bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Seasonal Rainfall Variability Effect on Pearl Millet Yield Over Madurai District of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Ramanjineyulu M. , Paulpandi V. K. , Geethalakshmi V. , Vanniarajan C. , Venkataraman N. S. , Prabhaharan J.
Published: November 2021

Dryland agriculture is entirely reliant on the monsoonal rainfall for its crop sensation. Pearl millet crop cultivation in a rainfed region like Madurai district Tamil Nadu became remunerative task, where the major rainfall contribution is from North-East monsoon. The influence of seasonal rainfall variability on pearl millet was quantified through correlating the inter-seasonal rainfall deviation with pearl millet productivity using the 30 years (1990-2019) rainfall and simulated pearl millet productivity data. Results indicated that pearl millet productivity had the relationship with seasonal rainfall by 46 percent. The research revealed that pearl millet crop yield dropped in nine out of 12 dry rainfall years and excess rainfall years also reduced the yield of pearl millet crop. It may well be implicit from the results that low and high rainfall years adversely affect the yield of pearl millet crop.
Effect of Foliar Application of NPK and Micronutrient (Zn and Fe) on the Yield and Quality of Sugarcane Crop
Authors: Roohi . , K. Khokhar Kiran , Kumar Vijay , Pawar Kanika
Published: November 2021

The foliar application of nutrients help the plant leaves to readily absorb the applied nutrients through the nutrient solution and increases the nutrient use efficiency and thus improves the crop yield. The field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years to find out the affect of foliar spray of NPK and micronutrient on cane yield, yield parameters and juice quality of sugarcane during 2019-20 and 2020-21.The present study was carried out on clay loam soils of Research farm of Regional Research Station, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Karnal, Haryana. The research revealed that cane yield and yield parameters i.e., cane length, and cane weight was significantly affected with the foliar spray of NPK and micronutrient but non-significant effect was observed for cane girth and number of internodes. With respect to juice quality parameters viz., commercial cane sugar (CCS) %, pol % and sugar yield, significantly affected with foliar spray of NPK and micronutrient. The highest cane yield, cane weight and cane length was recorded with the foliar application of 2% NPK (19:19:19) + 0.5% ZnSO4 +1% FeSO4 (78.16 t/ha, 1.21 kg and 207.3 cm) followed by foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO4 + 1% FeSO4+ 2.5% urea recorded 76.75 t/ha, 1.20 kg and 207.1 cm, respectively. The lowest cane yield (70.68 t/ha) was recorded with the application of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) alone. The highest CCS % (12.16), pol % (17.36) and sugar yield (9.51 t/ha) was observed in the treatment 2% NPK + 0.5% ZnSO4 +1% FeSO4. Thus, foliar application with NPK and micronutrient could significantly improve the cane yield, yield parameters and juice quality of sugarcane crop.
Mechanisms Causing Aging, Current Knowledge and the Way Forward
Authors: Pisani Gabriel , Baron Byron
Published: November 2021

The rapid advancement in research technologies and bioinformatics over the past few decades has enabled researchers to shed light on the underlying mechanisms behind aging. Whilst the progress in understanding the biochemical processes involved is impressive, a lot more still needs to be uncovered before any potential effective anti-aging treatment can be produced. Unravelling the various root causes of aging is still the most important obstacle to overcome. The data available highlights that the most likely drivers of aging are the proteosome, the ribosome and telomeres. This review focuses largely on these factors and how they contribute to initiating aging and their targeting in potential therapy against the multitude of age-associated disorders. The investigation thus far of these causative factors will be presented. Understanding these root causes and how they cause aging is fundamental to present a way forward, such that the biochemical basis of aging can be discovered, in order to usher in a new wave of therapeutics against complex diseases.
Effect of Consuming Milk Tea with Stevia on Plaque pH among Dental Students: Cross-Over RCT
Authors: Marya CM , Sandhu Mandeep Kaur , Nagpal Ruchi , Kataria Sakshi , Taneja Pratibha , Marya Vandana
Published: November 2021

Background: Stevia is a natural, healthy, unconventional replacement to the table sugar and artificial sweetener. Phytochemicals present in it exerts an influence on the microbial flora of the mouth. Hence, study was planned to compare the effects of stevia with different sugars on the plaque pH.

Methodology: The present study was carried in department of Public Health Dentistry between 9am-12pm. It was a triple blinded Crossover Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial with LSD design. All the 40 subjects were exposed to all four interventions sequentially, at weekly intervals with 1 week wash out period. (Intervention: A- Table sugar, B- Jaggery, C- Stevia, D- Milk tea without sugar). Inferential statistics was done using Repeated measures of ANOVA followed by Post hoc pairwise comparison and Three-way RMANOVA to determine relationship between SUGAR * WEEK * TIME interaction. Level of significance was set at p value at 0.05.

Results: Plaque pH assessments were performed at 4 points of time intervals (at baseline, 1 min, 20min, 60 min). Overall significance differences were seen in plaque pH at different time intervals for all interventions. Intergroup comparison showed potential efficacy of stevia in maintaining plaque pH.

Conclusion: In the present study, it was found that stevia has the least cariogenic potential when compared with jaggery and refined sugar. Jaggery also did not show a significant reduction in plaque pH. Therefore, Stevia and Jaggery can be compared for their anti-cariogenic properties. This study has been registered under the Clinical Trial Registry of India CTRI/2020/12/03003
“Mulher tem mais facilidade para coisa artística, organização, trabalhos didáticos.” Produção de masculinidades e estratégias pedagógicas nos anos iniciais na roça.
Authors: Xavier Antonio Jeferson Barreto , Seffner Fernando , Barbosa Maria Carmen Silveira
Published: November 2021

O magistério é atualmente uma profissão fortemente feminina. Diversas questões são suscitadas a partir da atuação de professores homens na escolarização de crianças pequenas. Esse artigo se insere em uma tradição de pesquisas sobre esse tema. A constatação de que os homens que atuam nesses espaços são vistos socialmente como sujeitos fora de lugar é recorrente nas pesquisas. Nesse artigo nos ocupamos de problematizar um desses desdobramentos: a prática pedagógica de professores homens que atuam nos Anos Iniciais em escolas na região rural de município no Estado da Bahia. Os dados foram produzidos em pesquisa etnográfica com três professores homens que atuam nesse contexto. Problematizamos as tensões entre a manutenção das masculinidades e as demandas da docência com crianças pequenas. O elemento mais destacado em nosso ver é que a operação pedagógica posta em ação para garantia das masculinidades dos três informantes constituía fortemente na tentativa de criar o aluno, na contramão da criança, enquanto um aluno já adulto, sem possibilidade de conjugar ser aluno e ser criança, comprometendo com isso a qualidade pedagógica das aulas.
Os usos sociais dos aplicativos de relacionamento: intersecções entre gênero, sexualidade e raça no Recôncavo Baiano
Authors: Paranhos Marco Antonio Vieira de Oliveira , Nery Maria Salete de Souza
Published: November 2021

O presente artigo remonta às discussões teóricas e empíricas realizadas após a conclusão de uma pesquisa social desenvolvida entre 2017-2019, que culminou na construção de uma dissertação de mestrado em ciências sociais intitulada De olho no boy: identidades, consumo e afetividade em aplicativos de relacionamento. O principal eixo desta investigação gira em torno da análise do usos sociais dos aplicativos de relacionamento (Grindr, Hornet e Scruff) por homens gays e bissexuais residentes nas diversas cidades que compõem o Recôncavo Baiano, região circundante à Baía de Todos-os-Santos. A análise, sobretudo, evidencia os aspectos identitários desses usuários (gênero, sexualidade, geração e raça), as relações de poder e consumo estabelecidas por meio dessas plataformas e a estruturação de um campo social, simbólico e afetivo para o grupo social em questão, através das diversas interações desenvolvidas nos referentes locais on-line. Na medida em que promove a reconstituição das argumentações preponderantes da pesquisa, este artigo também procura explicitar as diferenças presentes no uso dessas tecnologias a partir do contexto interiorano, em comparação com as mesmas negociações homoafetivas estabelecidas na capital baiana e demais centros urbanos no país, e como esses marcadores regionais influenciam, diretamente, no arcabouço estrutural desse campo e as suas respectivas práticas socioafetivas.
UM “ALERTA PARA O MUNDO”: GÊNERO E SEXUALIDADE JUVENIL NO FILME KIDS (1995)
Authors: Oliveira César Luiz de , Brandão Leonardo
Published: November 2021

Kids é um filme do diretor estadunidense Larry Clark que veio a público no ano de 1995. Em linhas gerais, ele retrata frenéticas 24 horas na vida de um grupo de skatistas de Nova Iorque/EUA. A trama é centrada na transmissão do vírus HIV de um jovem skatista, protagonista do filme, para uma garota até então virgem. Neste artigo, discute-se, a partir de Kids, questões relacionadas à sexualidade e gênero presentes em sua estrutura narrativa, tendo por método a análise fílmica do enredo da película e de alguns diálogos específicos, articulando-os a uma discussão acerca de sua recepção em veículos jornalísticos e acadêmicos. A conclusão aponta para representações de violência de gênero presentes na película, mas também, deste filme como um “alerta para o mundo” sobre muitas das experiências sexuais juvenis no contexto de expansão do vírus HIV.
"Alguien a quien amar" Representaciones de la blanquitud y su relación con la infancia en dos obras literarias
Authors: Garzón María Teresa
Published: November 2021

En el presente ensayo se formula una reflexión feminista descolonial, por medio del análisis de dos obras literarias y a través del análisis de contenido, a propósito de las representaciones de infancia y juventud cruzadas por la blanquitud en esos universos literarios. De esta manera, se busca dar cuenta de la relación entre infancia y blanquitud, representación y poder, discurso e ideología, literatura y mitología blanca.
Dynamic expression of SNAI2 in prostate cancer predicts tumor progression and drug sensitivity
Authors: Mazzu Ying Z. , Liao YuRou , Nandakumar Subhiksha , Sjöström Martin , Jehane Lina E. , Ghale Romina , Govindarajan Barani , Gerke Travis A. , Lee Gwo‐Shu Mary , Luo Jian‐Hua , Chinni Sreenivasa R. , Mucci Lorelei A. , Feng Felix Y. , Kantoff Philip W.
Published: November 2021

Prostate cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease, understanding the crosstalk between complex genomic and epigenomic alterations will aid in developing targeted therapeutics. We demonstrate that, even though snail family transcriptional repressor 2 (SNAI2) is frequently amplified in prostate cancer, it is epigenetically silenced in this disease, with dynamic changes in SNAI2 levels showing distinct clinical relevance. Integrative clinical data from 18 prostate cancer cohorts and experimental evidence showed that gene fusion between transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) and ETS transcription factor ERG (ERG) (TMPRSS2–ERG fusion) is involved in the silencing of SNAI2. We created a silencer score to evaluate epigenetic repression of SNAI2, which can be reversed by treatment with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors. Silencing of SNAI2 facilitated tumor cell proliferation and luminal differentiation. Furthermore, SNAI2 has a major influence on the tumor microenvironment by reactivating tumor stroma and creating an immunosuppressive microenvironment in prostate cancer. Importantly, SNAI2 expression levels in part determine sensitivity to the cancer drugs dasatinib and panobinostat. For the first time, we defined the distinct clinical relevance of SNAI2 expression at different disease stages. We elucidated how epigenetic silencing of SNAI2 controls the dynamic changes of SNAI2 expression that are essential for tumor initiation and progression and discovered that restoring SNAI2 expression by treatment with panobinostat enhances dasatinib sensitivity, indicating a new therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer.
The Incidence, Prevalence, and Associated Costs of Anemia, Malignancy, Venous Thromboembolism, Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events, and Infections in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients by Treatment History in the United States
Authors: Dore Robin K. , Antonova Jenya N. , Burudpakdee Chakkarin , Chang Lawrence , Gorritz Magdaliz , Genovese Mark C.
Published: November 2021

Objective

Comorbidities in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can influence treatment selection, impact treatment persistency, and increase health care costs. This study assessed the magnitude of comorbidity burden via epidemiology (incidence and prevalence) and associated costs of select comorbidities in RA patients: anemia, malignancy, venous thromboembolism (VTE), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and infections, stratified by history of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) exposure.

Methods

From the IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus database, we selected adult patients with RA (2 or more RA diagnostic codes at least 30 days apart) at initiation of a new DMARD (DMARD‐naïve), after the first conventional synthetic DMARD (csDMARD) or after the first biologic DMARD (bDMARD). We assessed pre‐index prevalence (percentage) and on‐treatment incidence (per 100 patient‐years [P100PY]) of the aforementioned comorbidities. For patients with versus without incident conditions, we compared total all‐cause health care costs as unadjusted and adjusted for baseline characteristics and health care costs.

Results

Prior to initiating a new treatment, among DMARD‐naïve patients (N = 28,201), csDMARD switchers (N = 7,816), or bDMARD switchers (N = 4,656), the overall prevalence ranged from 14.1% to 16.2% (anemia), from 1.3% to 5.2% (malignancy, evaluated in csDMARD and bDMARD switchers), from 1.5% to 2.1% (VTE), from 1.8% to 2.9% (MACE), and from 66.6% to 76.1% (infections). Once on index treatment, overall incidence (P100PY) among the cohorts ranged from 6.9 to 8.9 (anemia), from 2.0 to 2.3 (malignancy), from 0.7 to 0.9 (VTE), from 1.6 to 2.0 (MACE), and from 77.4 to 87.7 (infections). The incident comorbidities (except herpes zoster) were associated with increased adjusted health care costs.

Conclusion

Anemia, malignancy, VTE, MACE, and infections affect patients with RA at all stages of their treatment journey and are associated with increased health care costs.
Precise Control of Crystal Orientation of Conjugated Molecule Enables Anisotropic Charge Transport Properties
Authors: Memon Waqar Ali , Zhou Ruimin , Zhang Yajie , Wang Yuheng , Liu Lixuan , Yang Chen , Zhang Jianqi , Liaqat Adeel , Xie Liming , Wei Zhixiang
Published: November 2021

The crystal orientation of small molecules is one of the key parameters for developing high‐performance small molecule based organic field‐effect transistors. However, achieving a high degree of backbone alignment still remains a challenge, due to the sensitive nature of small molecules to processing conditions. Herein, the thin films of three conjugated small molecules, named as ZR1, ZR2‐C3, and Y6 are prepared by epitaxial‐crystallization on a highly oriented polyethylene (PE) substrate, resulting in the significant enhancement in charge transport properties. The maximum mobilities for aligned edge‐on molecules in the films enhance by up to 9.91 × 10−2 and 8.97 × 10−2 cm2 V−1s−1 for ZR1 and ZR2‐C3 films with conducting channel along small molecule backbones, which are 35‐ and 37‐fold that of the values evaluated in perpendicular to molecular backbones and nearly 23‐and 19‐fold beyond the values measured from unaligned films. Furthermore, the electron and hole mobilities of the small molecule Y6 with face‐on nature increase by nearly fourfold the values measured in perpendicular to the backbone direction and from unaligned films. This work demonstrates the epitaxial crystallization of thin films on oriented PE, offers a critical understanding of small molecules with different orientations and an effective approach for tuning charge transport toward high‐performance organic electronic applications.
A Separator with a Novel Thermal Crosslinking Structure Based on Electrospun PI/A‐POSS for Lithium‐Ion Battery with High Safety and Outstanding Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Song Xiaoyan , Wang Zhen , Zhao Fangzheng , Sun Yizhe , Cheng Bowen , Xing Jinfeng
Published: November 2021

In this study, a polyimide/aminopropyllsobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (PI/A‐POSS) membrane with a novel 3D thermal crosslinking structure is prepared by electrospinning and subsequent imidization. Compared with the pure PI membrane, PI/A‐POSS composite membranes present better mechanical properties, narrower distribution of pore size, smaller average pore size, and better thermal stability. When A‐POSS content is 3 wt%, the composite membrane (A3) has outstanding electrolyte uptake, excellent ionic conductivity, low interfacial resistance, and the high electrochemical stability of anode. The battery assembled with the A3 separator has an excellent first discharge capacity of 137.8 mAh g−1 and its capacity retention rate is still as high as 76.49% after 100 cycles at 2.0 C. Furthermore, battery assembled with the A3 separator shows excellent rate capacity with a relatively high discharge capacity up to 169.7 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and a superior capacity recovery rate of 98.06% at 30 °C. Especially, the battery assembled with the A3 separator shows more prominent rate capacity with an excellent first discharge capacity up to 180.5 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and a superior capacity recovery rate of 95.79% at 60 °C.
Tailored SiO2‐TiO2 Aerogel/Ag Flexible Films as Stable SERS Substrates for Hazardous Materials Detection
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Xue , Zhao Zhiyang , Zhou Xin , Huang Shiliang , Huang Longjin , Wang Zihan , Li Jingru , Fu Junjie , Liu Yu , Cui Sheng , He Xuan
Published: November 2021

Flexible surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates have received more and more attention for their non‐invasive sample collection ability. However, majority of them have poor stability and reproducibility because noble metal is easily oxidized and led to lose SERS activity. Herein, SiO2‐TiO2‐Ag hybrids aerogel (STAHA) material is first applied as a flexible SERS substrate for explosives and dyes long‐term sensitive detection. The sensitive non‐invasive detection of 3‐nitro‐1, 2, 4‐triazol‐5‐one (NTO) residues can be achieved with a limit of 1 × 10−6 m by wiping sample collection method. Meanwhile, similar SERS sensitivity from long‐term (50 days) kept substrates is observed compared with fresh‐made substrates. This long‐term sensitivity is contributed to electronic transfer compensation from TiO2 aerogel. This proposed flexible STAHA enrich the type of SERS substrates, and their long‐term sensitivity can provide a prospective application for trace analyses of explosives and other hazardous residues in criminal forensic, military, and security check.
Manufacturing Poly(3,4‐Ethylenedioxythiophene) Electrocatalytic Sheets for Large‐Scale H2O2 Production
Authors: Ahmed Fareed , Ding Penghui , Ail Ujwala , Warczak Magdalena , Grimoldi Andrea , Ederth Thomas , Håkansson Karl M.O. , Vagin Mikhail , Gueskine Viktor , Berggren Magnus , Crispin Xavier
Published: November 2021

Producing thick films of conducting polymers by a low‐cost manufacturing technique would enable new applications. However, removing huge solvent volume from diluted suspension or dispersion (1–3 wt%) in which conducting polymers are typically obtained is a true manufacturing challenge. In this work, a procedure is proposed to quickly remove water from the conducting polymer poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene:poly(4‐styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) suspension. The PEDOT:PSS suspension is first flocculated with 1 m H2SO4 transforming PEDOT nanoparticles (≈50–500 nm) into soft microparticles. A filtration process inspired by pulp dewatering in a paper machine on a wire mesh with apertures dimension between 60 µm and 0.5 mm leads to thick free‐standing films (≈0.5 mm). Wire mesh clogging that hinders dewatering (known as dead‐end filtration) is overcome by adding to the flocculated PEDOT:PSS dispersion carbon fibers that aggregate and form efficient water channels. Moreover, this enables fast formation of thick layers under simple atmospheric pressure filtration, thus making the process truly scalable. Thick freestanding PEDOT films thus obtained are used as electrocatalysts for efficient reduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide, a promising green chemical and fuel. The inhomogeneity of the films does not affect their electrochemical function.
Bioinspired Nanocomposites with Self‐Adaptive Stress Dispersion for Super‐Foldable Electrodes
Authors: Zan Guangtao , Wu Tong , Zhang Zhenlei , Li Jing , Zhou Junchen , Zhu Feng , Chen Hanxing , Wen Ming , Yang Xiuchun , Peng Xiaojun , Chen Jun , Wu Qingsheng
Published: November 2021

In flexible electronics, appropriate inlaid structures for stress dispersion to avoid excessive deformation that can break chemical bonds are lacking, which greatly hinders the fabrication of super‐foldable composite materials capable of sustaining numerous times of true‐folding. Here, mimicking the microstructures of both cuit cocoon possessing super‐flexible property and Mimosa leaf featuring reversible scatheless folding, super‐foldable C‐web/FeOOH‐nanocone (SFCFe) conductive nanocomposites are prepared, which display cone‐arrays on fiber structures similar to Mimosa leaf, as well as non‐crosslinked junctions, slidable nanofibers, separable layers, and compressible network like cuit cocoon. Remarkably, the SFCFe can undergo over 100 000 times of repeated true‐folding without structural damage or electrical conductivity degradation. The mechanism underlying this super‐foldable performance is further investigated by real‐time scanning electron microscopy folding characterization and finite‐element simulations. The results indicate its self‐adaptive stress‐dispersion mechanism originating from multilevel biomimetic structures. Notably, the SFCFe demonstrates its prospect as a super‐foldable anode electrode for aqueous batteries, which shows not only high capacities and satisfactory cycling stability, but also completely coincident cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge curves throughout the 100 000 times of true‐folding. This work reports a mechanical design considering the self‐adaptive stress dispersion mechanism, which can realize a scatheless super‐foldable electrode for soft‐matter electronics.
High Speed Response Organic Photodetectors with Cascade Buffer Layers
Authors: Suganuma Naotoshi , Heo Chul‐Joon , Minami Daiki , Yun Sungyoung , Park Sungjun , Lim Younhee , Fang Feifei , Choi Byoungki , Park Kyung‐Bae
Published: November 2021

Organic photodiodes (OPDs) with improved photo‐response characteristics are reported, which are an important performance indicator. The photo response characteristics of OPDs depend on the decay rate of current due to charge carriers remaining inside the device even after interruption of the irradiated light. In this study, the effect of improving the response speed of OPDs is experimentally investigated by applying a cascade HTL to the hole‐extraction interface and investigated that the introduction of multi‐layered hole transport layers (HTLs) with a stepwise energy profile, called cascade shape profile, is effective in reducing the decay time of the remaining charges. For a two‐layered cascade HTL OPD, the amount of remaining photo‐current is minimized, equivalent to less than 70% that of single‐layered HTL OPDs, when the highest‐occupied‐molecular‐orbital (HOMO) level gaps among anode (indium tin oxide), HTL1, HTL2, and the p‐type semiconductor are close to equal (Φ1 ≈ Φ2 ≈ Φ3). A cascade HTL does not negatively affect the sensitivity of OPDs, suggesting that it provides a promising means of achieving practical organic image sensors.
Certifier competition and audit grades: An empirical examination using food safety certification
Authors: Zheng Yuqing , Bar Talia
Published: November 2021

Third‐party certification bodies (CBs) audit companies to determine compliance with standards. Using panel data from the British Retail Consortium food program, a leading international food safety standard for manufacturers, we empirically examine determinants of audit grades. We show that on average, audit grades are lower the first‐time manufacturers certify, consistent with certification improving food safety practices. Small manufacturers are disadvantaged compared with large (multisite) producers who obtain on average higher grades. We also test and support the hypothesis that a higher degree of CB competition leads to higher grades, raising concern for a potential conflict of interest in certification.
Gender dynamics around introduction of improved forages in Kenya and Ethiopia
Authors: Njuguna‐Mungai Esther , Omondi Immaculate , Galiè Alessandra , Jumba Humphrey , Derseh Melkamu , Paul Birthe K. , Zenebe Mesfin , Juma Alfred , Duncan Alan
Published: November 2021

Improved forages of genus Brachiaria and Panicum grasses were introduced to men and women farmers in western Kenya and southern Ethiopia. To provide an understanding of the social and demographic characteristics of farming systems, a household survey was implemented in 2018/2019. In 2020, a complementary qualitative study was conducted to understand: (a) gender dynamics in accessing forage planting materials: (b) role of forage trait preferences, and (c) how the introduction of forage varieties influences gender relations in households. Forage seed/splits were accessed through women's groups. In Kenya, men and women were advised to source more forage seeds from private seed companies for scaling. In Ethiopia, men prioritized “fast regrowth” and women “nutritious biomass” traits; in Kenya, men prioritized “nutritious biomass” and women “how fast forage splits could be established” traits. The sale of the forage cuttings appeared to provide promising marketing opportunities for women, who were able to control the income generated. The introduction of improved forages, which are grown close to homesteads, reduced the time men and boys spent grazing livestock while increasing the time women and girls spent harvesting fodder. Following gender sensitivity training provided alongside forage introductions, Ethiopian men reported being involved in forage harvesting, chopping, and feeding against prevailing norms while the Kenyan women took on greater decision‐making roles. These positive outcomes in gender equity suggest that the integration of gender and forage technology trainings can secure significant gains not only for women, but also for the men in the households.
A case series of paediatric patients with spinal muscular atrophy type I undergoing scoliosis correction surgery
Authors: Kong Kam Wa T. , Holmes C. , O’Brien K.
Published: November 2021

Spinal muscular atrophy is a neuromuscular disorder with degeneration of spinal motor neurons. Type I is a severe variant that was recently shown to be amenable to treatment with the antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen. As a result of increased life expectancy with this treatment, more children with spinal muscular atrophy type I are presenting for spinal correction surgery. In this case series, we present four such patients who underwent spinal surgery at our institution over the course of one year. Pre‐operative assessment showed evidence of reduced respiratory function requiring nocturnal non‐invasive ventilation in all four patients. A difficult airway was encountered in two of the four patients. Postoperative complications were ubiquitous and included CSF leak, poor wound healing, metal frame exposure, frame instability and wound infection. There were no postoperative respiratory complications and all four children returned to their respiratory baseline postoperatively. All patients underwent successful lumbar puncture and intrathecal nusinersen injection following their spinal surgeries. Given the risk of complications and prolonged recovery following spinal surgery, a detailed family discussion is advisable.
The Impact of Unresolved Parental Conflict on Patients with Psychiatric Problems: A Clinical Observation
Authors: Chow Lai‐Yin , Kam Wai‐Kwok , Cheng Viviana , Lee Wai‐Yung
Published: November 2021

Based on a dataset, this paper examines the link between children’s presenting problems and interparental relationships. The clinical discussion focuses specifically on the impact of parental relationship on mental illness. Using a protocol to measure both the physiological and verbal responses of the patients, it is observed that regardless of the psychiatric diagnoses given to these children or young adults, almost all of them were deeply involved in their parents’ unresolved relational conflict. In the five case scenarios provided for illustration, the patients could articulate very clearly how concerned they were when they sensed their parent's relationship was at risk, and how their symptoms had served a function in maintaining the family equilibrium. Based on this clinical observation, it is important to develop a treatment approach that addresses mental illness in the family context.
Experimental study Char‐NO reduction characteristics at elevated pressure
Authors: Zhang Wenda , Wang Yuankai , Chen Mengshi , Zhao Yijun , Sun Shaozeng , Feng Dongdong
Published: November 2021

In order to decouple the reduction process of Char‐NO under pressurized conditions, a pressurized horizontal tube furnace experimental system was used to explore the NO reduction characteristics of pressurized pyrolysis char samples prepared under different conditions (0.3–1.2 MPa, 800–1000°C, 0.3–3.0 s). The research results showed that increasing pyrolysis pressure/temperature/residence time can inhibit the Char‐NO characteristics. When the environmental pressure increased, the reduction rate of NO gradually increased. As the reduction time increased, the total reduction of NO and the contents of C(N) structure on the surface of the residual char samples increased, some N‐5 structure with poor thermal stability would gradually undergo condensation polymerization to form N‐6 and N‐Q structures under the high temperature/high pressure conditions. Under the real pressurized conditions, the effect of reducing NO by char samples was the best at 0.6 MPa under real pressurized conditions in the pressure range of 0.3–1.2 MPa.
Extrusion‐based 3D printing with high‐density polyethylene Birch‐fiber composites
Authors: Koffi Agbelenko , Toubal Lotfi , Jin Minde , Koffi Demagna , Döpper Frank , Schmidt Hans‐Werner , Neuber Christian
Published: November 2021

High‐density polyethylene (HDPE) is one of the most widely used semi‐crystalline polyolefin thermoplastics. However, 3D printing with this material remains rare because of massive shrinkage and poor adhesion to common 3D printing build surfaces. In this study, shrinkage and warping were overcome by blending in short fibers of yellow birch at 10–30 wt% along with a coupling agent. Square tubes were printed to measure deformation and mechanical properties of this composite material. Deformation was reduced by 80% in material containing 30 wt% wood compared to neat HDPE. Young's modulus increased respectively by 25%, 30%, and 35% as the filler content increased to 10, 20, and 30 wt%. This is the first known successful 3D printing with wood‐fiber HDPE composite.
Preliminary data on fish hosts and their conservation importance for the critically endangered Pseudunio marocanus (Pallary, 1918)
Authors: Benaissa Hassan , Ghamizi Mohamed , Teixeira Amílcar , Sousa Ronaldo , Rassam Hanane , Varandas Simone , Lopes‐Lima Manuel
Published: November 2021

Pseudunio marocanus (Pallary, 1918) is an endemic species of Morocco and is considered one of the world’s 100 most threatened species. The life cycle of this critically endangered freshwater mussel remains unknown. However, knowledge about the discharge period of its larvae and its ecological fish hosts is crucial to adopt more effective conservation strategies.

Given this information gap, monitoring the presence of P. marocanus glochidia in fish from the Laabid River was carried out from January to May 2019 to determine the larvae discharge period. Two different approaches were used to assess the fish hosts of P. marocanus: (i) the determination of glochidia infestation rates of fishes in situ through monthly (from January to May) sampling in the Laabid River (Oum Er Rbia basin); and (ii) artificial infestation in laboratory trials using four fish species.

A peak in glochidia discharge was observed at the end of February. Fully metamorphosed juveniles were detected in all native fish species, i.e. Luciobarbus ksibi (Boulenger, 1905), Carasobarbus fritschii (Günther, 1874), Luciobarbus zayanensis Doadrio, Casal‐lopez & Yahyaoui, 2016, and Pterocapoeta maroccana Günther, 1874.

For the first time, the glochidia discharge period and the fish hosts of P. marocanus were determined, and this information is vital to implement future conservation measures (i.e. propagation, reinforcement of populations, possible reintroductions of P. marocanus, careful management of river flow by upstream dams, and the prohibition of fishing activities during the critical glochidia discharge period).

Given the increasing human pressure on freshwater habitats and biodiversity in Morocco, it is essential to preserve the native ichthyofauna to conserve this rare pearl mussel species.
WISE‐NVSS selected obscured and ultraluminous quasars with compact radio jets
Authors: Patil Pallavi , Whittle Mark , Nyland Kristina , Lonsdale Carol , Lacy Mark , Kimball Amy , Lonsdale Colin , Peters Wendy , Clarke Tracy E. , Efstathiou Andreas , Giacintucci Simona , Kim Minjin , Lanz Lauranne , Mukherjee Dipanjan , Polisensky Emil
Published: November 2021

Active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback at is believed to take place in the presence of thick columns of gas and dust, leading to heavily obscured systems that are challenging to detect at optical and X‐ray wavelengths but are transparent at radio and mid‐IR (MIR) wavelengths. MIR color diagnostics using the widefield infrared space explorer (WISE) observations can identify the most luminous and heavily obscured AGNs, which are believed to represent a transient phase of rapid massive black hole growth. By combining both mid‐IR and radio diagnostics, we have identified a sample of 155 ultraluminous and obscured quasars selected to have extremely red mid‐IR colors in WISE and compact, bright ( mJy) radio emission in the NRAO VLA Sky Survey (NVSS) and Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty‐one centimeters (FIRST). High‐resolution very large array (VLA) imaging has revealed compact source morphologies on angular scales (1.7 kpc at ) for the majority of our sources. Broadband radio spectra of the entire sample, constructed from our 10 GHz VLA observations and archival radio data show that 63% of the sample has peaked or curved spectral shapes consistent with those typically seen in young radio AGN (e.g., gigahertz peaked spectrum [GPS] and compact steep spectrum [CSS] sources). Overall, our sample is consistent with a population of recently triggered, young radio jets caught in a unique evolutionary stage in which they reside in a dense interstellar medium (ISM).
Down‐conversion luminescence and temperature sensing characteristics of LaSrGaO4:Er3+
Authors: Liu Mimeng , Li Qinshan , Ma Qiang , Shi Jinlong , Wen Chong , Xing Zhenhua , Zhao Jinxin , Wang Zhijun , Wang Dawei , Li Panlai
Published: November 2021

Erbium(III) ion (Er3+) has abundant energy levels that can emit light covering a quite broad wavelength range in many hosts. Here we synthesized LaSrGaO4:Er3+ phosphors by a high‐temperature solid‐state method. Upon excitation at the ultraviolet (UV) band, LaSrGaO4:Er3+ phosphors could emit green, red and near‐infrared emission simultaneously. The temperature dependent emission characteristics of the as‐prepared samples was then studied and two kinds of luminescent ratiometric thermometry were constructed. The first one is on the basis of two green emission bands that stems from the 2H11/2 → 4I15/2 and 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 transitions of Er3+. The intensity ratio between these two emission bands was found to follow well with the Boltzmann distribution, and its maximum relative sensitivity was calculated to be 0.84% K−1 at 299 K. The other one depends on the 4F9/2 → 4I15/2 transition of Er3+ and self‐luminescence of the host LaSrGaO4, considering that these two emission lines have different temperature response. The relative sensitivity of this type of luminescence intensity ratio (LIR) thermometry could reach 1.86% K−1 at 299 K, we have successfully developed materials with one of the largest relative sensitivities to date, which provides some basis for the subsequent development of a new type of non‐contact temperature sensor.
Determination of Pesticides in Soybean Seeds Incorrectly Discarded Near a Spring of the Paranaíba River, GO‐Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Júnior Charles I. , Cardoso Alessandra T. , Goulart Adilson C. , Oliveira Mansuêmia A. C. , Santos João Paulo V. , Goulart Simone M.
Published: November 2021

The objective of this research was to evaluate the contamination of pesticides of carbamate and benzimidazole classes in soil, water and soybean seeds, incorrectly discarded near a spring in the state of Goiás‐Brazil. The Solid‐Liquid and Liquid‐Liquid Extraction with Low Temperature Partition (SLE/LTP or LLE/LTP) methods were used for pesticide extraction and the analyses were performed by HPLC‐UV. A high resolution mass spectrometer was used to confirm the identity of the compounds present in the seeds. The results showed that the soybeans were treated with the pesticide carbendazim and the dosage was three times higher than established by Brazilian legislation. In the soil and water analyzed there was no presence of the pesticides researched, nor of the carbendazim detected in the seeds. Since this was an environmental crime due to incorrect disposal, it is not known how long ago it occurred. Thus, depending on how long the seeds had been exposed there, the pesticide could have leached out, and caused contamination in the spring and soil. Thus, we conclude that the incorrect disposal of seeds treated with pesticides can be a risk to the permanence of life on the site.
Non‐Heme‐Iron‐Mediated Selective Halogenation of Unactivated Carbon−Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Bleher Katharina , Comba Peter , Faltermeier Dieter , Gupta Ashutosh , Kerscher Marion , Krieg Saskia , Martin Bodo , Velmurugan Gunasekaran , Yang Shuyi
Published: November 2021

Oxidation of the iron(II) precursor [(L1)FeIICl2], where L1 is a tetradentate bispidine, with soluble iodosylbenzene (sPhIO) leads to the extremely reactive ferryl oxidant [(L1)(Cl)FeIV=O]+ with a cis disposition of the chlorido and oxido coligands, as observed in non‐heme halogenase enzymes. Experimental data indicate that, with cyclohexane as substrate, there is selective formation of chlorocyclohexane, the halogenation being initiated by C−H abstraction and the result of a rebound of the ensuing radical to an iron‐bound Cl−. The time‐resolved formation of the halogenation product indicates that this primarily results from sPhIO oxidation of an initially formed oxido‐bridged diiron(III) resting state. The high yield of up to >70 % (stoichiometric reaction) as well as the differing reactivities of free Fe2+ and Fe3+ in comparison with [(L1)FeIICl2] indicate a high complex stability of the bispidine‐iron complexes. DFT analysis shows that, due to a large driving force and small triplet‐quintet gap, [(L1)(Cl)FeIV=O]+ is the most reactive small‐molecule halogenase model, that the FeIII/radical rebound intermediate has a relatively long lifetime (as supported by experimentally observed cage escape), and that this intermediate has, as observed experimentally, a lower energy barrier to the halogenation than the hydroxylation product; this is shown to primarily be due to steric effects.
ECD exciton chirality method today: a modern tool for determining absolute configurations
Authors: Pescitelli Gennaro
Published: November 2021

The application of the exciton chirality method (ECM) to interpret electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra is a well‐established and still popular approach to assign the absolute configuration (AC) of natural products, chiral organic compounds, and organometallic species. The method applies to compounds containing at least two chromophores with electric dipole allowed transitions (e.g., π–π* transitions). The exciton chirality rule correlates the sign of an exciton couplet (two ECD bands with opposite sign and similar intensity) with the overall molecular stereochemistry, including the AC. A correct application of the ECM requires three main prerequisites: (a) the knowledge of the molecular conformation, (b) the knowledge of the directions of the electric transition moments (TDMs), and (c) the assumption that the exciton coupling mechanism must be the major source of the observed ECD signals. All these prerequisites can be easily verified by means of quantum‐mechanical (QM) calculations. In the present review, we shortly introduce the general principles that underpin the use of the ECM for configurational assignments and survey its applications, both classic ones and some reported in the recent literature. Based on these examples, we will stress the advantages of the ECM but also the key requisites for its correct application. Additionally, we will discuss the dependence of the couplet sign on geometrical parameters (angles α,β,γ between TDMs), which can be helpful for discerning the sign of exciton chirality in ambiguous situations. Finally, we will present a molecular orbital (MO) description of the exciton coupling phenomenon.
Obstructive sleep apnea therapy for cardiovascular risk reduction—Time for a rethink?
Authors: Dissanayake Hasthi U. , Colpani Juliana T. , Sutherland Kate , Loke Weiqiang , Mohammadieh Anna , Ou Yi‐Hui , de Chazal Philip , Cistulli Peter A. , Lee Chi‐Hang
Published: November 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent and underdiagnosed medical condition, which is associated with various cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The current mainstay of therapy is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP); however, CPAP is known to be poorly accepted and tolerated by patients. In randomized controlled trials evaluating CPAP in cardiovascular outcomes, the average usage was less than 3.5 hours, which is below the 4 hours per night recommended to achieve a clinical benefit. This low adherence may have resulted in poor effectiveness and failure to show cardiovascular risk reduction. The mandibular advancement device (MAD) is an intraoral device designed to advance the mandible during sleep. It functions primarily through alteration of the jaw and/or tongue position, which results in improved upper airway patency and reduced upper airway collapsibility. The MAD is an approved alternative therapy that has been consistently shown to be the preferred option by patients who are affected by OSA. Although the MAD is less efficacious than CPAP in abolishing apnea and hypopnea events in some patients, its greater usage results in comparable improvements in quality‐of‐life and cardiovascular measures, including blood pressure reduction. This review summarizes the impact of OSA on cardiovascular health, the limitations of CPAP, and the potential of OSA treatment using MADs in cardiovascular risk reduction.
Illumination estimation via random vector functional link based on improved arithmetic optimization algorithm
Authors: Liu Xiangqi , Zhou Zhiyu
Published: November 2021

In order to solve the problem that the existing illumination estimation methods have low accuracy in image restoration, a random vector functional link illumination estimation algorithm based on whale optimization arithmetic algorithm is proposed in this article. First, in order to improve the optimization accuracy of arithmetic optimization algorithm, the whale optimization algorithm is applied to optimize the initial population of the arithmetic optimization algorithm. Then, we utilize the improved arithmetic optimization algorithm to improve the input weight and hidden layer offset of random vector functional link, and exclude the uncertainty caused by the random generation of random vector functional link's input weight and hidden layer bias. Finally, the proposed whale arithmetic optimization algorithm‐random vector functional link model is applied to SFU lab dataset and Gehler‐Shi dataset for illumination estimation. Compared with the other earlier illumination estimation algorithms, the proposed illumination estimation model in this article has better effect and higher stability. In addition, due to the diagonal mapping method for color correction and image restoration, the proposed illumination estimation algorithm can also get better results in image restoration.
Transfer learning based recurrent neural network algorithm for linguistic analysis
Authors: Sasikala S. , Ramesh S , Gomathi S , Balambigai S , Anbumani V
Published: November 2021

Each language is a system of understanding and skills that allow language users to work together, hypothesize, express thoughts, opinions; wishes need to be articulated. Linguistics is the research of these structures in all respects: the composition, usage, and sociology of language, in particular, are the core of linguistics. Machine learning is the research area that allows machines to learn without being specifically scheduled. In linguistics, the design of writing is understood to be a foundation for many distinct company apps and probably the most useful if incorporated with machine learning methods. Research shows that besides text tagging and algorithm training, there are major problems in the field of big data. This article provides a collaborative effort (transfer learning integrated into recurrent neural network) to analyze the distinct kinds of writing between the language's linear and noncomputational sides and to enhance granularity. In addition to this, this article creates a recurrent neural network model for learning and processing text data automatically. RNN based linguistic process is fast and cost‐effective. It analyses the text data automatically and iteratively. This is the main reason for using RNN for the linguistic process. The outcome demonstrates stronger incorporation of granularity into the language from both sides. Comparative results of machine learning algorithms are used to determine the best way to analyze and interpret the structure of the language.
Teaching Photochemistry: Experimental Approaches and Digital Media
Authors: Bohrmann‐Linde Claudia , Meuter Nico , Zeller Diana , Tausch Michael W.
Published: November 2021

In this paper we give an insight into results from our curricular innovation research which aims at integrating photochemistry in university and school curricula. We have been exploring experimental approaches and developing teaching materials for more than 20 years and most of our experiments and teaching materials have been digitalized and made available in German and English as open educational resources (OER) on our website. The addressed photochemical content can be connected to well‐established subject content at school and university level chemistry, but their theoretical interpretation and the understanding of their applications go well beyond this. However, primarily they should motivate learners to, even after they leave school and university, continue to work on the investigation and development of sustainable processes and materials based on the use of (solar) light.