bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adoption of improved wheat production technology in Gorche district, Ethiopia
Authors: Atinafu Aklilu , Lejebo Messeret , Alemu Abera 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Ethiopia is a major producer of cereals and the largest wheat producer in sub-Saharan Africa. The wheat sub-sector is strategic for the Government of Ethiopia, where wheat has several food uses which can be prepared in modern or culturally processed techniques. Crop production and productivity including wheat is a function of all the recommended technology packages not only variety. Adoption of all recommended production technologies play a significant role in improving wheat production and productivity which in turn has clear implication on food security of Ethiopia and welfare of the farmers. Recent studies conducted focused on adoption of only single technology, primarily variety adoption, without considering its associated production technologies. Therefore, this study attempts to identify the major factors determining adoption of improved wheat (Shorma, Degelu, Danda and Kakawa) production technologies in Gorche district, Ethiopia.

Methodology
The finding of this study is based on primary data collected from 150 randomly selected households and secondary data collected from literature review. Primary data were collected from these respondents using structured and semi-structured interviews. Tobit model was applied to identify factors affecting the adoption and intensity of adoption of improved wheat production technology in the study area.

Result
The results of tobit model showed that land holding, annual income, level of education, membership in social organizations, access to credit, and positive attitude toward improved wheat production technology positively and significantly influence the adoption and intensity of adoption of the improved wheat production technology. On the other hand, age and market distance significantly and negatively impact adoption and intensity of adoption of the improved wheat production technology.

Conclusion
Adoption and intensity of adoption of improved wheat production technology is a function of socio-economic, demographic, farmer’s attitude and institutional factors. The policy relevance of our findings is that investment in education, strengthening social capital through available local social networks, provision of attitude-focused training and continuous technical support on improved wheat production technologies, improving income, expanding access to credit and market are important to facilitate adoption of improved wheat production technologies. Hence, addressing constraints associated with credit and market access, improvement in income, attitudes of farmers towards improved technology would improve the adoption and intensity of adoption of improved wheat production technologies.
Economic analysis and food security contribution of supplemental irrigation and farm ponds: evidence from northern Burkina Faso
Authors: Zongo Beteo , Barbier Bruno , Diarra Abdoulaye , Zorom Malicki , Atewamba Calvin , Combary Omer S. , Ouédraogo Souleymane , Toé Patrice , Hamma Yacouba , Dogot Thomas 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Dry spells are serious obstacles to rainfed agriculture in Sahelian countries. Various water harvesting techniques are used by farmers to reduce the impact of climate variability, but are not sufficient in the case of a prolonged drought lasting 2–3 weeks. The farmers believe supplemental irrigation is a good way to adapt rainfed agriculture to dry spells. In this study, we evaluated the food contribution and profitability of supplemental irrigation of rainfed crops comparing various farm ponds that collect runoff water from the surrounding landscape.

Methods
We analyzed the contribution of supplemental irrigation to food security and compared the profitability of different types of ponds constructed by farmers in northern Burkina Faso. Human cereal requirement was used as indicators to analyze the contribution of supplemental irrigation to food security. The criteria for analyzing the profitability of the selected ponds were gross margin (GM), net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and payback period (PBP).

Results
Our results show that the additional yield of corn obtained with supplemental irrigation makes it possible to meet the monthly cereal needs of at least 17 people and generates an additional GM of FCFA 178,483 (US$ 309.26) compared to no irrigation. The estimate of the NPV, from IRR and PBP showed that the profitability of supplemental irrigation in 15 agricultural seasons varies between the type of ponds constructed.

Conclusions
Given the up-front cost and the farmers’ lack of resources, the ponds require a subsidy or a credit policy to facilitate the adoption of supplemental irrigation in Sahelian countries. However, the irrigation strategies to optimize agricultural income remain a field of research to be explored.
Metabolite-based dietary supplementation in human type 1 diabetes is associated with microbiota and immune modulation
Authors: Bell Kirstine J. , Saad Sonia , Tillett Bree J. , McGuire Helen M. , Bordbar Sara , Yap Yu Anne , Nguyen Long T. , Wilkins Marc R. , Corley Susan , Brodie Shannon , Duong Sussan , Wright Courtney J. , Twigg Stephen , de St Groth Barbara Fazekas , Harrison Leonard C. , Mackay Charles R. , Gurzov Esteban N. , Hamilton-Williams Emma E. , Mariño Eliana 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by the gut microbiota have beneficial anti-inflammatory and gut homeostasis effects and prevent type 1 diabetes (T1D) in mice. Reduced SCFA production indicates a loss of beneficial bacteria, commonly associated with chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including T1D and type 2 diabetes. Here, we addressed whether a metabolite-based dietary supplement has an impact on humans with T1D. We conducted a single-arm pilot-and-feasibility trial with high-amylose maize-resistant starch modified with acetate and butyrate (HAMSAB) to assess safety, while monitoring changes in the gut microbiota in alignment with modulation of the immune system status.

Results
HAMSAB supplement was administered for 6 weeks with follow-up at 12 weeks in adults with long-standing T1D. Increased concentrations of SCFA acetate, propionate, and butyrate in stools and plasma were in concert with a shift in the composition and function of the gut microbiota. While glucose control and insulin requirements did not change, subjects with the highest SCFA concentrations exhibited the best glycemic control. Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, and vitamin B7 production correlated with lower HbA1c and basal insulin requirements. Circulating B and T cells developed a more regulatory phenotype post-intervention.

Conclusion
Changes in gut microbiota composition, function, and immune profile following 6 weeks of HAMSAB supplementation were associated with increased SCFAs in stools and plasma. The persistence of these effects suggests that targeting dietary SCFAs may be a mechanism to alter immune profiles, promote immune tolerance, and improve glycemic control for the treatment of T1D.

Trial registration
ACTRN12618001391268. Registered 20 August 2018,https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375792
General digital competences of beginning trainees in commercial vocational education and training
Authors: Findeisen Stefanie , Wild Steffen 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAgainst the background of digital transformation processes that are currently changing the world of work, this paper examines general digital competences of beginning trainees in commercial vocational education and training (VET) programs. We are particularly interested in factors influencing digital competence profiles. From survey data including N = 480 trainees in one federal state in Germany, we were able to identify three different competence profiles (based on the trainees’ self-assessment of their general digital competence). Initial descriptive analysis reveals differences between competence profiles of different training professions (industrial clerks and retail salespersons reach higher competence levels than salespersons). However, regression results indicate that these differences can be explained by differences in school leaving certificates. Contrary to prior empirical evidence, we find no significant effect of trainees’ gender. Finally, the frequency of certain private digital activities (e.g. using office programs, conducting internet searches) affects digital competence profiles. Implications for both VET programs and further research are discussed.
Field evaluation of the entomopathogenic fungi enriched with organic amendments against Holotrichia consanguinea Blanchard (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) infesting groundnut crop
Authors: Patel Prakash S. , Deb Sushma , Rabari Prakash H. , Joshi Manishkumar J. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
White grubs are highly polyphagous and most destructive soil pests inflicting damage to a groundnut crop that causes economic yield losses in commercial groundnut production in India. In this study, potential of the two entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) viz., Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin enriched with organic amendments like neem cake, castor cake, vermicompost and poultry manure was evaluated to manage buildup of white grub population in groundnut crop.

Results
Results showed that the plot treated with soil application of vermicompost @ 1 ton/ha + M. anisopliae 1.15 WP (1 × 108 cfu/g) @ 2 kg/ha showed the least amount of plant mortality due to white grub which was at par with castor cake @ 1 ton/ha + M. anisopliae 1.15 WP (1 × 108 cfu/g) @ 2 kg/ha and neem cake @ 1 ton/ha + M. anisopliae 1.15 WP (1 × 108 cfu/g) @ 2 kg/ha which showed only 1.74, 2.00 and 2.24% plant damage, respectively. Plots treated with vermicompost @ 1 ton/ha + M. anisopliae 1.15 WP (1 × 108 cfu/g) @ 2 kg/ha had the fewest (0.19) white grubs per one meter row length. Based on highest pod yield, net realization and net gain, the treatment with soil application of vermicompost @ 1 ton/ha + M. anisopliae 1.15 WP (1 × 108 cfu/g) @ 2 kg/ha was found most effective treatments for the management of white grub in groundnut.

Conclusions
Results indicated that M. anisopliae supplemented with various organic amendments, such as vermicompost, castor cake, and neem cake can be commercialized as a healthy alternative to minimize the use of synthetic pesticides in groundnut crops for white grub management.
Carbon-based nanomaterials engineered cement composites: a review
Authors: Lu Dong , Zhong Jing 
Published: January 2022

AbstractCarbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) have been extensively used to modify cement matrix thanks to their extraordinary specific surface area, high aspect ratio, and high strength and modulus. This review focuses on the current status of research on CNMs modified cement composites, especially the progress made in the past decade (from 2011 to 2021). At first, the primary properties of typical CNMs used for manufacturing cement composites, the treatments used to effectively disperse CNMs in water and cement matrix, and the corresponding characterization methods are reviewed. And then, the effects of introducing CNMs on the properties of cement composites (both fresh and hardened) are also discussed in this work. Finally, the knowledge gaps and remaining challenges for future work are discussed.
In-depth 3D magnetic inversion of basement relief
Authors: Santos Darcicléa F. , Silva Joao B. C. , Lopes Jozinei F. 
Published: January 2022

We have developed an iterative, efficient, and stable 3D magnetic inversion method to estimate the depth to the basement of a sedimentary basin, the volume of which is approximated by a grid of rectangular prisms with tops at an arbitrary surface and thicknesses estimated iteratively. To compute the thicknesses corrections at the kth iteration, we first compute an approximate sparse sensitivity matrix in which the nonnull elements of a given line are obtained by differentiating the fitting function at the observation position (which occupies the center of a small moving data window) relative to the thicknesses of the prisms situated inside the window. By moving the data window around, all nonnull elements of all lines are computed. This sparse matrix is used to calculate an approximate Gauss-Newton gradient and an approximate diagonal Gauss-Newton Hessian matrix. Finally, by dividing each element of the gradient vector by the corresponding diagonal element of the approximate Hessian matrix, we obtain the corrections of all parameters at a given iteration. The solution is stable because of (1) the small parameter corrections inherent to the method, combined with the initial estimate at the surface and (2) the application of a moving average operator to the solution. Any magnetization orientation, except horizontal (and parallel to any vertical side of the prisms), yields good results. In the case of magnetization inclinations of approximately 45°, the rectangular prisms may induce spurious ripples on the surface of the estimated relief, which can be eliminated by simultaneously reducing the horizontal dimensions of the prisms and applying an appropriate moving average to the solution. Application of our method to real data in a rift area discloses a confined basin with steep and asymmetric borders, confirming the practical utility of the method.
Overburden-borne internal demultiple formula
Authors: Dukalski Marcin , de Vos Koos 
Published: January 2022

Imaging targets buried under highly reflective overburdens might require removal of a substantial amount of internal multiples. However, existing data-driven internal demultiple methods are either not accurate, not very user friendly, or both, as they (1) (only) kinematically predict only some of the multiples, (2) allow for false predictions (multiples leakage), (3) require primary-harming adaptive filtering, (4) can be computationally expensive or require user intervention, (5) require other than reflection data nontrivial inputs, and/or (6) the output cannot be readily quality controlled. We have developed a unifying surface-related multiple estimation/elimination (SRME)-like macrolayer internal demultiple algorithm, which addresses these issues and accurately eliminates all overburden-borne internal multiples. We find that the leading order terms of our formula correspond to some well-known approaches. This strongly suggests that the main benefit of using the Marchenko-equation-based methods comes from higher order terms, which provide transmission amplitude correction and suppress unphysical events predicted by lower order terms. We illustrate the efficacy of our formula with a numerical example, use it to identify outstanding limitations, and suggest some practical solutions to them. We also show that this approach is sufficiently general to be relatively easily extended to include, e.g., viscoelastic effects.
Are two too many when it comes to the treatment of anal canal cancer with concurrent radiation and mitomycin C?
Authors: Al Habsi Zainab , Abraham Aswin George , Al Balushi Mustafa , Tankel Gabriella , Mulder Karen E. , Warkentin Heather , Schiller Dan E. , Tankel Keith , Usmani Nawaid , Severin Diane , Paulson Kim , Karachiwala Hatim , Wong Clarence K. W. , Nijjar Tirath , Joseph Kurian 
Published: January 2022

3 Background: Concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) with 2 doses of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and mitomycin C (MMC) is the standard of care for anal canal cancer (ACC) in North America while 1 dose of MMC is an acceptable practice. Given the lack of randomized data of 1 vs 2 doses of MMC on disease outcomes, we have conducted a population-based study to elucidate the impact of 1 vs. 2 doses of MMC on patterns of treatment failure (POF) and outcomes in ACC treatment. Zainab Al Habsi, Aswin Abraham, Mustafa Al Balushi, Gabriella Tankel, Karen Mulder, Heather Warkentin, Dan Schiller, Keith Tankel, Nawaid Usmani, Diane Severin, Kim Paulson, Hatim Karachiwala, Clarence Wong, Tirath Nijjar, Kurian Joseph. Methods: Data was collected from the provincial cancer registry of patients with stage I-III ACC who were treated with concurrent CRT from 2000 to 2018. Recurrence free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and ACC specific survival were calculated. Results: 428 patients with a median age of 58 years (29-88 years) were included in this analysis. 234 (54.7%) patients received 1 dose of MMC and 194 (45.3%) received 2 doses of MMC. At a median follow-up of 78.5 months (5-252 months), 89 (20.8%) patients developed disease recurrence: 44 (10.3%) loco-regionally, 39 (9.1%) distally and 6 (1.4%) had both local and distant recurrences. Cox Regression analysis showed that the dosage of MMC did not have an impact on overall recurrence (HR = 0.883, p = 0.561), whereas stage III was associated with increased risk for recurrence (HR = 5.238, p = 0.021). Subgroup analysis showed an association of stage IIIb and IIIc with recurrence (HR = 13.33, p = 0.008 and HR = 6.933, p = 0.011 respectively), but was not impacted by the use of 1 vs. 2 doses of MMC. The dosage of MMC did not show any association with local recurrence (HR = 1.136, p = 0.655) or distant recurrence (HR = 0.743, p = 0.267). However, in Stage IIIc patients, 2 doses of MMC showed a trend towards improved distant RFS (HR = 0.626,p = 0.084). Conclusions: Our analysis showed that the patterns of failure and the risk of loco-regional and distant failures were similar between patients who received 1 vs. 2 doses of MMC for stage groups I to IIIc. These finding support routine use of single dose of MMC along with 5FU and radiotherapy for definite chemoradiation. However, a trend towards better RFS was demonstrated with a second dose of MMC in patients with stage IIIc disease.
Circulating tumor DNA-based molecular residual disease detection and recurrence monitoring in patients with advanced or metastatic anal squamous cell carcinoma.
Authors: Azzi Georges , Tavallai Mehrad , Botta Gregory P. , Tejani Mohamedtaki Abdulaziz , Hanna Diana L. , Jurdi Adham Adel , Budde Griffin , Krinshpun Shifra , Maninder Minu , Aushev Vasily N. , Olshan Perry , Billings Paul R. , Aleshin Alexey , Kasi Pashtoon Murtaza 
Published: January 2022

6 Background: For patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC), the current standard of care involves curative-intent definitive chemoradiation. For those that recur locally, salvage surgery maybe a consideration. ASCC, however, still lacks a non-invasive blood-based biomarker, which can be of value in this patient population for monitoring recurrence and/or response to immunotherapy later. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a promising non-invasive tool to assess molecular residual disease (MRD) and recurrence in ASCC. Here, we evaluated real-world utility of ctDNA status to identify MRD and recurrence in ASCC patients across all stages. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients with any stage ASCC receiving SOC or/and immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. A personalized tumor-informed PCR/NGS-based assay (Signatera) was used for ctDNA detection, in the pre/on/post-treatment and surveillance setting. Results: In this study, plasma samples (n=105) were collected from 25 ASCC patients (13 females, 12 males; median age 66 years) at various timepoints for a median follow-up of 315 days (range: 59-1717), post-diagnosis; 12 patients were HPV-positive, 1 patient was HPV-negative, and 12 had unknown HPV status; 88% (22/25) of the patients had serial timepoints (≥2) available. ctDNA-positivity rates, test results, and ctDNA quantification by stage are summarized in Table. The quantitated ctDNA values (mean tumor molecules (MTM)/mL) increased in concordance with the stage of the disease, with values trending higher in stage III and IV. In addition, complete clinical outcome information was available for 22/25 patients at the time of releasing this data. Of the 96 plasma samples drawn from these patients, 68 (70%) were in the surveillance setting (post-definitive therapy). No recurrences were observed among 15 patients who cleared ctDNA on treatment and/or tested negative post-treatment, whereas, 6/7 ctDNA-positive patients were confirmed to have disease recurrence and 1 was pending confirmatory imaging. This often predated recurrence on scans. Conclusions: Measuring and monitoring MRD in patients with ASCC is feasible and has the potential to impact clinical decision making. Our study is the first to set the benchmark for the feasibility of using a tumor-informed assay in ASCC. Larger prospective studies are needed to explore the clinical utility of ctDNA status to guide disease surveillance and management of ASCC.[Table: see text]
Phase I/II trial of encorafenib, cetuximab, and nivolumab in patients with microsatellite stable, BRAFV600E metastatic colorectal cancer.
Authors: Morris Van K. , Parseghian Christine Megerdichian , Escano Michelle , Johnson Benny , Raghav Kanwal Pratap Singh , Dasari Arvind , Huey Ryan , Overman Michael J. , Willis Jason , Lee Michael Sangmin , Wolff Robert A. , Kee Bryan K. , Shen John Paul Y.C. , Morelli Maria Pia , Tam Alda , Foo Wai Chin , Xiao Lianchun , Kopetz Scott 
Published: January 2022

12 Background: Encorafenib (E) and cetuximab (C) offers short-lived response and survival benefit for patients (pts) with MSS, BRAFV600E metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). BRAF + EGFR inhibition induced a transient MSI-H phenotype in preclinical models of MSS, BRAFV600E CRC and may prime these tumors for response to immunotherapy with anti-PD-1 antibodies like nivolumab (N). Methods: In this single-arm, single-institution, phase I/II clinical trial, pts with treatment-refractory MSS, BRAFV600E metastatic CRC were eligible. No prior BRAF inhibitors, anti-EGFR antibody, or immunotherapy was permitted. Pts received E (300 mg PO daily), C (500 mg/m2 IV q14 days), and N (480 mg IV q28 days). The primary endpoints were best overall response (RECIST 1.1) and safety/tolerability (CTCAE v5). A Simon two-stage design (H0: p≤.22; Ha: p≥.45, where p= percentage of pts with radiographic response) was employed using a one-sided α=.05 and β=.20. In the first stage, ≥ 4/15 responses were needed in order for the trial to enroll 11 additional pts. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated via Kaplan-Meier. Results: All 26 pts have been enrolled - 23 patients treated, and 21 evaluable for response so far. Median age is 59 years (range, 32-85), and 14 (54%) are female. No dose-limiting toxicities occurred. Grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events (AE) occurred in 4/22 (18%) patients. Grade 3 AEs included colitis, maculopapular rash, leukocytosis, and elevated amylase/lipase (all N=1). Grade 4 AEs in a single patient were myositis/myocarditis. Overall response rate is 45% (95% CI, 23-68), and disease control rate is 95% (95% CI, 75-100). Median PFS is 7.3 months (95% CI, 5.5-NA). Median OS is 11.4 months (95% CI, 7.6-NA). For the 9 pts thus far with responses, median duration of response is 8.1 months (95% CI, 7.3-NA). Updated results will be presented. Conclusions: E + C + N is effective and well-tolerated for pts with MSS, BRAFV600E metastatic CRC. The E+C+N regimen met its predefined efficacy endpoint and suggests a role for immunotherapy as a novel combination approach for this specific subpopulation of MSS metastatic CRC. A follow-up randomized phase II trial (SWOG 2107) to evaluate encorafenib/cetuximab with or without nivolumab in pts with MSS, BRAFV600E metastatic CRC will activate in early 2022. Clinical trial information: NCT04017650.