bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uso de sistema de informação geográfica para determinação do potencial erosivo de bacias hidrográficas: estudo de caso na bacia do Rio do Campo/PR
Authors: Gottstein Pauline , Borges Junior Marcos Antonio , Arantes Eudes José
Published: October 2019

A erosão do solo pela água é um dos mais importantes problemas de degradação e risco ambiental nos tempos modernos, em todo o mundo, pois remove ricos nutrientes do solo e aumenta o nível natural de sedimentação em rios e reservatórios, reduzindo sua capacidade de armazenamento, bem como causando degradação da qualidade da água. O presente estudo teve como objetivo estimar a perda de solos na bacia hidrográfica do Rio do Campo/PR, através da Equação Universal de Perdas de Solos (USLE) com o apoio de Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG). O levantamento dos fatores da USLE se mostrou um excelente meio de obter dados necessários para o diagnóstico das condições da bacia em estudo, observando-se que em 48,1% da bacia hidrográfica do Rio do Campo a perda de solo foi classificada entre 0 e 10 t.ha-1.ano-1. A perda em grandes quantidades de solo se apresenta em pequenas porcentagens em relação a área total da bacia, abrangendo somente 2,57% da área com valores entre 300 e 450 t.ha-1.ano-1 e 1,26% da área com perdas maiores de 450 t.ha-1.ano-1. Apesar das maiores perdas ocorrerem nas menores áreas analisadas, torna-se importante a identificação destas, pois demonstram as respectivas susceptibilidades aos danos provocados pelas perdas de solo na bacia. Assim, quantificar a perda de solo se torna extremamente importante para o planejamento ambiental de uma bacia hidrográfica, sendo uma excelente ferramenta de subsídio para o manejo de uso do solo e a gestão dos recursos ambientais.
Stress hídrico determina a dieta de Tetragonopterus argenteus (CUVIER, 1816) no Pantanal Norte
Authors: Muniz Claumir Cesar , Flamini Alani Coelho , Kantek Daniel Zanella , Lázaro Wilkinson Lopes , Souza Acisa Raimunda de , Oliveira Junior Ernandes Sobreira
Published: October 2019

O entendimento da dieta alimentar de peixes é uma importante ferramenta na obtenção de informações sobre a estrutura das comunidades aquáticas e interações biológicas, principalmente no que se refere à qualidade ambiental. Entretanto, no Pantanal, o pulso de inundação acarreta uma transformação ambiental que promove uma dinâmica na dieta de várias espécies de peixes, e aquelas espécies-base de cadeia alimentar podem sofrer uma pressão ainda maior devido a amplitude hídrica e disponibilidade dos recursos alimentares. Assim, neste trabalho, foi realizada a descrição dos recursos alimentares explorados por Tetragonopterus argenteus no Rio Paraguai, Pantanal Norte, Cáceres (MT), nos períodos de enchente (2012), cheia, vazante e estiagem (2013). Os espécimes foram coletados e levados para o laboratório de Ictiologia da UNEMAT, onde foi realizado a pesagem, evisceração, e caracterização dieta baseada na frequência de ocorrência (% Fi), proporção volumétrica (% Vi), combinados ao Índice Alimentar (IAi %), bem como através do diagrama de Costello e curva de rarefação. A alimentação de T. argenteus variou durante os períodos do ciclo hidrológico com itens como macroinvertebrados, material vegetal e resto de peixes. T. argenteus pode ser classificado como herbívoro oportunista e que ocorre uma influência do pulso de inundação na dieta, alterando a disponibilidade dos itens alimentares no decorrer do ciclo hidrológico, bem como a possível interferência das cevas no hábito alimentar de espécies usadas como iscas pela população local.
A systematic review of the potential uses of on-animal sensors to monitor the welfare of sheep evaluated using the Five Domains Model as a framework
Authors: Fogarty ES , Swain DL , Cronin GM , Trotter M
Published: October 2019

This systematic review explores the use of on-animal sensors in sheep and their potential application in objective welfare monitoring. The key questions posed were: To what extent can current scientific knowledge inform a sensor-based approach to welfare evaluations? And, how might this knowledge shape development of commercial monitoring systems? These questions were explored through retrospective classification of published sensor applications using The Five Domains (FD) Model as a framework for animal welfare assessment. A total of 71 studies were reviewed. The results indicate studies specifically evaluating the use of sensors for welfare assessment are limited, though many experiments could still be related to some aspect of welfare. The assessment of sensor utilisation revealed the greatest proportion of applications within the ‘Behaviour’ Domain (90.1%; n = 64), and the lowest within the ‘Health’ (25.4%; n = 18) and ‘Mental state’ Domains (25.4%; n = 18). The review also highlights how different sensor types (location, motion or physiological) differ in their applicability for welfare assessment. This paper is the first to classify published sensor applications using the FD Model as a framework and highlights the potential for sensor technology in sheep welfare monitoring. The results suggest that any attempt to create a commercial sensor-based system for objective welfare assessment will require the integration of more than one sensor type, particularly if multiple Domains are to be addressed.
A bibliometric analysis of past and emergent trends in animal welfare science
Authors: Freire R , Nicol CJ
Published: October 2019

A bibliometric analysis was undertaken to chart the development of animal welfare (AW) science as a whole, and of the individuals, organisations and countries that have had most academic impact to date. Publication data were collected from the Web of Science for the year range 1968-2017 and by-hand pre-processing of the data was undertaken to identify reviews and original research articles on AW. VOSviewer was used to create bibliometric networks. There has been a 13.3% annual growth in AW publications in the last 50 years with Animal Welfare and Applied Animal Behaviour Science the most frequent publishers of AW publications. Farm animals continue to dominate the subject of AW research and comparison of network visualisations for five key species suggested possible gaps in the research, such as relatively little emphasis on emotion research for some farm animals and little research on inherited disorders in dogs. However, keyword analysis indicated a recent broadening of AW findings to include other international contexts, such as conservation and sustainability. Highly cited review articles were grouped into five clusters with affective state (ie emotions, moods) and fish welfare the most recent topics. Almost all core authors of original research articles study farm animals, though in the last ten years other topics, such as consumer attitudes and wildlife, have emerged as highly cited areas of original research articles. Network analysis of organisations revealed the University of Bristol, UK as the main publisher of original research articles. Citation analysis indicated that many low-cited articles were originating from Germany and were published in German journals, suggesting that many worthwhile results and opinions on AW may be being missed by other researchers due to a language barrier. Several limitations of bibliometric analysis to generate an overview of AW science were identified, including the challenge of how to search and extract all the relevant publications in this discipline. In conclusion, animal welfare science is still in an exponential phase of growth which will bring opportunities, such as for the publication of new journals, but also challenges. The insights generated by this study suggest bibliometric analysis to be a useful addition to other approaches investigating the trends and concepts of animal welfare.
“Today let's gently brush your ears”
Authors: Klausen Helle Breth , Have Iben
Published: October 2019

ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) is a physiological sensory reaction usually described as “a tingling, static-like sensation across the scalp, back of the neck and at times further areas in response to specific triggering audio and visual stimuli” (Barratt & Davis, 2015). In the last decade ASMR has also become a growing media cultural phenomenon, especially on YouTube, where ASMRtists create videos that help you overcome stress, loneliness and insomnia while making you feel good. This article follows a question raised by one of these ASMRtists concerning the ability of the videos to generate a feeling of human touch. In a combination of Media and Sound Studies, and supported by an empirical study of user comments on YouTube and Reddit, we argue that ASMR videos off er a social service by affording experiences of telepresence and pseudohaptic social audio-grooming and thereby meeting the ‘skin hunger’ of modern human beings.
Automatic Taxiing Direction Control System for Carrier-Based Aircraft
Authors: Krawczyk Mariusz , Szczepański Cezary , Zajdel Albert
Published: October 2019

This paper solves the problem of automatic taxiing direction control of carrier-based aircraft. On modern aircraft carriers, taxiing aircraft either propel themselves using their own engines or are towed by specialised tugs, which requires dedicated personnel and assets. The automatization of this process would simultaneously increase aircraft flow and decrease the number of personnel and assets required. The key challenge in the automatization of this type of process is the development of an automatic control system capable of performing the requisite tasks, which our researchers managed to do. First, the specific conditions of taxiing on-board carriers were analysed and modelled. The model of a fixed-wing aircraft best suited to this purpose was identified and the proper method of automatic control – ADRC – chosen. The algorithm used in the methodto facilitate effective direction control of a taxiing aircraft was formulated and extensively tested. The results of automatic taxiing simulation for F/A-18 aircraft have been presented. The conclusion is that the ADRC type control algorithm can ensure effective automatic control of taxiing aircraft.
Profilin and formin constitute a pacemaker system for robust actin filament growth
Authors: Funk Johanna , Merino Felipe , Venkova Larisa , Heydenreich Lina , Kierfeld Jan , Vargas Pablo , Raunser Stefan , Piel Matthieu , Bieling Peter
Published: October 2019

The actin cytoskeleton drives many essential biological processes, from cell morphogenesis to motility. Assembly of functional actin networks requires control over the speed at which actin filaments grow. How this can be achieved at the high and variable levels of soluble actin subunits found in cells is unclear. Here we reconstitute assembly of mammalian, non-muscle actin filaments from physiological concentrations of profilin-actin. We discover that under these conditions, filament growth is limited by profilin dissociating from the filament end and the speed of elongation becomes insensitive to the concentration of soluble subunits. Profilin release can be directly promoted by formin actin polymerases even at saturating profilin-actin concentrations. We demonstrate that mammalian cells indeed operate at the limit to actin filament growth imposed by profilin and formins. Our results reveal how synergy between profilin and formins generates robust filament growth rates that are resilient to changes in the soluble subunit concentration.
Efficient sampling of shiitake-inoculated oak logs to determine the log-to-mushroom transfer factor of stable cesium
Authors: O’Brien Martin , Hiraide Masakazu , Ohmae Yoshimi , Nihei Naoto , Miura Satoru , Tanoi Keitaro
Published: October 2019

Background

Stable cesium (133Cs) naturally exists in the environment whereas recently deposited radionuclides (e.g., 137Cs) are not at equilibrium. Stable cesium has been used to understand the long-term behavior of radionuclides in plants, trees and mushrooms. We are interested in using 133Cs to predict the future transfer factor (TF) of radiocesium from contaminated logs to shiitake mushrooms in Eastern Japan. However, the current methodology to obtain a representative wood sample for 133Cs analysis involves mechanically breaking and milling the entire log (excluding bark) to a powder prior to analysis. In the current study, we investigated if sawdust obtained from cutting a log along its length at eight points is as robust but a faster alternative to provide a representative wood sample to determine the TF of 133Cs between logs and shiitake.

Methods

Oak logs with ready-to-harvest shiitake fruiting bodies were cut into nine 10-cm discs and each disc was separated into bark, sapwood and heartwood and the concentration of 133Cs was measured in the bark, sapwood, heartwood, sawdust (generated from cutting each disc) and fruiting bodies (collected separately from each disc), and the wood-to-shiitake TF was calculated.

Results

We found that the sawdust-to-shiitake TF of 133Cs did not differ (P = 0.223) compared to either the sapwood-to-shiitake TF or heartwood-to-shiitake TF, but bark did have a higher concentration of 133Cs (P < 0.05) compared to sapwood and heartwood. Stable cesium concentration in sawdust and fruiting bodies collected along the length of the logs did not differ (P > 0.05).

Discussion

Sawdust can be used as an alternative to determine the log-to-shiitake TF of 133Cs. To satisfy the goals of different studies and professionals, we have described two sampling methodologies (Methods I and II) in this paper. In Method I, a composite of eight sawdust samples collected from a log can be used to provide a representative whole-log sample (i.e., wood and bark), whereas Method II allows for the simultaneous sampling of two sets of sawdust samples—one set representing the whole log and the other representing wood only. Both methodologies can greatly reduce the time required for sample collection and preparation.
Unfold: an integrated toolbox for overlap correction, non-linear modeling, and regression-based EEG analysis
Authors: Ehinger Benedikt V. , Dimigen Olaf
Published: October 2019

Electrophysiological research with event-related brain potentials (ERPs) is increasingly moving from simple, strictly orthogonal stimulation paradigms towards more complex, quasi-experimental designs and naturalistic situations that involve fast, multisensory stimulation and complex motor behavior. As a result, electrophysiological responses from subsequent events often overlap with each other. In addition, the recorded neural activity is typically modulated by numerous covariates, which influence the measured responses in a linear or non-linear fashion. Examples of paradigms where systematic temporal overlap variations and low-level confounds between conditions cannot be avoided include combined electroencephalogram (EEG)/eye-tracking experiments during natural vision, fast multisensory stimulation experiments, and mobile brain/body imaging studies. However, even “traditional,” highly controlled ERP datasets often contain a hidden mix of overlapping activity (e.g., from stimulus onsets, involuntary microsaccades, or button presses) and it is helpful or even necessary to disentangle these components for a correct interpretation of the results. In this paper, we introduce unfold, a powerful, yet easy-to-use MATLAB toolbox for regression-based EEG analyses that combines existing concepts of massive univariate modeling (“regression-ERPs”), linear deconvolution modeling, and non-linear modeling with the generalized additive model into one coherent and flexible analysis framework. The toolbox is modular, compatible with EEGLAB and can handle even large datasets efficiently. It also includes advanced options for regularization and the use of temporal basis functions (e.g., Fourier sets). We illustrate the advantages of this approach for simulated data as well as data from a standard face recognition experiment. In addition to traditional and non-conventional EEG/ERP designs, unfold can also be applied to other overlapping physiological signals, such as pupillary or electrodermal responses. It is available as open-source software at http://www.unfoldtoolbox.org.
Identification of an ancestral haplotype in the mitochondrial phylogeny of the ovine haplogroup B
Authors: Mereu Paolo , Pirastru Monica , Barbato Mario , Satta Valentina , Hadjisterkotis Eleftherios , Manca Laura , Naitana Salvatore , Leoni Giovanni G.
Published: October 2019

Background

European mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimon) has been reintroduced in mainland Europe since the 18th-century sourcing from the Sardinian and Corsican autochthonous mouflon populations. The European mouflon is currently considered the feral descendent of the Asian mouflon (O. orientalis), and the result of first wave of sheep domestication occurred 11,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, and brought to Corsica and Sardinia ca. 6,000 years ago, where they still live as autochthonous populations. However, this phylogeny is based on mitogenome sequences of European mouflon individuals exclusively.

Methods

We sequenced the first complete mtDNA of the long-time isolated Sardinian mouflon and compared it with several ovine homologous sequences, including mouflon from mainland Europe and samples representative of the five known mitochondrial domestic sheep haplogroups. We applied Bayesian inference, Maximum Likelihood and Integer Neighbour-Joining network methods and provided a robust, fully-resolved phylogeny with strong statistical support for all nodes.

Results

We identified an early split (110,000 years ago) of the Sardinian mouflon haplotype from both sheep and mainland European mouflon belonging to haplogroup B, the latter two sharing a more recent common ancestor (80,000 years ago). Further, the Sardinian mouflon sequence we generated had the largest genetic distance from domestic sheep haplogroups (0.0136 ± 0.004) among mouflon species. Our results suggest the Sardinian mouflon haplotype as the most ancestral in the HPG-B lineage, hence partially redrawing the known phylogeny of the genus Ovis.
In vitro Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities of the Flower Extracts of Hibiscus vitifolius L
Authors: Prabhakaran D. , Rajeshkanna A. , Senthamilselvi M. M. , Solomon S.
Published: October 2019

Objective: To determine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the solid powder extracted from the ethyl acetate fraction of the flower Hibiscus vitifolius L.

Methods: The flower extract assessed for antioxidant activity using the 1,1–diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazile (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and the reduced power assay was performed using the Ferric Reducing Capacity (FRC) assay. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to test the production method of nitric oxide (NO).

Results: The solid powder extracted from the ethyl acetate fraction of the flower Hibiscus vitifolius L showed good antioxidant activity in the scavenging DPPH radicals and the FRC assay compared to the standard sample. This powder sample also showed good anti-inflammatory activity in cell viability (LPS induced PBMC) assay and nitric oxide (NO) assay.

 Conclusion: These results suggest that the powder sample extracted from the ethyl acetate fraction of the flower Hibiscus vitifolius L has substantial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Bioactive Peptides from Marine Molluscs – A Review
Authors: Eghianruwa Queensley A. , Osoniyi Omolaja R. , Maina Naomi , Wachira Sabina
Published: October 2019

Marine organisms make up approximately half of the total global biodiversity, with the Mollusca containing the second largest number of species, including snails and bivalves. The marine environment is highly competitive, hostile and aggressive, which has led to the production of specific and potent bioactive compounds by the mollusca and their associated microorganisms, in a bid to protect themselves and ensure their survival. A diverse array of bioactive compounds can be isolated from the extracts of marine molluscs of which linear, cyclic, and conjugated peptides and depsipeptides form some of the most important bioactive compounds that have been well characterized and some of have already reached clinical trials or been approved for use as therapeutic agents and supplements. This review highlights some of the bioactive peptides that have been obtained from marine molluscs as well the challenges facing bioprospecting of valuable peptides from marine mollusc sources.
Impact of Cereals Production and Cross-border Trade on Food Security in Nigeria: A Time Series Analysis between 1986 and 2017
Authors: Shettima Fatima Abdullahi , Zakaree Saheed , Sa’ad Suleiman , Shettima Yakaka Abdulhlahi
Published: October 2019

This study aims to examine the impact of cereals production and cross-border trade on food security in Nigeria between 1986 and 2017. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) econometric technique was employed to analyze the time series secondary data sourced from World Bank Development Indicators, 2017 in order to explain the relationship between food security and the cereal production and cross-border trade. The findings of this study reveal that both in short-run and long-run estimation of error correction model (ECM), cereal domestic production, cereal exports and cereal imports have significant impact on the food security. Accordingly, cereal domestic production and cereal imports have a positive sign, which implies that an increase in cereal domestic production and cereal imports influence food security. While, cereal exports have a negative sign, which suggest that Nigeria as a nation is experiencing deficit in cereal production and therefore, the little quantity produced and exported posit a treat to food security. Based on the findings of this study, it is therefore recommended that policy formulation such as government subsidies in the agricultural sector and any other intervention programmes that will encourage an increase in domestic cereal production as well as policy formulation that will not totally discourage cereal importation should be implemented since its impact on food security is positive. This can be achieved through trade liberalization. On one hand, in as much as cereal export have significant impact on food security; government should be mindful that policy formulation on cereal exports should take into consideration the level of domestic cereal production and consequently its negative impact on food security.
MHD Natural Convection Casson Fluid Flow over a Non-Isothermal Stretching Sheet Embedded in a Porous Medium
Authors: O. Falodun B. , O. Oke M. , O. Fagbohun O.
Published: October 2019

In the present study, Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) natural convection Casson fluid flow over a non-isothermal stretching sheet embedded in a porous medium is considered. The set of governing differential equations are simplified by similarity variables into coupled ordinary differential equations. The defined stream functions satisfied the continuity equation. Roseland approximation is utilized and the present study is therefore limited to an optically thick fluid. The transformed set of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations are then solved numerically via spectral homotopy analysis method (SHAM). Results revealed that the Magnetic parameter (M) reduces the velocity profile but produce a significant increase in the temperature profile. Also, it is observed that increasing the thermal radiation parameter increases the thermal condition of the fluid.
Formulation of Lubricant from Calabash Seed Oil
Authors: Owuna F. J. , Dabai M. U. , Sokoto M. A. , Faruq U. Z. , Abubakar A. L.
Published: October 2019

The engine oil market is faced with complex chemical reactions and difficult chemical engineering involved in the formulation of synthetic based engine oils, and therefore, the need to source for alternative base oils for engine oil formulation from vegetable oils has become urgent and inevitable. This research is aimed at formulation of lubricant using calabash seed oil (CSO). An experiment designed (Mixture Design Method using Minitab 17) was used to obtain the blend of CSO (28.75%), SN 500 (68.75%), and additive (2.50%) with improved physicochemical parameters. The lubricant obtained had kinematic viscosities 9.30±2.11 cSt (at 100°C) and 53.11±1.03 cSt (at 40°C), a viscosity index of 167±0.51, flash point of 240±2.01°C, and pour point of -28±1.31°C. The lubricant obtained in this research had quality parameters that are comparable to those of synthesised environmentally acceptable engine oils, and are within the standard for engine oils.
MEMS Technology: A Review
Authors: Mishra Manish Kumar , Dubey Vikas , Mishra P. M. , Khan Isharat
Published: October 2019

This review article through light on a highly promising & demanding technology, which is set to revolutionize nearly every product category in present era, while discussing the Concept, Design & Development, Fabrication techniques and applications of micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based Devices or systems. Microelectromechanical system discloses outstanding flexibility and adaptability in miniaturization devices followed by their compact dimension, low power consumption, and fine performance. The MEMS devices have numerous and very high potentials of creating a new field of applications for mobile equipment’s with increased flexibility & more reliability. This work deals with research carried out for the development of MEMS based sensors & Actuators and appropriate uses of MEMS. This work carries information’s regarding subsequent commercial and real life applications of MEMS and discusses various recent technological innovations carried out with their advantages & disadvantages. This work also describes the historical development of micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) sensor technology.
Design, Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of a Domestic Gas Oven
Authors: Ilesanmi O. E. , Akinnuli B. O.
Published: October 2019

This study reports on the design, construction and performance evaluation of a domestic gas oven. The oven was designed and was fabricated with an outer dimension of 860 mm length × 660 mm width × 1150 mm height made up of mild steel and the inner dimension of 759 mm length × 559 mm width × 835 mm height made up of mild steel and fiber glass of 40 mm thickness was used as an insulator to reduce cost to a minimal level. The aim of this research work is to improve on the already existing gas baking oven through the incorporation of a vent/chimney for removal of humid air and roller (wheels) for easy movement. Cooking gas is supplied to the burner located in the lower chamber of the oven via a pipe connection to the gas cylinder. Perforations allow for heat dissipation within the lower chamber. Capacity of the baking oven is 12 loaves of bread of 0.5 kg per bread per tray (batch). Using a temperature regulator and from practical determination, the maximum temperature of 210°C was recorded. The performance test on the oven showed that the efficiency of the oven is of 90.7 percent. The oven can be adapted for both domestic and industrial purposes and have been found very useful in bakery industries. The oven was constructed with locally available materials. Estimated production cost is N56, 470 which is $156.86 at the exchange rate of 360 Naira to a US Dollar as at the time of this design. This can be seen in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME) shown in the report.
The Dynamics of Solids Removal in Waste Stabilization Ponds
Authors: Nwankwo I. H. , Nwaiwu N. E. , Nwabanne J. T.
Published: October 2019

Waste generation at Nigerian slaughterhouses poses a serious threat to the environment because of poor handling practices which results into adverse impact on land, air and water. The aim of this research is studying the dynamics of solid removal in waste stabilization pond at different hydraulics retention times (HRT). The characteristics of wastewater in Kwata slaughterhouse were 991 mg/l, 3427 mg/l and 4419 mg/l. For total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS) and total solids (TS) respectively. The slaughterhouse wastewater was treated using waste stabilization pond which comprises one anaerobic pond, one facultative pond and one maturation pond. The physio-chemical analysis conducted at the end of the treatment, shows that the total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS) and total solids (TS) in an effluent leaving the maturation achieved 97%, 92% and 93% removal efficiencies. The physio-chemical analysis results were also subjected to statistical analysis using one-way analysis of variance and two-way analysis of variance without replication. The results show the statistically significant difference exists in the quality of raw wastewater, effluent from anaerobic, facultative and maturation pond.
Chronicles of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Medicinal & Therapeutic Overview in Bangladeshi Aspect
Authors: Kadir D. S. , Sadik G. M.
Published: October 2019

Nervous system and Neurological disorder sounds like a deep-sea of neurobiological harmony, reflecting a glorious bond and symbolizing a deep sign of interrelated linkages. Neurodegenerative diseases especially; Alzheimer’s disease is a widely renowned disorder with a larger scope of research opportunities. Nowadays, there are an abundance of research activities been carried out on this specific topic. It’s quite frightening to witness the ultimate outcome of Alzheimer’s disease sometimes which can turn out to be the deaths of the patients. In our data analytical program, we have emphasized on Alzheimer’s disease present therapeutic condition in Bangladesh, where in recent times this disorder has transformed into a household scenario. A handful number of patients been analysed through the regular observations based on their previous therapeutic history, expert opinions of scientists and physicians, as well as a smartly organized collection of medicinal and therapeutic information’s been used in order to estimate and indicate an up to dated circumstance of Alzheimer’s disease in Bangladesh. However, it’s a matter of concern that even with the development of modern technology, this age-old innocence of the inability to treat such a class of apocalypse has raised a finger at the capability of civilized human beings. Here, we have also focused on the in-general medical therapeutics of Alzheimer’s disease from which we are able to formulate a portfolio on the medicinal agents used in Bangladesh. Additionally, a data graphic is provided to figure out an estimated analysis of the approximate number of Alzheimer’s disease affected patients in Bangladesh.
Stability analysis and adaptive control for nonlinear discrete‐time systems with time delays and dead zone via state‐feedback technique
Authors: Zhang Zhiming , Zheng Wei , Xie Ping , Wang Hongbin , Wen Shuhuan , Wang Hongrui
Published: October 2019

This research addresses the stability analysis and adaptive state‐feedback control for a class of nonlinear discrete‐time systems with multiple interval time‐varying delays and symmetry dead zone. The multiple interval time‐varying delays and symmetry dead zone are considered in the nonlinear discrete‐time system. The multiple interval time‐varying delays are bounded by the nonlinear function with unknown coefficients, and the symmetry dead zone is considered without the knowledge of the dead zone parameters. The adaptive state‐feedback controller is designed for the nonlinear discrete‐time systems with multiple interval time‐varying delays and dead zone. The discrete Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional is introduced, such that the solutions of the closed‐loop error system converge to an adjustable bounded region and the state errors can be rendered arbitrarily small by adjusting the adaptive parameters. The designed adaptive state‐feedback controller does not require the knowledge of maximum and minimum values for the characteristic slopes of the dead zone. Finally, three simulation examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Effects of Short‐Axis Alkoxy Substituents on Molecular Self‐Assembly and Photovoltaic Performance of Indacenodithiophene‐Based Acceptors
Authors: Li Xiaojun , Huang He , Angunawela Indunil , Zhou Jiadong , Du Jiaqi , Liebman‐Pelaez Alex , Zhu Chenhui , Zhang Zhanjun , Meng Lei , Xie Zengqi , Ade Harald , Li Yongfang
Published: October 2019

The effects of central alkoxy side chain length of a series of narrow bandgap small molecule acceptors (SMAs) on their physicochemical properties and on the photovoltaic performance of the SMA‐based polymer solar cells (PSCs) are systematically investigated. It is found that the ordered aggregation of these SMAs in films is enhanced gradually with the increase of alkoxy chain length. The single‐crystal structures of these SMAs further reveal that small changes in the side chain length can have a dramatic impact on molecular self‐assembly. The short‐circuit current density and power conversion efficiency values of the corresponding PSCs increase with the increase of the side chain length of the SMAs. The π–π coherence length of the SMAs in the active layers is increased with the increase of the side chain length, which could be the reason for the increase of the Jsc in the PSCs. The results indicate that small changes in side chain length can have a dramatic impact on the molecular self‐assembly, morphology, and photovoltaic performance of the PSCs. The structure–performance relationship established in this study can provide important instructions for the side chain engineering and for the design of efficient SMAs materials.
Magneto‐Memristive Switching in a 2D Layer Antiferromagnet
Authors: Kim Hyun Ho , Jiang Shengwei , Yang Bowen , Zhong Shazhou , Tian Shangjie , Li Chenghe , Lei Hechang , Shan Jie , Mak Kin Fai , Tsen Adam W.
Published: October 2019

Memristive devices whose resistance can be hysteretically switched by electric field or current are intensely pursued both for fundamental interest as well as potential applications in neuromorphic computing and phase‐change memory. When the underlying material exhibits additional charge or spin order, the resistive states can be directly coupled, further allowing electrical control of the collective phases. The observation of abrupt, memristive switching of tunneling current in nanoscale junctions of ultrathin CrI3, a natural layer antiferromagnet, is reported here. The coupling to spin order enables both tuning of the resistance hysteresis by magnetic field and electric‐field switching of magnetization even in multilayer samples.
Inorganic Stimuli‐Responsive Nanomembranes for Small‐Scale Actuators and Robots
Authors: Tian Ziao , Wang Yang , Chen Yimeng , Xu Borui , Di Zengfeng , Mei Yongfeng
Published: October 2019

The term small‐scale robotics describes a wide variety of miniature robotic systems, ranging from millimeter‐sized devices down to autonomous mobile systems with dimensions measured in nanometers. These systems can perform complex tasks that are impossible for humans to accomplish or at scales that humans cannot reach. In recent years, the rapid advancement of small‐scale robotics has benefited from the progress in synthesis and nanotechnology, providing access to nanomembranes with stimuli‐responsive materials, such as phase transition materials, shape memory alloys, and palladium. These materials are 2D sheets with a thickness ranging from 5 to 500 nm, and they have the ability to change their shape reversibly under extremal stimuli. Together with strain engineering for deterministic assembly, various stimuli‐responsive actuators and robots have been fabricated for medicine, manufacturing, and exploration by endowing them with the combined features of a continuously deformable structure, remote operation, and several degrees of freedom. Herein, the recent achievements in small‐scale actuators and robots based on inorganic stimuli‐responsive nanomembranes are reviewed and their advantages and properties highlighted.
Hot π‐Electron Tunneling of Metal–Insulator–COF Nanostructures for Efficient Hydrogen Production
Authors: Ming Jintao , Liu Ai , Zhao Jiwu , Zhang Pu , Huang Haowei , Lin Huan , Xu Ziting , Zhang Xuming , Wang Xuxu , Hofkens Johan , Roeffaers Maarten B. J. , Long Jinlin
Published: October 2019

A metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) photosystem based on covalent organic framework (COF) semiconductors was designed for robust and efficient hydrogen evolution under visible‐light irradiation. A maximal H2 evolution rate of 8.42 mmol h−1 g−1 and a turnover frequency of 789.5 h−1 were achieved by using a MIS photosystem prepared by electrostatic self‐assembly of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) insulator‐capped Pt nanoparticles (NPs) with the hydrophilic imine‐linked TP‐COFs having =C=O−H−N= hydrogen‐bonding groups. The hot π‐electrons in the photoexcited n‐type TP‐COF semiconductors can be efficiently extracted and tunneled to Pt NPs across an ultrathin PVP insulating layer to reduce protons to H2. Compared to the Schottky‐type counterparts, the COF‐based MIS photosystems give a 32‐fold‐enhanced carrier efficiency, attributed to the combined enhancement of photoexcitation rate, charge separation, and oxidation rate of holes accumulated in the valence band of the TP‐COF semiconductor.
Modular Assembly of Host–Guest Metal–Phenolic Networks Using Macrocyclic Building Blocks
Authors: Pan Shuaijun , Guo Rui , Bertleff‐Zieschang Nadja , Li Shanshan , Besford Quinn A. , Zhong Qi‐Zhi , Yun Gyeongwon , Zhang Yunti , Cavalieri Francesca , Ju Yi , Goudeli Eirini , Richardson Joseph J. , Caruso Frank
Published: October 2019

The manipulation of interfacial properties has broad implications for the development of high‐performance coatings. Metal–phenolic networks (MPNs) are an emerging class of responsive, adherent materials. Herein, host–guest chemistry is integrated with MPNs to modulate their surface chemistry and interfacial properties. Macrocyclic cyclodextrins (host) are conjugated to catechol or galloyl groups and subsequently used as components for the assembly of functional MPNs. The assembled cyclodextrin‐based MPNs are highly permeable (even to high molecular weight polymers: 250–500 kDa), yet they specifically and noncovalently interact with various functional guests (including small molecules, polymers, and carbon nanomaterials), allowing for modular and reversible control over interfacial properties. Specifically, by using either hydrophobic or hydrophilic guest molecules, the wettability of the MPNs can be readily tuned between superrepellency (>150°) and superwetting (ca. 0°).
Re‐evaluating the population size of South American fur seals and conservation implications
Authors: Baylis Alastair M.M. , Orben Rachael A. , Arkhipkin Alexander A. , Barton John , Brownell Robert L. , Staniland Iain J. , Brickle Paul
Published: October 2019

South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis) are widely distributed, yet surprisingly little is known about their ecology. In particular, population data are sparse and outdated for many breeding locations, including the Falkland Islands. Data deficiency impedes the development of coherent conservation and management strategies.

To address knowledge gaps, for the first time since 1965 an archipelago‐wide census of South American fur seals breeding at the Falkland Islands was undertaken, which provided the first pup abundance estimate since 1926 – data that are critical for assessing population trends.

In total, 36,425 South American fur seal pups were counted at the Falkland Islands in 2018, a greater than four‐fold increase since the last census, and far greater than the 7,990 pups counted in Uruguay, which was presumed to be the largest South American fur seal population in the world. Hence, based on pup abundance, the Falkland Islands is presently the largest population of South American fur seals, even when considering a correction factor of 3.9 that was applied to pup counts in Uruguay, which yielded an estimated 31,160 pups.

The results redefine South American fur seal abundance, the contribution of breeding locations (Falkland Islands, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile) and the distribution of breeding colonies at the Falkland Islands, which has far reaching implications for conservation and management. In particular, the present study has effectively doubled the Atlantic population size of the species, which is now estimated to comprise about 76,000 pups, of which the Falkland Islands accounts for 48% and Uruguay 41%. Accordingly, changes in the number of South American fur seals breeding at the Falkland Islands will influence the global population trends and conservation status of the species. Monitoring South American fur seals breeding at the Falkland Islands is therefore crucial to understand the impacts of anthropogenic pressures, such as fisheries, and to inform management and conservation policy. The results provide a baseline from which to measure changes in abundance.
CO2 anesthesia on Drosophila survival in aging research
Authors: Shen Jie , Yang Peijing , Zhu Xiang , Gu Yitian , Huang Jiahong , Li Motao
Published: October 2019

Carbon dioxide (CO2) exposure is a common method of anesthesia in studies of Drosophila melanogaster. A number of negative side effects of CO2 anesthesia have been reported. It is not clear whether the length of CO2 anesthesia time affects Drosophila survival in aging research. Here, we examined the potential effect of the CO2 anesthesia time length of 10–150 min. We found that long CO2 exposure could lead to Drosophila death, more significant in males. The longer the anesthesia time is, the longer it takes for flies to wake up. Long‐time CO2 anesthesia can reduce the lifespan. Our stress tests showed that long‐time CO2 anesthesia can increase the average survival time in both males and females under starvation conditions, but can only increase female lifespan under H2O2 oxidative stress. Long‐time CO2 anesthesia also significantly affects physiological traits, with spontaneous activity increased in females but decreased in males, and reduced female fecundity. Our study suggests that limiting the CO2 anesthesia time and giving enough recovery time before performing physiological tests are important in Drosophila aging research.
Insight into Isothiourea‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Addition of Saturated Esters to Iminium Ions
Authors: Liu Si‐Cong , Li Xue , Li Shi‐Jun , Wei Donghui
Published: October 2019

The possible mechanisms and origin of the selectivities of isothiourea‐catalyzed addition of saturated esters to iminium ions have been investigated by density functional theory. The favorable reaction pathway includes three stages: formation of an ammonium enolate intermediate, enantioselective addition of the ammonium enolate intermediate to the iminium ion, and dissociation of the catalyst to form the product. The enantioselective addition process is the stereoselectivity‐determining step, while the chemoselectivity‐determining step is included in the formation of the final product. The calculated energy barriers show that the chemoselectivity is thermodynamically controlled, and it depends on the polarities of the products and the nucleophilicities of the N atoms of the enamine reactant moieties of the intermediates. The origin of the stereoselectivity was investigated by non‐covalent interaction analysis of the key transition states. Hydrogen bonding interactions were identified as the determining factor for controlling the stereoselectivity. The obtained insight will be valuable for rational design of novel Lewis base organocatalyst‐promoted enantioselective addition reactions with special chemoselectivities.
Copper‐Catalyzed Diphenylation of P(O)‐OH Bonds with Cyclic Diaryliodonium Salts
Authors: Wang Gang , Xiong Biquan , Zhou Congshan , Liu Yu , Xu Weifeng , Yang Chang‐An , Tang Ke‐Wen , Wong Wai‐Yeung
Published: October 2019

A copper‐catalyzed diphenylation of P(O)−OH bonds with cyclic diaryliodonium salts is described. Valuable 2′‐iodo substituted biaryl phosphinic/phosphoric acid esters were obtained in good to excellent yields, which could be further transformed to diversified building blocks for the synthesis of bioactive compounds, pharmaceuticals and functional materials.
Pharmacological biotargets and the molecular mechanisms of oxyresveratrol treating colorectal cancer: Network and experimental analyses
Authors: Li Rong , Song Yingqi , Ji Zhenni , Li Li , Zhou Liming
Published: October 2019

This article was designed by using a network pharmacological approach to reveal the therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms of oxyresveratrol (Oxyres) treating colorectal cancer (CRC). Furthermore, several bioinformatic findings would be validated. Pathogenetic targets of CRC and pharmacological targets of Oxyres were identified by web‐available databases. All identifiable biotargets were collected for functional enrichment analyses to reveal the biological processes and signaling pathways of Oxyres treating CRC. In addition, human CRC, non‐CRC samples, and cell line study were used to validate the predictive biotargets of Oxyres treating CRC. In network pharmacological analyses, top therapeutic targets of mitogen‐activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), insulin growth factor 1 (IGF1), hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (HPGDS), GTPase HRas (HRAS), and cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) in Oxyres treating CRC were identified, respectively. As shown in functional analysis, biological processes of Oxyres treating CRC were mainly involved in modulating cell communication, signal transduction, apoptosis, cell motility, cell proliferation, and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, top 10 signaling pathways of Oxyres treating CRC were identified, respectively. In human study, CRC samples resulted in increased neoplastic expressions of Ki‐67, MAPK1, IGF1, characterized with clinical imaging inspection, pathological diagnosis, and altered blood lipids in these CRC cases. In cell culture study, Oxyres‐dosed CRC cells exhibited reduced cell proliferation, promoted cellular apoptosis. Furthermore, significantly decreased proteins of intracellular Ki‐67, MAPK1, and IGF1 were observed in Oxyres‐dosed cells when compared to those in controls. Collectively, anti‐CRC pharmacological activity of Oxyres may be mainly associated with induction of apoptosis and suppression of cell proliferation as revealed in bioinformatic findings. In addition, all core biotargets and molecular mechanisms of Oxyres treating CRC are unveiled respectively. Interestingly, the identifiable MAPK1, IGF1 biotargets may be potential molecules for treating and screening CRC.