bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Farmers’ preferred traits, production constraints, and adoption factors of improved maize varieties under South-Kivu rainfed agro-ecologies, eastern D.R. Congo: Implication for maize breeding
Authors: Ndeko Adrien Byamungu , Chuma Geant Basimine , Mondo Jean Mubalama , Kazamwali Léon Muzee , Mugumaarhahama Yannick , Bisimwa Espoir Basengere , Mushagalusa Gustave Nachigera 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The adoption rate of improved maize varieties (IMVs) is low among small-scale farmers in South-Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), despite extensive dissemination efforts by local and international research institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The level of understanding of farmers' preferences and needs for released IMVs, as well as socioeconomic factors influencing their adoption in South-Kivu, is still limited. This study aimed at assessing farmers' preference criteria for maize varieties and identifying factors driving the adoption of IMVs as well as major production constraints in South-Kivu, to guide varietal selection and breeding initiatives.
Results
Results showed that the most farmer-preferred attributes were high yield potential, early maturity, taste, and pest/disease resistance, with significant disparities across market segments. Socioeconomic factors such as the farmer’s age, experience, membership of farmer organization, contacts with extension services, land ownership, seed availability, access to credits and labor availability bear significant influence on the adoption decision of IMVs. While experience and membership of farmers’ organizations negatively influence the adoption of the combination of local and IMVs. Lack of land, pest and disease, lack of labor, and unavailability of quality seeds were the most important constraints faced by farmers.
Conclusions
In addition to controlling negative socioeconomic factors and production constraints, it would be essential to initiate breeding initiatives that consider local farmers' preferences and needs, to boost IMVs uptake by farmers in South-Kivu.
Biosurfactant Production by Free and Immobilized cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa using Waste Engine Oil: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Pradhan Kajol , Jujaru Mohan , Gaur Shailee , Kumar Sushil , Jain Amit 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

This study investigated biosurfactant production by both free and immobilized bacterial strain ofPseudomonas aeruginosausing waste engine oil as a substrate. Polyurethane foam cubes were used as a carrier for the immobilization. Immobilization of cells using polyurethane foam was found to be convenient and after two days the bacterial growth was 2.9×1014CFU/ml. The batch experiments were performed in Erlenmeyer flasks and monitored at every 24 hr interval for both free and immobilized cell systems. The microbial population was counted using the plate count method and the hydrocarbon degradation percentage was calculated to evaluate bacterial activity. Surface tension was measured at regular intervals to ensure the presence of biosurfactant. The maximum reduction was found to be 37 and 35 mN/m in free and immobilized cell systems, respectively. The chemical characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the obtained product as rhamnolipid. Biosurfactant yield was found to be maximum in the case of immobilized system which was approximately 18 g/L. Scanning electron micrographs showed the potential of reusing the immobilized cells with polyurethane foam cubes.
Prolonging the time of progesterone supplementation to improve the pregnancy outcomes of single Day 6 blastocyst transfer in frozen-thawed cycles: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xu Manlin , Yan Yuan , Shen Xiaoyue , Sun Haixiang , Yan Guijun , Kong Na , Jiang Yue 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
• Background: Infertility is one of the most important and underappreciated reproductive health problems in developing countries. Currently, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer is the most effective treatment strategy for infertility. In a frozen-thawed cycle, single -blastocyst transfer can not only ensure relatively higher pregnancy and live-birth rates but also effectively reduce the risk of maternal and neonatal complications. In IVF-ET cycles, progesterone is initiated to promote the final phase of endometrial preparation prior to embryo transfer. However, the optimal duration of exposure to progesterone has remained inconclusive. Therefore, we designed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare the effects of different prolonged progesterone transformation times (P+6 and P+7) on the pregnancy outcomes of D6 single blastocyst transfer in a frozen-thawed cycle.
• Methods: This is a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial involving 900 patients with single blastocyst transfer in the frozen-thawed cycle, aged from 20 to 38 years, with less than three transfers, and with HRT-cycle single D6 blastocyst transfer in the current cycle. Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1) into two parallel groups: the transfer of day 6 blastocysts on the 7th day of progesterone supplementation and the transfer of day 6 blastocysts on the 6th day of progesterone supplementation. The primary outcome measure is the embryo implantation rate. Secondary outcome measures include the clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate and live birth rate.
• Discussion: This is the first randomized controlled trial to compare the transfer of day 6 blastocysts on the 6th and 7th day of progesterone supplementation. The results of this study will provide evidence for whether to prolong the duration of exposure to progesterone prior to embryo transfer.
• Trial registration: Clinical Trials. gov, ID: NCT04938011. Registered on 19 June 2021.
3D-printed Strontium-Titanium Scaffolds Incorporated with Highly Bioactive Serum Exosomes Promotes Critical Bone Defect Repair by Enhancing Osteogenesis and Angiogenesis
Authors: Liu Hao , Gu Ranli , Li Wei , Zeng Lijun , Zhu Yuan , Wang Siyi , Liu Xuenan , Heng Boon Chin , Liu Yunsong , Zhou Yongsheng 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Large bone defect healing faces significant challenges because of inadequate bone regeneration and revascularization. Serum exosomes (sEXO) during bone defect repair are rich in osteogenic factors. Titanium (Ti) scaffolds and low dose strontium (Sr) can promote bone regeneration. Here, a “cell-free scaffold engineering” strategy that incorporates strontium and highly bioactive sEXO within a 3D-printed Ti scaffold is developed.
Methods
Sr-Ti-sEXO composite was prepared by ion implantation and ultra-high-speed centrifugation. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alizarin red (ARS), immunofluorescence (IF) staining, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to detect the osteogenic effect of Sr-Ti-sExo on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, and PCR were used to detect the osteoclast effect of Sr-Ti-sEXO on RAW264.7. The vascularization effect of Sr-Ti-sEXO on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was investigated by scratch and migration experiments. Micro-CT and histological staining were used to study the osteogenic and vasculogenic effects of Sr-Ti-sEXO implanted in rabbit large radius defect at 6 and 12 weeks in vivo. RNA-seq was used to explore the potential mechanism.
Results
Sr-Ti-sEXO composite promoted early osteogenesis and inhibited osteoclast formation through the combined release of Sr ions and sEXO, and sustained release of Sr ions enhanced bone conduction, bone induction and inhibited fibroblasts. sEXO can promote the vascular reconstruction of CBD in fracture stage, which has the dual effect of promoting bone and promoting angiogenesis in critical bone defect repair. These effects are regulated by multiple miRNAs that shuttle in sEXO.
Conclusions
Sr-Ti-sEXO has favourable sustained release performance, osteogenic and vasogenic effects, which is a biocompatible and clinically feasible critical bone defect repair strategy. This study also broadens the biomedical potential of exosomes with specific functions such as sEXO in fracture stage. Based on the relative abundance of sEXO, a sEXO library for clinical treatment can be established.
Optimal cleaning strategy of large-scale solar PVarrays considering non-uniform dust deposition
Authors: Simiyu Donah , Ye Xianming , Xia Xiaohua , Hu Yihua 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The dust deposition on top of solar panels blocks the solar insolation, causes erosion of the solar panel surface material, andalso deviates the maximum power point of the solar panels’ power output, which results in reductions of the panels’ poweroutputs and accelerations on the panels’ aging process. In practice, periodically cleaning efforts on the solar panels have to beconducted for dust removal, which intensifies the operational cost of many solar photovoltaic power plants. This study proposesan optimal cleaning plan for the PV plants that are prone to the dust deposition. In order to obtain the optimal cleaning plan,we first investigate the dust deposition process and develop a model to describe how PV power generation varies with thenon-uniform dust deposition patterns. Then we formulate a constrained optimization model to identify the most cost-effectivesolar panel cleaning strategy. In the optimisation, the additional revenue due to cleaning the solar panels is formulated as theobjective function. The decision variables are the number of PV strings to be cleaned at each cleaning interval. A case study ispresented to show how effective the proposed optimal solar panel cleaning strategy is.
Investigation of biological and wound healing effects of Estrogen solution: An in vitro study
Authors: Shams Alireza , Nejati Negar , Shamosi Atefeh 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Repairing dermal skin defects denotes a challenging obstacle in wound healing. Wound healing activities of estrogen have been noted in many experimental models proposing their beneficial role in wound closure and treatments of impaired wound healing. To study the most significant problem in dermal defect regeneration, namely collagen formation and insufficient blood supply, this study aimed to evaluate different concentrations of estrogen in the co-culture of fibroblast and endothelial cells.
Methods
The human fibroblast (C163) and Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were co-cultured and treated with different concentrations of estrogen solution. The cytotoxic effect of estrogen solution was evaluated by MTT assay while expression of endothelial markers (CD31) and Vimentin in treated cells was examined using Real-time PCR and Immunofluorescence analysis. Wound healing capacity in human fibroblast cells was studied by a scratch test assay.
Results
Estrogen has a dose-dependent proliferation effect on C163 and HUVEC co-culture cells with a significant growth inhibition at concentrations higher than 75 ng/ml concentration. We demonstrated that estrogen increased the growth, proliferation, and migration of C163 and HUVEC co-culture cells, accordingly, cell viability and scratch tests. C163 and HUVEC co-culture cells were cultured by estrogen treatments, which also improved the expression of the CD31 and Vimentin markers.
Conclusions
These results provide further insight into the function of biological agents in the wound healing process and may have significant approaches for the use of estrogen in skin wound healing.
RIPK1-mediated NLRP3 activation via MAPK signaling pathway in the Pathogenesis of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Liu Yuemin , Dong Yabing , Liu Zhiyang , Wang Yiwen , Chai Ying , Han Zixiang , Wei Wenbin , Chen Minjie 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background: Trigeminal neuralgia is a typical kind of neuropathic pain featured with severe and recurrent pain attacks along the areas innervated by trigeminal nerve. Although mechanical injuries caused by vessels compression is highly related to the pathogenesis, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear.
Methods: We constructed chronic constriction to infraorbital nerve (CCI) on Sprague Dawley rats, after which spontaneous pain and mechanical allodynia related behaviors were measured. Transcriptome of trigeminal ganglion (TG) affected by CCI were analyzed to select the related signaling pathway and genes. We examined the receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) expression in the trigeminal ganglion by western blotting and RT-PCR; studied the location of RIPK1 and NLRP3 expression by performing immunofluorescence. Necrostatin-1, the specific antagonist of RIPK1, was administered to identify the effect of RIPK1 inhibition on NLRP3 expression.
Results: We identified mechanical allodynia within the whisker pad area after CCI. RNA-sequencing indicated that NLRP3 levels in the trigeminal ganglion were higher in CCI groups compared to the control group and MAPK signaling pathway was up-regulated after CCI. We also identified an increase in overall reactivity of RIPK1 in trigeminal ganglia after the surgery. A significant proportion of RIPK1+ cells in the TG of CCI rats colocalized with the neuron cells. RT-PCR result shows the expression of NLRP3 also increased following RIPK1 activation. The results from immunofluorescence staining revealed that NLRP3 was upregulated in TG neuron cells. Also, when RIPK1 is inhibited by Nec-1, NLRP3 expression in neurons from CCI rats also decreased. Nec-1 can alleviate the demyelination of TG and mechanical allodynia after CCI. Compared to control group, RIPK1 expression is down-regulated after Nec-1 injection, followed by a decreasing in NLRP3 expression.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates RIPK1 in TG neurons is activated when nerves are mechanically injuried, leading to the over-expression of NLRP3 inflammasome by activating MAPK signaling pathway. The subsequent cascade of inflammatory feedback and pain signal transmission led to the occurrence of trigeminal neuralgia.
Predictive Modeling and Analysis of Material Removal Characteristics for Robotic Belt Grinding of Complex Blade
Authors: jia haolin , Lu Congda , Cai Deling , Bao Chengle , Xiang Yingjian , Chen Jiahao 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
High-performance grinding has been converted from traditional manual grinding to robotic grinding over recent years. Accurate material removal is challenging for workpieces with complex profiles. Over recent years, digital processing of grinding has shown its great potential in the optimization of manufacturing processes and operational efficiency. Thus, quantification of the material removal process is an inevitable trend. This research establishes a three-dimensional model of the grinding workstation and designs the blade back arc grinding trajectory. A prediction model of the blade material removal rate (MRR) is established based on the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). Experiments are carried out using the Taguchi method to investigate how certain elements might affect the outcomes. An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is used to study the effect of abrasive belt grinding characteristics on blade material removal. The mean absolute percent error (MAPE) of the established ANFIS model after training and testing is 3.976%, demonstrating superior performance to the reported findings, which range from 4.373 to 7.96%. ANFIS exhibits superior outcomes when compared to other prediction models, such as random forest(RF), artificial neural network (ANN), and support vector regression (SVR). This work can provide some sound guidance for high-precision prediction of material removal amounts from surface grinding of steam turbine blades.
Develop a framework using system thinking model on agile transformation in oil and gas company operation: A conceptual framework
Authors: Darusulistyo Sidik , Wibisono Dermawan , Wandebori Harimukti , Novani Santi 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Agile has grown in popularity over the last decade as a new management approach to performance. The term refers to the observation that the rate of business change was rapidly outpacing the traditional organization’s ability to adapt. Deploying agile methodology aims to transform a company into a faster, more flexible, and more responsive organization, though it involves risk in highly hazardous operations. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a framework for agile transformation adaptation in an oil and gas company. The development uses a system thinking approach with Soft System Dynamic Methodology (SSDM) supported with the Mckinsey 7S model. This methodology was selected due to the complexity of change processes and the plural interrelationship among stakeholders. The framework proposed four variables that consist of strategy prioritization, strategy alignment, servant leadership, and governance process, as critical success factors in agile transformation adaption in the oil and gas operation for further enhancement in the later stage of the research.
Electric Distribution Systems Rearrangement for Energy Saving usingImproved Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Saleh A. A. , Adail A. S. , Nagy S. A. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Distribution systems are the network that transports electric energy to the end user (all load types) from distribution substations. In case of nuclear loads, distribution system must have higher power quality and reliable network design.Also, any of the feeders in the distribution network must be able to carry the full nuclear loads. But during feeding electric power to that loads there are power losses and voltages decreasing in the network. In case of nuclear loads, feeders of the network rearrangement must consider the optimal method to reduce the active power losses, and improve the voltage profile. This paper proposes an optimization technique based on improved artificial bee colony algorithm for distribution system - feeding nuclear load- rearrangement to save energy and improve electric network voltages. The proposed methodology is applied on standard distribution system to check the accuracy and reliability. The results and analysis showed the effectiveness and accuracy of the presented algorithm.
Novel Predictors Of Early Atherosclerosis In Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Abdulaziz Badawy Abdulkhalik , Bendary Ahmed , Thabet Aida , Behery Eman Gamal , Salah Mona , rashad ghadeer 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background: Non alcoholic fatty liver disease is regarded the most relevant liver disease of the twenty-first century, affecting at least one third of the general population. NAFLD is associated with increased mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. The carotid intimal media thickness (CIMT), mean platelet volume (MPV) and endocan level, could be markers for generalised atherosclerotic burden and endothelial dysfunction.
Aims: To evaluate the association between non alcoholic fatty liver disease and early atherosclerosis by measuring CIMT, mean platelet volume (MPV) and endocan level, as markers of endothelial dysfunction, in NAFLD patients.
Methods: This cross –sectional study included 50 patients who divided into two groups; group I included 25 subjects with NAFLD and group II included 25 healthy subjects. Complete blood count with mean platelet volume (MPV), Liver profile, Lipid profile, Fasting blood glucose level and 2 hour postprandial, Kidney function test, Serum concentrations of endocan were measured for all patients. NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) was calculated. Abdominal ultrasonography and Carotid ultrasound scan for measurement of CIMT were performed.
Results: Serum endocan levels, MPV and CIMT were significantly higher (p<0.005) in NAFLD patients (0.6, 9.3±1.2 and 0.9±0.3 respectivly) than healthy subjects (0.1, 8.1±0.6 and 0.6±0.1 respectively). The analysis of diagnostic performance of these factors revealed that they have good sensitivity and specificity in prediction of endothelial dysfunction with AUC (0.950, 0.844 and 0.849 respectivly).
Conclusions:Serum endocan levels, MPV and CIMT could be considered as good predictors of endothelial dysfunction and therefore early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in NAFLD patients.
Nonisomorphic minimal heptagons of orientable surfaces and colorings
Authors: Li Zhaoxiang 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Embedding theory of graph has been widely used in very large scale integrated circuit.In this paper, we construct the current graph and heptagonal rule of complete graphs heptagonal embeddings. We prove that K43 has at least 1511654400000 nonisomorphic orientable heptagonal embeddings. Every one of nonisomorphic orientable heptagonal embeddings has at least 60480 7-edge-colorings, and each color appears around each face of orientable heptagonal embeddings. For all heptagonal embeddings in the orientable surface S302, these embeddings determine polyhedra with a minimal number of heptagons. We prove that K15 has at least 2700 nonisomorphic orientable heptagonal embeddings. Every one of nonisomorphic orientable heptagonal embeddings has 5040 7-edge-colorings, and each color appears around each face of orientable heptagonal embeddings. For all heptagonal embeddings in the orientable surface S31, these embeddings determine polyhedra with a minimal number of heptagons.
2020 Mathematics Subject Classification 05C10; 05C15; 05C30