bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Entry Requirement and Secondary School Type on Cumulative Grade Point Average of Students in Taraba State University, Nigeria
Authors: Abdulmudallib I. , Jibasen D. , Bamigbala O. A.
Published: September 2022

This paper considered the effect of student's entry requirements, Secondary school type and Cumulative Grade Point Average of the 2014/2015 final year students of the four faculties of the Taraba State University.  Primary data was collected through the use of a questionnaire from the respondents of the selected programmes from each faculty. Correlation Analysis was carried out on the students', CGPA's at lower levels, UTME score, SSCE results and Secondary school type.  It was discovered that only CGPA at the end of 300 level has significant relationship with CGPA at the current level while the stepwise regression analysis shows that only CGPA at 300 level is the best predictors of students' graduation CGPA all other variables are not significant and regression analysis was used to established models for predicting graduation CGPA.  Based on the findings of the study, it can therefore be concluded that entry requirements have no effect in determining the performance of students while at the university. That only CGPA at 300 level has an effect in determining students’ performance. The study therefore recommends, among others, that since UTME scores are poor predictors of student academic performance, Taraba State University should be conducting a POST-UTME examination before giving admissions to students.
Comparative Analysis of the Drying Parameters of Theobroma cacao (Cocoa Beans) and Musa paradisiaca (Plantain)
Authors: Otoikhian Kevin S. , Amune Ubani O.
Published: September 2022

In order to prevent microbial spoilage and degradation responses during storage, agricultural products are typically dried to eliminate moisture from them. The removal of moisture is required for the preservation of this substance (drying). Under- or over-drying a product might result in loss through product damage. This work therefore focuses on the drying of two major crops grown by local farmers and agricultural companies; Musa paradisiaca and Theobroma cacao, obtained from a local farmer within Auchi, Edo state. The drying characteristics, including moisture content, moisture loss, and drying rates, were examined experimentally in this study at the university laboratory and Pax Herbal Clinic & Research Laboratories Ltd. This was obtained with the use of a locally fabricated cross and through circulation dryer for drying and a moisture analyzer to obtain moisture contents while taking into account temperature ranges between 40 and 80°C and time intervals from 5 to 40 minutes. The result of the experiment showed that, the crops' moisture loss and drying rate depend on the time and temperature they are exposed to. The Musa paradisiaca crop has more natural moisture than Theobroma cacao and hence, it takes a longer time to dry with a rapid moisture loss in the early 40 minutes of drying time and at temperatures within 40 and 70°C. Theobroma cacao dries more rapidly with a 72% moisture lost at temperatures between 40 and 60 C. A temperature range of 60 to 70°C at any drying time would therefore be sufficient to dry Theobroma cacao and Musa paradisiaca for their drying preservation.
Comparison of Chemical Constituents and Antioxidant Activity of Achillea alpina L. and Achillea wilsoniana L.
Authors: Chen Dong , Zhang Zhiqiang , Huang Yi
Published: September 2022

Achillea species have been widely used as herbal medicine for a time. Achillea millefolium L. has one of the broadest applications in herbal medicine because of its antioxidant activity. As congeneric subspecies of the A. millefolium L., the A. alpina L. and A. wilsoniana L. also have many medical properties. This paper explored the essential oils of these two plants by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the differences in their antioxidant activity. The result showed that the major components of essential oil from A. wilsoniana L. were (+)-2-bornanone (8.51%), (-)-β-bisabolene (6.7%), chamazulene (6.4), neointermedeol (6.12%). And the major components of essential oil from A. alpina L. were chamazulene (6.53%), (1S)-(1)-beta-pinene (5.19%), nerolidol (3.6%), and esquisabinen (2.7%). The results indicated that A. alpina L. had the highest composition of chamazulene compared with the other two. Due to the variety of compounds in the two essential oils, their antioxidant activities were different on DPPH and ABTS assays. The antioxidant activity of A. wilsoniana L. was better than A. alpina L. but lower than the A. millefolium L.
An Exercise of Comparative Chemistry – On the Possibility of an Alternative to the Chemical World of Today Living Things
Authors: Iga Dumitru Petru I.
Published: September 2022

At most four types (groups) of isomers have been revealed, in natural things or as envisaged structures: meso, C2 symmetrical, irrechi, constitutional. In vertebrate almost exclusively constitutional isomers have been found. On the other hand, all fundamental natural combinations, found as constitutional isomers in vertebrates, are able to form symmetric isomers. (Hence, they keep symmetry as a possibility and not as a reality). Symmetric isomers of constitutional ones also possess functional groups. Therefore, a comparison could be made between a real and a possible situation, and an interesting and unique conclusion results from this comparison. A series of symmetric compounds, especially C2 symmetrical ones, have been isolated from plants and microorganisms, however no counterparts of these combinations were ever found in vertebrates. However, a preliminary conclusion could be drawn: symmetry phenomenon is much better represented in plants and microorganisms than in vertebrates. Of symmetric isomers, the meso ones are characterized by a mirror plane of symmetry, i.e. an area capable to hide (mask) atoms or planar structures of polarized light.
Brucella Bacteremia in a Patient with Metastatic Carcinoma Stomach in a Tertiary Oncology Centre; Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Bajpai Vijeta , Mishra Anwita , Kapoor Akhil , Gupta Anuj , Kumar Amit
Published: September 2022

Identification of commonly encountered pathogens and their comprehensive understanding has become the utmost requirement for oncologists to treat the disease. (1) Human brucellosis is one of them. This is class B bioterrorist agent and one of the highly neglected tropical diseases which is clinically under diagnosed, underreported because its diagnostics issues, and also it’s property to masquerade various other infectious and non infectious conditions. Here is the unique and first case report from India which presents brucella bacteremia in a solid cancer patient. In spite of all care and treatment patient succumbed to death.
Thermal Time Approach under Different Sowing Windows for Greengram
Authors: Sabaridheepa K. , Ramanathan S. P. , Kokilavani S. , Dheebakaran Ga , Boomiraj K.
Published: September 2022

Crop phenology and yield are highly influenced by prevailing weather condition during the crop growth phases. A research work was carried out at Agro Climate Research Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during June to August 2022 to determine the suitable sowing window for Greengram. The field experiment was laid out in CO 8 Greengram variety with two sowing windows of D1 - 15 June 2022 (24th SMW) and D2 - 22 June 2022 (25th SMW). The best time of sowing was established by using Growing Degree Days (GDD), Helio thermal Units (HTU), Photo thermal Units (PTU) and Heat Use Efficiency (HUE). The study revealed that the 25th Standard Meteorological week (SMW) recorded higher yield due to higher values of GDD, HTU, PTU and HUE at different crop growth stages.
Crop Phenology, Growth Indices and Yield of Wheat as Influenced by Different Establishment and Moisture Conservation Practices under Limited Irrigated Conditions
Authors: Qazizadah Nasir Ahmad , Singh Bhagat , Dhaka Anil Kumar , Prakash Ram , Kumar Anil
Published: September 2022

To find out the best crop establishment method, and to evaluate the effect of moisture conservation practices on phenology, growth indices and grain yield of wheat under limited irrigated conditions a field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of Wheat and Barley Section, Department of Genetic and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the Rabi seasons of 2019-20 and 2020-21. CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar is situated 29°10' N latitude and 75° 46' E longitude with an elevation of 215.2 meters above mean sea level in the semi-arid and sub-tropical zone. The experiment consisted of twenty four treatment combinations comprising three establishment methods i.e. Conventional Tillage (CT), Zero Tillage (ZT) and Bed Planting (BP) as main plot and two irrigation levels i.e. I1-one irrigation applied at crown root initiation stage (I1) and I2-two irrigation applied at CRI and booting stagess as sub-main plot treatments and four moisture conservation practices i.e. M0-no mulch, M1-mulch (pearl millet straw @ 4 tonnes ha-1), M2- antitranspirant (kaolin @ 6% w/v) and M3- mulch (pearl millet straw @ 4 tonnes ha-1) + antitranspirant (kaolin @ 6% w/v) as sub-plots treatments. The experiment was conducted in split split-plot design with three replications. The results revealed that days taken to booting, heading and physiological maturity did not influence significantly by crop establishment methods. Crop took more days to attain booting (79.64 and 77.89), heading (90.33 and 88.08) and physiological maturity (138.86 and 137.42) stages when two irrigations were applied to the crop as compared to one irrigation during 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively. Among moisture conservation practices, treatment M3 took significantly higher numbers of days for booting (80.24 and 79.06), heading (91.00 and 88.39) and physiological maturity (140.39 and 138.72) stages as compared to M0 but statically at par with M1 and M2. The growth indices i.e. crop growth rate and relative growth rate are significantly higher in BP, two irrigation levels and M3 during 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively. The maximum grain yield of wheat was recorded when crop was sown by bed planting method of crop establishment (4,830 and 4,393 kg ha-1) as compared to ZT and CT during both the years. The grain yield was significantly higher with two irrigations levels (4,877 and 4,457 kg ha-1) as compared to one irrigation during both the years. Treatment M3 (4,837 and 4,415 kg ha-1) produced significantly higher grain yield as compared to other treatments during 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively.
Determining the Effect of Micro-nutrient on Plant Growth and Flower Yield of Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.) under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Condition, India
Authors: Sarkar Kishor , Kerketta Anita , Topno Samir E.
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to find out the best level of Micro-nutrient on plant growth and flower yield of Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.) and to work out the economics of different treatments. Under Prayagraj Agro-climatic condition” cv. Calypso II in the Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, (U.P.), India. During the winter season November, 2021 to February, 2022. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (RBD), with ten treatments of different level of Micronutrients (Copper, Zinc and Manganese), with thrice replicated. The treatment T7 (0.2% Manganese + RDF) found best in term of plant growth and yield with high benefit cost ratio of Calendula followed by treatment T8 (0.4% Manganese + RDF) where as minimum Plant growth, flower yield and Cost Benefit Ratio was recorded in treatment T0 (Control + RDF).
Effect of Phosphorous, Chloropyriphos and Rhizobium Inoculation on Production and Economics of Chickpea (Cicer aretinum L.)
Authors: Sachan Ravindra , Pandey S. B. , Kumar Ravindra , Singh Devendra , Sharma Sanjeev , Kumar Kishan , Singh Anshul , Pal Sudhir , Verma Ambrish Kumar , Sachan Harsh
Published: September 2022

Field experiments were conducted to Studies effect of Phosphorus, Chloropyriphos and Rhizobium inoculants on productivity parameter and economics of chickpea during rabi season of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at students instructional farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur. The experiment consists of 18 treatments combinations in factorial randomized block design with three replications consisted of three levels of phosphorous (30, 60 and 90 kg ha-1), three chloropyriphos levels (0, 2.5 and 4.0 ml L-1) and two rhizobium inoculation levels (with rhizobium and without rhizobium). Chickpea variety RVG-203 was grown with the recommended agronomic practices. On the basis of results emanated from investigation it can be concluded that among the productivity parameters viz. maximum grain yield was 19.76 and 19.88 q ha-1 during the both years of experimentation are associated with the treatment T15 [60 kg P+ 4.0 ml-1 Chloropyriphos with Rhizobium]. Similarly stover yield during first year is 25.26 q ha-1 and second year is 25.94 q ha-1 was associated with the treatment T15 [60 kg P+ 4.0 ml-1 Chloropyriphos with Rhizobium]. Maximum gross return Rs 103908 and Rs 110078, net return Rs 66686 and 72232 and benefit cost ratio (B:C ratio) 1.79 and 1.91 during the first year (2020-21) and second year (2021-22) of experimentation were recorded under treatment T15 [60 kg P+ 4.0 ml-1 Chloropyriphos with Rhizobium], but the maximum cost of cultivation during first year is Rs 38734 and second year is Rs 39358 were recorded under treatment T18 [90 kg P+ 4.0 ml-1 Chloropyriphos with Rhizobium].
Impact on Soil Health under Organic Nutrient Management in Transplanted Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)
Authors: Aravind S. Ashokh , Kumar N. Senthil , Hemalatha M. , Paramasivan M.
Published: September 2022

Background: Finger millet being highly nutritious and easy to digest is one of the important crops grown in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Organic farming is gaining importance among the farmers with increasing yield, improving the quality of grains, and maintaining soil quality. Since the land availability is decreasing with increasing population. Finger millet has great scope under organic cultivation which could result in increased soil condition.

Methodology: A field trial was performed at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam, Tuticorin, TNAU, Tamil Nadu from 2019 to 2020 during the rabi season to evaluate the performance of various organic sources concerning the soil properties changes. The study was conducted with an RBD design. Treatments include solid manures and liquid organics combination and their performance was evaluated. Finger millet - Co (Ra) 15 was used as a test variety. Soil health represents the soil properties generally including pH, EC, organic carbon content, N, P, and K levels, and also the soil microbial population.

Results and Discussion: From the study, it was found that the application of 100 percent of nitrogen through poultry with foliar application of panchagavya at 30 and 45 DAT gave better yield and also enriched the soil fertility status.

Conclusion: 100% N through Poultry manure and 3% panchagavya foliar spray at 30 & 45 DAT in transplanted finger millet gave increased soil health with higher soil properties. Thus, Organic farming proved to be an eco-friendly management option in finger millet for maintaining good soil health.
Effect of Different Levels of Ferilizers in Combination with Biofertilizers on Biological Properties of Soil under Maize
Authors: Janardhan S. , Prasad P. R. K. , Venkatasubbaiah P. , Venkateswarlu B. , Ramesh D.
Published: September 2022

A field experiment entitled “Effect of different levels of fertilizers in combination with biofertilizers on biological properties of soil under maize” was conducted at Agriculture College Farm, Bapatla, during both kharif 2020 and 2021. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with seven treatments and replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of T1- Control; T2- 100% RDF; T3- 125% RDF; T4 – 100% RDF + VAM; T5- 100% RDF +VAM + Azospirillum + PSB; T6- 75% RDF + VAM; T7- 75 % RDF + VAM + Azospirillum + PSB. The results revealed that microbial activity (Bacteria, Fungi and Actinomycetes) and enzyme activity (Urease, Dehydrogenase, Acid phosphatase and Alkaline phosphatase) of maize were significantly higher with 100% RDF +VAM + Azospirillum + PSB (T5) at kneehigh, tasseling and harvest stages of maize crop during kharif 2020 and 2021. Lowest microbial activity and enzyme activity were recorded with the T1(control) which received no fertilizers at all the three stages of crop growth during both the years of study. Present study highlights the need of use of biofertilizers along with inorganic fertilizers to enhance microbial activity and improve soil health.
Effect of Pre-and Post-Emergence Herbicides Application on Weed Flora, Yield, and Economics in Kharif Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Khanadale Siddanna , Sharma Jai Dev , Mandra Durga Bhavani , Tuppad Pramod , Karad Shrivtsa , Veerbhadrayya M.
Published: September 2022

Nowadays labor charges have significantly increased the production cost of maize in India. Hence, to overcome this problem a field experiment entitled “Effect of pre-and post-emergence herbicides on weed flora, yield and economics in Kharif maize (Zea mays L.)” was conducted at Crop Research Center, ITM University, Gwalior during the Kharif season of 2021. The texture of the experimental field was sandy loam, having a pH of 7.6, organic carbon of 0.34, and available N, P2O5, and K2O of 164, 19.6 and 416.7 kg/ha, respectively. The field experiment was laid out in RBD (Randomized Block Design) with nine treatments and three replications. The results showed that among the herbicide treatments a significant reduction in the total weed density and dry matter of different weed flora were recorded with Atrazine 50% WP 1000 g/ha PE fb Topramezone 33.6% SC 25.2 g/ha POE, and found at par with Metribuzin 70% WP 400 g/ha fb Topramezone 33.6% SC 25.2 g/ha. Concerning the yield of maize, Atrazine 50% WP PE fb Topramezone 33.6% SC POE 1000 fb 25.2 g/ha, recorded significantly higher values of grain yield and stover yield of maize, as compared to other herbicide treatments. It may be concluded that Atrazine 50% WP1000 g/ha PE fb Topramezone 33.6% SC 25.2 g/ha POE, recorded highest WCE (91.25%) and superior with respect to grain yield of maize (5365 kg/ha) and economics (Net return Rs. 84377 and BCR Rs. 2.36) over all the weed control treatments.
Screening of Genotypes for Drought Tolerance Using PEG 6000 in Different Landraces of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Sathyabharathi B. , Nisha C. , Jaisneha J. , Nivetha V. , Aathira B. , Ashok S. , Sarankumar C. , Sampath S.
Published: September 2022

Drought stress restricts crop productivity in the face of climate change. The loss of water resources for food production is a global concern as the world's population continues to expand. Drought-tolerant cultivars must be developed to assure food and nutritional security. The drought response of rice landraces is poorly understood. Rice genotypes Sengalpattu sirumani, Mappillai sambha, N22, and IR64 were used to standardize drought stress using polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000). The PEG 6000 concentration which caused 50% mortality in the experiment was -0.8 MPa and this was used to impose drought stress to evaluate the total set of rice genotypes in the laboratory of the Department of Crop Physiology, Adhiparasakthi Agricultural College. The experiments were carried out by a factorial randomized complete block design in five replications. Germination percentage, shoot length, root length, vigor index, chlorophyll content, and proline content were used to screen and select the rice landraces. The rice landraces Sengalpattu sirumani, Poongar, Karuppukavuni, and Iluppaipoo sambha recorded higher germination percentages under drought stress conditions. It was observed from the physiological and biochemical parameters in the present study that the landraces Sengalpattu sirumani, Poongar, Karuppukavuni, and Iluppaipoo sambha withstood drought stress at the seedling stage. Furthermore, These four rice landraces could be used as donor parents in the breeding program to develop drought-tolerant rice varieties.
Genetic Variability and Character Association for Grain Yield Components in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Reddy Yeruva Venkata Subba , Lal Gaibriyal M. , Babu Kaja Yesu , Kumar Bheeram Vinod , Reddy Sirigireddy Ganga Maheshwar
Published: September 2022

The present investigation was carried out to assess the genetic variability parameters, correlation and path analysis in twenty-one maize genotypes for sixteen quantitative traits Kharif seasons at Field Experimentation Centre, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Uttar Pradesh in Randomized Block Design replicated thrice. Analysis of variance for all sixteen quantitative characters revealed that treatment differences were highly significant under study at 1% level in Kharif season. The present investigation objective was oriented to calculate and estimate yield traits through analyzing the mean performance, variability, expected genetic advance, correlation coefficient and path analysis involving the yield attributing characters. Among 21 genotypes, BML-13 (109.67), MGW-376 (108.93) genotypes were found to be superior for grain yield per plant over the check (Shaktiman-5). GCV for all the characters were less than PCV, indicating the influence of environmental component on the expression of the character.  High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent mean in the present genotypes was recorded for traits plant height, ear height, grain rows per cob, cob weight, biological yield per plant, 100 grain weight, grain yield per plant. Path coefficient and Correlation analysis revealed that ear height, cob length, cob girth, grain rows per cob, grains per row, number of cobs per plant, cob weight and biological yield per plant had positive correlation and direct effects with grain yield per plant. Therefore, it is concluded that effective selection must be attempted for these traits which would help in improvement of grain yield in maize genotypes.
Nature of Knowledge in Philosophy
Authors: Baruwa Ikeoluwapo B. , Shutaleva Anna
Published: September 2022

This article is devoted to the philosophical study of the conditions under which knowledge can become a component or tool of education. The presentation of the contribution of epistemology to human development and education is based on addressing issues such as the nature of knowledge, sources of knowledge, theories, and criteria of truth. We proceed from the idea that knowledge is a condition of education. Particular attention is paid to the issue of distinguishing between such types of knowledge as 'knowing how’ and ‘knowing that'. Educational practices open a common foundation that unites the life world of people, types of sociality, and hermeneutical practices. The epistemological approach to the question of the essence of knowledge assumes that knowledge meets three requirements, namely, knowledge must be objective, subjective, and evidentiary. Epistemology includes subjectivity as the basis of human existence in the natural world and the world with others. Intersubjectivity is considered a criterion for the reliability of knowledge about the world, which allows asserting the relationship of the objective with the subjective.
Erasing Shame in Sexuality
Authors: Kutscher Eric
Published: September 2022

In this narrative medicine essay, an addiction medicine fellow’s encounter with a man feeling shame for contracting monkeypox reaffirms his initial desire to pursue medicine—to “help eradicate prejudice in health care.”
Ion Soft‐Landing of Permanently Charged Molecular Ions and Their Charge Retention on Surfaces
Authors: Warneke Jonas , Knorke Harald , Charvat Ales , Warneke Klaus G.
Published: September 2022

Ion soft‐landing, also often called “preparative mass spectrometry,” is a method that allows the deposition of mass‐selected ions onto surfaces without fragmentation. This technique is usually performed using a conductive deposition target. Generally, charge transfer to the surface results in the neutralization of the deposited ions. However, charge retention of the ions can also occur if the deposited ions are electronically very stable or the surface is covered by an insulating layer. The aim of this article is to introduce the reader to fundamental physical models, including detailed mathematical deviations, which contribute to the understanding of the interaction between a layer of deposited ions and approaching ions. First, a historical overview of the experimental evidence for charge retention of soft‐landed ions is given and the classes of molecular ions predominantly used in these studies are introduced. Subsequently, physical models are introduced, considering the influence of a variety of parameters including surface size, ionic layer size, distance between deposited ions, and thickness of insulating layers. Finally, the effects which become important above the monolayer coverage of ions are discussed.
Systemic Delivery of mPEG‐Masked Trispecific T‐Cell Nanoengagers in Synergy with STING Agonists Overcomes Immunotherapy Resistance in TNBC and Generates a Vaccination Effect
Authors: Shen Ming , Chen Chuanrong , Guo Qianqian , Wang Quan , Liao Jinghan , Wang Liting , Yu Jian , Xue Man , Duan Yourong , Zhang Jiali
Published: September 2022

T‐cell engagers (TCEs) represent a breakthrough in hematological malignancy treatment but are vulnerable to antigen escape and lack a vaccination effect. The “immunologically cold” solid tumor presents substantial challenges due to intratumor heterogeneity and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, a methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG)‐masked CD44×PD‐L1/CD3 trispecific T‐cell nanoengager loaded with the STING agonist c‐di‐AMP (CDA) (PmTriTNE@CDA) for the treatment of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is rationally designed. PmTriTNE@CDA shows tumor‐specific accumulation and is preferentially unmasked in response to a weakly acidic TME to prevent on‐target off‐tumor toxicity. The unmasked CD44×PD‐L1/CD3 trispecific T‐cell nanoengager (TriTNE) targets dual tumor‐associated antigens (TAAs) to redirect CD8+ T cells for heterogeneous TNBC lysis while achieving PD‐L1 blockade. PmTriTNE synergized with CDA to transform the cold tumor into a hot tumor, eradicate the large established TNBC tumor, and induce protective immune memory in a 4T1 orthotopic tumor model without causing obvious toxicity. PmTriTNE@CDA shows potent efficacy in cell line‐derived xenograft (CDX) and patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models. This study serves as a proof‐of‐concept demonstration of a nanobased TCEs strategy to expand therapeutic combinations that previously could not be achieved due to systemic toxicity with the aim of overcoming TNBC heterogeneity and immunotherapy resistance.
Big and strong or small and beautiful: Effects of organization size on the performance of farmer cooperatives in China
Authors: Liang Qiao , Bai Rongrong , Jin Zhi , Fu Linlin
Published: September 2022

The relationship between organization size and performance is widely discussed in relation to companies, yet related discussion of farmer cooperatives is limited. This study maps the membership size distribution of farmer cooperatives in China and explores the effects of membership size on the economic performance of cooperatives. A panel dataset of the census of farmer cooperatives in China from 2014 to 2019 is used for the empirical analyses. First, the Pareto indices of farmer cooperatives' size distribution are calculated, and the results feature the dominance of small cooperatives and the underdevelopment of large cooperatives. Second, membership size has a positive effect on the total profit of cooperatives. Third, the impact of membership size on the profit per member displays an inverted “U” pattern, and the optimal membership size is 19 members. These effects are heterogeneous across product categories and cooperative ages. The robustness of the results is confirmed by alternative key explanatory indicators and estimation methods. [EconLit Citations: Q13, L25].
Quantitative and Real‐Time Control of 3D Printing Material Flow Through Deep Learning
Authors: Brion Douglas A. J. , Pattinson Sebastian W.
Published: September 2022

3D printing could revolutionize manufacturing through local and on‐demand production while enabling uniquely complex and custom products. However, 3D printing's propensity for production errors prevents autonomous operation and the quality assurance necessary to realize this vision. Human operators cannot continuously monitor or correct errors in real time, while automated approaches predominantly only detect errors. New methodologies correct parameters either offline or with slow response times and poor prediction granularity, limiting their utility. A commonly available 3D printing process metadata is harnessed, alongside the video of the printing process, to build a unique image dataset. Regression models are trained to precisely predict how printing material flow should be altered to correct errors and this should be used to build a fast control loop capable of 3D printing parameter discovery and few‐shot correction. Demonstrations show that the system can learn optimal parameters for unseen complex materials, and achieve rapid error correction on new parts. Similar metadata exists in many manufacturing processes and this approach could enable the adoption of fast data‐driven control systems more widely in manufacturing.
Adenovirus disease after hematopoietic cell transplantation: A Japanese transplant registry analysis
Authors: Inamoto Yoshihiro , Takeda Wataru , Hirakawa Tsuneaki , Sakaguchi Hirotoshi , Nakano Nobuaki , Uchida Naoyuki , Doki Noriko , Ikegame Kazuhiro , Katayama Yuta , Sawa Masashi , Kuriyama Takuro , Hiramoto Nobuhiro , Ota Shuichi , Ozawa Yukiyasu , Kataoka Keisuke , Kanda Yoshinobu , Hino Moeko , Kimura Takafumi , Atsuta Yoshiko , Fukuda Takahiro , Nagafuji Koji
Published: September 2022

We analyzed a Japanese registry database to elucidate the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of adenovirus (AdV) disease after autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in contemporary real‐world patients. We evaluated the cumulative incidence of AdV disease, as well as risk factors, survival, and treatment details, among 25 233 patients who underwent autologous HCT and 48 380 patients who underwent allogeneic HCT between 2005 and 2019. The 1‐year cumulative incidences of AdV disease after autologous and allogeneic HCT were 0.18% and 1.52%, respectively, in children, and 0.49% and 2.99%, respectively, in adults. Among patients with AdV disease, renourinary infection was the most common manifestation, and viremia or disseminated disease occurred in 6% of those after autologous HCT and 19% of those after allogeneic HCT. In multivariate analysis, age ≥50 years and lymphoma were associated with AdV disease after autologous HCT, while patients age ≥50 years, male patients, lymphoma, HCT‐specific comorbidity index ≥3, human leukocyte antigen‐mismatched or haploidentical donors, cord blood, in vivo T‐cell depletion, HCT from 2005 to 2009, acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), and chronic GVHD were associated with AdV disease after allogeneic HCT. The 1‐year probabilities of survival after disease diagnosis were 65% in autologous HCT and 44% in allogeneic HCT. Regardless of the AdV disease burden, there was an increased risk of mortality after both autologous and allogeneic HCT. The most commonly used antiviral agents were cidofovir and vidarabine. The probabilities of improvement and survival with currently available agents were suboptimal. AdV disease after HCT remains a challenge. Better antiviral modalities are necessary.
Short‐term postoperative efficacy of steroid‐eluting stents for eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Wang Chengshuo , Yu Longgang , Chu Xiaohan , Wang Kuiji , Li Jian , Lai Yinyan , Meng Cuida , Wen Weiping , Zhu Dongdong , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Luo
Published: September 2022

Background

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (ECRSwNP) is a refractory clinical phenotype with a high symptom burden and relapse rate. Steroid‐eluting stents are safe and effective for reducing polyp size, symptom burden, and the need for revision sinus surgery. In this study we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of steroid‐eluting stent implantation on the surgical outcomes of patients with ECRSwNP.

Methods

This prospective, multicenter, randomized, intrapatient‐controlled trial recruited patients 18 to 65 years of age with ECRSwNP who required surgery. Ninety‐eight patients were enrolled and randomly implanted with absorbable steroid‐eluting stents containing mometasone furoate in one sinus at the end of surgery. All patients received standard postoperative care and follow‐up. The primary outcome was the Lund‐Kennedy endoscopic score within 12 weeks postsurgery. Secondary outcomes included nasal symptoms scores, nasal resistance, acoustic rhinometry, nasal nitric oxide levels, 3‐dimensional volumetric computed tomography scores, and eosinophil counts in the ethmoid mucosa.

Results

Ninety‐five patients completed the trial. At postoperative weeks 4, 8, and 12, the Lund‐Kennedy scores were significantly lower on the treatment side than on the control side (all p < 0.01). Compared with the treatment side, the control side exhibited higher tissue eosinophilia at week 4 and higher volumetric, nasal obstruction, and total nasal symptom scores at postoperative week 8 (p = 0.011, p = 0.011, p < 0.01, and p = 0.001, respectively). No adrenal cortical suppression or serious side effects were observed.

Conclusion

Steroid‐eluting stents reduce postoperative sinus mucosal edema, and eosinophilic inflammation, with persistent effects after stent disintegration, and are a good supplementary postsurgical treatment in patients with ECRSwNP.
Dual‐Network Structured Hydrogel Electrolytes Engaged Solid‐State Rechargeable Zn‐Air/Iodide Hybrid Batteries
Authors: Liu Qingqing , Xia Chenfeng , He Chaohui , Guo Wei , Wu Zi Ping , Li Zhen , Zhao Qiang , Xia Bao Yu
Published: September 2022

As a key component of batteries, the electrolyte determines the ion transport and interface chemistry of the cathode and anode. In this work, we develop a dual‐network structured hydrogel electrolyte composed of polyacrylamide (PAM), sodium alginate (SA) and potassium iodide (KI) for solid‐state zinc‐air/iodide hybrid batteries. The assembled hybrid battery shows excellent renewability and a long cycling life of 110 h with a high energy efficiency of 80 %. The ion‐crosslinked dual‐network structure endows the material with improved mechanical strength and increased ionic conductivity. More importantly, the introduction of iodine species not only offers more favorable cathodic kinetics of iodide/iodate redox than oxygen electrocatalysis but also regulates the solvation structure of zinc ions to ensure better interface stability. This work provides significant concepts for developing novel solid‐state electrolytes to realize high‐performance energy devices and technologies.
Surface‐Exposed Single‐Ni Atoms with Potential‐Driven Dynamic Behaviors for Highly Efficient Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Zhao Yafei , Lu Xue Feng , Fan Guilan , Luan Deyan , Gu Xiaojun , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: September 2022

Trapping the active sites on the exterior surface of hollow supports can reduce mass transfer resistance and enhance atomic utilization. Herein, we report a facile chemical vapor deposition strategy to synthesize single‐Ni atoms decorated hollow S/N‐doped football‐like carbon spheres (Ni SAs@S/N‐FCS). Specifically, the CdS@3‐aminophenol/formaldehyde is carbonized into S/N‐FCS. The gas‐migrated Ni species are anchored on the surface of S/N‐FCS simultaneously, yielding Ni SAs@S/N‐FCS. The obtained catalyst exhibits outstanding performance for alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with an overpotential of 249 mV at 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 56.5 mV dec−1, and ultra‐long stability up to 166 hours without obvious fading. Moreover, the potential‐driven dynamic behaviors of Ni‐N4 sites and the contribution of the S dopant at different locations in the matrix to the OER activity are revealed by the operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and theoretical calculations, respectively.
Generation of Tunable Ultrastrong White‐Light Emission by Activation of a Solid Supramolecule through Bromonaphthylpyridinium Polymerization
Authors: Hu Yu‐Yang , Dai Xian‐Yin , Dong Xiaoyun , Huo Man , Liu Yu
Published: September 2022

Herein, we reported solid supramolecular bromonaphthylpyridinium polymers (P‐BrNp), which exhibit tunable phosphorescence emission in the amorphous state enabled by sulfobutylether‐β‐cyclodextrin (SBE‐β‐CD) and diarylethene derivatives. The monomer BrNp gave single fluorescence emission at 490 nm, while an apparent room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) at 550 nm emerged for P‐BrNp copolymers with various feed ratios. Through fluorescence‐phosphorescence dual emission, P‐BrNp‐0.1 displayed an ultrahigh white‐light emission quantum yield of 83.9 %. Moreover, the subsequent assembly with SBE‐β‐CD further enhanced the phosphorescent quantum yield of P‐BrNp‐0.1 from 64.1 % to 71.3 %, accompanied by the conversion of photoluminescence emission from white to yellow. Diarylethene monomers were introduced as photoswitches to realize reversible RTP emission, which can be used in switchable data encryption and multifunctional writing ink.
Quantifying shell patterning helps identify species of Trionychidae
Authors: Pamfilie Alexandra M. , Espinal Milka D. , Vitek Natasha S.
Published: September 2022

Softshell turtles (Trionychidae) display characteristic pits and ridges, or “sculpturing,” on the bony carapace. Variation in sculpturing pattern may be useful in classifying fossilized shell fragments. Although past attempts could discern qualitative differences in certain best‐case scenarios, many early taxonomic uses of sculpturing traits have been reevaluated as unreliable in the face of intraspecific variation. The potential of sculpturing to contain consistently reliable, quantitative, taxonomically informative traits remains underexplored. Here, we revisit this idea by quantifying trionychid shell patterning with topographic measurement techniques more commonly applied to nonhomologous quantification of mammalian teeth and geographic surface topography. We assess potential sources of variation and accuracy of these metrics for species identification. Carapaces of extant specimens used in this study included members of the speciesApalone ferox,Apalone spinifera, andAmyda cartilagineaand were obtained from the herpetology collections of the Florida Museum of Natural History. 3D scans of shells were systematically sampled to create digital “fragments.” These fragments were quantified using three topographic measurements: Dirichlet Normal Energy (DNE), Relief Index (RFI), and Orientation Patch Count Rotated (OPCR). A nested MANOVA suggests there is significant variation at the species, individual, and carapace location levels of analysis. Linear discriminant analysis correctly predicts a sample's species identity from DNE, RFI, and OPCR 75.2% of the time. These promising results indicate that topographic measures may provide a method for identifying shell fragments that are currently identifiable only as Trionychidae indet. Future work should explore this approach in additional species and account for ontogenetic changes.
Ontogeny of the meniscus in the anuran Xenopus laevis
Authors: Lazarte María de los Ángeles , Manzano Adriana , Sanchez Romel S. , Abdala Virginia
Published: September 2022

The anuran knee joint is subjected to the jump, one of the tetrapods' most demanding mechanical stresses. Consistent with this continuous effort, the knee of the anurans has a complex structure comparable to that of an amniote. Here, we describe the ontogeny of the Xenopus knee tissues and study the morphogenesis of the knee joint shape by performing a geometric morphometric analysis of specially selected anatomical structures: the menisci and the long bone epiphyses. A meniscus is a crescent‐shaped fibrocartilaginous structure, with a triangular cross‐section inserted between joints surfaces. A meniscus transmits load across the tibiofemoral joint by increasing congruity of the long bone epiphysis and decreasing the resulting stress exerted on the articular cartilage. We ask two questions: (1) what is the tissue composition along the ontogeny of the menisci of a swimming frog? (2) How do the menisci acquire the shape that will allow their adjustment? We studied the structures and tissue ontogeny of the knee of several specimens of Xenopus laevis and evaluated the congruity of the knee structures across the species ontogeny. Histological sections showed that the cavitation process responsible for separating the menisci and the epiphyses seems to be pivotal in shaping the conformity of these structures and the long bone epiphyses of the hindlimbs. The geometric morphometric analysis allowed us to interpret three phases of differentiation associated with limb functionality. The characteristic shape of the meniscus appears early in the ontogeny of the knee, simultaneously with the epiphysis contours.
Korrosionsmonitoring zum Wirksamkeitsnachweis des Instandsetzungsverfahrens 8.3 (W‐Cl)
Authors: Wunderle‐Beck Julia , Mayer Till Felix , Zausinger Christoph , Gehlen Christoph
Published: September 2022

Die Instandsetzung von chloridbedingten Korrosionsschäden an der Park‐ und Verkehrsinfrastruktur verursacht bundesweit jährlich Kosten von mehreren Milliarden Euro. Neben den unmittelbaren Kosten sind Instandsetzungen an Parkbauwerken in der Regel zusätzlich mit erheblichen sekundären Kosten durch Nutzungsbeeinträchtigungen und damit einhergehenden Einnahmeausfällen verbunden. Vor diesem Hintergrund besteht ein großer Bedarf an Instandsetzungsverfahren, die eine wirtschaftliche und schnelle Instandsetzung chloridbeaufschlagter Bauteile ermöglichen. Einen möglichen Lösungsansatz stellt das Instandsetzungsverfahren W‐Cl gemäß RL‐SIB [1] bzw. Verfahren 8.3 gemäß TR‐IH [2] dar, bei dem auf einen Abtrag des chloridbelasteten Betons vollständig verzichtet wird. Allerdings ist dieses Instandsetzungsverfahren – in Abhängigkeit von den Randbedingungen – mit einem wesentlich höheren Risiko als konventionelle Instandsetzungsvarianten verbunden, weshalb seine Anwendung nach Regelwerk nur in Verbindung mit einem geeigneten Monitoringsystem zur Überwachung der Korrosionsaktivität und Verifizierung des Instandsetzungserfolgs vorgesehen ist. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden die Ergebnisse einer Studie zur Wirksamkeit des Verfahrens 8.3 im Rissbereich an insgesamt 130 Korrosionssensoren aus fünf instand gesetzten Bauwerken dargestellt. Zunächst wird das verwendete Monitoringsystem zur Überwachung der Korrosionsaktivitäten erläutert. Im Anschluss werden verschiedene Kriterien zum quantitativen Nachweis des Instandsetzungserfolgs vorgestellt und verglichen. Abschließend werden die Daten hinsichtlich der Wirkmechanismen und der Anwendungsgrenzen des Instandsetzungsverfahrens 8.3 diskutiert.
New Meanings in the Archive: Privacy, Technological Change and the Status of Sources**
Authors: Bangham Jenny
Published: September 2022

This essay reflects on how technological changes in biomedicine can affect what archival sources are available for historical research. Historians and anthropologists have examined the ways in which old biomedical samples can be made to serve novel scientific purposes, such as when decades‐old frozen tissue specimens are analyzed using new genomic techniques. Those uses are also affected by shifting ethical regimes, which affect who can do what with old samples, or whether anything can be done with them at all. Archival collections are subject to similar dynamics, as institutional change and shifts in ethical guidelines and privacy laws affect which sources can be accessed and which are closed. I witnessed just such a change during my research into human genetics using archives in the Wellcome Collection. A few years into my project, those archives had their privacy conditions reassessed, and I saw how some sources previously seen as neutral were now understood to contain personal sensitive information. This paper describes the conditions of this shift—including the effects of technological change, new ethical considerations, and changing laws around privacy. I reflect on how these affected my understanding of the history of human genetics, and how I and others might narrate it.
The Politics of Sources Meets the Practices of the Librarian: An Interview with Esther Chen**
Authors: Chen Esther , Keuck Lara , Nickelsen Kärin
Published: September 2022

[I] want to single out one phenomenon that could be called the ‘politics of sources’. It points to the extent to which the histories that both scientists and historians can write are artifacts of the available sources. The Rockefeller Foundation not only opened its archives very early on for historical work but also invested a lot in making the archives readily available for historical exploration. During the 1980s, many young historians took advantage of this opportunity. Thus, in a relatively early phase of the professional historiography of molecular biology, one could have gained the impression that the development of the new biology as a whole was a bio‐politically directed enterprise of the Rockefeller Foundation sustained by the vision that social processes could ultimately be controlled by biological processes.
An exploratory human study of superstable homogeneous lipiodol–indocyanine green formulation for precise surgical navigation in liver cancer
Authors: He Pan , Xiong Yongfu , Luo Bin , Liu Jianming , Zhang Yang , Xiong Yu , Su Song , Fang Cheng , Peng Yisheng , Cheng Hongwei , Chu Chengchao , Mao Jingsong , Li Jingdong , Li Bo , Yin Zhenyu , Tian Jie , Liu Gang
Published: September 2022

The clinical applications of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) conversion therapy combined with hepatectomy have been severely restricted by ill‐defined tumoral boundaries and miniscule hidden lesions. Fluorescent surgical navigation is a promising method for overcoming these barriers. However, sufficient delivery of the fluorescent probe into the tumor region after long‐term TAE is challenging due to blockade of the tumor‐supplying artery. Here, a super‐stable homogeneous intermix formulating technology (SHIFT) to physically mix lipiodol and indocyanine green (ICG) formulation (SHIFT and ICG) for fluorescent surgical navigation after long‐term TAE conversion therapy is provided. Through the retrospective study of 45 clinical liver cancer patients, it is found that SHIFT and ICG formulation have excellent tumor deposition effect and safety. During surgical resection after long‐term TAE conversion therapy, SHIFT and ICG could clearly identify in real time the full tumor regions and boundaries and had a high signal‐to‐normal tissues ratio—even the indistinguishable satellite lesions could be identified with a strong fluorescence intensity. Meanwhile, SHIFT and ICG could improve operative, anesthetic, and postoperative variables associated with postoperative complications. This simple and effective SHIFT could provide precise fluorescent navigation for surgical resection following long‐term embolization therapy in clinical practice and has great potential for a translational pipeline.