Vitro Characterization of Anthocyanin-Based Pigments in Blue and Violet Flowers: A Comparison with HPLC-ESI- MS Analysis of the Extracts
Authors: Bruni Silvia , Longoni Margherita , Minzoni Camilla , Basili Martina , Zocca Ilaria , Pieraccini Stefano , Sironi Maurizio 
Published: February 2023

Microanalysis techniques based on resonance Raman and reflection visible spectroscopy have been applied to the characterization of pigments responsible for the blue or violet coloration in flowers; in particular of Lobelia erinus, Campanula portenschlagiana, Cineraria, Viola tricolor, Anemone coronaria, Agapanthus, Platycodon, Salvia farinacea, Plumbago capensis, Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, Commelina communis and Salvia patens. The spectroscopic methods were applied both in vivo on the flower petals and in vitro on extracts obtained through a procedure based on SPE (solid-phase extraction) optimized for minimal quantities of vegetable raw material. Different patterns obtained for the Raman spectra have been correlated, also on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, with different schemes of substitution of the benzopyrilium nucleus of the anthocyanins and with various possible forms of copigmentation responsible for the stabilization of the blue color. The results obtained were verified by comparison with the analysis of the extracts by HPLC-ESI-MS (liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry).
Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Outer membrane protein P2 (OmpP2) of Glaesserella (Haemophilus) parasuis Isolates in Central State of Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Lee Chee Yien , Ong Hui Xin , Tan Chew Yee , Low Suet Ee , Phang Lai Yee , Lai Jyhmirn , Ooi Peck Toung , Fong Michelle Wai Cheng 
Published: February 2023

Glaesserella (Haemophilus) parasuis, the etiological agent of Glässer’s disease, is an economically significant pathogen commonly associated with serofibrinous polyserositis, arthritis, fibrinous bronchopneumonia and/or meningitis. This study is the first attempt to molecularly characterize and provide a detailed overview of the genetic variants of G. parasuis present in Malaysia, in reference to its serotype, virulence-associated trimeric autotransporters (vtaA) gene and outer membrane protein P2 (OmpP2) gene. The G. parasuis isolates (n = 11) from clinically sick field samples collected from two major pig producing states (Selangor and Perak) were selected for analysis. Upon multiplex PCR, the majority of the isolates (eight out of 11) were identified to be serotype 5 or 12, and interestingly, serotypes 3, 8 and 15 were also detected, which had never been reported in Malaysia prior to this. Generally, virulent vtaA was detected for all isolates, except for one, which displayed a nonvirulent vtaA. A phylogenetic analysis of the OmpP2 gene revealed that the majority of Malaysian isolates were clustered into genotype 1, which could be further divided into Ia and Ib, while only one isolate was clustered into genotype 2.
Near-Infrared Transitions from the Singlet Excited States to the Ground Triplet State of the S2 Molecule
Authors: Xiao Lidan , Yan Bing , Minaev Boris F. 
Published: February 2023

Intensity of transitions from the b1∑g+ and a1Δg states to the ground state X3∑g− in the near IR emission spectrum of the S2 molecule has been calculated by the multireference configuration interaction method taking into account spin-orbit coupling (SOC). The intensity of the b1∑g+ − X3∑g,Ms=±1− transition is largely determined by the spin interaction with the electromagnetic wave, which comes from the zero-field splitting of the ground X multiplet and the SOC-induced mixing between b and X3∑g,0− states. The Einstein coefficients for the experimentally detected 0−0, 0−1, 1−1 bands of the b1∑g+−X3∑g,Ms=±1− emission system are calculated in good agreement with observations. The Einstein coefficient of the a1∆g−X3∑g,Ms=±1− magnetic dipole transition is very low, being equal to 0.0014 s−1. Nonetheless, the weakest of all experimentally observed bands (the 0−0 band of the a-XMs=±1 transition) qualitatively corresponds to this calculation. Most importantly, we provide many other IR bands for magnetic dipole b1∑g+ − X3∑g,Ms=±1− and a1∆g−X3∑g,Ms=±1− transitions, which could be experimentally observable in the S2 transparency windows from a theoretical point of view. We hope that these results will contribute to the further experimental exploration of the magnetic infrared bands in the S2 dimer.
Surveillance of Landraces’ Seed Health in South Italy and New Evidence on Crop Diseases
Authors: Dell’Olmo Eliana , Zaccardelli Massimo , Onofaro Sanaja Vincenzo , Basile Boris , Sigillo Loredana 
Published: February 2023

During the last three years, more than 300 landraces belonging to different plant species have been the main focus of an Italian valorization research project (AgroBiodiversità Campana, ABC) aiming at analyzing, recovering, preserving, and collecting local biodiversity. In this context, phytosanitary investigation plays a key role in identifying potential threats to the preservation of healthy seeds in gene banks and the successful cultivation of landraces. The surveillance carried out in this study, in addition to highlighting the expected presence of common species-specific pathogens such as Ascochyta pisi in peas, Ascochyta fabae in broad beans, and Macrophomina phaseolina, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli, and Xanthomonas fuscans subsp. fuscans in beans, pointed to the presence of novel microorganisms never detected before in the seeds of some hosts (Apiospora arundinis in common beans or Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Stemphylium vesicarium in broad beans). These novel seedborne pathogens were fully characterized by (i) studying their morphology, (ii) identifying them by molecular methods, and (iii) studying their impact on adult crop plants. For the first time, this study provides key information about three novel seedborne pathogens that can be used to correctly diagnose their presence in seed lots, helping prevent the outbreaks of new diseases in the field.
Non-Specific Signal Peptidase Processing of Extracellular Proteins in Staphylococcus aureus N315
Authors: Misal Santosh A. , Ovhal Shital D. , Li Sujun , Karty Jonathan A. , Tang Haixu , Radivojac Predrag , Reilly James P. 
Published: February 2023

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the major community-acquired human pathogens, with growing multidrug-resistance, leading to a major threat of more prevalent infections to humans. A variety of virulence factors and toxic proteins are secreted during infection via the general secretory (Sec) pathway, which requires an N-terminal signal peptide to be cleaved from the N-terminus of the protein. This N-terminal signal peptide is recognized and processed by a type I signal peptidase (SPase). SPase-mediated signal peptide processing is the crucial step in the pathogenicity of S. aureus. In the present study, the SPase-mediated N-terminal protein processing and their cleavage specificity were evaluated using a combination of N-terminal amidination bottom-up and top-down proteomics-based mass spectrometry approaches. Secretory proteins were found to be cleaved by SPase, specifically and non-specifically, on both sides of the normal SPase cleavage site. The non-specific cleavages occur at the relatively smaller residues that are present next to the −1, +1, and +2 locations from the original SPase cleavage site to a lesser extent. Additional random cleavages at the middle and near the C-terminus of some protein sequences were also observed. This additional processing could be a part of some stress conditions and unknown signal peptidase mechanisms.
Estimation of Russia's GDP Losses Due to Sanctions Using the Global Vector Autoregression Model
Authors: Zubarev A. V. , Kirillova M. A. 
Published: February 2023

Using mathematical and statistical methods, the authors made an attempt to estimate the losses in the domestic economy under the impact of the imposed sanctions. As a measurement tool is proposed a global vector autoregression model. In this model, the dynamics of GDP is considered as the main performance characteristic, and the rate of change in foreign trade turnover with key partners is used as the key prerequisites for the forecast. The use of this model building scheme is explained by the fact that the economic sanctions imposed on Russia have a negative impact on domestic macroeconomic indicators, and this happens through a variety of channels, key ones being the restriction of external demand and supply, leading to a decrease in trade turnover with the main trading partners, and change in oil revenues. This approach takes into account the relationship between the economies of different countries and their dependence on global markets. To obtain quantitative estimates, conditional forecasts are used as part of scenario analysis.According to the authors’ approach the losses from economic sanctions are measured by the decrease in the volume of Russia's foreign trade with key foreign trade partners, as well as by the discount for Russian oil compared to its global price. In addition to the forecast estimates, the validity of the approach is proofed with the forecast for the crisis period of 2014–2015 as an example. Based on the analysis of the current situation in foreign trade, Russian GDP in 2022 in the baseline scenario may fall by 5.4%, but with some reorientation of trade a decrease may be around 3.7%.
A Study on Recent Issues of Agro-Based Industry in India
Authors: Arumugam U , Manida M 
Published: February 2023

Most people in India depend on agriculture. Agricultural production has played an important role in the country’s rural development and has been passed on to adoptive rural development. Most farms are located around food processing plants. They affect food security and people’s basic needs. This study aims to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of India’s agriculture-based industries. With so many countries suffering from malnutrition and imminent food crises, India’s agriculture-based companies may be able to trade in both domestic and foreign markets by addressing their own challenges. . Certainly, there are some problems ahead for such an industry. Still, it has some strength, such as abundant natural resources,suitable geographic conditions and atmosphere, availability of raw materials, cheap labor supply, and distribution possibilities. However, these organizations have some weaknesses such as lack of infrastructure and poor product quality. Even if this care is preceded by threats such as global performance, additional costs of equipment, unorganized markets, etc., it can withstand anything. About to do his SWOT analysis of the industry.
Private Label Brands Endearing Over National Brands: An Elaborated Empirical Review
Authors: Bhagat Shikha , Ravi Shilpa Sarvani 
Published: February 2023

Consumers are always given the option of choice, products are delivered in comfort as per the desire, and consumer experience and expectations were handled by the retailer. These value additions give a cutting edge to one retailer over the other. These value additions influence the consumers to prefer one retailer over the other and choose private vs national brands. This research actively investigated the reasons influencing consumer purchase decisions of Private Label Brands over the National brands and also to identify the most preferred store Private Label Brands among the hyper Chains in Bengaluru city. The study is conducted across all the hypermarket chains in Bengaluru city. The sample size considered for the consumer survey is 600 which has been divided in quota sampling among the hyper store chains in Bengaluru city. The influence of Service Perceived variable on the consumer preferences over Private label brands over national brands stands highest and the most accepted Private label brand preference was identified from More Mega mart as compared to other retail stores in the market.
Prominence of the Home Garden: A Study of Bogawantalawa South Grama Niladhari Division, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Authors: Krishnasoban M 
Published: February 2023

Home garden is an integral part of local food systems in developing countries. It has a longstanding practice among the Sri Lanka for centuries. The main objective of this study is to analyze environmental and socio economic importance of home gardens in Bogawantalawa South Grama Niladhari Division (GND), Nuwara Eliya. The data was obtained from the primary and secondary sources. The questionnaire survey was designed to collect primary data from thirty households according to simple random sampling techniques. Field observation was conducted to identify the core dimensions of environmental importance. Collected primary data have been analyzed through an Excel spreadsheet and summarized the quantitative data using descriptive and quantitative analysis methods. Qualitative methods of content analysis were also carried out. As key findings, environmental importance of the upcountry home garden of the study area have been addressed. Conserving biodiversity and conservation of diverse plants,preventing the environment from chemical, habitats for animals and other beneficial organisms and reduced soil erosion and maintenance of landraces. The important socio economic importance are generation of employment opportunities and income, food and nutrient security of families, created a relaxing environment, improving health and preserving indigenous knowledge. In addition to this, this study identifies the challenges of the home garden and gives some recommendations to keep the sustainability in home garden.