bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Characterization of Ecofriendly food Packaging Material by Smooth Hound Skin Gelatin Films/TiO2
Authors: Salem Ali , Abdelhedi Ola , Sebii Haifa , Fakhfakh Nahed , Jr Mourad , Kechaou Hela , Nasri Moncef , Debeaufort Frederic , Zouari Nacim 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The effect of TiO2 on structural properties of gelatin films, obtained by solution casting method, was investigated. The results showed that TiO2 incorporation improved the UV barrier efficacy and increased the films opacity. The formation of new interactions between gelatin matrix and TiO2 particles were confirmed by FTIR analysis. A decrease in elongation at break was observed for gelatin-based film when TiO2 content increased, whereas the tensile strength increased. The microstructure analysis revealed heterogeneous structure due to the presence of a small aggregate with increasing the TiO2 ratio. The addition of TiO2 increased the contact angles, which could be related to the hydrophobic nature of the TiO2 incorporated films proved by the low swelling capacity of these films. In addition, incorporation of TiO2 particles into gelatin matrix improved barrier properties of gelatin films making it able to be used in water-soluble food or pharmaceutical packaging as a UV protective.
Optimization of Aspergillus niger NRC1ami pectinase using citrus peel pectin, purification, and thermodynamic characterization of the free and modified enzyme
Authors: Esawy Mona A. , Gamal Amira A. , Kamel Zeinat , Esawy Mona A 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Enzyme cost and stability are the main problems facing industrial applications. Consequently, Aspergillus nigerNRC1ami was isolated from rotten orange and recorded a promising pectinase activity (13.8 U/ml). The enzyme was optimized using citrus peel pectin as the sole carbon source and recorded (40 U/ml). It was purified by two steps purifications and recorded 632 purification folds. The pure enzyme showed 14.7% carbohydrate content and consists of 15 amino acids. Glutamic acid was the major (22%) followed by leucine (10.67%) and threonine was the minor (2.70%). A. niger NRC1ami pectinase was conjugated by covalent coupling to sodium periodate (NaIO4) activated polysaccharides. Galactomannan showed the highest recovered activity (85%) and 94.34% reduction in viscosity. The optimum temperature for the pure enzyme shifted from 40°C to 45°C after the conjugation process. Also, the free enzyme showed its optimum activity at pH 5 compared to pH 4, 5 in the conjugated form case. The thermal stability of the free enzyme greatly improved after the modification process. The conjugated process reduced the activation energy to 36%, prolonged the enzyme half-life 5.6-fold at 60°C, and increase the deactivation energy (Ed) by about 19% in comparison to the free form. The D value of the conjugated enzyme increased to 13.2-fold at 50°C in compared to the free form. Gibbs's free energy (ΔG) of the enzyme increased after the modification process, while the enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) decreased. Na+ and Zn2+ had a stimulating effect on both enzyme forms.
Groundwater vulnerability mapping in formerly glaciated areas in Central Estonia using a modified DRASTIC method
Authors: Männik Magdaleena , Karro Enn , Marandi Andres , Polikarpus Maile , Ani Tavo , Rosentau Alar 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Developing accurate groundwater vulnerability maps is necessary for environmental planning and protection of groundwater resources. The DRASTIC method is one of the most widely used groundwater vulnerability assessment techniques. In formerly glaciated areas, where aquifers are covered with an extra layer of sediments, a further modification of the DRASTIC method is required to achieve a more precise vulnerability estimation. In such areas, the thickness of sediments can vary from thin layers with a high pollution potential to thick Quaternary layers making the groundwater protected against contamination. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to modify the DRASTIC method to be successfully applied in the areas characterized by a layer of diverse Quaternary sediments, which remarkably influence the nature of the infiltration conditions. First, the D-, S-, and I-parameters were modified, considering the nature of the Quaternary layer. To help the process, a model was created, which takes as input all necessary files for vulnerability assessment and creates a map using all parameters with weights assigned to them. Later, both the original and the modified DRASTIC methodology was applied in an area with glacial sediments located in Central Estonia. For the validation of methods, the comparison of results from existing vulnerability maps, which were produced by methodology specifically developed for local geological conditions, was used. In conclusion, the results generated by the modified DRASTIC method showed significantly more similarities with the existing maps than the original DRASTIC method. Thus, the modified DRASTIC method is successfully applicable in formerly glaciated areas.
Investigation of Electronic Structure, Optical Properties, Molecular Electrostatic Potential maps (EPM) and Aquatic toxicity of HfO2, Hf0.88Si0.12O2, Hf0.88Ge0.12O2 and Hf0.88Sn0.12O2 by computational methods
Authors: Chakma Unesco , Kumer Ajoy , Hossain Tomal , Hossain Md. Sayed , Alam Md. Monsur , Islam Md. Shariful , Shaikh Rubel , jony Ismat Jahan , Islam Jahedul 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This research work conveys the computationally investigation of Hafnium (IV) oxide and its doped crystals by Si, Ge and Sn atom replacing on the oxygen atom in HfO2. As Hafnium (IV) oxide has been used in power-electronics devices of MOSFETs and electronics as RRAM due to wide band gap which makes a vast problems creating high resistance. Regarding this case, the Hafnium (IV) oxide has selected and inputs how the band gap has reduced after doping the large surface area of atoms, such as Si, Ge and Sn. The lattice parameters and bandgaps were calculated with the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE), Revised Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (RPBE), Perdew Wang (PW91), Wu-Cohen (WC), and Perdew-BurkeErnzerhof for solids (PBEsol) non-local functionals of the generalized gradient approximations (GAA). The Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) functional provided better result which is similar to the reference value of mother crystal, HfO2. This first principle method in view of density functional theory (DFT) focuses the structural geometry, electronic structure and optical properties employing conventional calculations pertaining to HfO2 executing the computational tools of the CASTAP code from material studio 8.0. The band gap was recorded by 4.340 eV, 2.033 eV, 1.686 eV and 3.210 eV for HfO2, Hf0.88Si0.12O2 Hf0.88Ge0.12O2 and Hf0.88Sn0.12O2 crystals through the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) with Perdew Burke Ernzerhof (PBE). Secondly, it had also justified doing further investigations by GGA with RPBE, GGA with PW91, GGA with WC and GGA with PBESOL, the band gap for HfO2, Hf0.88Si0.12O2, Hf0.88Ge0.12O2 and Hf0.88Sn0.12O2 were at 4.427 eV, 2.093 eV, 1.744 eV, and 3.262 eV, respectively using GGA with WC, 4.333 eV, 2.032 eV, 1.675 eV and 3.172 eV, respectively using GGA with PW91, 4.252 eV, 2.002 eV, 1.632eV and 3.086 eV, respectively using GGA with WC 4.245 eV, 2.001 eV, 1.629 eV, and 3.076 eV, respectively using GGA with PBESOL. Moreover the DFT and PDOS were simulated for evaluating the nature of 6s2, 5p6, 4f14, 5d2 orbital for a Hf atom, 3s2, 2p6 orbital for Si atom, and 4s2, 3p6, 3d10 orbital for Ge atom, 4d10, 5s2, 5p2 for Sn atom and 2s and 2p orbital for O atom of Hf0.88Ge0.12O2 and Hf0.88Sn0.12O2 crystals. The optical properties, for instance, absorption, reflection, refractive index, conductivity, dielectric function, loss function, electrostatic potential map and aquatic toxicity were calculated.
Steroid Hormones as Modulators of Emotional Regulation in Male Urogenital Cancers
Authors: Faviana Pinuccia , Boldrini Laura , Gronchi Lisa , Galli Luca , Erba Paola Anna , Gentile Carlo , Lippolis Piero Vincenzo , Marchetti Elio , Stefano Iosè Di , Sammarco Enrico , Chapman Alex D. , Bardi Massimo 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Tumors develop within an organism operating in a specific social and physical environment. Cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are involved in both emotional regulation and the tumor progression. Methods: This study assessed the quality of life of urogenital cancer male patients. It was hypothesized that patients with a better quality of life would have higher levels of the DHEA/cortisol ratios. Results: We found that the quality of life was positively related to DHEA, but not cortisol levels. Negative mood changes were related to lower levels of DHEA. Logistic regression of the predictors of metastases indicated three main independent factors involved: DHEA, age, and cortisol. In other words, the higher the DHEA levels in comparison to cortisol levels, controlling for age, the lower the probability of metastases. Conclusion: Our results appear to support the hypothesis that emotional dysregulation mediated by DHEA/cortisol activity is a key factor in cancer development.
Prevalence of depression and associated factors among heart failure patients at cardiac follow-up clinics in government teaching hospital at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; A cross sectional study
Authors: Alemayehu Kassahun , Ayalew Yohannes , Habte Teshome 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to assess prevalence of depression and associated factors among heart failure patients at cardiac follow-up clinics.
Methods
Health care institution based cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the prevalence of depression and associated factors among 424 heart failure patients who were selected by using a systematic random sampling method from January 1 to 30, 2021 at four public hospitals, and the sample was proportionally allocated for each study hospital and then data were collected by using structured-interview questionnaires. Bivariate and Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to examine the possible predictors and variables with the statistical association of P-value of < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval were considered.
Result
Data were gathered from heart failure in cardiac follow clinic with 100% response rate. The mean and standard deviation of the age of respondents was 52.68 and17.471years respectively. The prevalence of depression in this study was 59%. According to NYHA class III and IV is highly associated with depression [(AOR:12.8(2.2--71.6),95%CI, P=0.004, (AOR:19.2(1.9-189.9), 95% CI, P=0.011)] respectively, poor self-care behaviours[(AOR: 9.1(2.4-34.6), 95%CI, P=0.001)], alcohol use[(AOR:17.7(4.14-35.65),95% CI,P=0.001)], poor social support[( AOR: 4.6(1.2-16.7),95%CI,P=0.020)], poor knowledge level [(AOR:5.1(1.3-20.6), 95%CI, P=0.020), were associated with Depression and statistically significant.
Conclusion
The evidence from this study indicates that depression is highly prevalent among heart failure patients and age of respondent, alcohol intake, self-care behaviour, social support, knowledge level, and co-morbidity was associated with depression and statistically significant. Therefore, all institutions of cardiac centre should work on screening of depression in heart failure patients, and consult psychiatrists and psychologists for early detection and measures.
Health Seeking Behaviour Among Care-givers for Children Under-five Years in Zambia - a Comparative Analysis of 2015 and 2018 Malaria Indicator Survey.
Authors: Hanyinza Sara , Chilyabanyama Rodgers , Hamainza Busiku , Shawa Shaila T , Sitali Lungowe 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Fever is one the most reported out-patient complaint and predictor for malaria illness in regions were the disease is endemic. The capacity for care-givers of febrile children under 5 years to recognise fever early is very important in the control of malaria. There has been a decline in health seeking-behaviour among care-givers of febrile children under-5 years in Zambia, from 36% in 2015 to 26% in 2018 as reported by the Malaria Indicator Surveys (MIS) in Zambia. The study identified and compared the proportion and factors associated with health-seeking behaviour among care-givers of febrile children suspected to have malaria between the 2015 and 2018 MIS in Zambia.MethodsThis was a comparative cross-sectional analysis of the 2015 and 2018 MIS data in Zambia. Analysis of factors associated with health-seeking behaviour among care-givers of children was undertaken using logistic regression with STATA software version 16 SE.Of the total 4272 respondents, 67% were children in the 2015 MIS, 50.6% were males and 58.5% were less-than 24 months old. At adjusted logistic regression in the 2015 MIS; age less-than 12 months compared to 12-59 months was not associated with health-seeking behaviour (AOR 1.6;95% CI 0.8 to 3.1; p=0.117). Middle wealth quintiles compared to children in other quintiles were more likely to seek prompt health-care after onset of fever, (OR=3.08; CI 95% 1.26 - 7.56; p 0.014). While in 2018, children less 12 months compared to 12 months-59 months (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.24 -1.39; p=0.220) was not associated with health-seeking behaviour. Residence: rural compared to urban (OR= 5.47; 95% CI 1.06 - 28.05; p<0.05) was associated with care-givers’ promptness to seek health-care for children under 5 years.ConclusionEarly health-seeking behaviour among febrile children was associated with wealth status and rural residence in both the 2015 and 2018 surveys. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in health-seeking behaviour between the two years. It is critical that strengthened socio behavior change communication is on the importance of prompt health-seeking among care-givers of children under 5 years. Provision of health services as close to the family as possible is important as it enhances health-seeking as time taken and distance health facilities are reduced.
Insilico analysis of role played by CD3D gene in the pathogenesis of Multiple sclerosis
Authors: THANGAPANDIAN JANANI 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The Neuro degenerative disease multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by the progressive demyelination of cells in the Central nervous system. The damage in the myelin is caused by the patient’s own autoimmunity. The immune cells for some unknown reasons find this protective coating of the neuronal cells as their target and degrades it. The T cells such as Th1, Th17 and Treg cells influences the pathogenesis and progression of the disease. In order to find out the likely cause for the abnormality in antigen recognition and in the characteristics of T cells, the Insilico genomic analysis using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) is conducted on the microarray database. The genes such as PDPK1, CD40LG and CD3D were found to be differently expressed. Amongst which the CD3D (CD3δ) gene is focused as the target gene for its effective contribution in TCR signaling. In this study, the detailed analysis of pathways that included CD3D gene, using Bioinformatic tools and databases is conducted. The CD3D (CD3δ) gene plays a vital role in the signal transduction by TCR-CD3 complex and there by influences in the selection and differentiation of T cells. Therefore, this study suggests that any defect in CD3D remains as the potential cause for the pathogenesis of Multiple sclerosis.
How Well Do CMIP6 Models Simulate the Influence of the West African Westerly Jet on Sahel Precipitation?
Authors: MAKINDE AKINTUNDE Israel , Abiodun Babatunde J. , James Rachel , Washington Richard , Dyer Ellen , Webb Tom 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The West African westerly jet (WAWJ) plays a crucial role in Sahel precipitation, yet there is no information on how well climate models simulate the jet and its contribution to Sahel precipitation. This study examines the capabilities of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (version six; CMIP6) models in simulating the WAWJ and its influence on Sahel precipitation. For the study, we combine the Climate Research Unit (CRU) observation with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) Atmospheric Reanalysis (ERA5) to evaluate 26 CMIP6 simulation datasets. Defining the WAWJ as a low-level westerly jet over the eastern Atlantic and the West African coast, we extracted the characteristics of the WAWJ in the CMIP6 simulations and compared them with those from the ERA5 reanalysis. The results show that the majority of the CMIP6 models agree with ERA5 on the structure and location of the jet, except the jet forms earlier and are stronger in CMIP6 models than in ERA5. While most of the CMIP6 simulations capture the link between the jet and temperature distribution over West Africa, they struggle to reproduce the relationship between the jet and precipitation distribution over the sub-continent, especially over the Sahel. Most simulations failed to replicate the increase in the moisture transport (i.e., the eastward and north-eastward transports) associated with the stronger WAWJ as shown by ERA5. Some simulations capture the increased moisture transport but do not translate it to increased precipitation over the Sahel. This study contributes towards better simulations of Sahel precipitation in climate models.
Synovial Tissue Lymphoid Aggregates Are Associated With Response To Rituximab Therapy In Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Turk Matthew A , Low Candice , Orr Carl , Conway Richard , Murray Kieran , Young Francis , Molloy Eamonn , Mongey Anne Barbara , Fearon Ursula , Veale Douglas J. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the clinical and laboratory factors associated with long-term responses to rituximab therapy in patients with RA. Methods: One hundred fourteen RA patients received intravenous Rituximab between 2003-2016. Prior to treatment, arthroscopy and synovial biopsy was performed on a subgroup of this cohort who had active knee arthritis. Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were collected prospectively and immunohistology was performed on synovial tissue biopsies.Results: In the overall cohort, 89% of patients were seropositive for either RF (rheumatoid factor) or ACPA (anti-citrullinated protein antibodies). At baseline, median disease duration was 13.5 years. Seventy-four percent of patients had received a csDMARD and two thirds had received a bDMARD before rituximab. Rituximab monotherapy was used in 34 patients, while 80 patients received rituximab-csDMARD combination therapy. Twenty-six of the 68 patients in remission (38%) received rituximab monotherapy and 42/68 (62%) received combination therapy with a csDMARD. Twenty-four of 39 (62%) biologic naïve patients achieved remission on treatment with rituximab. Forty-four patients underwent an arthroscopy and synovial biopsy prior to treatment. Synovial tissue lymphoid aggregates (LA) were observed in 21 subjects, of which 17 (81%) showed complete or partial remission in response to treatment with rituximab. The presence of LA was significantly associated with rituximab-induced remission in these patients (p=0.007, OR=7.286 [1.737-30.555]). Conclusion: In this real world series, patients with RA demonstrate long-term, high response rates to rituximab therapy and synovial biopsy B-cell rich lymphoid aggregates are associated with a higher rate of good response.
A Columnar Liquid Quasicrystal – Honeycomb with Triangular, Square and Trapezoidal Cells
Authors: Zeng Xiangbing , Glettner Benjamin , Baumeister Ute , Chen Bin , Ungar Goran , Liu Feng , Tschierske Carsten 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Quasicrystals are intriguing structures, having long-range positional correlations but no periodicity, typically with rotational symmetries that are “forbidden” in normal crystals. Here we present the discovery of a two-dimensional columnar liquid quasicrystal with dodecagonal symmetry. Unlike previous dodecagonal quasicrystals based on random tiling, this one has a honeycomb structure based on strictly quasiperiodic tessellation of tiles. The structure consists of dodecagonal clusters made up of triangular, square and trapezoidal cells that are optimal for local packing. To maximize the presence of such dodecagonal clusters, the system abandons periodicity but adopts a quasiperiodic structure following strict packing rules. This demonstrates that quasicrystal stability may rest on energy minimization alone, or with only minimal entropic intervention. This work paves the way to designing other, more complex non-random nanoscale quasicrystals by self-assembly.
Impact of Osseodensification in the Increase of Ridge Thickness and in the Prevention of Buccal Peri-implant Defects: an Animal Randomized Split Mouth Study
Authors: Frizzera Fausto , Spin-Neto Rubens , Padilha Victor , Nicchio Nicolas , Ghiraldini Bruna , Bezerra Fábio José Barbosa , Marcantonio Elcio 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Backgroud: Implant installation with conventional drilling (i.e. with surgical cutting burs) can create buccal bone defects in areas of limited ridge thickness. Implant installation with osseodensification may aid preventing buccal bone defects in these limit situations. This ex vivo study evaluated the impact of osseodensification in the increase of alveolar ridge thickness and on the prevention of buccal peri-implant defects. Methods: Ten fresh pig mandibles, with limited bone thickness were selected to be used in an experimental randomized split mouth study. Two site-preparation protocols were used: conventional drilling with cutting burs (CTL, n=10) and osseodensification with Densah® burs (OD, n=10). After bone ridge perforation, twenty implants (4.5 x 10 mm) were placed in the prepared sites and the insertion torque was recorded. Clinical and photographic analysis evaluated ridge thickness and the extent (height, width, and area) of bone defects in the buccal and lingual bone walls following implant placement. Three-dimensional measurements were performed using STL files to analyze the increase in buccal ridge thickness following site preparation and implant placement. The height of the buccal bone defect was considered as the primary outcome of this study. Defect width, area and quantity, implant insertion torque, and linear buccal ridge increase after implant site preparation and installation was also assessed. Non-parametric evaluations were carried out with the Mann-Whitney test to verify intergroup differences. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between groups in the baseline ridge thickness. OD presented statistically significant higher insertion torque, associated with reduced buccal and lingual bone defect width in comparison to CTL. Conclusions: The increase in buccal ridge thickness after site preparation and implant placement was statistically higher in OD, compared to CTL. Osseodensification increased the ridge thickness through expansion and reduced buccal bone defects after implant installation.