bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assemblage, Abundance and Diversity of Fish Species in River Dhaleshwari, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Mehady , Yasmin Rumana
Published: November 2019

Biodiversity in realism is a measure of the adherents of species that characterize a biological community and thought to be one of the extremely imperative aspects of community establishment and structure. The study regarding the fish biodiversity is very much needed as it is directly related to the fisheries resource structure and also contributes significantly towards resource richness. Therefore the present study was performed to evaluate the concurrent fish species composition, abundance and some major fish biodiversity indices of the River Dhaleshwari of Bangladesh. The study area was about 564.20 ha and 20 kilometers long along the main stream of the river Dhaleshwari. The starting point was the Tulshikhali bridge, Keranigonj and the end point was Balur char, Munshigonj. The geographical locations of the sampling stations were between 90̊ 17ʹ E to 90̊ 25ʹ E and 23º 40´ N to 23º 37´ N. The study was conducted between August’2015 and October’2016.The fish species diversity showed spatial variation among the sampling stations. The biodiversity appraisal validates Shannon index (0.122-0.634) with highest value in Balur char and lowest in Pathor ghata; Simpson’s index (0.325-0.893) with utmost valuation for the Pathor ghata and lowermost for Balur char; Pielou’s evenness index (0.117-0.588) with maximum value for the Balur char and least for Pathor ghata; Margaleff index (4.793-7.438) with uppermost value for the Balur char and minimum in Tulshikhali; topmost abundance of fish was recorded from Tulshikhali and least for Balur char and maximum number of unique species was recorded for Tulshikhali and minimum from Balur char. Moreover, the current study correspondingly has ascertained the pragmatism and efficacy of biodiversity assessment to scrutinize and epitomize fisheries resources for better management of the river Dhaleshwari. Effective management approach should be applied for precisely maintaining the fish habitat health and ecological condition intact before it’s too late.
Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals and Implications Associated with Consumption of the Thinlip Mullet (Liza ramada) Collected from Sites of Varying Salinity
Authors: Beheary Mokhtar S. , El-Matary Fatma A.
Published: November 2019

The bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cd, Co, and Ni) were assessed in tissues (gills, liver, and muscles) of the thinlip mullet (Liza ramada) collected from three aquatic habitats varying in salinity in Egypt (freshwater, brackish, and offshore sites). In the freshwater site, metals accumulate in order of gills > liver > mussels with exception to Cu, Zn and Ni (liver > gills > mussels). In the brackish site, the order of metal accumulation for Fe, Cu, Zn, and Co were: liver > gills > mussels, and for Ni, Pb, and Mn were: gills > liver > mussels, while; Cd accumulated in order of mussels > gills > liver. In offshore site, Metals accumulates in order of: liver > gills > mussels except for Mn and Ni (gills > liver > mussels) and Cd (mussels > gills > liver).The overall metal concentrations for the three sites were ranked in the order of Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd > Co > Ni. There were significant differences between sites for Cu and Co, and between fish organs for Pb, Cd, Co, and Ni. Strong positive correlations were found between Fe and Zn (P<0.001), Fe and Pb (P<0.001), Fe and Mn (r= P<0.001), Mn and Ni (P<0.001), and Cd and Ni (r= P<0.01). Significant positive correlations (p<0.05) were observed between Zn with Co and Fe with Ni. Target hazard quotient (THQ) values for Pb, Cd, Co, and Ni were higher than 1 for the three sites, which suggests that adverse health effects might arise from the consumption of these fish. The estimated daily intake (EDI) values for Ni and Cd were higher than the recommended levels, indicating health effects; however, the values for rest of the metals were lower than the recommended EDI levels, suggesting that they are unlikely to pose a health risk.
Aqua Drugs and Chemicals Used in Aquaculture in Jamalpur Sadar Upazila of Bangladesh
Authors: Anwar Md. Ausraful , Rashid M. Mamnur , Kamal Md. Abu Hena Mostofa , Rahman Md. Mejanur , Pandit Debasish
Published: November 2019

The present study was conducted to know the present status of use of commercial aqua drugs and chemicals and their impact on fish health management in Jamalpur sadar upazila (sub-district). A questionnaire survey was conducted for a period of seven months from December 2013 to June 2014 from nineteen small scale fish farms, seven commercial fish farms, eight fish hatcheries and seven chemical retailers. Five categories of aqua drugs and chemicals were identified and noted in the study area. Those drugs and chemicals were produced by the following seven pharmaceutical companies: Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Novarties Animal Health, ACI Animal Health, Fish Tech BD Ltd., Acme Laboratories, Reneta, and Eon Animal Health. Different types of diseases such as edwardsiellosis, EUS (epizotic ulcerative syndrome), red spot and different parasitic diseases were found to occur in pangus (Pangasius hypophthalmus), tilapia (Oreochromis nilotica), sharputi (Puntius sarana), rui (Labeo rohita), mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala), Thai koi (Anabas testudineus), shing (Heteropneustes fossilis) and silver carp (Hypophthalmicthys molitrix). Geotox, JV Zeolite, Aquakleen and Biomin Aquaboost were used for water quality management; Oxyflow, Bio Care and Oxylife to improve dissolve oxygen level; Megavit Aqua, Aqua Boost, Aquamin, Acimix Super-fish, Square Aquamix and Vitax-C as growth promoter; Oxysentin 20%, Captor, Aquamycine and Renamycin soluble powder as antibiotics; Hepaprotect-Aqua, Timsen, Virex, Polgard Plus as disinfectant; lime, salt, formalin, potash and malachite green were used against fish diseases. Susceptible months of disease outbreak in the study area were November to February. The recovery of fish diseases was found from 50% to 95% in Jamalpur region. Farmers’ poor understandings about the application of aqua drugs and proper withdrawal period were found in the study area which might have adverse effect on fish and human health. Proper training of fish farming community about the appropriate dose and administration methods should be suggested for safe and sustainable aquaculture practices.
Solid State Fermentation of Plant Protein Meals Using Lactobacillus acidophilus for Improving Feed Value
Authors: Enyidi U. D. , Ekeh S.
Published: November 2019

Usage of some legumes and oil seed meal as fishmeal substitute is hampered by low protein content and anti nutritional factors (ANF). Inclusion of some exogenous enzyme cocktail like phytase, xylanase can reduce some ANF but is costly. Solid state fermentation of plant proteins is affordable and could be useful in upgrading the protein content, elevating the nutrient and mineral status and eliminating ANF from plant-based feed ingredients. We therefore extracted Lactobacillus acidophilus from intestine of adult African catfish. Extracted L. acidophilus was cultured at 37°C for 48 hrs in Mueller-Hinton Broth. Approximately 10 g of the bacteria broth containing 9.4 log 10 colony forming unit (CFU) per ml was mixed with 200 g meals of bambaranut meal and African yam beans meal placed in a brown bottom flask. The ground meals and bacteria mixtures were fermented for 72 hours. Temperature was maintained at 28.6°C to 34°C. The pH of the mixtures was measured everyday and the fermenting mixture was regularly stirred. Fermentation was stopped after 72 hrs and the meals were subjected to proximate analysis. Protein content of the meals significantly increased (P<0.05) as follows: BNM, 24.82±0.15% to 40.37±0.27% and AYB, 23.65±0.07% to 34.56±1.36%. Lipid content of meals significantly increased (P<0.05) as follows BNM, 7.11±0.01 to 14.29±0.05% and AYB, 2.96±0.45% to 5.76±0.09%. There was general decrease in composition of carbohydrate and ANFs were drastically reduced or completely eliminated from the meals.
High Stocking Density Impairs Mineral Content of Brown Trout
Authors: Bayir Mehtap , Arslan Gökhan , Bayir Abdulkadir
Published: November 2019

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of high stocking density on mineral content of muscle and liver in brown trout. Juvenile fish were stocked in experimental tanks as triplicates for 90 days. Initial stocking density was 10 kg m-3 for control and 50 kg m-3 for high stocking density group. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used for the indication of mineral concentrations. Stocking density was calculated by dividing the weight of the fish in the tank water volume (kg m-3). The average values of P, K, Mg, Na, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn were found 2012.3, 958.0, 560.0, 506.1, 60.3, 31.5, 10.6 1.61 and 0.27 mg kg-1, respectively, in muscle of fish reared high stocking density and the values for same minerals were found 2463.6, 1594.8, 866.2, 762.5, 155.7, 65.0, 20.0, 1.96, and 0.37 mg kg-1, in muscle of control group. However, P, K, Mg, Na, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn values were 1612.3, 1501.1, 530.0, 266.8, 129.2, 52.7, 0.82, 0.32, and 0.12 mg kg-1 in liver of fish reared in high stocking density and 2270.4, 2063.6, 1300.8, 644.6, 189.6, 80.1, 1.59, 0.39 and 0.24 mg kg-1 in liver of control group. It was concluded that that overcrowded condition causes to decrease amount of liver and muscle mineral content in brown trout.
Water Quality Status of Tono and Vea Reservoirs for Aquaculture Development in the Upper East Region of Ghana
Authors: Agbeko Etornyo , Agbo Nelson W. , Agyemang Thomas K. , Adjei-Boateng Daniel
Published: November 2019

Understanding aquatic ecosystem dynamics is fundamental to sustainable development of aquaculture. This study explores the water quality characteristics over temporal and spatial scale in Tono and Vea Reservoirs in the Upper East Region of Ghana for aquaculture development. Water samples and in-situ measurements were taken for fifteen months, from February 2015 to March 2016. Monthly water quality monitoring were based on stratified sampling from upstream, midstream and downstream zones of these reservoirs. Standard analytical methods for examination of water were employed during sampling and laboratory analysis of reservoir water quality. Phytoplankton analysis was done using light microscopy to obtain phylum abundance. Multivariate statistical methods were used to investigate water quality dataset obtained. Cluster analysis grouped fifteen months of water quality changes into three seasonality regimes (periods) based on temporal variation. Principal component analysis (PCA) reduced eighteen water quality variables into five and three factors with total variance of 88.26 % and 79.30% for Tono and Vea reservoirs, respectively. With pH > 7 and alkalinity > 20 but < 100 mg L-1 CaCO3, both reservoirs have alkaline water. Dissolved oxygen was > 5 mg L-1. Three phyla of phytoplankton were identified with dominant (in abundance) phylum as Chlorophyta (72%) occurring in Tono reservoir. To understand the spatial relationship using correspondence analysis (CA), the first axis of CA explained 84.2% and 64.3% of total variation in relative abundance of phytoplankton phyla for Tono and Vea reservoirs, respectively. Thus, Cyanophyta showed strong positive association with conductivity, total hardness, nitrate, sulphate, turbidity, water depth and dissolved oxygen which were responsive to the midstream and upstream zones of Tono reservoir. Whiles in Vea reservoir, Chlorophyta under same water quality variable showed responsiveness to the midstream and downstream zones. Reservoir water quality studied were within acceptable limits for fish culture but changes could be linked to anthropogenic activities on reservoir catchment area and seasonality regime. Results from this provide a baseline to enable information to enable assessment of aquaculture impact in Tono and Vea reservoirs. The use of multivariate analysis could be a reliable statistical method for assessing water quality on a spatio-temporal scale.
Study of Environmental Concerns of Dyes and Recent Textile Effluents Treatment Technology: A Review
Authors: Al Prol Ahmed E.
Published: November 2019

The textile industry is one of the significant industries which produces large amount of wastewater effluents all year. The kind of these effluents has the features of higher rate of BOD, COD, complex structure, color, great emission and hard degradation. If being directly discharged without treatment, it will cause a potential hazard to the aquatic ecosystem and human. This paper provides the literature information about the environmental concern and their toxicity effects as well as classification of dyes. This review will present the methods for the removal of dyes from aqueous solution and wastewater effluents. The various dye removal techniques are classified into biological, chemical, physical methods, in addition to combination treatments. Biological methods include aerobic and anaerobic degradation bioremediation by bacteria & fungi and algae, while chemical methods comprise coagulation or flocculation combined through floatation and filtration, precipitation, electro floatation, electro kinetic coagulation, conventional oxidation methods by oxidizing agents such as ozone, irradiation or electrochemical processes. Furthermore, physical technologies as adsorption, ion exchange and filtration coagulation methods.
Optimum Fertilizer Media and Plant Substrates: (Musa paradisiaca L. Peels, Carica papaya L. Peels and Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. Leaves) for the Growth of Freshwater Rotifer (Brachionus calyciflorus Pallas, 1766)
Authors: Igoche L. E. , Okafor O. F. , Ofojekwu P. C. , Ruma G. A.
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to search for a cheap source for the mass production of Brachionus calyciflorus Pallas, 1766 which is a good substitute for artemia in the culture of C. gariepinus hatchlings. Poultry manure (1.25 g/L), soya bean (1.25 g/L), groundnut cake (1.25 g/L) and single super phosphate (0.04 g/l) were used exclusively and in combinations as fertilizer media in the culturing of Brachionus calyciflorus Pallas, 1766 used in feeding C. gariepinus hatchlings. The four fertilizer media were combined to give four treatments with two replicates. Three fresh plant substrate (Carica papaya L. Peels, Musa paradisiaca L. peels and Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. leaves) were introduced into treatments labeled A (Poultry manure, soya bean, groundnut cake, single super phosphate and banana pills), B (Poultry manure, soya bean, groundnut cake, single super phosphate and Carica papaya L. Peels), C (Poultry manure, soya bean, groundnut cake, single super phosphate and cabbage slice) with D(Poultry manure, soya bean, groundnut cake, single super phosphate) as the control. A total of 20 Individuals/mL of Brachionus calyciflorus Pallas, 1766 were inoculated into each treatment and the culturing lasted for 12 days. At the end of the culturing period, the best doubling time (tD) were observed in treatment A and B with a doubling time of 2.89 on the 10th day.

Result of the study showed medium B and C to be sig. different (P< 0.05) and performing better than A and D in the early stages of the study. There was an initial lull in production using the C medium, as it had the least performance. By day eight, it had picked up and there was no sig. difference (P>0.05) in production of B. calyciflorus Pallas, 1776 using the four culture media. Thus any of the media can be used for mass production of B. calyciflorus. Use of media B and C is however, recommended because they had a higher carrying capacity and can sustain production over a longer period using a giving quantity compared to the other two media.
Impact of Pollution on Haematology and Histology of Juveniles of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus in Ogbese River, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Olateju Abidemi-Iromini, Atilola
Published: November 2019

The silver catfish Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus is of economic importance in sub-sahara Africa. In Ogbese town, and its environs, it constitutes a means of income and food for fisherfolks and community members. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess health status of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus using haematology and histological assessment of the fish specie due to the anthropogenic activities that takes place around the river body.  A total 120 live juvenile fish samples of C. nigrodigitatus were collected around shallow habitats of Ogbese River by the assistance of fisherfolks using fish cage. Some water parameters measurements were taken: temperature, pH, DO, Turbidity and Conductivity. Morphometric measurement: Weight (g) and length (cm) of fish were taken. Haematology and histology of fish gills, liver and intestine were determined. Mean water temperature (27.70±0.18°C), pH (7.36±0.22), DO (6.98±0.15 mg/l), Turbidity (78.50±13.53 NTU) and Conductivity (148.35±27.98) of the river determined respectively. Mean body weight of fish was 148.15 ± 36.53 g, and mean length was 25.64 ± 2.86 cm.  The gills, liver and intestines of the fish specie were examined to assess the architecture of the organs. Results of haematology studies of C. nigrodigitatus revealed high values in the parameters measured. Red Blood Cell was higher than the White Blood Cell with mean value of (225.63±10.45 103/mm3) while Eosinophils recorded lowest parameters with mean value of (1.75±0.52%). Results of histology of gills, liver and intestines showed that the gill filaments were eroded with deformation of the cartilage core and also hyperplasia of the secondary lamellae. The intestines showed atrophy in a mucosal layer, hemorrhage and dilation within blood vessels and within serosa of mucosa and for liver, picnotic nucleus were shattered, the hepatocytes were ruptured and there was increased kupffer cell count as a result of exposure to pollutants. The results indicated that pollution level of the environment have significant impact on health status of fish.
Marker-assisted Selection in Fish: A Review
Authors: Eze F.
Published: November 2019

The important economical traits like body growth, resistance to diseases, meat quality, etc. highly influence the profitability of food animals including fishes. The main target of every selective breeding programme is to produce improved traits offspring’s. However, improvement of performance traits through traditional phenotype-based selection needs several generations to optimise these characters. Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) is a type of indirect method of selection of better performing breeding individuals. MAS is beneficial when the traits are difficult, expensive to measure and has both low heritability and recessive traits. MAS facilitates the exploitation of existing genetic diversity in breeding populations and can be used to improve desirable traits in livestock. MAS depends on identifying the link between a genetic marker and Quantitative Traits Loci (QTL). The distance between marker and target traits determines the association of the marker with the QTL. After identifying the markers linked to QTL, they can be used in the selective breeding programme to select the brooders having better genetic potential for the targeted trait. Improvement of performance traits through MAS is fast and more accurate and allows us to understand the genetic mechanism affecting performance traits.
Structure of Macrozoobenthos (Gastropods) Community in Mangrove Forest Ecotourism Pandansari Kabupaten Brebes, Central Java
Authors: Sinaga Natasya Natalia , Herawati Heti , Hamdani Herman , Sahidin Asep
Published: November 2019

Aims: This research aimed to analyze the abudance and diversity of macrozoobenthos in the Gastropod Class in the Ecotourism Waters of Pandansari Mangrove Forest, Brebes Regency, Central Java.

Study Design: The research was conducted by survey.

Place and Duration of Study: This research was carried out for 3 months between December 2018 until February 2019 in Ecotourism Forest Areas in Bakau Pandansari, Brebes Regency, Central Java.

Methodology: The method used in this research was survey methods using primary data in the form of physical chemistry of aquatic data, gastropod abundance, diversity index, equitability index. Data collection techniques using purposive sampling in determining 3 stations and 3 repetitions. Data analysis in this research used descriptive statistics.

Results: Research results found 9 species of Gastropods inhabiting the mangrove ecosystem, namely Casidulla aurisfelis, Cerithidea sp, Cerithidea alata, Cerithidea cingulata, Cerithidea obtusa, Polinices sp, Puperita sp, Telescopium telescopium and Turiculla nellial-suprius. Gastropod abundance ranged from 67 - 166 ind / m2. Gastropod diversity index in the medium category 2 <H’ ≤ 3. Uniformity values ranged from 0.79 to 0.81 with a high category. The relationship between water quality and gastropods had an R2 value of 97%, water quality can affect gastropod life and as much as 3% is influenced by other factors.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this research that has been done, it can be concluded that in general environmental parameters in the Pandansari mangroves are still favorable in supporting the survival of the gastropods inhabiting them.
Microbial Communities of Culture Water and African Catfish Reared in Different Aquaculture Systems in Nigeria Analyzed Using Culture Dependent Techniques
Authors: Uchechukwu D. Enyidi , Okoli M. T.
Published: November 2019

The microbial communities of culture water and catfish C. gariepinus from three replicates of earthen, concrete and tarpaulin ponds in Nigeria were analyzed. Waters was collected from 25 cm below pond water surface per culture system. Three catfish per replicate system were also collected and analyzed in the lab. Catfish gut, skin and gills were analyzed. Earthen ponds had significantly more diverse microbial community and coliform forming units (CFU/ml) 2.43 x10-4 CFU/ml than the rest systems. Earthen ponds had consortium of Klebsiella pneumonia, S. aureus and Salmonella enteritidis and E. coli, which was more diverse than all other aquaculture systems.  Microbiota of tarpaulin ponds was 2.10x10-4 /ml CFU and this was significantly (P<0.05) higher than concrete ponds (1.50x10-4 CFU/ml). Tarpaulin ponds had K. pneumoniae and E. coli, while concrete pond had S. aureus and S. enteritidis. Biofilm formation could have lead to colonization of the fish body part. The skin and gills had similar microbiota as the culture water compared to the gut. The gut microbial communities were not synonymous with the culture water.
Assessment of Some Heavy Metal Content of Dried Crayfish Sold in Creek Road Market, Borokiri, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Waribo H. A. , Bartimaeus E. S. , Onuoha I. C.
Published: November 2019

Heavy metals are elements that contaminate seafood and make them harmful to human health when present in quantities that are higher than the permissible limit. This study was conducted to determine some heavy metals such as lead and mercury contained in dried crayfish gotten from three different locations (Oron, Ataba and Nembe town in Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa State respectively) and sold in the Creek Road Market, Borokiri, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The dried crayfish samples were purchased randomly from marketers in the market. 5g of the dried crayfish samples with its different organs (Gills, muscle tissues) were ground into powdered form and digested with HNO3  using standard procedures   and analysed for lead and mercury using the micro plasma atomic emission spectrophotometric analyser. The results showed that Lead content in the dried crayfish from Oron, Ataba and Nembe were 0.140 ± 0.014 mg/kg, 0.040 ± 0.014 mg/kg and 0.016 ± 0.002 mg/kg respectively while for Mercury content, Oron crayfish contained 5.136 ± 0.017 mg/kg, Ataba 3.744 ± 0.017 mg/kg and Nembe 3.948 ± 0.023mg/kg. The mean values in the three different crayfish samples were significantly different (p<0.05). This result shows that the lead content present in the dried crayfish are within the permissible limit of 1 mg/kg as indicated by FAO hence safe for consumption purposes with no expected form of toxicity and health implication to consumers whereas for mercury content, the level was found to be above the permissible limit.
Human Activities and their Attendant Impacts on the Riparian Ecosystem of the Stream, a Case Study of Ogangan Stream in Igede-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Shittu A. A. , Ojo O. O. , Ado A. F. , Bamisaiye O. A.
Published: November 2019

This paper examined human activities and their attendant impacts on the riparian ecosystem of the stream, a case study of ogangan stream in Igede-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria with the major aim to assess the rate of increase in human activities and its attendant impacts on the riparian ecosystem of the stream. The study was carried out in 2019 and employed the collection of data from both primary and secondary sources. Sixty (60) copies of questionnaire were administered for this study through random sampling of the respondents; data collected were presented in statistical tabulated tables, charts and graphical representation. Descriptive statistics such as pie chart, distribution curve, frequencies, and percentages were employed to analyze data. The outcome of the study revealed that, human activities were rapidly increasing in the riparian zone than ever, as more people spread to reside in the area which has detrimental effects on the riparian zone of the river. The study concluded that this unprecedented rate of increase in human activities in the study area was degrading the capability of the riparian zone to provide ecosystem services and therefore recommended that the State Government should implement law for the protection of riparian habitat. This law should be accompanied with implementing mechanism for its sustainability.
Pesticides and Neem Seed Kernel Extract on Blights and Tuta absoluta at Different Phenological Stages of Tomato in Hamelmalo Agricultural College, Eritrea
Authors: Yaseen Naqvi Syed Danish , Rao Sethumadhava , Haile Adugna , Teweldemedhin Belay , Bernard Nyende Aggrey
Published: November 2019

Tomato in Eritrea is affected by nearly 30 diseases and insect pests among which blight, leaf curl virus, root-knot nematodes, powdery mildew, Tuta absoluta, Helicoverpa armigera, aphids, whitefly and red spider mites are the most important. In the field, experiments were conducted in Hamelmalo Agricultural College for two consecutive seasons (2015 and 2016) in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Treatments used were pesticides (mancozeb, dimethoate, deltamethrin) and aqueous Neem seed kernel extract and their combinations. Disease incidence (DI), Disease severity (DS) of blights and infestations of Tuta absoluta [Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae] were assessed at different phenological stages of the crop. Mancozeb alone was not so effective to reduce either DI or DS or damage of plants but it causes declining the number of larvae of T. absoluta at flowering stage. T11 showed the highest control of DI, DS and reduced the larval population of T. absoluta per plot and minimized the damage level. Among all the treatments, T11 and T9 were the most effective to reduce the damage of plants and minimizing the larvae of T. absoluta at fruiting stage. Neem extract had the least effect than all treatments.  Mancozeb (T1) and combinations of Mancozeb + Dimethoate + NSE (T11) gave significantly higher marketable yield than other treatments. The overall Cost-Benefit Ratio (CBR) was similar for all treatments during the two crop seasons, but the average CBR was higher for T11 whereas it was least for T3.
Opioid use disorder in pregnancy
Authors: Harter Kristin
Published: November 2019

The number of pregnant people affected by the opioid epidemic in the United States continues to rise. The following key aspects of opioid use disorder in pregnancy are explored through the progression of a pregnancy via a patient case: treatment options, treatment decisions, substance use screening, dosing modifications, and other aspects of peripartum care. Many factors affect opioid use disorder treatment choices during pregnancy; however, when a pregnant person is medically eligible for a therapy and multiple options are available locally, the ultimate decision regarding treatment selection should be left up to the patient and strong support services provided. This approach to treatment results in optimal maternal and neonatal outcomes and long-term maternal engagement and retention in care.
Stacking Faults and Growth Twins in Long‐Period Stacking‐Ordered Structures in Mg–Co–Y Alloys
Authors: Jin Qianqian , Shao Xiaohong , Peng Zhenzhen , Zhou Yangtao , Zhang Bo , Zheng Shijian , Ma Xiuliang
Published: November 2019

Herein, by atomic‐scale high‐angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy, the structure, symmetry, and distribution of stacking faults (SFs) and growth twins in 12H, 15R, and 18R long‐period stacking‐ordered (LPSO) structures in Mg88Co5Y7 and Mg92Co2Y6 (at%) as‐cast alloys are characterized. The SFs or growth twins in LPSO structures are denoted as the faulted arrangement of n‐Mg components, and some of them possess inversion centers or mirror symmetry. The formation of SFs or growth twins in 15R and 18R structures depends on whether the sum of Mg layers in all the n‐Mg components of the defect is an even number or an odd number, whereas only SFs form in 12H structures. Various types of SFs or SFs of the same kind can distribute locally in the LPSO structures in Mg–Co–Y alloys, and then some other LPSO structures with a longer period are detected via orderly distribution of SFs.
Template‐Assisted Synthesis of Metallic 1T′‐Sn0.3W0.7S2 Nanosheets for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Shao Gonglei , Xue Xiong‐Xiong , Wu Binbin , Lin Yung‐Chang , Ouzounian Miray , Hu Travis Shihao , Xu Yeqing , Liu Xiao , Li Shisheng , Suenaga Kazu , Feng Yexin , Liu Song
Published: November 2019

Crystal phase control still remains a challenge for the precise synthesis of 2D layered metal dichalcogenide (LMD) materials. The T′ phase structure has profound influences on enhancing electrical conductivity, increasing active sites, and improving intrinsic catalytic activity, which are urgently needed for enhancing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity. Theoretical calculations suggest that metastable T′ phase 2D Sn1−xWxS2 alloys can be formed by combining W with 1T tin disulfide (SnS2) as a template to achieve a semiconductor‐to‐metallic transition. Herein, 2D Sn1−xWxS2 alloys with varying x are prepared by adjusting the molar ratio of reactants via hydrothermal synthesis, among which Sn0.3W0.7S2 displays a maximum of concentration of 81% in the metallic phase and features a distorted octahedral‐coordinated metastable 1T′ phase structure. The obtained 1T′‐Sn0.3W0.7S2 has high intrinsic electrical conductivity, lattice distortion, and defects, showing a prominently improved HER catalytic performance. Metallic Sn0.3W0.7S2 coupled with carbon black exhibits at least a 215‐fold improvement compared to pristine SnS2. It has excellent long‐term durability and HER activity. This work reveals a general phase transition strategy by using T phase materials as templates and merging heteroatoms to achieve synthetic metastable phase 2D LMDs that have a significantly improved HER catalytic performance.
Integration of Optical Surface Structures with Chiral Nanocellulose for Enhanced Chiroptical Properties
Authors: Xiong Rui , Yu Shengtao , Kang Saewon , Adstedt Katarina M. , Nepal Dhriti , Bunning Timothy J. , Tsukruk Vladimir V.
Published: November 2019

The integration of chiral organization with photonic structures found in many living creatures enables unique chiral photonic structures with a combination of selective light reflection, light propagation, and circular dichroism. Inspired by these natural integrated nanostructures, hierarchical chiroptical systems that combine imprinted surface optical structures with the natural chiral organization of cellulose nanocrystals are fabricated. Different periodic photonic surface structures with rich diffraction phenomena, including various optical gratings and microlenses, are replicated into nanocellulose film surfaces over large areas. The resulting films with embedded optical elements exhibit vivid, controllable structural coloration combined with highly asymmetric broadband circular dichroism and a microfocusing capability not typically found in traditional photonic bioderived materials without compromising their mechanical strength. The strategy of imprinting surface optical structures onto chiral biomaterials facilitates a range of prospective photonic applications, including stereoscopic displays, polarization encoding, chiral polarizers, and colorimetric chiral biosensing.
Direct Visualization of Exciton Transport in Defective Few‐Layer WS2 by Ultrafast Microscopy
Authors: Liu Huan , Wang Chong , Zuo Zhengguang , Liu Dameng , Luo Jianbin
Published: November 2019

As defects usually limit the exciton diffusion in 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), the interaction knowledge of defects and exciton transport is crucial for achieving efficient TMDC‐based devices. A direct visualization of defect‐modulated exciton transport is developed in few‐layer WS2 by ultrafast transient absorption microscopy. Atomic‐scale defects are introduced by argon plasma treatment and identified by aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy. Neutral excitons can be captured by defects to form bound excitons in 7.75–17.88 ps, which provide a nonradiative relaxation channel, leading to decreased exciton lifetime and diffusion coefficient. The exciton diffusion length of defective sample has a drastic reduction from 349.44 to 107.40 nm. These spatially and temporally resolved measurements reveal the interaction mechanism between defects and exciton transport dynamics in 2D TMDCs, giving a guideline for designing high‐performance TMDC‐based devices.
Supramolecular Nanodiscs Self‐Assembled from Non‐Ionic Heptamethine Cyanine for Imaging‐Guided Cancer Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Mu Xueluer , Lu Yingxi , Wu Fapu , Wei Yuhan , Ma Huihui , Zhao Yingjie , Sun Jing , Liu Shaofeng , Zhou Xianfeng , Li Zhibo
Published: November 2019

Supramolecular nanomedicines, which use supramolecular design to improve the precision and effectiveness of pharmaceutical practice and optimize pharmacokinetic profiles, have gathered momentum to battle cancer and other incurable diseases, for which traditional small‐molecular and macromolecular drugs are less effective. However, the lack of clinical approval of supramolecular assembly‐based medicine underscores the challenges facing this field. A 2D nanodisc‐based supramolecular structure is formed by a non‐ionic heptamethine cyanine (Cy7) dye, which generates fluorescence self‐quenching but unique photothermal and photoacoustic properties. These Cy7‐based supramolecular nanodiscs exhibit passive tumor‐targeting properties to not only visualize the tumor by near‐infrared fluorescence imaging and photoacoustic tomography but also induce photothermal tumor ablation under irradiation. Due to the nature of organic small molecule, they induce undetectable acute toxicity in mice and can be eliminated by the liver without extrahepatic metabolism. These findings suggest that the self‐assembling cyanine discs represent a new paradigm in drug delivery as single‐component supramolecular nanomedicines that are self‐delivering and self‐formulating, and provide a platform technology for synergistic clinical cancer imaging and therapy.
Van der Waals Integrated Hybrid POM‐Zirconia Flexible Belt‐Like Superstructures
Authors: Akram Bilal , Ni Bing , Wang Xun
Published: November 2019

A facile one‐step solvothermal approach to engineer a van der Waals integrated heteromaterial self‐assembled superstructure composed of two structurally distinct species that is polyoxomolybdate and zirconia (POM‐ZrO2) is reported. Nonclassical aggregation‐based self‐assembly process grows the superstructure. The introduced POM not only behaves as a catalytically active component of the hybrid structure but also imparts flexibility to the developed POM‐ZrO2 superstructures. The material shows high performance toward oxygenation of thioethers as a result of its morphology, composition, and structure. This growing strategy may introduce a viable pathway to the rational design of Van der Waals integrated complex hybrid, catalytically active assemblies with potential applications in different fields.
Strain‐Induced Band‐Gap Tuning of 2D‐SnSSe Flakes for Application in Flexible Sensors
Authors: Du Lena , Wang Cong , Xiong Wenqi , Wei Bin , Yang Fengyou , Chen Shengyao , Ma Lijun , Wang Xiaofeng , Xia Congxin , Zhang Xinzheng , Wang Zhongchang , Liu Qian
Published: November 2019

Flexible strain‐sensitive‐material‐based sensors are desired owing to their widespread applications in intelligent robots, health monitoring, human motion detection, and other fields. High electrical–mechanical coupling behaviors of 2D materials make them one of the most promising candidates for miniaturized, integrated, and high‐resolution strain sensors, motivating to explore the influence of strain‐induced band‐gap changes on electrical properties of more materials and assess their potential application in strain sensors. Herein, a ternary SnSSe alloy nanosheet‐based strain sensor is reported showing an enhanced gauge factor (GF) up to 69.7 and a good reproducibility and linearity within strain of 0.9%. Such sensor holds high‐sensitive features under low strain, and demonstrates an improved sensitivity with a decrease in the membrane thickness. The high sensitivity is attributed to widening band gap and density of states reduction induced by strain, as verified by theoretical model and first‐principles calculations. These findings show that a sensor with adjustable strain sensitivity might be realized by simply changing the elemental constituents of 2D alloying materials.
Isotropic “Quasi‐Fluid” Metamaterials Designed by Topology Optimization
Authors: Zhang Huikai , Kang Zhan , Wang Yiqiang , Wu Wenjun
Published: November 2019

Bi‐mode artificial metamaterials have anisotropic mechanical properties, with the ratio of bulk modulus and shear modulus approaching an infinite value in ideal conditions. The microstructures of such metamaterials are currently mostly determined by parameter synthesis on the basis of existing heuristic configuration designs, which may considerably restrict their topologies and shapes. New octagon and hexagonal honeycomb bi‐mode metamaterials (2D) are designed through a more systematic approach based on the independent point‐wise interpolation method of topology optimization. The objective function is defined as a weighted combination of the bulk and shear moduli. By tuning the values of different weighted coefficients, the transition mechanism can be acquired from the regular microstructure to the bi‐mode metamaterial with needle‐like or double‐cone rods. It is also found that simply increasing the volume fraction in the single material design cannot further improve the target performance, but introducing a small amount of hard material into the design domain can noticeably enhance the bulk modulus. One representative optimized microstructure is fabricated by 3D printing with stainless steel and polymer materials. Uniaxial quasi‐static compression tests and finite element simulations reveal the layer‐wise deformation modes of the bi‐mode “quasi‐fluid” metamaterial and its capacity to absorb external energy.
Nanomedicine‐Enabled Photonic Thermogaseous Cancer Therapy
Authors: Yin Haohao , Guan Xin , Lin Han , Pu Yinying , Fang Yan , Yue Wenwen , Zhou Bangguo , Wang Qiao , Chen Yu , Xu Huixiong
Published: November 2019

Local photothermal hyperthermia for tumor ablation and specific stimuliresponsive gas therapy feature the merits of remote operation, noninvasive intervention, and in situ tumor‐specific activation in cancer‐therapeutic biomedicine. Inspired by synergistic/sequential therapeutic modality, herein a novel therapeutic modality is reported based on the construction of two‐dimensional (2D) core/shell‐structured Nb2C–MSNs–SNO composite nanosheets for photonic thermogaseous therapy. A phototriggered thermogas‐generating nanoreactor is designed via mesoporous silica layer coating on the surface of Nb2C MXene nanosheets, where the mesopores provide the reservoirs for NO donor (S‐nitrosothiol (RSNO)), and the core of Nb2C produces heat shock upon second near‐infrared biowindow (NIR‐II) laser irradiation. The Nb2C–MSNs–SNO‐enabled photonic thermogaseous therapy undergoes a sequential process of phototriggered heat production from the core of Nb2C and thermotriggered NO generation, together with photoacoustic‐imaging (PAI) guidance and monitoring. The constructed Nb2C–MSNs–SNO nanoreactors exhibit high‐NIR‐induced photothermal effect, intense NIR‐controlled NO release, and desirable PAI performance. Based on these unique theranostic properties of Nb2C–MSNs–SNO nanocomposites, sequential photonic thermogaseous therapy with limited systematic toxicity on efficiently suppressing tumor growth is achieved by PAI‐guided NIR‐controlled NO release as well as heat generation. Such a thermogaseous approach representes a stimuli‐selective strategy for synergistic/sequential cancer treatment.
Ionic Conductive Gels for Optically Manipulatable Microwave Stealth Structures
Authors: Song Wei‐Li , Zhang Ya‐Jing , Zhang Kai‐Lun , Wang Ke , Zhang Lu , Chen Li‐Li , Huang Yixing , Chen Mingji , Lei Hongshuai , Chen Haosen , Fang Daining
Published: November 2019

Smart structures with manipulatable properties are highly demanded in many fields. However, there is a critical challenge in the pursuit of transparent windows that allow optical waves (wavelength of µm–nm) for transmitting while blocking microwave (wavelength of cm) in terms of absorbing electromagnetic energy, specifically for meeting the frequency requirement for the 5th generation (5G) mobile networks. For fundamentally establishing novel manipulatable microwave absorbing structures, here, new polymeric aqueous gels as both optically transparent materials and microwave absorbing materials are demonstrated, in which polar networks play significant roles in attenuating electromagnetic energy. By manipulating the hydrogen bonding networks, the resulting optically transparent solid‐state gels are able to offer the capabilities for absorbing microwaves. Interestingly, such gels can be switched into an optically opaque state via converting the amorphous state into a polycrystal state when the temperature is decreased. Such ionic conductive gels can endow the assembled sandwich windows with effective microwave absorbing capability in the range of 15–40 GHz, covering a branch of 5G frequency bands. The results highlight a new strategy for using ionic conductive gels to design and fabricate manipulatable microwave stealth structures for various applications.
Understanding Molecular Structures of Buried Interfaces in Halide Perovskite Photovoltaic Devices Nondestructively with Sub‐Monolayer Sensitivity Using Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy
Authors: Xiao Minyu , Lu Tieyi , Lin Ting , Andre John S. , Chen Zhan
Published: November 2019

As performance of halide perovskite devices progresses, the device structure becomes more complex with more layers. Molecular interfacial structures between different layers play an increasingly important role in determining the overall performance in a halide perovskite device. However, current understanding of such interfacial structures at a molecular level nondestructively is limited, partially due to a lack of appropriate analytical tools to probe buried interfacial molecular structures in situ. Here, sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy, a state‐of‐the‐art nonlinear interface sensitive spectroscopy, is introduced to the halide perovskite research community and is presented as a powerful tool to understand molecule behavior at buried halide perovskite interfaces in situ. It is found that interfacial molecular orientations revealed by SFG can be directly correlated to halide perovskite device performance. Here how SFG can examine molecular structures (e.g., orientations) at the perovskite/hole transporting layer and perovskite/electron transporting layer interfaces is discussed. This will promote the use of SFG to investigate molecular structures of buried interfaces in various halide perovskite materials and devices in situ nondestructively with a sub‐monolayer interface sensitivity. Such research will help to elucidate structure–function relationships of buried interfaces, aiding in the rational design/development of halide perovskite materials/devices with improved performance.
Acute kidney injury and workload in a sample of California agricultural workers
Authors: Moyce Sally , Armitage Tracey , Mitchell Diane , Schenker Marc
Published: November 2019

Background

Kidney damage is associated with an increased workload in high ambient temperatures and may represent a pathway to chronic kidney disease of unknown origin in agricultural workers. We tested the associations of workload and heat with acute kidney dysfunction in California agricultural workers.

Methods

We recruited a convenience sample of 471 agricultural workers from 29 farms in California during two summer harvest seasons. The sustained 3‐minute maximum workload was estimated using accelerometer data collected from Actical monitors and individual heat load through elevations in core body temperature. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was defined by a change in serum creatinine of ≥0.3 mg/dL or ≥1.5 times the preshift creatinine over the course of the work shift. Associations between AKI and workload were modeled using logistic regression, controlling for demographic, physiologic, and occupational variables.

Results

Of the total, 357 workers (75.8%) had accelerometer readings in the moderate workload category, 93 (19.7%) had readings in the vigorous category. 177 (36%) had elevations of core body temperature ≥1°C; 72 workers (14.9%) demonstrated evidence of AKI after a single day of agricultural work. The workload category was associated with an increased adjusted odds of AKI (1.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.05‐3.51). Piece‐rate work was also associated with increased adjusted odds of AKI (3.02; 95% CI, 1.44‐6.34).

Conclusions

Heavy occupational workload and piece‐rate work were associated with acute effects on the renal health of agricultural workers. This indicates that occupations requiring high physical effort put workers at risk for AKI, possibly independent of ambient and core body temperature. Changes to agricultural practices may reduce the risk of renal disorders for these workers.
Solvent‐Vapor‐Induced Reversible Single‐Crystal‐to‐Single‐Crystal Transformation of a Triphosphaazatriangulene‐Based Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Nakatsuka Soichiro , Watanabe Yusuke , Kamakura Yoshinobu , Horike Satoshi , Tanaka Daisuke , Hatakeyama Takuji
Published: November 2019

A triphosphaazatriangulene (H3L) was synthesized through an intramolecular triple phospha‐Friedel–Crafts reaction. The H3L triangulene contains three phosphinate groups and an extended π‐conjugated framework, which enables the stimuli‐responsive reversible transformation of [Cu(HL)(DMSO)⋅(MeOH)]n, a 3D‐MOF that exhibits reversible sorption characteristics, into (H3L⋅0.5 [Cu2(OH)4⋅6 H2O] ⋅4 H2O), a 1D‐columnar assembled proton‐conducting material. The hydrophilic nature of the latter resulted in a proton conductivity of 5.5×10−3 S cm−1 at 95 % relative humidity and 60 °C.