bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Rural Land Use and Insect Ecological Sensitivity in Burundi
Authors: Kwizera Vital , Gençer Nimet Sema , Gündoğdu Kemal Sulhi , Ndagijimana Jean Bosco 
Published: May 2022

Insects are found in almost all ecosystems and are responsible for several essential functions. They aerate the soil, pollinate blossoms, and control plant diseases. The ecological importance of insects cannot be underestimated: they form the basement of the food pyramid and affect agricultural ecosystems and human health. All organisms are co-evolved and are dependent each other. Human activities cause adverse effects in the insect´s environments. Opening forests and other natural areas for agricultural activities affect the insect ecosystems. Land, which is the foundation of human activities, is also the home of insects. Insects have been competing with humans for the products of our labor ever since the soil cultivation began.
In this research, we evaluated the impact of rural land use on insect ecology. Firstly, we conducted survey (interviews) in order to discover the area and its main economic. As a complement field analysis and GIS mapping were conducted. Different land uses, types and composition of vegetation cover, and insect composition were analyzed.
The most important land occupation is agriculture, followed by settlement, and artificial forestry. We evaluated the effects of elevation, cropland, settlement, road, and nighttime light on insect ecology. We named the analysis “insect ecological sensibility” and considered it in our study area. The presence or not of protected and/or ecological corridors was also analyzed.
Cropland, settlement, and artificial forestry and pastures, especially the absence of protected areas and ecological corridors, are the main points that negatively affect insect ecology in the study area. Elevation, road and nighttime light are not affecting significantly insect ecology.
Screening for Biodegradation Potential of Endophytic Bacteria Isolated from the Roots and Leaves of Mangrove Plants (Avicennia germinans) (Black Mangrove), Acrostichum aureum (Golden Leather Fern) and Rhizophora mangle (Red Mangrove)
Authors: Abiye Somiari, Adaobi Assumpta , Ibietela Douglas, Salome , Renner Nrior, Renner 
Published: May 2022

Aim: The aim of this study is to screen and determine the biodegradation potential of the endophytic bacteria isolated from roots and leaves of mangrove plants.
Methodology: In this work were isolated, identified and screened endophytic bacteria from roots of Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia germinans and Acrostichum aureum; the three major species of mangrove plants found in the Niger Delta. The roots were transported in a sterile bag to the Microbiology Laboratory and treated using standard Microbiological techniques. The organisms isolated include: Pseudomonas sp, Bacillus sp, Staphylococcus sp, Micrococcus sp, Klebsiella sp, Azotobacter sp, Nitrobacter sp. and Nitrosomonas sp. These organisms were screened for their ability to degrade crude oil by analyzing them using an ultra-violet spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 600nm and through a colorimetric test that involves the use of 2,6, Dichlorophenol-indophenol (DCPIP) as the metabolic activity indicator for a 14 days period.
Results: According to the colorimetric test, isolates that were positive hydrocarbon degraders were observed by a colour change from blue to colourless, which include: Pseudomonas sp, Staphylococcus sp, Bacillus sp, Klebsiella sp and Nitrobacter sp, while those that changed from blue to pink(an indication of a negative reaction) were: Nitrosomonas sp, Bacillus sp, Micrococcus sp, Staphylococcus sp, Azotobacter sp and Klebsiella sp. Amount degraded and percentage biodegradation ranged from Micrococcus sp 278.6 (6.2%) ˂ Azotobacter sp. 1242.8 (17.8%) ˂ Nitrosomonas sp 1392.9 (19.9%) ˂ Staphylococcus sp1543.0 (22.1%) ˂ Bacillus sp 17927.8 (25.6%) ˂ Nitrobacter sp 1935.7 (28%) ˂ Klebsiella sp 3392.9 (48.5%) ˂ Bacillus sp 3671.4 (52.5%) ˂ Pseudomonas sp 4942.8 (70%).
Conclusion: Pseudomonas and Bacillus species demonstrated the highest potential to degrade crude oil and can therefore be used in bioremediation of water ecosystem impacted by crude oil. Hence, the scientific contribution of this research is related to identifying several culturable groups of bacteria that might be directed to these further biotechnological approaches.
Fluoroquinolone Resistant Salmonella Species
Authors: Angulu Caleb Ndako , Maryam Sadiq Umar , Mamman Godiya Peter , Jesse Innocent Apameio , Kin Agholor , Mahmud Yakubu 
Published: May 2022

Fluoroquinolones are widely used most effective medication, systemic antibacterial that have long been used against respiratory and Urinary Tract Infections. Fluoroquinolones are effective against both aerobic and anaerobic gram positive and negative bacteria, most especially Salmonella species. Resistance comes as a curse with antibiotics that occurs when bacteria change in some way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of drugs, chemicals or other agents designed to cure or prevent infections. The main problem connected with the therapeutic use of fluoroquinolones is the establishment of more virulent and resistant Salmonella species due to the development of either altered DNA-binding proteins or efflux pump mechanisms for antibiotics. It is currently a serious public health threat that affects people all around the world. When a Salmonella species develops resistance to fluoroquinolones, the fluoroquinolones are no longer effective in treating Salmonella infections. This review provides an overview of Salmonella infection, and discusses the fluoroquinolones, Mechanisms of antibiotics resistance in Salmonella, Pathogenesis of Salmonella species and clinical manifestations.
Relationships between Risky Driving and Psychopathy Traits
Authors: Sinkevicius Liudas Vincentas , Serapinas Danielius 
Published: May 2022

Background: Despite all efforts to ensure road safety, road deaths rank eighth in the world. More than 3,500 people die on the world's roads every day, almost 1.3 million. avoided deaths and around 50 million injuries annually.
Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to investigate the links between risky driving and psychopathic traits.
Materials and Methods: 257 drivers participated, ranged from 18 to 66 years. A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to determine if psychopathy predicts risky driving. Methods used in the study: the Driving Behavior Questionnaire to measure risky driving and the Triarchial Psychopathic Measures Questionnaire to measure psychopathic traits.
Results: Drivers with a higher degree of psychopathic disinhibition trait commit more driving errors, slips and lapses, aggressive and ordinary driving violations; Drivers with a higher degree of psychopathic meanness trait commit more aggressive and ordinary driving violations; Drivers with a higher degree of psychopathic boldness trait make fewer driving mistakes and have a lower overall risk of driving; Psychopathy traits can predict risky driving and the disinhibition trait of psychopathy has the highest prognostic value in predicting risky driving.
Conclusion: Psychopathy traits shows relationship with risky driving and psychopathy trait disinhibition can prognose risky driving.
Second-Line Drug Susceptibility Testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates from Patients in Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Silas Goodluck 
Published: May 2022

Aim: To determine the second-line drug susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from patients in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Study Design: A cross sectional study was carried out in this research.
Place and Duration of Study: Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) Centers across Bayelsa State, between March 2020 and November 2021.
Methodology: Ethical approval was obtained from Bayelsa State Ministry of Health, Yenagoa, Nigeria. Informations such as age, sex and residential address was obtained with the help of a questionnaire. A total of 100 sputum sample was collected from 100 patients across all the Local Government Areas. Sputum sample decontamination and homogenization was done using the Sodium Hydroxide/N- Acetyl -L- Cysteine Citrate Solution. Sputum samples were cultured on solid Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) Media. All growths on LJ media were confirmed with Ziehl Neelsen staining and Standard Bioline antigen test. Drug susceptibility test was carried out after bacterial DNA was extracted and amplified using Line Probe Assay (MTBDRplus assay ver 2).
Results: Out of 100 patients, 15 had confirmed growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. All isolate had no form of mutation on gyr gene, meaning 100% of isolates were susceptibility to flouroquinolones. There were also no mutation detected on rrs gene therefore all strains are also susceptible to Kanamycin, Amikasin and capreomycin. Out of the 15 isolates 14 had no mutation on the eis gene while 1% had mutation of WT2 and MUT1.
Conclusion: A good percentage of the isolates are susceptible to second line drugs, therefore cases of extensive drug resistance is not common in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
The Defence Strategy of Inbound Tour Operator Member of ASITA Bali in the Online Business Era Competition
Authors: Tallo Paul Edmundus , Budiarsa I. Made , Bendesa I. Komang Gde , Wiranatha A. A. P. Agung Suryawan 
Published: May 2022

This research is to answer the concerns of the members of Association of Indonesia Tour Operators and Travel Agencies (ASITA) Bali about the presence of online travel agents that disrupt their business, which operates in the form of a platform and as well as a marketplace, such as: Agoda.com, Booking.com, and others. Concerns that eventually developed into discussions about how the inbound tour operator can stay alive continuously to emerge among ASITA members when they witnessed the phenomenon of cooperative relations between inbound tour operators and hotels which were indicated to provide far cheaper prices to online travel agents than the prices given to the inbound tour operators. This research was designed as deep interview period April – September 2019, which took place in Denpasar, Badung, Tanah Lot and Ubud-Bali.
The data collection technique carried out was purposive sampling by conducting in-depth interviews with 34 (thirty four) well experienced owner of inbound tour operators, the government officials (Bali Provincial Tourism Office, Denpasar Municipal Tourism Office and Badung Regency Tourism Office) and Bali tourism organizations, they are: PHRI (Indonesia Hotel & Restaurant Association), PAWIBA (Bali Tourism Transportation Association), PUTRI (Indonesia Tourism Attraction Organization), HPI (Indonesia Guide Association) and online travel agents. The analysis procedure uses the MICMAC analysis method, MACTOR analysis, and PROMETHEE analysis.
This study concludes that the most influential factors that cause many inbound tour operators to be inactive are: motivation, innovation, regulation, access and ICT. While the role of the government to maintain the inbound tour operator member of Asita Bali has little influence on the sustainability of the inbound tour operator member of ASITA Bali. In the context of the strategy for maintaining inbound tour operator in the online business era, are formulated through a Hybrid, Business as usual and Collaboration model. The new findings of this study is the Hybrid Model, which is a combination of business as usual and ICT (information, communication, technology).
Age‐Specific differences in Asian elephant defecation, dung decay, detection and their implication for dung count
Authors: Mohanarangan Ashokkumar , Chinnaiyan Sakthivel , Kaliyaperumal Sudhakar , Shanmugavelu Swaminathan , Desai Ajay A 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn vertebrate population estimation, converting faecal density into animal density requires information on the faecal production rate, decay rate and faecal density. Differences in the above factors for long‐lived species across age classes were not evaluated. We have evaluated these factors associated with the dung count of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in the tropical forest of southern India.The defecation rate of elephants was determined in semi‐wild elephants at the Mudumalai elephant camp. The relationship between dung bolus diameter and age was determined to estimate the age of the elephant. The total and age‐specific elephant density based on dung bolus diameter was estimated. A total of 24 transect lines of 2–4 km (125 km) were sampled in the study area. An experiment was conducted to assess the detection probability across the age classes of dung piles. The dung decay rates across age classes and seasons were determined by marking fresh dung piles (n = 1551). The dung‐based age structure assessment and its limitations were evaluated.The mean defecation rate was 13.51 ± 0.51 per day. The defecation rate was significantly lower for the younger age class and increased with the age of elephants. Defecation rates were significantly lower in the wet season than in the dry. The dung bolus diameter positively increased with the age of elephants, and the growth curve can be used to predict the age and age structure of elephant populations.The disparity in the dung production rate results in the lower availability of younger age class (juvenile and calf) dung in the transect for counting, which results in lower dung abundance. The detection probability of dung piles of younger age classes was low (0.58). The survival rates of dung piles of younger age classes were lower and increased with the age of elephants in the wet season. Hence, the demographic assessment of the population based on dung needs to consider age‐specific differences in dung production, decay and detection probability. Although the demographic assessment using dung provides insight into population age structure, it has limitations in predicting age structure for young elephants.
Characterization of imaging performance of a novel helical kVCT for use in image‐guided and adaptive radiotherapy
Authors: Tegtmeier Riley C. , Ferris William S. , Bayouth John E. , Miller Jessica R. , Culberson Wesley S. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractClearRT helical kVCT imaging for the Radixact helical tomotherapy system recently received FDA approval and is available for clinical use. The system is intended to enhance image fidelity in radiation therapy treatment planning and delivery compared to the prior MV‐based onboard imaging approach. The purpose of this work was to characterize the imaging performance of this system and compare this performance with that of clinical systems used in image‐guided and/or adaptive radiotherapy (ART) or computed tomography (CT) simulation, including Radixact MVCT, TomoTherapy MVCT, Varian TrueBeam kV OBI CBCT, and the Siemens SOMATOM Definition Edge kVCT. A CT image quality phantom was scanned across clinically relevant acquisition modes for each system to evaluate image quality metrics, including noise, uniformity, contrast, spatial resolution, and CT number linearity. Similar noise levels were observed for ClearRT and Siemens Edge, whereas noise for the other systems was ∼1.5–5 times higher. Uniformity was best for Siemens Edge, whereas most scans for ClearRT exhibited a slight “cupping” or “capping” artifact. The ClearRT and Siemens Edge performed best for contrast metrics, which included low‐contrast visibility and contrast‐to‐noise ratio evaluations. Spatial resolution was best for TrueBeam and Siemens Edge, whereas the three kVCT systems exhibited similar CT number linearity. Overall, these results provide an initial indication that ClearRT image quality is adequate for image guidance in radiotherapy and sufficient for delineating anatomic structures, thus enabling its use for ART. ClearRT also showed significant improvement over MVCT, which was previously the only onboard imaging modality available on Radixact. Although the acquisition of these scans does come at the cost of additional patient dose, reported CTDI values indicate a similar or generally reduced machine output for ClearRT compared to the other systems while maintaining comparable or improved image quality overall.
Performance Improvement of Perovskite Solar Cells by Interactions between Nano‐Sized Quantum Dots and Perovskite
Authors: Chi Weiguang , Banerjee Sanjay K. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPerovskite solar cells (PSCs) have undergone rapid progress and attracted considerable attention as a promising alternative to conventional photovoltaics but currently still face the challenges of Shockley‐Queisser (SQ) limit and stability. Herein, the use of quantum dots (QDs) for the advancement of PSCs is focused on. The interactions between QDs and perovskite are discussed in terms of energy and charge transfer. The effective strategies for performance improvement of devices treated with QDs are interpreted from the point of view of surface modification (passivation and mixing), and microstructure (buffer function) and nanostructure (core/shell structure). In particular, possible routes to success in surpassing the SQ limit are summarized in association with the corresponding mechanisms. Also, the mechanisms for the enhancement of stability by QD treatment are analyzed, including quantum confinement effect, crystallization, ion migration inhibition, hydrophobicity improvement, passivation, and decomposition suppression. In addition, application of QDs to charge transporting layers is introduced and the resultant changes in device performance and stability are pointed out. The insights gained from this review are very crucial for the further advancement of PSCs treated with QDs.
Unravelling the Role of Electron Acceptors for the Universal Enhancement of Charge Transport in Quinoid‐Donor‐Acceptor Polymers for High‐Performance Transistors
Authors: Liang Huanhuan , Liu Cheng , Zhang Zesheng , Liu Xuncheng , Zhou Quanfeng , Zheng Guohui , Gong Xiu , Xie Lan , Yang Chen , Zhang Lianjie , He Bo , Chen Junwu , Liu Yi 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe quinoid‐donor‐acceptor (Q‐D‐A) strategy has recently emerged as a promising approach for constructing high mobility semiconducting polymers. In order to fully explore the potential of this strategy in improving the charge transport and elucidating the structure‐property‐performance relationships in Q‐D‐A polymers, a series of new polymers with different electron acceptor units and backbone coplanarity have been synthesized and characterized. All of the resulting Q‐D‐A polymers exhibit much more planar backbone conformations in comparison to their donor‐acceptor (D‐A) counterparts. Moreover, organic field‐effect transistors based on Q‐D‐A polymers exhibit excellent effective hole mobilities in a range of 0.44 to 3.35 cm2 V−1 s−1, most of which are orders of magnitude higher than those of their corresponding D‐A polymers. Notably, the hole mobility of 3.35 cm2 V−1 s−1 is among the highest for the quinoidal‐aromatic polymers characterized by conventional spin‐coating methods. Furthermore, the role of electron acceptors in Q‐D‐A polymers has been comprehensively investigated. Polymers with stronger acceptor units are more inclined to deliver edge‐on lamellas, high film crystallinity, small effective hole masses, and decent operational stability. The detailed structure‐property‐device performance relationship will pave the way toward high performance semiconducting polymers using the potent Q‐D‐A strategy.
Self‐Delivering Nanodrugs Developed via Small‐Molecule‐Directed Assembly and Macrophage Cloaking for Sonodynamic‐Augmented Immunotherapy
Authors: Xie Fang , Liu Zongjunlin , Wang Peiyuan , Cai Meimei , Li Yang , Yan Jianghua , Lin Qin , Luo Fanghong 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe self‐delivery of sonosensitizers and immunomodulators to tumor areas, which is highly recommended for enhancing sonodynamic immunotherapy, remains a challenge. Herein, a self‐delivering nanodrug (HB‐NLG8189, drug loading: ≈100 wt%) is developed by the small‐molecule self‐assembly of "HB" (a new clinical photosensitizer) and NLG8189 (indoleamine‐(2,3)‐dioxygenase (IDO) pathway inhibitor) for sonodynamic‐augmented immunotherapy; this preparation method ensures the absence of excipient‐related toxicity and immunogenicity. To evade immune recognition and prolong the circulation time, the HB‐NLG8189 nanodrugs are camouflaged using macrophage cell membranes (MPCMs). The constructed HB‐NLG8189@MPCM nanodrugs show an ability to preferentially accumulate within tumors. Upon ultrasound triggering, the HB‐NLG8189@MPCM is able to generate reactive oxygen species efficiently for robust sonodynamic therapy; it induces immunogenic cell death, initiates an antitumor immune response to activate tumor‐specific effector T cells, and promotes the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. The concomitant delivery of NLG8189 reverses the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by restraining IDO‐1 activation and the intratumoral infiltration of regulatory T cells. Sonodynamic‐augmented immunotherapy with HB‐NLG8189@MPCM significantly inhibits the growth of both primary and distant tumors with little systemic toxicity. The biomimetic self‐delivery nanodrug provides a promising paradigm for improving sonodynamic immunotherapy.
Ultralow‐k Amorphous Boron Nitride Based on Hexagonal Ring Stacking Framework for 300 mm Silicon Technology Platform
Authors: Lin Cheng‐Ming , Hsu Chuang‐Han , Huang Wei‐Yu , Astié Vincent , Cheng Po‐Hsien , Lin Yue‐Min , Hu Wei‐Shan , Chen Szu‐Hua , Lin Han‐Yu , Li Ming‐Yang , Magyari‐Kope Blanka , Yang Chi‐Ming , Decams Jean‐Manuel , Lee Tzu‐Lih , Gui Dong , Wang Han , Woon Wei‐Yen , Lin Pinyen , Wu Jeff , Lee Jang‐Jung , Liao Szuya Sandy , Cao Min 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe implementation of ultralow dielectric constant (k value ≈ 2) materials to reduce signal propagation delay in advanced electronic devices represents a critical challenge in next generations of microelectronics technologies. The introduction of well‐stacked and low polarity molecules that do not compromise film density may lead to improvements and desirable material engineering, as conventional porous SiOx derivatives exhibit detrimental degradation of thermo‐mechanical properties when their k values are further scaled down. This work presents a systematic engineering approach for controlling ultralow‐k amorphous boron nitride (aBN) deposition on 300 mm Si platforms. The results indicate that aBN grown from borazine precursor exhibits ultralow dielectric constant ≈2, high density, excellent mechanical strength, and extended thermodynamic stability. Unintentional boron ion doping during plasma dissociation that may induce artificial reductions of k value on n‐type substrates is alleviated by employing a remote microwave plasma process. Moreover, the adoption of low growth rate processes for ultralow‐k aBN deposition is found to be critical to provide for the superior mechanical strength and high density, and is attributed to the formation of hexagonal ring stacking frameworks. These results pave the way and offer engineering solutions for new ultralow‐k material introduction into future semiconductor manufacturing applications.