bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Farmers' Satisfaction Level Beef Cow on Partnership Implementation Maiwa Breeding Center in Barru District
Authors: Harifuddin  , Akhsan Fitriana , Hidaya Nurul
Published: June 2023

Small shops (plasma) with private companies and the government as the core. The Maiwa Breeding Center also works with breeders in a partnership pattern spread over three regencies: Enrekang, Soppeng, and Barru. The partnership pattern implemented by the Maiwa Breeding Center is a profit-sharing system. This study aims to determine the level of satisfaction of beef cattle farmers with implementing the MBC (Maiwa Breeding Center) partnership in Barru district. This research was conducted in June - July 2022, taking place in Tanete Riaja District, Barru Regency. This research method is a survey. Data collection was carried out by direct interviews using a questionnaire. The results of the study are the level of farmer satisfaction with the implementation of the Maiwa Breeding Center partnership from 5 satisfaction variables, namely medicines and vaccines, materials and guidance, engagement with partners, responses to complaints and payment of sales proceeds, is satisfied with an overall average score of 153 with the percentage of 74.10%.
Socio- psychological Constructs and Perceived Economic Variables Impacting the Farmer Producer Organization members in Kerala: A Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Jose Asha Elizabeth , Jayalekshmi G. , Lade Ashish Homraj
Published: June 2023

The present study focused on assessing the socio-psychological constructs and perceived economic variables affecting the functioning of the FPOs. An ex-post facto research design was used in the study. The study was conducted in Kerala. Districts from Northern, Central, and Southern Kerala having the maximum number of FPOs were selected for the study. Wayanad from Northern Kerala, Idukki from Central Kerala, and Trivandrum from Southern Kerala were purposively selected for the study. A purposive sampling technique was used for the selection of the FPOs. Two functioning FPOs were purposively selected from the three districts based on discussion with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). From each selected FPO, 20 farmer members were randomly selected. A total of 40 farmers were surveyed from each district. Thus, from six FPOs in three districts, 120 farmer members were selected. A random sampling technique was used for the selection of the farmer members from each FPOs.  The study rigorously examined parameters such as age, education, annual income, scientific orientation, training attended, credit orientation, social participation, group cohesiveness, and creativity levels among FPO members. It was observed that FPOs comprised middle-aged farmers who completed their education up to the high school level. A substantial proportion of FPO members fell within the medium income category, scientific orientation, and have attended relatively fewer training sessions. Additionally, the research unveiled the fact that the majority of the FPO members belonged to a medium level of credit orientation, social participation, group cohesiveness, and creativity among FPO members. These factors play a critical role in shaping the dynamics and effectiveness of FPOs.
Do Post-harvest Losses Affect the Farmers’ Income? - Post-Harvest Loss Estimation for Major Vegetables in South India
Authors: Kalpana E. Nithya , Parayil Chitra , Divya K. M. , Vijayaraghavan Reshmy
Published: June 2023

Over the last two decades, India’s food system with population surge has been undergoing a transformation with increase in demand for high value fruits and vegetables. However, farmers are not benefitted from these transitions as the post-harvest losses are fairly high due to poorly developed post-harvest management practices. The present study aims to estimate the nature and extent of losses and also analysed the determinants of post-harvest losses for major vegetables (gourds) in South India. Palakkad district of Kerala was chosen for the study as it contributes the most, for the state’s vegetable area and production. Multi-stage random sampling techniques were adopted and the vegetables selected were based on their annual production in the study area. The total loss observed in bitter gourd at farm level was about 12.46 percent (34.53 qtl/ha). At trader level, the physiological loss contributed to almost 45 percent of the total losses. Hence, the total loss in bitter gourd was observed to be 21.88 per cent. Likewise in snake gourd, the extent of losses at farm level was found to be 9 percent (26.1 qtl/ha), where the highest losses (4.74 percent) were due to biotic factors like pests and diseases prevailing in the study area. Therefore, the total loss estimated in snake gourd was 13.89 percent which included 4.89 percent loss at trader level. Regression analyses delineated that in bitter gourd, area under cultivation, unfavourable weather conditions, pests and diseases and use of packing materials like jute sacks and wooden baskets were found as major determinants for losses. Whereas, area under cultivation, experience in farming and prevailing pests and diseases in snake gourd were found to affect the volume of post-harvest losses at farm level. The study found that adoption of proper post-harvest handling practices by farmers would help minimizing the losses to a remarkable extent. Besides, analysis of farmers’ perception, brought out the fact that the farmers aware of losses incurred only to a limited extent.
Civic Education through the Lens of Global Citizenship Education in Zambia
Authors: Chivunda Kaumba , Mupeta ` Sydney
Published: June 2023

Global Citizenship Education as espoused by UNESCO is a mirror that is only reflecting what Civic Education is in the context of Zambia and at the same time through the reflections, helps Zambia see the missing patches in the beauty of offering Civic Education. The two forms of education (GCED or Civic Education) are complementary. However, it is important to acknowledge at the onset that Global Citizenship Education has well-thought approaches that the practice of Civic Education has in recent past failed to apply especially in the context of Zambia, thus the need to emphasize GCED without abandoning the goals of Civic Education. In this article, we explore the relationship between Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and Civic Education in Zambia. We do not attempt to suggest that GCED should be introduced in the school system as part of the curricula. Doing so would be a repetition of what Civic Education is already addressing. However, we propose that Civic Education in Zambia must adopt the pedagogies that GCED brings on board in addressing the various key issues affecting humanity in today’s globalized world. Teaching Civic Education through the lenses of GCED would well help the civic education curriculum meet its desired goals at all levels of the education system through a well thought-globalised nature of human interaction.
Molecular Characterization of Fluted Pumpkin Landraces in South East Nigeria
Authors: Sussan Ezenwata I. , Chinwe Eze, C. , Amara Idigo, M. , Chibuzo Anyanele, W.
Published: June 2023

The fluted pumpkin Telfairia occidentalis (Hook F.) is a very important vegetable, popularly cultivated in South Eastern Nigeria for its economic value and its role in nutrition. It exhibits a high degree of interspecies variability and as such enhances biodiversity. Twenty landraces of fluted pumpkin were collected from five States in southern Nigeria which include; Anambra, Ogun, Lagos, Ondo and Enugu State. The landraces were grown in the Botanical Garden of Lagos State University, Ojo during the rainy season of 2013 for phenotypic screening to determine genetic divergence. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Genetic characterization was conducted in the biotech lab of the national institute of medical research (NIMER). The genomic DNA was extracted from the samples and extracted DNA samples were amplified through the PCR techniques using four primers (RAPD – 01, OPR-02, OPC – 04 and SCAR-1 primer) to access diversity among the genotypes. The result reveals a huge genetic divergence among the genotypes studied. The genotypes were grouped into five clusters based on a 2.0(20%) level of similarity by single linkage cluster analysis, which agrees with morphological data, each containing fluted pumpkin genotypes sharing common properties and being similar to one another.
Real World Evidence of Bempedoic Acid on Efficacy and Safety in Patients with Uncontrolled LDL-c and at High Risk of CVD
Authors: Manoj S. , Shah Jay , Kumar Dilip , Pradhan Akshaya , Kinare Amit B. , Sharma Ashwani Kumar , Aditya M. S. , Raj Ram Anil , Raina Akhter Amin , Patel Ashish , Das Biswajit , Bathe Dipak Suresh , Muchhala Sameer , Jhaveri Kunal
Published: June 2023

Background and Objective: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with high-risk patients requiring effective management to reduce their risk of cardiovascular events. Bempedoic acid is a novel therapeutic agent recently approved as an add-on therapy to statins in patients with uncontrolled LDL-c. Bempedoic acid inhibits cholesterol synthesis in the liver, which ultimately reduces the risk of cardiovascular events. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of bempedoic acid in patients with uncontrolled LDL-c (Previously on moderate or high-intensity statins) with a high risk of CVD in real-world settings.

Methods: This is a multicenter, retrospective, observational study on the data of high-risk-CVD patients collected from Bempedoic Acid on Efficacy and Safety in patients (BEST) Registry. The clinical data of 140 patients who were already on statin therapy and were receiving Bempedoic acid at a dose of 180 mg, along with measurements of the level of LDL-c, HbA1c, HDL, TG, TC, PPPG, FPG, AST, ALT, serum creatinine was taken into consideration. The primary outcome includes a change in LDL-c level, and secondary outcomes involve a change in the level of HbA1c, HDL, TG, TC, PPPG, FPG, AST, ALT, and serum creatinine at week 12 and 24. Adverse events were reported at both time points.

Results: A total of 140 patients were included in the present study with a mean age of 51.8 ± 9.2 years and had primary confirmed diagnosis of dyslipidemia with uncontrolled LDL-c. The mean levels of LDL-c decreased from the mean baseline value of 142.67 ± 46.49 mg/dL, to 106.78 ±33.92 mg/d; a statistically significant reduction by 23.23% (p < 0.01) at week 12. Similarly, at week 24, the mean LDL-c value reduced to 90.39 ± 38.89 mg/dL. A 33.38 % decrease was observed (p < 0.01). Other parameters such as non-HDL, FPG, PPPG, AST and serum creatinine also showed statistically significant reduction at week 12 and week 24. 

Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that bempedoic acid is an effective add-on medication in lowering LDL-c levels in high-risk CVD patients with uncontrolled LDL-c.
Study on Knowledge Level of Paddy Farmers on Climate Change in Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Sangeetha S. , Dhanushkodi V. , Parameswari K. , Vijayageetha V. , Malini N.
Published: June 2023

This study examined the Knowledge level of Paddy farmers on Climate Change the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu state in India. It is situated in the coastal area and is very often subjected to natural calamities which were mainly reflected in the Paddy cultivation to the worst status. The ex-post facto research design was used in this research study. A sample size of 200 was fixed for the study. The data were collected with the use of a well-structured and pre tested interview schedule for farmers covering all the aspects of knowledge on Climate change. The respondents’ knowledge level of climate change was measured by designing exclusively the knowledge test. The study revealed that more than half of the respondents (55.00%) had a medium level of knowledge of climate change. Nearly one-third (32.50%) of the respondents had a high level of knowledge and a lesser number of respondents (12.50%) were found to be under the category of low- level knowledge. Educational status, farming experience, contact with extension agencies, information seeking behaviour, social participation, innovativeness, risk orientation and awareness had shown positive and significant associations with paddy farmers knowledge and these variables contributed to improving the knowledge level of the Paddy farmers on climate change. They had knowledge of changes in the rainfall patterns, extreme climatic events, changes in the crop growths stages, ground water table and pest and disease outbreaks but the famers don’t have enough knowledge on climate change adaptation strategies in Paddy cultivation with respect to tackle the problem of salinity, sodicity and effects of humidity in grain filling to cope up with climate change. Hence, it is recommended that special training programmes may be frequently offered in the study area to improve the knowledge and skill of the farmers on climate change.
Farmers Feedback on the Block Level Agro-met Advisory through District Agro Met Unit (DAMU) in Sirohi District of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Kumar Sushil , Singh Hari , Choudhary Ram Swaroop , Singh Mahendra
Published: June 2023

The study was conducted during 2021‒22 in jurisdiction of Sirohi district, Rajasthan, India to analysis the importance of agromet advisories and how much it beneficial to farmers.

Indian meteorological department (IMD) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research under a centrally sponsored scheme of Ministry of Earth Science, Govt. of India established District Agro-Met Units (DAMUs) in Krishi Vigyan Kendra in 2019. DAMU will frame the block level agromet advisory services using multichannel communication mechanism in the country to reach out to 95.4 million farming households. On the basis of the weather forecasting,advisory messages prepared by Scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Sirohi and sent to Famers of different blocks of Sirohi district viz., Sirohi, Sheoganj, Abu road, Pindwara & Reodar through various channel like,whats app & text messages on mobile, newspaper, meghdoot app etc. on every Tuesday & Friday. The study was undertaken in all blocks of Sirohi district of Rajasthan. Broadcasting of Agro-met Advisory Bulletin is continued as it plays an important role in planning the farm operations. There are many farmers in district who has been benefited with agro advisory service but for the easy analysis and observation, response of 200 farmers are kept in this study. Responses recorded on the basis of block, farming situation, medium of weather forecasting information, usefulness of weather forecasting, agricultural operations done by use of agro advisory, satisfaction by advisory services, accuracy of agro advisory service, losses observed due to aberrant weather conditions.
Assessment of Physico-chemical Properties of Soil from Different Departments of NAI, SHUATS, Prayagraj, U.P., India
Authors: Jat Rajesh Kumar , David Arun Alfred , Thomas Tarence , Naga Indar Raj
Published: June 2023

An Assessment of Physico-chemical properties of soil from different departments of NAI, SHUATS, Prayagraj carried out 2022-23. The prime objectives of this study were to carry out the physico-chemical properties of soil at different depths of various department research farms to determine the availability of macronutrients and micronutrients in soil of these soil sample provide the assessment 6 sampling locations were selected. Soil samples were collected with depth of 0-15 and 15-30 cm respectively. The soil colour dry condition varied from light yellowish brown, pale olive, light olive brown, yellowish brown, olive yellow, dark brown and in wet condition varied from olive brown, dark brown, olive yellow and dark yellowish. The sand, silt and clay varied from 53 to 65 %, 19 to 27 % and 15 to 20 % respectively, soil texture was dominantly sandy loam in every site. The bulk density ranged from 1.20 to 1.34 Mg m⁻3. The practical density ranged from 2.68 to 2.94 Mg m⁻3. The pore space ranged from 43.25 to 49.50 %. The water holding capacity ranged from 41.75 to 48.25 %. The soil pH ranged from 7.37 to 7.71. The electrical conductivity ranged from 0.21 to 0.48 dS m-1. The soil organic carbon ranged from 0.32 to 0.45 %. The available nitrogen ranged from 235.17 to 261.12 kg ha-1. The available phosphorous ranged from 19.66 to 25.50 kg ha-1. The available potassium ranged from 152.00 to 214.00 kg ha-1. The available Sulphur ranged from 8.80 to 14.42 mg kg-1. The available zinc ranged from 0.58 to 0.93 mg kg-1. The available boron ranged from 0.58 to 1.10 mg kg-1. The available iron ranged from 5.92 to 8.70 mg kg-1. The available manganese ranged from 3.21 to 3.61 mg kg-1. The available copper ranged from 2.00 to 2.94 mg kg-1. There is an including awareness of the need to pay greater attention in the role of macronutrients enhancement in the soil for good soil health and proper nutrition of plant so as to attain optimum economic yield and soil is suitable for all major tropical and sub-tropical crops.
Agronomic Evaluation of Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes under Agro-climatic Conditions of Prayagraj, Uttarpradesh in Kharif-2022
Authors: Manoj Murugudu , Singh Vikram , George Shruti Grace
Published: June 2023

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most versatile emerging crops having wider adaptability under varied agro-climatic conditions. Globally maize is Known as “Queen of cereals” because it has highest genetic yield potential among the cereals To find out the best Genotype among the maize hybrids, a field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2022 at the experimental field of the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The study was conducted to evaluate some agronomic characters of maize genotypes under “Agronomic Evaluation of Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes under agro-climatic conditions of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh in Kharif-2022". The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design which consisted of ten maize genotypes as treatments. The treatments were replicated three times. The result of the study indicates that among different maize Genotypes, M-410 produced significantly higher plant height (218.35 cm), number of leaves per plant (15.60), dry weight per plant (152.24g), cob length (19.26 cm), number of rows per cob(14.85), number of grains per row ( 37.03), seed yield (9.54 t/ha) and stover yield (21.62 t/ha). Based on the result obtained M-410 is most suitable, productive economical to be grown in the study area and therefore recommended as planting material in the agroecological zone.
Assessment of Physico-chemical Properties of Soil from Different Blocks of Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Sahu Ranjith Kumar , Thomas Tarence , Singh Anurag Kumar , Naga Indar Raj
Published: June 2023

An Assessment of Physico-chemical properties of soil from different blocks of Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh was carried out in 2022-23. To determine the availability of macro nutrient in soil of these soil samples and provide the assessment of 9 sampling locations were selected. Soil samples were collected at the depth of 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-45 cm respectively. Soil textural classes were Sandy loam and Loamy sand. Bulk Density varies from (1.36 to 1.59 Mg m-3). Particle Density varies from (2.37 to 2.54 Mg m-3). %Pore Space (39.85 to 48.32 %), The Water Holding Capacity varies from (34.89 to 44.28%), the physical condition of the soil was found good. The pH of soil is Slightly alkaline in nature (6.82 to 8.08) and the Electrical Conductivity (0.17 to 0.37 dSm1) was suitable for all crops. Organic carbon was found low (0.33 to 0.47%). These soils have low Nitrogen (197.00 to 220.00 kg ha-1) in all villages. Phosphorus (16.96 to 26.68 kg ha1) is found medium to high. Potassium (201.96 to 266.01 kg ha-1) is found medium in range. Calcium (3.22 to 5.66 meq 100g-1) and Magnesium (1.85 to 2.79 meq 100g-1) are sufficient in this soil. There is an including awareness of the need to pay greater attention in the role of macronutrients enhancement in the soil for good soil health and proper nutrition of plant so as to attain optimum economic yield and soil is suitable for all major tropical and sub-tropical crops.
Influenced of Vermicompost and Biofertilizer on Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil under Hybrid Maize (Zea may L.)
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Bharose Ram , Thomas Tarence , Naga Indar Raj
Published: June 2023

Field experiment was conducted at Soil Science Research Farm of SHUATS Prayagraj, (U.P.) on, sandy loam soil to” Influenced of Vermicompost and Biofertilizer on Physico-chemial properties of soil under hybrid Maize (Zea may L.)” during kharif season of 2022. There are nine treatment combinations were comprised in randomized block design with three replications. The results showed that the application of Vermicompost and PSB had a significant and non-significant effect on soil physico-chemical properties. The maximum bulk density (1.34 and 1.37 Mg m-3), particle density (2.56 and 2.62 Mg m-3), pH (7.23 and 7.25) and EC (0.45 and 0.41 dS m-1) was recorded in T1 (Absolute control) at 0-15 and 15-30 cm depth. Similarly, the maximum percentage pore space (47.76 and 47.65%), water holding capacity (45.27 and 45.01%), percentage organic carbon (0.54 and 0.51%), available nitrogen (230.47 and 226.49 kg ha-1), phosphorus (29.29 and 28.29 kg ha-1) and potassium (148.87 and. 140.27 kg ha-1) was recorded in T9 (VC @100% + PSB @ 100%).
NENHUM DISPOSITIVO A MENOS: SOBRE A EXPERIÊNCIA DA AUSÊNCIA DA SALA DE CINEMA
Authors: Kahtalian Marcos , Motta Leda Tenório da
Published: June 2023

O fechamento obrigatório das salas de cinema durante a pandemia do novo coronavírus não apenas afetou economicamente o setor, mas também intensificou a discussão da sobrevivência das salas. O tropo da morte do cinema foi retomado mais uma vez, tanto no campo teórico quanto da práxis cinematográfica. O artigo refaz o percurso teórico da discussão ontológica do objeto cinema, recuperando a necessária dimensão de experiência coletiva da atividade, como vem sendo apontado por diversos autores, como Jacques Aumont, e Raymond Bellour. Para tanto, mobiliza-se a revisitação do conceito de dispositivo de Jean-Louis Baudry em chave crítica a partir da recuperação fenomenológica do ato de ver filmes. Ao final do artigo aponta-se que a “espontânea” proliferação de drive-ins e outras ações podem ser sintomáticas de uma relação sentida como necessária pelo espectador de cinema e, portanto, configuradora ontológica do objeto cinema, o que não impede e até estimula outros dispositivos de visão.
ESTÉTICA E REPRESENTAÇÃO DA BIXA PRETA NO VIDEOCLIPE XEGAY, DE AGLEI
Authors: Amim Valéria , Santos Vinícius Teófilo da Silva
Published: June 2023

As produções culturais do ocidente estão dialogando cada vez mais intensamente com os debates emergentes em suas formações sociais. No Brasil, as transformações políticas da década de 2010 parecem ter atenuado as aproximações entre arte e política, assim como as mudanças tecnológicas possibilitaram diferentes plataformas para o escoamento da produção de artistas ativistas independentes. Diante disso, traçou-se como objetivo analisar o videoclipe Xegay (2021), o qual aborda questões acerca das dissidências de gênero, sexualidade, raça e território, numa espécie de manifesto audiovisual da multiartista Aglei. A análise aponta o modo como a representação e estetização da obra são constituintes de uma transformação nos modos de ver a negritude bixa, compreendendo tal movimentação como uma ação transgressora, a qual acionará a filosofia da espiritualidade afrobrasileira e o empoderamento do corpo bixa como resposta aos discursos racistas e homofóbicos.
Jellylike Bumps on Scleral Contact Lens of a Child Aged 13 Years
Authors: Bhagat Manish , Ghimire Deepak
Published: June 2023

This case report discusses the finding of calculi on the scleral contact lens of a 13-year-old child with a history of keratoconus.
Conditional Minimal Detectable Change for the Cochlear Implant Quality of Life-35 Profile Associated With Improved Functional Abilities 12 Months After Cochlear Implantation
Authors: McRackan Theodore R. , Seamon Bryant A. , Shannon Christian M. , Hand Brittany N. , Velozo Craig A. , Dubno Judy R. ,   The Cochlear Implant Quality of Life Development Consortium
Published: June 2023

Importance

It is essential to measure an individual patient’s baseline and follow-up abilities to demonstrate changes in clinical outcomes over time. Inherent in this strategy is interpreting whether the measured change is clinically significant and beyond measurement error. Conditional minimal detectable change (cMDC) values are widely used in many disciplines but have rarely been established for outcome measures in otolaryngology or hearing research, and never in cochlear implantation.

Objective

To determine cMDC values for the Cochlear Implant Quality of Life-35 (CIQOL-35) Profile instrument to enhance our understanding of the initial and ongoing changes in functional abilities from cochlear implants (CIs).

Design, Setting, and Participants

Item response theory analyses of responses from a multi-institutional cohort of 705 CI users at a tertiary CI center were used to derive standard error (SE) values for each possible CIQOL-35 domain score. Using an iterative approach, these SE values were used to calculate cMDC values for every possible pre-CI and post-CI domain score combination. We then compared pre-CI to 12-month post-CI CIQOL-35 domains scores in an independent cohort of 65 adult CI users to determine whether the measured change exceeded error to be clinically significant. The analysis took place on December 14, 2022.

Interventions

The CIQOL-35 Profile instrument and cochlear implantation.

Results

The cMDC values were smaller for the communication domain, and global measure and cMDC values for all domains were larger at the extremes of the measurement scale. Overall, 60 CI users (92.3%) demonstrated improvement beyond cMDC at 12 months post-CI for at least 1 CIQOL-35 domain, and no patients’ scores declined beyond cMDC for any domain. The percentage of CI users demonstrating improvement beyond cMDC varied by domain, with communication (53 [81.5%]) showing the largest number of CI users improving, followed by global (42 [64.6%]) and entertainment (40 [60.9%]). In general, CI users who demonstrated improvement in CIQOL-35 domains had greater improvement in speech recognition scores than patients who did not, but the strength and significance of these associations greatly varied by domain and speech material.

Conclusions and Relevance

This multistep cohort study found that cMDC values for the CIQOL-35 Profile provided personalized thresholds for detecting real changes in patient self-reported functional abilities over time across multiple domains, which may inform clinical decision-making. Moreover, these longitudinal results reveal the domains with more or less improvement, which may aid in patient counseling.
High‐Resolution 3D Deposition of Electrospun Fibers on Patterned Dielectric Elastomers
Authors: Doan My-Anh , Tobos Carmen I. , Creighton Rachel L. , Guo Teri , Faber Kate A. , Han Youngshang , Chiew Cerwyn , Hull Ian T. , Malakooti Mohammad H. , Woodrow Kim A.
Published: June 2023

Electrostatic patterning has improved the performance of devices incorporating electrospun fibers in a wide variety of applications. However, the impact of process parameters on the final fiber pattern in these systems is rarely analyzed. Herein, a systematic analytical approach is developed to define quantitative metrics related to fiber patterning. Three‐dimensional patterned dielectric elastomer collectors are fabricated via solution‐casting polydimethylsiloxane with embedded carbon black or liquid metal droplets. Fiber patterning metrics are used to evaluate the effect of collector parameters such as insulating layer thickness, electrical ground surface area, and three‐dimensional pattern geometry. Dielectric layer parameters such as conductive material concentration and particle diameter are also investigated. Using this framework, the best‐performing collector is shown to improve selectivity 30‐fold, uniformity ninefold, reproducibility eightfold, and increase fiber volume by one order of magnitude. Furthermore, eutectic gallium indium liquid metal and scaled‐up pattern geometries demonstrate the tunability of this approach and broad applicability of systematic fiber pattern analysis. This rational approach to patterned fiber development can be applied to virtually any method or pattern to better understand the fiber patterning processes.
Interfacial Reaction Enhanced Liquid‐Phase Sintering of Metal/Oxide Soft Magnetic Composite
Authors: Bai Guohua , Liu Junhong , Bandaru Sateesh , Li Zhong , Sun Jiayi , Zhang Yanan , Zhang Zhenhua , Liu Xiaolian , Li Hongxia , Chen Junfu , Zhang Xuefeng
Published: June 2023

Soft magnetic composites (SMCs) are ungently demanded in high‐frequency power electronics for their large magnetization and high electrical resistivity. However, traditional cold‐pressed SMCs are faced with low mechanical strength and insulation instability, which severely restricts their applications. In this study, liquid‐phase sintering techniques to prepare FeSiAl/MoO3 SMCs are orginally employed, where consolidation and insulation of metallic magnetic particles are achieved in one step. The redox reaction between FeSiAl and MoO3 melt greatly reduces the interfacial energy, facilitates fully wetting of FeSiAl particles by MoO3 melt, and promotes the densification process during sintering. In the final FeSiAl/MoO3 SMC, FeSiAl particles are bonded covalently and insulated electrically/magnetically by the resultant Al2O3 transition layer, endowing the SMC with high crushing strength of 250 MPa, cut‐off frequency of 110 MHz, permeability of 35 (@1 MHz), and low power loss of 962 kW m−3 (5 MHz, 5 mT). This study provides alternative concept for designing new SMCs, and broadens the connotation and extension of liquid‐phase sintering.
MicroRNA‐Responsive DNA Dendrimer Acts as a Smart STING Signal Amplifier
Authors: Wu Rong , Xue Yi , Zhan Jiayin , Feng Zhiyuan , Zhu Jun‐Jie , Zhang Jingjing
Published: June 2023

The cGAS‐STING (cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase/stimulator of interferon genes) pathway is emerging as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. However, developing specific and effective strategies for activating the cGAS‐STING pathway in tumors is still challenging. Here, a microRNA‐21 (miR‐21)‐responsive nucleic acid system, as a STING signal amplifier, is designed based on the branched catalytic hairpin assembly (bCHA). The effects of three types of dsDNA structures (linear dsDNA, Y scaffold dsDNA, and dsDNA dendrimer) on cGAS‐STING activation are systematically studied. This study demonstrates that dsDNA dendrimer can induce the most effective liquid–liquid phase separation in a miR‐21‐dependent manner, allowing the controllable activation of cGAS‐STING in both cancer cells and dendritic cells. Given the programmable nature of nucleic acid structure, this study will enable a readily accessible platform for integrating with immunotherapeutic strategies while opening new avenues for controllable, tumor‐specific activation of STING agonists.
P‐type Semiconducting Polymers as Photocathodes: A Comparative Study for Optobioelectronics
Authors: Bondi Luca , Marzuoli Camilla , Gutiérrez‐Fernández Edgar , Tullii Gabriele , Martín Jaime , Fraboni Beatrice , Mecerreyes David , Antognazza Maria Rosa , Cramer Tobias
Published: June 2023

Recent studies have shown that p‐type polymeric semiconductors enable a new type of wireless, optically triggered interface with cells and tissues. Poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (P3HT) has already been used to create such optobioelectronic interfaces, producing reactive oxygen species and hydrogen peroxide that act as messengers in biological systems to impact cell signaling and proliferation. However, the use of P3HT in biomedical in‐vivo applications is limited as its optical absorption does not match the tissue transparency window. This paper compares the performance of P3HT with two low band‐gap polymers commonly employed in high‐performance organic solar cells, namely Poly[[4,8‐bis[5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐2‐thienyl]benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl]‐2,5‐thiophenediyl[5,7‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐4,8‐dioxo‐4H,8H‐benzo[1,2‐c:4,5‐c′]dithiophene‐1,3‐diyl]] (PBDB‐T) and Poly({4,8‐bis[(2‐ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl}{3‐fluoro‐2‐[(2‐ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4‐b] thiophenediyl}) (PTB7). Their photogeneration capabilities are quantified in physiological‐like conditions through photocurrent analysis and a hydrogen peroxide assay, finding a superior photocurrent generation and a better H2O2 photogeneration yield in PTB7 as compared to the other two polymers. Spectroscopic and structural investigations are used to compare such differences by comparing their energy levels at the electrochemical interface and their morphologies. Finally, biocompatibility is tested both in dark and illuminated conditions and effective in‐vitro intracellular ROS production is demonstrated. These findings provide insight into the physico‐chemical properties crucial for the development of novel, less invasive, optically operated bioelectronic interfaces.
Exploring collaboration models between geneticists and intensivists for implementing rapid genome sequencing in critical care settings
Authors: Fishler Kristen P. , Steber Hannah S. , Brunelli Luca , Shope Ronald J.
Published: June 2023

The availability of rapid genome sequencing (rGS) for children in a critical‐care setting is increasing. This study explored the perspectives of geneticists and intensivists on optimal collaboration and division of roles when implementing rGS in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (ICUs). We conducted an explanatory mixed methods study involving a survey embedded within an interview with 13 genetics and intensive care providers. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded. Geneticists endorsed higher confidence in performing a physical exam and interpreting/communicating positive results. Intensivists endorsed highest confidence in determining whether genetic testing was appropriate, communicating negative results, and consenting. Major qualitative themes that emerged were: (1) concerns with both “genetics‐led” and “intensivist‐led” models with workflows and sustainability (2) shift the role of determining rGS eligibility to ICU medical professionals, (3) continued role of geneticists to assess phenotype, and (4) include genetic counselors (GCs) and neonatal nurse practitioners to enhance workflow and care. All geneticists supported shifting decisions regarding eligibility for rGS to the ICU team to minimize time cost for the genetics workforce. Exploring models of geneticist‐led phenotyping, intensivist‐led phenotyping for some indications, and/or inclusion of a dedicated inpatient GC may help offset the time burden of consenting and other tasks associated with rGS.
Ecogeography‐related humerus morphological variation within southern Patagonia hunter‐gatherers
Authors: D'Angelo del Campo Manuel Domingo , Romero Alejandro , Salega Soledad , Guichón Ricardo Aníbal
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Southern Patagonian (SP) hunter‐gatherers were adapted to diverse environments and subsistence strategies. However, ecological factors affecting variation in upper‐limb proportions have not been thoroughly examined. This study analyses whether size‐related humerus morphology differs among hunter‐gatherers from SP according to specific subsistence economy and physical environment.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐nine left humeri of adult individuals were selected from well‐documented SP archeological sites. Individuals were grouped into terrestrial or maritime hunter‐gatherers based on diet‐related archeological and stable isotope records. Five humeral head and diaphyseal metrics were taken and statistically compared among subsistence strategy groups across four ecogeographic subregions.

Results

Terrestrial hunter‐gatherers exhibit greater humeral dimensions compared to maritime hunter‐gatherers. An ecogeographic pattern of humerus size variation was also found, showing significant size reduction in individuals from southern regions.

Conclusion

The previously determined low genetic variability within hunter‐gatherers from SP suggests that the physical environment played an important role in humeral adaptive plasticity. These findings also highlight morphological upper‐limb responses to bioclimate factors derived from SP subregions.
Early increase in eosinophil count may predict long‐term hypereosinophilia during dupilumab treatment: a 2‐year observational study
Authors: Rampi Andrea , Tanzini Umberto , Vinciguerra Alessandro , Danè Giulia , Moroni Luca , Yacoub Mona‐Rita , Trimarchi Matteo
Published: June 2023

Key points

In a limited subset of patients, dupilumab‐induced hypereosinophilia is persistent.

Two‐month follow‐up eosinophil count may predict long‐lasting hypereosinophilia.
CircPMS1 promotes proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells, and pericytes under hypoxia
Authors: Hu Xiaoyi , Wang Shang , Zhao Hui , Wei Yaqin , Duan Ruowang , Jiang Rong , Wu Wenhui , Zhao Qinhua , Gong Sugang , Wang Lan , Liu Jinming , Yuan Ping
Published: June 2023

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been recognized as significant regulators of pulmonary hypertension (PH); however, the differential expression and function of circRNAs in different vascular cells under hypoxia remain unknown. Here, we identified co‐differentially expressed circRNAs and determined their putative roles in the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMECs), and pericytes (PCs) under hypoxia.

Methods

Whole transcriptome sequencing was performed to analyze the differential expression of circRNAs in three different vascular cell types. Bioinformatic analysis was used to predict their putative biological function. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Cell Counting Kit‐8, and EdU Cell Proliferation assays were carried out to determine the role of circular postmeiotic segregation 1 (circPMS1) as well as its potential sponge mechanism in PASMCs, PMECs, and PCs.

Results

PASMCs, PMECs, and PCs exhibited 16, 99, and 31 differentially expressed circRNAs under hypoxia, respectively. CircPMS1 was upregulated in PASMCs, PMECs, and PCs under hypoxia and enhanced the proliferation of vascular cells. CircPMS1 may upregulate DEP domain containing 1 (DEPDC1) and RNA polymerase II subunit D expression by targeting microRNA‐432‐5p (miR‐432‐5p) in PASMCs, upregulate MAX interactor 1 (MXI1) expression by targeting miR‐433‐3p in PMECs, and upregulate zinc finger AN1‐type containing 5 (ZFAND5) expression by targeting miR‐3613‐5p in PCs.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that circPMS1 promotes cell proliferation through the miR‐432‐5p/DEPDC1 or miR‐432‐5p/POL2D axis in PASMCs, through the miR‐433‐3p/MXI1 axis in PMECs, and through the miR‐3613‐5p/ZFAND5 axis in PCs, which provides putative targets for the early diagnosis and treatment of PH.
Ultra‐stable Zinc Metal Anodes at −20 °C through Eutectic Solvation Sheath in Chlorine‐functionalized Eutectic Electrolytes with 1,3‐Dioxolane
Authors: Lu Xuejun , Liu Zhenhua , Amardeep Amardeep , Wu Zhenrui , Tao Li , Qu Keqi , Sun Hao , Liu Yulong , Liu Jian
Published: June 2023

The brain‐storm of designing low‐cost and commercialized eutectic electrolytes for zinc (Zn)‐based electrochemical energy storage (ZEES) remains unresolved and attractive, especially when implementing it at low temperatures. Here, we report an appealing layout of advancing chlorine‐functionalized eutectic (Cl‐FE) electrolytes via exploiting Cl anion‐induced eutectic interaction with Zn acetate solutions. This novel eutectic liquid shows high affinity to collaborate with 1,3‐dioxolane (DOL) and is prone to constitute Cl‐FE/DOL‐based electrolytes with a unique inner/outer eutectic solvation sheath for the better regulation of Zn‐solvating neighboring and reconstruction of H‐bonding. The side reactions are effectively restricted on Zn anodes and a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.5 % can be achieved over 1000 cycles at −20 °C with Zn//Cu setups. By prototyping scale‐up Zn‐ion pouch cells using the optimal eutectic liquid of 3ZnOAc1.2Cl1.8‐DOL, we obtain improved electrochemical properties at −20 °C with a high capacitance of 203.9 F g−1 at 0.02 A g−1 in a range of 0.20–1.90 V and long‐term cycling ability with 95.3 % capacitance retention at 0.2 A g−1 over 3,000 cycles. Overall, the proposal of ideal Cl‐FE/DOL‐based electrolytes guides the design of sub‐zero and endurable aqueous ZEES devices and beyond.
Long‐Term Stable Hydrogen Production from Water and Lactic Acid via Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalysis in a Porous Microreactor
Authors: Meng Xin‐Yu , Li Jin‐Jin , Liu Peng , Duan Mingyu , Wang Jing , Zhou Yin‐Ning , Xie Yongbing , Luo Zheng‐Hong , Pan Yun‐Xiang
Published: June 2023

Photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production is significant to overcome challenges like fossil fuel depletion and carbon dioxide emission, but its efficiency is still far below that which is needed for commercialization. Herein, we achieve long‐term stable H2 bubbling production from water (H2O) and lactic acid via visible‐light‐driven photocatalysis in a porous microreactor (PP12); the catalytic system benefits from photocatalyst dispersion, charge separation, mass transfer, and dissociation of O−H bonds associated with H2O. With the widely used platinum/cadmium‐sulfide (Pt/CdS) photocatalyst, PP12 leads to a H2 bubbling production rate of 602.5 mmol h−1 m−2, which is 1000 times higher than that in a traditional reactor. Even when amplifying PP12 into a flat‐plate reactor with an area as large as 1 m2 and extending the reaction time to 100 h, the H2 bubbling production rate still remains at around 600.0 mmol h−1 m−2, offering great potential for commercialization.
Utilization of biodiesel and glycerol for the synthesis of epoxidized acyl glycerides and its application as a plasticizer
Authors: Wu Zhenyu , Cai Jinjin , Liu Zhonghui , Liang Xiaojiang , Yu Shangzhi , Nie Yong
Published: June 2023

In many regions, even if waste vegetable oil is used as raw material, the profits of biodiesel (fatty acid methyl ester, FAME) enterprises still remain restricted, and they are facing environmental problems caused by the by‐product glycerol. Hence, value‐added utilization of FAME and glycerol is a promising alternative to improve the competitiveness of biodiesel enterprises in the economy and environmental protection. In this paper, FAME and glycerol were utilized to prepare epoxidized acyl glycerides by transesterification and epoxidation. In the transesterification, acyl glycerides were prepared by reacting FAME and glycerol catalyzed by K2CO3. The contents of monoacyl glyceride, diacyl glyceride, and triacyl glyceride in the acyl glycerides were about 50%, 40%, and 10%, and the optimal conditions were a temperature of 200°C and the molar ratio of FAME to glycerol of 1:1. In the epoxidation, selectivity of epoxides was significantly affected by monoacyl glyceride content, and a treatment method was developed to control the monoacyl glyceride content <5%. In addition, the plasticity of epoxidized acyl glycerides to partially substitute dioctyl phthalate in polyvinyl chloride was studied, the overall mechanical properties, thermal stability, and extraction resistance were improved. In this work, FAME and glycerol were utilized to prepare epoxidized acyl glycerides with higher value‐added, which provide a potential solution for improving the market competitiveness of biodiesel enterprises.
Production, properties and applications of proteases from pongamia oil seed cakes
Authors: Seshagiri Swetha , Parthiban Bharat , Reddy Narendra
Published: June 2023

De‐oiled cakes (meal) containing proteins and carbohydrates are inevitably produced during extraction of oil from seeds. These cakes are inexpensive, sustainable and renewable sources but have limited applications. In this present study, de‐oiled pongamia seed cake was used as substrate to produce protease byBacillus licheniformis,Acinetobacter pittii, andAspergillus nigerunder different culture conditions such as pH and temperature. Furthermore, the influence of diverse carbon and nitrogen sources on enzyme production was studied. Under the optimized conditions but without any additional inducers, the activity of protease produced byAspergillus nigerwas 27.5 UmL−1, which is 34% higher than the activity obtained usingB. licheniformisand about 6.7 times higher compared to that obtained usingA. pittii. Addition of nitrogen or carbon source leads to an increase in enzyme activity of up to 240% with urea byAspergillus nigerand 163% with fructose byAcinetobacter pittii. Proteases obtained had optimum production at pH 8 and temperature of 30 and 40°C. The enzyme produced was effective in hydrolysing the gelatin layer from used x‐ray films, enabling the film to be recycled and was also able to coagulate milk, suggesting that it may be suitable for food applications.
Sticky, Adaptable, and Many‐sided: SAM protein versatility in normal and pathological hematopoietic states
Authors: Ray Suhita , Hewitt Kyle
Published: June 2023

With decades of research seeking to generalize sterile alpha motif (SAM) biology, many outstanding questions remain regarding this multi‐tool protein module. Recent data from structural and molecular/cell biology has begun to reveal new SAM modes of action in cell signaling cascades and biomolecular condensation. SAM‐dependent mechanisms underlie blood‐related (hematologic) diseases, including myelodysplastic syndromes and leukemias, prompting our focus on hematopoiesis for this review. With the increasing coverage of SAM‐dependent interactomes, a hypothesis emerges that SAM interaction partners and binding affinities work to fine tune cell signaling cascades in developmental and disease contexts, including hematopoiesis and hematologic disease. This review discusses what is known and remains unknown about the standard mechanisms and neoplastic properties of SAM domains and what the future might hold for developing SAM‐targeted therapies.