bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolites, gene expression and gut microbiota profiles suggest the putative mechanisms via which dietary creatine increases the serum taurine and g- ABA contents in Megalobrama amblycephala
Authors: Hua Yizhuo , Huang Wangwang , Wang Fan , Jing Zhao , Li Juntao , Zhao Yuhua 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
High carbohydrate diets can affect the growth and metabolism of fish; e.g. decrease the concentration of liver betaine and cause disturbances in the creatine pathway, and damage the liver. Previous studies have shown that dietary betaine can effectively alleviate these negative effects. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of creatine on growth performance, liver health status, metabolites and gut microbiota in M. amblycephala. The results showed that supplementing creatine and betaine together reduced the feed conversion ratio significantly (P < 0.05, compared to CD and HCD) and improved liver health (compared to HCD). Compared with the BET group, dietary creatine significantly increased the abundances of Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, ZOR0006 and Bacteroides, and decreased the abundances of Proteobacteria, Fusobacteriota, Vibrio, Crenobacter, and Shewanella in the CRE1 group. Dietary creatine increased the content of taurine, arginine, ornithine, γ-aminobutyric acid (g-ABA) and creatine (CRE1 vs. BET group), and the expression of creatine kinase (ck), sulfinoalanine decarboxylase (csad), guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase (gamt), glycine amidinotransferas (gatm), agmatinase (agmat), diamine oxidase1 (aoc1), and glutamate decarboxylase (gad) in the CRE1 group. Overall, these results suggested that dietary supplementation of creatine (0.5% − 2%) did not affect the growth performance, but it altered the gut microbial composition at the phylum and genus levels; it also increased the serum content of taurine by enhancing the activities of creatine metabolism and the CSA pathway, and increased the serum content of g-ABA by enhancing the activities of arginine metabolism, putrescine synthesis, and synthesis of g-ABA.
Solving a One-Dimensional Moving Boundary Problem Based on Wave Digital Principles
Authors: Beattie Bakr Al , Ochs Karlheinz 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
We report on a novel method for solving one-dimensional moving boundary problems based on wave digital principles. Here, we exploit multidimensional wave digital algorithms to derive an efficient and robust algorithm for the solution of the considered problem. Our method lets the wave digital model, on which the algorithm is based, expand according to the size of the solution domain. The expanding model introduces new dynamical elements, which must be properly initialized to obtain a calculable algorithm. To deal with this problem, we make use of linear multistep methods to extrapolate the missing values. Our results show the proposed method to indeed be capable of correctly solving a partial differential equation describing a growing biological axon.
A microwave scattering spectral method to detect the nanomechanical vibrations embedded in a superconducting qubit
Authors: Gao Haiyan , Wei Lianfu 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Nanomechanical resonators (NMRs), as the quantum mechanical sensing probers, have played the important roles for various high-precision quantum measurements. Differing from the previous emission spectral probes (i.e., the NMR modified the atomic emission), in this paper we propose an alternative approach, i.e., by probing the scattering spectra of the quantum mechanical prober coupled to the driving microwaves, to characterize the physical features of the NMR embedded in a rf-SQUID based superconducting qubit. It is shown that, from the observed specifical frequency points in the spectra, i.e., either the dips or the peaks, the vibrational features (i.e., they are classical vibration or quantum mechanical one) and the physical parameters (typically such as the vibrational frequency and displacements) of the NMR can be determined effectively. The proposal is feasible with the current technique and should be useful to design the desired NMRs for various quantum metrological applications.
Harnessing indigenous planning for resource conservation in Ghana
Authors: Adjei-Cudjoe Benolia , Buxton David Nii Baah 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Using a qualitative approach, the purpose of this research was to critically analyse the role of indigenous planning on resource conservation in Ghana which was conceptualized as degrowth. Using three traditional areas located in the coastal, forest and savannah zones in Ghana, the study interviewed 15 traditional leaders. The findings showed that taboos that protects the ecosystem from overexploitation for economic pursuit were influenced by the belief that plants, animals and water bodies have some spiritual and cultural significance. Through the lens of indigenous planning, this works adds to the understanding of degrowth within socio-spatial planning.
Experimental study on the screening of high-efficiency flushing agents and the optimum injection modes adaptable for landfill leachate-contaminated soil
Authors: Yu Haitao , Liu Zhibin , Zhang Jinpeng , Zhan Liangtong , Fan Zhanhuang , Yuan Miaoxin , Liu Zhu 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
In order to study the flushing efficiency of different leaching agents on the mixed contaminated soil in landfill, five surfactants (SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate), SDBS (sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate), Tween 80, RL (rhamnolipid), and saponin) and three chelants (EDDS ([S,S]-ethylene-diamine-disuccinic acid), EDTA (ethylene- diaminetetraacetic acid), and CA (citric acid)) were selected to carry out batch tests and one-dimensional column tests. In addition, the influence of injection conditions on the flushing efficiency of saponin was also evaluated. The results show that the saponin with low COD and degradability performed the best removal efficiency of the selected eluents. The extraction rates of total Cr, Cr (VI), ammonia nitrogen, and COD increase with increasing saponin concentration. In the batch test, the extraction rates of total nitrogen were less than 40%, and it was not sensitive to the concentration. Saponin can simultaneously extract heavy metals (total Cr and Cr (VI)), total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, and organics from the contaminated soil. The leaching effect of saponin is obviously different under different injection modes. For contaminated soil dominated by total Cr or Cr (VI), continuous injection is recommended. If total nitrogen or ammonia nitrogen is the priority target, the step-gradient injection can demonstrate better removal efficiency. Muti-pulse injection is preferred when organics are the main factor in mixed contaminated soil.
Democratizing Corruption A Role Structure Analysis of Indonesia’s “Big Bang” Decentralization
Authors: Silitonga Mala Sondang , Wittek Rafael , Heyse Liesbet , Snijders Tom A. B. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The study investigates to what degree Indonesia’s large-scale decentralization and democratization changed corruption networks. A role structure approach is developed to move current analysis of dyad-level structures to the network level. This approach is empirically tested by comparing the relational content and third-party structures of 96 corruption networks operating in the first phase of decentralization (2001–2004), characterized by indirect democracy and a powerful local council, with 94 corruption networks detected in the second phase (2005–2013), when direct local elections were introduced and the power of the local council declined. Building on Fiske’s relational model theory, it is argued and found that the local executive’s reduced dependence on the local council provided the opportunity to initiate corrupt exchanges with a broader set of players both inside and outside the bureaucracy. Whereas deep dependence power relations (i.e. formal authority) remained important, an increasing proportion of corruption networks involved compound role structures characterized by both shallow (non-embedded profit and work relations) and deep interdependence (kin- and friendship). Furthermore, third party intermediaries became more important. Implications for the study of networks of corruption are discussed.
Effects of Enhanced Bacillus circulans Fermented Tibetan Tea on Intestinal Microbiota and Hepatic Antioxidant Capacity of Mice
Authors: Wang Ning , Mo Shan , Wu Tao , Mehmood Muhammad Aamer , Sun Haiyan , Tang Yongqing , Mei Jie , Mei Yuan , Fang Wen , Xiao Xiongjun , Zhu Hui 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Tibetan tea is a typical dark tea, whose processing is highly dependent on pile-fermentation. During microbial fermentation, microorganisms, including Bacillus circulans, and their metabolites induce several biochemical reactions, each with unique roles in the resulting tea quality and flavor. The primary aim of the current study was to investigate the chemical composition and beneficial health effects of enhanced Tibetan tea, generated via B. circulans fermentation, in a murine model. To this end, changes in the chemical composition of Tibetan tea extracts were analyzed before and after fermentation via ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The effects of fortified fermented Tibetan tea on the intestinal microbiota and hepatic antioxidant capacity of mice were then evaluated. The contents of catechins derivatives, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids were increased in Tibetan tea following fermentation (the proportion of each chemical component increased by 0.3, 2.38, 2.65, and 3.36%, respectively, relative to its unfermented level). Moreover, 16S ribosomal RNA sequence analyses revealed that fermented Tibetan tea regulates the intestinal microbiota of mice. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp. was increased following fermented tea consumption. Based on the histological and quantitative PCR analyses, fermented Tibetan tea can also improve intestinal development and intestinal barrier functions, while increasing the hepatic antioxidant capacity of mice. Hence, enhanced fermented Tibetan tea improves the beneficial effects mediated by murine intestinal microbiota. These findings provide a theoretical basis for further evaluation of the effects of microorganisms on Tibetan tea, as well as its potential application as a functional food.
Performance of N-Doped Graphene Nano Sheets on Electrode of Primary Battery Cells
Authors: Siburian Rikson , Alias Yatimah , Pasaribu Elsa , Supeno Minto , Goei Ronn , Tok Alfred Iing Yoong , Sookhakian Mehran , Nasution Lita , Simatupang Lisnawaty 
Published: November 2022

AbstractResearch on performance of N-Doped Graphene Nano Sheets (N-G) from coconut fruits as well as raw materials was carried out. The aims of this research are to produce gram scale N-G and evaluate its performance act as an electrode of primary battery cells. In this research, Graphene Nano Sheets (GNS) was produced from coconut fruits by using pyrolysis method. Then, N-G was generated with N-doped method where ammonia solution and room temperature were used as N atoms source and temperature doping, respectively. Finally, N-G was characterized with XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, XPS, Raman and conductometer. XRD data shows that C (002) peak of N-G shifts to higher 2θ number comparing to GNS that is N-G (2θ = 24,72o) and GNS (2θ = 23.86o), indicating there is interaction between carbon and nitrogen on N-G. This data is consistent with XPS data namely the type of N-G is N-pyridin (BE = 402.0 eV) and C-N (BE = 286.8 eV). Interestingly, the TEM images show clearly N-G has the flat surface and the graphene layers distance are little bit expanding (0.36 nm) compare to graphene layers (0.34 nm). SEM images and EDX data also may prove the morphology structure like the honey comb lattices and containing N atoms dominant. Raman data succeed to clarify D-band and G-band from N-G. All of data show that N-G is well produced and proved. In addition, the good findings N-G has electrical conductivity and it may be used as an electrode on primary battery cells.
A search for acrolein scavengers among food components
Authors: Uemura Takeshi , Uchida Masashi , Nakamura Mizuho , Shimekake Momo , Sakamoto Akihiko , Terui Yusuke , Higashi Kyohei , Ishii Itsuko , Kashiwagi Keiko , Igarashi Kazuei 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Brain stroke is a major cause of being bedridden for elderly people, and preventing stroke is important for maintaining quality of life (QOL). Acrolein is a highly reactive aldehyde and causes tissue damage during stroke. Decreasing acrolein toxicity ameliorates tissue injury during brain stroke. In this study, we tried to identify food components which decrease acrolein toxicity. We found that 2-furanmethanethiol, cysteine methyl and ethyl esters, alliin, lysine and taurine decreased acrolein toxicity. These compounds neutralized acrolein by direct interaction. However, the interaction between acrolein and taurine was not so strong. Approximately 30 mM taurine was necessary to interact with 10 µM acrolein, and 2 g/kg taurine was necessary to decrease the size of mouse brain infarction. Taurine also slightly increased polyamine contents, which are involved in decrease in the acrolein toxicity. Mitochondrial potential damage by acrolein was also protected by taurine. Our results indicate that daily intake of foods containing 2-furanmethanethiol, cysteine methyl and ethylesters, alliin, lysine and taurine may prevent severe injury in brain stroke and improve the quality of life for elderly people.
Assessing directional vulnerability to wildfire
Authors: Beverly Jennifer , Forbes Air M. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Wildfires spread along trajectories set by a coincident wind direction. Despite the highly directional nature of wildfire threats to public safety, landscape fire risk assessments are typically omnidirectional. We used a simple, readily-available metric of landscape fire exposure to develop a systematic, standardized, descriptive assessment of directional vulnerability to wildfire at a point location. First, we defined a viable wildfire trajectory by analyzing 573 sample trajectories delineated within the burned areas of historical fires in the province of Alberta, Canada. On average, sample trajectories intersected locations assessed as having high wildfire exposure for 79% of their length. We therefore defined a viable fire trajectory as one with less than 1/5th of its length traversing low exposure. Using this criterion, we assessed the viability of directional trajectories around 913 small- to moderately-sized communities in the province. At each assessment point (i.e., community centroid), we delineated 360 possible wildfire trajectories into the community at 1° directional intervals. Each 15 km directional trajectory was divided into three equal-length segments for analysis, spanning: 0 (centroid) to 5 km; 5 km to 10 km; and 10 km to 15 km. The length of each directional trajectory segment that intersected high exposure was computed for all 1080 directional segments in each community study area. In total, we evaluated 986,040 directional segments. Communities exhibited highly unique and varied patterns of directional vulnerabilities to wildfire encroachment. Of the 913 communities analyzed, 136 had at least one continuous viable trajectory spanning the full 0-15 km distance from the community centroid and 211 communities had at least one continuous viable trajectory spanning 5 – 15 km from the community centroid. We developed a novel radial graph for displaying spatially referenced directional vulnerabilities to wildfire for a given community and combined results for all 913 analyzed communities to assess regional vulnerabilities within administrative management areas (i.e., Forest Areas). Potential applications of our directional wildfire assessment method are discussed, including prioritization of limited fire suppression resources, planning fuel reduction treatments, proactively identifying candidate locations for operational activities, and assessing evacuation vulnerabilities.
Sentiment analysis of financial news for stock price prediction: Empirical evidence from India
Authors: L Manogna R 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The stock prices are majorly affected by news related to macroeconomic conditions of the country as well as the global economy. The stocks are also affected by news specifically related to them. In this study we tried to understand how news affects the change in stock indices of emerging markets. We have used NIFTY50 and headlines of the Economic Times newspaper for this study. The model gives information on whether the NIFTY50 index will rise or fall given the news headlines. We have made three models based on Random Forest Classifier, Decision Trees Classifier and Multinomial NB Classifier. The Random Forest Classifier based achieved the best precision of 0.73. This model can give the investors greater decision support.
Preferential Flow Velocity Mapping of Alluvial Soil Using Temporal Electrical Resistivity Imaging
Authors: Halihan Todd , Acharya Bharat Sharma , Hager John P , Guertault Lucie , Fox Garey 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Riparian soils are susceptible to the formation of macropores, which provide opportunities for preferential flow in comparison to the surrounding soil matrix. Temporal Electrical Resistivity Imaging (TERI) can locate spatial heterogeneities in soil wetting patterns caused by preferential flow through macropores. Quantifying macropore flow properties is important to optimize the design of riparian buffers. In a field evaluation of a riparian area with naturally occurring macropores, the TERI technique is able to detect the wetted zone around a macropore similar to a high hydraulic conductivity zone in a heterogeneous soil matrix. An experiment was established in a coarse soil in North Carolina to evaluate if TERI datasets could quantify the hydraulic properties of both the soil matrix and the preferential macropore pathways. Results show TERI is a viable method for calculating the vertical fluid velocity along orthogonal profiles in this coarse-grained field site. The datasets allowed the distribution and hydraulic properties of the preferential flow pathways to be quantified over a two-dimensional plane that is comparable with traditional soil datasets.
Quadratic-Phase Scaled Wigner Distribution: Convolution and Correlation
Authors: Bhat M. Younus , Dar Aamir H. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
In this paper, we propose the novel integral transform coined as the Quadratic-phase Scaled Wigner Distribution (QSWD) by extending the Wigner distri- bution associated with quadratic-phase Fourier trans- form(QWD) to the novel one inspired by the definition of fractional bispectrum. A natural magnification ef- fect characterized by the extra degrees of freedom of the quadratic-phase Fourier transform (QPFT) and by a factor k on the frequency axis enables the QSWD to have flexibility to be used in cross-term reduction. By using the machinery of QSWD and operator theory, we first establish the general properties of the proposed transform, including the conjugate-symmetry, non-linearity, shifting, scaling and marginal. Then, we study the main properties of the proposed transform, including the in- verse, Moyal’s, convolution and correlation. Finally, the applications of the newly defined QSWD for the de- tection of single-component and bi-component linear- frequency-modulated (LFM) signal are also performed to show the advantage of the theory.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2020) 42C40 · 81S30 · 11R52 · 44A35.
Public health determinants of child malaria mortality – a surveillance study within Siaya County, Western Kenya
Authors: Hollowell Thomas , Sewe Maquins , Rocklöv Joacim , Obor David , Odhiambo Frank , Ahlm Clas 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Malaria deaths among children have been declining worldwide during the last two decades. Despite preventive, epidemiologic and therapy-development work, mortality rate decline has stagnated in western Kenya resulting in persistently high child malaria morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to identify proximal factors influencing the high burden of malaria deaths among children in this region.
Methods
A total of 221,929 children, 111,488 females and 110,441 males, under the age of 5 were enrolled in the Kenya Medical Research Institute/Center for Disease Control Health and Demographic Surveillance System (KEMRI/CDC HDSS) study area in Siaya County during the period 2003-2013. Cause of death was determined by use of a verbal autopsy methodology.
Age-specific mortality rates were computed, and cox proportional hazard regression was used to model time to malaria death controlling for the socio-demographic factors. A variety of demographic, social and epidemiologic factors were examined.
Results
In total 8,696 (3.9%) children died during the study period. Malaria was the most prevalent cause of death and constituted 33.2% of all causes of death, followed by acute respiratory infections (26.7 %) and HIV/AIDS related deaths (18.6%).
There was a marked decrease in overall mortality rate from 2003 to 2013, except for a spike in the rates in 2008. The hazard of death differed between age groups with the youngest having the highest hazard of death HR 6.07 (95% CI 5.10-7.22). Overall, the risk attenuated with age and mortality risks were limited beyond 4 years of age. Longer distance to healthcare HR of 1.44 (95% CI 1.29-1.60), Low maternal education HR 3.91 (95% CI 1.86-8.22), and low socioeconomic status HR 1.44 (95% CI 1.26-1.64) were all significantly associated with increased hazard of malaria death among children.
Conclusions
While child mortality due to malaria in the study area in Western Kenya, has been decreasing, a final step toward significant risk reduction is yet to be accomplished. This study highlights residual proximal determinants of risk which can further inform preventive actions.
Sero-surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody (IgG) among garment workers in Bangladesh
Authors: Mosa Abu Syed Md. , Mosaddek Nafisa , Farhana Fatima , Islam Md. Saiful , Islam Md. Siddiqul , Alam Md. Bodrudoza , Hossain K.M.Nazmul , Hasan Md. Mehedi 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Since the detection of first corona virus infection in Bangladesh on 8th March, 2020, it has been spread to the whole country quickly. Though there is lack of proper treatment facility, diagnostic facility, lack of awareness, unwillingness of people to follow the social distance guideline and lack of other containment strategies, the prevalence of COVID-19 infection especially severe and symptomatic infection among people of Bangladesh specially among working people like garment workers, people living in slum areas and rural areas are low.
Objectives
The purpose of this research was to determine the sero-prevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody (IgG) among Bangladeshi garment workers.
Methods
A cross-sectional and observational research was conducted on 402 garment workers. (69.4% female; mean age = 28.9 ± 6.9 years) in Dhaka city. A semi-structured questionnaire including informed consent as well as, socio-demographics and COVID-19 infection related information, was used to conduct the survey. Blood samples of all participants were also collected to measure the SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody (IgG). Serum level of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody (IgG) was assessed by Chemiluminescent immunoassay technique as per instruction of manufacturer.
Results
The prevalence of sero-prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody (IgG) was 80.8% which was slightly higher among females compared to male but not significant (82.1% vs. 78.0%, p > 0.05). It was notable that no significant differences were obtained in other socio-demographic information (e.g., age, education, marital status, residence, and economic status).
Conclusions
The findings reflect that the SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody (IgG) was prevalent among garment workers in Bangladesh. It may be due to the virus itself, genetic factor of virus, people and presence of preexisting immunity specially SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody due to previous cross infections with other corona viruses in Bangladesh.