bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclic Yield Reversal in Steel Building Connections (T.R. Higgins Award)
Authors: Popov Egor P. , Pinkney R. Bruce
Published: April 2024

For the most part, plastic analysis and design have in the past been directed toward the study of proportional, monotonically increasing loading to failure. This type of loading is not entirely realistic for many applications, however. The concepts of a shakedown analysis, while enlarging the scope of plastic analysis, result in a structure which ultimately responds elastically, after a few cycles of inelastic action. Severe earthquakes, on the other hand, may induce considerable repeated inelastic action in a structure, especially at the joints. This has motivated study of steel members and connections subjected to repeated and reversed loading. Except for an earlier paper by Bertero and Popov, no tests of this type appear to have been conducted in the United States, although intensive research into the problem has been carried out in Japan. Described herein are tests of 24 connection specimens subjected to various cyclic, quasi-static loading sequences. In addition to the behavior and the manner of failure of the beams and their connections to the columns, the hysteretic response of the beams under repeated and reversed loadings received particular attention.
Simplified Plastic Analysis for Reinforced Web Holes
Authors: Redwood R.G.
Published: April 2024

A previous publication has presented a method of analysis for the ultimate strength of beams in the region of web holes reinforced. Experimental verification of the method has also been established. The analysis described in Ref. 1 is quite cumbersome, and it is the purpose of this paper to describe and substantiate an approximate, but much simpler, method of analysis. Attention is directed to plastic collapse of beams with both hole and reinforcement located symmetrically about the neutral axis. The analysis provides a method for construction of interaction diagrams relating values of the moment and shear which, acting together at the center line of the hole, will cause failure. The structural behavior of a beam in the region of a reinforced hole has been described elsewhere. The zone of the beam (web, flange, and reinforcement) above the hole in a region of positive moment carries compressive stress due to the primary moment, and additional normal stresses due to local bending resulting from Vierendeel action. In addition, the web carries the shear force. In Ref. 1 the shear and normal stresses in the web at failure of the beam are assumed to be related through von Mises yield criterion, and this considerably complicates the algebra of the solution. When the shear force being carried is significant, that is, when the shear-to-moment ratio at the hole is high, the normal stresses on a cross section through the web are small, and in the following discussion these stresses are ignored under such loading conditions. However, when the shear-to-moment ratio at the hole is low, the web contribution to the bending strength is not neglected.
Vibration and Deflection of Steel Bridges
Authors: Wright Richard N. , Walker William H.
Published: April 2024

Designers wish to provide highway bridges with adequate strength, service lives uninterrupted by fatigue damage, durable riding surfaces, and comfortable crossings for pedestrians and occupants of moving vehicles. Among the criteria employed in the design of steel multistringer highway bridges are limitations on the slenderness and flexibility of the stringers. These limitations commonly lead to bridge designs which need extra embankment and right-of-waywhere vertical clearances are tight and prevent economical applications of high strength steel. It is less clear how they contribute to the desired qualities noted above. The objectives of this paper are: (1) to explore the actual effects of stringer flexibility and slenderness on the quality of highway bridges, and (2) to suggest improved criteria which may help the designer achieve a high quality, economical structure. The objective of this paper is to show the effects of the slenderness and flexibility of multistringer steel highway bridges on their strength and serviceability. Slenderness affects the amount of steel required for bridge stringers and has an associated secondary influence on the dead weight ofthe bridge. Flexibility affects responses to static (slowly moving) loadings and to dynamic loadings.
The clinical significance of monitoring serum levels of glutathione peroxidase and selenium in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: ZENG Shaohui , XU Juan , XIE Chaoping , JIANG Weihong
Published: April 2024

[Objective] This study aims to analyze the levels of the trace element selenium (Se), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the serum of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared to women with normal menstrual cycles. By examining the relationship between Se levels, oxidative stress (OS), and PCOS, the study provides a theoretical basis for the supplementation of the potent antioxidant Se in women with PCOS, aiming to improve the prevention and management of PCOS and reduce its complications.[Methods] Sixty-six females diagnosed with PCOS for the first time from June 2022 to June 2023 at the Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Futian) were selected as the observation group. Sixty-eight healthy volunteers with regular menstrual cycles were randomly selected as the control group. Serum levels of GSH-Px, TAC, and Se were measured and statistically analyzed for both groups.[Results] Serum levels of Se, TAC, and GSH-Px were significantly lower in the observation group compared to the control group (P<0.05), indicating a statistically significant difference.[Conclusion] The deficiency of the trace element Se leads to a reduction in OS indicators, including levels of GSH-Px and TAC. It is inferred that Se deficiency may be associated with the pathogenesis of PCOS to a certain extent.
The psychological background of tattoos
Authors:   University of Pécs Medical School Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Oncodermatology, Ferencz Zsuzsa , Takács Hilda , Bancsók Tamás , Tizedes Cecília , Gyulai Rolland , Lengyel Zsuzsanna , Osváth Péter , Szlávicz Eszter
Published: April 2024

Tattooing is a widespread phenomenon, however a lot of people have a negative attitude tattoos The current literature highlight the strong psychological components behind the motivations of tattooing. . Motifs on the body may be associated with personality disorders, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), addictions or self-destructive behaviour. On the other hand, tattooing could help the psychosocial coping with certain traumas. In a dermatological patient with high number of tattoos is important to examine the patient’sfrom the point of view of potential psychodermatologic diseases
The ideologization of pedagogical education of parents in the USSR (1930s – mid-1950s): historical and pedagogical analysis.
Authors: Chik Sergey
Published: April 2024

The subject of the research is the study of the ideologization of pedagogical education of parents in the USSR (1930s – mid – 1950s). It is argued that family life was subordinated to the institutions of power: education of children in the spirit of communism. Ideologization led to the saturation of the transmitted information with certain material showing the advantage of the Soviet government: a new happy world, a Soviet family, the upbringing of a new person, Soviet pedagogy. The historical and pedagogical analysis makes it possible to identify the peculiarities of the education of parents in the conditions of totalitarianism, to highlight the dangers of the ideologization of education. The author analyzes in detail the books for parents by A.S. Makarenko, M.V. Sarycheva, K.A. Arkin and others. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the nature of work with the family. The following forms of pedagogical education of parents are highlighted: work at school, at the place of residence, parent universities. The main research methods are the study and analysis of normative legal acts in the field of education, upbringing, development of family relations, the works of teachers, psychologists, the magazine "Family and School", books for parents. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that the education of parents is considered in the context of ideological influence. It is shown that in the conditions of a totalitarian regime, in the absence of empirical studies of parenthood, the isolation of the country, the education of parents was ideologized. The ideal family was represented by an economic team with a regime, order, and unquestioning discipline. The forms of work with the family were at the same time the control over the behavior of the family. Ideologization assumed the upbringing of conscious discipline in children and was supposed to develop "correct" parenting techniques from parents and stimulate the ideological growth of the parents themselves, allowing them to counteract Western influences and educate children with the highest qualities necessary in the construction of communism. The result of the ideologization of parents' education was the spread of disrespect for the child, increased authoritarianism of parents, ignoring feelings, and disruption of communication between parents and children.
Text-image semantic relevance identification for aspect-based multimodal sentiment analysis
Authors: Zhang Tianzhi , Zhou Gang , Lu Jicang , Li Zhibo , Wu Hao , Liu Shuo
Published: April 2024

Aspect-based multimodal sentiment analysis (ABMSA) is an emerging task in the research of multimodal sentiment analysis, which aims to identify the sentiment of each aspect mentioned in multimodal sample. Although recent research on ABMSA has achieved some success, most existing models only adopt attention mechanism to interact aspect with text and image respectively and obtain sentiment output through multimodal concatenation, they often neglect to consider that some samples may not have semantic relevance between text and image. In this article, we propose a Text-Image Semantic Relevance Identification (TISRI) model for ABMSA to address the problem. Specifically, we introduce a multimodal feature relevance identification module to calculate the semantic similarity between text and image, and then construct an image gate to dynamically control the input image information. On this basis, an image auxiliary information is provided to enhance the semantic expression ability of visual feature representation to generate more intuitive image representation. Furthermore, we employ attention mechanism during multimodal feature fusion to obtain the text-aware image representation through text-image interaction to prevent irrelevant image information interfering our model. Experiments demonstrate that TISRI achieves competitive results on two ABMSA Twitter datasets, and then validate the effectiveness of our methods.
Two new Australian species and a new combination in Muehlenbeckia (Polygonaceae)
Authors: Wilson Karen , Makinson Robert O
Published: April 2024

Two new species of Muehlenbeckia Meisn. are described, and a key is provided to these and similar species in eastern Australia. Muehlenbeckia arnhemica K.L.Wilson & R.O.Makinson grows on rocky outcrops in the northern tropical part of the Northern Territory. Muehlenbeckia costata K.L.Wilson & R.O.Makinson is restricted to rocky outcrops in ranges in southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales. A new combination is made for M. stenophylla F.Muell. as a subspecies of M. diclina (F.Muell.) F.Muell., and lectotypes are selected for these two names.
Metodologias interdisciplinares e inclusivas no tratamento em grupo para crianças autistas e neurodivergentes
Authors: Barbosa Fernando Campos , Tadine Rodrigo Martins , Rezende Janaina Drawanz Pereira , Lopes Gabriel César Dias , Holmes Amanda Lee
Published: April 2024

OBJETIVO: Esta revisão narrativa de literatura propõe-se a investigar as dificuldades de interação social e comunicação em indivíduos com Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo (TEA) e examinar a importância da intervenção multidisciplinar e interdisciplinar e do envolvimento da família no tratamento dessas dificuldades. MÉTODOS: Nesta revisão bibliográfica (bases de dados, sites e periódicos especializados) foram selecionados estudos buscando-se como palavras-chave “multidisciplinaridade”, interdisciplinaridade”, transdisciplinaridade” e “definição” para abordagem do tema proposto. Foram considerados estudos e artigos científicos relevantes publicados nos últimos anos. As bases de dados avaliadas foram MEDLINE, GOOGLE ACADÊMICO, PUBMED, SCIENCE DIRECT, SciELO e LILACS. RESULTADOS: Nos estudos selecionados sobre o tema, os resultados destacam que o cuidado de crianças autistas requer uma abordagem multidisciplinar e interdisciplinar, envolvendo técnicas diversas de forma a promover o desenvolvimento biopsicossocial de pacientes pediátricos com TEA e neurodivergentes. Além disso, a participação e o envolvimento da família são cruciais para o progresso e desenvolvimento da criança. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a intervenção precoce e a abordagem interdisciplinar e inclusiva com tratamento em grupo, aliadas ao envolvimento ativo da família, são fundamentais para o sucesso do tratamento de crianças com TEA e neurodivergentes, proporcionando melhores resultados em termos de desenvolvimento social, comunicação e qualidade de vida.
The Effect of Social Media Usage and Electronic Word of Mouth on Conviction and Its Impact on Purchase Intention and Customer Loyalty: The Role of Brand Reputation as A Moderator
Authors: Elvin Elvin , Hidayat Aussie Dian , Tanti Patricia Hilda , Yuniarty Yuniarty
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study is to propose the concept of conviction in online environment. It examines the vital role of conviction and brand reputation while understanding the impact of social media usage and E-WOM on purchase intentions on e-commerce platforms. Collecting data from respondents from DKI Jakarta using convenience sampling and questionnaires. Analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and empirically tested using Partial Least Square (PLS). The findings show that E-WOM and conviction have a positive effect on purchase intention and consumer loyalty. The results also revealed that social media usage does not  have a positive effect on purchase intention. Furthermore, brand reputation (perceived by the customer) moderates the relationship between E-WOM and purchase intention in a manner that this relationship is significantly stronger if there is more positive brand reputation.
Evaluation of the Impact of Feed Types on Reproductive Performance and Growth of Clarias gariepinus under different Culture Systems
Authors: Ekanem I. E. . , Nlewadim A. A . , Uka A. .
Published: April 2024

The study evaluated the impact of farm-made and commercial feed types on reproductive performance and growth of Clarias gariepinus under different culture systems (tarpaulin, concrete, metal and earthen pond). The research was conducted for 56 weeks in a newly constructed 1m3 (4ft by 4ft by 4ft) stocked with 20 juveniles each and it was established that fecundity was significantly different (P<0.05), with the highest value (320,366.67 ± 14359.01eggs) obtained in fish fed Commercial feed C in Concrete tank C and the lowest value in the Earthen pond fed farm-made feed (153,533.33 ± 6053.1900 eggs). The results obtained in this study showed fertilisation was significantly different, with the highest value in Metal tank B fed Commercial feed B (83.52 ± 0.76 %), whereas earthen pond A fed farm-made feed recorded the lowest value (63.73 ± 2.27 %). The growth rate showed that the Highest mean weight gain of 3824.23±373.69 was recorded in Con B and the lowest of 2035.57±252.04 in Tarp A.  The highest specific growth rate of 2.85±0.19 was in fish fed commercial feed C in Meta tank C and the lowest of 2.45±0.11 in fish fed farm-made feed in Tarp A. Growth parameters including length gain (cm), weight gain (g), specific growth rate (%/day), and percentage weight gain (%), were significantly better (P<0.05) in fish fed commercial feed B in the concrete tank although fish fed farm made feed and commercial feed A in other tanks showed some impressive competition. Therefore, feeding fish with commercial feed C in concrete pond C and metal tank B with Commercial feed B is recommended for better reproductive performance while the use of commercial feed B in Concrete pond is recommended for fish growth although fish fed farm-made feed and commercial feed A in other tanks showed some impressive competition.
Tg, Density and X-ray Diffraction of Zinc-doped Bioactive Glasses with Molar Formulation: 20.15[(2.038+x)SiO2-(1.457-x)Na2O]-2.6P2O5-26.905CaO-0.045ZnO System
Authors: Kouyaté Amadou , Cissé M’Bouillé , Bohoussou Koffi Jean-Paul , Bamba Kanvaly , Tigori Mougo André , Niamien Paulin Marius , Trokourey Albert , Dongui Bini Kouamé , Dibi Brou
Published: April 2024

In the present work, glasses with molar composition 20.15[(2.038+x)SiO2-(1.457-x)Na2O]-2.6P2O5-26.905CaO-0.045ZnO were studied in order to contribute to the application of thermal analysis methods to the characterization of zinc-doped bioactive glasses. The aim is to provide answers to the expectations of practitioners before in vitro or in vivo tests on the physicochemical properties of these zinc doped bioactive glasses. Samples were produced by high temperature melting followed by quenching. The samples were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and pycnometry. The results show that the samples are amorphous, and the values for vitreous transition temperature and density are of the same order of magnitude as those for the system without addition of ZnO. Consequently, it appears that the addition of 0.045 % mol of ZnO to the base glass does not significantly alter the physicochemical and structural properties of the glass.
Effect of Foliar Nutrition on Growth and Yield of Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan. (L.) Mill sp.]
Authors: S Dayanandanaik , Rehaman H. M. Atheek Ur , K. S Somashekar, , R Krishnamurthy, , K Vishwanath, , Navi Laxman
Published: April 2024

Pigeonpea is most important rainfed pulse crop of Karnataka. Yield of pigeonpea is fluctuating due to variation in climate causing flower drop and poor pod set. The field experiment was conducted to study growth and yield of pigeonpea as influenced by foliar nutrition. The experiment consisted of foliar application of two types of nutrients (19:19:19 and Pulse magic), two growth promoters (NAA, and N - Triacontanol) and their combinations at flowering and pod formation stages. The growth and yield attributes varied significantly and RDF + foliar application of 1% pulse magic at flowering and pod formation stage recorded significantly higher plant height (144.6 cm), number of branches (16.8 plant‑1), leaf area (3218 cm2 plant-1), total dry matter accumulation (135.5 g plant-1), absolute growth rate (0.812 g plant-1 day-1,), crop growth rate (5.19 g m-2 day-1) and relative growth rate (0.01 g g-1 day-1) as compared to control (122.2 cm, 12.9, 2421 cm2 plant-1, 89.4 g plant-1, 0.633 g plant-1 day-1, 4.24 g m-2 day-1 and 0.007 g g-1 day-1, respectively) at harvest. Higher seed yield (1590 kg ha-1), stalk yield (4308 kg ha-1) and harvest index (0.26) recorded with the application of RDF + foliar application of 1% pulse magic at flowering and pod formation stage and lower seed yield, stalk yield and harvest index (1104 kg ha-1, 3416 kg ha-1 and 0.23, respectively) was recorded with control treatment.
Enhancing Nutritional Quality and Color Stability of Tomato Juice through Low-Intensity Pulsed Electric Field Treatment
Authors: Prakasha R . , Pandey H. , Vinay G M .
Published: April 2024

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low-intensity pulsed electric field (LIPEF) treatment on the lycopene content, ascorbic acid retention, and color enhancement of juice prepared by using Roma variety tomatoes.

Methodology: The tomato slices were kept in the PEF treatment chamber with varying electric field strength ranging from 2-8 kV/cm and pulse numbers between 10-70 with a monopolar pulse of 1 Hz frequency having a pulse on/off time respectively of 10 µs. After the PEF treatment, the slices were processed to extract the juice for further analysis.

Results: The study revealed significant findings regarding the effect of LIPEF treatment on Roma variety tomatoes. Treatment with 4 kV/cm and 50 pulses resulted in a remarkable 69.11% increase in lycopene content compared to untreated tomato juice. Additionally, there was a remarkable retention rate of 99.84% for ascorbic acid in the treated samples compared to the control. Furthermore, LIPEF treatment led to a substantial increase of 40.78% in the a* value, indicating enhanced red coloration of the extracted juice compared to the control. However, higher electric field strength affects the retention of ascorbic acid content.  

Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of low-intensity pulsed electric field (LIPEF) treatment in enhancing the lycopene content, retaining ascorbic acid, and improving the red coloration of Roma variety tomatoes. LIPEF treatment has the potential to be utilized in food processing industries to improve the quality and nutritional value of tomato-based products.
Assessment of Microbial and Physicochemical Properties of Pasta Prepared Using Buckwheat, Chickpea Flour
Authors: Nayyar Puja , Mondal Imdadul Hoque
Published: April 2024

Pasta is a sustainable product that improves the nutritional quality of food pyramids. The present study focused on innovative approaches for pasta preparation, with a particular emphasis on the utilization of alternative ingredients and different packaging materials. The pasta using buckwheat and chickpea flour was prepared and analyzed with respect to storage and packaging conditions for optimal targeting cold pasta extrudates. Therefore, the developed pasta extrudates from buckwheat, chickpea and xanthan gum were packed in two different packaging materials viz; low density polypropylene (LDPE) and Aluminium laminate (AL) and kept under ambient and accelerated conditions for a storage period of 90 days. All the samples were evaluated for moisture content, free fatty acids, water activity (aw), sensory analysis and total plate count (TPC) in both the packaging materials. The results indicated the significant (p<0.05) increase in moisture content from 5.71 % to 7.31 % in LDPE and 5.71 % to 6.35 % in Aluminium laminate (AL). Water activity also showed significant (p<0.05) increase from 0.33 to 0.49 in LDPE and 0.33 to 0.47 in AL. The free fatty acids in prepared pasta resulted in increase during storage period of 90 days from 0.12-0.30 (%). However, total plate count of developed product did not show any microbial growth during storage period of 60 days, and there was slight increase in TPC on 90th day of storage period of 0.81 (cfu/g ×102) in LDPE and 0.52 (cfu/g ×102) in AL, which is consumer acceptable as per BIS. Thus, the buckwheat and chickpea flour incorporated with xanthan gum as additive can be used significantly for the preparation of pasta.
Genotoxic Effects of Cassava Effluent on the Expression of Selected Genes in the African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus
Authors: Olorunfemi Daniel I. , Oteri Oghenekparobo , Orororo Osuvwe C. , Enize Tina-Bayoko B. , Pere Charles , Osioma Ejovi
Published: April 2024

Aim: A cause for worry is the wastewater that is released into the environment or public sewers without any sort of purpose during the processing of Manihot esculenta Crantz. Fish and other aquatic species may suffer negative consequences if wastewater is discharged into streams and rivers, either directly or indirectly. This study was conducted to examine the effects of cassava effluents on gene expression in the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus).
Methodology: C. gariepinus juveniles were exposed to 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 % concentrations of cassava effluent, respectively. The subsequent tissue extraction, RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis and electrophoresis analysis were all done following standard procedures.
Results: From the results obtained, there were varying levels of upregulation in the expression levels of all the nine genes assessed: IL-1β, CYPIIA, HSP70, DMRTI, HSD17B, FOX12, MEL1C, CAMKIIg and GH genes. Statistical analysis to compare the expression levels of the genes at the different concentrations with their corresponding control experiments showed that the upregulation of only two genes, (HSD17B and GH), upon exposure to cassava effluents were not significant (p >0.05) at any concentration. The upregulation of the seven other genes is an indication that the cassava effluents exerted adverse impacts on the physiology of C. gariepinus.
Conclusion: It is therefore recommended that cassava effluents be properly treated before being discharged into the aquatic environment.
Ubiqutin Proteasomes System (UPS) - an Intriguing Weapon of Plants and It's Modification by Plant Pathogens as Virulence Mechanism
Authors: M. Vineeth , Thabrez M D , J Harish , R Lakshmeesha , R Karan , Vamsidharreddy N
Published: April 2024

Plants' ubiquitin-26S proteasome degradation system (UPS) is involved in the signal transduction of numerous cellular functions, including pathogen-triggered host immunological responses. Pathogens that attack create effectors that are translocated into host cells and disrupt defensive signals in the host in specific ways. Certain bacterial effectors, which are presently best understood in Pseudomonas syringae, exploit or depend on the host UPS for their activity, which may not come as a surprise given the extensive role of the host proteasome in plant immunology. Interestingly, certain strains of P. syringae express syringolin A, a virulence factor that uses a unique mechanism to irreversibly block the proteasome. This section summarizes the UPS's defense function for plants and how effectors use it. It also covers the biology, taxonomic distribution, and emerging implications for virulence strategies of syringolin A and similar compounds.
Effect of Integrated Weed Management on Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cv. Arka Anamika in North Plain Zone
Authors: Singh Vikas Pratap , Singh D. P. , Singh R.B. , Rajiv . , Singh Dinesh , Verma Pawan Kumar , Sharma Himanshu , Yadav Anurag , Diwakar Mandeep Kumar , Maurya Shashikant , Singh Utkarsh Pratap , Kumar Saurabh
Published: April 2024

The present investigation entitled “Effect of Integrated Weed Management on Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cv. Arka Anamika in north plain zone.” was conducted during Kharif season of 2022-23 at student instructional farm of the S.C. Bose P.G. College, Kahli, Terwa, Gaushganj, Hardoi (U.P.). The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design with 6 treatments combinations and 3 replications. Different treatments were applied at the different interval of time and effect were recorded. Gap identified over the topic is -Weed control in okra through conventional methods has become expensive, time consuming and difficult during heavy and continuous rains particularly during early stages of the crop. While continuous, use of herbicides might sooner or later lead to resurgence of secondary weeds besides causing pollution problems. So an experiment was conducted to study the effect of chemical & cultural means alone or in combination, on the weed control efficiency and yield of okra. The selection of specific season is associated that most of okra is sown in kharif season in north plain zone as less seed rate is required [1].
Assessment of Levels of Occupational Stress among the Intensive Care Workers in a Selected Hospital in Lagos State
Authors: Adeyemi Samuel Sogo, , Adeyemi Ayopo Felicia, , Ogunbanwo Ogadinma Mary, , Oshunpidan Adekunbi, Omowunmi, , Fatungase Oluwabunmi Motunrayo,
Published: April 2024

Background: Working in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) comes with a great deal of physical, emotional, and psychological strain that can get worse with time if not properly managed. Numerous factors contribute to the extreme levels of stress experienced by healthcare professionals, such as long and demanding work hours, the burden of paperwork and legal matters, the disruption of work-life balance, the complexity of shared decision-making, and the high expectations placed ICU workers by on both patients and carers.  Some outcomes of occupational stress among intensive care workers include bad safety culture, poor standard of care for patients and depression.
Research Objective: The Purpose of the study was to ascertain the levels of occupational stress among the intensive care workers of a hospital.
Methodology: The research was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). An aggregate of 108 intensive care workers were sampled for the study. A pre-tested, semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to gather the data, and the statistical package for social sciences, SPSS version, was used for analysis. The means and standard deviations, or the median and interquartile range, were used to express continuous variables. The expressions for categorical variables were frequencies accompanied by percentages. The study employed chi square statistics to evaluate the correlation between categorical variables.
Results: There is an average prevalence of stress among intensive care workers of LASUTH.
Recommendation: Staff sshould undergo training on stress handling, in order to be able to manage their individual stressors and reduce the overall stress.
Analysis of Complete Organic Semiconductor Devices by Laser Desorption/Ionization Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Scholz Sebastian , Walzer Karsten , Leo Karl
Published: August 2008

In this contribution, it is shown that the method of laser‐desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LDI‐TOF‐MS) is a powerful technique for analyzing complete organic devices, such as organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) or organic solar cells. LDI‐TOF‐MS has the potential to analyze fully processed organic devices without special pretreatment such as dissolving the device, peeling off the metal cathode, or using additional matrix materials. Thus, devices may be analysed as they are with a minimum of measurement artefacts. It is demonstrated that the method allows an analysis of complex organic multilayer devices, their composition, and incorporated impurities. It even allows possible electrochemical reaction products caused by device degradation to be analyzed. Thus, LDI‐TOF‐MS has major advantages compared to measurements of dissolved samples. As an example, the identification of all of the materials used in a complete OLED is shown. Furthermore, a detailed chemical analysis of long‐term driven OLEDs, including the detection of degradation products, is presented. From these data, several degradation mechanisms can be distinguished.
Fabrication of radial ZnO nanowire clusters and radial ZnO/PVDF composites with enhanced dielectric properties
Authors: Wang Guangsheng , Deng Yuan , Xiang Yan , Guo Lin
Published: August 2008

Using an improved microemulsion process novel ZnO nanostructures can be prepared on a large scale. These radial ZnO nanowires grow on hexagonal prism tips and form nanowire clusters. A detailed study of variations in dielectric properties dependent on frequency and temperature shows that composites of radial ZnO and PVDF have significantly higher dielectric constants and exhibit better thermal stability than bulk ZnO/PVDF composites as well as showing a low percolation threshold. Already a low content of radial ZnO increases the dielectric constant of the polymer matrix significantly to a value above 100.
Defect Tolerance and Nanomechanics in Transistors that Use Semiconductor Nanomaterials and Ultrathin Dielectrics
Authors: Ahn Jong‐Hyun , Zhu Zhengtao , Park Sang‐Il , Xiao Jianliang , Huang Yonggang , Rogers John A.
Published: August 2008

This paper describes experimental and theoretical studies of the mechanics of free‐standing nanoribbons and membranes of single‐crystalline silicon transfer printed onto patterned dielectric layers. The results show that analytical descriptions of the mechanics agree well with experimental data, and they explicitly reveal how the geometry of dielectric layers (i.e., the width and depth of the features of relief) and the silicon (i.e., the thickness and widths of the ribbons) affect mechanical bowing (i.e., “sagging”) in the suspended regions of the silicon. This system is of practical importance in the use of semiconductor nanomaterials for electronic devices, because incomplete sagging near defects in gate dielectrics provides a level of robustness against electrical shorting in those regions which exceeds that associated with conventional deposition techniques for thin films. Field effect transistors formed using silicon nanoribbons transferred onto a range of ultrathin gate dielectrics, including patterned epoxy, organic self‐assembled monolayers, and HfO2, demonstrate these concepts.
Aqueous Deposition of Ultraviolet Luminescent Columnar Tin‐Doped Indium Hydroxide Films
Authors: Qiu Yu , Bellina Paul , Jeurgens Lars P. H. , Leineweber Andreas , Welzel Udo , Gerstel Peter , Jiang Linqin , van Aken Peter A. , Bill Joachim , Aldinger Fritz
Published: August 2008

Indium tin oxide (ITO) has attracted intense interest as the most important transparent conducting oxide (TCO) that sees wide use in many opto‐electronic and photo‐chemical devices. The goal of this study is to explore the possibility of depositing ITO thin films using a bioinspired aqueous deposition route as an alternative. On the surface of sulfonated‐self assembled monolayers, Sn‐doped indium hydroxide films are obtained via a hydrogen peroxide‐assisted method. As a result, the as‐deposited indium tin hydroxide films possess a single hexagonal phase of In(OH)3· xH2O (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) with Sn doping percentage of (1.7 ± 0.2) at % and a column‐like hierachical microstructure. Structural, compositional and property studies, including electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, photoelectron spectroscopy, optical transmittance, photoluminescence and four‐probe conductivity measurements, are conducted. The possible mechanism based on oriented attachment is discussed for the film growth. Strong room temperature photoluminescence within the near UV range is observed in the case of Sn‐doped, but not in the one of the pure In(OH)3· xH2O films. Annealing of the indium tin hydroxide films above 200 °C gives nanocrystalline Sn:In2O3 films with higher UV and visible transparency and electrical conductivity compared with those of pure In2O3 films. The influence of annealing atmosphere is investigated.
An Alternative Copolymer of Carbazole and Thieno[3,4b]‐Pyrazine: Synthesis and Mercury Detection
Authors: Zou Yingping , Wan Meixiu , Sang Guangyi , Ye Mingfu , Li Yongfang
Published: August 2008

A donor‐π‐acceptor (D‐π‐A) alternative copolymer of carbazole and thieno[3,4b]‐pyrazine [P(CZ‐TPZ)] is synthesized through a Wittig–Horner reaction. In dilute THF solution, the absorption spectrum of P(CZ‐TPZ) shows two absorption peaks at 306 and 452 nm, respectively, and the PL spectrum of the polymer solution displays a PL peak maximum at 543 nm. The polymer possesses relatively high sensitivity and selectivity for Hg2+ detection. Upon addition of Hg2+ into its THF solution (containing 0.3% CH3CN), P(CZ‐TPZ) exhibits a new absorption peak at 560∼600 nm and its emission was quenched dramatically. The Hg2+ detection shows high selectivity in comparison with the other cations of Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ba2+, Al3+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, and Co2+. The Hg2+ detection limit of the polymer solution by emission quenching is found to be 1 × 10−7 mol L−1. P(CZ‐TPZ) also shows a selective chromogenic behavior toward Hg2+ with color change of the solution from yellow to blue dark which can be detected with the naked eye, the detection limit reaches 1 × 10−6 mol L−1 with a 1 × 10−4 mol L−1 polymer solution. The absorption and PL spectral change can be resumed after adding thiourea, therefore the sensing ability of the polymer is re‐usable with the treatment of thiourea. The results indicate that P(CZ‐TPZ) is a promising chemosensor for the Hg2+ detection.
Ramping Up
Authors: Flanagan David , Wylie Lisa
Published: August 2008

Up, up, and away: An increased ISI Impact Factor for 2007 shows that Advanced Functional Materials continues to enjoy the complete confidence of the community when it comes to publishing the full story in materials science. Falling publication times and an expansion of the editorial team this year means that we are better equipped than ever to bring our readers the best in‐depth materials science around.
Sensor Paints
Authors: Wolfbeis Otto S.
Published: August 2008

Fluorescence microscopy is widely used for chemical imaging of intrinsically fluorescent chemical species, such as chlorophylls, or nonfluorescent species (e.g., DNA) that have been labeled appropriately or to which a relevant molecular probe has been added. However, there are numerous analytes that neither have an intrinsic luminescence nor can be rendered luminescent with the help of labels or probes. Such parameters include oxygen, pH, CO2, ammonia, and glucose. There are also numerous applications where the 2D distribution of a chemical or physical parameter is of interest. The use of a “sensor paint” is ideal in such situations. The state of this new technology is discussed herein with emphasis on current and future trends, for example, the use of pressure‐ and temperature‐sensitive paints; known technological limitations are also discussed. These “paints” respond to a (bio)chemical parameter with a change in their optical properties. The object of interest is painted and the color or fluorescence of the paint is monitored by optical imaging. This technique enables monitoring of physical and chemical parameters, over relatively large areas and in real time.

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Postfamine stature and socioeconomic status in Ireland
Authors: Young Kristin , Relethford John H. , Crawford Michael H.
Published: August 2008

Previous research has documented socioeconomic stratification of secular trend in height in historical populations. Using data from 4,900 males and 1,430 females born between 1840 and 1910 collected as part of the Harvard Anthropological Survey of Ireland (1934–1936), this study examined the secular changes in postfamine Ireland using several socioeconomic variables, including: occupation, migration, education, siblings, birthplace, and occupation of father and mother's father. Correlations were also calculated between height and various historical economic indices. Significant differences in the height of Irish males were found by occupation, education, and socioeconomic status of father and maternal grandfather. Males employed in agriculture, or whose fathers or grandfathers were so employed, were significantly taller than other males. For the smaller female sample, only occupation and grandfather's socioeconomic status had a significant impact on height. An inverse correlation was also found between the British Cost of Living Index (BCL) and male heights. Our results suggest that availability of resources plays an important role in the overall nutritional status reflected in terminal adult height. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and trapping properties of dithiocarbamate macromolecule heavy‐metal flocculants
Authors: Zheng Huai‐li , Sun Xiu‐ping , He Qiang , Liang Kun , Zhang Peng
Published: August 2008

The synthesis and trapping properties of dithiocarbamate macromolecule heavy‐metal flocculants (DMHMFs) were studied. DMHMFs were synthesized through the reaction of polymine with carbon disulfide under alkaline conditions. The dosage of sodium hydroxide, carbon disulfide, and polymine and the reaction temperature and time were studied in detail. The flocculants were detected and characterized with IR spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and solubility measurements. The trapping and removal properties of DMHMFs with respect to some heavy‐metal ions were also studied. The results showed that a proposed trapping agent had good trapping and removal properties with respect to some heavy‐metal ions in a wide pH range. The removal rates of copper(II) and lead(II) were up to 99.44 and 98.74%, respectively. In comparison with traditional inorganic chemical precipitation agents, the formation and precipitation of the flocs were quicker, and the dosage of the trapping agent was lower. In addition, in the precipitation processes, other flocculants did not need to be added, so the treatment process was simple. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Novel superabsorbent cellulose‐based hydrogels crosslinked with citric acid
Authors: Demitri Christian , Del Sole Roberta , Scalera Francesca , Sannino Alessandro , Vasapollo Giuseppe , Maffezzoli Alfonso , Ambrosio Luigi , Nicolais Luigi
Published: August 2008

This work is focused on the preparation of new environmentally friendly hydrogels derived from cellulose and hence originating from renewable resources and characterized by biodegradable properties. Two cellulose derivatives, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMCNa) and hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), were used for superabsorbent hydrogel preparation. Citric acid (CA), a crosslinking agent able to overcome toxicity and costs associated with other crosslinking reagents, was selected in a heat activated reaction. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and swelling measurements were performed during the reaction progress to investigate the CA reactivity with each of the polymers. Also, CMCNa/HEC polymer mixtures (3/1 w/w) crosslinked with CA were investigated and compared with previous results. Finally, a possible reaction mechanism was proposed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Phthalonitrile‐epoxy blends: Cure behavior and copolymer properties
Authors: Dominguez Dawn D. , Keller Teddy M.
Published: August 2008

Binary blends composed of 4,4′‐bis(3,4‐dicyanophenoxy)biphenyl (biphenyl PN) and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (epoxy resin) and oligomeric n = 4 phthalonitrile (n = 4 PN) and epoxy resin were prepared. The cure behavior of the blends was studied under dynamic and isothermal curing conditions using differential scanning calorimetry, simultaneous thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and rheological analysis. The studies revealed that phthalonitrile‐epoxy blends exhibited good processability and that they copolymerized with or without the addition of curing additive. In the absence of curing additive, the blends required higher temperatures and longer cure times. The thermal and dynamic viscoelastic properties of amine‐cured phthalonitrile‐epoxy copolymers were examined and compared with those of the neat epoxy resin. The properties of the epoxy resin improved with increasing biphenyl PN content and with n = 4 PN addition. Specifically, the copolymers exhibited higher glass transition temperatures, increased thermal and thermo‐oxidative stabililty, and enhanced dynamic mechanical properties relative to the commercially available epoxy resin. The results showed that the phthalonitrile‐epoxy blends and copolymers have an attractive combination of processability and high temperature properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Influence of climatic ageing on the mechanical properties and the microstructure of low‐density polyethylene films
Authors: Chabira S. F. , Sebaa M. , G'sell C.
Published: August 2008

Blown extruded films of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) have been subjected to climatic ageing in a sub‐Saharan facility at Laghouat (Algeria) with direct exposure to sun. Samples were characterized by complementary techniques after prescribed amounts of time up to 8 months. It was shown by tensile testing that the mechanical properties are quite sensitive to ageing: (i) the elastic modulus increases and saturates, (ii) the tensile stress increases slightly, and (iii) the rupture energy decreases dramatically after 4 months weathering. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) were performed to identify the evolution of the polymer microstructure. The FTIR spectra reveal the initial presence of vinylidene groups that exhaust rapidly after 4 months ageing. Also, it detects the progressive multiplication of vinyl groups and oxidation products of many kinds. The NMR technique revealed specifically the carbon–carbon configurations in the polymer chains. By contrast to the original film that contained almost exclusively butyl chain branches, the aged specimens presented shorter ramifications, namely ethyl branches. Also, the presence of quaternary atoms was detected after long ageing times. The discussion of these complementary results in the light of current literature makes possible to identify the leading mechanisms that control the decay of LDPE film properties. Although these mechanisms are numerous and complex, they can be schematically summarized within three main classes: oxidation, scission, and crosslinking. Each class is discussed in details. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
New 2‐Amino‐thiazole‐4‐acetamides with Antiplatelet Activity
Authors: Rehse Klaus , Baselt Tobias
Published: August 2008

In the Born test, 23 title compounds were synthesized and investigated for their antiplatelet activities against collagen, ADP, adrenaline, and platelet‐activating factor (PAF) as inducers of the aggregation. Using collagen, three compounds with IC50 values below 10 μM were found (3a, 3b, 3c) and 15 compounds with IC50 values between 10 and 100 μM were determined. In general, a cyclohexylamino rest on an 4‐carboxamide moiety is a pre‐requisite for this pharmacological activity. A clear dependence from the substituent R1 in the structural element Y is observed. The same is true for the spacer n in the 4‐carboxamide substituent. Compound 3e showed strong ADP‐antagonistic effects (IC50 = 2.2 nM); 3c antagonized adrenaline (IC50 = 2.8 nM), while 3n was highly effective against platelet‐activating factor (IC50 = 0.2 μM).
Novel Nitrofurazone Derivatives Endowed with Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Brondani Dalci J. , Caetano Nelly , de M. Moreira Diogo R. , Soares Rogério R. , Lima Vânia T. , de Araújo Janete M. , de Abreu Fabiane C. , de Oliveira Boaz G. , Hernandes Marcelo Z. , Leite Ana C. L.
Published: August 2008

The N‐alkylated derivatives from nitrofurazone were synthesised and evaluated in vitro for their efficacy as antimicrobial agents against representative strains, including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The derivative 2a demonstrated greater activity than the prototype and was comparable to currently used antimicrobial drugs.
Synthesis, Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Some Novel 3,5‐Disubstituted‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazoles
Authors: Sharma Shweta , Gangal Saloni , Rauf Abdul , Zahin Maryam
Published: August 2008

A rapid and efficient one‐pot condensation reaction of long‐chain alkyl and alkenyl acid hydrazides and nitriles was carried out to afford 3,5‐disubstituted‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazoles. The compounds 5a–o were screened for in‐vitro antibacterial activity against the representative panel of two Gram‐positive and two Gram‐negative bacteria. All the synthesized compounds were also tested for their inhibitory action against five strains of fungi. The various compounds show potent inhibitory action against test organisms. The compounds 5a–o were characterized on the basis of elemental analysis and spectral data.
Enantioselective Synthesis of the Fully Functionalized ABC Ring of Zoanthenol
Authors: Sugano Naoki , Koizumi Yuuki , Hirai Go , Oguri Hiroki , Kobayashi Shoji , Yamashita Shuji , Hirama Masahiro
Published: August 2008

Zoanthenol, isolated from Zoanthus sp., possesses an extremely complex architecture including contiguous quaternary carbons. An enantioselective synthesis of the fully functionalized ABC‐ring of zoanthenol has been achieved and is described herein. The key features of the synthesis are the enzymatic kinetic optical resolution and the Mizoroki–Heck/Simmons–Smith reaction strategy used to construct the congested asymmetric quaternary carbons.