bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical studies on optical absorption in twisted bilayer graphene under vertical electric field
Authors: Zhou Chang , Gong Rui , Feng Xiao-Bo ,   School of Physics and Electronic Information, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China,   Yunnan Key Laboratory of Opto-electronic Information Technology, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China,   Key Laboratory of Advanced Technique & Preparation for Renewable Energy Materials, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
Published: March 2022

The interlayer twist angle is an important parameter that can tune the physical properties of graphene in a wide wavelength range. In this paper, we employ an effective continuum model to calculate the band structure of twisted bilayer graphene with different twist angles in the presence and absence of vertical electric field. Based on the transition rate of the electron-photon interaction, we calculate and simulate the optical absorption spectra caused by the interband and intraband transitions around the van Hove singularities. The calculation results show that the optical absorption caused by the interband transitions occurs in the wavelength range from visible light to near-infrared while it appears in far-infrared for intraband transitions. The optical absorption coefficient of the intra-band transitions is almost two orders of magnitude larger than that of inter-band transitions. In the absence of an external electric field, as the twist angle increases, the absorption peak of the inter band transition moves from the infrared light band to the visible light band, but the resonant peak position of its intra-band transition does not change. At the same time, the absorption coefficient values corresponding to the above two transitions will increase. When an electric field is applied perpendicular to the twisted bilayer graphene, the symmetry of the initial band structure of bilayer graphene is destroyed, which results in the splitting of the absorption peaks associated the with interband transitions, and the distance between the two splitting peaks increases with the electric field intensity increasing; while the position and amplitude of the absorption peak associated with the intraband transition are completely unaffected by the applied electric field. The theoretical calculation results in this paper can provide the theoretical guidance for further applying twisted graphene to optoelectronic devices such as tunable dual-band filters.
Non-metallic atom doped GaN nanotubes: Electronic structure, transport properties, and gate voltage regulating effects
Authors: Tang Jia-Xin , Fan Zhi-Qiang , Deng Xiao-Qing , Zhang Zhen-Hua ,   Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronic Materials Genome Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, China
Published: March 2022

GaN is known as the third generation of semiconductor and holds promising applications. In this present work, one-dimensional zigzag nanotubes derived from GaN are studied in depth, mainly focusing on their chemical bondings, electronic structures, transport properties, and the regulating effects under gate voltage for nanotubes doped with low-concentration non-metallic atoms in main-groups IIIA-VIIA. Some important findings are obtained, such as the chemical bonds around a heteroatom atom, and their average bond length, binding energy, and chemical formation energy are closely related to the atomic number (the atomic radius), and the charge transfer between heteroatom and nanotubes is directly related to their relative electronegativity. More importantly, we find that although the intrinsic nanotube is a semiconductor, when it is doped with non-metallic atoms, the electronic phase of nanotube possesses an obvious odd-even effect. Namely, after being doped by hetero-atoms in main-groups IIIA, VA, VIIA, nanotubes are semiconductors, but they becomes metals after having been doped with hetero-atoms in main-groups IVA and VIA. This phenomenon has a close relation with the lone-paired electronic state. And also, It is found that with atom doping, the difference between carriers’ mobilities (the hole mobility and electron mobility) of semiconducting tubes can be regulated to reach one order of magnitude, especially the hole mobility and electron mobility can be obviously enhanced by a higher gate voltage. For example, when the gate voltage is increased to 18 V, the hole mobility rises nearly 20 times compared with the case without gate voltage.
Analysis of influence of spatial distribution error of directional infrared light on temperature field of cryogenic targets
Authors: Guo Fu-Cheng , Li Cui , Li Yan-Zhong ,   School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Published: March 2022

For an inertial-confinement-fusion cryogenic target, the fusion ice layer inside the capsule should have a uniformity more than 99% and an inner surface roughness less than 1 μm (root mean square) to avoid Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities. And this highly smooth ice layer required for ignition is generated in the presence of volumetric heat and affected by the thermal environment around the capsule. For the D2 fuel targets, the uniformity of the fusion ice layer inside the capsule is consistent with the uniformity of the surface temperature around the capsule, and the latter can be controlled by directional infrared illumination. A major challenge of directional infrared illumination is the precision of directional infrared spatial distribution. In this paper, a numerical model coupling the directional infrared tracking and temperature field calculation is proposed and validated by experimental results. A three-dimensional physical model of the cryogenic target is used to study the influences of different forms of directional infrared spatial distribution errors on the temperature uniformity of the capsule. The results show that the eccentricity of IR band axis has the worst effect on the temperature uniformity of the capsule, followed by the distance between both IR bands, and the width of the IR band has the least effect on the temperature uniformity of the capsule. Therefore, the eccentricity of IR band axis should be avoided in experiment to ensure the uniformity of the temperature of the capsule, further ensuring the uniformity of the fuel ice layer inside the capsule.
Thermodynamic functions of toroidal black holes
Authors: 管韵  , 王波波
Published: March 2022

The thermodynamic functions of toroidal black holes are investigated in this paper by taking the cosmological constant as a dynamic variable equivalent to the pressure. The equation of state and the Smarr relation of a toroidal black hole are given. Then, the Gibbs function is obtained by calculating the Euclidian action. Further we study other thermodynamic functions of the toroidal black hole, such as, the free energy, internal energy and thermodynamic enthalpy. The heat capacities of the toroidal black hole at constant pressure and constant volume are obtained as well. The results show that toroidal black holes have no van der Waals type phase transition. Toroidal black hole is a stable thermodynamic system because its constant pressure heat capacity is greater than zero and constant volume heat capacity is equal to zero.
Line identification of extreme ultraviolet spectra of Mo V to Mo XVIII in EAST tokamak
Authors: Zhang Wen-Min , Zhang Ling , Cheng Yun-Xin , Wang Zheng-Xiong , Hu Ai-Lan , Duan Yan-Min , Zhou Tian-Fu , Liu Hai-Qing ,   School of Physics, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China,   Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China,   Science Island Branch of Granduate Suchool, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
Published: March 2022

The presence of high-Z impurities in magnetically confined fusion devices has different influences on the confinement property of the plasma due to the high cooling rate of high-Z impurities. The first wall of EAST is equipped with molybdenum tiles, molybdenum particles sputtered from inevitable plasma-wall interaction enter into the plasma and become high-Z impurity. In this paper, four fast-time-response extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectrometers, a system which is upgraded in the EAST 2021 campaign, are used to monitor the line emission from impurity ions in the 5–500 Å wavelength range simultaneously. The in-situ wavelength calibration is carried out accurately using several well-known emission lines of low- and medium-Z impurity ions. The observed spectral lines are carefully identified based on the National Institute of Standards Technology (NIST) database, previously published experimental data and the time evolution of the normalized line intensity of emission lines from impurity ions. At the lower electron temperature (Te0 = 1.5 keV), the EUV spectra emitted from molybdenum ions in the range of 5–485 Å are systematically identified in EAST discharges accompanied with spontaneous sputtering events. As a result, two unresolved transition arrays of molybdenum spectra composed of Mo19+-Mo24+ (Mo XX-Mo XXV) and Mo16+-Mo29+ (Mo XVII-Mo XXX) are observed in the ranges of 15–30 Å and 65–95 Å. In addition, several spectral lines of lower molybdenum ions of Mo4+-Mo17+ (Mo V-Mo XVIII) in the ranges of 27–60 Å and 120–485 Å are observed and identified on EAST for the first time, including a few strong and isolated forbidden and resonant lines, e.g. Mo XII at 329.414 Å, 336.639 Å and 381.125 Å, Mo XIII at 340.909 Å and 352.994 Å, Mo XIV at 373.647 Å and 423.576 Å, Mo XV at 50.448 Å, 57.927 Å and 58.832 Å. Six spectral lines are newly observed in the range of 27–32 Å, i.e. (27.21 ± 0.01) Å, (27.37 ± 0.01) Å, (28.99 ± 0.01) Å, (30.81 ± 0.01) Å, (31.54 ± 0.01) Å and (31.83 ± 0.01) Å, which may be Mo XV-Mo XVIII spectral lines. As a result, twelve strong and isolated spectral lines are chosen in routine observation for impurity transport physical study. The identification of these spectral lines not only enriches the molybdenum atom database, but also provides a solid experimental data base for magnetically confined devices to study the behavior and transport in core and edge plasmas of high-Z impurity.
Design of NbOx memristive neuron and its application in spiking neural networks
Authors: Gu Ya-Na , Liang Yan , Wang Guang-Yi , Xia Chen-Yang ,   School of Electronic Information, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China,   Jiangsu Provincial Laboratory of Electrical and Automation Engineering for Coal Mining, School of Electrical Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Published: March 2022

NbOx memristors show great application prospect in neuromorphic computing due to its nanoscale size, threshold switching, and locally active properties. The in-depth analysis and study of NbOx memristors’s dynamic properties are beneficial to the design and optimization of memristive neuron circuits. In this paper, based on the local active theory, the physical model of NbOx memristor is studied by using the small signal analysis method, and the region and conditions of the peak oscillation are quantitatively analyzed, and the quantitative relationship between the excitation signal amplitude and the peak frequency is determined. Based on the above theoretical analysis, NbOx memristor neurons are further designed and combined with the memristive synaptic crisscross array in order to construct a 25×10 spiking neural network (SNN). Finally, the recognitional function of digital 0 to 9 patterns is effectively realized by using frequency coding and time coding respectively.
Morphological description and molecular identification ofMyxobolus dajiangensisn. sp. (Myxozoa: Myxobolidae) from the gill ofCyprinus carpioin southwest China
Authors: Wang Miao-miao , Zhang Jin-ye , Zhao Yuan-jun
Published: March 2022

Background

Myxosporean diversity is a hot topic since they are difficult to accurately identify and classify. ManyMyxobolusparasites have been named asMyxobolus koibecause of their similar morphological features with the species originally reported. However, the distinctions in fine morphological features, host specificity, and molecular data have given rise to the attention of researchers.

Methods

The classical morphometric and histological methods were used to describe theMyxobolus dajiangensisn. sp. in morphology. The common techniques in modern molecular biology and the methods of phylogenetic analyses were combined to identify the species.

Results

Plasmodia of interlamellar-vascular type were found in the vascular network of gill lamellae. Mature myxospores ofM. dajiangensisn. sp. were elongated and pyriform from the frontal view. The myxospores were 14.8 ± 0.4 (13.9–15.6) µm in length, 8.0 ± 0.5 (7.2–9.1) µm in width, and 5.5 µm in thickness. The two polar capsules were pyriform and slightly different in length. The length of the larger polar capsules was 8.0 ± 0.4 (7.1–8.8) µm, and it was 7.4 ± 0.4 (6.1–8.0) µm for the smaller ones. The width of both polar capsules was 2.5 ± 0.2 (2.0–3.2) µm. The polar filaments within the polar capsules were each coiled nine to 11 turns. Comparative analysis of both the morphological and molecular data between the present speices and other similar species revealed that the present species is a novel species,Myxobolus dajiangensisn. sp. Also,M. koi(FJ710800) was misidentified and the congener withM. dajiangensisn. sp., depending on the secondary structures of SSU rRNA and phylogenetic analysis. Moreover, the cryptic species existed in theM. koiparasites.
EFFECT OF IRON ORE TAILING AND GLASS POWDER ON CONCRETE PROPERTIES
Authors:   Anna university, Chennai (India), P. Dhanabal , K S Sushmitha ,   Reva University, Bangalore (India)
Published: March 2022

The aim of this research is to test the characteristics of concrete by substitute fine aggregate with iron ore tailings and partial glass powder as in the place of cement. Concrete with waste products such as glass powder and iron ore tailings offers technical, economic and environmental advantages. In this experimental investigation, glass powder is replaced with cement by 10%, 20% and 30% and iron ore tailings with fine aggregates by 30% which is the optimum percentage. To study the role of glass powder and iron ore tailings combination in concrete, The properties such compressive strength, flexural strength, tensile strength and also durability parameters likely water absorption investigation for M40 concrete is carried out with different percentages of glass powder by keeping the iron ore tailings percentage constant. At 30% glass powder substitution as cement and sand with IOT increases concrete effectiveness. The concrete with 10% glass powder & 30% iron ore tailings showed a higher strength compared to the conventional mix for 28 days. Concrete mix containing 10% GP and 30% IOT showed higher flexural strength of 5.05 MPa for 28 days. Splitting tensile strength value is also increasing i. e for 10% glass powder and 30% IOT, obtained splitting tensile strength was 4.48 MPa and modulus of elasticity value was has also increased. Water absorption experiment consequences results that water absorption decreases with an increase in GP percentage. The concrete workability tends to decrease when with glass powder content increase. Concrete containing 10% glass powder and 30% IOT showed maximum strength and it is considered as the optimum dosage.
Correlation of Neurocortical Atrophy Scores on Imaging with Mini-Mental Status Examination
Authors: Chatra Kirthan , Mynalli Soujanya , Braggs Anston Vernon
Published: March 2022

Introduction: The term “Cognitive impairment” is used for decline of memory and behaviour, depicting its progressive nature, of which the most common cause is Alzheimer’s followed by vascular injury. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) together have an established role to identify aetiology and also to distinguish normal ageing from demented patients. Final diagnosis by brain biopsy is an invasive method, hence structural MRI scores are used to differentiate and characterise the course and prognosis of disease. Aim: This study was done to correlate the various imaging scores of dementia like Schelten’s, Davies-Mattis-Kipps, Fazekas, Pasquier and Koedam scores with the severity of cognitive impairment on MMSE scores. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study done on 100 patients based on purposive sampling techniques of exclusion and inclusion criteria. All patients above 18 years of age referred for the evaluation of cognitive impairment were included after taking informed and written consent. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Brain was performed using a 1.5 T MRI scanner (PHILIPS ACHIEVA 16 channel system) as per the department protocol. The axis was taken perpendicular to long axis of hippocampus on sagittal, and perpendicular to the commissures intersecting the mamillary bodies on coronal. The MMSE and lobar cortical atrophy scores (Schelten’s, Davies- Mattis-Kipps, Fazekas, Pasquier and Koedam) were recorded for each patient and imaging diagnosis was made. The data was then analysed for statistics. Frequency percentage distribution of range of MMSE, Pearson Coefficient of Correlation and Fisher’s exact test, Chi-squared Test and Sig. (2-tailed) correlation were used. Statistical measurement was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21. Results: There was statistically significant association (p<0.05) between Schelten’s and Mattis imaging scores with MMSE. This determines that there exists relationship between degree of cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration predominantly temporal lobe. However, linear coefficient of correlation (r>0.3) was noted between MMSE severity and Schelten’s, Davies-Mattis-Kipps and Fazekas grading. This determines that there is a moderately positive linear relationship between the two variables. Conclusion: MRI Brain is the investigation of choice in patients with cognitive impairment to categorise the patients based on aetiology and stage the disease that could be misdiagnosed on clinical assessment alone. MRI also diagnoses stage of dementia that affects the prognosis and outcome of the patient. Patients with cognitive impairment irrespective of MMSE score severity need to undergo neuroimaging that helps in improvising patient management at the earliest.
Estimation of Adult Equivalent Scale for Consumption Expenditure of Food and Non-food Items with Special Reference to Fruits and Vegetables in Rural and Urban Households of Junagadh District of Gujarat
Authors: Chavda Haresh , Shiyani R. L.
Published: March 2022

Consumption is an integral part of our life. Consumer patterns change for both micro and macro reasons. The per capita availability of vegetable was 415.76 gms/day and fruits was 228.79 gms/day in 2019-20 in India which was far below the quantity recommended by WHO. Therefore, it is important to understand changing consumption pattern of fruits and vegetables as well as food and non-food items in rural and urban areas.

The present study is based on primary data and hence the household data pertaining to the research study from Junagadh district were collected with the help of interview method. The reference period for the study was year 2019-20 i.e. winter (November-2019 to February-2020), summer (March to June-2020) and monsoon (July to October-2020). The data were analyzed using tabular analysis, regression analysis without intercept for calculating adult equivalent scale (AES)

The estimates of adult equivalent scales for main commodity group for different seasons for rural households revealed that the females in age group of 20-40 years accounted for the maximum expenditure share in total fruits and vegetables (TFV), total food (TF), total non-food (TNF) and total expenditure (TOT) commodities groups in all the seasons.

In urban households, the adolescent (13-20 years) accounted for the largest proportionate share of expenditure in in TFV commodities groups in all the seasons. For TF and TNF commodity groups, 20-40 years male age groups accounted for the highest share in expenditure in winter and summer seasons while adolescent age group (13-20 years) which accounted for the highest expenditure share in summer season. In TOT commodity group, adolescent of 13-20 years accounted for the highest proportionate share of expenditure in winter and summer seasons whereas it was females in age group of (20-40 years in monsoon season.

In overall households, the females in age group of 20-40 years accounted for the maximum expenditure share in TFV commodities groups in winter and summer seasons whereas, it was maximum in monsoon season for the males in age group of 20-40 years. For other commodity groups i.e.TF, TNF and TOT in all seasons, the female in 20-40 years age group accounted for the largest proportionate share of expenditure in different seasons.
Capital Structure and Financial Performance of Quoted Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria
Authors: Rahaman Bala Sani Abdul , Babangida Mohammed Auwal
Published: March 2022

This study examined the influence of capital structure on the financial performance of DMBs in Nigeria. The study sampled 6 (six) out of 24 quoted DMBs in Nigeria as of December 2020, which was arrived at using the Stratified and purposive sampling technique. Financial performance (DV) was proxied by Net Interest Margin. Capital Structure (IV) was proxied by Short Term Debt Ratio and Long-Term Debt Ratio. A panel regression model was employed for data analysis. The analyses exert that, at 5% level of significance, P-values indicates that short-term debt (STDTA = 0.94), TDTA (0.31) have considerable impact on ROA. While long-term debt (LTDTA) has a moderate impact on ROA at 9%. The study recommends that to improve financial performance, banks management should evaluate a tradeoff between SHTD and LGTD when deciding on capital structure.
Characterization and Taxonomic Classification of Soils under a Toposequence Located at North-Eastern Ghat Agro-Climatic Zone of Odisha, India
Authors: Lokya Tupaki , Mishra Antaryami , Saren Subhashis
Published: March 2022

The present investigation was carried out to study the characterization and Taxonomy classification of soils under a Toposequence located at North-Eastern Ghat Agro-Climatic zone of Odisha, India. Three representative pedons of the Nayagarh district located in different topographic positions of upland (pedon 1), medium land (pedon 2) and low land (pedon 3) respectively were studied for their morphology, physico-chemical characteristics and taxonomic classification. Results show that the bulk density and particle density found with higher values in the lower horizon and lower values in the upper horizon. Total porosity values found to be higher in upper horizons and lower in the lower most horizons. The soil pH found to gradually increase with increasing depth in all three pedons. The OC content decreasing along with depth in all the pedons. In pedon 2 and 3, fully developed genetic horizons with distinct sub-horizons within the B horizon. However, in pedon 1, no such horizons are developed. The clay content increases in pedon 2 and 3 from upper sub-horizon to the lower sub horizon of B horizon with increasing depth which could be due to the process of illuviation of clay and development of argillic horizon (Bt). Pedon 1, are classified under order Entisols; while that of pedon 2 and 3 under soil order of Alfisols. Pedon 1, are classified under sub order Orthents, great group Ustorthents and sub group Typic Ustorthents; while that of pedon 2 and 3 are classified under sub order Ustalfs, great group Haplustalfs and sub group Udic Haplustalfs.
Influence of Magnesium in Combination with Organics on the Yield and Uptake of Nutrients by Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Crop in Typic ustropept
Authors: Rajkumar K. , Pandian P. Saravana , Shanmugasundaram R. , Kumutha K. , Gurusamy A.
Published: March 2022

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of magnesium and organic manures on yield and nutrient uptake of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) between 28th Aug 2019 and Jan 2020 in a farmer’s field located at Achchandavilthan village of Srivillipudhur block, Virudhunager district, Tamil nadu. This experiment comprised of fifteen treatment with three replication involving magnesium in combination with organics.The results revealed that the application of MgSO4 at the rate of 50 kg ha-1 along with 250 kg vermicompost for 30 days (1:5 ratio) at critical stages of crop growth along with the Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) based N,P2O5 and K2O registered maximum nutrient uptake of major nutrients Nitrogen (14.25, 23.60 and 43.50 kg ha-1), Phosphorus (6.25,7.80 and 10.34 kg ha-1), Potassium (20.35, 34.50 and 47.45 kg ha-1) 40,70 DAS and harvest stage, secondary nutrient like Calcium(20.54, 33.21 and 69.21 kg ha-1), Magnesium (4.65, 5.75 and 10.50 kg ha-1) 40, 70 Day after sowing (DAS) and harvest stage and micro nutrient Iron (1185.6, 1975.6 and 4865.2 325.80g ha-1), Manganese (380.5, 530.2 and 792.3 325.80 ), Zinc (90.65, 155.72 and 325.60 325.80 ), and Cupper (90.62, 155.70 and 325.80 325.80 ) 40, 70 DAS and harvest stage of crop growth.
Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus spp Isolates Colonizing Some College Students Laboratory Coats
Authors: Jesumirhewe Christiana , Takemebo Vera Ekankumoh , Onyenwe Nathaniel Ejikeme
Published: March 2022

Aim: Laboratory coats may act as fomites for the continued dissemination of antibiotic resistant bacteria. This study aimed at detecting the level and type of antibiotic resistant microorganisms’ on laboratory coats of students of Dora Akunyili College of Pharmacy, Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State. Nigeria.

Place and Duration of Study: Dora Akunyili College of Pharmacy, Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State. Nigeria between September and October, 2020.

Methodology: A total of 20 pharmacy students working in various laboratories in the college were included in the study to evaluate the bacterial contamination of laboratory coats. Swabs were obtained from 3 different areas of the laboratory coat – collar, pocket, and wrist and processed in the Pharmaceutical Microbiology laboratory based on standard microbiological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out on the isolates obtained by Kirby-Bauer method for 10 antibiotics.

Results: This study revealed that 83% of the coats were contaminated with Staphylococcus spp. White coats of male subjects were more contaminated than that of the female subjects and the pockets were sites which had the highest percentage of finding bacteria. Antibiotic sensitivity testing showed isolates on the laboratory coats resistant to cloxacillin, erythromycin, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, augmentin and oxacillin.

Conclusion: The detection of antibiotic resistant isolates of Staphylococcus spp from the laboratory coats of pharmacy college students suggests that the clothing may harbor pathogenic organisms. This study also highlights the importance of laboratory coats as potential source of cross infection.
Comparative Assessment of Iron Deficiency Anaemia among Chronic Kidney Disease Subjects in Niger Delta Nigeria
Authors: Tamunonengiye-ofori Lenox-Prince, , Awortu Zacchaeus Jeremiah, , Mgbeoma Eze Evelyn , Beauty Eruchi Echonwere-Uwikor, , Beatrice Moore-Igwe, , Augustina Ngozi Mordi,
Published: March 2022

Iron Deficiency Anaemia which is reduced red blood cells due to iron deficiency had been reported to be a major challenge among Chronic Kidney Disease patients. The cause of anaemia in these patients is multifactorial, ranging from the inability of the kidneys to excrete hepcidin to even the inability of the kidneys to produce erythropoietin. This study aimed at comparatively assessing IDA between CKD and APHS in Niger Delta. A total of 88 subjects were recruited, 55(62.50%) CKDP and 33(37.50%) Control subjects. Samples were collected and analysed for IDA Indicators  such as Serum Hepcidin Levels using commercial DRG Hepcidin-25 kit and other Haematological Indices using Automation (Sysmex KX-21N Automated Haematology Analyzer), Leishman Staining Technique and Supravital Staining Technique; Questionnaire was also used to obtain some data,  data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 21.The mean values for  Serum Hepcidin, Haemoglobin(HB), Packed Cell Volume(PCV), Red Blood Cell count(RBC), Mean Cell Volume(MCV), Mean Cell Haemoglobin(MCH), Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration(MCHC), Reticulocyte count(Retics) and Red Cell Distribution Width(RDW) were 52.00ng/ml, 10.00 g/dL, 31.00%, 3.74×102/L, 78.84fL, 26.58pg, 31.79g/dL, 0.64%, and 14.94% respectively in the CKD patients while that for the APHS were 16.00ng/ml, 14.00g/dL, 42.00%, 4.69×1012/L, 89.37fL, 29.59pg, 33.00g/dL, 1.09% and 13.20% respectively. Statistical T-Test of significance revealed that Serum Hepcidin level was elevated significantly in CKD patients (52.00ng/ml) when compared with APHS(16.00ng/ml) t86= 6.54, p<0.05, Haemoglobin value of 10.00g/dL in CKD patients was significantly lower than 14.00g/dL in APHS (t86 = -8.49, p<0.05), and the values of other haematological indices were lower except RDW that was elevated significantly among CKD patients when compared with the APHS (p<0.05) all at significance  level of 0.05. The elevated serum hepcidin and RDW level seen in this study  may be as a result of diminished renal clearance and inflammatory state of the kidney. The kidney”s inability to make enough erythropoietin may have lead to the low red blood cell count that consequently caused anaemia in subjects studied..The estimation of Serum Hepcidin level in CKD patients in addition to the other Haematological indices will improve the diagnosis, treatment and management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in these patients.
Acute Hookworm Infection Mimicking Plasmodium Infection
Authors: Onuigbo H. N.
Published: March 2022

Co-infection of worm with plasmodium parasitaemia will exacerbate the pathophysiology of malaria parasitaemia. Clinical eveidence abound that malaria pathology is worsened in anaemia patient and worm infection can also cause anaemia. This case report is presented of a patient with hookworm infection diagnosed from vomitus containing an adult worm. It turned out to be unusual in that there are improved sanitation and water supply. Its diagnosis in this 21 century highlights the fact that parasitic infection is an aetiologic factor and therefore, demands concerted effort to improve living standards in hinterlands. Improving hygienic standard will reduce worm infection and consequently improve heamoglobin and immunity especially in under age children, hence will reduce malaria infection rate and its pathology.
Chronic Effects of Atypic Antipsychotics on Mice Isolated Vas Deferens Contractility: An In vitro Study
Authors: Tanyeri Mehmet Hanifi , Buyukokuroğlu Mehmet Emin , Tanyeri Pelin , Kaya Rümeysa Keleş , Bozkurt Şeyma Nur Başarir , Mutlu Oğuz , Akar Füruzan Yildiz , Erden Bekir Faruk , Ulak Guner
Published: March 2022

Aims: Antipsychotic drugs are known to be commonly associated with sexual dysfunction. The aim of this study to investigate the effects of sertindole, asenapine and ziprasidone on serotonin (5-HT), noradrenaline (NA), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and potassium chloride (KCl)-induced contractions of the isolated vas deferens in mice.

Study design: All the drugs were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) in a volume of 0.1 ml per 10 g body weight of mice.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology, Kocaeli University, Animal Research Center, between May 2018 and August 2019.

Methodology: The mice were randomly divided into groups (n=7) as follows: saline; sertindole 1.3 mg/kg; sertindole 2.5 mg/kg; asenapine 0.05 mg/kg; asenapine 0.075 mg/kg; ziprasidone 1 mg/kg; ziprasidone 2 mg/kg once daily for 21 days. Mice receiving only the vehicle (0.9% saline, i.p.) served as control group. After 21 days of treatment, the effects of drugs were investigated on 5-HT, NA, ATP and KCl-induced contractions of isolated vas deferens.

Results: The results showed that serotonin-induced contractions of   vas deferens were affected by the chronic treatments of sertindole, asenapine and ziprasidone, however these drugs had no significant effect on NA, ATP, and KCl-induced contractions of mice vas deferens.

Conclusion: Serotonergic receptors may contribute to changes in vas deferens contractions in mice with chronic treatment of sertindole, asenapine and ziprasidone. Thus, our results may explain one of the causes of sexual dysfunction of sertindole, asenapine and ziprasidone.
Archaeological excavations in St Giles' Cathedral Edinburgh, 1981–93
Authors: Collard Mark , Lawson John A , Holmes Nicholas , Henderson David , McCullagh Roderick P , Hall Derek , Haggarty George , Franklin Julie , Addyman Thomas , Murdoch R , Graves Pamela
Published: March 2022

The report describes the results of excavations in 1981, ahead of development within the South Choir Aisle of St Giles' Cathedral (NGR: NT 25727 73590), and subsequent archaeological investigations within the kirk in the 1980s and 1990s. Three main phases of activity from the 12th to the mid-16th centuries were identified, with only limited evidence for the post-Reformation period. Fragmentary evidence of earlier structural remains was recorded below extensive landscaping of the natural steep slope, in the form of a substantial clay platform constructed for the 12th-century church. The remains of a substantial ditch in the upper surface of this platform are identified as the boundary ditch of the early ecclesiastical enclosure. A total of 113 in situ burials were excavated; the earliest of these formed part of the external graveyard around the early church. In the late 14th century the church was extended to the south and east over this graveyard, and further burials and structural evidence relating to the development of the kirk until the 16th century were excavated, including evidence for substantive reconstruction of the east end of the church in the mid-15th century. Evidence for medieval slat-bottomed coffins of pine and spruce was recovered, and two iron objects, which may be ferrules from pilgrims' staffs or batons, were found in 13th/14th-century burials.
Cist burials and an Iron Age settlement at Dryburn Bridge, Innerwick, East Lothian
Authors: Dunwell Andrew , Finlayson Bill , Cool Hilary E M , Cowie Trevor , Heald Andrew , Hunter Fraser , Ingemark Dominic , Jay Mandy , Roberts Julie , Sheridan Alison , Thoms Jennifer
Published: March 2022

This report provides an account of the excavations of a cropmark enclosure and other prehistoric remains at Dryburn Bridge, near Innerwick in East Lothian (NGR: NT 724 755). The excavations were directed over two seasons in 1978 and 1979 by Jon Triscott and David Pollock, and were funded by the Ancient Monuments Branch, Scottish Development Department. Features and artefacts of various periods were discovered during the excavations, including a Mesolithic chipped stone assemblage and pits associated with Impressed Ware pottery. A pair of distinctive burial cists dating to c 2300–2000 cal BC was discovered, each containing two inhumations, one articulated and the other disarticulated; a Beaker vessel was found directly above one of the cists. By the mid-1st millennium cal BC a settlement had been founded on the site. Three successive settlement layouts can be interpreted from the excavated structures. The first two phases represent continuous occupation, dating to before 400 cal BC, and consisted of timber roundhouses, other rectangular structures and a small cemetery of pit graves located within a palisaded enclosure. The final occupation phase, which extended into the Roman Iron Age and may have occurred after a break in occupation, consisted of an unenclosed settlement of ring-ditch houses.
Implementação de Signos Distintivos para as Pedras de Pirenópolis: marca ou indicação geográfica
Authors: Aveni Alessandro , De Camargo Alves Pedro Anisio , Marmentini Priscilla
Published: March 2022

Estudosobre a viabilidade de implantação de signos distintivos para as Pedras de Pirenópolis com recomendação da escolha de Marca ou de Indicação Geográfica de acordo com os objetivos da entidade requerente (pessoa jurídica interessada no registro da Marca ou da Indicação Geográfica e que detenha legitimidade). O nome “Pedras de Pirenópolis” possui destaque no mercado nacional de pisos e revestimentos, e distingue-se dos outros produtos similares no mercado.
Bayesian network model informs on the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on the population characteristics of an endangered plant species
Authors: Sienkiewicz Aneta , Łaska Grażyna
Published: March 2022

Preservation of the endangered plant species requires knowledge of the impact of environmental factors on their populations. This study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of a Bayesian network (BN) model to analyze the impact of habitat conditions on the current characteristics of Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill. population in NE Poland. The model was based on field data collected in 2011–2015 from 47 sites in the four largest forest complexes of NE Poland. The causal network between (1) the biotic and (2) abiotic factors as well as morphological‐developmental features of individuals and demographic features of populations (20 attributes, 1573 records) was made using the Bayesian Search Algorithm in GeNIe 2.0. The results indicate that the greatest impact on the population features had the number of competing species in forest undergrowth and exposition of slopes. Diagnostic testing and sensitivity analysis revealed that these factors were the major variables determining the size of the population, developmental phase, and the size of individuals. Tenfold cross‐validation revealed that this model was the most effective to analyze the impact of habitat conditions on the presence of generative shoots, developmental phase, and juvenile shoots. The optimal levels of factors following from the BN modeling of the impact of habitat conditions on the characteristics of the population will allow regular growth (size of individuals) and development (life cycle of individuals) of a given endangered species.
Helicobacter pylori infection affects the human gastric microbiome, as revealed by metagenomic sequencing
Authors: Wang Daoming , Zhang Tongda , Lu Yueqi , Wang Changzheng , Wu Yumei , Li Jiandong , Tao Ye , Deng Le , Zhang Xiaoyin , Ma Jinmin
Published: March 2022

Helicobacter pylori infection is a prevalent infectious disease, associated with many gastric diseases, including gastritis, gastric ulcer, and gastric cancer. To reveal the characteristics of the gastric microbiome in patients infected with H. pylori, we performed metagenomic shotgun sequencing of stomach swab samples from 96 patients and then conducted metagenomic association analyses between alterations in the gastric microbiome and H. pylori infection status. The overall composition of the gastric microbiota in H. pylori‐infected individuals was distinctly different from the negative controls; H. pylori became the dominant species after colonizing the human stomach and significantly decreased the α‐diversity of the gastric community (P < 0.05, Wilcoxon rank‐sum test). We also identified 6 HPI‐associated microbial species (FDR < 0.05, Wilcoxon rank‐sum test): Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Stenotrophomonas unclassified, Chryseobacterium unclassified, Pedobacter unclassified, Variovorax unclassified, and Pseudomonas stutzeri. Furthermore, 55 gastric microbial pathways were enriched in the H. pylori‐positive group, whereas only 2 pathways were more abundant in the H. pylori‐negative group: dTDP‐L‐rhamnose biosynthesis and tetrapyrrole biosynthesis (FDR < 0.05, Wilcoxon rank‐sum test). Gastritis was not associated with non‐H. pylori species in the stomach (P > 0.05, Wilcoxon rank‐sum test). This study revealed alterations in gastric microbial taxa and function associated with HPI in the Chinese population, which provides an insight into gastric microbial interactions and their potential role in the pathological process of gastric diseases.
Applications of Polymer Bioconjugates
Authors: Opsteen Joost A. , Abdelmohsen Loai K.E.A. , van Hest Jan C.M.
Published: March 2022

Inspired by natural functional polymers, which are often very well‐defined and bear high‐level of information, scientists have undertaken to develop synthetic replicas based on polymer bioconjugates, that can be harnessed for diverse applications. In this regard, excellent strategies that provide the necessary scope for the synthesis and utility of polymer bioconjugates have been developed. Detailed evaluation to determine the influence of chemical factors that impact polymers' synthesis, alongside physical aspects necessary for their utility have been carried out. In this chapter, we discuss the current methodologies that allow for controlled synthesis of polymer bioconjugates, as their application in the biomedical field.
Polymers with Star‐Related Structures
Authors: Hadjichristidis Nikos , Pitsikalis Marinos , Fragouli Panagiota G. , Choinopoulos Ioannis , Stavroulaki Dimitra , Athanasiou Varvara , Iatrou Hermis
Published: March 2022

Seminal and recent developments in the synthesis of star structures by the most important polymerization techniques, such as anionic, cationic, controlled radical, ring‐opening, ring‐opening metathesis and grouptransfer methods and their combinations, will be presented in this review. In addition, the synthesis of star polymers by step‐growth polycondensation, metal template‐assisted and “electrostatic selfassembly and covalent fixation” methods will also be discussed. Until 1990, the average number of papers published on stars ranged between 2 and 23 per year. With the introduction of controlled/living radical polymerization, in the 1990s, this number increased dramatically. Since 2001, the average number of papers per year has approached 400, thanks not only to controlled/living radical polymerizations but also to combinations of practically all methods. Considering the enormous number of papers published in the area of star‐related polymeric structures, it is impossible to present a complete list of publications here. Therefore, selected examples will be presented.
Control of Polycondensation
Authors: Yokozawa Tsutomu , Ohta Yoshihiro
Published: March 2022

Polycondensation is an important method of polymerization that affords polymers containing functional groups and/or aromatic rings in the backbone, which serve as fibers, engineering plastics, electrical materials, and so on by virtue of their strong intermolecular forces. Most research had been centered on how to increase the molecular weight of polymers and how to synthesize a variety of condensation polymers. Lately, however, polycondensation has developed in many controlled ways. This article describes (i) stoichiometric‐imbalanced polycondensation, in which high‐molecular‐weight polymers are obtained even when one of the two monomers are used in excess, (s) sequence control of monomer units in the backbone, (ii) molecular weight and dispersity control in polycondensation which proceeds in chain‐growth polymerization manner like living polymerization to afford aromatic polyamides, π‐conjugated polymers, and so on, (iii) chain topology control for linear, cyclic, and hyperbranched polymers, and (iv) architectures containing condensation polymer such as block copolymer, star polymer, and graft copolymer from a combination of controlled polycondensation and another polymerization method.
Statistical, Alternating, and Gradient Copolymers
Authors: Klumperman Bert , Pfukwa Rueben , Lederer Albena
Published: March 2022

Statistical and alternating copolymers are very common materials that have been investigated extensively over many decades. In this contribution, an overview of the synthesis, characterization, and application of such polymers is provided. In more recent times, with the advent of reversible deactivation radical polymerization, gradient copolymers have gained significant attention. Similarities and differences between the conventional copolymers and their gradient counterparts are discussed. Also here, the emphasis is on synthesis, characterization, and application of the materials.
Ionic and Coordination Ring‐Opening Polymerization
Authors: Penczek Stanislaw , Biela Tadeusz , Cypryk Marek , Duda Andrzej , Lapienis Grzegorz , Kubisa Przemyslaw , Pretula Julia , Slomkowski Stanislaw , Szymanski Ryszard
Published: March 2022

This article provides the up‐to‐date and comprehensive review (over 700 citations) of all the important subjects of the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) methods of polymers syntheses. This is the method of synthesis of several important classes of polymers that cannot be prepared in a different way (e.g., polyethers). It also complements known methods of polycondensation and ROP often is the method of choice. ROP is particularly important in syntheses of the biodegradable polymers‐polylactide and poly(ε‐caprolactone), discussed in details. Applications of these polymers, as well as polysiloxanes in biomedical applications are irreplaceable in the modern medicine. Either as bulk polymers or as nano‐ and microspheres, described In this article separately.

There are sections in the present version that were not presented in the previous editions. This is description of polyoxazolines, polymers with phosphorus atoms in the chains, as well as mentioned above polysiloxanes an microspheres. We introduced also section describing novel analytical methods, particularly useful in studies of polymers with various architectures (star shape, multibranched etc.).

Besides the synthetic aspects of ROP, this article describes thermodynamics and kinetic features of the living/controlled polymerizations, particularly by activated monomer mechanism and importance of dormant polymers in precision syntheses of desired structures.
Determination of Bulk and Solution Morphologies by Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Abetz Volker , Jinnai Hiroshi , Spontak Richard J. , Talmon Yeshayahu
Published: March 2022

This chapter presents electron microscopy with a focus on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and its application to polymer systems. After an introduction, some background about the method is given before different techniques are presented in detail. These include the investigations of solid bulk systems and liquid phases together with the specific procedures of sample preparation, as well as 3‐dimensional tomography for the study of complex morphologies and analytical electron microscopy to visualize the spatial distribution of different chemical elements. Examples are given for all techniques with an emphasis on block copolymers or block copolymer‐containing systems, as this class of polymers exhibits structural features that are very well suited for studies by transmission electron microscopy.
Polymer Composites as Ablative Materials
Authors: Kumar Colonel Vijay , Gharde Swaroop , Kandasubramanian Balasubramanian
Published: March 2022

Ablative composites are highly endothermic sacrificial materials, which undergo ablation wherein the outer surface of the material degrades to form a carbonaceous layer, which isolates the underlying material from intense thermal‐heat‐flux environs. Successful utilization of thermosetting resins modified with varied inorganic fillers to tailor ablative polymer composites for thermal protection systems has accelerated extensive research for the development of new contemporary materials for vast space and defense applications. This article discusses various types of ablative materials, polymer composite‐based ablative materials, ablation mechanism, and applications of ablative materials. Resorcinol formaldehyde (RF) resins, which have a similar chemical backbone to the phenolic formaldehyde (PF) resins, possess several advantages which make it a contender for the next generation of ablative materials. The synthesis, testing, and characterization of RF resin‐based ablative polymer nanocomposites have also been presented in this article.