bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biowastes as a Potential Energy Source in Africa
Authors: Kazawadi Deodatus , Ntalikwa Justin , Kombe Godlisten
Published: September 2021

High population and industrialization have brought the need for a reliable and sustainable source of energy and protection of the environment. Although Africa has a low energy consumption capacity (3.4% of the global share in 2019), its high population growth rate and industrialization predict high energy demand in the future. Reliable and available energy resources are required to protect the environment and create energy dependency. Despite Africa’s low energy consumption capacity (3.4% of global consumption in 2019), its rapid population growth rate and industrialization indicate future significant energy demand. The current high production of biowastes with high energy content and their low utilization provides an opportunity for energy dependency, crop value addition, creation of jobs, and protection of the environment. The chapter has identified that the African population of 1.203 billion in 2017 consumed 928 Mtoe of energy and this demand is expected to increase in years to come. The energy mix has been identified to depend on fossil fuels with little consideration of biowastes. The biowaste is reported to contain 20.1 TWh in 2025. Biowaste is currently underutilized, and there are few conversion methods available. Government and non-government investments have been reported to be making efforts to improve bioenergy and biowaste usage. The prevailing challenges have been low proven technologies, poor energy policy, low population knowledge, and poor investments. Biowastes use can be increased when environmental laws and legislation are tightened, energy policy strengthened and enforced, cheap and appropriate technologies are introduced, and the population Education is provided. It is expected that when biowastes are well utilized, energy will be available even in disadvantaged (remote) areas at an affordable price for the developing continent of Africa.
“A Fulfillment So High”: New Directions in African American Philosophy for the Study of Howard Thurman and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Authors: Neal Anthony Sean ,   Eastern Illinois University
Published: September 2021

Scholarship on Martin Luther King, Jr., and more recent works on Howard Thurman, have become widely appreciative of their contributions to a struggle for Black liberation. This study explicates how the philosophies of Thurman and King also contribute to a universal theme of self-transformation. To be sure, the challenge of self-transformation is aggravated by the oppressive circumstances faced by Black persons in a racist society; however, the resources offered by Thurman and King for personal transformation should be relevant to persons almost regardless of circumstance. This study presents four concepts shared in the personal-transformation philosophies of Thurman and King: (1) Existential Transformation, (2) Self-Altered Destiny, (3) Self Examination, and (4) Rejection of Irrelevance. These four concepts provide a new framework for reading Thurman’s and King’s writings in tandem with a view towards self-transformation and demonstrate why a philosophy of the Black experience would be of interest, and have benefit, for anyone.
Justice in the World, Then and Now
Authors: Massaro Thomas ,   Villanova University
Published: September 2021

Many of the social concerns treated in the document Justice in the World are also addressed in the social teachings of Pope Francis. This is no coincidence, especially given the background and commitments of Francis—an innovative church leader from the periphery of Latin America who has emerged as a powerful voice for global justice. The seeds of faith-based advocacy for a liberative and just economic development, which were planted by the 1971 Synod of Bishops, continue to be cultivated by Francis in both words and deeds of solidarity with the poor. While Justice in the World and the social teachings of Francis display certain differences in focus, rhetoric, and vocabulary, the common message of these two Catholic voices demanding structural reform of the global economy remains striking. Half a century apart as they are, both serve as influential agents of change for church and world.
From Where Do We Speak? Enacting Justice with a Wound of Knowledge
Authors: Sedmak Clemens , Nebel Mathias ,   Villanova University
Published: September 2021

In this article, the authors articulate the question “From where do we speak?” They explain the status of this question and then discuss the question “From where do the authors of the document Justice in the World speak?” They identify four reference points: a pneumatologic commitment, a perception of injustice, a belief in the Gospel basis of action on behalf of justice, and a recognition of self-involvement. This part of the text has been written by Clemens Sedmak. In the second part, they ask the question: “From where do we speak now?” After a few remarks on the climate crisis and the sexual abuse crisis, they focus on “the wounded sociality” of the present day. They explore the relationship between justice and this wounded sociality, taking the categories of social friendship and fraternity as points of reference (from Pope Francis’s encyclicals Laudato si’ and Fratelli tutti), and enter a conversation with three authors: Michael Sandel, Teresa Godwin Phelps, and Paul Ricoeur. This section has been authored by Mathias Nebel.
Processus initiaux et dynamique de restauration écologique d’une prairie alluviale par transfert de foin et gestions différenciées
Authors: GARROUJ Myriam , BENOT Marie-Lise , CORCKET Emmanuel , MARCHAND Lilian , ALARD Didier
Published: September 2021

Nous étudions expérimentalement les effets de la gestion initiale sur les premiers stades de restauration d’une prairie alluviale à partir d’une ancienne culture de maïs, dans le sud-ouest de la France. Une expérimentation par blocs randomisés a été définie pour tester les effets du transfert de foin associé au hersage superficiel du sol et de la gestion par pâturage appliquée, soit immédiatement, soit plusieurs mois après le transfert de foin, ou par fauche appliquée annuellement en début ou en fin d’été. La richesse en espèces était toujours supérieure dans les placettes ayant reçu du foin, par rapport aux placettes témoin. L’origine, la direction et l’amplitude de la trajectoire de chaque placette étaient dépendantes du type de gestion appliquée. Le pâturage initial par les brebis, appliqué en même temps que le transfert de foin, a augmenté le recrutement des espèces de la communauté de référence, par un effet de contrôle de la compétition des espèces pré-existantes et le maintien d’une fenêtre d’opportunité pour le recrutement de ces espèces suffisamment longue. Le type de gestion appliqué dès le transfert conditionne l’origine de la trajectoire de restauration, tandis que sa direction et son amplitude sont liées à la gestion sur le moyen terme. À partir de la cinquième année d’expérimentation, ce sont des événements stochastiques liés à l’environnement ou la démographie des espèces qui semblent donner l’avantage aux contingences locales (banque de graines et/ou pluie de graines) aboutissant à une déviation de la trajectoire de restauration. Nous montrons néanmoins que le pâturage initial, très tôt dans le processus de restauration, semble approprié pour accélérer le recrutement des espèces de l’écosystème de référence.
Expanding and Improving Our Library’s Virtual Chat Service
Authors: Fruehan Parker , Hellyar Diana
Published: September 2021

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing shutdown of the library building for several months, there was a sudden need to adjust how the Hilton C. Buley Library at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) delivered its services. Overnight, the library’s virtual chat service went from a convenient way to reach a librarian to the primary method by which library patrons contacted the library for help. In this article, the authors will discuss what was learned during this time and how the service has been adjusted to meet user needs. Best practices and future improvements will be discussed.
Delivering
Authors: Williams Carole
Published: September 2021

Automated materials handling and RFID technology are becoming more common in libraries. Libraries are using supply chain technology to enhance both patron and staff user experiences. This article discusses the strategies and experiences we encountered bringing different departments together, revising workflows and establishing user-focused processes as we transitioned from a manual, barcode centered system to an autmated, RFID focus.
CONNECTING INTERNATIONAL RiD COOPERATION AND TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIZATION IN OECD COUNTRIES
Authors: Bašić Maja , Vlajčić Davor
Published: September 2021

Technology specialization is supported by processes combining inhouse and external innovation. Applying a macroeconomic and international trade theory approach (Linder, 1961), country specialization depends on international RiD cooperation partnerships. External, international RiD cooperation is essential for technology specialization, as it raises awareness of countries’ position on a global technology map. This paper studies international RiD cooperation as a determinant of countries’ technology specialization. Cross-country panel regression was done on a sample of 37 OECD countries for the period 1980-2018. The analysis examined the effect of international RiD cooperation on technology specialization. Data were obtained from the OECD database. Co-patenting with foreign inventors was used to indicate the level of international RiD cooperation. Patent per technology was used to calculate technology specialization based on the Herfindahl index. Results indicate a positive effect of international RiD cooperation on technology specialization. The effect of RiD cooperation on technology specialization is more pronounced when GDP and RiD expenditure were used as control variables. Additionally, the size of the GDP negatively affects technology specialization. This paper identifies international cooperation as a bridge for global information exchange, which results with countries’ technology specialization.
OBSTACLES TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CROWN LAW ON THE SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE BUSINESS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Authors: Gavrić Tanja , Obhođaš Ibrahim , Jakupović Esad
Published: September 2021

In the world economy, small and medium sized entreprises (SMEs) dominate in the number of overall enterprises (90-99% of all enterprises, depending on the definition used) and in economic contributions (GDP growth, productivity, job creation, innovation, level of competition, etc.) (Lundström i Stevenson, 2001). Because small businesses generate jobs, tax revenue, functional products, charitable donations, technological development, and social contributions to communities, their success and sustainability are important for social and economic development. In addition to the impact on public health, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused a major economic shock and the greatest consequences were felt by the small and medium-sized enterprises. Due to the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, countries and their companies are facing major problems of human and business capacities sustainability. Although governments have enacted private sector policies, there are constraints that have direct implications for economic growth potential. In this paper, we investigate the impact of COVID-19 on SMEs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on the impact of the Law for mitigation negative economic consequences, better known as the Crown-Law. We first examined how the companies performed this year compared to the previous year, and then we examined whether there were barriers to the implementation of the Crowv-Law and if so, whether they were internal or external. The results of this research point to the fact that the Crown-Law is not good enough. The measures are not in line with the strategic needs of SMEs, there is a time limit and the measures are short-term. The SME development strategy should be coordinated based on the mechanism of public-private dialogue. SMEs need business services to improve their competitiveness (information, consulting, training, accounting, legal services, advertising, marketing, technical and technological services, including testing standards and certification requirements abroad, product upgrades, etc.). The results of this research provide some information of the business results and expectations of SMEs in times of crisis, while offering insight into measures designed to aid recovery. The results highlight the role that the length of the crisis will play in determining its final impact, which policymakers should consider when considering the scale of interventions needed. On the other side, the Covid-19 pandemic has opened up new challenges, but also opportunities for SMEs, such as technological advances that create new products and transform almost every phase of the business from manufacturing to marketing, procurement and logistics. Currently, only a small part of the SME sector is able to recognize and seize these opportunities and meet the challenges.
CROBEX AND INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE IN THE CASE OF CROATIA: EVIDENCE FROM WAVELET COHERENCE
Authors: Novak Ivan
Published: September 2021

Determinants of the stock market index movement have always been of interest to scholars and practitioners. Various time series techniques have already been applied to determine the relationship between the stock market prices and macroeconomic variables. Many of these techniques are unable to reveal the frequency and time dependent relationship often leading to incorrect specification. Furthermore, results may differ depending on the level of the economic development. This paper is using the Wavelet coherence as a rather novel approach compensating for some limitations of the conventional approach bringing further insight into the stock market price movement of the Croatian capital market. Wavelet transform enables observation of the connection between the CROBEX and the industry performance across time and frequency domain. This relationship is tested using monthly data for CROBEX and industrial production index volume in the period from January 1998 to September 2019. Significant positive relationship was confirmed in the period from 1998 to 2015 identifying CROBEX as the leading variable.
LOCAL MEDIA IN THE CORONA CRISIS: SIGNIFICANCE AND CHALLENGES ON THE EXAMPLE OF POŽEGA 034 PORTAL
Authors: Mandarić Ante , Matijević Goran
Published: September 2021

The epidemic of the disease COVID-19, in Požeština in relation to China, where it originated in other parts of Croatia, appeared somewhat later, while Požega-Slavonia County in terms of total share in relation to other counties in Croatia remained relatively well , 16th place, out of a total of 20 counties, ie a smaller number of patients was recorded. In the conditions of public health danger to the health and lives of people with expressed uncertainty, citizens around the world were flooded with numerous information, about the disease, ways of prevention, treatment that at one point threatened to turn into an infodemia, as warned by the WHO. The importance of crisis communication in such conditions is of great importance, and how governments and headquarters communicate messages about the crisis to the public, which is discussed in the first parts of the paper and points out several inconsistencies and illogicalities in the actions of the state headquarters. prohibition and permission to make recommendations contrary to the epidemiologist’s recommendations. But more important than the recommendations of headquarters and governments, today are the recommendations and news transmitted by digital media, and especially the local ones that bring news and recommendations for the area where we live. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to investigate in the central part the significance of the local 034 Portal in the Corona crisis, and its monitoring of the crisis and its impact on the public. Research through several segments, it was found that the portal maintained the level of reporting on regular events and adjusted reporting on the Crown to the conditions and situation in the county, not leading to sensationalism, concern, fear, but was a carrier of preventive activities and a good ally in the fight. against the epidemic, that is, he followed the guidelines for informing the WHO and did not contribute to the creation of an infodemia.
Gravidez na adolescência: entre fatos e estereótipos
Authors: Martins Aline de Carvalho
Published: September 2021

Este livro te convida a refletir sobre a necessidade de articular as vivências individuais aos processos históricos e à questão dos direitos humanos e reprodutivos permitindo pensar a centralidade, a autonomia e o desenvolvimento das mulheres.
The syndemic condition of psychosocial problems related to depression among sexually transmitted infections patients
Authors: Xu Chen , Shi Yuan , Yu Xiaoyue , Chang Ruijie , Wang Huwen , Chen Hui , Wang Rongxi , Liu Yujie , Liu Shangbin , Cai Yong , Ni Yang , Wang Suping
Published: September 2021

Background

The prevalence of depression in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) patients is much higher than general public. However, studies focusing on comprehensive psychosocial effects on depression among STIs patients are limited. This study aimed to examine association of multiple psychosocial syndemic conditions with depression among STIs patients in Shanghai, China.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study and recruited 910 STIs patients from Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital. Participants self-reported their demographics and themselves completed the scales of depression, self-esteem, loneliness, social support, entrapment, defeat and interpersonal needs. Logistic regressions were performed to detect the possible contributing psychosocial factors for depression and to verify the syndemic conditions of psychosocial problems.

Results

Of the STIs patient sample, the prevalence of depression was 17.9%. Multivariable analysis showed low-level self-esteem (odds ratio [ORm]: 2.18, 95% CI [1.19–4.00]) and social support (ORm: 2.18, 95% CI [1.37–3.46]), high-level entrapment (ORm: 6.31, 95% CI [3.75–10.62]) and defeat (ORm: 2.60, 95% CI [1.51–4.48]) increased the risk of depression. Psychosocial syndemic conditions magnified effect in fusing depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 11.94, 95% CI [7.70–18.53]). Participants with more than 4 psychosocial problems were about 22 times more likely to have depression (AOR: 22.12, 95% CI [13.19–37.09]).

Conclusions

The psychosocial problems syndemic magnifying the risk of depression was confirmed and psychosocial interventions to prevent depression is needed among STIs patients.
LncRNAs specifically overexpressed in endocervical adenocarcinoma are associated with an unfavorable recurrence prognosis and the immune response
Authors: Song Yong , Nie Long , Zhang Yu-Ting
Published: September 2021

Background

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common gynecological tumor in terms of both the incidence and mortality of females worldwide. Cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) accounts for 70–80% of cervical cancers, and endocervical adenocarcinoma (EAC) accounts for 20–25%. Unlike CSCC, EAC has worse clinical outcomes and prognosis. In this study, we explored the relationship between various types of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and pathological types of cervical cancer.

Methods

RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used in this study. A single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and the ESTIMATE package were used to assess lncRNA activity and immune responses, respectively. RT-qPCR was performed to verify our findings.

Results

We explored the relationship between various types of lncRNAs and pathological types of cervical cancer. A series of long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) and antisense RNAs, which are the major types of lncRNAs, were identified to be specifically expressed in EAC and associated with a poor recurrence prognosis in patients with cervical cancer, suggesting that they might serve as independent prognostic markers of recurrence in patients with cervical cancer. RT-qPCR was performed to verify the 10 EAC-specific lncRNAs in cervical cancer samples we collected. Furthermore, the overexpression of these lncRNAs was positively correlated with EAC pathology levels but negatively correlated with immune responses in the microenvironment of cervical cancer.

Conclusions

These lncRNAs potentially represent new biomarkers for the prediction of the recurrence prognosis and help obtain deeper insights into potential immunotherapeutic approaches for treating cervical cancer.
Second-language vocabulary assessment research: Issues and challenges
Authors: In'nami Yo
Published: September 2021

The four papers on second-language vocabulary assessment reviewed below are exemplary works that merit close scrutiny. Therefore, this paper provides a brief summary of each study, followed by comments and suggestions, particularly in regard to the experimental designs and analyses used in the studies.
Is the vocabulary level of the reading section of the TOEFL internet-based test beyond the lexical level of Japanese senior high school students?
Authors: Kaneko Masaya
Published: September 2021

The main goal of the present study is to answer the question of whether the lexical level of the reading section of the TOEFL Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) is beyond the vocabulary level of Japanese senior high school graduates. The lexical level was measured in terms of text coverage. The present study builds upon Chujo and Oghigian’s study. The notable difference in methodology compared to earlier text coverage studies on the TOEFL is an examination of real past TOEFL iBTs. Two objectives are explored in the present study. First, this study aims to examine how well a vocabulary of 3,000 word families, which is the lexical size target for Japanese high school graduates set by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, enables students to comprehend reading passages in the TOEFL iBT. Second, it estimates a vocabulary size required to reach 95% and 98% coverage of these passages. Results showed that the most frequent 3,000 word families plus proper nouns as well as words that are defined in context yielded an average text coverage of 88.5% and that 6,000 word families plus proper nouns and defined words accounted for 95% of the text, and around 10,000 word families 98%. The findings suggest that Japanese high school graduates with a vocabulary of 3,000 word families would be expected to comprehend nearly 50% of reading passages in the TOEFL iBT and that learning a vocabulary beyond the 10,000-word frequency level may not be necessary unless 98% or more text coverage is required.
Analysing the effectiveness of textbooks for vocabulary retention
Authors: Ruegg Rachael , Brown Cherie
Published: September 2021

Although many language educators are aware of factors necessary for vocabulary acquisition and retention, in many institutions around the world instructors are required to use textbooks as a basis for instruction, yet, to date, little has been done to analyze the effectiveness of textbooks to foster vocabulary acquisition and retention. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to analyze the vocabulary content of a range of textbooks. The number of target words, frequency level of those words and length of reading texts were analyzed in reading texts and their associated activities of 20 English as a Second Language (ESL)/English as a Foreign Language (EFL) textbooks. It was found that each text had as little as no target words and on average 10, while the average text length was 639 words. In terms of the frequency level of the target vocabulary, although the textbooks claimed to be at an intermediate level or above, the frequency level of the target vocabulary was very inconsistent, with as many as 60% of target words coming from the first 1000 words or as many as 100% of target words being low frequency ‘offlist’ words. Furthermore, it was found that integrated skills textbooks had significantly fewer target words and significantly shorter reading texts than reading textbooks, while they also had a significantly higher percentage of words from the 1000 word list and a significantly lower percentage from the Academic Word List (AWL).
Ecology of Ticks (Ixodidae) on Cattle within Main Campus of the University of Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Binta Balarabe-Musa , Rachael Ayobami , Dematus Onyeagba Kosisochukwu
Published: September 2021

A survey was conducted using standard parasitological procedures to determine the ecology of ticks on the cattle within the main campus of the University of Abuja, Nigeria. The tick specie identified were Amblyomma variegatum, Amblyomma hebraeum, 0rnithodorus moubata complex, Hyalomma truncatum, Hyalomma rufipies, Rhipicephalus decoloratus, Phipicephalus appendiculatus, and Boophilus microplus. Of the 100 cattle examined. 47(47%) of the tick examined was found on the male cow and 53(53%) were found on the female cow. In addition, 23(23%) of the observed tick are found on the leg, 20(20%) are found in the anus, 20(20%) are found on the udder, 14(14%) are found on the back while 23(23%) of the ticks are found in the ear. 31(31%) of the observed ticks were found on the bunaj specie, 24(24%) of the ticks on the Gudali, 24(24%) of the observed ticks on the Rahaji specie and 21(21%) on the wadara specie. Amblyomma hebraeum, Ornithodorus moubata Complex and Rhipicephalus dicoloratus were found more dominantly on Bunaj breed (42.9%, 55.6% and 42.9% respectively), Amblyomma variegatum and Phipicephalus appendiculatus was observed to be more dominant on Rahaji breed (infesting 33.3% and 66.7% respectively), Boophylus microplus and Hyalomma rufipe were found dominant on wadara (30% and 50% respectively). There is need to help establish baseline information on ticks ecology and occurrence in the study area which would consequently lead to increased public awareness especially to the herdsmen and in avoiding tick borne diseases, also to help in vector control formulation and to prevent the herdsmen of suffering from low productivity due to the presence of ticks, thereby leading to various weaknesses, diseases and sometimes death of the cattle. Owing to this, this study did not only identify the tick species infesting cattle but also examined the host-parasite ecology of ticks on cattle within the main campus of the University of Abuja, Nigeria.
Agronomic Performance of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Influenced by Seed Rates and Weeding Frequency at Mutulu Kebele in Toke Kutaye District
Authors: Hunde Gudina Soboksa , Ashagre Habtamu , Abraham Thomas
Published: September 2021

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the major cereal crops in central high land of Ethiopia. However, its production and productivity is constrained by weed infestation and inappropriate seed rate used. Hence, an experiment was conducted to determine the optimal seed rate and weeding frequency for bread wheat production in Toke Kutaye district of West Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional State during 2020 main cropping season. Treatments consisted of five levels of seed rates (75, 100, 125, 150, and 175 kgha-1) and four levels of weeding frequency (zero weeding, once weeding (15 DAE), twice weeding (15 and 45 DAE) and thrice weeding (15, 45 and 75 DAE). Experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with factorial    combination replicated thrice. Results of the study revealed that the interaction of seed  rate and weeding frequency significantly (P≤0.05) influenced phenological and growth parameters except days reqired for 50% emergence and yield of bread wheat. Highest  relative yield loss (71.3%) was recorded from weedy plot with 75 kgha-1 seed rate, while the lowest loss (1.2%) was recorded at 175 kgha-1seed rate with thrice hand weeding. Highest net benefit of ETB 73,170 ha-1 , marginal rate of return 884.4% and value to cost ratio of ETB  8.34 per unit of investment was obtained from 175 kgha-1 seed rate combined with thrice  hand weeding. Therefore, use of 175 kgha-1 seed rate with thrice hand weeding was found profitable, and recommended to be practiced by wheat growers of the study area and similar agro-ecologies.
Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Potential and Nutritional Compounds of Aframomum melegueta and Syzygium aromaticum Seeds in Ibadan, Oyo-State, Nigeria
Authors: Ivbarue F. O. , Olanipekun M. K. , Oseni O. A.
Published: September 2021

Consequents upon the efficacies of the local claims of Aframomum melegueta (Ataare) and Syzygium aromaticum (Kanafuru) in the treatment of respiratory infections and diseases in the study area, the present study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical, antioxidant capacity and nutritional composition in compounds of Aframomum melegueta and Syzygium aromaticum seeds to validates their local claims. The aqueous extracts of the plants seeds were obtained using standard procedures. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids and phenols in the aqueous extracts of the plants seeds, while tannins was absent in the extract of Aframomum melegueta. Flavonoids and phenols revealed the highest antioxidant potential of the plants quantitatively at 0.1 g/m. The proximate contents of the plants seeds showed the level of crude contents ranging from moisture  (7.34% ± 0.01 and 13.74% ± 0.03), fiber (28.33% ± 0.02 and 16.23% ± 0.02), protein (21.03% ± 0.02 and 10.79% ± 0.05), fat (7.13% ± 0.02 and 27.94% ± 0.10) and carbohydrates (32.76% ± 0.03 and 26.53% ± 0.02) respectively. The results also revealed the presence of potassium (63.50% ± 0.2 ppm and 64.20% ± 0.2 ppm), calcium (7.54% ± 0.2 ppm and 10.40% ± 0.2 ppm) and magnesium (9.05% ± 0.2 ppm and 9.11% ± 0.2 ppm) in the two plants seeds respectively. Therefore this study justifies the local use of Aframomum melegueta (Ataare) and Syzygium aromaticum (Kanafuru) as sources of medicine to manage and alleviate various symptoms associated with respiratory diseases and health conditions.
Assessment of Genetic Variability and Correlation of Yield Related Traits in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Guptha Veeramalla Rohith , M. Lal Gabrial , Reddy Jakkam Mahipal , Bramhanjaneyulu P. Venkata Bala , Sagar C. Kalyan , Nayan Ch. Sai
Published: September 2021

The present investigation was undertaken with 21 genotypes of Chickpea, (including one check) during Rabi 2020-21 in a randomized block design with three replications at field experimentation centre of Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding. Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences. The data were recorded for 13 characters to study genetic variability, correlation and path analysis. Analysis of variance among 21 genotypes showed highly significant differences for all the characters indicated the presence of substantial amount of genetic variability. On the basis of mean performance, the highest seed yield was observed in genotype NBEG-1121 and RVS-5949. The estimates of GCV and PCV were moderate for plant height, number of primary branches. Low GCV and PCV was recorded for days to 50% flowering. The difference between PCV and GCV was very low for all 13 yield contributing characters. This indicates that the influence of environment factor was low on these characters. High heritability estimate was recorded for number of seeds per plant, number of secondary branches per plant. A high magnitude of genetic advance expressed as a percent of mean was observed in respect of number of seeds per plant, number of secondary branches per plant. Seed yield per plant exhibited positive and highly significant correlations with days to 50% Flowering, no of secondary branches at both genotypic and phenotypic level. The positive non-significant correlations of seed yield per plant were found with number of secondary branches and days to maturity. Negative non- significant correlation was being observed with the plant height, number of primary branches per plant and number of pods per plant. Path analysis at both genotypic and phenotypic level showed positive direct effects by days to 50% flowering, number of secondary branches per plant. The characters identified above as important components merit due to consideration in the formulation of effective selection strategy in chickpea for developing high yielding varieties.
Exogenously Applied Proline Modulates Drought Tolerance in Maize (Zea mays L)
Authors: Akram Shamim , Kibria Mohammad Golam , Murata Yoshiyuki , Hoque Md. Anamul
Published: September 2021

Improving drought stress tolerance in maize is essential to increase its production and yield worldwide.  Thus, the present study was conducted to investigate the improvement of drought tolerance in maize (Zea mays L.) by exogenous application of proline (25 and 50mM) on two maize varieties. Maize plants were subjected to drought stress at various phases of plant growth under pot culture conditions and proline was applied as foliar spray. Water deficit stress caused a significant decrease (by approximately 25%) in growth and yield of both maize varieties by decreasing plant height, cob length, dry root weight, grains per cob and 100-grain weight. Water deficit stress also decreased chlorophyll and intercellular proline contents, and antioxidant enzyme activities viz. catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (POX) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Exogenous application of proline (50 mM) was found to be more effective in increasing growth and yield of both varieties. These increases were positively associated with increased levels (by at least 15%) of chlorophyll and intracellular proline, and enhanced activities of CAT, POX and APX enzymes in both varieties. Interaction effects of exogenous proline and water deficit stress were significant in aspects of higher growth and yields and enhanced levels of chlorophyll, intracellular proline and antioxidant enzyme activities. Therefore, it is concluded that foliar application of proline improves drought tolerance by modulating chlorophyll and intracellular proline contents, and antioxidant enzyme activities.
Antimicrobial and Hepatoprotective Effect of Chitosan Nanoparticles In-vitro and In-vivo Study
Authors: El-Shafei Hanaa A. , Asaad Gihan F. , Elkhateeb Yomna A. M. , El-Dakroury Walaa A. , Hamed Hoda A. , Hassan Azza , Nomier Yousra A.
Published: September 2021

Nanotechnology has become an extensive area of study due to the peculiar properties of nanoparticles. Chitosan is considered the most promising material for future applications. The purpose of this study was to highlight the antimicrobial and hepatoprotective properties of Chitosan nanoparticles (CTS), as well as their efficacy against multidrug-resistant pathogens and various applications as a natural antioxidant in the biomedical field. CTS were prepared with or without surfactant (L—lecithin, Tween 80) based on inotropic gelation of chitosan with sodium alginate. The nanoparticle obtained displayed a spherical shape with a particle size ranging from 54.3±20.8 to 1256±16.8 nm, zeta potential ranging from 24±1.2 to 30.8±1.1 mV, and polydispersity index ranging from 0.274±0.09 to 0.553±0.06. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) calculations were used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of CTS against four human pathogens: Bacillus subtilis ATCC6633, Staphylococcus aureus NRRLB-767, Escherichia coli ATCC25955, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC101455. The MIC values were 156.3, 39.4, 78.1, and 78.1 ug/mL, while the MBC values were 500,156.3, 312.5, and 312.5 ug/mL, respectively. S.aureus was the most susceptible, while B. subtilis was the most resistant. The hepatoprotective effect was determined by measuring antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and inflammatory biomarkers, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. Hepatoprotective results showed a remarkable ameliorative effect against hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4.
Design, Construction and Performance Evaluation of a Dual-Powered Cooker
Authors: Adegbola A. A. , Ogunsola A. D. , Olanrewaju R. O. , Olaleye O. O.
Published: September 2021

A dual-powered cooker is a combination of components that makes possible the use of alternative heat sources. Due to the irregular power supply common in developing countries, as well as the growing high cost of hydrocarbon fuel sources, the need arises for the development of a dual energy source that uses both electricity and gas for heating and cooking. The aim of this research work is to design, construct and carry out a performance evaluation of a dual-powered cooker.

The materials for the research work were locally sourced and selected based on suitability in reference to the design requirement of the cooker. The cooker consists of two divisions, each fitted with a burner operating on distinct energy sources, electricity and gas. Within the electric burner is a heating element that generates and dissipates heat across a hotplate. On the other hand, cooking gas is supplied to the burner located at the other segment of the cooker via a threaded pipe connection to a gas cylinder, secured unto a control mechanism that allows the burning rate to be varied progressively and continuously. The temperature of the water was allowed to synergize with the ambient temperature of the room before testing.

Several important findings can be drawn from this assessment. The gas cooker has a  higher overall thermal efficiency between (57.50% [without lid] - 62.84% [with lid]) as opposed to the efficiency of its electric counterpart, which falls between (29.78% [without lid] - 39.12% [with lid]).

The dual-powered cooker was successfully designed, constructed and evaluated. The gas cooker has a higher efficiency than the electric cooker. Primarily, the gas cooker is at an advantage as it does not need to preheat or rely on power from an electric source subject to fluctuation in voltage before cooking, unlike the electric cooker; therefore, making it better at a wider range of cooking operations.It combines the best of gas and electric cookers. Gas hobs that are quick to heat up and easy to control, plus electric ovens with more accurate heat settings and multiple features.
THE INFLUENCE OF DEMOGRAPHY, SOCIAL MEDIA, RISK ATTITUDE, AND OVERCONFIDENCE ON THE FINANCIAL LITERACY OF USERS SOCIAL MEDIA IN SURABAYA
Authors: Rizon Rizon , Anastasia Njo , Evelyn Evelyn
Published: September 2021

This study aims to examine the influence of demography, social media, risk attitude, and overconfidence on the financial literacy of users of social media in Surabaya. The sample used in this study amounted to 300 respondents. Data were collected using a online questionnaire via Google Form. The data analysis method used in this study is PLS. The analysis test results show that there is an effect of demography, social media, risk attitude, and overconfidence on users' financial literacy in Surabaya.
Region of interest optimization for surface guided radiation therapy of breast cancer
Authors: Sauer Tim‐Oliver , Ott Oliver J. , Lahmer Godehard , Fietkau Rainer , Bert Christoph
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The goal of this study was to investigate how the choice of the region of interest (ROI) affects the registration results of surface imaging for daily positioning of breast cancer patients.

Methods

The AlignRT system (VisionRT, London) and the XVI Cone beam CT (CBCT; Elekta, Stockholm) installed on two Versa HD linacs (Elekta) were used in this study, which included 28 patients (160 fractions). In the clinical workflow, patients were prepositioned with AlignRT and then shifted in 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) according to the CBCT. A new reference capture was taken immediately afterward. Retrospectively, the surface capture resulting from prepositioning was registered to the latest reference capture. By varying the ROI used for registration, the surface‐based results were optimized in terms of minimizing the deviation to the clinically applied CBCT shifts. Two sets of ROIs were used: one obtained by applying a variable margin to the breast surface, another by combining ROIs of anatomical structures, including the sternum and contralateral breast.

Results

Registration results showed significant differences from one ROI to another. Generally, the results improved with increasing ROI size, especially for rotational DOFs. ROIs, including the axilla or supraclavicular lymph drainage region, did not yield an improved registration result. On the other hand, an ROI comprising the breast surface, sternum, and a belt caudal to the breasts decreased the average magnitude of the translational and rotational deviations by 6.6% and 30.8% (p < 0.01), respectively, compared to the breast surface only results.

Conclusion

The influence of the ROI choice on surface imaging registration results was analyzed and the surface‐based shifts were compared to clinically applied CBCT shifts. An optimal ROI for the treatment of breast cancer patients, consisting of the breast surface, sternum, and a belt, was identified.
Freestanding Ferroelectric Bubble Domains
Authors: Bakaul Saidur R. , Prokhorenko Sergei , Zhang Qi , Nahas Yousra , Hu Yushi , Petford‐Long Amanda , Bellaiche Laurent , Valanoor Nagarajan
Published: September 2021

Bubble‐like domains, typically a precursor to the electrical skyrmions, arise in ultrathin complex oxide ferroelectric–dielectric–ferroelectric heterostructures epitaxially clamped with flat substrates. Here, it is reported that these specially ordered electric dipoles can also be retained in a freestanding state despite the presence of inhomogeneously distributed structural ripples. By probing local piezo and capacitive responses and using atomistic simulations, this study analyzes these ripples, sheds light on how the bubbles are stabilized in the modified electromechanical energy landscape, and discusses the difference in morphology between bubbles in freestanding and as‐grown states. These results are anticipated to be the starting point of a new paradigm for the exploration of electric skyrmions with arbitrary boundaries and physically flexible topological orders in ferroelectric curvilinear space.
Fluorocarbon Vapors Slow Down Coalescence in Foams
Authors: Steck Katja , Hamann Martin , Andrieux Sébastien , Muller Pierre , Kékicheff Patrick , Stubenrauch Cosima , Drenckhan Wiebke
Published: September 2021

Controlling the stability of liquid foams is of the utmost importance for a wide range of applications. For decades, fluorocarbon vapors have been added to the gas phase of foams to ensure long‐term stability against bubble coarsening. However, it is shown here for the first time that they also have an unexpected and pronounced effect on bubble coalescence. This effect is quantified in detail for foams stabilized by the nonionic surfactant hexaethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12E6) at controlled fluorocarbon (perfluorohexane (C6F14)) concentrations, but it is observed for all investigated surfactants. Measuring surface tensions of the foaming solution with increasing fluorocarbon concentration, a synergy between the fluorocarbon and the surfactant is found which can be explained by a) the formation of mixed layers of both species at the gas/water interface at low fluorocarbon concentrations and b) the formation of a macroscopic fluorocarbon film if the gas phase is saturated with fluorocarbon vapor. The precise mechanism responsible for reducing coalescence, that is, film rupture, remains to be elucidated.
Diffusion Enhancement to Stabilize Solid Electrolyte Interphase
Authors: Chen Yunyi , Huang Haoyang , Liu Lingli , Chen Yongxiu , Han Yongsheng
Published: September 2021

The damage of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer during the stripping process in lithium secondary batteries causes the reduction of energy density. The stabilization of the solid electrolyte interphase is as important as the inhibition of lithium dendrites for lithium‐based batteries. But the former is largely underestimated, which leads to the unclear damage mechanism and the lack of effective solutions to suppress the damage. Here, in this paper a diffusion‐limited damage mechanism of the SEI layer is proposed. The inhomogeneity of the SEI layer results in region‐dependent diffusion kinetics of lithium ions (Li+) passing through the layer. The slip lines and kinks having a thicker SEI layer, show slower Li+ conduction than the smooth surface. The uneven stripping process leads to the formation of cracks at the boundary between the slip lines and the smooth surface, which further causes collapse and serious damage of SEI. Upon this assumption, it is proposed to enhance the diffusion of Li+ at the local areas of SEI layer by applying parallel magnetic fields on the outside of electrodes. Both the electrochemical characterizations and long‐term stability examination confirm the effectiveness of the magnetic field in enhancing the diffusion of Li+ and suppressing the damage of SEI.
Germination success of large‐seeded plant species ingested by howler monkeys in tropical rain forest fragments
Authors: González‐Di Pierro Ana María , Benítez‐Malvido Julieta , Lombera Rafael
Published: September 2021

Premise

Primates are important seed dispersers, especially for large‐seeded (>1 cm long) tropical species in continuous and fragmented rainforests.

Methods

In three forest fragments within the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve, southern Mexico, we investigated the effect of seed passage through the gut of howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) on the germination rate and maximum germination (%) of native, large‐seeded species. One group of howler monkeys, per fragment, was followed and fresh feces collected. Large seeds were removed to compare their germination success with non‐ingested seeds of the same species collected underneath parent plants.

Results

Feces contained large seeds from seven tree species (Ampelocera hottlei,Castilla elastica,Dialium guianense,Garcinia intermedia,Pourouma bicolor,Spondias mombin,Trophis racemosa) and one liana species (Abuta panamensis). Except forG. intermedia, ingested seeds germinated significantly faster than non‐ingested seeds, which had negligible germination. Ingested seeds ofD. guianense,P. bicolor,S. mombin,T. racemosa, andA. panamensishad significantly greater germination, whileG. intermediahad significantly lower germination and seed ingestion had no apparent effect forA. hottleiandC. elastica.

Conclusions

In general, seed ingestion by howler monkeys confers faster germination compared with non‐ingested seeds. Faster germination reduces predation probabilities and increases seedling establishment in forest fragments. Primate dispersal services contribute to germination heterogeneity within plant populations of old‐growth forest species and to their persistence in forest fragments.