bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significance and perspectives for development of commodity exchange trade in agricultural products
Authors: Kovačević Vlado
Published: April 2024

Exchanges are intermediaries in the trade of commodities, financial instruments that have commodities in their base or credit instruments that are secured by commodities. Commodity exchanges have gained in importance in recent decades. Commodity exchanges have evolved from the place where the physical purchase and sale of goods takes place to trade in commodity derivatives where standardized contracts−futures and options−are traded. The role of commodity exchanges in the development of the agribusiness sector has changed significantly from the initial stage of development when in the beginning the main role was to ensure efficient and transparent exchange of commodities, until the early 1970s when instruments were developed to enable risk management in the agribusiness sector. The largest volume of tradе on modern commodity exchanges is realized in standardized derivative contracts. Financial derivatives are one of the most successful financial innovations, with the volume of turnover increasing significantly. Within this chapter, special attention is paid to the analysis of the situation in the field of commodity exchange trading in the Western Balkan region. According to the results of the analysis, developed agricultural commodity exchange trade is not available to the farmers in these countries, nor are business risk management instruments available to participants in countries with developed commodity exchange systems. Analyses have shown that the sole commodity exchange with a significant volume of trade in the countries of the Western Balkans is the Novi Sad commodity exchange, trading on the spot and non‒standardized term market. In terms of the directions of development of regional commodity trade, the experience so far shows that high trading volume is a paramount for well‒developed commodity exchange. Therefore, the path to the development of commodity exchange trading is the establishment of a regional commodity exchange that would be a place of trade for all of the Western Balkan’s countries. By establishing a regional commodity exchange, participants in the agricultural sector would have the opportunity to securely and transparently trade and manage the price risk that have a pronounced volatility in recent years.
Dois séculos de dívida pública: a história do endividamento público brasileiro e seus efeitos sobre o crescimento econômico (1822-2004)
Authors: Ziliotto Guilherme Antonio
Published: April 2024

Na história do Estado brasileiro, o papel da dívida pública, a inten­sidade de seu uso e seus efeitos sobre a economia variaram muito. Em vários momentos, o endividamento público foi utilizado ampla­mente como forma de financiamento de projetos estatais; outras vezes, a dívida pública assumiu um caráter tão vultoso que passou a ser acusada de ser mais maléfica do que benéfica à economia; e em outros períodos, foi praticamente relegada ao esquecimento. Tentando contribuir para a compreensão desses aspectos da história das finanças públicas do país, este livro procura analisar, na história do Estado brasileiro, a hipótese de causalidade entre o endividamento público e o crescimento econômico e sintetizar a história da dívida pública no Brasil, de 1822 a 2004, com base na historiografia dominante sobre o tema e nos dados e documentos históricos mais relevantes e difundidos. Essa síntese foi feita também no sentido de dar um elemento adicional à análise sobre a relação entre dívida pública e crescimento econômico, por uma perspectiva de análise histórica, complementando a análise econométrica.
Optimization and application of shock wave measurement technology for shock-timing experiments on small-scale capsules
Authors: Yang Wei-Ming , Duan Xiao-Xi , Zhang Chen , Li Yu-Long , Liu Hao , Guan Zan-Yang , Zhang Huan , Sun Liang , Dong Yun-Song , Yang Dong , Wang Zhe-Bin , Yang Jia-Min ,   Research Center of Laser Fusion, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang 621900, China,   National Key Laboratory of Plasma Physics, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang 621900, China
Published: April 2024

In laser fusion research, the precision of shock-timing technology is pivotal for attaining optimal adiabatic tuning during the compression phase of fusion capsules, which is crucial for ensuring the high-performance implosion. The current main technological approach for shock-timing experiments is to use keyhole targets and VISAR (velocity interferometer system for any reflector) diagnostics to measure the shock velocity history. Nonetheless, this approach encounters limitations when scaling down to smaller capsules, primarily due to the reduced effective reflection area available for VISAR diagnostics. In this work, a novel high-precision shock-timing experimental methodology is used to realize a double-step radiation-driven implosion of a 0.375 mm radius capsule on a 100 kJ laser facility. By calculating the intensity of VISAR images with spherical reflective surfaces, a new experimental technical route is proposed, i.e. using the keyhole cone reflection effect to enhance the VISAR diagnostic spatial area, which can effectively increase the effective data collection region by nearly threefold for small-scale capsules. The technique has been adeptly used to measure shock waves in cryogenic liquid-deuterium-filled capsules under shaped implosion experimental conditions, thus obtaining high-precision shock-timing experimental data. The experimental data reveal that the application of this technology can markedly enhance both the image quality and the precision of data analysis for shock wave velocity measurements in small-scale capsules. Furthermore, it is discovered that under similar laser conditions, there exist considerable variations in the shock velocity profiles. Simulation analysis shows that the difference in chasing behavior of the “N+1” reflected shock wave caused by small changes in laser intensity is the main reason for the significant difference in merging speed. It is demonstrated that small changes in laser parameters can significantly affect the transmission behavior of the shock wave. This experiment highlights the complex sensitivity of shock wave transmission in high-performance forming implosion physics process on a current small capsule scale, making it essential to conduct shock-timing experiments to accurately adjust actual shock wave behavior. This research not only lays a robust technical foundation for promoting adiabatic tuning experiments ofour 100 kJ laser facility but also has profound significance for the ultra-high pressure physics research based on the spherical convergence effect.
Effect of interfacial electronic structure on conductivity and space charge characteristics of core-shell quantum dots/polyethylene nanocomposite insulation
Authors: Wang He-Yu , Li Zhong-Lei , Du Bo-Xue ,   Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education on Smart Power Grids, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
Published: April 2024

To investigate the effect of the interface electronic structure of core-shell quantum dots on the conductivity and space charge characteristics of polyethylene insulation, nanocomposite insulations, namely CdSe@ZnS/LDPE and ZnSe@ZnS/LDPE, are synthesized. The study focuses on elucidating the evolution patterns of DC conductivity and space charge in the nanocomposite insulation, and analyzing the effect of the interfacial electronic structure of core-shell quantum dots on the distribution of charge traps. Comparative analysis reveals that in contrast to LDPE insulation, ZnSe@ZnS/LDPE nanocomposite insulation demonstrates a substantial reduction in DC conductivity by 47.2% and a decrease in space charge accumulation by 40.3% under the conditions of elevated temperature and strong electric field. The increase of trap energy level means an enhanced trap effect on charger carriers. According to density functional theory, the band structure characteristics of core-shell quantum dots integrated with polyethylene are computationally assessed. The findings underscore that the band misalignment at the core-shell interface and the shell-insulation interface induces shifts in the conduction band bottom and at the valence band top, respectively. These shifts impose a confinement effect on electrons and holes, with the extent of this effect escalating with the augment of the difference in band gap between the core layer and the shell layer. Consequently, this phenomenon curtails carrier migration, thereby inhibiting space charge accumulation under the conditions of elevated temperature and strong electric fields.
Circular RNA circMAN1A2 promotes ovarian cancer progression through the microRNA-135a-3p/IL1RAP/TAK1 pathway
Authors: Li Bo , Hu Chuancui , Zhao Da , Nie Mingchao , Wang Xiaoli
Published: April 2024

Background

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal malignancy in women owing to its diagnosis only at the advanced stage. Elucidation of its molecular pathogenesis may help identify new tumor markers and targets for therapy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable, conserved, and functional biomolecules that can be used as effective biomarkers for various cancers.

Methods

In this study, a potential circRNA related to early diagnosis of OC, circMAN1A2, was analyzed. Overexpression/knockdown of circMAN1A2 in OC cells was used to decipher its effects on cell proliferation with a Cell Counting Kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU), cell cycle, clone formation, and wound healing assay. RNA pull-down and Dual luciferase assay were used to explain the underlying mechanism by which circMAN1A2 regulates OC cell proliferation. In vivo, the effect of circMAN1A2 in OC was evaluated using nude mouse xenograft experiments.

Results

CircMAN1A2 was highly expressed in OC and promoted proliferation, clone formation, and tumorigenicity of OC cells. In addition, we found that circMAN1A2 acted as a sponge for microRNA (miR)-135a-3p; miR-135a-3p directly targeted the 3’ untranslated region of interleukin 1 receptor accessory protein (IL1RAP) in OC cells, thereby regulating the phosphorylation of transforming growth factor-beta activated kinase 1 (TAK1), which resulted in promotion of OC cell growth.

Conclusions

CircMAN1A2 promotes OC cell proliferation by inhibiting the miR-135a-3p/IL1RAP/TAK1 axis. In conclusion, circMAN1A2 may be a biomarker for early detection of OC and a target for subsequent therapy.
Physical activity and sedentary behavior among school-going adolescents in low- and middle-income countries: insights from the global school-based health survey
Authors: Li Hui , Zhang Wenyu , Yan Jin
Published: April 2024

Background

The Global School Student Health Survey (GSHS) is being carried out by students in various countries across the globe to advance improved health programs for youth. However, in comparison to high-income countries, adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are generally at an early stage of understanding regarding physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB), often exhibiting low levels of PA and high levels of SB. Furthermore, there is limited evidence connecting PA and SB in school-going adolescents from LMICs.

Purpose

The objective of this review was to synthesize the available evidence regarding PA and sedentary behavior among school-going adolescents in LMICs using data from the GSHS.

Method

On March 18, 2023, a systematic literature search was performed across four electronic databases, namely Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EBSCO with n odaterestrictions. Studies were eligible if they: (1) utilization of data sourced from the Global Student-based Health Survey; (2) exploration of physical activity; (3) specific focus on adolescents; (4) conducted in low- and middle-income countries; (5) study design encompassing observational; (6) published as English journal articles.

Results

Among the 29 studies included in the analysis, the majority revealed elevated levels of sedentary behavior and diminished levels of PA in low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, notable disparities in physical engagement and sedentary behavior were noted between male and female adolescents (p< 0.001). Augmented PA among teenagers was observed to correlate with higher consumption of vegetables and fruits (AOR = 1.30; 95% CI [1.13–1.50];p< 0.001), decreased alcohol consumption, and a reduced prevalence of loneliness and depression (aOR 1.37, 95% CI [1.18–1.59]).

Conclusions

The results of this review affirm that in contrast to high-income countries, adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are in the early stages of comprehending physical activity, marked by low levels of PA. Physical activity and sedentary behavior in school-going adolescents from LMICs appear to be influenced by factors such as policies, cultural norms, socioeconomic conditions, as well as gender, and age.
Rate dependent neural responses of interaural-time-difference cues in fine-structure and envelope
Authors: Hu Hongmei , Ewert Stephan D. , Kollmeier Birger , Vickers Deborah
Published: April 2024

Advancements in cochlear implants (CIs) have led to a significant increase in bilateral CI users, especially among children. Yet, most bilateral CI users do not fully achieve the intended binaural benefit due to potential limitations in signal processing and/or surgical implant positioning. One crucial auditory cue that normal hearing (NH) listeners can benefit from is the interaural time difference (ITD), i.e., the time difference between the arrival of a sound at two ears. The ITD sensitivity is thought to be heavily relying on the effective utilization of temporal fine structure (very rapid oscillations in sound). Unfortunately, most current CIs do not transmit such true fine structure. Nevertheless, bilateral CI users have demonstrated sensitivity to ITD cues delivered through envelope or interaural pulse time differences, i.e., the time gap between the pulses delivered to the two implants. However, their ITD sensitivity is significantly poorer compared to NH individuals, and it further degrades at higher CI stimulation rates, especially when the rate exceeds 300 pulse per second. The overall purpose of this research thread is to improve spatial hearing abilities in bilateral CI users. This study aims to develop electroencephalography (EEG) paradigms that can be used with clinical settings to assess and optimize the delivery of ITD cues, which are crucial for spatial hearing in everyday life. The research objective of this article was to determine the effect of CI stimulation pulse rate on the ITD sensitivity, and to characterize the rate-dependent degradation in ITD perception using EEG measures. To develop protocols for bilateral CI studies, EEG responses were obtained from NH listeners using sinusoidal-amplitude-modulated (SAM) tones and filtered clicks with changes in either fine structure ITD (ITDFS) or envelope ITD (ITDENV). Multiple EEG responses were analyzed, which included the subcortical auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) and cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) elicited by stimuli onset, offset, and changes. Results indicated that acoustic change complex (ACC) responses elicited by ITDENV changes were significantly smaller or absent compared to those elicited by ITDFS changes. The ACC morphologies evoked by ITDFS changes were similar to onset and offset CAEPs, although the peak latencies were longest for ACC responses and shortest for offset CAEPs. The high-frequency stimuli clearly elicited subcortical ASSRs, but smaller than those evoked by lower carrier frequency SAM tones. The 40-Hz ASSRs decreased with increasing carrier frequencies. Filtered clicks elicited larger ASSRs compared to high-frequency SAM tones, with the order being 40 > 160 > 80> 320 Hz ASSR for both stimulus types. Wavelet analysis revealed a clear interaction between detectable transient CAEPs and 40-Hz ASSRs in the time-frequency domain for SAM tones with a low carrier frequency.
Study of biomass accumulation using different nutrient media
Authors: Bissenova Gulmira , Tekebayeva Zhanar , Mussabayeva Botagoz , Temirkhanov Aslan , Sarmurzina Zinigul
Published: April 2024

In recent years, the use of microorganisms to stimulate plant growth and resistance, including biocontrol and maintenance or improvement of microbial activity and soil functionality, has increased. The aim of this work was to select nutrient media and to optimize the deep cultivation regimes of a biopreparation consisting of the Bacillus pumilus Pol P3(1) 10 B-RKM 0528, Bacillus thuringiensis Pb 30 B-RKM 0341, Bacillus licheniformis 356 B-RKM 0074 and Serratia marcescens Sh-2 B-RKM 0952 strains, which exhibit high growth-stimulating activity. Three different media were use to cultivate the biopreparation: standard meat-peptone broth medium, King's medium and Mueller-Hinton's medium. The main criterion for determining the effectiveness of the nutrient medium was the accumulation of specific components to yield the largest biomass of biopreparation cells. A comparative analysis of growth on the nutrient media was used to assess the viability and biomass accumulation of the biopreparation strains tested. The optimum cultivation period, maximum optical density of biomass growth, viability and optimum medium acidity during bacterial cultivation on nutrient media were determined both for the strains individually and as part of the biopreparation.
Production and characterization of craft beers IPA style with addition from malted green beans and babaçu mesocarp
Authors: Vieira José Sebastião Cidreira , Cavalcante Danyelson de Sousa , Reis Alexandre da Costa , Chaves Davina Camelo , Pereira Efraim Costa , Silva Igor Alves da , Muchave Germildo Juvenal , Rodrigues Makson Rangel de Melo
Published: April 2024

Beer is the most consumed alcoholic drink in the world, and Brazil ranks as the third largest consumer. This work aimed to produce high-fermentation craft beers, IPA style, containing adjuncts, malted beans and babassu mesocarp to incorporate colour, flavour and differentiated aroma into the final product. The beer obtained was subjected to physical-chemical and microbiological characterization. Bean grains and mesocarp contributed significantly to the increased primitive extract and alcohol content of the beers above. In terms of colour, they were classified as light and dark; in terms of bitterness, they were called bitter and very bitter beers. The microbiological results identified the absence of mould and the presence of yeast and mesophilic bacteria. The municipality of Zé Doca-MA has full conditions for producing craft beers using low-cost raw materials capable of generating a quality and well-accepted final product.
Estrutura de capital: oportunidades para estudos e pesquisa no Brasil
Authors: Rosa Marcelo José Andrizzi da , Rocha Paulo Ricardo Magalhães , Vendruscolo Maria Ivanice , Victor Fernanda Gomes
Published: April 2024

Estrutura de capital é um tema com múltiplas pesquisas empíricas na área de Finanças, desde a concepção dos conceitos iniciais da teoria tradicional e a proposta por Modigliani e Miller (1958). Esta pesquisa tem por base a dissertação de Semedo (2015), que verifica as teorias de estrutura de capital e descreve, por intermédio de uma revisão sistemática de literatura, as tendências de teorias abordadas nos periódicos nacionais em comparabilidade aos periódicos internacionais de Contabilidade. Verificou nos periódicos internacionais o fator de impacto por intermédio do Journal Citation Reports (JCR), os dez mais citados; e, no âmbito nacional os elencados na Associação Nacional de Programas de Pós-graduação em Ciências Contábeis - Anpcont com qualis CAPES A2 e B1 a busca por palavras nos títulos, resumos e palavras-chave: “estrutura de capital”, “assimetria de informação”, “pecking order”, “trade-off”, “conflitos de agência”, “sinalização”, “takeover”, “ciclo de vida”, “market timing” e “efeito fiscal”. O objetivo deste estudo é indicar as oportunidades para estudos de pesquisa de estrutura de capital no Brasil, pois no contexto entre a literatura internacional e a literatura nacional da área de Finanças, existe determinada equalização na abordagem dos assuntos, porém observou-se que alguns assuntos podem ter maior retórica nas pesquisas dos periódicos nacionais. A análise conforme a revisão sistemática de literatura constatou que os periódicos nacionais podem abordar com maior frequência teorias mais evidentes na base de dados e o estímulo a novas teorias dos periódicos internacionais possibilitando uma maior eloquência nas pesquisas científicas na área de Finanças como um todo.
Potential Role of NT-proBNP and Tissue Doppler Indices to Assess the Severity of Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Yajnik Krushan Nirmit , Pujara Kushal , Trivedi Kaushik , Pandya Himanshu
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) remains the primary cause of acquired Valvular Heart Disease (VHD) in developing countries. The role of Tissue Doppler Indices (TDI) in RHD is understudied. This study aims to fill evidence gaps identified by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association in the management of Valvular Heart Disease (VHD) by analysing newer echocardiographic techniques {Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI)} and biochemical markers (NT-proBNP) against clinical parameters {New York Heart Association (NYHA)} in an understudied patient group. Aim: To evaluate the role of TDI and its association with the functional class of dyspnoea and serum NT-proBNP levels in RHD. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Cardiology and Medicine departments, Central Gujarat, Western India, from January 2021 to June 2022. Fifty-seven consenting adult patients with RHD who underwent echocardiography with Standard Echocardiographic Techniques (SET) to stratify VHD severity were included. Patients were divided into three sub-groups: a) Isolated MR and MR with mild/moderate MS (n=23); b) Isolated MS and MS with mild MR (n=29); and c) Isolated MS and MS with mild or moderate MR (n=48). TDI parameters (e’, a’, e’/a’, and E/e’) at medial mitral, lateral mitral, and tricuspid annuli, NYHA classification, and serum NT-proBNP levels were analysed. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the association between NYHA class and clinical and NT-proBNP parameters. The Pearson correlation coefficient was employed to determine linear relationships between NT-proBNP and TDI parameters. Results: The mean age was 45.4±16 years, with the age groups 20-40 years (n=20) and 40-60 years (n=22) having a nearly equal distribution. The female-to-male ratio was 1.48 (34/23). In subgroup C, the a’ velocity decreased from 13.74±3.92 cm/s in NYHA I to 5.17±1.98 cm/s in NYHA IV (p=0.0312), and the e’/a’ ratio increased from 0.96±0.40 in NYHA I to 2.41±1.00 in NYHA IV (p=0.0210). These changes paralleled trends in a’ value (p=0.0306) and e’/a’ ratio (p=0.0157) with increasing NTproBNP levels. Conclusion: At the tricuspid annulus, the e’/a’ ratio and a’ velocity can complement NT-proBNP in cases where there is a discrepancy between the clinical status of the patient and the severity of the valve lesion as determined by SET. Larger-scale studies are needed to further evaluate the association between TDI parameters and long-term clinical outcomes, as well as to identify the optimal timing for surgical intervention in RHD patients.
Improving Students' Mathematical Critical Thinking Abilities Using Join Learning Groups Techniques
Authors: Rosnita . , Syaiful . , Syamsuriza .
Published: April 2024

Joint Learning Groups (JLG) are groupings of students where one group of students works with activities that are interrelated with other groups, resulting in a set of interlinked activities. Task Planning Groups (TPG) are grouped based on the task plan that the teacher will give. This research aims to determine the increase in students' mathematical critical thinking skills after different treatments in the final test. The experimental research method aims to determine the increase in students' critical mathematical thinking skills using the Join Learning Groups technique and the results of students' critical mathematical thinking using the Task Planning Groups technique regarding Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables. Research at SMPN 11 Jambi City, which was the sample for class VIII experimental group VIIIJ control group VIIIK. Experiments were treated with the JLG technique, and controls were treated with the TPG technique. From the results of this research hypothesis research using the t-test and SPSS.25, with tcount = 3.08 – 1.667, the JLG Technique further improves critical thinking skills with the TPG Technique in class VIII SMPN 11 Jambi City. The results of students' critical mathematical thinking using the JLG technique were 83.33, and the TPG technique was 75.03, better than the results of students' critical mathematical thinking using the TPG technique. In this research, it is recommended that teachers pay more attention to techniques that can improve student learning outcomes.
Comparative Phytochemical, In-vitro Anti-Hyperglycemic Activities of Napoleona vogelii Hook & Planch Stem Bark and Cassia occidentalis L. Root Extracts
Authors: CE Anarado , CJO Anarado , NA Okonkwo , OF Obumselu , KJ Anyanna, , OA Ikeh , IA Igbokwe
Published: April 2024

This work investigated the comparative phytochemical, proximate and anti-hyperglycemic activities of stem bark of Napoleonaea vogelii and root of Cassia occidentals extracts. Stem bark and N. vogelii root of C. occidentalis were cold extracted with methanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane. The extracts were subjected to proximate, phytochemical analyses and anti-hyperglycemic assays. The result of proximate analysis revealed that stem bark of N. vogelii was made up of 40.28 ± 0.49 % crude fibre, 37.05 ± 0.05 % carbohydrates, 7.45 ± 0.45 % protein and more than 6.00 % oil content. whereas 22.33±0.08 % crude fibre, 44.70± 0.93 % carbohydrates, 10.72± 0.05 % protein and 11.00± 0.00 % oil contents in roots of C. occidentalis. Alkaloids and terpenoids were present in all the extracts of N. vogelii and C. occidentalis. Flavonoids were also found in all extracts of N. vogelii, whereas tannins and glycosides were also found in all extracts of C. occidentalis. In vitro antidiabetic screening of the methanol extracts indicated that both plants showed a good concentration-dependent percentage glucose uptake. In all concentrations, extracts of C. occidentalis exhibited better glucose uptake than N. vogelii extracts. comparable to the activity of the standard drug- metronidazole (68.44±0.00 %), From 0.10 – 0.50 mg/mL, the methanol extracts of both plants also showed a dose-dependent α-amylase inhibitory effect.  But the inhibition decreased as the concentration was increased to 1.00 mg/mL. At 0.50 mg/mL, C. occidentalis and N. vogelii showed percentage inhibitory effect of 50.02±0.035 and35.61±0.01. Both plants’ extracts showed good anti-hyperglycemic activity, which may be due to the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins and tannins in the extracts, validating the folkloric use of both plants in the treatment of diabetes, and thus are good anti-diabetic agents.
Evaluation of Genetic Divergence among Different Okra Genotypes
Authors: Fandan Renu , Dhankhar S. K. , Singh Davinder , Sudesh . , Raa Vikas
Published: April 2024

Mahalanobis D2 statistics were used to analyse the genetic divergence of thirty different okra genotypes, and the results showed that there was a significant amount of genetic variety. The clustering, inter and intra-cluster distances, and trait contributions provided insights into the genetic variability and diversity within the studied okra population. Thirty diverse genotypes were grouped into five clusters with the highest of eighteen genotypes in the cluster I, five in the cluster III & V and one each genotype in the cluster II and IV. Inter and intra cluster D2 values ranged from 8.00 to 16.7 and 0.0 to 7.4, respectively. It showed that inter cluster distance was higher than the intra cluster distance indicating wide genetic diversity among the genotypes of different groups. The cluster means of 11 characters among five clusters indicated that high genetic variability ranged present for yield per plant (222.1-253.1), number of fruits per plant (31.8-38.9), plant height (59.0-100.7) and days to fifty percent flowering (42.8-54.0). The per cent contribution of yield and its attributing characters in genetic divergence were reported maximum for number of fruits per plant (46.4%) and first fruit node (16.3%). The genotypes HB-691-08, HBT-49-1, Hisar Unnat, Hisar Naveen, HBTC-6-7-1, Varsha Uphar, Arka Abhay were superior for overall yield and yield attributing characters. These genotypes were used to exploit genetic variation for further breeding programme.
Assessment of Biometric Characteristics and Yield of Two Onion Cultivars in Soils of Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Yugandhar V , Harani M , Naik K Balaji , Mallikarjun M. , Sireesha E , Kumari. C Radha
Published: April 2024

In order to identify suitable onion varieties for Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh, an On Farm Testing (OFT) was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra operated mandals of Ananthapur district. Two high yielding onion varieties were tested with five locations during each year in comparison to that of farmers variety of being grown by the farmers of the area. Different treatments included onion varieties of NHRDF Red 4 (TO1), NHRDF Red 3 (TO2) and Bellary local variety as farmers practice. The results revealed that highest plant height (58.25 cm), maximum number of leaves (8.35), lesser duration (123 days), maximum weight of bulb (77.76 g) and bulb yield (26.45 t/ha) was reported from NHRDF Red 4 than NHRDF Red-3 and farmers local variety (Bellary local). Similarly, NHRDF Red 4 variety recorded higher gross returns (Rs. 2,49,066/ha), net returns (Rs. 1,11,407/ha) and B:C ratio of 1.81 as compared to other two varieties. From the study, it is concluded that onion variety NHRDF Red-4 had better performance in the trial and can be recommended for cultivation in Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh.
Teaching-learning of the nursing process: perception of graduate students / Ensino-aprendizagem do processo de enfermagem: percepção de discentes da graduação
Authors: Ribeiro Fracaroli Yasmim , Matioli Lapa Dias Bárbara , Tosatti Petraccone Geovana , Terra Chini Lucélia , Silva Costa Alice , Pinto Costa Isabelle Cristinne
Published: April 2024

Objetivo: descrever as concepções dos discentes de graduação sobre o processo de enfermagem. Método: trata-se de um estudo de abordagem qualitativa, exploratória, descritiva e transversal. Os dados coletados, armazenados durante a técnica do questionário, foram analisados à luz da análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados: no processo de categorização, foram identificadas as seguintes categorias: limitações na abordagem do processo de ensino-aprendizagem do Processo de Enfermagem nas disciplinas e práticas clínicas: fragmentação e falta de continuidade; avaliação das metodologias de ensino do Processo: desafios e lacunas; uso de Linguagem Padronizada; aproximação e aplicação das Teorias de Enfermagem no contexto prático. Considerações finais: este estudo revela limitações no ensino do Processo de Enfermagem para discentes de graduação, evidenciando uma abordagem fragmentada, falta de integração interdisciplinar e desafios nas metodologias de ensino. Tais descobertas direcionam melhorias no ensino para formação mais abrangente e eficaz em Enfermagem.
A Study on the Rainfall-Storage Volume-Target Water Level Curve for Flood Control on the Small Size Dam: Case study for Goesan Dam
Authors: Kim Soojun , Kwak Jaewon , Noh Hui-Seong , Kang Narae , Hwang Seokhwan
Published: April 2024

Dams in South Korea serve various functions, including water supply, hydropower, and transportation; in particular, they are responsible for a significant portion of flood control. This study aims to propose a methodology that field engineers can easily utilize to assess the hydrological conditions of small dams that require simultaneous discharge during flood inflow due to limited storage capacity. Therefore, the relationship between rainfall, storage volume, and target water level was established for dams. This relationship is represented as a curve and is based on the storage volume during the rising phases of floods. Historical data of the Goesan Dam, located in the Dalcheon Basin of the Han River, including inflow, discharge, and rainfall were collected at 10-minute intervals. Analysis was conducted on four major flood events occurring since 2018. The proposed methodology was applied to derive the rainfall-storage volume-target water level curve for the Goesan Dam. Subsequently, the appropriate flood response water level for the Gosan Dam was calculated, and its applicability was examined.
Developing Complex Disaster Response Scenarios Using Social Network Analysis
Authors: Kim Hyojeong
Published: April 2024

Given the escalating frequency and severity of complex disasters, it is imperative to transition from isolated disaster-specific systems to integrated disaster response frameworks. The development of complex disaster scenarios represents a crucial initial step, facilitating an in-depth comprehension of extant vulnerabilities and the forecasting of prospective challenges. This study reinterprets individual disasters that occurred within the same spatiotemporal domain as complex disasters. Complex spatiotemporal disaster clusters were explored, a social network analysis on individual disasters within these identified clusters was performed, and a regional disaster response scenario was proposed. This approach, which integrates spatiotemporal disaster big data with social network analysis, enables statistical measurement of inter-disaster relationships. Visual representations of these relationships through network graphs offer a quantitative lens to analyze relationships that may be difficult to describe narratively. Developing such scenarios facilitates a clear and swift understanding of the relational dynamics among disasters, particularly in situations where there is an inadequate policy and institutional framework for responding to complex disasters.
Selection of Optimum Ternary Binder Systems that Enhance the Workability and Durability of Concrete used in Marine Railways
Authors: Byun TaeYoon , Cho KookHwan
Published: April 2024

In this study, the improvement of the compressive strength and duradbility of concrete used in marine railways by adding binding agents was investigated. The test speciments used in the study comprised developed product A (DP_A), developed product B (DP_B), Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), admixture A, and admixture B, in the study, the optimum ternary binder systems of the test specimens were identified. An optimum ternary binder system would facilitate the simultaneous enhancement of the durability and workability of concrete used on undersea tunnel linings and bridge structures. The compressive strength of each specimen tested after 16h could easily meet the specified standard target strength (> 3.0_MPa). Moreover, the 7d long term strength of each test specimen exceeded 3.0 MPa. When binders were used, the chloride penetration resistance (DP_A was exceptional)_2.741C (normal) and, 1.490C (low) following-28 and 91days. The surface diffustion coefficient of (DP_B) at 91days 9.12 (× 10-12, m2/sec) was higher than that of OPC 9.55 (× 10-12, m2/sec). However, the surface diffusion coefficient of (DP_A) was 4.15 (× 10-12, m2/sec) which was lower than OPC by approximately 57%, indicating the outstanding durability of DP_A.
Why is benzyl‐gem‐diacetate remarkably stable in aqueous solution?
Authors: Jagannadham V. , Padmavathi D. Annapurna , Sanjeev R.
Published: May 2009

Benzyl‐gem‐diacetate is synthesized and performed its solvolysis in water at 25°C. It did not solvolize even for a year, whereas its counterparts benzyl‐gem‐diazide and dihalides underwent spontaneous cleavage through a SN1 mechanism in aqueous solution to give benzaldehydes as the final product through α‐azido benzyl and α‐halo benzyl carbocation intermediates, respectively. The possible explanations are offered for the extraordinary stability of the benzyl‐gem‐diacetate in water. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 554–557, 2009
Enzymatic Digestion of Single DNA Molecules Anchored on Nanogold-Modified Surfaces
Authors: Lü Junhong , Ye Ming , Duan Na , Li Bin
Published: May 2009

To study enzyme–DNA interactions at single molecular level, both the attachment points and the immediate surroundings of surfaces must be carefully considered such that they do not compromise the structural information and biological properties of the sample under investigation. The present work demonstrates the feasibility of enzymatic digestion of single DNA molecules attached to nanoparticle-modified surfaces. With Nanogold linking DNA to the mica surface by electrostatic interactions, advantageous conditions with fewer effects on the length and topography of DNA are obtained, and an appropriate environment for the activities of DNA is created. We demonstrate that by using Dip-Pen Nanolithography, individual DNA molecules attached to modified mica surfaces can be efficiently digested by DNase I.
Cobalt and Nickel Nanopillars on Aluminium Substrates by Direct Current Electrodeposition Process
Authors: Santos A , Vojkuvka L , Pallarés J , Ferré-Borrull J , Marsal LF
Published: May 2009

A fast and cost-effective technique is applied for fabricating cobalt and nickel nanopillars on aluminium substrates. By applying an electrochemical process, the aluminium oxide barrier layer is removed from the pore bottom tips of nanoporous anodic alumina templates. So, cobalt and nickel nanopillars are fabricated into these templates by DC electrodeposition. The resulting nanostructure remains on the aluminium substrate. In this way, this method could be used to fabricate a wide range of nanostructures which could be integrated in new nanodevices.
High‐fat diet induced adiposity and insulin resistance in mice lacking the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase
Authors: Llagostera Esther , Carmona Mari Carmen , Vicente Meritxell , Escorihuela Rosa María , Kaliman Perla
Published: May 2009

Myotonic dystrophy 1 (MD1) is caused by a CTG expansion in the 3′‐unstranslated region of the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) gene. MD1 patients frequently present insulin resistance and increased visceral adiposity. We examined whether DMPK deficiency is a genetic risk factor for high‐fat diet‐induced adiposity and insulin resistance using the DMPK knockout mouse model. We found that high‐fat fed DMPK knockout mice had significantly increased body weights, hypertrophic adipocytes and whole‐body insulin resistance compared with wild‐type mice. This nutrient–genome interaction should be considered by physicians given the cardiometabolic risks and sedentary lifestyle associated with MD1 patients.
Modeling premature brain injury and recovery
Authors: Scafidi Joey , Fagel Devon M. , Ment Laura R. , Vaccarino Flora M.
Published: May 2009

Premature birth is a growing and significant public health problem because of the large number of infants that survive with neurodevelopmental sequelae from brain injury. Recent advances in neuroimaging have shown that although some neuroanatomical structures are altered, others improve over time. This review outlines recent insights into brain structure and function in these preterm infants at school age and relevant animal models. These animal models have provided scientists with an opportunity to explore in depth the molecular and cellular mechanisms of injury as well as the potential of the brain for recovery. The endogenous potential that the brain has for neurogenesis and gliogenesis, and how environment contributes to recovery, are also outlined. These preclinical models will provide important insights into the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms responsible for variable degrees of injury and recovery, permitting the exploration of targeted therapies to facilitate recovery in the developing preterm brain.
Suppressing feelings: A double‐edged sword to consumer judgment and choice
Authors: Qiu Cheng , Lee Yih Hwai , Yeung Catherine W.M.
Published: May 2009

Consumers may suppress their feelings toward the attractive looks of products when they wish to minimize the influence of feelings on their judgments and choices. However, this research suggests that feeling suppression may result in a paradoxical reliance on feelings in product judgments and choices, especially when the product performance judgment is difficult to make. Findings from a series of experiments suggest that this paradoxical effect stems from the requisite resource input for feeling suppression and the consequent resource competition with functionality processing which then impairs product performance judgment.
Die Vertrauens-Trias als personale Ressource für die die Bewältigung von Prüfungsangst
Authors: Hank Petra , Pohl Verena , Krampen Günter
Published: May 2009

Untersucht wird der Stellenwert der Vertrauenstrias Selbstvertrauen, Vertrauen in andere und Zukunftsvertrauen bei der Bewältigung von Prüfungsängstlichkeit. N = 568 Studierende der Sozial- und Naturwissenschaften beantworteten dazu das Prüfungsängstlichkeitsinventar (TAI-G), die Skala zum Selbstkonzept eigener Fähigkeiten des Fragebogens zu Kompetenz- und Kontrollüberzeugungen (FKK-Sk), die Skala zur Erfassung von Hoffnungslosigkeit (H-RA-Skala), die Skala zur Erfassung von sozialem Vertrauen (SV-KONZ) sowie die Copingskalen des Differentiellen Leistungsangstinventars (DAI). Zwischen Prüfungsängstlichkeit und der Vertrauenstrias ergaben sich durchweg signifikante negative Korrelationen, zu den erhobenen Copingstrategien ließen sich ebenfalls überwiegend signifikante Zusammenhänge feststellen. Des Weiteren korrelierte die Vertrauenstrias mit fast allen Copingstrategien statistisch signifikant. Regressionsanalytisch wurde weiter ein möglicher intervenierender Effekt von Coping auf die Einflussbeziehung der Vertrauenstrias auf Prüfungsängstlichkeit untersucht. Im Ergebnis zeigte sich, dass der totale negative Effekt von Vertrauen in die persönliche Zukunft und in die eigene Person partiell durch das Copingverhalten mediiert wird. Die Ergebnisse weisen Selbst- und Zukunftsvertrauen als wichtige personale Ressourcen im Umgang mit Prüfungsängstlichkeit aus.
Mehr multiple Perspektiven – mehr multiple Irritationen?
Authors: Rost Detlef H.
Published: May 2009

Es wird aufgezeigt, dass die Kritik von Kim und Hoppe-Graff (2009) an Rost (2008) die Einwände gegenüber der Theorie der «Multiplen Intelligenzen» («MI») nicht ernsthaft entkräftet. Unter anderem und insbesondere wird erneut auf die fehlende quantitativ-empirische Evidenz für die «MI»-Theorie hingewiesen, auf die bisherige ungenügende Diagnostik der «MI» und – damit einhergehend – auf die fehlenden, den üblichen Standards der empirischen (Pädagogischen) Psychologie genügenden – Evaluationen der Versuche, die «MI»-Theorie in die pädagogische Praxis umzusetzen. Methodenpluralismus ist sinnvoll; defiziente methodische Ansätze – d. h. subjektive und damit wissenschaftlich problematische Vorgehensweisen, wie man sie häufig in Arbeiten von Sympathisanten des «MI»-Ansatzes beobachten kann – können jedoch niemals Ersatz für solide empirische Forschung sein.
Analytical rates determinations and simulations on diffusion and reaction processes in holographic photopolymerization
Authors: Yin Dejin , Pu Haihui , Gao Bin , Gao Hongyue , Dai Haitao , Liu Jianhua
Published: May 2009

An analytical method is proposed to determine the initial diffusion and reaction coefficients for monomer molecules in holographic photopolymerization processes. Those parameters can be obtained directly from the measured first order diffraction efficiency at the onset stage in the formation of volume Bragg gratings. Simulations, according to these parameters, on the evolution of the diffraction efficiency, based on one-dimensional reaction-diffusion model, were well consistent with experimental data in our trimethylolpropane triacrylate based monomer and liquid crystal composite material. It is shown that diffusion and reaction both play important roles in postcuring process.
Nonlinear response of vibrational excitons: Simulating the two-dimensional infrared spectrum of liquid water
Authors: Paarmann A. , Hayashi T. , Mukamel S. , Miller R. J. D.
Published: May 2009

A simulation formalism for the nonlinear response of vibrational excitons is presented and applied to the OH stretching vibrations of neat liquid H2O. The method employs numerical integration of the Schrödinger equation and allows explicit treatment of fluctuating transition frequencies, vibrational couplings, dipole moments, and the anharmonicities of all these quantities, as well as nonadiabatic effects. The split operator technique greatly increases computational feasibility and performance. The electrostatic map for the OH stretching vibrations in liquid water employed in our previous study [A. Paarmann et al., J. Chem. Phys. 128, 191103 (2008)] is presented. The two-dimensional spectra are in close agreement with experiment. The fast 100 fs dynamics are primarily attributed to intramolecular mixing between states in the two-dimensional OH stretching potential. Small intermolecular couplings are sufficient to reproduce the experimental energy transfer time scales. Interference effects between Liouville pathways in excitonic systems and their impact on the analysis of the nonlinear response are discussed.
Enthalpy and dielectric relaxations in supercooled methyl m-toluate
Authors: Chen Zeming , Zhao Yue , Wang Li-Min
Published: May 2009

The structural relaxation of a glass forming liquid, methyl m-toluate, is studied in the deeply supercooled region near glass transition with the calorimetric and dielectric techniques. The thermodynamics and kinetics of the enthalpy relaxation are focused, and the kinetic studies are paralleled with dielectric relaxation. Relaxation enthalpies are expressed in two manners, and the numerical determination is based on the quantity of heat involved in the enthalpy recoveries from the relaxed glasses to liquids through glass transition. The correlations between the relaxation enthalpies and fragility are examined, and the remarkable dependence is visible for both cases. The enthalpy and dielectric relaxations in the liquid reveal comparable results of the fragility indices and stretching exponents.
Cholesky-decomposed densities in Laplace-based second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory
Authors: Zienau Jan , Clin Lucien , Doser Bernd , Ochsenfeld Christian
Published: May 2009

Based on our linear-scaling atomic orbital second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (AO-MP2) method [J. Chem. Phys. 130, 064107 (2009)], we explore the use of Cholesky-decomposed pseudodensity (CDD) matrices within the Laplace formulation. Numerically significant contributions are preselected using our multipole-based integral estimates as upper bounds to two-electron integrals so that the 1/R6 decay behavior of transformed Coulomb-type products is exploited. In addition, we combine our new CDD-MP2 method with the resolution of the identity (RI) approach. Even though the use of RI results in a method that shows a quadratic scaling behavior in the dominant steps, gains of up to one or two orders of magnitude vs. our original AO-MP2 method are observed in particular for larger basis sets.