bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate Change Knowledge and Perception among Farming Households in Nigeria
Authors: Madaki Mustapha Yakubu , Muench Steffen , Kaechele Harald , Bavorova Miroslava 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Nigeria is committed to achieving a 20% unconditional and 45% conditional reduction of GHGs emissions by 2030 through a strong focus on awareness and preparedness for climate change impacts via the mobilization of local communities for climate change mitigation actions. As land use and forestry contribute 38% and agriculture contributes 13% of the country’s GHGs, farmers are among the stakeholders to be aware and prepare for climate change mitigations and adaptations. This study assessed the knowledge of agriculturally related practices associated with climate change and its relation to their climate change perception. 1,080 smallholder farmers were interviewed across six agroecological zones of Nigeria using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results of regression models revealed that most farmers know that deforestation and land clearance by bush burning contributes to climate change. However, many farmers did not know that methane emissions from livestock (enteric fermentation) can cause climate change. Our results further show that the farmers’ perception of climate change is associated with climate change knowledge. Factors affecting the climate change knowledge of farmers include information received from government extension services and environmental NGOs, radio, as well as experiencing extreme weather events. Farmers of dry AEZs were more aware and knowledgeable of the agricultural practices contributing to the changing environment. Increased exposure to climate change events thus appears to elevate the knowledge on the topic. Using extension and environmental NGOs and radio to disseminate climate change information will help further in guiding and shaping farmers’ perceptions towards scientific findings for appropriate actions.
Strength, Durability and Thermal Characteristics of Optimized Green Concrete Developed using Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag and Pond Ash
Authors: Hari M Naga Theera , Maheswaran J. , Chellapandian M. , Arunachelam N. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
This research work focuses on the experimental investigation of the thermal properties, strength, durability and microstructure analysis of optimized green concrete developed using pond ash and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS). The objective of the study is to understand the effect of partial replacement of fine aggregate and cement (OPC) using pond ash and GGBS respectively. An optimum mix ratio for the replacement of pond ash and GGBS was determined from the material characterization of 16 trail mixes. Then, the optimized concrete mix was tested for mechanical properties, durability and thermal characterization. Moreover, the microstructure analysis of the optimized mix was performed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to overview the chemical constituents, bonding of molecules at interfacial transition zone (ITZ), the effect of elevated temperature, etc. In addition, a detailed multilinear regression analysis was performed and a new equation was proposed to determine the compressive strength of concrete with GGBS and pond ash. The predictions obtained from the proposed analytical equation showed a good match with the test results.
Design of H-shaped MPA using Reptile Search Algorithm based Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network
Authors: Kumar Jakkuluri Vijaya , Shaby S.Maflin 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In many applications such as aerospace systems, satellites, mobile radar, and other wireless applications, the Microstrip patch antenna (MPA) plays an important role due to its properties like lightweight, low cost of production, and compact structure. Low gain, narrow frequency bandwidth, and high return loss are the shortcomings in these existing MPA design approaches. Moreover, the developed models of the antenna are hard to design and larger size. The antenna's geometrical specifications should be optimized to address this problem. This proposed approach Reptile Search Algorithm (RSA) based Multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network is employed to design the H-shaped antenna for Ku-band applications. The MLP neural network is employed to calculate the fitness value of the RSA. To train the MLP neural network by using MATLAB software. The experimental and simulation results of the proposed approach shows better performance with 8.89 dB gain, -33.06 dB return loss, and 1.07 VSWR.
Forensic analysis of novel SARS2r-CoV identified in game animal datasets in China shows evolutionary relationship to Pangolin GX CoV clade and apparent genetic experimentation
Authors: Jones Adrian , Massey Steven E , Zhang Daoyu , Deigin Yuri , Quay Steven C. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Pangolins are the only animals other than bats proposed to have been infected with SARS-CoV-2related coronaviruses (SARS2r-CoVs) prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we examine thenovel SARS2r-CoV we previously identified in game animal metatranscriptomic datasetssequenced by He et al. (2022) and find that sections of the partial genome phylogenetically groupwith Guangxi (GX) pangolin CoVs (GX PCoVs), while the full RdRp sequence groups with bat-SL-CoVZC45. While the novel SARS2r-CoV is found in 6 pangolin datasets, the same CoV isalso found in 10 additional NGS datasets from 5 separate mammalian species and is likelyrelated to contamination by a laboratory researched virus. Absence of bat mitochondrialsequences from the datasets, the fragmentary nature of the virus sequence and the presence of apartial sequence of a cloning vector attached to a SARS2r-CoV read suggests that it has beencloned. We find that NGS datasets containing the novel SARS2r-CoV are contaminated withsignificant Homo sapiens genetic material, and numerous viruses not associated with the hostanimals sampled. We further identify the dominant human haplogroup of the contaminatingH.sapiens genetic material to be F1c1a1, which is of East Asian provenance. The association ofthis novel CoV with both bat CoV and the Guangxi pangolin CoV (GX PCoV) clades is animportant step towards identifying the origin of the GX PCoVs.
Water uptake patterns differ markedly among different sand-fixing plants in Mu Us Sandy Land in Northwest China
Authors: Pei Yanwu , HUANG LAIMING , Shao Ming'an , Zhang Yinglong , Pan Yanhui 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Aim This study aimed to investigate the seasonal variations and controls of water uptake patterns of different sand-fixing plants in water-limited desert ecosystem. Methods δ2H and δ18O in precipitation water, soil water, groundwater and xylem water were obtained to determine the seasonal changes in water uptake by three representative plant species (P. sylvestris, A. pcdunculata and S. psammophila) in the Mu Us Sandy Land in Northwest China. Results Annually, P. sylvestris, A. pcdunculata and S. psammophila respectively derived of their water from the deep (59.2% moist layer and groundwater), intermediate (57.4% stable and moist layers) and shallow (54.4% active and stable layers) water sources. Seasonally, the three plant species absorbed more than 60% of their water from moist layer and groundwater in the early dry season (June) and then switched over to water sources in active and stable layers (50.1–62.5%) in the rainy season (July–September). From October to November (late dry season), P. sylvestris (54.5–66.2%) and A. pcdunculata (52.9–63.6%) mainly used water from stable and moist layers, while S. psammophila (52.6–70.7%) still predominantly extracted its water from active and stable layers. Conclusions Variations in soil water profile induced by seasonal fluctuations in precipitation and groundwater level and then differences in plant root distribution and water requirement were the main factors affecting seasonal patterns of water use by the three plant species. By analyzing the sources and controls of plant water uptake, this study opened a new door of research on vegetation restoration and water management in water-limited desert regions.
Oil content, fatty acid composition, chemical properties and predicted cetane number in different families and species of non-food oilseed plants in North China
Authors: Zhao Wei-Hua , Xu Ning-Wei , Liu Hui- Juan , Yan Peng , Xie Guang- Hui , Ye Yong- Zhong , Liu Guo-Hou , Wang Ya- Ping , Qin Shuo , Dun Bao-Qing , Xu Xing- You , Han Fen-Xia , Li Gui-Ying 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Biodiesel is one of the most important bioenergy products. But the feedstock is the bottleneck of its production. In order to mine potential feedstock from the natural resources, a wild survey was conducted in 10 provinces or cities of North China, and 952 seed samples, which came from 587 species of 102 families, were collected for analysis of oil content, oil composition, and chemical properties. The result showed that there are 23 families with the average oil contents higher than 20%, and families of Lauraceae, Magnoliaceae, Celastraceae, Brassicaceae, Labiatae, Sapindaceae are dominant families rich in oil. The fatty acid composition of various vegetable oils is very different, showing the characteristics of different families, genera, and species. Erucic acid was mainly found in the Cruciferae；Pinolenic acid and taxoleic acid was mainly found in the Pinaceae; Oleic acid was mainly found in the Euphorbiaceae. The average iodine value in 81.4% of the families is less than 120 g/100g. Families with an acid value of less than 10 are mainly distributed in Rosaceae, Leguminosae, Cruciferae, Labiatae, Compositae, Liliaceae, Aceraceae, Rhamnaceae, Solanaceae, Cannabaceae, Malvacea, Oleaceae, Cornaceae, Sapindaceae, etc. The saponification value is concentrated between 140 and 220 mg/g in 344 species (62.66%). In 84 species (60.87%), the predicted cetane number is higher than 49, mainly distributed in the families of Rosaceae, Anacardiaceae, Betulaceae, Fagaceae, Oleaceae, Umbelliferae, Theaceae, Celastraceae, etc. These results will help in developing potential biodiesel feedstock, also provide a guide for development of specific oil industry.
Evolution of differences in clinical presentation across epidemic waves among suspected COVID-19 cases who received care at the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS)
Authors: Olaiz Gustavo , Bertozzi Stefano M. , Juárez-Flores Arturo , Borja-Aburto Víctor H. , Vicuña Félix , Ascencio-Montiel Iván J. , Gutierrez Juan Pablo 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background. Timely monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 variants is crucial to effectively managing both prevention and treatment efforts. In this paper, we aim to describe demographic and clinical patterns of individuals suspected of COVID-19 during the first three epidemic waves in Mexico to identify changes in those patterns that may reflect differences determined by virus variants. Methods. We conducted a descriptive analysis of a large database containing records for all individuals who sought care at the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) due to COVID-19-like symptoms from March 2020 to October 2021 (4.48 million records). We described the clinical and demographic profile of individuals tested and untested, and among those tested, those with positive and negative results, and the changes in those profiles across the first three epidemic waves. Results. Individuals with COVID-19-like symptoms were older in the first wave and younger in the third one. As the pandemic progressed, an increasing number of individuals sought care for suspected COVID-19. The positivity rate decreased over time but remained well over the recommended 5%. The pattern of presenting symptoms changed over time, with some decreasing over time (dyspnea 40.6% to 14.0%, cough 80.4% to 76.2%--, fever 77.5% to 65.2%, headache 80.3% to 78.5%), and some increasing (odynophagia 48.7% to 58.5%, rhinorrhea 28.6% to 47.5%, anosmia 11.8% to 23.2%, dysgeusia 11.2% to 23.2%). Conclusion. During epidemic surges, the general consensus was that any individual presenting with respiratory symptoms was very likely to be a COVID-19 case. However, symptoms and signs are dynamic, with clinical patterns changing not only with the evolution of the virus but also with demographic changes in the affected population. A better understanding of these changing patterns is needed to improve preparedness for future surges and pandemics.
Y-linked additive variation for quantitative traits in Drosophila simulans
Authors: Fedorka Kenneth , Nielsen Tobias , Baldwin Jaden 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Drosophila Y-chromosome variation has been shown to influence numerous phenotypes and the expression of hundreds of genes throughout the genome. However, it is currently unknown if Y-chromosome variation can adaptively shape male traits. Previous theoretical work suggests additive variation necessary for adaptive evolution is difficult to maintain among Y-chromosomes within populations, and previous empirical work has revealed only Y-linked epistatic variation, which can impede adaptive evolution. To assess the impact this Y-linked variation may have on adaptive evolution, we established replicate populations in D. simulans containing either multiple Y-chromosome variants (YN populations) or a single Y-chromosome variant (Y1 populations) and estimated male and female heritabilities for sternopleural bristles number, abdominal bristles number, sex comb teeth number, and tibia length; traits previously shown to be influenced by Y-chromosomes. If Y-chromosome variation is additive, we expected YN populations to exhibit greater heritability than Y1. If variation is largely sign epistatic, we expected YN populations to exhibit reduced heritability. To minimize genetic dissimilarities between YN and Y1 populations, autosomal, X-linked, and mitochondrial allele frequencies were homogenized within YN/Y1 replicate pairs. Female heritability estimates served as controls and not expected to differ. We found that male YN populations exhibited greater heritability than Y1 for sternopleural bristle and sex comb tooth number, while female YN and Y1 population estimates showed no difference. These data suggest Y-chromosomes can adaptively shape male traits by contributing additive genetic variation. Further, Y-chromosomes may influence the evolution of sexual dimorphism by shaping male traits shared by both sexes.
Complete resection of recurrent chest desmoid tumor by 3D model reconstruction technology
Authors: Zheng Xing , Wang Wenmin , Wu Zhaohong , Liu Shenghua 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Desmoid tumor (DT) is a rare, local recurrence, invasive growth benign disease that rarely occurs in the chest wall. Chest wall tumor resection is mainly solution for chest DTs and one of the most challenging operations for thoracic surgeons. This paper introduces a case of recurrent chest DT, which used 3D model reconstruction(3DMR)technology to make preoperative planning and guide surgical resection of tumor. Our result proved that individual operations designed through 3DRM technology can reduce the possible injury caused by surgery and provide a better management of surgery. 3DRM technology has great application potential in the complex thoracic DTs surgery.
Effect of teriparatide on drug treatment of tuberculous spondylitis: An experimental study
Authors: Lee Subum , Seo Ye-Jin , Choi Je-Yong , Che Xiangguo , Kim Hyun-Ju , Eum Seok-Yong , Hong Min-Sun , Lee Sun-Kyoung , Cho Dae-Chul 
Published: August 2022

AbstractTuberculous spondylitis often develops catastrophic bone destruction with uncontrolled inflammation. Because anti-tuberculous drugs do not have a role in bone formation, a combination drug therapy with a bone anabolic agent could help fracture prevention and promote bone reconstruction. This study aimed to investigate the influence of teriparatide on the effect of anti-tuberculous drugs in tuberculous spondylitis treatment. We used the virulentMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) H37Rv strain. First, we investigated the interaction between teriparatide and anti-tuberculosis drugs (isoniazid and rifampin) by measuring the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against H37Rv. Second, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of anti-tuberculosis drugs and teriparatide on our previously developedin vitrotuberculous spondylitis model of an Mtb-infected MG-63 osteoblastic cell line using acid-fast bacilli staining and colony-forming unit counts. Selected chemokines (interleukin [IL]-8, interferon γ-induced protein 10 kDa [IP-10], monocyte chemoattractant protein [MCP]-1, and regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and presumably secreted [RANTES]) and osteoblast proliferation (alkaline phosphatase [ALP and alizarin red S [ARS] staining) were measured. Teriparatide did not affect the MIC of isoniazid and rifampin. In the Mtb-infected MG-63 spondylitis model, isoniazid and rifampin treatment significantly reduced Mtb growth, and cotreatment with teriparatide did not change the anti-tuberculosis effect of isoniazid (INH) and rifampin (RFP). IP-10 and RANTES levels were significantly increased by Mtb infection, whereas teriparatide did not affect all chemokine levels as inflammatory markers. ALP and ARS staining indicated that teriparatide promoted osteoblastic function even with Mtb infection. Cotreatment with teriparatide and the anti-tuberculosis drugs activated bone formation (ALP-positive area increased by 705%, P = 0.0031). Teriparatide was effective against Mtb-infected MG63 cells without the anti-tuberculosis drugs (ARS-positive area increased by 326%, P = 0.0037). Teriparatide had no effect on the efficacy of anti-tuberculosis drugs and no adverse effect on the activity of Mtb infection in osteoblasts. Furthermore, regulation of representative osteoblastic inflammatory chemokines was not changed by teriparatide treatment. In thein vitroMtb-infected MG-63 cell model of tuberculous spondylitis, cotreatment with the anti-tuberculosis drugs and teriparatide increased osteoblastic function.
Molecular dynamics simulation of the effect of different factors on aqueous electrolyte supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Wen yu , Gao Wei , Hu Ming hui , Zhang Li sha , Feng Hua jie 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The effects of temperature, graphene size and electrolyte concentration on the diffusion and structure of aqueous electrolyte of graphene supercapacitor were investigated via molecular dynamics simulation. By studying the average number of hydrogen bonds, the number density distribution, the mean square displacement and the diffusion coefficient, we found that the temperature and concentration have obvious effects on the properties of the system, while the graphene size has little effect on the properties of the system. With increasing concentration of ethylene glycol, the hydrogen bonding network between water molecules is gradually broken, and then the average number of hydrogen bonds between water molecules decreases, while the average number of hydrogen bonds between water and ethylene glycol molecules increases. Ethylene glycol is more capable of forming hydrogen bonds than water molecules. Therefore, the addition of ethylene glycol creates a good protection of the water molecules. This reduces the sensitivity of water molecules to temperature, improves their stability and inhibits their decomposition.
The Effects of Anthropometric Measurements on Radiotherapy Planning in Radiotherapy of Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Koca Timur , Sengun Yasemin , Atak Ece , Aksu Melek Gamze , Tuncel Nina , Korcum Aylin Fidan 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background: It was aimed to evaluate the differences and relationship between the anthropometric characteristics of the patients who received radiotherapy in our clinic after breast-conserving surgery due to breast cancer. Methods: A total of 40 patients underwent whole breast and lymph node irradiation after breast-conserving surgery were evaluated according to dosimetric parameters and ​anthropometric variables such as weight, mid-sternum thickness, Haller index, central lung distance (CLD) and breast volume.Results: In internal mammary node (IMN) irradiated patients, lung doses (V5, V10, V20, V30, minimum dose (Dmin) and maximum dose (Dmax)) and contralateral breast doses (Dmax and V5) were significantly higher than the patients not received IMN irradiation. Also, breast size shown to be an important factor; when small and large breast sized patients were compared, ipsilateral lung V10, V20, and V30 values and the Dmin of heart were higher in patients with large breast volume. The V5 value and Dmin of the total lung were higher in the group with a CLD value of 3 cm or less. The contralateral breast Dmax and V5 doses were higher in patients with midsternum thickness above 1.7.Conclusions: In the radiotherapy of breast cancer especially for the patients with nodal treatment volumes, differences in treatment designs could be made according to anthropometric variables. In the evaluation of radiotherapy treatment plans individual features like chest wall shape and breast size should be kept in mind.
Water-soluble dicarboxylic acids, oxoacids and a-dicarbonyls in the tropical aerosols in coastal megacity Mumbai: Molecular characteristics and formation processes
Authors: Alang Ashmeet Kaur , Aggarwal Shankar G. , Singh Khem , Soni Daya , Kawamura Kimitaka 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Daytime and nighttime PM10 samples were collected during summer (June) and winter (February) at a representative urban site in Mumbai, located on the western coast of Indian subcontinent. Samples were studied for molecular distribution of water-soluble dicarboxylic acids, oxoacids and dicarbonyls as well as total carbon (TC), water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC), inorganic ions along with specific markers (levoglucosan, K+) to better understand sources and formation processes of organic aerosols in Mumbai. The distribution of water-soluble organics was characterised by high abundance of oxalic acid (C2), followed by phthalic (Ph), terephthalic (tPh), azelaic (C9), malonic (C3), and succinic acids (C4). Positive correlation between C2, sulfate and glyoxal (ωC2) suggest secondary production of C2 predominantly via aqueous phase chemistry. C2 also showed positive correlation with K+ and levoglucosan indicating that biomass/biofuel burning is the potential source of diacids in the Mumbai aerosols. In addition, higher average contributions of total diacids to WSOC and OC in winter than in summer suggest that aerosols were aged i.e., photochemically well processed in winter in Mumbai. On the other hand, diurnal change in their ratios is observed with higher ratio in daytime samples than that of previous and succeeding nighttime samples, suggesting diacids are also influenced from local sources in both the seasons. This study demonstrates that biomass burning as well as biogenic sources are important sources influencing the distributions of aerosols in Mumbai.
Optimizing roof bolt properties for a full-height coal seam roadway
Authors: Xing Yuanyuan , Zhang Feifei 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Using a roadway in a coal mine greatly reduces the cost of mining. Because the coal seam is weaker than the overlying strata, high mine pressures cause large ruptures in roadway sidewalls and these are threats to the support system. Using the “multi-block beam” model, this paper derives equations to analyze the stresses and deformation in the rock and the coal seam, to determine the overburden pressure on a roadway roof and sidewalls and to define the rupture range. On the basis of that analysis and by following the stability principles of geotechnical engineering, the anchoring forces required to maintain sidewall stability are examined. This provides a theoretical basis for determining support parameters. Finally, for a field test, the bolting parameters were calculated after determining the physical and mechanical properties of the rock surrounding a roadway in a working coal mine. A support system was designed using the equations generated for this paper. That system was installed in the mine and the results were good.