bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nutrients digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation parameters of sheep fed on Sesbania Sesban and Reed Plants
Authors: Farghaly Mohsen , Mousa Soliman M. , El-Monaime Mohamed A. Abd , Suliman Abdelraheem I. , Hamdon Hatem. A. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding sesbania sesban and reed forage on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retained, ruminal protozoa count and rumen fermentation in sheep. Twelve mature native rams (50.25 kg body weight) were used in three digestibility trials The animals in group one were fed a basic diet consisting of a 700 g concentrate mixture with fresh Alfalfa ad libitum, which was kept as a control. The second group (T1) was fed 700 g concentrates with fresh Sesban ad libitum and the last one (T2) was fed 700 g concentrates with fresh Reed forage ad libitum. The rams were fed 60% of their daily requirements as a concentrate mixture based on NRC recommendations, while the rest was covered from green fodder. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in nutrient digestibility among groups. The digestibility of most nutrients in reed forage group tended to be lower than the control and sesban groups. However, the digestibility rate of NDF and ADF were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of control and sesban groups. The digestible crude protein (DCP) of the control and Sesbania groups was significantly (P˂0.05) higher than the reed one. However, the feeding value expressed as total digestible nutrient (TDN) and a starch value (SV) did not differ among groups. The nitrogen retained was improved (P < 0.05) of rams fed on alfalfa and Sesbania groups. Moreover, no significant differences were found among the treatments for ruminal pH, NH3-N, TVFA’s and total protozoa count. However, the ruminal NH3-N and TVFA’s concentrations tended to be lower in reed forage group than other groups. Concerning the effect of sampling time on the rumen liquor parameters, the mean values of pH were significantly (P < 0.05) higher before feeding time, then decreased at 4 hrs. after feeding. However, all of NH3-N and TVFA’s concentrations were lower before feeding and increased after feeding to reach the peak at 4 hrs. post feeding. In conclusion, the nutrient digestibility of sesban and reed forage were near to alfalfa or higher than it. Also, the rumen fermentation activates and the total protozoa count was improved by feeding sesban and reed forages to rams. Therefore, it can be recommended to use these forages as alternative sources of alfalfa in the diets of sheep.
Closing the Loop of a Global Supply Chain through a Robust Optimal Decentralized Decision Support System
Authors: Golpîra Hêriş 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This paper proposes an original risk-based robust mixed-integer linear programming to global closed-loop supply chain network design based on a novel, uncertain, bi-level programming model. The results show that using the proposed approach significantly improves the solution robustness so that the standard deviation of profit, income, and cost is reduced by about 28%, 34%, and 36% on average. However, a more conservative DM, compared to an optimistic DM, faces more income cuts to achieve greater robustness. As far as the managerial implications are concerned, this research can assist the DM in identifying essential trade-offs among risk, cost, profit, income, robustness, and leanness regarding its attitude toward risk. Because a similar change in the level of risk-taking of the DM does not necessarily have the same economic consequences for pessimistic and optimistic DMs. In addition, the proposed decentralized structure dramatically improves the leanness of the network, especially for a pessimistic DM.
Effect of Iron Fortification on Anaemia and Risk of Malaria among Ghanaian Pre-School Children with Haemoglobinopathies and Different ABO Blood Groups
Authors: Tchum Samuel Kofi , Sakyi Samuel Asamoah , Arthur Fareed , Adu Bright , Abubakar Latifatu Alhassan , Oppong Felix Boakye , Dzabeng Francis , Amoani Benjamin , Gyan Thomas , Asante Kwaku Poku 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
BackgroundHaemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell disorder and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency as well as differences in ABO blood groups have been shown to influence the risk of malaria and/or anaemia in malaria-endemic areas. This study assessed how iron fortification in addition to weaning meals affects anaemia and the risk of malaria in Ghanaian pre-school children with haemoglobinopathies and different ABO blood groups.MethodsThis study was a double-blind, randomly clustered trial conducted within six months among infants and young children aged 6 to 35 months in rural Ghana (775 clusters, n = 860). Participants were randomly selected into clusters to receive daily semiliquid home-prepared meals mixed with either micronutrient powder without iron (noniron group) or with iron (iron group; 12.5mg of iron daily) for 5 months. Malaria infection was detected by microscopy, blood haemoglobin (Hb) levels were measured with a HemoCue Hb analyser, the reversed ABO blood grouping microtube assay was performed, and genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of G6PD deficiency in hemizygous males (8.5%) was higher than that in homozygous females (2.7%) but was similar (p=0.668). The prevalence rates of sickle cell traits (HbAS and HbSC) and sickle cell disorder (HbSS) were 17.5% and 0.5%, respectively. Blood group O was dominant (41.4%), followed by blood group A (29.6%) and blood group B (23.3%), while blood group AB (5.7%) was the rarest among the study participants. This study observed that children on an iron supplement with HbAS had significantly moderate anaemia at the endline (EL) compared to the baseline level (BL) (p = 0.004). However, subjects with HbAS and HbAC and blood groups A and O in the iron group had a significantly increased number of malaria episodes at EL than at BL (p < 0.05). Furthermore, children in the iron group with HbSS (p < 0.001) and the noniron group with HbCC (p = 0.010) were significantly less likely to develop malaria.ConclusionsIron supplementation increased anaemia in children with HbAS genotypes but provided less protection against malaria in children with HbAC and AS and blood groups A and O.TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01001871. Registered 27/10/2009, http://www. ClinicalTrials.gov/ NCT01001871.Registration number: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT01001871.
Natural Hazards Fatalities in Brazil, 1979–2019
Authors: Couto Gabriela , Sanchez Alber , NOBRE CARLOS AFONSO , Alvalá Regina 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The impact of natural hazards on nations and societies is a global challenge and concern. Studies worldwide have been conducted within and among countries, to examine the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of fatalities and their consequences in societies. In Brazil, no studies have comprehensively identified fatalities associated with all natural hazards and their singularities by decade, region, sex, age, and other victim characteristics. This study develops a deep analysis on the Brazilian Data Mortality of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, from 1979 to 2019, identifying the natural hazards that kill the greatest number of people in Brazil and its surrounding particularities. Lightning is the deadliest natural hazard in Brazil during this period, with a gradual decrease in the number of fatal victims. Hydrogeological fatalities increases from 2000, and the most fatalities develop from 2010 to 2019. Despite Brazil being a tropical country affected by severe droughts, extreme heat had the lowest number of fatalities, almost irrelevant when compared with that of other natural hazards. The period from December to March is with the higher number of fatalities, and the Southeast region is the most populous regions were the most are fatally affected. The number of male victims is double that of female victims, of all ages, and unmarried victims died the most. Thus, it is fundamental to recognize and make public the knowledge of different natural hazards’ impacts on communities and societies, namely people and their livelihoods, to evaluate challenges and recognize opportunities to reduce natural hazards’ impacts on Brazil.
Thermoplastic Natural Rubber Based on Polyester Blends: Influence of Different Types of Natural Rubber and Polyesters on Cure, Mechanical, Rheological, Morphological, Thermal, Relaxation Properties and Biodegradation
Authors: Pichaiyut Sakulrat , Faibunchan Parisa , Kummerlöwe Cladia , Vennemann Norbert , Nakason Charoen 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Novel green biodegradable thermoplastic natural rubber (GB-TPNR) based on natural rubber and polyester blends was prepared by dynamic vulcanization. The main objective was to improve mechanical and rheological properties, thermal stability and biodegradability of the natural rubber/polyester thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs). Three types of natural rubber: unmodified NR, and epoxidized natural rubbers with 25 and 50 mole % epoxide (i.e., ENR-25 and ENR-50); and two polyester types: polybutylene succinate (PBS) and poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBSA) were used as blend components. It was found that the dynamically cured ENR-50/PBS blends exhibited superior mechanical, rheological, thermal and stress relaxation properties relative to ENR-25/PBS and unmodified NR/PBS TPVs. This is attributed to stronger chemical interactions between the polar functional groups of ENR-50 and PBS, which caused strong interfacial adhesion and hence the smallest vulcanized rubber domains dispersed in the PBS matrix. Furthermore, stress relaxation, thermal resistance, mechanical strength and degree of crystallinity of PBS phase increased with epoxide content in the modified rubber. Moreover, the dynamically blended ENR-50/PBSA showed larger vulcanized rubber domains along with poorer mechanical, relaxation and thermal properties but easier biodegradation than the ENR-50/PBS blend.
Multi-objects Optimization in Μ - Edm Using Alcrni Coated Tungsten Carbide Electrode for Ti-6al-4v
Authors: Phan Phan Huu , T. Muthuramalingam , Van Dong Pham , Shirguppikar Shailesh , Tien Dung Hoang , Van Thien Nguyen , Trong Ly Nguyen 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) is widely used in a number of fields such as medical, aeronautical and nuclear fields. Since the surface finish should be enhanced as much possible in efficient way, the micro EDM process can be used for machining such materials. The process mechanism can be enhanced by utilizing the coated electrode in the process. In the present study, an effort was made to investigate the effects of process parameters on drilling titanium alloy with AlNiCr coated aluminium electrode in micro EDM process. An optimization approach was also implemented using Taguchi-DEAR approach. From the experimental interpretation, the conclusions were made as follow. The AlNiCr coated aluminium electrode can enhance the machinability of micro EDM process. The optimal combination of voltage (140V), capacitance (10nF), and Tool rotation (200RPM) could provide better quality measures among the chosen variables. The moderate voltage and capacitance can remove the material effectively with lower overcut, since the electrical conductivity can effectively enhance the conductivity of the plasma energy column. The coated electrode can create the tiny craters with uniform energy distribution.
Molecular investigations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains circulating in four regions of Eswatini
Authors: Dlamini Talent C. , Mkhize Brenda T. , Sydney Clive , Manningi Nontuthuko E. , Pasipanodya Jotam G. , Malinga Lesibana A. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: The tuberculosis (TB) epidemic remains a major global health problem and has high in Eswatini. Our study aimed to investigate the circulating genotypes in Eswatini and to determine genotype changes of susceptible Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains when they develop into Multidrug resistant (MDR)-TB strains during treatment.Methods: Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method, and patient who met the inclusion criteria, were included in this quantitative descriptive cohort study (n=103). A total of 206 Mtb strains at baseline and at follow-up detected by GeneXpert® MTB/RIF assay (Cephied, USA) and microscopy respectively. The decontaminated specimens were processed on the BACTEC™ MGIT™ 960 Mycobacteria Culture System (Becton Dickinson, USA), for culture drug sensitivity testing. DNA was extracted for spoligotyping, using GenoLyse (Hain LifeScience). The study results were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25 software and STATA.Results: Resistance to at least one first line drug was detected higher in baseline compared to follow-up specimens with most of them developed into MDR-TB. A total of 82.5% (170/206) strains had valid spoligotyping patterns, with four lineages and eighteen sublineages. The distribution of the lineages varied among the different regions in Eswatini. The Euro-American lineage was the most prevalent with 57.6% (98/170) followed by the East Asian with 28.8% (49/170); Indo-Oceanic at 11.2% (19/170) and Central Asian at 2.4% (4/170). Furthermore, a high proportion of the Beijing sublineage at 28.8% (49/170) and S sublineage at 20.0% (34/170) were detected. The Beijing sublineage strain was predominant found in follow-up strains of the Manzini region with 48.9% (23/47) which was significant (p=0.001). A significant proportion of follow-up specimens developed MDR-TB (p=0.001) with Beijing genotype being the major sublineage in most follow-up specimens (p<0.000).Conclusion: Eswatini has a high Mtb genotypic diversity. A significant proportion of the TB infected participants had the Beijing sublineage associated with MDR-TB in follow up specimens and thus indicate community wide transmission.
Validation of SNP markers for selection of semi-dwarf and peduncle extension in barley
Authors: Baraibar Silvina , Iriarte Wanda , de León Wilmar , Bonnecarrere Victoria 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This study aimed to validate the use of two SNP markers associated to a sdw1 allele identified previously in a short barley genotype (ND23049) with an adequate peduncle extension which reduces predisposition to fungal disease development. First, the GBS SNP were converted in a KASP marker but only one of them, named TP4712, correctly amplified all allelic variations and had a mendelian segregation in a F2 population. To corroborate the association between TP4712 allele with plant height and peduncle extension a total of 842 genotypes were genotyped and evaluated for both traits. Out of the 842 genotypes, 199 were F4 lines, 79 were a diverse panel and 564 were a complete breeding cohort of stage 1 yield trials. To corroborate the association between the sdw1 allele and the short plant height with adequate peduncle extension, contingency tables were created, grouping the 1954 data points into categories. Based on the contingency analysis it was demonstrated that the higher proportion of short plants with adequate peduncle extension were present in genotypes carrying the SNP allele present in ND23049 regardless the population and the sowing date. This study develops a marker assisted selection tool to accelerate the introgression of favourable alleles for plant height and peduncle extension in adapted germplasm.
Petrographic characterization and durability of carbonate stones used in UNESCO World Heritage sites in northeastern Italy
Authors: Salvini Silvia , Coletti Chiara , Maritan Lara , Massironi Matteo , Pieropan Alberto , Spiess Richard , Mazzoli Claudio 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This paper presents the petrographic and textural characterization of some ornamental limestones widely used in UNESCO World Heritage sites in northeastern Italy, and the assessment of the main decay factors present in the environment where they are employed. Eleven carbonate building materials have been here considered, all commonly present in the built environment of northeastern Italy: two different varieties of Vicenza Stone (Nanto and Costozza), of Verona Stone (Red and Brown Verona), of Asiago Stone (Pink and White Asiago), and of Chiampo Stone (Ondagata and Paglierino), the Istria Stone (Orsera), the Aurisina Stone, and the Botticino Stone. The Carrara marble is also considered, and used as a reference material for the determination of the grain-size distribution. Stone durability was measured by accelerated ageing tests which reproduced freeze-thaw and salt crystallization cycles, among the main causes of deterioration in the region. Petrographic and textural features of these carbonate rocks as well as their porosity resulted to strongly influence their deterioration rate, and their knowledge is therefore essential when trying to predict stone decay as a function of the local environmental forcings.
A Protocol for Creating and Modifying the Outlier Detection System's General Framework
Authors: Divya D , Bhasi M. , Santoshkumar M. B. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Early detection of outliers has major applications in various industrial domains such as machine failure detection, patient monitoring systems and early warning systems of natural disasters. Although many machine learning and deep learning techniques have developed in the last few years, training of these algorithms requires a large amount of labelled dataset. However, generation of hand labelled training dataset is time consuming and has less accuracy. Likewise, the artificial dataset should follow the characteristics of real time data. Hence, generation of a time series dataset following the rules of data generation aids data scientists to develop and evaluate different supervised models. This generated data can help experts to develop a general framework for outlier detection. Hyper parameter optimisation performed in this base model ensures maximum efficiency of the generated model. Once the base model is ready, experts from various domains can utilise the framework for outlier detection in their specific application by applying domain specific heuristics. A case analysis using atmospheric dataset is conducted in this paper that act as a guideline for adding domain specific heuristics into the base model.
Using dual-layer detector spectral computed tomography to predict lymph node metastasis and identify differentiation degree of gastric cancer
Authors: Pan Xinmeng , Fu Lanqi , He Bo , Hu Jihong , Zhao Wei , Yang Yaying 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the value of spectral computed tomography (CT) in evaluating the differentiation degree of gastric cancer and predicting lymph node (LN) metastasis. Methods: Enhanced spectral CT images of 51 gastric cancer patients were retrospectively analyzed. Effective atomic number (Zeff), normalized effective atomic number (nZeff), iodine density (ID), and normalized ID (nID) of the gastric cancer were measured at the venous stage. Zeff, nZeff, ID and nID of the study groups (poorly and moderately-highly differentiated groups; LN metastasis and no LN metastasis groups) were statistically compared using independent t-tests. Sex, age, location, and thickness of gastric cancer were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance or independent t-test. Correlations were assessed using Spearman rank correlation. The optimal diagnostic cutoff value with sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) was determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.Results: Zeff, nZeff, ID and nID of gastric cancer were higher in the poorly differentiated group than in the moderately-highly differentiated group (P<0.05), and AUCs for evaluating the degree of differentiation were 0.909, 0.888, 0.905, and 0.916, respectively. There were no significant differences in Zeff, nZeff, ID and nID regarding age, sex, tumor thickness, or tumor location (P>0.05). Zeff, nZeff, ID and nID were higher in the LNM group than in the no LNM group (P<0.05), and AUCs for predicting LNM were 0.888, 0.824, 0.828 and 0.892, respectively. Conclusions: Zeff, nZeff, ID and nID values of spectral CT predicted the degree of differentiation of gastric cancer and LNM and were positively correlated with N stage.
Coregulation of VEGF-A And PLGF in Vascular Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Rashdan Nabil A. , Lovern Pamela C. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Placental growth factor (PLGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) are important regulators of both physiological and pathological vascular remodeling. We previously reported that in monoculture human coronary EC primarily expresses PLGF, while human coronary smooth muscle cells (SMC) primarily express VEGF-A. However, in the vasculature, EC and SMC are in close proximity. Thus, in this study we sought to 1) determine whether this cell-specific expression pattern is maintained when EC and SMC are cocultured, and 2) test the hypothesis that EC and SMC co-regulate the expression of VEGF-A and PLGF. EC and SMC were cultured on either side of a porous Transwell insert and media PLGF and VEGF-A levels were measured by ELISA. We confirmed that the cell type-specific expression of PLGF and VEGF-A we observed in monocultures remains evident in the coculture model. Interestingly, coculture of EC and SMC increased media PLGF relative to EC monoculture, but decreased media VEGF-A compared to SMC monoculture. Coculture conditions also increased VEGFR2 levels on the surface of EC but decreased VEGFR1 levels on the surface of SMC. Inhibition of VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase activity decreased PLGF and increased VEGF in both EC and cocultures but not in SMC monocultures. We conclude that PLGF and VEGF-A exert both paracrine and autocrine regulatory effects on each other and that these effects are mediated by VEGFR2 (in EC) and VEGFR1 (in SMC). Based on these results, we recommend that researchers investigating VEGFR signaling consider the use of coculture models when designing studies.
Yishengukang Decoction Could Target Osteoclasts to Inhibit Bone Metastasis by CaN/NFAT Pathway
Authors: Wang Yaohan , Chang Jinyuan , Chen Jiayang , Feng Li 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Bone metastasis was one of the common complications in advanced cancer. There was about 80% advanced cancer patients with bone metastasis, nearly 40%~58% of bone metastasis patients suffered once skeletal related events (SRE) at least, and the quality of life and even the overall survival were influced by SRE seriously. Chinese medicine could significantly reduce SRE, improve the quality of life and even prolong the survival. Yishengukang decoction(YSGK) could relieve bone metastasis patients’ bone cancer pain and improve the quality of life. And the researches showed YSGK had the inhibitory effect on osteoblasts in vitro. And whether the YSGK could inhibit bone metastasis and the mechanism were unclear. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effect of Yishegukang decoction (YSGK) on inducing osteoclasts by CCK-8 and TRAP staining in vitro, used Micro CT to observe the bone lesions by establishing the tibial bone metastasis animal model, and studied the mechanism of YSGK extractive on inhibiting bone metastasis by western blot analysis, ELISA assay and RT-PCR. Results: YSGK extractive could inhibit osteoclast maturation and the IC50 was 10.71mg/ml in vitro. The research indicated that high does and low does of YSGK extractive reduced bone lesions, improved the BV/TV and the BMD, but only high does of YSGK extractive could inhibit osteoclasts maturation in vivo. And the further research showed that high does of YSGK could inhibit activity of CaN/NFAT pathway by inhibiting on mRNA level of NFAT. Conclusions: Our data showed that high does of YSGK extractive could target osteoclasts to inhibit bone metastasis by suppressing CaN/NFAT pathway. These results indicated that Chinese medicine played important roles in bone metastasis and exploring YSGK potential role and the effect on tumor cells were our work in future.