bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptation of spontaneous activity in the developing visual cortex
Authors: Wosniack Marina E , Kirchner Jan H , Chao Ling-Ya , Zabouri Nawal , Lohmann Christian , Gjorgjieva Julijana
Published: March 2021

Spontaneous activity drives the establishment of appropriate connectivity in different circuits during brain development. In the mouse primary visual cortex, two distinct patterns of spontaneous activity occur before vision onset: local low-synchronicity events originating in the retina and global high-synchronicity events originating in the cortex. We sought to determine the contribution of these activity patterns to jointly organize network connectivity through different activity-dependent plasticity rules. We postulated that local events shape cortical input selectivity and topography, while global events homeostatically regulate connection strength. However, to generate robust selectivity, we found that global events should adapt their amplitude to the history of preceding cortical activation. We confirmed this prediction by analyzing in vivo spontaneous cortical activity. The predicted adaptation leads to the sparsification of spontaneous activity on a slower timescale during development, demonstrating the remarkable capacity of the developing sensory cortex to acquire sensitivity to visual inputs after eye-opening.
Evaluating and improving simulations of diurnal variation in land surface temperature with the Community Land Model for the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Ma Xiaogang , Jin Jiming , Zhu Lingjing , Liu Jian
Published: March 2021

This study evaluated and improved the ability of the Community Land Model version 5.0 (CLM5.0) in simulating the diurnal land surface temperature (LST) cycle for the whole Tibetan Plateau (TP) by comparing it with Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer satellite observations. During daytime, the model underestimated the LST on sparsely vegetated areas in summer, whereas cold biases occurred over the whole TP in winter. The lower simulated daytime LST resulted from weaker heat transfer resistances and greater soil thermal conductivity in the model, which generated a stronger heat flux transferred to the deep soil. During nighttime, CLM5.0 overestimated LST for the whole TP in both two seasons. These warm biases were mainly due to the greater soil thermal inertia, which is also related to greater soil thermal conductivity and wetter surface soil layer in the model. We employed the sensible heat roughness length scheme from Zeng, Wang & Wang (2012), the recommended soil thermal conductivity scheme from Dai et al. (2019), and the modified soil evaporation resistance parameterization, which was appropriate for the TP soil texture, to improve simulated daytime and nighttime LST, evapotranspiration, and surface (0–10 cm) soil moisture. In addition, the model produced lower daytime LST in winter because of overestimation of the snow cover fraction and an inaccurate atmospheric forcing dataset in the northwestern TP. In summary, this study reveals the reasons for biases when simulating LST variation, improves the simulations of turbulent fluxes and LST, and further shows that satellite-based observations can help enhance the land surface model parameterization and unobservable land surface processes on the TP.
Effects of dietary inorganic chromium supplementation on broiler growth performance: a meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Chao , Lin Hua , Li Jie , Xie Bin
Published: March 2021

Background

A meta-analysis was conducted to assess dietary inorganic chromium supplementation on broiler growth performance and determine if these effects are regulated by strains, sex, or contextual factors such as study area and time.

Methods

Eligible studies were identified by searching Web of Science, Springer, Elsevier, Science Direct, Taylor & Francis online databases. The weighted average difference with corresponding 95% confidence interval was computed with a random-effects model. We performed subgroup analyses stratified by study locations, published years, broiler sex, and strains. The publication bias was assessed with Egger’s test method. A total of nine studies were eligible for inclusion.

Results

The meta-analysis results indicated that inorganic chromium supplementation significantly improved the broiler’s growth performance, with a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) and a higher average daily feed intake (ADFI). Through subgroup analyses, we found that the result of average daily gain (ADG) in Iran or published in the 2010s, the results of ADFI in Egypt, and the results of FCR in China had significant responses to chromium supplementation. We also found that Cobb 500 broilers and male broilers might be more sensitive to the addition of inorganic chromium by subgroup analyses. A model was used to obtain the amount of chromium addition under the optimal growth performance. The results showed that the adjusted ADFI and FCR presented a quadratic relationship with chromium supplementation except for average daily gain (ADG). The growth performance improved when the inorganic chromium addition ranged from 1.6 to 2.3 mg/kg. The result of sensitivity analyses showed low sensitivity and high stability. Also, there was little indication of publication bias for studies.

Conclusions

Our study showed that the males and Cobb 500 broilers might be more sensitive to chromium supplementation and provided more accurate inorganic chromium supplementation for broiler management practice. The fewer included studies may lead to higher heterogeneity, and no subgroup analyses of environmental stress conditions was conducted due to the lack of related information. Therefore, this study still has some limitations, and we look forward to the follow-up researches.
Mechanical Drying System’ Adoption and its Impact on Cocoa Beans Quality and Household Incomes at Farm Level: A Case Study of Central and South-West Cameroon
Authors: Ouokam Edgar Wakam , Appiah Michael Osei , Falonne Fenchou Morelle , Yunxian Yan
Published: March 2021

Drying has been considered as a key farm-based, quality determining unit operation in the cocoa processing chain which can have an integral effect on the bean quality. In recent years, minimal attention has been directed to this process mainly because of the outdated methods and lack of technical know-how with regards to the modern technology adoption by producers. This article therefore aimed to analyze the adoption and welfare impacts of the Mechanical Drying System in Cameroon using data from a sample of 128 farm households. Using well-structured questionnaires, six villages were included in our study, and about 19 farmers from each village were approached and interviewed. The survey collected valuable information on several issues at the farm level: the data on farmer resources, drying activities, technology choices, constraints, socio-economic profiles, input markets, and cocoa beans processing markets. Using various treatment effect estimators, such as Endogenous Switching Regression, Propensity Score Matching, and Inverse Probability Weighting, our results revealed that adoption of the Mechanical Drying System leads to substantial gains in crop quality, and household incomes. For asset value, households that adopted the MDS technology had a per capita asset value of XAF2608.22 compared to those households that did not adopt the MDS who had a per capita asset value of about XAF412.83 less. Our ESR results further depicted that the adoption of MDS lowered the probability of poverty by 9.29% points for adopters compared to non-adopters. Also, ESR results indicated that the adoption of MDS increased the probability of MDS security for adopters by 37.68% points compared to non-adopters. On average, our PSM results depicted that, MDS adoption increased yield in the range of 614.74 to 679.04 kg/ha for adopters compared to non-adopters and the household income per capita from 86.21 XAF to 108.95 XAF for adopters compared to non-adopters. ATT results also demonstrated that farmers who adopted MDS had higher yields 679.04Kg/ha compared to those who did not adopt the MDS technology which resulted in higher household incomes, and decreased risk of high levels of poverty. Although the magnitude of the estimated effects varied between the three econometric models, the qualitative results were consistent and like the descriptive statistics. Hence, we concluded from our study that, the adoption of MDS by farm producers led to substantial gains in crop quality, and household incomes. Therefore, stimulating agricultural growth depends largely on policies that promote technology adoption at the farm level.
On \(G^{\beta}\) -Proper ty of \(G\)-Metric Spaces
Authors: AL-Hubaishi Mubarak , Saif Amin
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and investigate weak form of G-open sets in G-metric spaces, namely \(G^{\beta}\)-open sets. The relationships among this form with the other known sets are introduced. We give the notions of the interior operator, the closure operator and frontier operator via \(G^{\beta}\)-open sets.
Analysis of Society's Fish Consumption in Cilaku Cianjur District Area
Authors: Mayangsari Nabila , Rizal Achmad , Supriadi Dedi , Suryana Asep Agus Handaka
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of fish consumers, analyze the level of favorite and types of fish that were often consumed by the people, and analyze the factors that affect fish consumption which the research was conducted in Cilaku Subdistrict on September – December 2020. The research used a case study method with used primary and secondary data. The resulted of primary data were from interviewed with 100 respondents using purposive sampling method as a research sample. Secondary data was obtained from relevant agencies. The analysis used descriptive and rank spearman test method to analyze the motivational influence for fish price, family influence, and fish quality. The results showed that consumers who buy and consume fish in Cilaku subdistrict were generally women who has a family in aged < 43 years with a high school education level and work as employee. Buyers and fish eaters in Cilaku Subdistrict had an income of Rp 2,100,000 - Rp 3,000,000. Totally, the 57% of respondents in Cilaku Subdistrict like fish to be consumed. The type of fish which usually they consume were 58% of freshwater fish, 27% of seawater fish, and 15% of processed fish. The factors that most influence fish purchasing decisions according to spearman rank tests were the influence of culture, fish prices, consumer family influences, and fish quality.
Coating Ag on an Anatase TiO2 Surface and Adsorption on a 3-Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane-Modified Al or Glass Surface
Authors: Kaneko Masayoshi
Published: March 2021

In this study, Ag–TiO2 was synthesized by reducing AgNO3. AgNO3 and anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were boiled with sodium citrate, resulting in the reduction of Ag. Ag was used to coat the anatase TiO2 NP surfaces. At this stage, the assembly reaction on the anatase TiO2 surface was incomplete. The acidity with pH 4 or less was subsequently adjusted using dilute HCl. After processing, Ag was distributed over the entire surface of anatase TiO2. Furthermore, the synthesized Ag–TiO2 could be adsorbed on an Al or glass surface using 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. Al plates were used to create a substrate exhibiting surface-enhanced Raman scattering activity, and Raman intensity was measured for pyridine. Ag remained stable on the TiO2 surface for over five months. The proposed method, which is cost effective and simple, can be used to prepare materials for studying the environment and so on.
Effects of Lime, Cow Manure Application with RhizobiumInoculation on Yield and Quality of the Peanut in the Grey Degraded Soil of Tri Ton town
Authors: Chuong Nguyen Van , Liem Pham Van , Tuan Ho Thanh
Published: March 2021

The field study was carried out in the grey degraded soil of Tri Ton town during Winter-Spring and Summer-Autumn crop of 2019- 2020. The field experiment was carried out by four treatments and four replications. Four treatments of Winter-Spring crop: The control treatment applied NPK (100 kgUrea + 556 kgP2O5 + 100kg KCl); (NT2): application of NPK, lime with Rhizobium inoculation; (NT3): NPK, cow manure and Rhizobium inoculation; (NT4):NPK, cow manure and lime with Rhizobium. Four treatments of Summer-Autumn cropwere carried on the prior experiment (Winter-Spring crop).However, treatments did not apply to cow manure, lime and Rhizobium(only NPK).The maximum plant biomass (168 g), number of nodule (92.1), fresh and dry weight of  fill pods (61.4 and 37.6 g, respectively), fresh and dry weight of empty pods (2.07 and 1.19 g ), weight of dry nodules (0.83 g ) per plant, yield (6.12 ton ha-1), protein and oil in seeds (26.1 and 50.1%, respectively) were observed in cow manure and lime applied with Rhizobium inoculated treatments. All the parameters of growth and yield showed best result for application of lime and cow manure with synthetic Rhizobium inoculation of seeds. Cow manure has significantlyincreased the yield of peanut in the next crops. The results from our two crops of study showed that co-application of NPK, cow manure, lime and Rhizobium inoculation always increased field capacity in both crops.
Growth and Yield of Onion as Influenced by Sulphur and Boron with Mulch Materials
Authors: Bappy Sajeed Hasan , Khatun Khaleda , Mostarin Tahmina , Shuvo Mutasim Fuad , Habiba Mst. Umme , Siddika Most. Jakia , Alam Md. Murshedul , Hossain Md. Monir
Published: March 2021

A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka. During the period from October, 2018 to March, 2019 to find out the growth and yield of onion as influenced by Sulphur and Boron with mulch materials. The experiment consisted of two factors: Factor A: Four doses of Sulphurand Boron fertilizer viz. F0 = S0kgB0kg/ha (Control), F1 = S20kgB1kg/ha, F2 = S40kgB2kg/ha, F3 = S60kgB3kg/ha and Factor B: Four types of mulch viz. M0 = No mulch and no irrigation, M1 = Black polythene, M2 = Water hyacinth and M3 = Rice straw. There were 16 treatment combinations and experiment was setup in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. In case of Sulphur and Boron treatments at 60 days after transplanting (DAT), the highest plant height 53.38 cm, maximum leaf number 10.48, highest bulb length 4.83 cm,, maximum neck diameter (1.31 cm), highest dry matter content (15.98%), dry matter content of leaf (24.74%), single bulb weight (39.93 g), yield per plot (0.80 kg) and yield per hectare (9.98 t) were obtained from F3 treatment. Among the mulch materials,  highest plant height at 60 DAT (52.51 cm), maximum leaf number (10.19), highest bulb length (4.52 cm), highest bulb diameter (5.74 cm), maximum neck diameter (1.26 cm), dry matter content of leaf (23.35%), single bulb weight (39.05 g), yield per plot (0.78 kg) and yield per hectare (9.76 t) were obtained from M1 treatment. In combined effect, the highest plant height at 60 DAT (55.54 cm), maximum leaf number (11.47), longest bulb length (5.51 cm), highest bulb diameter (6.68 cm), maximum diameter of neck (1.42 cm), dry matter content of leaf (27.48%), single bulb weight (42.40 g), yield per plot (0.85 kg) and yield per hectare (11.21 t) were obtained from F3M1 treatment (S60kg/ha + B3kg/ha with black polythene mulch). The highest gross return (Tk. 3, 36, 300/ha), net return (Tk. 1, 88, 934/ha) and benefit cost ration (2.28) was obtained from the treatment combination (F3M1). Accordingly, for high growth, high yield, and economic point of view, F3M1 treatment is recommended in onion cultivation.
Physicochemical Properties, Fatty Acids Composition and Antioxidant Potential of the Seed Kernel Oil of Oysternut (Telfairia pedata) Found in Kenya
Authors: Isaiah Benard M. , Onyari John M. , Omosa Leonidah K.
Published: March 2021

Aim: Certain edible plant sources contain vegetable oils that have been under-exploited both commercially and in research. This study aimed to determine the physicochemical properties, fatty acids composition, and antioxidant potential of the oil from the seed kernels of Telfairiapedata, which are used as food by the local population of Tharaka-Nithi County in Kenya.

Materials and Methods: Telfairia pedata seeds were collected from farmers in the county of Tharaka-Nithi, Kenya. n-Hexane was used to extract the oil via soxhlet extraction. Standard laboratory protocols were used to characterize the oil’s physicochemical properties, while fatty acids composition and antioxidant potential were characterized using gas chromatography mass spectrometry and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, respectively.

Results: The seed kernels of Telfairia pedata yielded more than 66% of oil. The oil’s physicochemical properties were found to be within the Food and Agriculture Organization set limits and were as follows; moisture content (0.0592±0.0140%), peroxide value (0.9641±0.2021 meq O2/Kg), iodine value (23.0058±2.2473 gI2/100g) and acid value (0.6352±0.0330 mg KOH/g). Fatty acids such as myristic acid (14:0; 0.11%), palmitoleic acid (16:1n7; 0.13%), palmitic acid (16:0; 34.97%), margaric acid (17:0; 0.10%), linoleic acid (18:2n6; 48.46%), stearic acid (18:0; 15.33%), 10,13-octadecadienoic acid (18:2n5; 0.09%), 18-methylnonadecanoic acid (20:0; 0.68%), and behenic acid (22:0; 0.14%) were found in the oil. The antioxidant potential of the oil expressed in IC50 was found to be 18.05 mg/mL, in relation to that of ascorbic acid 2.406 mg/mL.

Conclusions: Telfairia pedata seed kernel oil can be economical to exploit commercially due to its relatively high yield. The determined properties of Telfairiapedata seed kernel oil present high nutritive value making the oil fit for edible applications.
Military Medicine Module Training to Undergraduate Medical Students: A Unique Approach in National Defence University of Malaysia
Authors: Shahidah L. , Reddy S. C. , Knight V. F.
Published: March 2021

Background: Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health in the National Defence University of Malaysia is the only university in the country that offers a unique combination of medical education and military training into an integrated academic programme.

Objective: To communicate to all the academic staff in the medical colleges about the military medicine module training to undergraduate medical students studying in National Defence University of Malaysia.

Teaching-learning Methods: The training is charted into 5 modules: Military Trauma Life Support, Army, Aviation and Naval Medicine, Advance Trauma Life Support and Battlefield Medicine.  These modules are delivered across the 5 years of the medical programme in the form of lectures, demonstrations and field training in the medical battalion, aviation medicine and underwater medicine facilities. Visits to relevant medical institutions and simulator trainings will broaden the students’ perspectives on occupational hazards, anticipate suitable patient-care management and mode of casualty evacuation. The combination of classroom learning and field exposure will definitely promote critical thinking, develop problem solving, decision making and analytical skills. 

Conclusion: The management of patient under stipulated harsh scenarios/environments have created opportunities for students to exercise critical thinking and decision making. All the positive feedback obtained from students after the completion of their posting in each year on the knowledge, skills and attributes suggest that the Military Medicine training programme enhanced their personal attributes and complemented their medical knowledge.
Statistical Analysis of Cardiovascular Disease and Associated Risk Factors among Patients in Western Ethiopia
Authors: Fufa Gemechu Bekana
Published: March 2021

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major non-communicable disease-causing higher proportions of morbidity and mortality, impacting both in the rural and urban populations of Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to analysis the Cardiovascular disease and associated risk factor of patients in Nekemte Specialized and Gimbi Comprehensive Hospitals, western Ethiopia. A sample of 950 Cardiovascular patients at selected hospitals were selected using purposive sampling from the study area, from June 2018 to September 2019. Survival and Hazard functions, Kaplan-Meier Estimator, Cox Regression model, Logistic regression models, and tests methods of data analysis were used in this study. The study variables: Age, Sex, Residence, Tobacco use, Alcohol use, Obesity (BMI) in kg/m2, Physical Activity, Khat Use, Diabetes Status, Family History of HTN, circumference, using fruit, educational level are the main variables included in the study. The result of the study shows that age of patients, smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, practicing physical exercise, body mass index, having diabetes mellitus and having a family history of hypertension were among the factors that were highly significant to determine the censored and death patients, but the residence of patients has less significant effect on the censored of patients at study area. The result of the study also shows that, Cardiovascular Disease risk factors are highly prevalent among the hypertensive patients, older age, smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol and not practicing of physical exercise in this study. Finally, the researcher recommends that, to increases the censored of the cardiovascular patients, not drink alcohol, not use tobacco, not chew chat, doing physical exercise and eating fruits were the main recommended activities for this study.
Potential Effect of Probiotics on the Modulating of Gut Microbiota in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Authors: Alluhaim Wed , Alkhulaifi Manal M. , Menezes Godfred A.
Published: March 2021

Microbiota is the summation of all microorganisms living in the body. The alteration in microbiota can lead to chronic diseases, however; colonization with different commensal bacteria can correct these deficits. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inadequate communication skills and social withdrawal and its etiology is uncertain. Typical gastrointestinal (GI) disorders symptoms are associated with ASD, in a prevalence range from 23% to 70%. The method of communication between the brain and the gut microbiota is likely the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Therefore, intervention studies have been published based on the use of prebiotics, probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). In this review, the possible correlation between gut microbiota and ASD is demonstrated. Additionally, how probiotics and microbial fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) could modulate the gut microbiota and might represent a potential therapy for patients with ASD. Nearly all the GI functions postulated to be affected in ASD are improved by probiotics in animal studies. (FMT) ensures the transfer of several hundred bacterial strains, as opposed to probiotic therapy where only certain bacterial strains are supplemented. For ASD patients with dysbiosis, FMT is an interesting new therapeutic choice that could be considered.
Liquid Metal‐Based Soft Electronics for Wearable Healthcare
Authors: Park Young‐Geun , Lee Ga‐Yeon , Jang Jiuk , Yun Su Min , Kim Enji , Park Jang‐Ung
Published: March 2021

Wearable healthcare devices have garnered substantial interest for the realization of personal health management by monitoring the physiological parameters of individuals. Attaining the integrity between the devices and the biological interfaces is one of the greatest challenges to achieving high‐quality body information in dynamic conditions. Liquid metals, which exist in the liquid phase at room temperatures, are advanced intensively as conductors for deformable devices because of their excellent stretchability and self‐healing ability. The unique surface chemistry of liquid metals allows the development of various sensors and devices in wearable form. Also, the biocompatibility of liquid metals, which is verified through numerous biomedical applications, holds immense potential in uses on the surface and inside of a living body. Here, the recent progress of liquid metal‐based wearable electronic devices for healthcare with respect to the featured properties and the processing technologies is discussed. Representative examples of applications such as biosensors, neural interfaces, and a soft interconnection for devices are reviewed. The current challenges and prospects for further development are also discussed, and the future directions of advances in the latest research are explored.
N‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes Derived from Graphene Oxide with Embedment of FeCo Nanoparticles as Bifunctional Air Electrode for Rechargeable Liquid and Flexible All‐Solid‐State Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Hao Xiaoqiong , Jiang Zhongqing , Zhang Baoan , Tian Xiaoning , Song Changsheng , Wang Likui , Maiyalagan Thandavarayan , Hao Xiaogang , Jiang Zhong‐Jie
Published: March 2021

This work reports a novel approach for the synthesis of FeCo alloy nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in the N,P‐codoped carbon coated nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes (NPC/FeCo@NCNTs). Specifically, the synthesis of NCNT is achieved by the calcination of graphene oxide‐coated polystyrene spheres with Fe3+, Co2+ and melamine adsorbed, during which graphene oxide is transformed into carbon nanotubes and simultaneously nitrogen is doped into the graphitic structure. The NPC/FeCo@NCNT is demonstrated to be an efficient and durable bifunctional catalyst for oxygen evolution (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). It only needs an overpotential of 339.5 mV to deliver 10 mA cm−2 for OER and an onset potential of 0.92 V to drive ORR. Its bifunctional catalytic activities outperform those of the composite catalyst Pt/C + RuO2 and most bifunctional catalysts reported. The experimental results and density functional theory calculations have demonstrated that the interplay between FeCo NPs and NCNT and the presence of N,P‐codoped carbon structure play important roles in increasing the catalytic activities of the NPC/FeCo@NCNT. More impressively, the NPC/FeCo@NCNT can be used as the air‐electrode catalyst, improving the performance of rechargeable liquid and flexible all‐solid‐state zinc–air batteries.
Spatiotemporal Immunomodulation Using Biomimetic Scaffold Promotes Endochondral Ossification‐Mediated Bone Healing
Authors: Liu Yutong , Yang Zhaogang , Wang Lixuan , Sun Lili , Kim Betty Y. S. , Jiang Wen , Yuan Yuan , Liu Changsheng
Published: March 2021

Biomaterials play an important role in treating bone defects by promoting direct osteogenic healing through intramembranous ossification (IO). However, majority of the body's bones form via cartilaginous intermediates by endochondral ossification (EO), a process that has not been well mimicked by engineered scaffolds, thus limiting their clinical utility in treating large segmental bone defects. Here, by entrapping corticosteroid dexamethasone within biomimetic recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)‐loaded porous mesoporous bioglass scaffolds and regulating their release kinetics, significant degree of ectopic bone formation through endochondral ossification is achieved. By regulating the recruitment and polarization of immune suppressive macrophage phenotypes, the scaffold promotes rapid chondrogenesis by activating Hif‐3α signaling pathway in mesenchymal stem cells, which upregulates the expression of downstream chondrogenic genes. Inhibition of Hif‐3α signaling reverses the endochondral ossification phenotype. Together, these results reveal a strategy to facilitate developmental bone growth process using immune modulating biomimetic scaffolds, thus providing new opportunities for developing biomaterials capable of inducing natural tissue regeneration.
Photoinduced Synaptic Behavior of InxTiyO Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Lim Jung Wook , Kim Taeyoon , Kim Jieun , Yun Sun Jin , Jung Kwang Hoon , Park Min A
Published: March 2021

Herein, InxTiyO films are successfully deposited via the atomic layer deposition method, which involves sub‐cycles of In2O3 and TiO2 application at a growth temperature of 200 °C. InxTiyO films are an excellent alternative to In2O3 films for use in channels of thin film transistors (TFTs), and can be used to avoid issues such as metal‐like conduction characteristics and undesirable negative shifts. Adjusting the addition of TiO2 to In2O3 enables modulation of the cut‐off wavelength in the UV region. However, the addition of TiO2 adversely affects the on‐current level. The TiO2 content in the InxTiyO films is optimized based on photosensitivity and current level, wherein the films are used as the channel layer in photo‐TFTs; consequently, a photo‐synaptic behavior is achieved. The InxTiyO film‐based memory devices are programmed and erased using UV light and gate voltage, respectively, wherein deep trap sites at the interface between the InTiO and Al2O3 layers facilitate the retention of charge during memory operation. The memory on/off ratio deteriorates slightly with a lapse in retention time of 4 × 104 s after 20 program/erase (P/E) cycles. Moreover, in the InxTiyO‐based TFTs, excellent linearity is achieved during potentiation due to a good photo‐synaptic behavior.
An Efficient Approach Based on Tuned Nanoionics to Maximize Memory Characteristics in Ag‐Based Devices
Authors: Banerjee Writam , Kim Seong Hun , Lee Seungwoo , Lee Donghwa , Hwang Hyunsang
Published: March 2021

This study demonstrates a systematic approach to modulate the oxygen vacancy concentration within a Ag/HfO2/Pt based resistive switching device and control the volatile and nonvolatile switching through tuned nanoionics. A synergistic effect of oxygen vacancy formation and metal ion migration generates several shades of storage behavior in the same matrices. An optimized vacancy engineering methodology is investigated to control the anatomy of the filament formation after pre‐forming process from 100 pA to 10 µA. More specifically, the impact of pre‐forming driven oxygen vacancy path is identified, which successfully produces volatile threshold switching and nonvolatile memory switching at the same compliance. The nature of the filamentary switching is modeled through physical analysis and density function theory calculations. Pre‐forming driven oxygen vacancy concentration modulation is guiding the formation of Ag‐based hybrid filament and conducts the switching process. As a result, the device shows highly stable memory switching with tunable operating conditions, multiple storage levels and successfully overcome the endurance/retention dilemma with high endurance of >108 and >1‐day retention at 150 °C. This work establishes the possibility to design highly efficient metal‐filament based devices through proper tuning of nanoionics, which can fulfil the need of futuristic devices.
Observation of Si 2p Core‐Level Shift in Si/High‐κ Dielectric Interfaces Containing a Negative Charge
Authors: Lehtiö Juha‐Pekka , Rad Zahra Jahanshah , Granroth Sari , Yasir Muhammad , Punkkinen Marko , Punkkinen Risto , Hedman Hannu‐Pekka , Rueff Jean‐Pascal , Rauha Ismo T.S. , Savin Hele , Laukkanen Pekka , Kokko Kalevi
Published: March 2021

Negative static charge and induced internal electric field have often been observed in the interfaces between silicon and high‐κ dielectrics, for example Al2O3 and HfO2. The electric field provides either beneficial (e.g., field‐effect passivation) or harmful (e.g., voltage instability) effect depending on the application. Different intrinsic and extrinsic defects in the dielectric film and interface have been suggested to cause the static charge but this issue is still unresolved. Here spectroscopic evidence is presented for a structural change in the interfaces where static charge is present. The observed correlation between the Si core‐level shift and static negative charge reveals the role of Si bonding environment modification in the SiO2 phase. The result is in good agreement with recent theoretical models, which relate the static charge formation to interfacial atomic transformations together with the resulting acceptor doping of SiO2.
Mechanistic investigation in ultrasound‐assisted interesterification using non‐edible oil blends and heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Malani Ritesh S. , Pradhan Sushobhan , Goyal Arun , Moholkar Vijayanand S.
Published: March 2021

This study explores the mechanistic issues of ultrasound‐assisted interesterification through identification of links between physics and chemistry of the process. Notably, the interesterification reactions have been carried out using blended feedstock of non‐edible oils—keeping in view requirements for large‐scale processes. The reaction system consisted of blended non‐edible oils, methyl acetate and a solid (Cu2O) catalyst. Initial optimization of the process parameters was done using statistical design. To get insight into physical mechanism of interesterification process, reactants/products profiles in control (mechanical agitation) and test (sonication) experiments were analysed using the Langmuir–Hinshelwood–Hougen–Watson type kinetic model. The relative adsorption equilibrium constants required (to fit the kinetic model) were obtained using binary composite isotherm coupled with the non‐random two‐liquid (NRTL) model for activity coefficients. Kinetic constants of interesterification showed two times rise with sonication, while the adsorption equilibrium constants reduced slightly. Activation energy of reaction reduced from 89.04 to 66.97 kJ/mol, which is attributed to reduction in mass transfer barriers due to intense microconvection generated by sonication.
Comparative chloroplast genomes and phylogenetic analysis of Aquilegia
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Huaying , Dong Jianhua , Zhang Tengjiao , Xiao Hongxing
Published: March 2021

Premise

Aquilegia is an ideal taxon for studying the evolution of adaptive radiation. Current phylogenies of Aquilegia based on different molecular markers are inconsistent, and therefore a clear and accurate phylogeny remains uncertain. Analyzing the chloroplast genome, with its simple structure and low recombination rate, may help solve this problem.

Methods

Next‐generation sequencing data were generated or downloaded for Aquilegia species, enabling their chloroplast genomes to be assembled. The assemblies were used to estimate the genome characteristics and infer the phylogeny of Aquilegia.

Results

In this study, chloroplast genome sequences were assembled for Aquilegia species distributed across Asia, North America, and Europe. Three of the genes analyzed (petG, rpl36, and atpB) were shown to be under positive selection and may be related to adaptation. The phylogenetic tree of Aquilegia showed that its member species formed two clades with high support, North American and European species, with the Asian species being paraphyletic; A. parviflora and A. amurensis clustered with the North American species, while the remaining Asian species were found in the European clade. In addition, A. oxysepala var. kansuensis should be considered as a separate species rather than a variety.

Discussion

The complete chloroplast genomes of these Aquilegia species provide new insights into the reconstruction of the phylogeny of related species and contribute to the further study of this genus.
Storytelling wisdom: Story, information, andDIKW
Authors: McDowell Kate
Published: March 2021

Most information science (IS) definitions of information center individual rather than collective meaning‐making. Because stories are constituted through narrative experience, and audiences are partly constitutive of the stories told to and with them, storytelling offers a framework for researching collective experiences of information. Stories are simultaneously empirical and socially constructed, bridging a key epistemological divide in IS. Storytelling as paradigm shift is explored and demonstrated in three sections that (a) define story and storytelling, (b) describe how story and storytelling can extend the data, information, knowledge, and wisdom (DIKW) pyramid, and (c) revise DIKW as a new storytelling S‐DIKW framework. Future IS storytelling research should account for story and the dynamics of storytelling not merely as a subset of information or of information behavior, but as a fundamental information form.
Probing Dynamic Features of Phagosome Maturation in Macrophage using Au@MnOx@SiO2 Nanoparticles as pH‐Sensitive Plasmonic Nanoprobes
Authors: Shang Jinhui , Yang Qian , Fan Wenjun , Chen Yancao , Tang Decui , Guo Haowei , Xiong Bin , Huang Shuangyan , Zhang Xiao‐Bing
Published: March 2021

Phagosome maturation in macrophage is essential to the clearance of pathogenic materials in host defence but the dynamic features remain difficult to be measured in real time. Herein, we reported the multilayered Au@MnOx@SiO2 nanoparticle as a robust pH‐sensitive plasmonic nanosensor for monitoring the dynamic acidification features over the phagosome maturation process in macrophage under darkfield microscopy. For this multilayered nanosensor, the gold nanoparticle core plays a role of signal reporter, the MnOx shell and the outmost SiO2 act as the sensing layer and the protecting layer, respectively. After subject to the acidic buffer solution, the MnOx layer in the multilayered nanoprobe could be decomposed rapidly, resulting in a remarkable spectral shift and color change under darkfield microscopy. We demonstrated this nanosensor for the investigation of single phagosome acidification dynamics by monitoring the color changes of nanoprobes after phagocytosis over time. The nanoprobes after phagocytosized in macrophage displayed a slight color change within the first hour and then cost several minutes to change from red to green in the next stage, indicating the phagosome undergoes a slow first and then fast acidification feature as well as a slow‐to‐fast acidification translation over the phagosome maturation process. Moreover, we validated that the slow‐to‐fast acidification translation was dependent on the activation of V‐ATPase from the ATP depletion assay. We believed that this nanosensor is promising for studying the dynamic acidification features as well as disorders in phagosome maturation in phagocytic cells, which might provide valuable information for understanding the disease pathogenesis related to phagosome dysfunctions.
New spectroscopic methods for determination of dexlansoprazole using mercurochrome
Authors: Roshdy Aya , Elmansi Heba , Shalan Shereen , El‐Brashy Amina
Published: March 2021

New spectroscopic methods were developed for dexlansoprazole estimation in capsule formulation based on the formation of a reaction between dexlansoprazole and Mercurochrome (MER) at pH 3.7. The formed complex was measured spectrophotometrically (Method I) at 557 nm and spectrofluorometrically (Method II) at 300 nm/538 nm, because the drug caused quantitative quenching of the native fluorescence of Mercurochrome. The spectrophotometric method was linear over the concentration 25–55 μg/ml with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.15 μg/ml and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 3.48 μg/ml. The spectrofluorometric method had a linear range 20–45 μg/ml with an LOD of 1.13 μg/ml and an LOQ of 3.45 μg/ml. The suggested methods were used to analyze capsules to test the interference from excipients and the data indicated good selectivity. Data obtained were statistically analyzed and were favourably good. The new methods are environmentally benign and depend on distilled water mainly as the diluting solvent. This property was confirmed by assessing their greenness.
One Voice: The Strength of Harmonious Singularity
Authors: Lewis Rob
Published: March 2021

Rob Lewis currently serves as Executive Director of Youth Headquarters in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. He has a diploma in theology from Vanguard College, Edmonton, Alberta, and is certified in Policy Governance proficiency. In this article, he investigates the challenges and benefits of the board's use of One Voice in communicating their direction concisely and effectively with their staff team.
Handbook hijinks: Know how to comply with Clery Act
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: March 2021

In October 2020, the U.S. Department of Education rescinded the 2016 version of The Handbook for Campus Safety and Security Reporting. The so‐called Clery handbook assembled and reflected ED's interpretations and guidance concerning the sundry provisions of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.
Colleges and universities cannot contract away ADA/504 obligations
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: March 2021

Colleges and universities have relied on adjunct professors to teach classes. But now, according to a recent article by Jon Marcus in the Washington Post (“More colleges and universities outsources services to for‐profit companies,” Jan. 8, 2021), nonprofit postsecondary institutions are turning to private, for‐profit companies for a variety of educational and noneducational services. But schools need to be aware that they cannot contract away the legal rights of students with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Did court find suspended student was denied due process?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: March 2021

A male high school student attended a Fellowship of Christian Athletes football camp at Tennessee Tech University while a member of the David Crockett High School football team. The DCHS administration received an anonymous report that the male student and others had hazed younger players at the camp in a sexual manner. DCHS investigated the allegations and interviewed camp attendees. The record revealed that several students touched underclassman with their genitals and gave spankings to the students as a form of initiation. After its investigation, DCHS dismissed the male student and three other students from the football team and mandated they attend alternative school for the entire academic year.
Epidemiological characteristics and forecasting incidence for patients with breast cancer in Shantou, Southern China: 2006–2017
Authors: Lin Huang , Shi Lei , Zhang Jiachi , Zhang Jinchan , Zhang Chichen
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to explore the epidemiological characteristics of breast cancer and establish an Exponential Smoothing (ETS) and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models to predict the development of incidence in Shantou. This study has a large sample size, strong representativeness, and wide‐ranging and comprehensive medical insurance information, which can fill the gaps in basic epidemiological research on breast cancer in Shantou. Successful completion of this study is a helpful tool to understand the epidemiology of Guangdong Province and Southern China. This study also provides data and scientific references for the government and future research on breast cancer prevention and control. This retrospective study was conducted to describe the epidemic intensity, epidemic distribution, and epidemic trend of breast cancer in Shantou, Guangdong Province, from 2006 to 2017, gathered from the Shantou's Medical Security Bureau covers the whole districts of Shantou. ETS and ARIMA models were used to describe the regional distribution, time distribution, and population distribution of breast cancer in Shantou. Moreover, based on the ARIMA model and ETS model, the incidence trend of breast cancer was predicted during 2018–2022. This study included 5,681 breast cancer patients, majority of whom were aged 50–59 years. The male‐to‐female ratio of the breast cancer patients was about 1:107 (the same ratio of the insured population was 1:1). Female patients accounted for 98.61% of the total insured population. The incidence and mortality rates of female breast cancer were 16.42/100,000 and 0.66/100,000, respectively. Based on the ARIMA model or ARIMA and ETS model, a gradually decreasing trend in the incidence of breast cancer is expected in the future. Comparing the performances of the ARIMA model and ETS model, ARIMA (4, 0, 1) (0, 1, 0) model had a lower the root mean squared error and the mean absolute percentage error than ETS (M, N) model. This population‐based retrospective study showed that the high‐risk age for the age‐specific incidence of female breast cancer was 50–55 years. It is recommended that healthcare administration should strengthen program awareness and education regarding breast cancer prevention and control. It is also possible that feasibility of extrapolating the current methodology to other future studies or broader populations in which the cancer registry data are not available.
Executive order, OCR rulings, impact transgender student‐athlete policies
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: March 2021

The legal rights of and participation parameters for transgender student‐athletes have been a newsworthy topic during the last year. At the national level, the Office for Civil Rights determined a policy of the high school athletic association in Connecticut violated Title IX because biologically male transgender student‐athletes were allowed to participate on the girls’ teams. In particular, the OCR determined the policy denied female student‐athletes certain benefits and opportunities such as greater success in athletic events, increased recognition for doing so, and winning championships, among other things.
Connect student‐athletes, coaches, staff virtually
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: March 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has made virtual programming more of a necessity than ever. But virtual programming has challenges, such as distractions, isolation, and missing out on body language and feedback.
Did appellate court find disciplinary process flawed?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: March 2021

A member of the University of Southern California football team dated Jane Roe, a member of the university's  women's tennis team. In 2017, two USC students witnessed the football player put his hand on Roe's neck and push her. The students promptly reported the incident to the USC men's tennis coach. The university then initiated an investigation.
SARS‐CoV‐2 infection complicated with cold agglutinin disease and myositis
Authors: Aldaghlawi Fadi , Shammah Alaa , Kio Ebenezer
Published: March 2021

This case emphasizes the importance of prompt comprehensive investigation of anemia and myositis in patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 and early recognition of uncommon complications that can be associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Impact of Heteroatom Speciation on the Activity and Stability of Carbon‐Based Catalysts for Propane Dehydrogenation
Authors: Büchele Simon , Zichittella Guido , Kanatakis Spyridon , Mitchell Sharon , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier
Published: March 2021

Metal‐free carbon catalysts represent attractive alternatives to platinum and chromium‐containing systems for the on‐purpose production of propylene, a crucial chemical building block, via non‐oxidative propane dehydrogenation. However, the role of heteroatoms in determining reactivity and stability is poorly understood. Here, the study of a platform of polyaniline‐derived and activated carbons, with distinct porous properties, and heteroatom type, content, and speciation, enables establishing improved structure‐performance relationships. In‐depth characterization reveals that, while several oxygen species potentially catalyze the reaction, carbonyl groups are the main functionality governing the activity. Oxygen loss via propane‐driven water evolution is the main deactivation path. Six‐fold enhanced stability evidenced over carbon catalysts derived from KOH‐post‐treated polyanilines demonstrates the importance of controlling the nanostructure for enhancing longevity.