bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Solution to Improve the Moss Bag Technique in Environmental Biological Monitoring
Authors: Trieu Le Ngoc , Sang Nguyen Thi Minh , Khiem Le Hong , Minh Truong , Dung Tran Huy , Van Ket Nguyen , Quyet Pham Dang , Son Nguyen An 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Low-dose radiation may stimulate growth in plants in general and in mosses in particular, and thus has the potential to enhance the ability to absorb the airborne elements of mosses used in the moss bag technique by making them growth better. The effect of low-energy X-ray radiation dose on the growth of Babular indica moss was investigated through an experiment with 20 doses in the range from 1Gy to 20Gy, 1Gy-interval. The results showed that the dose from 2Gy to 16Gy improved the growth of moss compared to control sample which is non-irradiated sample, and the optimal stimulatory effect was determined at the dose of 14Gy expressed in morphological characteristics, weight of the moss in the treatments and total chlorophyll content in their phyllids. The dose 14Gy was chosen to irradiate moss which was exposed in monitoring environment. The results of analysis of concentrations of the elements deposited in the air using Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) technique for irradiated moss samples, non-irradiated moss samples, and native moss samples showed that the ability to absorb the elements from the air of irradiated moss was significantly improved compared to non-irradiated moss but still generally lower compared to natural moss. The findings of this study show that low-dose (14Gy) radiation treatment of mosses is one of the promising effective solutions to improve the accuracy of the results and reflect air conditions closer to reality in the environmental monitoring by moss bag technique.
Anti-plasmodial, anti-trypanosomal and cytotoxic effects of Anthonotha macrophylla, Annickia polycarpa, Tieghemella heckelii and Antrocaryon micraster extracts
Authors: Dofuor Aboagye Kwarteng , Kumatia Emmanuel Kofi , Chirawurah Jersley Didewurah , Ayertey Frederick 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Malaria and trypanosomiasis are protozoan diseases which pose a devastating challenge to human health and productivity especially, in Africa where their respective vectors (Female Anopheles mosquito and tsetse fly) abound. Various medicinal plants are used to treat these parasitic diseases. However, the scientific basis of their use and toxicological profiles have not been assessed. We have therefore, evaluated the anti-plasmodial, anti-trypanosomal and cytotoxicity activities of four African medicinal plant extracts namely, Anthonotha macrophylla leaf (AML), Annickia polycarpa leaf (APLE), Tieghemella heckelii stem bark (THBE) and Antrocaryon micraster stem bark (AMSBE) extracts in vitro against P. falciparum (W2mef laboratory strain), T. brucei (GUTat 3.1 strain) and mammalian RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line respectively. The most active anti-plasmodial extract was AML (IC50 = 5.0 ± 0.08 µg/mL with SI of 21.9). THBE also, produced the most effective ant-trypanosomal activity (IC50 = 11.0 ± 0.09 µg/mL and SI of 10.2) among the extracts. In addition, none of the extracts produced toxic effect in RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line expect APLE which was moderately cytotoxic and also produced the least SI in both anti-trypanosomal and anti-plasmodial assays. These results suggest that AML and THBE could offer safe and alternative therapy for malarial and trypanosomiasis. This is the first study to report the anti-trypanosomal and in vitro anti-plasmodial activities of these four plants. The cytotoxicity of the plant parts used are also being reported for the first time except for T. heckelii stem bark.
Rethinking the role of financial sector development in the foreign direct investment-economic growth nexus: Evidence from Ghana using the sample splitting approach
Authors: Prempeh Kwadwo Boateng 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The overarching aim of this study is to determine the extent to which financial development influences the impact of foreign direct investment inflows on growth, relying on annual time series data spanning from 1970 to 2020 from Ghana. Results from the sample splitting approach reveal that FDI generally affects growth. Interestingly, the study shows that financial development influence on the FDI-growth nexus is ambiguous. However, we notice that higher financial development is mainly associated with a beneficial effect of FDI on growth. Thus, the precise nature of how financial development mediates the FDI-growth nexus is conditioned on the model specification.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Novel mRNA Blood Biomarkers of Infection to Predict Outcomes in ED Patients with Undifferentiated Abdominal Pain
Authors: Meltzer Andrew , Wargowsky Richard , Moran Seamus , Jordan Tristan , Toma Ian , Jepson Tisha , Shu Shiyu , Ma Yan , Timothy McCaffrey 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Abdominal pain represents greater than 20% of US Emergency Department (ED) visits due to a wide range of illnesses. There are currently no reliable blood biomarkers to predict serious outcomes in patients with abdominal pain. Our previous studies have identified three mRNA transcripts related to innate immune activation: alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), interleukin-8 receptor-ß (IL8RB), and defensin-1 (DEFA1) as promising candidates to detect an intra-abdominal infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of these mRNA biomarkers to predict likely infection, hospitalization and surgery in ED patients with undifferentiated abdominal pain.Methods: We prospectively enrolled ED patients with undifferentiated abdominal pain who received an abdominal CT scan as part of their evaluation. Clinical outcomes were abstracted from the CT scan and medical records. mRNA biomarker levels were calculated independent of the clinical outcomes and their accuracy was assessed to predict infectious diagnoses, surgery and hospital admission.Results: 89 patients were enrolled; 21 underwent surgery; 47 underwent hospital admission; and, no deaths were observed within 30 days. In identifying which cases were likely infectious, mRNA biomarkers’ AUC values were: ALPL, 0.83; DEFA1 0.51; IL8RB, 0.74; and ALPL+IL8RB, 0.79. In predicting which ED patients would receive surgery, the AUC values were: ALPL, 0.75; DEFA1, 0.58; IL8RB, 0.75; and ALPL+IL8RB, 0.76. In predicting hospital admission, the AUC values were: ALPL, 0.78; DEFA1, 0.52; IL8RB, 0.74; and, ALPL+IL8RB, 0.77. For predicting surgery, ALPL+IL8RB’s positive likelihood ratio (LR) was 3.97; negative LR (NLR) was 0.70. For predicting hospital admission, the same marker’s positive LR was 2.80 with an NLR of 0.45.Conclusion: In a pragmatic, prospective diagnostic accuracy trial in ED patients with undifferentiated abdominal pain, mRNA biomarkers showed good accuracy to identify patients with potential infection, as well as those needing surgery or hospital admission.
The DNA binding landscape of four seed-specific bZIP transcription factors in bread wheat: use of Bind-n-seq in vitro analysis
Authors: Shah Koushik , Kaur Raminder , Sharma Nishtha , Jain Prateek , Singh Dalwinder , Mantri Shrikant , Rishi Vikas 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Sequence-specific transcription factor (TF)-DNA binding is a vital step in biology since it directly regulates genetic information inside the organism. However, the binding sites for many TFs are unknown in plants and animals.Using high-throughput sequencing technologies,studies have shown that TFs, including basic leucine zipper (bZIP), bind to a myriad of sequences, many of which are biologically relevant. bZIPs are eukaryote-specific dimeric TFs, and in plants, they are reported to bind to 8–12 nts sequences (with ACGT core) in the promoter region of many genes. In sedentary plants, they are the conduit for converting environmental cues into gene activity. A key question is what determines bZIP DNA binding specificity.This study adopts the Bind-n-seq methodology, which uses a 108 nts oligonucleotides library with an 18 nts random sequence that either incorporates ACGT tetranucleotides core or a completely random sequence to generate in vitro DNA-bZIP interaction maps of four seed-specific bread wheat bZIPs. Subsequently, de novo binding motifs representing the complete binding landscape for each bZIP were determined. Binding analysis shows a high degree of overlap for bZIP binding to G-box and C-box but with distinct flanking bases, suggesting a discrete role of flanking regions in ordaining TF-DNA binding specificity. From this study binding motifs obtained for Hy5 and Embp-1 show similarity with previously reported sequences, suggesting the protocol's robustness.
Self-consistent burnup theory clarifies the universality of the peak structure of COVID-19 pandemics.
Authors: Niita Koji 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The epidemic curve of COVID-19 for the first two years of the pandemic clearly shows a sequential peak structure with a constant half width, despite various levels of preventive measures implemented in many countries and various infection strengths of each coronavirus variant. However, previous epidemic models have not been able to explain this phenomenon. Here we show the mechanism causing this peak structure and the universality of the half width of the peak by means of a self-consistent approach that we have developed. Comparison with the data of all peaks observed in 15 countries strongly suggests that convergence of the epidemic peak is achieved when all susceptible people estimated by the self-consistent approach are infected. This directly causes the universality of the half width. The present approach also provides a method to quantitatively evaluate the effects of various prevention measures and has the ability to predict the peak position and height from the data of the strength of infection in the initial stage of each pandemic peak.
Developing indicators for wetlands conservation using DPSIR framework: A review in Ethiopia
Authors: ABEBE BEALEMLAY 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Ethiopia has more than 58 wetlands. These wetlands serve as a food source, water source, income source (eco-tourism), fish livestock, plant medication, fuel wood source; regulating water purification, water storage and supply, sediment accretion, coastal flood control, pollutants retention and support biogeochemical cycling, soil formation, pollination, shelter and care for diverse flora and fauna. Wetlands product also used as a sources of cultural resources, spiritual services, housing construction, educational and research services. However, Ethiopian wetlands are facing many challenges and become heavily degraded due to wide driving forces or socioeconomic activities held on or nearby the catchments. Previous studies also revealed that there is little or lack of research, community awareness, knowledge of planners and resource managers and policy gaps. The participation of the local community in wetlands conservation is also minimal. Ethiopia has yet ratified and implemented the Ramsar Convention and there is no stand-alone national wetlands policy or strategy and the existing policies and laws have not adequately addressed wetlands issue, and even some laws are contradicting with the wise use of wetlands. The Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework is used as a tool for integrating these socioeconomic activities that could affect wetlands ecosystem by identifying all factors. More is done on wetlands degradation in Ethiopia. However, there is no evidence on developing indicators for wetlands conservation using DPSIR framework. Therefore, the aim of this review is to assess indicators for wetlands conservation using DPSIR framework. The overall effectiveness of DPSIR framework can be maximized, it should be integrated with set of developed indicators for each category of DPSIR component. Some steps were used for developing indicators for sustainable wetlands conservation. The conceptual framework enables an understanding of the causal relationships between driving forces and socioeconomic impacts. Reviewed literature also revealed some action plans, designing appropriate measures, for wetlands conservation. These suggested action plans of conservation measures include lack of research, community awareness and stakeholders and community participation in wetlands conservation. This review has showed how the application DPSIR framework can be enhanced by the developing indicators.
Clinical severity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 lineages in South Africa
Authors: Wolter Nicole , Jassat Waasila , Walaza Sibongile , Welch Richard , Moultrie Harry , Groome Michelle , Amoako Daniel , Everatt Josie , Bhiman Jinal , Scheepers Cathrine , Tebeila Naume , Chiwandire Nicola , du Plessis Mignon , Govender Nevashan , Ismail Arshad , Glass Allison , Mlisana Koleka , Stevens Wendy , Treurnicht Florette , Subramoney Kathleen , Makatini Zinhle , Hsiao Marvin , Parboosing Raveen , Wadula Jeanette , Hussey Hannah , Davies Mary-Ann , Boulle Andrew , von Gottberg Anne , Cohen Cheryl 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Omicron lineages BA.4 and BA.5 drove a fifth wave of COVID-19 cases in South Africa. We assessed the severity of BA.4/BA.5 infections using the presence/absence of the S-gene target for infections diagnosed using the TaqPath PCR assay between 1 October 2021 and 26 April 2022. We linked national COVID-19 individual-level data including case, laboratory test and hospitalisation data. We assessed severity using multivariable logistic regression comparing the risk of hospitalisation and risk of severe disease, once hospitalised, for Delta, BA.1, BA.2 and BA.4/BA.5 infections. After controlling for factors associated with hospitalisation and severe outcome respectively, BA.4/BA.5-infected individuals had a similar odds of hospitalisation (aOR1.24, 95% CI 0.98–1.55) and severe outcome (aOR 0.71, 95%CI 0.41–1.25) compared to BA.1-infected individuals. Newly emerged Omicron lineages BA.4/BA.5 continue to show reduced clinical severity compared to previous variants, as observed for Omicron BA.1.
Effectiveness of heterologous 3rd and 4th dose COVID-19 vaccine schedules for SARS-CoV-2 infection during delta and omicron predominance in Thailand.
Authors: Chariyalertsak Suwat , Intawong Kannikar , Chalom Kittipan , Wonghirundecha Thanachol , Kowatcharakul Woravut , Thongprachum Aksara , Chotirosniramit Narain , Teacharak Worachet , khammawan Pimpinan , Waneesorn Jarurin , Iamsirithaworn Sopon 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has evolved quickly, with numerous waves of different variants of concern resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality globally. With the rapid availability of vaccines, Thailand has responded with a robust campaign to protect those at highest risk first, followed by population level protection. To ensure adequate vaccination coverage, agility was required, and Thailand has proactively adopted heterologous vaccination schedules to manage vaccine availability. While randomised controlled trials have assessed homologous schedules in detail, limited data has been reported for heterologous vaccine effectiveness (VE). Utilising a unique active surveillance network established in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, we conducted a test-negative case control study to assess the vaccine effectiveness of heterologous third and fourth dose schedules against SARS-CoV-2 infection during delta-predominant and omicron predominant periods. We noted very high effectiveness against delta infection after the third dose (adjusted VE 97%, 95% CI 94–99%) in comparison to moderate protection against omicron infection after a third dose (adjusted VE 31%, 95% CI 26–36%) and good protection after a fourth dose (adjusted VE 75%, 95% CI 71–80%). VE was consistent across age groups for both delta and omicron infection. The VE of third or fourth vaccine doses against omicron infection were equivalent for the three main vaccines used for boosting in Thailand suggesting coverage, rather than vaccine type is a much stronger predictor of protection. Additionally, a separate evaluation of a hospital patient management system noted extremely high effectiveness against severe COVID-19 and mortality outcomes after the third and fourth doses. Our data suggests that a fourth vaccination dose has a high probability of preventing infection and a very high probability of preventing death and severe COVID-19. This is critically important in preventing severity and unnecessary deaths but will also help to support the ongoing efforts to increase population coverage of booster doses.
A fascination for vaccination: Demographic differences in effectiveness perception and support for COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria
Authors: Olaiya Taiwo Akanbi 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Despite the relatively short existence of COVID-19, the flailing struggle against the pandemic it created is well documented in media reports and scholarly sources. Little effort, however, has been accorded to the effects of the demographics, particularly the locational and age differences, in the effectiveness perception and support for vaccination, focusing on developing countries such as Nigeria— arguably the most populous state in Africa with one of the highest recorded cases of coronavirus infection in the south of the Sahara. This study investigates the nexus between demographic characteristics, location and age, and perception of COVID-19 effectiveness and support for vaccination. Participants comprising youth (233), middle-aged (97) and senior citizens (46) were drawn from urban and rural parts of the Ancient City of Ile-Ife in Osun State of Nigeria. Considering that the population is homogenous, the research instrument was a uniform questionnaire across all demographic groups in both rural and urban locations. One-way ANOVA test was used to analyse the differences in the groups’ perception of the effectiveness of and support for COVID-19 vaccination. Findings revealed that middle-aged citizens displayed a higher perception of effectiveness and support for vaccination against the pathogen. Also, citizens from urban areas reported greater effectiveness perception and support for vaccination. The overall result attests to the prevailing attitudes of age structure and locations of the people about vaccination against COVID-19. Finally, the study discussed the policy and research implications of the findings.
Ultrasound pulse emission spectroscopy method to characterize xylem vessels in plant stems
Authors: Dutta Satadal , Chen Zhiyi , Kaiser Elias , Matamoros Priscilla Malcolm , Steeneken Peter , Verbiest Gerard 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Although it is well known that plants emit acoustic pulses under drought stress, the exact origin of the waveform of these ultrasound pulses has remained elusive. Here we present evidence for a correlation between the characteristics of the waveform of these pulses and the dimensions of xylem vessels in plants. Using a model that relates the resonant vibrations of a vessel to its dimension and viscoelasticity, we extract the xylem radii from the waveforms of ultrasound pulses and show that these are correlated and in good agreement with optical microscopy. We demonstrate the versatility of the method by applying it to shoots of ten different vascular plant species. In particular, for Hydrangea quercifolia, we further extract vessel element lengths with our model and compare them with scanning electron cryo-microscopy. The ultrasonic, non-invasive characterization of internal vessel dimensions enables a breakthrough in speed and accuracy in plant phenotyping and stress-detection.
Será que a grama do vizinho é sempre mais verde? Uma análise do disclosure do IAS 41 no setor de alimentos do Brasil, da Inglaterra e da Austrália
Authors: Amanda Palhão Azevedo Silva Camilla , Ayumi Nakaza Claudia , Saikawa Nishiyama Cristiane , Ramos Nogueira Daniel 
Published: June 2022

RESUMO
O IAS 41 - Agriculture foi editado pela primeira vez em 2003, pelo IASB, para estabelecer o tratamento contábil e as divulgações relacionadas à agricultura. Brasil, Inglaterra e Austrália passaram a adotar o IAS 41 em virtude da convergência às Normas Internacionais de Contabilidade. Tendo em vista a grande importância do agronegócio mundial e os desafios da implantação de uma norma específica aos Ativos Biológicos, devido às suas características peculiares, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o nível de disclosure do IAS 41 das empresas do setor de alimentos do Brasil, da Inglaterra e da Austrália. Com este intuito, foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva e documental com abordagem quantitativa. Foram coletadas e analisadas as demonstrações das empresas do setor de alimentos listadas na BM&FBOVESPA, na Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) e na London Stock Exchange. Os resultados permitem observar que, nas empresas australianas ocorreu o maior grau de conformidade, 81%. As inglesas, em média, divulgaram 80% dos itens requeridos, enquanto nas brasileiras, observou-se o menor grau de aderência, 77%. A partir do resultado do teste de Kruskal-Wallis não se pode afirmar que exista uma diferença de média estatisticamente significativa entre os países pesquisados. Considerando as particularidades dos Ativos Biológicos, o detalhamento de suas características e critérios de mensuração torna as divulgações mais compreensíveis, aprimora a qualidade das informações e contribui para o grande propósito da adoção de uma norma internacional, estabelecer um padrão de comparabilidade e fornecer informações úteis para a tomada de decisão.
Palavras-chave: Ativos Biológicos. IAS 41. CPC 29. Disclosure. Agriculture.
Atributos de Governança Corporativa determinantes do disclosure de capital intelectual em empresas brasileiras
Authors: Felipe da Silva Francisco , Gomes Paiva Azevedo Yuri , Heloiza André da Fonsêca Edly , Márcio Gomes Anailson 
Published: June 2022

RESUMO
Esta pesquisa objetiva examinar os atributos internos de governança corporativa (GC) determinantes para o disclosure voluntário de capital intelectual (CI) nas empresas listadas na Brasil Bolsa Balcão (B3). Para tanto, os atributos internos de GC foram coletados nos Formulários de Referência disponíveis no site da BM&FBovespa, enquanto os dados referentes ao disclosure de CI foram obtidos nos Relatórios de Administração e Notas Explicativas às Demonstrações Contábeis. Após análise de conteúdo desses documentos para compor o índice de CI proposto por Campbell e Rahman (2010), utilizou-se de regressão por mínimo quadrados ordinários (MQO) com dados dispostos em cross-sectional, tendo como amostra 141 companhias listadas nos segmentos Nível 1, Nível 2 e Novo Mercado no ano de 2015. Os principais resultados demonstram que quanto maior o tamanho do Conselho de Administração e do Comitê de Auditoria, maior será a evidenciação de informações de CI. Entretanto, as variáveis Independência do Conselho de Administração, Frequência das Reuniões da Diretoria, Dualidade do CEO, Participação da Família, Participação Acionária dos Diretores, Participação de Investidores Estrangeiros, Novo Mercado e Nível 2 não se apresentaram estatisticamente significantes, de modo que não podem ser consideradas determinantes para o disclosure voluntário do CI.
Palavras-chave: Capital Intelectual, Disclosure Voluntário, Governança Corporativa.