bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical composition of the renewed fire extinguishing powder and its physical characteristics
Authors: T Azzaya , G Burmaa , S Alen , V Batsaikhan
Published: January 2021

Water, foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide and liquid chemicals are used as fire extinguishers depending on the fire types. The fire classification of ABC type includes fires caused by paper, wood, dye, fuel, oil, lubricants and flammable gases. In this work, the investigation of the procedure for re-determining the composition of prepared fire extinguishers was carried out depending on the ratio of organic and inorganic substances, and their fire extinguishing activity was tested. The Sample-1 contains about 50% of ammonium dihydrophosphate (NH4H2PO4) which is taking into account the main component and the sum of ammonium sulphate (NH4)2SO4 and other inorganic and organic components by 50%. As a result of fire extinction tests, its fire extinguishing activity was higher than that of other Samples included different ratios of substances. Based on the thermogravimetric analysis of the Sample -1, the polymerization and water release process of NH4H2PO4 was detected as endothermic effect. The weight loss was occurred by 74% and 26% remained as P2O5 when temperature reached to highest degree. Some physical parameters such as moisture content, water repellence, density and particle size were analyzed according to ISO standard method and all these important parameters showed that it can meet the requirements for fire extinguishing powder standards.

Гал унтраагч шинэчилсэн бэлдмэлийн найрлага, түүний физик шинж чанарын судалгаа

Хураангуй: Ус, хөөс, хуурай нунтаг, нүүрс хүчлийн хий ба химийн шингэн бодис зэргийг галын төрлөөс хамааруулан гал унтраагчаар ашигладаг. Галын ABC ангилалд цаас, мод, будаг, шатахуун, тос, тосолгооны материал, шатамхай хий зэргээс үүдэлтэй гал хамаарна. Энэхүү ажлаар импортын гал унтраагч бодисын найрлагыг шинэчлэн тогтоох судалгааг органик ба органик бус химийн бодисуудын харьцаанаас хамааруулан явуулж, тэдгээрийн гал унтраах идэвхийг ABC ангиллын галд туршив. Үндсэн бүрдэл болох аммонийн дигидрофосфат (NH4H2PO4)-ыг 50%, (NH4)2SO4 ба бусад бүрэлдэхүүн бодисуудын нийлбэрийг мөн 50%-иар тооцоолон авсан. Бэлдмэл 1-ийн гал унтраах идэвх нь бусад бэлдмэлүүдийн идэвхээс өндөр байв. Бэлдмэлийн термографийн судалгаагаар NH4H2PO4-ын их хэмжээний дулаан шингээн полимержих, ус ялгаруулах процесс DTA-ийн муруйд эндо эффект хэлбэрээр илэрсэн ба температурын дээд утгад жингийн алдагдал 74%-д хүрч, 26% нь P2O5 хэлбэрээр үлдсэн. Гал унтраагч нунтгийн физик шинж чанарын гол үзүүлэлтүүд болох чийг, хувийн жин, ус үл нэвтрүүлэх чадвар, ширхэглэлийн хэмжээг тодорхойлсон ба эдгээр үзүүлэлтүүд нь стандартын шаардлагуудыг хангасан байна.

Түлхүүр үг: Гал унтраагч нунтаг, идэвх, аммонийн дигидрофосфат, DTA/TG, физик үзүүлэлт
Purity and Danger in Fin-de-Siècle Culture: A Psycho-historical Interpretation of Wagner, Stoker and Zola
Authors: Labrie Arnold
Published: January 2021

According to the anthropologist Mary Douglas, the quest for purity is usually accompanied
by fears of change, ambiguity and transgression. Translating Douglas’ insights into historical terms,
one may assume that sensibilities about what is pure and what is impure grow stronger during
times of intense social and political change, as exemplifi ed by the stormy decades around 1900.
This period was characterized by a profound identity-crisis and at the same time was marked
by a quest for purity. One may think of a deepened concern for hygiene, of the rise of racist movements,
but also of an intense longing for cultural reform and regeneration. Notwithstanding their
many differences, these phenomena are linked through their concern for the formal distinction between
what is pure and what is impure. A study of the work of Wagner, Bram Stoker and Zola gives
some insight into the language of purity, serves to show the religious meaning of formal categories
of purity and impurity, and makes it clear that the quest for purity in one area is related to the quest
for purity in another area.
Nowelizacja Kodeksu postępowania cywilnego – zmiany w sprawach z zakresu ubezpieczeń społecznych
Authors: Jurek Łukasz
Published: January 2021

Przedmiotem pracy jest analiza nowelizacji Kodeksu postępowania cywilnego w zakresie spraw z ubezpieczeń społecznych. Ocenie poddano nie tylko zmieniane przepisy bezpośrednio regulujące to postępowanie, lecz także inne modyfikowane przepisy, które mają na nie wpływ.
Istotnym walorem pracy jest analiza praktycznych aspektów poruszanego zagadnienia.
A study of natural durability of selected coniferous wood species from north Asia affected by the fungus Coniophora puteana (Schumach.) P. Karst.
Authors: Andres Boguslaw , Jankowska Agnieszka , Duchnik Grzegorz
Published: January 2021

The aim of prestened study was to determine the natural durability of selected coniferous wood species from Asia to the effect of Coniophora puteana (Schumach.) P. Karst., which causes brown rot. The species tested were: Larix gmellini (Rupr.) Kuzen., Larix sibirica Ledeb. and Pinus sibirica Du Tour.. The test was conducted on the basis of PN-EN 350:2016-10 and PN-EN 113:2000. As a result of the research durability classes were determined. Wood durability of tested Asian species was compared with the domestic wood species such as Pinus sylvestris L. and Larix decidua Mill.. The most durable of the tested wood species was Larix sibirica Ledeb., while the European larch showed comparable durability. The wood of Larix gmellini (Rupr.) Kuzen. showed the lowest persistence among the tested species.
Wzorcowe postanowienia umowy międzynarodowej o zabezpieczeniu społecznym
Authors: Kryśpiak Izabela
Published: January 2021

Rzeczpospolita Polska jest stroną kilkunastu dwustronnych umów międzynarodowych o zabezpieczeniu społecznym. W ostatnim czasie nadal są negocjowane i zawierane nowe umowy w tym zakresie. Celem niniejszego opracowania jest zbadanie, czy postanowienia dwustronnych umów międzynarodowych Polski są zgodne z międzynarodowymi standardami w tej dziedzinie. W niniejszej publikacji autorka analizuje tę kwestię, porównując uregulowania zawartych przez Polskę wspomnianych umów z istniejącymi standardami międzynarodowymi ustanowionymi przez Międzynarodową Organizację Pracy oraz Radę Europy. W opracowaniu przeanalizowano również różnice pomiędzy standardami Międzynarodowej Organizacji Pracy i Rady Europy w tym obszarze. Analizą zostały objęte nie tylko emerytury i renty, lecz także świadczenia z tytułu choroby i macierzyństwa, świadczenia rodzinne, zasiłki dla bezrobotnych, rzeczowe świadczenia zdrowotne, zasiłki pogrzebowe, jak również kwestie podlegania właściwemu ustawodawstwu. Dwustronne umowy międzynarodowe o zabezpieczeniu społecznym zawarte przez Polskę nie były dotąd badane w kontekście świadczeń z tytułu choroby i macierzyństwa, świadczeń rodzinnych, zasiłków dla bezrobotnych, rzeczowych świadczeń zdrowotnych i zasiłków pogrzebowych oraz podlegania właściwemu ustawodawstwu.
Publikacja ma na celu wykazanie różnic między wzorcowymi postanowieniami Międzynarodowej Organizacji Pracy oraz Rady Europy a umowami międzynarodowymi Polski w tej dziedzinie poprzez analizę ich zakresów podmiotowych i przedmiotowych oraz postanowień kolizyjnych dotyczących ustawodawstwa właściwego i postanowień merytorycznych w obszarze ustalania prawa oraz wysokości poszczególnych świadczeń.
Arendt, Levinas, and the Justification of Violence
Authors: Larios Joe ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: January 2021

By bringing the work of Arendt and Levinas together, this paper hopes to show a possible avenue for addressing the lack of a heteronomous object guiding the public realm in Arendt (which is connected to her rejection of the social). This is first clarified with reference to the lack of a clear criterion for the deployment of violence as found in On Violence and proceeds to show how a criterion can be excavated from her comments elsewhere and clarified through a comparison with the thought of Levinas in which there is a heteronomous factor guiding action—the Other. What is uncovered is a similar framework in which the preservation of the world, as the space of appearances, becomes that which justifies actions. Moreover, it is argued that the social can become an object of concern precisely because of the changed nature of this world owing to modern technology.
Uneasy Landscapes
Authors: Cater Suzy ,   Caribbean Philosophical Association
Published: January 2021

This article offers an unprecedented close reading of the poetic texts created by the Martinican author René Ménil, whose poetry has been almost entirely neglected by scholars to date and who is better known for his philosophical and political writings than for his verse. I pay particular attention to Ménil’s treatment of geographical and cultural spaces in his published poetry from 1932 to 1950, and place that verse in dialogue with a text by another Martinican author at work around this period: Edouard Glissant, and his first poetry collection, Un champ d’îles (1952). Despite their otherwise dissimilar literary approaches, I show how both Ménil and Glissant created verse in these years where landscapes shift unpredictably, where human subjects are often overwhelmed, and where bewildering, vertiginous contact between Europe and the Caribbean is emphasized. This stands in contrast to more descriptive or directly political depictions of local nature created by other Afro-Caribbean poets during the period, and, I argue, underscores the complexities of the unsettling encounters between places and peoples occurring with increasing frequency in these years of rapid change around the Second World War.
Climate Change and the Historicity of Nature in Hegel, Nishida, and Watsuji
Authors: Schultz Lucy ,   International Association for Environmental Philosophy
Published: January 2021

While the existence of nature distinct from human influence becomes evermore suspect, within the natural sciences, human beings are increasingly understood in naturalistic terms. The collision of the human and natural, both within conceptual discourse and the reality of climate change may be considered a “great event” in the Hegelian sense, that reveals a dialectic immanent within the nature/culture distinction. Nishida’s notion of “historical nature,” Watsuji’s unique conception of climate, and the traditional satoyama landscapes of Japan offer timely ways of understanding the sublation of the distinction between nature and culture that render the nature/spirit hierarchy found in Hegel obsolete.
Is Non-Suicidal Self-Harm in Youth a Mental Disorder?
Authors: Ahir-Knight Snita ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: January 2021

Non-suicidal self-harm is common in youth. The behavior may have negative and sometimes dangerous consequences, such as feelings of guilt, scars, nerve damage and accidental death. Is this behavior a mental disorder? This question is attracting serious consideration. I want to say that non-suicidal self-harm in youth is never a mental disorder in its own right. Yet, I do not want to commit to saying what is a mental disorder. So I identify the characteristic features and functions of non-suicidal self-harm in youth and show that these features and functions are also seen in non-disordered behaviors in youth. This, I say, shows that non-suicidal self-harm in youth is non-disordered too. I say that non-suicidal self-harm in youth is a characteristic youth behavior that when seen in youth has an understandable practical function. I offer to the general discussion about mental disorder the strategy I use.
The Ethics and Politics of Blood Plasma Donation
Authors: Taylor James Stacey ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: January 2021

Legal prohibitions on the financial compensation of donors are frequently justified by appealing either to concerns about patient safety or to concerns about the putatively unethical nature of such compensation. But jurisdictions that legally prohibit the financial compensation of donors routinely import plasma that has been collected from financially compensated donors—and they do so knowing its origins. I outline some possible ways in which this puzzle could be resolved and find them all wanting. Focusing on Canada I draw upon public documents to explain how many provinces came to have its apparently puzzling approach to plasma procurement. I then argue that the actions of those who support this approach to plasma procurement are immoral.
Kant Felsefesinde Hukuk, Kamusallık ve Yurttaşlık
Authors: Savaşçin Zeynep ,   Kilikya Felsefe Dergisi
Published: January 2021

Kant’ın hukuk teorisinin, onun eserleri arasında, özellikle de üç Kritik’e kıyasla, daha az ilgi gören bir alan olduğunu söylemek yanlış olmaz. Oysa Ahlak Metafiziği’nin ilk bölümü tümüyle bu alana ayrılmıştır. “Hukuk Öğretisi” başlığını taşıyan ve hukuku ahlak yasası zemininde pratik aklın a priori ilkelerinin iki alanından biri (diğeri “Erdem Öğretisi”dir) olarak tesis eden bu bölüm, kendi başına ele alındığında, hukukun Kant felsefesindeki ayrıcalıklı yerini fark etmemiz için yeterli olmayabilir. Ancak bu öğretiyi ve aslında ona bir giriş niteliğinde olan “Teori ve Pratik” diye anılan yazıyı siyaset, tarih ve hukuku konu alan diğer kısa yazılarla, özellikle de bu yazılara damgasını vuran refleksif yargılarla ilişkilendirerek okuduğumuzda, hukukun, insanın akıl sahibi ve ahlak yasasına tabi bir varlık olarak kendini, yani özgür varoluşunu gerçekleştirmesi için ne denli vazgeçilmez bir alan açtığını fark ederiz. Bu çalışma böyle bir okumaya dayanarak Kant’ta hukuk öğretisinin, bu öğretide ortaya konan kamusallık ilkesi ve yurttaşlık anlayışının, ahlak felsefesi ve özgürlük problemi açısından merkezi bir öneme sahip olduğunu göstermeyi amaçlamaktadır.
Immanuel Kant’ın Canlı Doğa Sorununa Teleolojik Yaklaşımının İncelenmesi
Authors: Barak Nefise ,   Kilikya Felsefe Dergisi
Published: January 2021

Bu çalışma Immanuel Kant’ın Yargı Gücünün Eleştirisi eserinin “Teleolojik Yargı Yetisinin Eleştirisi” bölümünde teleolojinin organik formların açıklanışında nasıl bir rol oynadığını göstermeyi hedeflemektedir. Eserin bu bölümünde canlı doğa sorununu ele alan Kant, mevcut teleolojik açıklama biçimini eleştirerek teleolojiye kendi felsefesi kapsamında yeni bir anlam atfetmiş ve onu zihnin düzenleyici bir ilkesi olarak tayin etmiştir. Böylelikle Kant mekanik doğa tasavvuru içinde organik formların açıklanışının felsefi temellendirmesini çelişkiye düşmeden gerçekleştirebilmiştir. Betimsel bir anlatımla ilerleyecek olan bu çalışmada, öncelikle Kant’ın karşı karşıya kaldığı canlı doğanın Kant için nasıl bir sorun haline geldiği gösterilecektir. Devamında ise sorunun tarihsel art alanı ele alınacak, modern dönem içinde mekanik doğa tasavvurunun nasıl şekillendiğine ve biyoloji alanındaki gelişmelere özellikle Preformasyon ve Epigenesis yaklaşımlarına yer verilecektir. Böylece doğayı mekanik bir biçimde görmenin yetersizliğinin nasıl ortaya çıkardığı gösterilecek ve Gottfried Leibniz’in canlı doğa sorununa dair teleolojik yaklaşımına kısaca değinilecektir. Son olarak Kant düşüncesindeki teleoloji eleştirisi ortaya koyulacak ve Kant’ın organik yapıların açıklanmasına yönelik çözümü ile modern dönemde teleoloji sorununun tarihsel bir değerlendirmesi ele alınacaktır.
Nuevas tendencias en comunicación para el 2017
Authors: Montaña Blasco Mireia
Published: January 2021

Estamos a principios de año y, últimamente, esto conlleva que las principales compañías de comunicación hagan una previsión sobre las nuevas tendencias mundiales en este ámbito. Aspectos como la inteligencia artificial, el big data o las nuevas formas de contenido parecen ser claves en las estrategias de comunicación de las marcas.
Una nueva esperanza: cultura popular, resistencia y el inicio de la era Trump
Authors: Roig Antoni
Published: January 2021

Existen muchos ángulos posibles a la hora de abordar las acciones de protesta por parte de muy diversos colectivos coincidiendo con la toma de posesión de Donald Trump como presidente de los Estados Unidos. El que he elegido yo para este artículo es, de hecho, algo profundamente norteamericano: el uso de la cultura popular como herramienta de protesta cívica y política.
Provision of security of the Unified Federal Information Register Containing Data on the Population of the Russian Federation
Authors: Gulemin Artem Nikolaevich
Published: January 2021

The object of this research is the public relations with regards to processing of information in the Unified Federal Information Register Containing Data on the Population of the Russian Federation n. Besides the Federal Law “On the Unified Federal Information Register Containing Data on the Population of the Russian Federation”, the subject of this research is legislation in the area of personal data and legislation on the critical information infrastructure. Based on the main formal and substantive aspects, the author defines the indicated register as a variety of register-based information; substantiates the relevance of application of the principles of framework regulation of information law in the context of creating the register; raises the question on the need to recognize the information system that processes data contained in the register as a valuable object of critical information infrastructure. The novelty of this research consists in the fact that this article is one of the first works dedicated to provision of legal security of the Unified Federal Information Register Containing Data on the Population of the Russian Federation. The following conclusions and proposals on improvement of legislation are formulated: 1) The principles of legal regulation established by legislation with regards to information as the object of legal regulation should be applied to the created register; any unauthorized actions with a separate register entry should be viewed as violation of integrity of the entire object. 2) Due to critical importance of the data contained in the register, it is essential to set confidentiality restrictions, and recognize the federal nformation system that processes data contained in the register as a valuable object of critical information infrastructure. 3) In the text of the Law “On the Unified Federal Information Register Containing Data on the Population of the Russian Federation”, it is necessary to specify the responsibilities of operator of the federal information system who maintains the federal register and compliance with the requirements of legislation on the security of critical information infrastructure. It is also necessary to clarify the provisions of the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation that establishes a list of criteria of importance of the objects of critical information infrastructure of the Russian Federation and their value.
Contemporary Concepts and Techniques of Teaching Posterior Palatal Seal among Dental Colleges of Karnataka: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Mishra Sweekriti , Rashmi BM , Ravishankar K , Khan Sanober , Sharma Anoop , Midhula V
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Since literature provides various schools of thought to achieve Posterior Palatal Seal (PPS) in a maxillary denture, it becomes essential to know the techniques dominating in our curriculum presently. Aim: To determine the prevalence of concepts and also the need for standardisation in establishing PPS among dental colleges of Karnataka. Materials and Methods: A descriptive survey was conducted among teaching faculty of Department of Prosthodontics with varied teaching experience across the dental colleges of Karnataka. A pre-tested questionnaire containing ten close ended questions was distributed to 230 faculty members with MDS qualification in Prosthodontics via e-mail. The faculty responses were divided into three groups based on teaching experience: Group 1 (2-7 years), Group 2 (7-12 years) and Group 3 with more than 12 years of teaching experience. The Chi-Square Goodness of Fit test was used to compare the overall differences in the responses by the study participants; and Independent Chi-Square test to compare the differences in the responses based on teaching experience of the study participants. A value of p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The most common method taught for locating vibrating line was Phonation-Nose Blowing-Fovea Palatini (46.0%). Two-line concept of vibrating line was taught (77%) more commonly, where the termination of maxillary denture is on posterior vibrating line (58%). Currently, Boucher’s conventional method without master cast scoring (63%) was the most favoured method to record the seal. This was true mainly with Group 1 (81.9%) and Group 2 (66.7%). In contrast, Group 3 faculty largely advocated Boucher’s conventional technique along with master cast scoring (70%). Overall most of the faculty members (66.5%) did not make the students score the postpalatal area. This was mainly seen in faculty belonging to Group 1 (81.9%) and Group 2 (69.7%). Bulk of Group 3 faculty (75%) taught scoring of the master cast. A large portion of the faculty (60.0%) recommended standardisation in the methods of teaching PPS which was mainly backed by Group 2 (77.3%) and Group 1 (61.7%). Conclusion: This survey indicates that among dental colleges of Karnataka, a majority of faculty of Prosthodontics prefer Boucher’s conventional method without master cast scoring (63%) to achieve maxillary PPS. Nevertheless, teaching concepts differed based on faculty experience. It is emphasised that teaching methods should be standardised and include unambiguous techniques.
Novel COVID-19 Global Outbreak and a Need for Proactive Dental Care
Authors: Gupta Prachi , Garg Abhinav , Ahuja Lovejeet
Published: January 2021

The global pandemic Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), which originated in Wuhan, has affected the countries worldwide and has been declared as a public health emergency by World Health Organisation. Because of the exclusive features of dental healthcare set-ups, risk of cross-contamination is greater between patients and dental personnel due to high chances of getting in contact with suspected or asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. Preventive measures are essential to be taken for prevention of furthermore spread of nosocomial infection. The present article provides a brief overview on COVID-19 in dental settings and recommended protocols for screening/assessment, patient management and precautions for dental health care professionals.
Plant Based Diet- A Therapeutic Riposte to Emerging Zoonotic Infections
Authors: Jodalli Praveen , Basheer Amitha , Nagarsekar Aradhana , Gaunkar Ridhima , Ramya KM
Published: January 2021

Emerging zoonotic infectious diseases like swine influenza, avian influenza and Ebola have caused massive human suffering, social upheaval and economic damage across countries and continents. There is increasing evidence that humanity’s overexploitation of nature is one of the major factors responsible for the spread. Recently, mankind is traversing a hard-pandemic time due to COVID-19 outbreak which appears to be a brutal killer. When humans infringe wild adobes for food production, it generates opportunities for infectious pathogens to leap to livestock and humans. It is the time to begin brooding about more radical measures to handle the root of this crisis. A resilient food system that puts less stress on the environment would reduce the outbreak of Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) by reducing contact between humans and wild animals thereby restoring biodiversity. World Health Organisation (WHO) advises avoidance/judicious use of animal meat consumption during or after every outbreak. It is clearly evident that a balanced, healthy plant-based diet can help to control pandemics/epidemics not only by preventing the transmission but also by strengthening the immune system of individuals to combat the infection. This paper throws light on how the human diet is directly or indirectly linked to the emergence, spread and prognosis of various infectious diseases.
Assessing Crop Growth Indices of Nadia Variety of Ginger (Zingiberofficinale Rosc.) under Legume Intercropping and Weed Management Practices
Authors: Baruah Aparna , Deka Jayanta
Published: January 2021

A study was initiated in Instruction-cum-Research Farm of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam, India during 2014-15 and 2015-16. The objective of this experiment is to understand the impact of legume intercropping system in combination with different weed management practices on the growth indices of ginger crop. Nadia, a commercially grown variety of ginger in Assam was examined in the current study. A total of 16 treatment combinations were considered which comprised of 4 intercropping systems along with 4 weed management practices. Amongst the legume intercropping, Cowpea in between rows of Ginger; incorporated at 40 days after sowing (DAS) and Cowpea in alternate rows of Ginger; incorporated at 40 DAS recorded better results in terms of Leaf area index (LAI), Crop growth rate (CGR), Absolute growth rate (AGR) and yield of Nadia variety ginger. Whereas amongst the weed management practices, pre-emergence application of Metribuzin 500 g ai ha-1 + hand weeding (HW) at 70, 100 and 140 days after planting (DAP) scored higher in growth indices and ginger yield, but neither the legume intercropping systems nor the weed management treatments had any significant impact on harvest index.
Assessment of Ecotourism Potentials in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Janet E. Oduko , Oko U. Azu , Herbert C. Achi
Published: January 2021

This paper asserts the case for developing the ecotourism potential in Afikpo, Ebonyi state. The main aim of the study is to assess the ecotourism potentials in Afikpo with a view to recommending means to enhance these potentials for development. The following objectives were underpinned (i) To examine the nature of tourism sites in Afikpo, (ii) To identify the potentials, (iii) To determine the extent, the potentials have been harnessed, (iv) To identify factors that hinders the potentials of tourism. The study adopted a survey design approach. Data was collected from both primary and secondary source through orals interview, questionnaire, and direct observation methods. Four hundred questionnaires were administered in the three communities that were selected for this study. The sample size of 400 respondents was determined from the sample population of 130,329 resident’s population of Afikpo north using De Vaus Formula. Three hundred and eighty (380) were returned representing 95% questionnaire utilization. Simple random sampling and a purposive sampling techniques were employed to select the respondents who were the residents. The study identified factors that hinder tourism development in Afikpo and a breakdown showed that four out of the thirty one (31) variables were identified as the major factors that hinder the development of potential tourist sites. The findings revealed that lack of political will was the most prominent factor responsible for the undeveloped sites. This was followed by political bureaucracy, and political instability. The study therefore recommended amongst others the intervention of the government in the development of the tourism potentials in Afikpo, Ebonyi State.
Active Compound and Heavy Metals in Bleaching Creams and Their Health Effects: A Review
Authors: Zainy Faten M. Ali
Published: January 2021

For a long time, it could be found that appearance enhancement products fell into the cosmetic category. Therefore, more people want to appear beautiful, thus the desire to appear beautiful has been urgent since the early days. Skincare products, hair, perfumes, oral care, and nail products are used by women despite their containment of toxic chemicals harmful to health in a society that wants to look its best because it is a beauty freak. Different toxic components and dangerous chemicals utilized in cosmetics are integrated beyond acceptable limits. These heavy metals may reason dangerous sick influences on the skin causing carcinogenicity. Therefore, it begins to be a requirement for people to turn out having knowledge of the different dangers of heavy metals utilized in cosmetics.
Comparative Efficacies of Antimigraine Drugs Using Nitroglycerin Induced Migraine Rats Model
Authors: Maroky Anson S. , Parthasarathy V.
Published: January 2021

Aim: The migraine pathology is still not explained effectively. There is a common relationship between anxiety, depression, and migraine. So the aim of the study to illustrate effectively the behavioural and biomarker changes in the migraine condition.

Methods: Nitroglycerin (NTG) induced migraine rats model was used the present study. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. Ergotamine, sumatriptan, and BIBN4096 were used as antimigraine drugs. The behavioural activity was measured by scratching head, body shaking, and social interaction task. ELISA detected biomarkers like interleukin 6 (IL-6),                  Substance P (SP) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in various rats brain regions such as cortex, brain stem, trigeminal ganglion.

Results: A significant reduction in hyperalgesic response and behavioral changes like scratching head, body shaking and social interaction task. Biomarkers like 5-HT, SP and IL-6 were significantly reduced in the various brain regions such as prefrontal cortex, brain stem and trigeminal ganglia of the rats in the BIBN4096 treated groups.

Conclusion: The present study showed a good antimigraine efficacy with a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonistic agent BIBN4096 than ergotamine and sumatriptan but still lack of behavioural pattern, need to explore nonpharmacological intervention along with the drug treatment.
Information’s Relativistic Convey with Matter Wave’s Non-Dispersive Propagation
Authors: Xinye Wang
Published: January 2021

The Wave-Particle Duality is a basic property of microscopic particles. As a basic concept of quantum mechanics, the wave-particle duality theory from elementary particles to big molecules had been verified by lots of experiments. Different from electromagnetic wave, the matter wave’s propagation is not only fast but also adjustable. According to the special relativity theory, the group velocity with which the overall envelope shape of the wave, namely the related particle’s propagation and information convey speed is changeable with its energy and related wavelength, among which only the energy exceeds over the minimum value, the propagation can be starting and the velocity is not allowed to surpass the maximum value i.e. the light speed in vacuum. Take electron as an example, if the free electron beam gains energy higher than around 8.187×10ˉᴵ⁴J and the related wavelength is shorter than around 5.316×10ˉ³nm, the matter wave with information can start to propagate.
A Nano‐Heterogeneous Membrane for Efficient Separation of Lithium from High Magnesium/Lithium Ratio Brine
Authors: Peng Huawen , Zhao Qiang
Published: January 2021

Lithium extraction from salt lake brines is highly demanded to circumvent the lithium supply shortage. However, polymer nanofiltration membranes suffer from low lithium permeability while nanofluidic devices are hindered by complicated preparation and miniaturized scales despite high permeability. Here, the authors report a facile strategy to prepare positively charged nanofiltration membranes for ultrapermeable and selective separation of lithium ions from concentrated magnesium/lithium mixtures. A new electrolyte monomer (diaminoethimidazole bromide, DAIB) containing bidentate amine groups is designed to modify pristine polyamide composite membranes. Structure characterizations and simulations show that the DAIB modification brings about nano‐heterogeneity that not only improves surface hydrophilicity, but also reduces water transport resistance through the ≈100 nm thick separation layer. Water permeance of the modified membrane improves fivefold and is coupled with good stability in 200‐h continuous nanofiltration. It exhibits high lithium flux (0.7 mol m−2 h−1) for brines (Mg2+/Li+ ratio 20) at 6 bar operation pressure.
Biodegradable Calcium Phosphate Nanotheranostics with Tumor‐Specific Activatable Cascade Catalytic Reactions‐Augmented Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Fu Lian‐Hua , Wan Yilin , Li Chunying , Qi Chao , He Ting , Yang Chen , Zhang Yifan , Lin Jing , Huang Peng
Published: January 2021

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is exploited as a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, the hypoxic solid tumor and the lack of tumor‐specific photosensitizer administration hinder the further application of oxygen (O2)‐dependent PDT. In this study, a biodegradable and O2 self‐supplying nanoplatform for tumor microenvironment (TME)‐specific activatable cascade catalytic reactions‐augmented PDT is reported. The nanoplatform (named GMCD) is constructed by coloading catalase (CAT) and sinoporphyrin sodium (DVDMS) in the manganese (Mn)‐doped calcium phosphate mineralized glucose oxidase (GOx) nanoparticles. The GMCD can effectively accumulate in tumor sites to achieve an “off to on” fluorescence transduction and a TME‐activatable magnetic resonance imaging. After internalization into cancer cells, the endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can be catalyzed to generate O2 by CAT, which not only promotes GOx catalytic reaction to consume more intratumoral glucose, but also alleviates tumor hypoxia and enhances the production of cytotoxic singlet oxygen from light‐triggered DVDMS. Moreover, the H2O2 generated by GOx‐catalysis can be converted into highly toxic hydroxyl radicals by Mn2+‐mediated Fenton‐like reaction, further amplifying the oxidative damage of cancer cells. As a result, GMCD displays superior therapeutic effects on 4T1‐tumor bearing mice by a long term cascade catalytic reactions augmented PDT.
Rational Design of Nanomaterials for Various Radiation‐Induced Diseases Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Xie Jiani , Zhao Maoru , Wang Chengyan , Yong Yuan , Gu Zhanjun , Zhao Yuliang
Published: January 2021

Radiation treatments often unfavorably damage neighboring healthy organs and cause a series of radiation sequelae, such as radiation‐induced hematopoietic system diseases, radiation‐induced gastrointestinal diseases, radiation‐induced lung diseases, and radiation‐induced skin diseases. Recently, emerging nanomaterials have exhibited good superiority for these radiation‐induced disease treatments. Given this background, the rational design principle of nanomaterials, which helps to optimize the therapeutic efficiency, has been an increasing need. Consequently, it is of great significance to perform a systematic summarization of the advances in this field, which can trigger the development of new high‐performance nanoradioprotectors with drug efficiency maximization. Herein, this review highlights the advances and perspectives in the rational design of nanomaterials for preventing and treating various common radiation‐induced diseases. Furthermore, the sources, clinical symptoms, and pathogenesis/injury mechanisms of these radiation‐induced diseases will also be introduced. Furthermore, current challenges and directions for future efforts in this field are also discussed.
siRNA Therapeutics against Respiratory Viral Infections—What Have We Learned for Potential COVID‐19 Therapies?
Authors: Mehta Aditi , Michler Thomas , Merkel Olivia M.
Published: January 2021

Acute viral respiratory tract infections (AVRIs) are a major burden on human health and global economy and amongst the top five causes of death worldwide resulting in an estimated 3.9 million lives lost every year. In addition, new emerging respiratory viruses regularly cause outbreaks such as SARS‐CoV‐1 in 2003, the "Swine flu" in 2009, or most importantly the ongoing SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, which intensely impact global health, social life, and economy. Despite the prevalence of AVRIs and an urgent need, no vaccines—except for influenza—or effective treatments were available at the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, the innate RNAi pathway offers the ability to develop nucleic acid‐based antiviral drugs. siRNA sequences against conserved, essential regions of the viral genome can prevent viral replication. In addition, viral infection can be averted prophylactically by silencing host genes essential for host–viral interactions. Unfortunately, delivering siRNAs to their target cells and intracellular site of action remains the principle hurdle toward their therapeutic use. Currently, siRNA formulations and chemical modifications are evaluated for their delivery. This progress report discusses the selection of antiviral siRNA sequences, delivery techniques to the infection sites, and provides an overview of antiviral siRNAs against respiratory viruses.
Interactions between Biomedical Micro‐/Nano‐Motors and the Immune Molecules, Immune Cells, and the Immune System: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Fu Dongmei , Wang Zhen , Tu Yingfeng , Peng Fei
Published: January 2021

Mobile micro‐ and nano‐motors (MNMs) emerge as revolutionary platforms for biomedical applications, including drug delivery, biosensing, non‐invasive surgery, and cancer therapy. While for applications in biomedical fields and practical clinical translation, the interactions of these untethered tiny machines with the immune system is an essential issue to be considered. This review highlights the recent approaches of surpassing immune barriers to prevent foreign motors from triggering immune responses. In addition to trials focusing on the function preservation of MNMs, examples of versatile MNMs working with the immune components (immune molecules, immune cells and the whole system) to achieve cancer immunotherapy, immunoassay, and detoxification are outlined. The immune interference part provides researchers an idea about what is the limit presented by the immune components. The coworking part suggests ways to bypass or even utilize the limit. With interdisciplinary cooperation of nanoengineering, materials science, and immunology field, the rationally designed functional MNMs are expected to provide novel opportunities for the biomedical field.
An Immunomodulatory Miniaturized 3D Screening Platform Using Liquefied Capsules
Authors: Nadine Sara , Correia Clara R. , Mano João F.
Published: January 2021

A critical determinant of successful clinical outcomes is the host's response to the biomaterial. Therefore, the prediction of the immunomodulatory bioperformance of biomedical devices following implantation is of utmost importance. Herein, liquefied capsules are proposed as immunomodulatory miniaturized 3D platforms for the high‐content combinatorial screening of different polymers that could be used generically in scaffolds. Additionally, the confined and liquefied core of capsules affords a cell‐mediated 3D assembly with bioinstructive microplatforms, allowing to study the potential synergistic effect that cells in tissue engineering therapies have on the immunological environment before implantation. As a proof‐of‐concept, three different polyelectrolytes, ranging in charge density and source, are used. Poly(L‐lysine)‐, alginate‐, and chitosan‐ending capsules with or without encapsulated mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are placed on top of a 2D culture of macrophages. Results show that chitosan‐ending capsules, as well as the presence of MSCs, favor the balance of macrophage polarization toward a more regenerative profile, through the up‐regulation of anti‐inflammatory markers, and the release of pro‐regenerative cytokines. Overall, the developed system enables the study of the immunomodulatory bioperformance of several polymers in a cost‐effective and scalable fashion, while the paracrine signaling between encapsulated cells and the immunological environment can be simultaneously evaluated.
Biomimetic Tympanic Membrane Replacement Made by Melt Electrowriting
Authors: von Witzleben Max , Stoppe Thomas , Ahlfeld Tilman , Bernhardt Anne , Polk Marie‐Luise , Bornitz Matthias , Neudert Marcus , Gelinsky Michael
Published: January 2021

The tympanic membrane (TM) transfers sound waves from the air into mechanical motion for the ossicular chain. This requires a high sensitivity to small dynamic pressure changes and resistance to large quasi‐static pressure differences. The TM achieves this by providing a layered structure of about 100µm in thickness, a low flexural stiffness, and a high tensile strength. Chronically infected middle ears require reconstruction of a large area of the TM. However, current clinical treatment can cause a reduction in hearing. With the novel additive manufacturing technique of melt electrowriting (MEW), it is for the first time possible to fabricate highly organized and biodegradable membranes within the dimensions of the TM. Scaffold designs of various fiber composition are analyzed mechanically and acoustically. It can be demonstrated that by customizing fiber orientation, fiber diameter, and number of layers the desired properties of the TM can be met. An applied thin collagen layer seals the micropores of the MEW‐printed membrane while keeping the favorable mechanical and acoustical characteristics. The determined properties are beneficial for implantation, closely match those of the human TM, and support the growth of a neo‐epithelial layer. This proves the possibilities to create a biomimimetic TM replacement using MEW.
Functionalized Elastomers for Intrinsically Soft and Biointegrated Electronics
Authors: Shim Hyung Joon , Sunwoo Sung‐Hyuk , Kim Yeongjun , Koo Ja Hoon , Kim Dae‐Hyeong
Published: January 2021

Elastomers are suitable materials for constructing a conformal interface with soft and curvilinear biological tissue due to their intrinsically deformable mechanical properties. Intrinsically soft electronic devices whose mechanical properties are comparable to human tissue can be fabricated using suitably functionalized elastomers. This article reviews recent progress in functionalized elastomers and their application to intrinsically soft and biointegrated electronics. Elastomers can be functionalized by adding appropriate fillers, either nanoscale materials or polymers. Conducting or semiconducting elastomers synthesized and/or processed with these materials can be applied to the fabrication of soft biointegrated electronic devices. For facile integration of soft electronics with the human body, additional functionalization strategies can be employed to improve adhesive or autonomous healing properties. Recently, device components for intrinsically soft and biointegrated electronics, including sensors, stimulators, power supply devices, displays, and transistors, have been developed. Herein, representative examples of these fully elastomeric device components are discussed. Finally, the remaining challenges and future outlooks for the field are presented.
Preparation of Stretchable Nanofibrous Sheets with Sacrificial Coaxial Electrospinning for Treatment of Traumatic Muscle Injury
Authors: Pham‐Nguyen Oanh‐Vu , Son Young Ju , Kwon Tae‐wan , Kim Junhyung , Jung Yun Chan , Park Jong Bae , Kang Byung‐Jae , Yoo Hyuk Sang
Published: January 2021

Traumatic muscle injury with massive loss of muscle volume requires intramuscular implantation of proper scaffolds for fast and successful recovery. Although many artificial scaffolds effectively accelerate formation and maturation of myotubes, limited studies are showing the therapeutic effect of artificial scaffolds in animal models with massive muscle injury. In this study, improved myotube differentiation is approved on stepwise stretched gelatin nanofibers and applied to damaged muscle recovery in an animal model. The gelatin nanofibers are fabricated by a two‐step process composed of co‐axial electrospinning of poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) and gelatin and subsequent removal of the outer shells. When stepwise stretching is applied to the myoblasts on gelatin nanofibers for five days, enhanced myotube formation and polarized elongation are observed. Animal models with volumetric loss at quadriceps femoris muscles (>50%) are transplanted with the myotubes cultivated on thin and flexible gelatin nanofiber. Treated animals more efficiently recover exercising functions of the leg when myotubes and the gelatin nanofiber are co‐implanted at the injury sites. This result suggests that mechanically stimulated myotubes on gelatin nanofiber is therapeutically feasible for the robust recovery of volumetric muscle loss.
Unprecedented Fluorophore Photostability Enabled by Low‐Loss Organic Hyperbolic Materials
Authors: Lee Yeon Ui , Li Shilong , Bopp Steven Edward , Zhao Junxiang , Nie Zhaoyu , Posner Clara , Yang Sui , Zhang Xiang , Zhang Jin , Liu Zhaowei
Published: January 2021

The dynamics of photons in fluorescent molecules plays a key role in fluorescence imaging, optical sensing, organic photovoltaics, and displays. Photobleaching is an irreversible photodegradation process of fluorophores, representing a fundamental limitation in relevant optical applications. Chemical reagents are used to suppress the photobleaching rate but with exceptionally high specificity for each type of fluorophore. Here, using organic hyperbolic materials (OHMs), an optical platform to achieve unprecedented fluorophore photostability without any chemical specificity is demonstrated. A more than 500‐fold lengthening of the photobleaching lifetime and a 230‐fold increase in the total emitted photon counts are observed simultaneously. These exceptional improvements solely come from the low‐loss hyperbolic dispersion of OHM films and the large resultant Purcell effect in the visible spectral range. The demonstrated OHM platform may open up a new paradigm in nanophotonics and organic plasmonics for super‐resolution imaging and the engineering of light–matter interactions at the nanoscale.
Nanoparticle‐Assembled Vacuolated Coacervates Control Macromolecule Spatiotemporal Distribution to Provide a Stable Segregated Cell Microenvironment
Authors: Zhao Pengchao , Yang Boguang , Xu Xiayi , Lai Nathanael Chun‐Him , Li Rui , Yang Xuefeng , Bian Liming
Published: January 2021

Membraneless coacervate compartments in the intracellular and pericellular space mediate critical cellular functions. Developing synthetic coacervates that emulate the morphological, physical, and functional complexity of these natural coacervates is challenging but highly desirable. Herein, a generalizable nanoparticle assembly (NPA) strategy is developed, which is applicable to interactive core–shell nanoparticles with different chemical makeups, to fabricate vacuolated coacervates. The obtained NPA coacervates contain stable internal vacuoles to provide segregated microcompartments, which can mediate the spatially heterogeneous distribution of diverse macromolecules via restricted diffusion. It is further shown that the vacuolated NPA coacervates can harbor and retain macromolecular medium supplements to regulate the functions of cells encapsulated in vacuoles. Furthermore, the restricted macromolecule diffusion can be abolished on demand via the triggered coacervate–hydrogel transition, thereby altering the exposure of encapsulated cells to environmental factors. It is believed that the NPA strategy provides new insights into the design principles of hierarchical coacervates that hold promising potential for a wide array of biomedical applications.
Extrinsic Influences on Photoluminescence Spectral Lineshape in Thin Films
Authors: Dyson Matthew J. , van der Pol Tom P. A. , Meskers Stefan C. J.
Published: January 2021

Accurate determination of the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of molecules is crucial in many areas including molecular diagnostics, genome analysis, and organic electronics. However, interpretation of experimental spectra from thin films can be complicated by phenomena extrinsic to the site of photon emission such as optical interference and self‐absorption. In this study, the alteration of fluorescence spectral lineshape is modeled from a thin film due to extrinsic factors as function of film thickness, incident angle, bandgap, and Stokes shift. The method is experimentally verified for thin (<400 nm) layers of molecular semiconductors on quartz substrates. Finally, a chart is provided for estimating the magnitude of the error due to extrinsic factors in the bandshape of fluorescence spectra from thin films. This demonstrates that the 0‐0/0‐1 intensity ratio, an indicator of the nature of excitonic coupling, is especially sensitive to possibly unconsidered influence from extrinsic effects.