bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproductive effects of sulfoxaflor in male Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Mohamed Wafaa H. , Ali Marwa F. , Yahia Doha , Hussein Hassan A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe study objective was to evaluate the potential reproductive toxicity of sulfoxaflor (SFX) insecticide in male Sprague Dawley rats. To attain these objectives, forty male Sprague Dawley rats of 10–12 weeks old were randomly divided into four equal groups; the 1st group was used as a control group; the other three groups were exposed to 25, 100, and 500 mg/kg body weight SFX by oral gavage for 4 weeks. Relative testicular weight, testosterone, FSH, LH, MDA, and GPx levels, sperm viability, sperm morphology, sperm DNA damage, and histopathological changes in testes, epididymis, and seminal vesical of these rats were investigated after 4 weeks. The results showed that SFX exposure resulted in a significant increase in FSH, LH, MDA, and GPx levels as well as the percentage of dead and abnormal sperms and DNA damage in rat sperms. Histopathological examination of testes established testicular degeneration with coagulative necrosis as well as the proliferation of interstitial connective tissue infiltrated with inflammatory cells with congestion of intertubular blood vessels in epididymis and degeneration of lining epithelium of seminal vesicles.
Selective brain regional changes in lipid profile with human aging
Authors: Mota-Martorell Natalia , Andrés-Benito Pol , Martín-Gari Meritxell , Galo-Licona José Daniel , Sol Joaquim , Fernández-Bernal Anna , Portero-Otín Manuel , Ferrer Isidro , Jove Mariona , Pamplona Reinald 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Fatty acids are key components in the structural diversity of lipids and play a strategic role in the functional properties of lipids which determine the integrity of neuronal and glial cell membranes, the generation of lipid signaling mediators, and the chemical reactivity of acyl chains. The present study analyzes using gas chromatography the fatty acid profiles of 13 regions of the human central nervous system in healthy individuals ranging from 40 to 80 years old. The outcomes suggest the existence of general traits in fatty acid composition such as an average chain length of 18 carbon atoms, high monounsaturated fatty acid content, and predominance in polyunsaturated fatty acids of those of series n-6 over series n-3 which are shared by all brain regions regardless of age. Our results also show a general sustained and relatively well-preserved lipid profile throughout the adult lifespan in most studied regions (olive, upper vermis, substantia nigra, thalamus, hippocampus, putamen, caudate, occipital cortex, parietal cortex, entorhinal cortex, and frontal cortex) with minor changes that are region-dependent. In contrast, of particular relevance is the involvement of the inferior temporal cortex and cingulate cortex. It is proposed that during normal human brain aging, the lipid profile is resistant to changes with age in most human brain regions to ensure cell survival and function, but some particular regions involved in specific memory domains are greatly affected.
Effect of organic matter degradation in cohesive sediment: a detailed rheological analysis
Authors: Shakeel Ahmad , Zander Florian , de Klerk Jan-Willem , Kirichek Alex , Gebert Julia , Chassagne Claire 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose
The presence of organic matter in cohesive sediment results in the formation of clay-organic flocs, which eventually impart complex rheological behavior including shear-thinning, viscoelasticity, thixotropy and two-step yielding to mud. In this study, the influence of microbial degradation of sediment organic matter on the rheological properties of mud samples, having similar densities, was examined.

Materials and methods
Mud samples were collected from three different locations in the Port of Hamburg, Germany, displaying varying organic matter content. The rheological analysis of fresh and degraded mud samples was performed with the help of several tests including stress ramp-up tests, amplitude sweep tests, frequency sweep tests, time-dependent tests, and structural recovery tests.

Results and discussion
The results showed a significant decrease in rheological properties including yield stresses, complex modulus, etc. for degraded mud samples as compared to the fresh mud samples. The slopes of the line, correlating the change (degraded − fresh) in the above-mentioned rheological properties as a function of the same rheological property of the fresh mud, varied within the range of −0.28 to −0.49. The structural recovery tests displayed a better recovery (i.e., stronger system) in mud after the pre-shearing step for the degraded mud samples as compared to the fresh mud samples. The effect of degradation time on the rheological properties of mud samples showed two critical time periods (3 days and 150 days) after which a significant change in rheological properties of mud samples was observed.

Conclusions
This study provided a useful understanding about the influence of organic matter degradation on the rheological properties of mud, which can be used to optimize sediment management strategies in ports and waterways.
An in-the-wild study to find type of questions people ask to a social robot providing question-answering service
Authors: Raza Syed Ali , Vitale Jonathan , Tonkin Meg , Johnston Benjamin , Billingsley Richard , Herse Sarita , Williams Mary-Anne 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe role of a human assistant, such as receptionist, is to provide specific information to the public. Questions asked by the public are often context dependent and related to the environment where the assistant is situated. Should similar behaviour and questions be expected when a social robot offers the same assistant service to visitors? Would it be sufficient for the robot to answer only service-specific questions, or is it necessary to design the robot to answer more general questions? This paper aims to answer these research questions by investigating the question-asking behaviour of the public when interacting with a question-answering social robot. We conducted the study at a university event that was open to the public. Results demonstrate that almost no participants asked context-specific questions to the robot. Rather, unrelated questions were common and included queries about the robot’s personal preferences, opinions, thoughts and emotional state. This finding contradicts popular belief and common sense expectations from what is otherwise observed during similar human–human interactions. In addition, we found that incorporating non-context-specific questions in a robot’s database increases the success rate of its question-answering system.
Lightweight convolutional neural network for real-time 3D object detection in road and railway environments
Authors: Mauri A. , Khemmar R. , Decoux B. , Haddad M. , Boutteau R. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractFor smart mobility, and autonomous vehicles (AV), it is necessary to have a very precise perception of the environment to guarantee reliable decision-making, and to be able to extend the results obtained for the road sector to other areas such as rail. To this end, we introduce a new single-stage monocular real-time 3D object detection convolutional neural network (CNN) based on YOLOv5, dedicated to smart mobility applications for both road and rail environments. To perform the 3D parameter regression, we replace YOLOv5’s anchor boxes with our hybrid anchor boxes. Our method is available in different model sizes such as YOLOv5: small, medium, and large. The new model that we propose is optimized for real-time embedded constraints (lightweight, speed, and accuracy) that takes advantage of the improvement brought by split attention (SA) convolutions called small split attention model (Small-SA). To validate our CNN model, we also introduce a new virtual dataset for both road and rail environments by leveraging the video game Grand Theft Auto V (GTAV). We provide extensive results of our different models on both KITTI and our own GTAV datasets. Through our results, we show that our method is the fastest available 3D object detection with accuracy results close to state-of-the-art methods on the KITTI road dataset. We further demonstrate that the pre-training process on our GTAV virtual dataset improves the accuracy on real datasets such as KITTI, thus allowing our method to obtain an even greater accuracy than state-of-the-art approaches with 16.16% 3D average precision on hard car detection with inference time of 11.1 ms/image on an RTX 3080 GPU.
Air quality and photochemical reactions: analysis of NOx and NO2 concentrations in the urban area of Turin, Italy
Authors: Ravina Marco , Caramitti Gianmarco , Panepinto Deborah , Zanetti Mariachiara 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this work, based on the existing studies on photochemical reactions in the lower atmosphere, an analysis of the historical series of NOx, NO2, and O3 concentrations measured in the period 2015–2019 by two monitoring stations located in the urban area of Turin, Italy, was elaborated. The objective was to investigate the concentration trends of the contaminants and evaluate possible simplified relationships based on the observed values. Concentration trends of these pollutants were compared in different time bands (diurnal or seasonal cycles), highlighting some differences in the dispersion of the validated data. Calculated [NO2]/[NOx] ratios were in agreement with the values observed in other urban areas worldwide. The influence of temperature on the [NO2]/[NOx] ratio was investigated. An increase of [NO2]/[NOx] concentration ratio was found with increasing temperature. Finally, a set of empirical relationships for the preliminary determination of NO2 concentration values as a function of the NOx was elaborated and compared with existing formulations. Polynomial functions were adapted to the average concentration values returned by the division into classes of 10 μg/m3 of NOx. The choice of an empirical function to estimate the trend of NO2 concentrations is potentially useful for the preliminary data analysis, especially in case of data scarcity. The scatter plots showed differences between the two monitoring stations, which may be attributable to a different urban context in which the stations are located. The dissonance between a purely residential context (Rubino station) and another characterised by the co-presence of residential buildings and industries of various kinds (Lingotto station) leads to the need to consider a greater contribution to the calculation of the concentrations emitted in an industrial/residential context due to a greater presence of industrial chimneys but also to more intense motorised vehicle transport. The analysis of the ratio between nitrogen oxides and tropospheric ozone confirmed that, as O3 concentration increases, there is a consequent reduction of NOx concentration, due to the chemical reactions of the photo-stationary cycle that takes place between the two species. This work highlighted that the use of an empirical formulation for the estimation of [NOx] to [NO2] conversion rate could in principle be adopted. However, the application of empirical models for the preliminary estimation of [NOx] conversion to [NO2] cannot replace advanced models and should be, in principle, restricted to a limited area and a limited range of NOx concentrations.
Risk-Based Screening Tools to Optimise HIV Testing Services: a Systematic Review
Authors: Ong J. J. , Coulthard K. , Quinn C. , Tang M. J. , Huynh T. , Jamil M. S. , Baggaley R. , Johnson C. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose of review
Effective ways to diagnose the remaining people living with HIV who do not know their status are a global priority. We reviewed the use of risk-based tools, a set of criteria to identify individuals who would not otherwise be tested (screen in) or excluded people from testing (screen out).

Recent findings
Recent studies suggest that there may be value in risk-based tools to improve testing efficiency (i.e. identifying those who need to be tested). However, there has not been any systematic reviews to synthesize these studies.

Summary
We identified 18,238 citations, and 71 were included. The risk-based tools identified were most commonly from high-income (51%) and low HIV (<5%) prevalence countries (73%). The majority were for “screening in” (70%), with the highest performance tools related to identifying MSM with acute HIV. Screening in tools may be helpful in settings where it is not feasible or recommended to offer testing routinely. Caution is needed for screening out tools, where there is a trade-off between reducing costs of testing with missing cases of people living with HIV.
Autoantibody Markers of Increased Risk of Malignancy in Patients with Dermatomyositis
Authors: Marzęcka Milena , Niemczyk Anna , Rudnicka Lidia 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDermatomyositis is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the skin and muscles. It most commonly occurs in adults with preponderance in females, but pediatric occurrence is also possible. The risk of malignancy in adult patients with dermatomyositis was reported to be 4.66-fold higher compared to that in the general population. A significantly increased risk of malignancy was reported within the first 12 months following the diagnosis of dermatomyositis (standardized incidence ratio equaled 17). One of the characteristic laboratory findings associated with dermatomyositis is the presence of circulating autoantibodies which are classified into two subgroups: myositis-specific and myositis-associated autoantibodies. It was shown that specific types of antibodies might be associated with an increased risk of malignancy. Current literature data indicate that the strongest correlation with malignant diseases was reported in anti-TIF1-γ-positive patients who were at a 9.37-fold higher risk of cancer. A 3.68-fold increase in the risk of cancer was also reported among patients with anti-NXP2 antibodies. Malignant diseases were reported in 14–57% of patients with anti-SAE antibodies. The presence of other autoantibodies may also be associated with an increased risk of malignancy. These data indicate that patients with circulating anti-TIF1-γ, anti-NXP2, and anti-SAE should be very closely monitored for dermatomyositis-associated malignant comorbidities. The aim of this review is to summarize the current data regarding the link between malignancy and the presence of specific antibodies in patients with dermatomyositis.
Role of [18F]FDG PET/CT in the management of G1 gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Magi Ludovica , Prosperi Daniela , Lamberti Giuseppe , Marasco Matteo , Ambrosini Valentina , Rinzivillo Maria , Campana Davide , Gentiloni Guido , Annibale Bruno , Signore Alberto , Panzuto Francesco 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Since the role of [18F]FDG PET/CT in low-grade gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine neoplasia (NET) is not well established, this study was aimed to evaluate the role of [18F]FDG PET/CT in grade 1 (G1) GEP-NETs.

Methods
This is a retrospective study including patients with G1 GEP-NETs who underwent [18F]FDG PET/CT.

Results
55 patients were evaluated, including 24 (43.6%) with pancreatic NETs and 31 (56.4%) with gastrointestinal NETs. At the time of diagnosis, 28 (51%) patients had metastatic disease, and 50 (91%) patients were positive by 68-Ga sstr PET/CT. Overall, 27 patients (49%) had positive findings on [18F]FDG PET/CT. Following [18F]FDG PET/CT, therapeutic management was modified in 29 (52.7%) patients. Progression-free survival was longer in patients with negative [18F]FDG PET/CT compared with positive [18F]FDG PET/CT (median PFS was not reached and 24 months, respectively, p = 0.04). This significance was particularly evident in the pancreatic group (p = 0.008).

Conclusions
Despite having low proliferative activity, approximately half of GEP-NETs G1 showed positive [18F]FDG PET/CT, with a corresponding negative impact on patients’ clinical outcomes. These data are in favor of a more “open” attitude toward the potential use of [18F]FDG PET/CT in the diagnostic work-up of G1 GEP-NETs, which may be used in selected cases to detect those at higher risk for an unfavorable disease course.
Factors Influencing Alzheimer’s Disease Risk: Whether and How They are Related to the APOE Genotype
Authors: Zhang Rong , Xu Xiaojiao , Yu Hang , Xu Xiaolan , Wang Manli , Le Weidong 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease featuring progressive cognitive impairment. Although the etiology of late-onset AD remains unclear, the close association of AD with apolipoprotein E (APOE), a gene that mainly regulates lipid metabolism, has been firmly established and may shed light on the exploration of AD pathogenesis and therapy. However, various confounding factors interfere with the APOE-related AD risk, raising questions about our comprehension of the clinical findings concerning APOE. In this review, we summarize the most debated factors interacting with the APOE genotype and AD pathogenesis, depict the extent to which these factors relate to APOE-dependent AD risk, and discuss the possible underlying mechanisms.
Fuel injection rate shaping and its effect on spray parameters in a direct-injection gasoline system
Authors: Pielecha Ireneusz 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The presented test results contain an analysis of the variable control of fuel flow from high-pressure gasoline injectors. To control such a system, the cRIO 9063 system and NI-driven module were used. This system allows controlling a piezoelectric injector with a time-varying needle height, which affects the time-varying fuel flow during a single-time opening of the injector needle. The tests were carried out in a constant volume chamber with a constant fuel dose (Pinj = 15 MPa and qo = 17.4 mg), with two values of medium back pressure: Pb = 1.0 and 1.5 MPa as well as different injector opening times (resulting from equal doses of fuel). Analyzes of changes in linear and radial fuel spray range as well as the fuel spray volume were made. It has been found that injection rate-shaping allows to control the fuel flow from the injector at a variable needle height. A reduction of the linear range of the spray by 50% and a radial range by 40% compared to conventional settings within a specified time from the start of the injection was achieved. The surface area of the spray is limited by a maximum of 60% compared to the settings at the maximum control voltage. The use of injection rate-shaping may be an effective method of controlling the variable fuel flow from the injector and may allow the replacement of multi-stage fuel injection.

Graphical Abstract
Understanding energy and groundwater irrigation nexus for sustainability over a highly irrigated ecosystem of north western India
Authors: Singh Omvir , Kasana Amrita , Bhardwaj Pankaj 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis paper examines various features of energy and groundwater irrigation nexus in a highly irrigated ecosystem of north western India. The study is based both on primary and secondary sources of data. Electric tube-wells account for about 72 percent of the total tube-wells population and consume about 40 percent of the total electricity consumption. Power subsidies account approximately 46 percent of the total subsidies disbursed which stimulate the groundwater development. The area irrigated by means of tube-wells has enlarged from 22 to 58 percent. Rice and sugarcane crops are the key consumers of energy both in terms of average energy consumption as well as per hectare of cultivated land. The average use factor of tube-wells is about 7.5 times high during kharif than in rabi season. Farmers have yielded high economic productivity under all crops with the exception of rice than other states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat.
Suitability assessment of groundwater quality for irrigational use in Sagardighi block, Murshidabad district, West Bengal
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Bhabani Prasad , Chakraborty Ananya , Bera Amit , Saha Ranajit 
Published: February 2022

AbstractGroundwater alone comprises nearly about 80% of the available water for irrigation purpose in Murshidabad and this usage of groundwater for irrigation is yet to increase further in the upcoming years. The present study was carried out to access the groundwater’s suitability for different agricultural purposes in and around Sagardighi block of Murshidabad district, West Bengal, India. Groundwater samples from thirty three different locations around Sagardighi were collected and then tested in the laboratory for various physical as well as chemical parameters such as electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, some major cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Fe2+) and some anions (CO32−, HCO3−, Cl−). To further delineate the suitable groundwater zones for irrigation practices, the irrigation water quality parameters such as sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (Na%), magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR), permeability index (PI), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), Kelly’s ratio (KR) were also calculated. Results show that most of the water samples had low to medium salinity, while only a very few of the samples show high salinity. Piper trilinear plot reveals that the water is primarily of Ca–Mg–HCO3− facies type. The SAR value of majority of the water samples in the study area are less than 10, which is within safe limits. RSC values indicate that the carbonate content is extremely low in the groundwater of the study area. Overall, the results indicate that majority of the samples are fit to be used for irrigational purpose. The findings of this study would help decision-makers in developing irrigation suitability planning and groundwater resource management in the future.
A review on the capability of zinc oxide and iron oxides nanomaterials, as a water decontaminating agent: adsorption and photocatalysis
Authors: Bharti  , Jangwan J. S. , Kumar Smita S. , Kumar Vivek , Kumar Amrish , Kumar Dushyant 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWater decontamination became a priority-based focused area for environmental scientists and researchers these days. Several contaminants like pesticides (chlorpyrifos, endosulfan, aldrin, lindane, malathion) and heavy metals (As, Pb, Cd, Hg, Cu) are broadly reported in drinking water worldwide. Pesticides and heavy metals build up in drinking water is a danger to all consumers. These pollutants cause a number of deadly diseases like bone deformity, nerve disorder, liver damage and cancer. So, their elimination from drinking water is a must to do thing to save life of the living creatures. Several pollutant removal processes are applied for the eliminations of these contaminants from water, of which adsorption and photocatalysis are latest, effective and focused in this paper. Thus, this review will focused on the recent work done using zinc and iron oxides nanomaterials as adsorbent for the removal of different heavy metals and photocatalysts for the mineralization of various pesticides.