bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the influence of mechanical root properties of commonly planted agroforestry trees on Mt. Elgon. A suitability assessment of the best eco-engineering tree species for shallow seated landslide control
Authors: Nedala Shafiq , Mugagga Frank , Nakileza Bob R. , Opedes Hosea 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Landslides continue to occur in the Elgon region despite interventions such as tree planting initiatives aimed at restraining them. The current study assessed the mechanical properties of six selected agroforestry tree roots on slope stability with a keen focus on root tensile strength, soil shear strength, and index of root binding. A standard deviation ellipse method was applied to model the spatial distribution patterns of selected agroforestry trees. Tree-landslide relationship was tested using the Pearson correlation method while root tensile and soil shear strength with a one-way (ANOVA) and descriptive statistics respectively. Species distribution results indicate a high dispersion rate of Croton macrostachyus and Markhamia luteaacross the study area and high concentration of Albizia coriaria downstream. A weak negative correlation (r = -0.20 < 0.01) was reported between diameter at breast height and landslide size. Tensile strength results observed a significant difference among species with (F (5, 573) = [18.161], p < 0.001) and Grevillea robusta (3.02±1.217kg/mm²), Albizia coriaria (2.53±1.382kg/mm²), and Markhamia lutea (2.28±1.01kg/mm²) as the best performers. The best shearing species was Albizia coriaria with average shear strength (52.46±10.24) kpa followed by Markhamia lutea (50.70±15.47) kpa. The Eucalyptus spp. on the other hand underperformed with average shear strength of (46.75±12.92) kpa. In conclusion, the presence of trees reduces landslide risk in an area and DBH is a very important guiding factor. Grevillea robusta, Albizia coriaria, andMarkhamia lutea emerged as best performers in terms of root tensile strength and soil shear strength hence their suitability for enhancing slope stability. However, Eucalyptus Spp., which is widely favoured in the region for its rapid growth was the worst performer with very low shear strength. Therefore, careful consideration of the tree characteristics is essential during promotion campaigns for slope stability in fragile environments.
Site-Selective Superassembly of Biomimetic Nanorobots Enabling Deep
Penetration into Tumor with Stiff Stroma
Authors: Yan Miao , Chen Qing , Liu Tianyi , Li Xiaofeng , Pei Peng , Zhou Lei , Zhou Shan , Zhang Runhao , Liang Kang , Dong Jian , Wei Xunbin , Wang Jinqiang , Terasaki Osamu , Chen Pu , Gu Zhen , Jiang Li-Bo , Kong Biao 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Chemotherapy remains as the first-choice treatment option for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, the limited tumor penetration and low cellular internalization efficiency of current nanocarrier-based systems impede the access of anticancer drugs to TNBC with dense stroma and thereby greatly restricts clinical therapeutic efficacy, especially for TNBC bone metastasis. In this work, biomimetic head/hollow tail nanorobots were designed through a site-selective superassembly strategy. We show that nanorobots enable efficient remodeling of the dense tumor stromal microenvironments (TSM) for deep tumor penetration. Furthermore, the self-movement ability and spiky head markedly promote interfacial cellular uptake efficacy, transvascular extravasation, and intratumoral penetration. These nanorobots, which integrate deep tumor penetration, active cellular internalization, near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive release, and photothermal therapy capacities into a single nanodevice efficiently suppress tumor growth in a bone metastasis female mice model of TNBC and also demonstrate potent antitumor efficacy in three different subcutaneous tumor models.
Model-Independent Quantum Phases Classifier
Authors: Mahlow Felipe Rodrigues Perche , Luiz Fabrício Souza , Malvezzi André Luiz , Fanchini Felipe Fernandes 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Machine learning has transformed science and technology. In this article, we present a model-independent classifier that uses the k-Nearest Neighbors algorithm to classify phases of a model for which it has never been trained. This is done by studying three different spin-1 chains with some common phases: the XXZ chains with uniaxial single-ion-type anisotropy, the bond alternating XXZ chains, and the bilinear biquadratic chain. We show that the algorithm trained with two of these models can, with high probability, determine phases common to the third one. This is the first step towards a universal classifier, where an algorithm can recognize an arbitrary phase without knowing the Hamiltonian, since it knows only partial information about the quantum state.
Green Synthesis of ZnO Coated Porous Activated Carbon Prepared from Pontederia crassipe Leaves for the Adsorptive Removal of Toxic Organic Dyes
Authors: Allah Mahmood A. Albo Hay , Alshamsi Hassan A. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In the current study, new zinc oxide/activated carbon (ZnO/AC) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized, using Pontederia crassipes leaves as a carbon source for synthesis of activated carbon. In addition, the extract of Pontederia crassipes leaves was obtained as reducing and capping agent in the synthesis of ZnO. The synthesized materials were investigated using various characterization techniques including XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM, EDX, BET-BJH, TEM and Raman, which proved the successful synthesis. The synthesized samples were applied as new nanoadsorbents for the uptake of Malachite Green (MG) and Congo Red (CR) dyes from aquatic media. The thermodynamic, adsorption isotherm and kinetic studies were conducted adopting the batch experiment method. The results showed that the optimum efficiency of removal of both dyes was achieved with ZnO/AC (10%) nanocomposite, which was found to be 98.87% for CR dye and 99.23% for MG dye. The thermodynamic analysis exhibited that adsorption process for both dyes is spontaneous. In addition, the results exhibited that the removal of CR onto ZnO/AC(10%) was exothermic, while that of MG was an endothermic. In the case of adsorption isotherms, the Freundlich model showed the best fit for both dyes with a high correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.99, suggesting heterogeneous surface of the synthesized nanoparticles. The kinetic analysis indicated that both dyes followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model.
Designing a multifunctional packaging system based on gelatin/alove vera gel film containing of rosemary essential oil and common poppy anthocyanins
Authors: Bakhshizadeh Milad , Ayaseh Ali , Hamishehkar Hamed , Kafil Hossein Samadi , Moghaddam Tina Niknazar , Haghi Parya Baghban , Tavassoli Milad , Amjadi Sajed 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In this study, an intelligent and active gelatin-based film incorporated with aloe vera gel (AVG), rosemary essential oil (REO), and common poppy (CP) anthocyanins was produced, and its ability to monitor fish freshness was investigated. The film samples were examined by Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscope, and X-ray diffraction tests. The results showed that adding AVG and REO caused the creation of a uniform surface morphology for film samples. Additionally, the FT-IR spectroscopy indicated the formation of new interactions between the gelatin matrix and additives. The addition of CP anthocyanins significantly improved the crystalline structure and mechanical properties of the gelatin-based films. Moreover, the film incorporated with CP anthocyanins showed considerable sensitivity against pH changes and, ammonia gas and their color changed from reddish to green by increasing pH from 2 to 12. In addition, the gelatin/AVG/REO film containing CP anthocyanins was used for monitoring fish spoilage. The obtained results showed that the color of the intelligent colorimetric film changed from red to green, and its SRGB increased to 39.28 % after 72 h storage. These findings indicated the potential of the developed multifunctional film for use in monitoring the spoilage of food products and extending their shelf life.
Investigation of technophobia level and its related factors among nursing students
Authors: Toni Elham , Dehghan Mahlagha , Bagheri Fatemeh , Khajouei Reza 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Various technologies aid nurses in patient care. However, nurses are often anxious to use these technologies. Despite the adverse effects of nurses' technophobia on patient care, no study has evaluated technophobia in nursing students. This study aimed to investigate the level of technophobia and its causative factors in nursing students.
Methods
This study was performed on nursing students at Kerman University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kerman, Iran, using four valid and reliable questionnaires developed based on the existing literature. Independent t-test, analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunnett T3 post hoc test were used to study technophobia based on background characteristics. The Spearman correlation coefficient was also used to examine the relationship between technological skills and technophobia.
Results
The technophobia rate of nursing students was 33.18 ± 6.95. The level of technophobia was high in the females and students that had lower education (p < 0.05). Nursing students' skills in using information systems and medical equipment were less than their computer skills. Students with low computer skills had a high level of technophobia (p < 0.05). Nurses' technophobia often occurs due to insufficient knowledge, poor experience and skills, and lack of a mentor when using technologies.
Conclusions
The level of technophobia was moderate among nursing students. Their skills to use medical information systems and equipment are less than their computer skills. Low computer skills and poor ability to use medical equipment and information systems increase technophobia. The results suggest improving the computer and technological skills of nursing students especially females from the beginning of their study.
Idiopathic Bullous Pyoderma Gangrenosum in a 12-Year-Old Native American Male: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: O'Connor Hunter A. , Veldman Amber , Galloway Carl S. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background:
Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare autoinflammatory skin disorder that presents with extremely painful ulcerative skin lesions. Bullous PG is a rare subtype, characterized by formation of large hemorrhagic bullae. The bullous subtype is especially uncommon in children. We present here a case of bullous PG in a young Native American male.
Case Presentation:
A 12-year-old previously healthy Native American male initially developed several pustules on his back and axilla. Over the following three days, the lesions expanded into large hemorrhagic bullae. Suspecting an infectious etiology, he was initially treated with oral and topical antibiotics. The lesions continued to grow in size and number, and some developed into deep ulcerations. Antibiotic coverage was broadened, and he was admitted to a local hospital. The lesions progressed to include all four extremities, the torso, and deep ulcerations of the bilateral axillae. He was transferred to a higher-level facility for further workup. The diagnosis of bullous pyoderma gangrenosum was then made based on histologic findings of neutrophilic infiltration of the dermis and negative workup for other conditions. He was initially treated with systemic corticosteroids with immediate improvement. He continued to experience extreme pain, necessitating PICU admission for sedation during dressing changes. After three weeks, the lesions had healed significantly. He was given an infusion of Infliximab and discharged home. Two months after discharge, healing was nearly complete, and he was again infused with Infliximab. 4.5 months after discharge, his lesions had completely healed, albeit with significant scarring.
Conclusions:
To our knowledge, less than 10 cases of pediatric bullous pyoderma gangrenosum have been reported. Additionally, we are not aware of any other reported cases of bullous PG occurring in a Native American child. PG is often associated with systemic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, and hematologic malignancy but no underlying systemic condition was ever found in the current case. As shown in this case, PG is often mistaken for infection, which can delay diagnosis and increase long term morbidity.
Optimization of fermentation conditions for surfactin production by B. subtilis YPS-32
Authors: Zhou Yingjun , Yang Xiaoxue , li qing , Peng Zheng , Li Jianghua , Zhang Juan 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
BACKGROUND
Surfactin produced by microbial fermentation has attracted increasing attention because of its low toxicity and excellent antibacterial activity. However, its application is greatly limited by high production costs and low yield. Therefore, it is important to produce surfactin efficiently while reducing the cost. In this study, B. subtilis strain YPS-32 was used as a fermentative strain for the production of surfactin, and the medium and culture conditions for the fermentation of B. subtilis YPS-32 for surfactin production were optimized.
RESULTS
First, Landy 1 medium was screened as the basal medium for surfactin production by B. subtilis strain YPS-32. Then, using single-factor optimization, the optimal carbon source for surfactin production by B. subtilis YPS-32 strain was determined to be molasses, nitrogen sources were glutamic acid and soybean meal, and inorganic salts were KCl, K2HPO4, MgSO4, and Fe2(SO4)3. Subsequently, using Plackett-Burman design, MgSO4, time (h) and temperature (°C) were identified as the main effect factors. Finally, Box-Behnken design were performed on the main effect factors to obtain optimal fermentation conditions: temperature of 42.9°C, time of 42.8 h, MgSO4 = 0.4 g·L− 1. This modified Landy medium was predicted to be an optimal fermentation medium: molasses 20 g·L− 1, glutamic acid 15 g·L− 1, soybean meal 4.5 g·L− 1, KCl 0.375 g·L− 1, K2HPO4 0.5 g·L− 1, Fe2(SO4)3 1.725 mg·L− 1, MgSO4 0.4 g·L− 1. Using the optimized medium, the yield of surfactin reached 1.82 g·L− 1 at pH 5.0, 42.9℃, and 2% inoculum for 42.8 h, which was 2.27-fold higher than before optimization. Additionally, under these optimal process conditions, further fermentation was carried out at the 5 L fermenter level by foam reflux method, and at 42.8 h of fermentation, surfactin reached a maximum yield of 2.39 g·L− 1, which was 2.96-fold higher than before optimization.
Conclusion
In this study, the fermentation process of surfactin production by B. subtilis YPS-32 was improved by using a combination of single-factor tests and response surface methodology for test optimization, which laid the foundation for its industrial development and application.
Comparison between spectral-domain optical coherence tomography-based and partial coherence interferometry-based biometry
Authors: Ahn So Min , Kim Young Ho , Yun Cheolmin , Oh Jaeryung 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

We compared axial length (AL) measurements using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT)-based and partial coherence interferometry (PCI)-based biometry in eyes with various chorioretinal diseases. Medical records were retrospectively analyzed in 123 eyes from 73 patients who underwent AL measurements using SD-OCT and PCI. AL values were highly consistent by both measurements (ICC = 0.996 in SD-OCT and 0.995 in PCI-based biometry). The mean difference in AL between the two instruments was − 0.09 ± 0.17 mm, which was significant (P < 0.001). There was a strong correlation between the measurements obtained using the two instruments (r = 0.982, P < 0.001). The 95% limits of agreement were − 0.43 to 0.25 mm, and the agreement of AL in the Bland–Altman analysis showed a difference. The difference in measurements was not associated with the difference in central retinal thickness (r = 0.033, P = 0.720). However, the presence of an epiretinal membrane affected the difference in measurements, unlike in other chorioretinal diseases (P = 0.014). SD-OCT-based biometry showed a good correlation with PCI-based biometry in the measurement of AL; however, the mean AL between the two instruments was significantly different. Therefore, AL measurements made using SD-OCT-based and PCI-based biometry are not interchangeable. The presence of an epiretinal membrane influenced the differences in the measurements.
Impact of Mangrove on Tidal Propagation in a Tropical Coastal Lagoon
Authors: SEUJIP Marcellin SAMOU , BERTIN Xavier , SAKHO Issa , DIOUF Mouhamadou Bachir 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Very complex aquatic ecosystem, the mangrove forest colonizes coastal lagoons, estuaries and deltas in tropical and subtropical zones. This study investigates the impact of mangrove vegetation on tidal propagation in the Somone Coastal Lagoon, located on the Senegalese small coast. The analysis of new field data is complemented with the application of a 3D circulation model accounting for vegetation. The analysis of well-reproduced water levels and currents over the whole lagoon make it possible to spatially study the amplitudes of the main tidal harmonics, semi-diurnal (M2), diurnal (K1) and the major overtide (M4). The comparison between our baseline model accounting for vegetation and a configuration without vegetation reveals firstly that the mangrove strongly attenuates tidal propagation in the lagoon, whit a stronger impact on semi-diurnal waves than diurnal waves. Tidal currents are also strongly reduced when the mangrove is accounted for, even close to the inlet mouth, far away from vegetation areas. The mangrove also enhances tidal asymmetry and promotes ebb dominance, both in terms of duration (ebbs last from 0.5 up to 3 h more than floods) and current magnitude (ebb currents are about 50% stronger). Spring tides accentuate ebb-dominance compared to neap tides, where tidal asymmetry is weaker.
Changes in seed hydration memory expression through different seasons in a Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest
Authors: Lima Ayslan Trindade , Meiado Marcos Vinicius 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests, seeds are naturally submitted to hydration and dehydration cycles (HD cycles) during germination process, which can promote the seed hydration memory expression. We investigated how seeds from the same population produced and dispersed in different seasons of the year express seed hydration memory under water deficit conditions after discontinuous hydration, at different hydration times. We collected seeds produced during the dry season and dispersed at the beginning of the rainy season and seeds produced during the rainy season and dispersed at the beginning of the dry season. Seeds were submitted to 0, 1, 2 and 3 HD cycles with different hydration times and placed to germinate under ideal conditions. After verifying that the hydration time between cycles did not influence germination response of the studied species, seeds collected in both seasons of the year were submitted to 0, 1, 2 and 3 HD cycles and placed to germinate at different osmotic potentials (0.0, -0.1, -0.3, -0.6 and -0.9 MPa). After evaluating the germinal parameters, we observed that (1) seeds from the same population, produced and dispersed in different seasons, express seed hydration memory in a different way during their germination process and (2) discontinuous hydration confers greater acquisition of tolerance to seeds produced during dry season. Such germinal responses to HD cycles characterize the seed hydration memory expression, which is influenced by the environmental conditions present during seed development and post-dispersion, conferring ecological implications on the reproductive success of the species.
Salvage Value from Deterioration (SVD): A Three-Parameter Weibull Distribution Inventory Model Approach
Authors: Ogundare Oluwabunmi Chidinma , Onoja Anthony 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Maintaining inventory systems with deteriorating items is one of the major problems in inventory management. This study aimed to develop an inventory model for deteriorating items with a prior focus on stochastic demand, salvage value, and shortages during which partial backlogging occurred. To achieve this, we derived an innovative approach of a single-item inventory model for deteriorating items having a time-dependent deterioration rate that follows a three-parameter Weibull distribution. While the demand pattern follows a negative exponential distribution with partial backlogging and salvage value. In a real market situation, salvage value is crucial to minimize the cost of the seller on deteriorating items. To validate our model on a real market inventory problem that incurred deteriorating items, we collected numerical data from the Ose poultry store and used the Maple mathematical software package to analyze the situation. An analytical procedure for deriving the optimal inventory solutions was provided. In addition, the necessary and sufficient conditions for the optimal policy of the inventory model were confirmed. A sensitivity analysis of the optimal solution concerning various parameters of the model was carried out to evaluate the model's responsiveness to changes in the inventory parameters. The findings from our study showed that the optimal inventory policy is best achieved when the seller places an order for 50 crates of eggs approximately every 2 weeks. In conclusion, this study can be adapted to complex situations, especially during the phase of the COVID-19 pandemic when supply chains and inventories experienced risks of disruptions.
Obesity and hyperandrogenism are implicated with anxiety, depression and food cravings in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Authors: Karagiannakis Dimitrios S , Stefanaki Katerina , Raftopoulou Marina , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Paschou Stavroula A , Ilias Ioannis 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Introduction

PCOS has been associated with mood and eating disorders. Negative body image due to obesity, acne, hirsutism seems to be implicated, but hormonal derangements may also play a significant role.

Aim

To address the relationship of PCOS with mood and eating disturbances and investigate the latter’s potential association with obesity and hyperandrogenism.

Methods

Eighty-one patients, 49(60.5%) with PCOS and 32(39.5%) age- and BMI-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Emotional and food disorders were assessed by using self-administered questionnaires: Eating Attitudes Test (EAT)-26, Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAS) and Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait (FCQ-T).

Results

The two groups had no significant differences regarding age, BMI and HOMA2-IR. PCOS women had significantly higher DHEA-S (p<0.0001), Δ4Α (p<0.0001) and Testosterone (p<0.0001). When the two groups were subclassified according to the BMI, in lean (BMI<25kg/m2) or overweight (BMI≥25kg/m2), no significant differences were found in respect to EAT-26 and HAS. BDI-II was associated with obesity (overweight vs lean PCOS:18 vs 16.5;p=0.037) and hyperandrogenism (overweight PCOS vs overweight controls: 18vs13; p<0.0001; lean PCOS vs overweight controls: 16.5vs13; p=0.01), while a significant correlation with DHEA-S (r=0.305;p=0.006), Δ4Α (r=0.259;p=0.02) and Testosterone (r=0.328;p=0.003) was reported. FCQ-T was associated with obesity (overweight PCOS vs lean PCOS: 53vs28.5; p<0.0001; overweight controls vs lean PCOS: 40vs28.5; p<0.0001), whereas a correlation with BMI (r=0.593;p=0.0001), waist circumference (r=0.554;p=0.0001) and HOMA2-IR (r=0.328;p=0.003) was documented.

Conclusions

Obesity, insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism increase the risk of depression and food cravings in PCOS, leading to a vicious circle of further aggravation of obesity and metabolic syndrome.