bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Establishment Methods and Nutrient Management Practices on Growth Characters and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Kumar G. Santhosh , Kumar R. Mahender , Sreenivas A. , Jayasree G. , Ramesh T.
Published: March 2022

Aim: Study was conducted to compare and to identify the best combination of rice crop establishment method and nutrient management in terms of crop growth, development and yield.

Study Design: Experiment was laid out in splitplot design.

Place and Duration of Study: The field experiments were conducted at the research farm of Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India during the kharifand rabiseasons of 2011-12 and 2012-13.

Methodology: The treatments consisted of four establishment methods (System of rice intensification (SRI), modified drum seeder, normal drum seeder and normal transplanting) as main plot treatments and four nutrient management practices (100% recommended dosage of nitrogen (RDN) through inorganic, 75% RDN through inorganic+ 25% RDN through organic, 50% RDN through inorganic+50% RDN through organic and 100% RDN through organic) as sub plot treatments with 16 treatment combinations and three replications. The semi dwarf, high yielding Sampada variety was raised during the study period.

Results: Growth parameters like plant height, leaf area index (LAI), dry matter accumulation, number of tillers per square meter were observed at 45,75,105 days after transplanting and at harvest stages. The two years experimental results and the pooled mean data revealed that SRI recorded significantly superior growth parameters at all the crop growth stages followed by modified drum seeder. In respect of subplots 50% RDN through inorganic+50% RDN through organic resulted in superior growth parameters and yield.

Conclusions:The combination of SRI with nutrient management practice 50% nitrogen through urea and 50% nitrogen through vermiconpost resulted in greater growth parameters and grain yield.
Effect of Production Factors on Growth and Yield of Rabi Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)
Authors: Satish P. , Sudharani C.
Published: March 2022

An experiment was carried out at Agricultural Research Station, Tandur, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) for three consecutive years viz. 2014-16, 2015-16 and 2016-17 to study the Effect of production factors on growth and yield of rabi sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)  during the winter seasons. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments comprised of T1: Control only improved hybrid CSH-15-R T2: Full package of practices (FPP) T3: FPP without Irrigation T4: FPP without Fertilizer T5:FPP without Weed Control T6: FPP without -Plant protection T7: FPP without seed treatment with PSB and azospirillum T8 : FPP without Thinning T9 : FPP without Improved variety (only local variety) with three replications. The pooled results of the trial indicated that there was 32% yield reduction when the improved sorghum hybrid was grown without using all the full package of practices. (i.e., over FPP). The gross returns of rupees 115615 ha-1, net returns of rupees 91655 ha-1 and benefit cost ratio of 3.83 were recorded highest with all the full package of practices.

The control is recommended to be the local variety). This is the All India Coordinated research network project conducted across India without any changes in the hybrid and is predominantly successful production factor over the variety which is released for its performance over the existing suitable varieties for testing.
Profiling of Few of the Tea Accessions on Physiological Growth and Stress Tolerance
Authors: Burhagohain Alija , Gogoi Aditi Smith
Published: March 2022

Tea [Camellia sinensis(L) O Kuntz] is one of the oldest, most widely consumed and least expensive natural beverages, known to the world over for its heritage brew with various flavor and antioxidant properties. The productivity of tea in world as well as in India has been raised by developing high yielding clones and seed stocks but the genetic base of the existing diversity of the crop is rapidly narrowing down. In present scenario, apart from yield and quality, physiological parameters and abiotic stress tolerance are also raising up to be the most important environmental indicator impacting on sustainability and productivity of tea. In the published research work, an effort was made to characterize and estimate the variation of 20 tea germplasm named as THT1 to THT20, growing in the Experimental Garden for Plantation Crops, AAU, Jorhat on the basis of growth parameters and abiotic stress tolerance capability of tea.

 In the experiment all the germplasm showed highly significant difference amongst them regarding growth parameters, pigment content and on abiotic stress tolerance. THT 1, THT 10, THT 3 contained higher total chlorophyll and THT 4, THT 10, THT 20 showed high carotene content. In case of growth parameters THT 11, THT 7, THT5 showed higher plucking point density whereas THT 11, THT 17, THT 7 showed good abiotic stress tolerance with high value of proline content, relative turgidity, water saturation deficit and epicuticular wax content.

When clustering was done based on abiotic stress tolerance, pigment and growth parameters respectively, THT11 and THT 17 are found to form a discriminated cluster in the dendogram. The parameters taken especially for abiotic stress tolerance study may be subjected to environmental factors for which more elaborated field trial may be required for these clones to assess their yield and quality parameters.
Growth Behaviour of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) Cotton as Influenced by Mepiquat Chloride under Varying Nitrogen Levels
Authors: Kumari Sadhana , Thakral SK , Singh Karmal , Devi Priyanka
Published: March 2022

Cotton is indeterminant and long duration crop. For synchronising in growth and to prevent heavy shedding of bolls different growth regulators used in cotton field. The present field experiment was conducted at National Seed Production Area of Choudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India during kharif season 2018. The experiment comprised of three levels of nitrogen (100%, 125% and 150% Recommended Dose Fertilizer) and three spray of mepiquat chloride (control, single spray at 60 Days After Sowing and two spray at 60 and 75 DAS) was conducted in factorial randomized complete block design replicated thrice. Based on the research investigation, it was found that different phenological stages were delayed by 3 to 4 days with application of 150% RDF, while twice spray of mepiquat chloride resulted in 6 to 7 days earlier completion of these stages. Ginning out turn was statistically at par with different levels of nitrogen, while 100% RDF has shown maximum span length with lowest micronaire value. With single mepiquat chloride spray at 60 DAS ginning percentages decreases by 6.80% over control, it maybe seen beacause of shortened growth period. While span length reduces with two sprays of mepiquat chloride at 60 and 75 DAS by 0.62% over the control and single spray of mepiquat chloride at 60 DAS. However finest fibre (4.23 x 10-6g/inch micronaire value) obtained with single spray of mepiquat chloride. The result of present study reveals that, 100% RDF in Bt cotton along with single spray of mepiquat chloride at 60 DAS gives finest fibre with more span length by completing all phenological stages earlier than others.
Possibility of Using Commercial Hydrated Lime as a Catalyst for Rapeseed Oil Methanolysis
Authors: Halilović Azra , Begić Sabina , Iličković Zoran , Odobašić Amra , Panić Sanja , Stojanović Zorica , Fazlić Amir
Published: March 2022

In this research, the possibility of using Ca(OH)2 in the form of commercial hydrated lime as a catalyst for the methanolysis of refined rapeseed oil was evaluated. Characterization of unused catalyst was performed by SEM-EDS, laser diffraction, XRF, BET, XRD and TG/DTG methods, and vegetable oil was analyzed for physicochemical characteristics. Within methanolysis, the effects of catalyst loading, reaction temperature and reaction time on methyl ester yield, density and viscosity of biodiesel, as well as the possibility of catalyst reuse were investigated. The obtained results showed that hydrated lime is an efficient catalyst for transesterification of vegetable oil, whereby the use of 3 wt% of catalyst relative to oil weight, at temperature 60℃ and mixing rate 1000 rpm after 120 min of transesterification reaction achieved a yield of methyl esters 98.76%. With three reuses of hydrated lime, without intermediate washing and regeneration procedures, the yield of rapeseed oil methyl ester remained above 90%.
Comparative Study of the Antimicrobial Properties of Fresh and Freeze-Dried Leaf and Seed of Buccholzia coriacea
Authors: Ajayi M. G. , Ajayi O. D. , Ayoade W. G , Daramola G. O.
Published: March 2022

The utilization of plant materials as alternative therapies to control pathogenic bacteria has recently attracted. The effect of the fresh seed, freeze-dried seed, fresh leaf and freeze-dried leaf of using ethanol and aqueous extracts was tested on some organisms using standard laboratory procedures. The bacteria used were Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Klebsella pneumonia and oryzae, while the fungi used were Trichoderma harzionium, Fusconium oxysporium, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium notatum. The results showed that the ethanol extracts of B. coriacea fresh seed showed inhibitory zones ranging from 2–12 mm, while the aqueous extract showed inhibitory zones ranging from 2-10 mm. The ethanol extracts of B. coriacea freeze dried seed showed inhibitory zones ranging from 5–38 mm, while the aqueous extract showed inhibitory zones ranging from 4-36 mm. The ethanol extracts of B. coriacea fresh leaf showed inhibitory zones ranging from 2–26 mm, while the aqueous extract showed inhibitory zones ranging from 2-24 mm. The aqueous and ethanol extracts of B. coriacea freeze dried leaf showed inhibitory zones ranging from 3-40mm respectively. The study conclude that the aqueous and ethanol extract of freeze dried seed of B. coriacea showed better antifungal and antibacterial activity against the test organisms compared with the aqueous and ethanol extract of fresh seed of B. coriacea. Similarly, the aqueous and ethanol extract of freeze dried leaf of B. coriacea showed better antifungal and antibacterial activity against the test organisms compared with the aqueous and ethanol extract of fresh leaf of B. coriacea. The ethanol extract showed better antifungal and antibacterial activity than aqueous extract.
The Energy of Conjugate Graph of a Dihedral Group
Authors: Mahmud M. S. , Tal Pokalas P. , Idris M. Z. , Malle A. A.
Published: March 2022

Let \(\Gamma_{D_{2 n}}^{C}\) and \(E(\Gamma)\) denote the conjugate graph of a dihedral group of order \(2 n(n \in \aleph)\) and the energy of a graph respectively. The sum of the absolute values of the eigenvalues of an adjacency matrix's eigenvalues is the energy of a graph. In this paper, we use group representation of a dihedral group of order 2n with its conjugacy classes to explicitly design admissible conjugate graphs. We further introduced the general formula for the energy of conjugate graphs of dihedral groups in various circumstances. Also, we deduced the general formula for the conjugate graph of generalized dihedral groups of order 2n depending on the nature of n.
Psychosocial Impact and the Quality of Life of Patient with Acne Vulgaris among Public in Al Qunfudah Province, Southern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alamri Safa J. , Dairi Motaz
Published: March 2022

Background: Acne vulgaris is a common disease condition, affecting approximately 9.4% of the world's population, with the highest prevalence in adolescents. It affects over 90% of men and 80% of women in all ethnic groups. It is not life-threatening or physically debilitating; however, acne lesions can leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and/or atrophic scars in moderate to severe acne cases, influencing quality of life (QoL) and leading to low self-esteem and weak social interactions.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in AlQunfudah, Saudi Arabia, in 2021. Data were collected using a Google form questionnaire. The study population consisted of 210 participants. Saudi women and men aged ≥15 years who agreed to participate in the study were included, and no exclusion criteria were used. We used the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), a validated questionnaire that grades QoL.

Results: The study included 210 patients with comparatively more women (83.6%) than men (16.2%). The age distribution showed that 48.1% (n=101) of the patients were 21-25 years old, and 21.9% were 26-30 years old. Patients with severe acne scars had a higher DLQI score (8.91 ± 5.56) compared to others (p<0.001), and those with grade III had high scores of 9.38 ± 5.14 (p=0.004). The DLQI scores were higher in individuals with post-acne hyperpigmentation. When we compared the skin type and grade of acne, it was found that more people with “oily skin” had grade III (18.8%) and grade IV (7.1%) acne compared to other skin types, whereas grade I was seen more in the dry (81.8%) and normal skin types (61.9%) (p<0.001). Similarly, severe acne scars were more common in grade III (45.5%) and moderate acne scars were more common in grade II (54.1%) than in other types (p<0.001). We observed that grade II acne displayed more post-acne hyperpigmentation (46.6%), whereas grade III had 14.3% and grade IV had 7.5%, which showed a statistically significant association (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Acne is a common skin disease in Al Qunfudah people and is a highly prevalent condition that affects both sexes. This has a considerable impact on their QoL. Health education is needed to encourage people to seek appropriate help.
Physicochemical Characterization of Craft Beers Produced with Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims)
Authors: Dos Santos Diego Rafael Nunes , Bilac Carla Azevedo , Muratori Barbosa Thiago , Orsi Daniela Castilho
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to produce and evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of craft beers with the addition of yellow passion fruit pulp and evaluate the acceptance level of these products by sensory analysis. The addition of 2% (w/v) of passion fruit pulp to beers was performed in two stages: A) in the wort, before the primary alcoholic fermentation and B) in the green beer, after primary alcoholic fermentation and before the maturation stage. The pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, reducing sugars and total phenolic compounds were determined in wort and beers, meanwhile, antioxidant capacity, and alcohol content were determined in beers. The passion fruit beers were characterized by pH of 3.65-3.66, acidity of 0.33%, phenolic compound values of 67-68 mg/100 mL, antioxidant activities between 2.45-3.04 mM TEAC by ABTS and 0.62-0.70 mM TEAC by DPPH and alcoholic contents of 4.50-4.70ºGL. The two formulations of passion fruit beers had good acceptance. However, beer B showed higher antioxidant activity and obtained higher scores in flavor and aroma attributes in the sensory analysis compared to the beer A. The results of the present study suggested that quality characteristics of beer can be improved by the addition of passion fruit.
Functional and Radiological Outcome Analysis of Bipolar Prosthesis Used in Femur Neck Fracture through Inter-Prosthetic Joint Movement: A Study Protocol
Authors: Upadhyay Prateek , Ambade Ratnakar
Published: March 2022

Background: Fracture neck of femur is the commonest fracture in old aged individuals because of osteoporosis and advancing age causing more brittleness of bone. Blood to neck and head of femur is rich and complicated. A hip operation is successful only when it provide a stable hip which is pain free and has a good range of movement.

The Austin – Moore and Thompson prostheses have been used successfully for treating fracture NOF. Excruciating pain and erosion of acetabulum are very common complications after the use of the Austin- Moore prosthesis. The bipolar prosthesis was developed by James E Bateman in 1974, which had the great advantage of second joint, below the acetabulum. So hip motion is to occur at two surfaces thus reducing the articular erosion. Studies have shown that over an increasing period of time the bipolar prosthesis will become more of a unipolar prosthesis functionally due to stiffening up of the inter-prosthetic joint. By this study we will be able to assess whether bipolar prosthesis really functions as it’s name suggests or vice versa.

Objectives:

Analysis of Inter – prosthetic joint movement in Bipolar prosthesis by radiological means. 

Co-relating the inter-prosthetic joint motion with functional outcome of Bipolar prosthesis using Oxford hip score.

Methodology: By appropriate and easy sampling method, the patients undergoing Bipolar hemiarthroplasty for NOF fracture will be assessed radiologically for amount of inter-prosthetic joint motion during post-operative period.

Results: Results would be assessed on basis of clinical evaluation, functional evaluation and radiological evaluation and statistical analysis would be done to conclude the findings.

Conclusion: That over an increasing period of time the bipolar prosthesis will become more of a unipolar prosthesis functionally due to stiffening up of the inter-prosthetic joint.
Demographic Profiling of Patients with Leukoplakia Visiting a Dental Hospital in Chennai, India - An Institutional Study
Authors: Rajeswaran Saishree Anchana , Ramani Pratibha
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are a group of conditions that predispose to the development of oral cancers. A few of the commonly recurring OPMDs include leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis, Smokers’ palate, and oral lichen planus. Leukoplakia is more common in specific populations, attributed to their habits and environmental circumstances. Hence, early diagnosis with biopsies on suspecting these lesions during regular oral health check-up ensures timely referral and addressal of the disorder. The present study aims to demographically profile patients with Leukoplakia visiting a private dental hospital in Chennai.

Aim: To demographically profile patients diagnosed with Leukoplakia, visiting a dental hospital in Chennai, a major city in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.

Materials and Methods: From the patients visiting the private dental hospital, those clinically diagnosed with Leukoplakia were considered in the inclusion criteria. Exclusion criteria involved those with poor maintenance of records and lack of follow-up of uncooperative patients. The sample size was n=100. The gender, age and locality of residence were considered and tabulated, followed by their statistical analysis using SPSS software version 22.0. 

Results: From the results of the current study, it was observed that there was a greater male predilection to the occurrence of Leukoplakia (99%) compared to females (1%). A greater number of cases were seen in the age group of 41-50 years (34%), while the least number of cases were seen in patients of 21-30 years (7%). Among the cases reported, most patients were from Thiruvallur (40%), Chennai district (30%) followed by Kancheepuram district (17%) in Tamilnadu .

Conclusion: From the study, it can be concluded that Leukoplakia is more prevalent among the middle aged male population and was found to be predominantly occurring in the regions of Thiruvallur and Chennai districts in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Association of Signs and Symptoms at Menarche with Pitta Pre-dominant Prakriti: An Observational Study
Authors: Khan Zoya Hasan , Sawarkar Gaurav , Desai Priti , Sawarkar Punam , Deshpande Amol
Published: March 2022

Background: Menarche a sign of puberty which links childhood to adult hood. It is the phase of progression of sexual characters required at the adolescent’s age. It is seen that premenstrual symptoms regularly occurs in luteal phase of menstrual cycle. Similarly, when we can see premenarcheal symptoms in luteal phase of first menstrual cycle. Bhawmishra has explained that difference in color is due to different Prakriti es of individuals and vitiated doshas are responsible for symptoms like pain and burning sensation.

Materials and Methods: A total 673 girls were screened from Wardha city and out of them 150 were recruited for the study. Data were gathered with the help of specially designed proforma and Prakriti questionnaire. Qualitative analysis was done based on recorded data.

Observation & Results: Around 105 girls with Pitta Prakriti noted the problem of dysmenorrhea. Various observations were recorded based on regularity (16.67%)- irregularity (83.33%), quantity (Excess 19.34%, Moderate 68.66%, Scanty 12%), consistency (Clot 23.34%, Viscous 37.33%, Watery 39.33%), smell (Foul 18.67%, Normal 81.33%), dysmenorrhea condition (No 30%, Yes 70%), pain intensity (High 16.67%, Medium 72.67%, Scanty 10.66%) and other associated sign & symptoms like back pain, headache, pain in abdomen, body ache, stomach pain.

Conclusion: It was concluded that average age group were seen around 12 years, majority of participants had watery flow and viscid flow which can be explained as Pitta dosha has dominance of Agni. The duration of menstruation was seen averagely about 6 days in most of the participants.
Antibacterial Activity of Endemic Artocarpus nobilis Thw Found in Sri Lanka
Authors: Senadeera S. P. N. N. , Fernando K. S. K. , Wickramasekara W. L. L. N. , Fernando M. Y. S. , Ranaweera C. B. , Rajapaksha Weranga , Silva A. R. N.
Published: March 2022

Aims: To evaluate antibacterial activity of aqueous, methanol, dichloromethane, and hexane extracts of Artocarpus nobilis Thw. leaves and stem bark against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using agar well diffusion method.

Methodology: Matured fully expanded leaves and stem bark parts of Artocarpus nobilis were collected, air-dried, and grounded. The extraction was obtained using a decoction extraction method. Antibacterial activity was performed against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC® 25923TM) and Escherichia coli (ATCC® 25922TM) using agar well diffusion method and gentamicin was used as a positive control. The whole experiment was done in triplicates and the diameter of the inhibition zone (in mm) was measured and recorded.

Results: Results showed that aqueous bark extract (EC50 4.286 mg/mL) showed the highest efficacy and potency against E. coli while methanol bark extract (EC50 4.427 mg/mL) showed the highest efficacy and potency against S. aureus. R² and P values for aqueous, methanol, dichloromethane, and hexane extracts indicated that there was a strong, statistically significant correlation (P ≤ 0.05) between concentration and zone of inhibition for all extracts of A. nobilis against E. coli and S. aureus.

Conclusion: This study showed that aqueous and methanol bark extracts of Artocarpus nobilis have marked in vitro dose-dependent antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus respectively. Further studies are necessary to ascertain the mechanism and the active constituents responsible for the antibacterial activity of the of plant parts of Artocarpus nobilis.
Bronze Age burial from Pabay Mor, Isle of Lewis, Western Isles
Authors: Barrowman Rachel , Innes Lorna , Duffy Paul , MacGregor Gavin , Ballin Smith Beverley
Published: March 2022

In 2002 human remains were reported eroding from a section of sandy cliff on the eastern side of the island of Pabay Mor, Isle of Lewis (NGR: NB 1048 3795). Subsequent excavation of the site was undertaken by GUARD, as part of the Historic Scotland Human Remains Call-off Contract. This revealed a burial of a mature male of approximately 50–59 years of age, placed in a grave adjacent to a marker stone. The burial was crouched and aligned north–south and accompanied by a small undecorated pot, a polished stone and a pumice polisher. A radiocarbon date of 1450–1290 cal BC (GU-13838) was obtained from human bone from the burial. A second, infant, individual, represented only by a fragment of mandible, was identified from disarticulated remains found at the burial.
Seasonal variation in age, sex, and reproductive status of Mexican free‐tailed bats
Authors: Danielson Joseph R. , Williams Jason A. , Sherwin Richard E. , Ekholm Kelsey L. , Hamilton Bryan T.
Published: March 2022

In North America, Mexican free‐tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana) consume vast numbers of insects contributing to the economic well‐being of society. Mexican free‐tailed bats have declined due to historic guano mining, roost destruction, and bioaccumulation of organochlorine pesticides. Long‐distance migrations and dense congregations at roosts exacerbate these declines. Wind energy development further threatens bat communities worldwide and presents emerging challenges to bat conservation. Effective mitigation of bat mortality at wind energy facilities requires baseline data on the biology of affected populations. We collected data on age, sex, and reproductive condition of Mexican free‐tailed bats at a cave roost in eastern Nevada located 6 km from a 152‐MW industrial wind energy facility. Over 5 years, we captured 46,353 Mexican free‐tailed bats. Although just over half of the caught individuals were nonreproductive adult males (53.6%), 826 pregnant, 892 lactating, 10,101 post‐lactating, and 4327 nonreproductive adult females were captured. Juveniles comprised 11.5% of captures. Female reproductive phenology was delayed relative to conspecific roosts at lower latitudes, likely due to cooler temperatures. Roost use by reproductive females and juvenile bats demonstrates this site is a maternity roost, with significant ecological and conservation value. To our knowledge, no other industrial scale wind energy facilities exist in such proximity to a heavily used bat roost in North America. Given the susceptibility of Mexican free‐tailed bats to wind turbine mortality and the proximity of this roost to a wind energy facility, these data provide a foundation from which differential impacts on demographic groups can be assessed.
GIbase1.0: A database of green infrastructure plant species in England and Scotland
Authors: Watkins Harry , McLinden Abel , O'Halloran Sally , Karlsdottir Berglind , Pollard Chris , Labib Ellen , Marzano Mariella
Published: March 2022

The contributions of constructed Green Infrastructure (GI) to biodiversity are often used to justify urban development projects, yet in many cases these contributions have been difficult to quantify.

As a result, a wide range of GI features are designed and implemented, often without knowledge of whether these features contribute meaningfully to biodiversity or if there are biosecurity risks presented by their design or procurement. Our understanding of design practices could be significantly improved if researchers and policymakers were able to draw upon a data resource that recorded the specifications used in development projects and facilitated easy access to them.

In the United Kingdom, planning Portals act as substantial and untapped repositories of grey literature, containing highly detailed data with a diverse spatial coverage, recording the diversity and extent of existing habitats and specifications for proposed species assemblages. However, they are difficult to navigate or query, making it challenging to use these resources to gain macro‐level insights from the data held within the portals.

In this paper, we present GIbase 1.0, a new dataset that incorporates plant specifications from development projects across England and Scotland along with trait data associated with each species.

To demonstrate the utility of the dataset, in a separate exercise we tested whether these data could be used to inform policymakers and researchers about current procurement and planting practices. To this end, we assessed the proposed GI features that are submitted by developers to local planning authorities as part of the planning process and then carried out fieldwork to record the extent to which these specifications were delivered. The findings from this work are published separately (Karlsdottir et al., 2021).
Secure interval estimations for time‐varying delay interconnected systems using novel distributed functional observers
Authors: Huong Dinh Cong
Published: March 2022

In this article, we consider the problem of designing distributed functional observers for time‐varying delay interconnected systems under stealthy attacks. Distributed reduced‐order observers are first designed to construct bounds for the attack signals. Then, the obtained bounds of the attack signals are utilized to design novel distributed functional observers, which provide interval estimations for linear functions of the state vectors of subsystems when the time‐varying delay interconnected system is under stealthy attacks. Existence conditions of the distributed reduced‐order observers as well as distributed functional state observers are established, and an effective algorithm for computing unknown observer matrices is provided. A numerical example is used to confirm the effectiveness and advantages of the obtained results.
Three‐In‐One Alkylamine‐Tuned MoOx for Lab‐Scale to Real‐Life Aqueous Supercapacitors
Authors: Han Xu , Wu Chongchong , Li Hao , Zhang Yusheng , Sun Wenping , Jia Baohua , Gates Ian D. , Huang Zi‐Hang , Ma Tianyi
Published: March 2022

Aqueous supercapacitors show advantages of high safely, prolonged lifespan, and low cost, etc. but there have never been commercial market products, nor quantitative investigation of practical pouch devices of aqueous supercapacitors. Herein, to achieve their lab‐scale to real‐life manufacture, a unique MoOx for supercapacitor use is constructed by a hydrothermal and annealing strategy suitable for industrialization, which plays three key functions, including precisely adjusted interlayer spacing, conductive flexible graphite carbon and abundant oxygen vacancies. As a result, the as‐synthesized electrode yields an ultra‐high specific capacitance of 717 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and ultra‐long cycling durability with no obvious capacitive loss even after 100 000 cycles. Realistically, the assembled asymmetric supercapacitor (MoOx‐HDA‐3//MnO2) exhibits extraordinary energy density of 78.2 Wh kg−1, superior to many advanced supercapacitors reported to date. We have fabricated pouch devices, which can successfully run 3C products such as tablets and smartphones, and maintain stable electrochemical performance even after heavy strikes, fires, and pressures. Quantitative investigation results confirm that the pouch device delivers an excellent specific capacitance of 74.7 F g−1 and a high energy density of 41.5 Wh kg−1. This work enhances the confidence of pushing aqueous supercapacitors to realistic energy storage market.
Giant Photoresponsivity and External Quantum Efficiency in a Contact‐Engineered Broadband a‐IGZO Phototransistor
Authors: Lai Yi‐Hsui , Wang I‐Ting , Hou Tuo‐Hung
Published: March 2022

Broadband photodetectors with a wide ultraviolet (UV)–visible (vis)–near‐infrared (NIR) spectral response reduce cost and form factors in smart sensing systems by using one rather than multiple devices for versatile applications. However, simultaneously achieving broadband detection, high responsivity, and fast response time remains challenging. This study demonstrates a high‐performance broadband amorphous In–Ga–Zn–O (a‐IGZO) phototransistor using an engineered Ni/Ti bilayer metal contact. This device differs drastically from the conventional a‐IGZO phototransistors in several aspects: 1) Pronounced photoresponse occurs at the device ON‐state rather than the OFF‐state. 2) A broadband response of 385–980 nm rather than a narrowband UV response. 3) Fast sub‐ms response time with no persistent photocurrent. 4) High responsivity of exceeding 105 A W−1. The external quantum efficiency exceeding 107% and specific detectivity exceeding 1015 Jones are also among the best of any UV–vis–NIR broadband photodetectors. The photoresponse is attributed to the light‐sensitive source–drain series resistance at the ON‐state. The Ni diffusion during postmetal annealing induces photoactive subgap states and modulates the conductivity of a‐IGZO at the contact region. The superior performance using low‐temperature processes and simple device structures as the widely available a‐IGZO technology suggests a tremendous application potential of this broadband phototransistor.
Enhancing Electrochemical Performance of Stretchable/Flexible Li‐Ion Microbatteries by Tuning Microstructured Electrode Dimensions
Authors: Albertengo Alban , Nasreldin Mohamed , Ramuz Marc , Ochoa Daniel , Delattre Roger , Lepikhin Maxim , Galeyeva Alina , Malchik Fyodor , Djenizian Thierry
Published: March 2022

Increasing surface area between electrodes and electrolytes drastically has proven to improve electrochemical performances of microbatteries. 3D surface enhancement owing to the design of micropillar electrodes has permitted to fulfill this need while maintaining the same footprint area. Lithium nickel manganese oxide (cathode) and Lithium titanate (anode) micropillars with different sizes are successfully fabricated on aluminum foils by laser ablation technique and are then separated by a polymer electrolyte to form stretchable lithium‐ion microbatteries. The electrochemical performance of full batteries composed of different micropillar sizes is studied in detail. The importance of controlling the width of micropillars is demonstrated and correlated with a simple theoretical model to optimize the battery properties. It is also shown that areal capacity values can be enhanced by improving the electrode/electrolyte interfaces using a simple treatment under vacuum.
Synthesis of Trifluoromethylated 4H‐1‐Benzopyran Derivatives via Photocatalytic Trifluoromethylation/Oxidation/Conjugate Addition, and Cyclization Sequences of Vinyl Phenols
Authors: Jang Jihoon , Kim Dae Young
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study was to describe a cyclization reaction of photoredox generated ortho‐quinone methides using 1,3‐diketones for the synthesis of trifluoromethylated 4H‐1‐benzopyrans with moderate to high yields. This process resulted in in situ formation of trifluoromethylated ortho‐quinone methides from 2‐vinyl phenols with Umemoto's reagent, followed by conjugate addition and cyclization reaction of 1,3‐diketones.
Modular Access to Diverse Chemiluminescent Dioxetane‐Luminophores through Convergent Synthesis
Authors: Gnaim Samer , Gholap Sachin Popat , Ge Liang , Das Sayantan , Gutkin Sara , Green Ori , Shelef Omri , Hananya Nir , Baran Phil S. , Shabat Doron
Published: March 2022

Adamantyl‐dioxetane luminophores are an important class of chemiluminescent molecular probes for diagnostics and imaging. We have developed a new efficient synthetic route for preparation of adamantyl‐enolether as precursors for dioxetane chemiluminescent luminophores. The synthesis is convergent, using an unusual Stille cross‐coupling reaction employing a stannane‐enolether, to directly afford adamantyl‐enolether. In a following simple step, the dioxetane is obtained by oxidation of the enolether precursor with singlet‐oxygen. The scope of this synthetic route is broad since a large number of haloaryl substrates are either commercially available or easily accessible. Such a late‐stage derivatization strategy simplifies the rapid exploration of novel luminogenic molecular structures in a library format and simplifies the synthesis of known dioxetane luminophores. We expect that this new synthetic strategy will be particularly useful in the design and synthesis of yet unexplored dioxetane chemiluminescent luminophores.
Functionalized organic–inorganic hybrid composites used as colorimetric chemosensors for hydrogen sulfide detection
Authors: Wu Huanling , Cheng Qiang , Mao Haiyan , Zhang Wenwen , Lin Ling
Published: March 2022

Detection of trace‐level hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas is of great importance both in industrial production and disease diagnosis. In this article, two simple but smart colorimetric chemosensors for H2S detection were designed based upon the principle of colorimetric reaction. Ag NPs, as the main detection agent was loaded onto the primary carrier, silica sulfonic acid. Thus, a silver‐modified silica sulfonic acid (Ag‐SSA) was prepared successfully. Then the Ag‐SSA was integrated with two kinds of secondary substrate materials. One is the cotton‐woven textile and the other one is polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibrous membrane. Finally, two functionalized organic–inorganic hybrid composite systems for H2S detection were formed. Both of them were able to exhibit a rapid visual color change in response to H2S. Ag‐SSA/cotton textile was tested in the aqueous state and the limit of detection (LOD) of H2S solution was around 10−6 mol/L. For the Ag‐SSA/PVA nanofibers membrane detected in the atmospheric condition, the LOD of H2S gas reached 6.5 ppm. This research has been successfully demonstrated for the application in sensitive and selective detection of hydrogen sulfide in aqueous solution and gaseous state.
Orographic enhancement of rainfall over the Congo Basin
Authors: Raghavendra Ajay , Xia Geng , Zhou Liming , Jiang Yan
Published: March 2022

The Congo rainforest located in central equatorial Africa is an important, yet understudied part of the globe surrounded by complex orographic features. A primitive understanding of precipitation processes such as mesoscale convective dynamics magnifies uncertainties in the future climate projections of the hydrological cycle over the Congo. Furthermore, the effects of orography, which is an important forcing for convection and precipitation, are poorly resolved by climate models, and ill‐conceptualized over the Congo. To address this knowledge gap, perturbed orographic forcing experiments are conducted using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) mesoscale numerical model in a high‐resolution convection‐permitting model setup. The model simulated selected dates in November 2014. The thunderstorms and rainfall simulated in the control run for the case study analyzed in this article compared reasonably well to satellite‐derived brightness temperature and rainfall data. The results from this case study show that the dynamical impact of increasing the height of the East African Highlands is the blocking of the lower‐tropospheric tropical easterlies. This weakening of the lower‐tropospheric zonal winds increases the windshear over the Congo Basin resulting in slower propagating, more intense mesoscale convective systems with enhanced rainfall.
An experimental protocol for molecular biology lab at an Amazonian University
Authors: Valdivieso‐Rivera Fernando , Almeida José Rafael , Proaño‐Bolaños Carolina
Published: March 2022

Laboratory‐based practical classes are an essential component in teaching molecular biology for undergraduate students. Universidad Regional Amazonica Ikiam is a higher education institution located in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, a high biodiversity place, including amphibians. Based on this, we have established a practical molecular biology program with eight sessions that contextualize the biodiverse surroundings of the University. This program stimulates synchronization of information between theory and practice and improves research skills. During these sessions, students are motivated to identify and characterize antimicrobial peptides from Ecuadorian frog skin secretions, using molecular biology techniques and biochemistry and microbiology knowledge. This practical course was held twice with a total of 56 students from the fifth semester of the biotechnology engineering. The evaluation of the practical program was carried out through a questionnaire applied to students using the Likert scale. Overall, this form of teaching had high receptivity and presented benefits for student learning. Interestingly, 80% of respondents strongly agreed that this course provided tools and knowledge for the development of their undergraduate dissertation. Therefore, practical courses tailored to the student's context can stimulate student learning and interest. Additionally, this experimental methodology is interdisciplinary and can be applied to other research fields and subjects.
Sustainable banking initiatives, environmental disclosure and financial performance: The moderating impact of corporate governance mechanisms
Authors: Adu Douglas A.
Published: March 2022

This paper contributes to the sustainable development in business literature by examining the impact of a broad corporate governance disclosure index on sustainable banking initiatives and, subsequently, determines the extent to which the sustainability‐for‐performance sensitivity metric is moderated by corporate governance mechanisms. Based on data collected from 220 banks in 16 Sub‐Saharan Africa countries over the 2007–2018 period (i.e., making over 2027 bank‐year observations), the findings of the study are as follows: Firstly, the study finds that corporate governance mechanisms have positive impact on sustainable decisions, as captured by environmental disclosures and sustainable banking initiatives. Secondly, the study finds that sustainable banking initiatives improve the financial performance of banks in the Sub‐Saharan African countries. Finally, the study detects that the relationship between sustainable banking initiatives and financial performance is significantly moderated by corporate governance mechanisms, revealing that the sustainability‐for‐performance sensitivity metric is mainly positive, and improves in banks with quality corporate governance mechanisms. This indicates that the sustainability‐for‐performance sensitivity is contingent on the quality of the bank's corporate governance structures. The findings have key implications for banking practitioners, environmental activists, regulators and policymakers.
Efficacy of careHPV™ human papillomavirus screening versus conventional cytology tests for the detection of precancerous and cancerous cervical lesions among women living with HIV‐1 in Lao People's Democratic Republic
Authors: Paboriboune Phimpha , Phongsavan Keokedthong , Arounlangsy Phetsamone , Flaissier Bruno , Aphayarath Oukham , Phimmasone Prasit , Banchongphanith Ketmala , Xayaovong Mixi , Jourdain Gonzague , Schott Anne‐Marie , Saadatian‐Elahi Mitra , Magaud Laurent , Klich Amna , Ngo‐Giang‐Huong Nicole , Heard Isabelle , Rabilloud Muriel , Picot Valentina Sanchez , Longuet Christophe
Published: March 2022

Background

In the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), cervical cancer is the third leading cause of women cancer.

Aims

The objective of this cross‐sectional study was to compare the efficacy of careHPV™ test versus conventional Pap smear or Siriraj liquid‐based cytology in the detection of cervical cancer in women living with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1).

Materials & Methods

Overall, 631 women consented to participate. Four cervical specimens were taken for the purpose of conventional Pap smear, Siriraj liquid‐based cytology, careHPV™ test, and HPV‐16 genotyping. The exact McNemar test was used to compare the efficacy and diagnostic performance of the tests.

Results

Of the 631 women with follow‐up, 331 were human papillomavirus (HPV) negative. High‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were found in 37 women, biopsy‐proven high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in 50 women, and invasive carcinoma in seven women. The proportion of women with high‐grade cervical lesion or carcinoma detected after abnormal careHPV™ test was higher (6.02%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.4–8.1) than that detected by conventional Pap smear (4.59%; 95% CI: 3.2–6.5). careHPV™ and HPV‐16 genotyping had, respectively, the highest sensitivity (80.8%; 95% CI: 67.4–89.5) and specificity (92.2%; 95% CI: 89.8–94.2). HPV‐16 was the most frequently detected genotype.

Conclusions

careHPV™ test represents a screening option in Lao PDR, particularly in women living with HIV‐1 because of higher prevalence of chronic HPV in this population.
Aging and loneliness: Why financial advisors should help clients and how
Authors: Gibson Philip , Cheng Yuanshan , Sam Janine K.
Published: March 2022

The primary goal of this study is to examine loneliness in retirement and explore steps that a financial planner can take to mitigate client loneliness. Using data from the Participant Lifestyle Questionnaire, and Leave‐Behind Module from the Health and Retirement Study database, we show that even after controlling for relationship status and having a purpose in life, leisure activities can help reduce loneliness. When compared to increasing household wealth, the authors find that engaging in social activities has a greater impact on decreasing loneliness, signaling a possible duty of care owed to clients as it relates to well‐being. We conclude with implications and practical strategies financial advisors can implement to help clients as they plan for and navigate retirement.
Dissipative Dynamic Covalent Chemistry (DDCvC) Based on the Transimination Reaction
Authors: Del Giudice Daniele , Valentini Matteo , Melchiorre Gabriele , Spatola Emanuele , Di Stefano Stefano
Published: March 2022

This work reports that the composition of a dynamic library (DL) of interconverting imines can be controlled over time in a dissipative fashion by the addition of an activated carboxylic acid used as a chemical fuel. When the fuel is added to the DL, which is initially under thermodynamic equilibrium, the composition of the mixture dramatically changes and a new, dissipative (out of equilibrium) state is reached that persists until fuel exhaustion. Thus, a transient dissipative dynamic library (DDL) is generated that, eventually, reverts back to the initial DL when the fuel is consumed, closing a DL→DDL→DL cycle. The larger the amount of added fuel, the longer the time spent by the system in the DDL state. The transimination reaction is shown to be an optimal candidate for the realization of a dissipative dynamic covalent chemistry (DDCvC).
Does the business environment improve the competitiveness of start‐ups? The moderating effect of cross‐border ability and the mediating effect of entrepreneurship
Authors: Peng Benhong , Zhao Yinyin , Elahi Ehsan , Wan Anxia
Published: March 2022

Studying the relationship between the business environment and the competitiveness of start‐ups can help enterprises develop entrepreneurial opportunities to support and promote their survival and development. Based on the perspective of entrepreneurial ecosystem and resource integration theory, this study uses linear regression analysis and a structural equation model to explore the impact mechanism of the business environment and the competitiveness of start‐ups. The results depict that both the legal environment and market environment have a significant and positive impact on entrepreneurship and the competitiveness of start‐ups. Although cross‐border ability significantly and positively moderates the relationship between the legal environment and entrepreneurship, it did not moderate the market environment and entrepreneurship. Similarly, entrepreneurship has partial mediating effects between the business environment and the competitiveness of start‐ups. This study demonstrates the important role of the business environment from the perspective of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and provides new ideas to improve the competitiveness of start‐ups.