bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ВЛИЯНИЕ МЕХАНОАКТИВАЦИИ МНОГОСЛОЙНЫХ УГЛЕРОДНЫХ НАНОТРУБОК НА ЭЛЕКТРОФИЗИЧЕСКИЕ СВОЙСТВА НАНОСТРУКТУРИРОВАННЫХ ЭЛАСТОМЕРОВ
Authors: Shchegolkov A.V. , Shchegolkov A.V.
Published: November 2021

В статье описано использование механоактивированных многослойных углеродных нанотрубок (МУНТ), синтезированных по CVD-технологии на Ni/0.5Mg катализаторе для создания высокоэффективных электронагревателей с эффектом саморегулирования. Механоактивированные с помощью шаровой мельницы МУНТ, используются в качестве электропроводящего наполнителя для эластомеров, таких как каучук с полярными группами C-Cl и кремнийорганический компаунд с полярными Si-O связями. Проведено сравнение влияния механоактиварованных и исходных МУНТ на электрофизические свойства эластомеров - обладающими полярными группами C-Cl и полярными Si-O связями. За счет механоактивации МУНТ удельная объемная электропроводность (σm) кремнийорганического эластомера возрастает от значения 2,2 до 8,1 См∙см-1 при максимальном массовом содержании МУНТ. В случае хлоропренового каучука от 5,2 до 11,2 См∙см-1. Для удельной объемной электропроводности композита σс на пороге перколяции увеличивается для кремнийорганического компаунда с 0,5·10-3 до 0,9·10-2 См∙см-1. Установлено влияние механоактивации МУНТ на тепловыделения эластомеров, которая способствует выравниваю температурного поля при толщине образцов равной 3 мм. Поляризация эластомеров может быть косвенно оценена по величине пускового тока. Представлено теоретическое описание электрофизических свойств эластомеров, модифицированных МУНТ с применением уравнения Ланжевена – Дебая и дифференциального уравнения в частных производных Пуассона.
Why Does Intellectual Disability Matter to Philosophy?: Toward a Transformative Pedagogy
Authors: Carlson Licia
Published: November 2021

This article explores what it means to include intellectual disability (ID) in philosophical discourse and in the philosophy classroom. Taking Audre Lorde’s claim that “the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house” as a starting point, it asks how certain forms of cognitive ableism have excluded ID from the “philosopher’s house.” Drawing upon Michel Foucault’s work as a theoretical framework, part one critically examines the ways that ID has been included, excluded, and constructed within philosophical discourse. Part two then considers what it would mean for ID and people with an ID to be included in the philosophy classroom. It offers some examples of how the work in disability studies, philosophies of disability, and philosophy of art can lead to a more inclusive and transformative pedagogy that will generate new critical questions and expand our philosophical dwelling places.
Applying the Capabilities Approach to Disability and Education
Authors: Riddle Christopher A.
Published: November 2021

This paper aims to establish three things. First, that the capabilities approach is the best candidate for an adequate theory of justice to provide just educational opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Second, that the capabilities approach, while possessing many merits over rival conceptions of justice, must acknowledge that a prioritization of some capabilities over others is essential. Third and finally, that intellectual disability presents a particularly urgent case for educational justice, because those with intellectual disabilities are historically under-serviced within educational institutions and stand to lose much more than others because of the potential for the compounding of corrosive disadvantage. A stronger claim to justice for people with intellectual disabilities represents a potential for change in the policy and funding associated with education more generally, and for people with intellectual disabilities more specifically.
Seeing the Rock: Expanding One’s Vision in Community with Preschool Knowers1
Authors: Furman Cara
Published: November 2021

This paper takes a philosophically informed approach to what it means to make sense of the world. Specifically, it asks how understanding might be enhanced when we listen to young children who are labelled with disabilities. To address this question, I describe a lesson I taught as a guest teacher in which my understanding of both a rock and an activity, descriptive inquiry, were challenged and expanded through the participation of a child identified with a significant language-based disability. To explore this event and its implications for what it means to teach and know, I juxtapose Jacques Derrida, Miranda Fricker, and Jacques Rancière with each other and with my descriptions of the event.
Questioning Autism’s Racializing Assemblages
Authors: Kearl Benjamin
Published: November 2021

This article questions the ways autism knowledge is racially assembled. Of specific interest is how clinical and cultural definitions of autism routinely deny the existence of autistics of colour and regularly instantiate autism as a White condition. Employing a contrapuntal reading of autism knowledge, which foregrounds the life-writings of autistics of colour, this article argues that disproportionality and delayed autism diagnoses for children of colour as well as autistic Whiteness habituates autism’s diagnostic space. Not only does this result in the clinical and cultural exclusion of children of colour from autism knowledge, it also hierarchically orders humanity. While autism has received recent philosophical attention from Ian Hacking, this article suggests that Hacking’s historical ontology does not adequately attend to the racializing effects of autism knowledge. As such, this article concludes by gesturing toward the need to re-assemble autism’s diagnostic shape through the invention of collective sites of expression which make possible #BlackAutisticJoy.
Educational Justice and Disability: The Limits of Integration
Authors: Evans Brigid
Published: November 2021

Integration as a requirement of social justice is generating much enthusiasm in political philosophy. In The Imperative of Integration (2010), Elizabeth Anderson defines integration as involving and furthering “the free interaction of citizens from all walks of life in terms of equality and mutual regard”(Anderson, 2010, p. 95). However, this idea of integration as a moral imperative is yet to be tested in the case of students with an intellectual or behavioural disability (I/BD), a small group with complex and diverse educational needs. While “inclusive” schools may be increasingly the norm in Western education systems, it is not self-evident that the imperative of integration ought to carry over into special education. ⁠Focusing on the unique concerns for integrating students with an I/BD into generalist classrooms, I aim to describe the moral constraints that ought to be imposed on the process of integration.

The concerns for integrating students with an I/BD will be framed as a question of the just distribution of costs associated with bringing about integration. It will be argued that, within the context of education, the imperative of integration is unjust if it unduly burdens students with an I/BD, perpetuates the harms it proposes to resolve, or results in a failure to provide the educational goods owed to students. As schools are specially tasked with the provision of educational goods in society, educational costs are more ethically significant in the given context than the costs of not integrating. Educational institutions should still play a role in achieving an integrated society through just means. This must be done by shifting the burdens of integration off students with an I/BD and onto the education system.
A coarse-grained NADH redox model enables inference of subcellular metabolic fluxes from fluorescence lifetime imaging
Authors: Yang Xingbo , Ha Gloria , Needleman Daniel J
Published: November 2021

Mitochondrial metabolism is of central importance to diverse aspects of cell and developmental biology. Defects in mitochondria are associated with many diseases, including cancer, neuropathology, and infertility. Our understanding of mitochondrial metabolism in situ and dysfunction in diseases are limited by the lack of techniques to measure mitochondrial metabolic fluxes with sufficient spatiotemporal resolution. Herein, we developed a new method to infer mitochondrial metabolic fluxes in living cells with subcellular resolution from fluorescence lifetime imaging of NADH. This result is based on the use of a generic coarse-grained NADH redox model. We tested the model in mouse oocytes and human tissue culture cells subject to a wide variety of perturbations by comparing predicted fluxes through the electron transport chain (ETC) to direct measurements of oxygen consumption rate. Interpreting the fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy measurements of NADH using this model, we discovered a homeostasis of ETC flux in mouse oocytes: perturbations of nutrient supply and energy demand of the cell do not change ETC flux despite significantly impacting NADH metabolic state. Furthermore, we observed a subcellular spatial gradient of ETC flux in mouse oocytes and found that this gradient is primarily a result of a spatially heterogeneous mitochondrial proton leak. We concluded from these observations that ETC flux in mouse oocytes is not controlled by energy demand or supply, but by the intrinsic rates of mitochondrial respiration.
A systematic literature review on the usability of mobile applications for visually impaired users
Authors: Al-Razgan Muna , Almoaiqel Sarah , Alrajhi Nuha , Alhumegani Alyah , Alshehri Abeer , Alnefaie Bashayr , AlKhamiss Raghad , Rushdi Shahad
Published: November 2021

Interacting with mobile applications can often be challenging for people with visual impairments due to the poor usability of some mobile applications. The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of the developments on usability of mobile applications for people with visual impairments based on recent advances in research and application development. This overview is important to guide decision-making for researchers and provide a synthesis of available evidence and indicate in which direction it is worthwhile to prompt further research. We performed a systematic literature review on the usability of mobile applications for people with visual impairments. A deep analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for SLRs and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed to produce a set of relevant papers in the field. We first identified 932 papers published within the last six years. After screening the papers and employing a snowballing technique, we identified 60 studies that were then classified into seven themes: accessibility, daily activities, assistive devices, navigation, screen division layout, and audio guidance. The studies were then analyzed to answer the proposed research questions in order to illustrate the different trends, themes, and evaluation results of various mobile applications developed in the last six years. Using this overview as a foundation, future directions for research in the field of usability for the visually impaired (UVI) are highlighted.
Production and Quality Evaluation of Cookies Using Cassava-Grey Speckled Palapye Cowpea Composite Flour
Authors: Austin Ihemeje , Chidinma Akujobi, Ijeoma , Obinna Kabuo Canice Obioma
Published: November 2021

Objective: The study aimed at production and quality evaluation of composite flours and cookies from cassava (Maniholt esculenta) -grey speckled palapye cowpea (Vigna sinensis).

Methods: Flour was respectively produced from cassava and palapye cowpea. The flours of cassava and palapye cowpea were mixed in the ratios of 100:0, 90:10, 80:20 and 70:30 respectively before being analyzed for antinutrient and functional properties. Cookies were produced from the flours and then evaluated for their respective nutrient and organoleptic attributes.  Data was analysed using using spss version 21.0.

Results: The anti-nutrient concentration ranged from 0.83 to 1.25% (phytate), 0.07 to 0.19% (phenol), 0.12 to 0.17% (tannin), 0.09 to 0.21 Tiu/mg (trypsin inhibitor) and 0.28 to 0.88 mg/kg (hydrogen cyanide). The functional properties were found to be within 0.47 to 0.58 g/ml (bulk density), 1.62 to 2.04 g/g (capacity), 1.58% to 2.06 g/g (oil absorption capacity), 1.26 to 1.74 g/ml (swelling capacity) and 10.47 to 14.86% (foaming capacity). Proximate composition of the cookies samples showed 9.43 to 10.77% (moisture), 2.03 to 6.88% (protein), 1.03 to 1.91% (fat), 1.24 to 2.55% (ash), 3.22 to 4.26% (fibre) and 76.01 to 80.82% (carbohydrate).  The sensory scores of the cookies ranged from 6.2 to 7.3 on the hedonic scale.

Conclusion: The cassava-grey speckled cowpea flour proved satisfactory in cookies production and could also serve well in formulations for other food products.
Pasting Properties of Composite Flour Made from Sorghum, Millet and African Yam Bean
Authors: Okafor J. N. , Ishiwu J. N. , Obiegbuna J. E.
Published: November 2021

The aim of this research was to produce acceptable ‘fufu’ from a mixture of sorghum, millet, and African yam bean flours that will have a moderate carbohydrate and protein content with most optimized texture. The functional and sensory properties of flour blends produced from Sorghum, Millet and African yam bean was studied. Sorghum, Millet and African yam bean were processed into flour and mixed at different ratios to obtain composite flours. The flour formulations obtained were analyzed for water absorption capacity, bulk density, least gelation concentration , and viscosity .The  water absorption capacity ranged from 1.00 to 3.00,  the bulk density ranged from 0.56 to 0.82;the least gelation concentration ranged from 5.77 to 6.87,while the viscosity ranged from 0.956 to 9.30.Also proximate composition of the individual flours before formulation  was analyzed, it ranged from 6.13 to 8.46 moisture, 2.00 to 4.67 ash, 0.17 to 8.00 fiber,5.47 to 8.61 fat, 7.57 to 21.84 protein, 58.34 to 69.27 carbohydrate.The sensory values ranged from 5.60 to 6.45 for taste; 4.25 to 6.85  for colour; 5.15 to 6.80 for texture; 3.85 to 5.70 for aroma; 5.45 to 6.45 acceptability. Sample 10 (with the ratio of 40:70:20) had the highest rating for general acceptability. It was observed that sample 1(with the ratio of 60:50:60) had the lowest rating in taste and aroma. The mixture components that could produce optimum texture was determined through optimization plot. This work has demonstrated that acceptable ‘fufu’ with moderate protein and carbohydrate could be successfully produced using composite flours of sorghum, millet and African yam bean.
Growth Analysis of Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) in India - With Special Reference to Tamil Nadu
Authors: Myvizhi S. , Anjugam M. , Prahadeeswaran M. , Ganapati Patil Santosh
Published: November 2021

Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) has been a noteworthy developmental mechanism in microfinance group-lending model advancing towards uplifting materialistic collateral-less and unbanked poor society in the direction of self-sustainability through easing access to formal financial services with a proposal for self-employment which remained to be pursued as their dream for so long. The present study seeks to document expansionary trend in JLGs and to identify major benefits, constraints and suggestions of JLG member-beneficiaries with purview of supporting further development towards promoting and financing more JLGs in India.

Aim: The present study attempts to document the trend in growth of JLGs supported by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in India and to identify major benefits, constraints and suggestions in functioning of JLGs through Bank-Business Corporate (BC) linkage model among its member-beneficiaries which would serve researchers and policy makers to arrive at appropriate measures to expedite advancement in expansion and magnification of trend of JLGs in India.

Design of Study: The study employed secondary data from annual publication of NABARD “Status of Micro Finance in India” for 2011-12 to 2019-20 for JLG trend analysis. Following purposive sampling, 3 blocks of Namakkal district were studied during August 2021, purposively selecting Bank-Business Corporate (BC) linkage model and randomly selecting well-experienced 30 member-beneficiary groups.

Methodology: The study adopted Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for JLG trend analysis and Garrett’s ranking procedure to prioritize major benefits, constraints and suggestions of JLG members.

Findings:

Overall growth rate of India stands at 44.86% in terms of number of JLGs promoted and 60.73% in terms of quantum of JLG loan disbursed. Northern region excels growing at the rate of 62.53% in the former category while Western region exhibits expeditious rate of growth (75.19%) in the latter.

Tamil Nadu leads the lane in terms of cumulative quantum of credit disbursed ranking second to Bihar in terms of cumulative number of JLGs promoted in India. Orissa manifests rapid growth among leading five states in both categories cumulatively.

With women empowerment socially and economically, easy access to formal credit and better repayment as major benefits of JLG participation, hiking initial loan amount, aiding in identification of microenterprise, training and capacity building in related fields, introducing technological innovation on demand-side and linkage to product marketing and brand promotion on supply side were suggested areas of concern towards encouraging massive promotion of JLGs..
An Analysis of Pattern of Floral Waste Generated and Disposal in Hyderabad City of Telangana State
Authors: Soundarya S. Sri , Radhika P. , Reddy D. Srinivasa , Supriya K.
Published: November 2021

Flowers are an integral part of Indian culture and tons of flowers often gets accumulated at religious sites like temples, mosques, churches and gurudwaras due to a number of religious practices and it is also generated in places like wedding ceremonies, flower markets, residential areas, etc. But sadly, most of these flowers often thrown in water bodies and garbage, creating an environmental hazard. Hence, the present study was taken to analyse the floral waste generation pattern and their disposal in the city. A total sample of 62 floral waste generators consisting of 30 temples, 12 function halls and 20 flower shops was selected for the study. Data was analysed and tabulated. The study analysed that the bigger temples contribute to higher floral waste generation, and the festival seasons around the year also generates more floral waste. The function halls don’t generate a constant quantity of floral waste and the usage of flowers highly depends on the budget and theme of the ceremony. The flower markets generate more floral waste if the sales are less in the market. The flowers such as Chrysanthemum, Marigold Jasmine and Rose are generated as major category of floral waste.
Political, Legislative and Institutional Frameworks for the Governance of Water Resources’ Ecosystem Services in Benin
Authors: Balogoun Salomon , Idrissou Latifou
Published: November 2021

Ecosystem services play an important role for the balance of biodiversity and for social well-being. The management of ecosystem services around water resources is governed by several political documents and laws, and involves several actors. Current reforms calling for co-management raise questions about the sustainability of ecosystem service management models around water resources. This article discusses the contours of the legal framework and the institutional mechanism for water resources and their ecosystem services management in Benin. Therefore, the majority of the policy documents set up in the framework of natural resources management were consulted during data collection. Content analysis method was used to analyse these documents.Results show that the governance of water resources and their ecosystem services in Benin is guided by several national political texts inspired by international institutions set up. In Benin, water resources management is based on the declination at national level of the various international and regional agreements ratified by the country. Water resources governance is placed under the responsibility of several political, administrative and civil society actors, in a well-defined role-play system.It is based on vision and strategy documents, action programs, budget programs and the National Water Policies, including the Law 044-2010 of November 24, 2010 on water management. However, the processes for implementing these texts do not guarantee the sustainable management of the resources. Indeed, the implementation texts of most of the laws are often not developed, and where they are, they are not widely popularised. There is also a mismatch between adopted legal rules and ancestral cultures and customs. Finally, we noted in the laws and policies,the existence of contradictions, ambiguities and overlapping of responsibilities of the actors in the governance of these resources.
Evaluation of Nutrient Composition in Breast Milk of Breast Feeding Mothers in Urban and Sub-Urban Subjects in Rivers State
Authors: Catherine Ikewuchi , Biambo Kalaotaji Glory , Nyebuchi Jonathan , Fyneface Amadi Chikadibia , Goodnews Nwika
Published: November 2021

The human breast milk is considered to be the perfect food for infants, specifically adapted to their needs. Changes in lifestyle and environment may impact on breast milk composition. This study was aimed at comparing the nutrients composition in breast milk in postpartum women in urban and sub-urban areas in Rivers State. The cross-sectional study was conducted among 59 postpartum subjects between 0 and 10days of child delivery in each group. Sampling was done through a simple random sampling method. Human breast milk was collected by means of a manual breast pump for the analysis of carbohydrate, protein and lipid using ClegAnthrone Method, Kjedahl Method and Soxhelt Extraction Method respectively. The results revealed that carbohydrate level was 6.1±0.5% in urban group and 5.0±0.1% in sub-urban group which was statistically significant (t-value=2.2; p-value=0.04). Protein level was 3.5±0.6% in urban group and 3.9±0.3% in sub-urban group which was statistically non-significant (t-value=0.6; p-value=0.57).  Lipid level was 6.1±0.5% and 5.0±0.1% in urban and sub-urban groups respectively which was statistically non- significant (t-value=1.2; p-value=0.27). This study has revealed that differences in settlements (urban and sub-urban) have no impact on breast milk composition except in carbohydrate.
Understanding NWFPs Utilization, Marketing and Transportation in AJK, Pakistan
Authors: Zubair Muhammad , Ijaz Rana Mohsin , Hussain Syed Bilal , Jamil Akash , Khan Imran
Published: November 2021

The study assessed the utilization, marketing and transportation of Non WoodForest Products (NWFPs) in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK)with the view to improving ivelihoods of local inhabitants. Data collection were made in AJK districts of Neelam and Bagh. The respondents that were sampled for the study comprise of local ihabitants involved in collection of NWFPs. A total of 200 respondents were interviwed using simple random sampling technique. The results revelaed most of the farmers were literate having very small land holdings with farming as their prime profession. The main reason for NWFPs collection and selling is to buy food and cater for health needs of the family. Most of the NWFPs are sold directly to local traders at spot and fellow collector/trader remained most worthy source of information in NWFP collection and selling. Regarding mode of transportation manual transportation (on foot) is being used due to low quantityof NWFP collection at most of the times. There is now the need of time that the people of this area involved with NTFPs should be trained. Trainings on collection, processing and packaging of NTFPs must be carried out. Therefore the local communities would be able to add value to their products and are able to fetch high premiums to support their livelihoods.
Habitat Assessment and Regeneration Pattern of Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis) in Royal Botanical Park, Lampelri
Authors: Suberi Bhagat , Wangchuk Kinzang , Sherub Karma
Published: November 2021

The Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis D. Don) an essential tree species due to its ecological and social importance in the himalayan region.  The study assessed  the effect of environmental factors on habitat, growth, and regeneration patterns of the Himalayan Birch at the Royal Botanical Park, Lampelri, Bhutan . Two vertical transects with a spacing of 75 m were laid across the altitudinal gradient. A total of 10 circular sample plots were laid on each transect with a plot size of 12.62 m for trees, 3.57 m for regeneration, and 0.57 m for ground cover vegetation. A total of 119 vascular plant species under 45 families were recorded in 20 survey plots. The Spearman rho’s correlation showed strong negative correlation between the species abundance and temperature (rs=- .83) and positive correlation with the species count and altitude (rs = .83). The species richness in the study area showed an initial increase up to certain with elevation and then  decreased with further increase in elevation. The importance value index (IVI) of tree species showed Tsuga dumosa as the most dominant species.  Betula utilis indicated an increasing density with an increase in elevation. The regeneration of Betula utilis was poor as it was mostly found in a sapling stage. From a total of 43 tree species regenerating,  13.95% showed good regeneration, 34.88% fair, 23.25% poor, and 4.65% without regeneration. The remaining 23.25% seems  to be either reappearing or immigrating.
Viability and Vigor of Cerrado Cashew Seeds (Anacardium humile) on Different Substrates
Authors: Nunes Helber Veras , Barros Daniella Inácio , Santos Alessandro de Souza , Pires Cardeal Indira Rayane , Quirino Mariana Senna , Alencar Libório Ricardo , Morais Brito Lucas Eduardo , Gomes Sales Paulo Victor , Da Silva Heloísa Donizete , Napoli Nunes Bruno Henrique di
Published: November 2021

The little cashew from the Cerrado (Anacardium humile) is a kind of family anacardiáceaceas, a shrubby plant of great incidence in the Brazilian Cerrado. It is a small pseudofruit, of acidic and juicy flavor, which is known to have colors ranging from yellow to red. It can be consumed naturally or in juices, drinks, sweets. However, its true fruit is the chestnut. Seed germination is influenced by factors such as the substrate, which can be improved in order to improve germination, resulting in the acquisition of more vigorous seedlings. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Tocantins, city of Gurupi/TO, from 26 October 2017 to 15 February 2018. Seeds were collected directly from the pseudofruits. The highest root length value was obtained for seedlings of the following substrates: bs + ws + pb   (7.1 cm and 12.5 cm) and ws (6.7 cm and 10.7 cm), intermediate values: or + rs + vl (6.3 cm and 10.0 cm) and hw + vl + sawdust + cp + ws (5.5 cm and 9.5 cm), and lower values on substrates: bs (5.7 cm and 8.0 cm) and bs + rs + sawdust (6,6 cm e 9,0 cm).  It was also observed that the highest value referring to the first emergency count and seedling emergence once again stood out the substrates bs + ws + pb (61.0 % and 87.5 %) and ws (56.2% and 86.2 %). Intermediate results were obtained from hw substrates + vl + sawdust + cp + ws(44.0 % and 81.0 %) and or + rs + vl (48.4 % and 81.2 %) and lower for bs substrates (37.5% and 72.0 %) and bs + rs + sawdust (45.3% and 77.0 %). The substrates: bs + ws + pb and washed sand provided the highest values of viability and vigor in cashew seeds.
Dry Matter Production and Nitrogen Uptake as Influenced by Irrigation and Nitrogen Levels in Maize
Authors: Soujanya B. , Naik B. Balaji , Devi M. Uma , Neelima T. L. , Biswal Anima
Published: November 2021

A field experiment was conducted at Agro Climate Research Center, Agricultural Research Institute, P.J.T.S Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India during rabi 2019-20. The field experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replications. The treatments comprising of three irrigation scheduling based on (Depletion of Available Soil Moisture) at 60% DASM, 40% DASM and 20% DASM as main plots and three nitrogen levels viz., 90, 180 and 240 kg N ha-1 as sub-plots. The experiment was laid out in split plot design. The results indicated that, among the different treatment combinations, the crop irrigation scheduled at 20 % DASM in conjunction with 240 kg N ha-1 accumulated significantly more dry matter of 34.2 g, 149.2 g, 233.7 g and 284.8 g plant-1, at 6th leaf, silking, dough and physiological maturity stages, respectively. The nitrogen uptake was found to be more when the crop was irrigated at 20 % DASM in conjunction with 240 kg N ha-1 (67.1 g, 231.8 g, 294.7 g and 305.3 g plant-1) at 6th leaf, silking, dough and physiological maturity stages, respectively.
Effects of Malaria on some Haematological Parameters among Pregnant Women in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Foghi B. O. , Nduka F. O. , Nzeako S. O.
Published: November 2021

Aim: To determine the effect of malaria parasitaemia on some haematological parameters of pregnant women in Delta State, Nigeria.

Study Design: The experiment is a vertical survey of pregnant women.

Place and Duration: The study was carried out in five designated Local Government Area in Delta State, Nigeria. They include Ughelli South, Ughelli North, Udu, Uvwie and Ethiope East Local Government Area, between January-August 2021.

Methodology: Vein puncture technique was used to obtain 5ml of blood from 1000 pregnant women in the five selected government hospital in Delta State. Malaria parasite examination was done using thin and thick blood films, following standard parasitological techniques. Haematological parameters comprising packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocyte and basophils were determined and CD4 count was done using flow cytometry. Socio economic data was obtained with the use of structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using student T-test and Anova.

Results: Out of the 1000 pregnant women examined, 624 (62.4%) tested positive for malaria. Those with secondary education had the highest prevalence where 234 (23.4%) examined and 202 (86.3%) infected. Data revealed that married women and artisans had very high infections of  (70.9%) and  (78.7%) respectively.  There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the level of PCV, HB, TWBC, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Eosinophils, Monocytes and CD4 count of those infected when compared to those uninfected. Women with 1+ve Plasmodium count had CD4 count of 712.68 ± 12.23, those with 2+ve Plasmodium count had CD4 count 628.88±9.11, while those with 3 +++ve Plasmodium count had CD4 count of 578.71±2.10.

Conclusion: Plasmodium parasitaemia had influenced the haematological parameters of pregnant women in the study. Pregnant women should be advice on the proper use of preventive strategies which include intermittent preventive treatment IPTp and the proper use of insecticide treated bed net.
Consumer Preferences for Boiled and Fried Sweet Potato in Central and Northern Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa
Authors: Huges Kouassi Martial Jean , Yah Koua Gisèle Ahou , Konan Dibi Brice Evrad , Kouakou Michel Amani , Ebah Djedji Catherine Bomoh , Essis Sidoine Brice , N’Zué Boni
Published: November 2021

Aims: This study evaluated the sensory properties and consumer acceptability of orange-fleshed sweet potato and local sweet potato among households of Central and Northern Côte d’Ivoire.

Study Design: Selection of sweet potato cultivars, determination of nutritional properties, cooking process, and evaluation of hedonic testing and consumer acceptability.

Place and Duration of Study: Bouake and Korhogo district in Central and Northern Côte d’Ivoire, for three years 2018, 2019, and 2020 (July to November).

Methodology: Sensory evaluation and acceptability were performed using a nine-point hedonic scale. The relationships between the sensory attributes and the sweet potato cultivars were analyzed using a Principal Component Analysis plot. Biochemical standard methods were used to determine the dry matter, sugar, total carotenoid contents, and mineral composition of sweet potato cultivars tested by the sensory panel.

Results: All twelve sweet potato cultivars were accepted based on sensory attributes with the different traits of preference. In Bouake district, white (Sanfo Figui 1 and Sanfo Figui 2) and yellow cultivars (Fatoni 2) were most preferred for their texture and yam-like taste, while in Korhogo locality, OFSP (Covington TIB-440060, CIP-199062-1 and Irene) and yellow cultivar (Gotchan) were most accepted because of their attractive appearance and their sweet taste. The OFSP cultivars recorded low dry matter and high sugar content compared to white and yellow varieties. Also, OFSP showed the highest content of carotenoid (181.70 to 351.47 µg/g dw), while local variety recorded low content. All the sweet potato cultivars tested contain mineral components.

Conclusion: This study shows that the local and OFSP varieties were successfully accepted by the consumer with the different quality traits. The main quality traits that determine consumer preference are appearance, texture, and taste (none or sweet taste). Understanding consumer quality traits can increase the effectiveness of breeding programmes, increase yield and adoption of new varieties.
Effect of Dental Education on Dental Phobia; A Cross-Sectional Study among the Dental Students of Riyadh, KSA
Authors: AlYamany Rama Mahmoud , Alqahtani Najla Haif , Alrumi Luluh Mohammed , Alhabeeb Yara Yousef , Alshamrani Nouf Ali , Ansari Shahzeb Hasan
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Dental anxiety among dental students is an important issue that needs to be examined more thoroughly by the research community. Dental anxiety among dental students could have implications for their future practice, as it may adversely affect their ability to render quality dental care.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted among the dental students in Riyadh using an online survey. Dental universities in Riyadh were contacted and participants were requested to fill up the survey. 500 students from all six years of dentistry were utilized in this study.

Results: overall 21.6% of clinical students reported that dental education did not reduce their dental phobia at all, whereas 40.4% reported definitely yes. Among various dental procedures that may cause anxiety among patients, root canal treatment (RCT) was accounted for the greatest number of responses (28.6%) in ‘high anxiety’.

Conclusion: There is a need to intervene and use certain measures to reduce the dental phobia or anxiety among pre-clinical dental students and not wait until they reach clinical levels.
Vitamin D in Different Stages of Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy and its Correlation with Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 (TGF-β1) –A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Kavuparambil Liji , Pammi Ashok Kumar , Jithesh T. K. , Shifa K.
Published: November 2021

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a microvascular complication of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and the prevalence of which is increasing in every year. Monitoring of Vitamin D status in diabetic nephropathy patients is important, as the deficiency of vitamin D appears as a risk factor for the development of diabetic nephropathy. Studies evaluating the role of vitamin D in DN are few. Conflicting data is available on the correlation between vitamin D and Diabetic Nephropathy. Studies revealed the sample population is Vitamin D deficient. Therefore, it is important to understand the correlation of Vitamin D with severity of Diabetic nephropathy and its role in fibrogenesis. The aim of this study is to analyse vitamin D status in different stages of type 2 diabetic nephropathy and its correlation with transforming growth factor beta-1.

Methods: A 1.5-year cross-sectional study of 120 diabetic patients, 60 with nephropathy and 60 without nephropathy patients enrolled to MES Medical College. Patients with heart, liver, or thyroid disease, as well as those on dialysis, were excluded from the study. The VITROS 5600 integrated system were used to measure fasting blood sugar (FBS), HbA1c, creatinine and vitamin D.  Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 (TGF-β1) is measured using ELISA technique. According to HbA1c and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values, the study population is divided into two groups. The statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software was used to conduct the analysis. The level of significance was calculated at 95%.

Results: The level of vitamin D in diabetic patients with nephropathy is much lower than in diabetic patients without nephropathy. In diabetic nephropathy patients, serum creatinine, urea, HbA1c and TGF-β1 exhibited a highly significant negative correlation with vitamin D status, but eGFR showed a highly significant positive correlation.

Conclusion: Vitamin D status has been found to be poor in all diabetic patients, with a greater drop in diabetic nephropathy patients. In diabetic nephropathy patients, serum creatinine, urea, HbA1c and TGF-β1 exhibited a highly significant negative association with vitamin D status, but eGFR showed a highly significant positive link. Deficiency of vitamin D have role in the development and severity of DN, and showed a highly significant correlation with the regulator of fibrosis, TGF-β1. This finding indicates that vitamin D couldbe an important factor for development and progression of Diabetic nephropathy. So supplementation of vitamin D may slow down progression of DN.
Impact of Demonetization and Goods and Services Tax (GST) on India’s Economic Growth: A Critical Review
Authors: Ahmad Jamil
Published: November 2021

India’s economic growth has been affected by the sudden withdrawal of currency notes from the circulation and hasty implementation of GST (Goods and Services Tax) in the economy. Demonetization not only pull-down the economic growth but also paralyzing the informal sector and small-scale sector of the economy. The Industrial output cracked and services growth slowdown and eventually the economic growth start declining.  Demonetization harm each area of the economy such as the real estate sector, health care industry, the wedding industry and travel industry. On the other hand, the implementation of GST is affecting every sector of the economy and its supply chain too.

This paper tries to highlight the cost and benefits bear by the economy due to the twin strokes of Demonetization and implementation of the GST. The paper also tries to find out the expected rate of growth of the economy after the Demonetization and GST. Finally, the study tries to conclude that how it would be disrupted and benefits the economy in the long run.
Identifying Long‐Term Trajectories of Foot Pain Severity and Potential Prognostic Factors: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Marshall Michelle , Blagojevic‐Bucknall Milica , Rathod‐Mistry Trishna , Thomas Martin J. , Edwards John J. , Peat George , Menz Hylton B. , Roddy Edward
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To identify distinct foot pain trajectories over 7 years and examine their associations with potential prognostic factors.

Methods

Adults ages ≥50 years and registered with 4 general practices in North Staffordshire, UK were mailed a baseline health survey. Those reporting current or recent foot pain were invited to attend a research assessment clinic. Follow‐up was by repeated postal surveys at 18, 36, 54, and 84 months. Distinct trajectories of foot pain were explored using latent class growth analysis (LCGA). Subsequently, identified trajectories were combined into most and least progressive groups, and covariate‐adjusted associations with a range of prognostic factors were examined.

Results

Of 560 adults with foot pain attending baseline research clinics, 425 (76%) provided data at baseline and 2 or more follow‐up time points. LCGA for foot pain severity (0–10 numerical rating scale) identified a 4‐trajectory model: “mild, improving” (37%); “moderate, improving” (33%); “moderate‐severe, persistent” (24%); and “severe, persistent” (6%). Compared with individuals in more favorable (improving) pain trajectories, those in less favorable (persistent) pain trajectories were more likely to be obese, have routine/manual and intermediate occupations, have poorer physical and mental health, have catastrophizing beliefs, have greater foot‐specific functional limitation, and have self‐assessed hallux valgus at baseline.

Conclusions

Four distinct trajectories of foot pain were identified over a 7‐year period, with one‐third of individuals classified as having pain that is persistently moderate‐severe and severe in intensity. The effect of intervening to target modifiable prognostic factors such as obesity and hallux valgus on long‐term outcomes in people with foot pain requires investigation.
Impact of Distinct Therapies on Antibody Response to SARS‐CoV‐2 Vaccine in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Yuki Emily F. N. , Borba Eduardo F. , Pasoto Sandra G. , Seguro Luciana P. , Lopes Michelle , Saad Carla G. S. , Medeiros‐Ribeiro Ana Cristina , Silva Clovis A. , de Andrade Danieli C. O. , Kupa Leonard de Vinci K. , Betancourt Lorena , Bertoglio Isabela , Valim Juliana , Hoff Camilla , Formiga Francisco F. C. , Pedrosa Tatiana , Kallas Esper G. , Aikawa Nadia E. , Bonfa Eloisa
Published: November 2021

Objective

To date, the only study that has assessed the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA) vaccine in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) observed a moderate response, but the sample size precluded an accurate analysis of the effect of individual drugs. Therefore, we evaluated the immunogenicity of an inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine (Sinovac‐CoronaVac) and the influence of different medications in SLE. Safety was also assessed.

Methods

We conducted a prospective controlled study of 232 SARS‐CoV‐2–naive SLE patients and 58 SARS‐CoV‐2–naive controls who were vaccinated with 2 doses of Sinovac‐CoronaVac with a 28‐day interval (day 0/day 28 [D0/D28]). Immunogenicity analysis at D0/D28 and D69 included anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 S1/S2 IgG seroconversion (SC) and neutralizing antibodies (NAb) positivity. The influence of individual drugs on immune response and safety was assessed.

Results

Patients and controls were well balanced for age (P = 0.771). At D69, SLE patients showed a moderate SC (70.2% versus 98.1%; P < 0.001) and moderate frequency of NAb positivity (61.5% versus 84.6%; P = 0.002), although both frequencies were lower than in controls. Factors associated with lower SC in univariate analysis at D69 were prednisone use (odds ratio [OR] 0.215 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.108–0.427], P < 0.001) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) use (OR 0.201 [95% CI 0.107–0.378], P < 0.001), whereas hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) use led to a 2.5 increase in SC (P = 0.011). SLE patients who were receiving HCQ monotherapy had similar SC to controls at D69 (100% versus 98.1%; P = 1.000). In multivariate analysis, prednisone and MMF use were independently associated with lower SC (P < 0.001) and NAb positivity (P < 0.001). Safety analysis revealed no moderate/severe adverse events.

Conclusion

Sinovac‐CoronaVac has a moderate immunogenicity in SARS‐CoV‐2–naive SLE patients with an excellent safety profile. We further demonstrate that HCQ may improve SC, whereas prednisone and MMF had a major deleterious effect in vaccine response, reinforcing the need to investigate the role of temporary MMF withdrawal or a vaccine‐booster dose (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04754698).
In‐situ Investigations on Gold Nanoparticles Stabilization Mechanisms in Biological Environments Containing HSA
Authors: Iranpour Anaraki Neda , Liebi Marianne , Ong Quy , Blanchet Clément , Maurya Anjani K. , Stellacci Francesco , Salentinig Stefan , Wick Peter , Neels Antonia
Published: November 2021

Nanoparticles (NPs) developments advance innovative biomedical applications. However, complex interactions and the low colloidal stability of NPs in biological media restrict their widespread utilization. The influence of NPs properties on the colloidal stability for gold NPs with 5 and 40 nm in diameter with two surface modifications, methoxy‐polyethylene glycol‐sulfhydryl (PEG) and citrate, in NaCl and human serum albumin (HSA) protein solution, is investigated. This study is based on small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) methods allowing the in‐situ monitoring of interactions in physiological conditions. The PEG coating provides high colloidal stability for NPs of both sizes. For 5 nm NPs in NaCl solution, a stable 3D self‐assembled body‐centered cubic (BCC) arrangement is detected with an interparticle distance of 20.7 ± 0.1 nm. In protein solution, this distance increases to 21.9 ± 0.1 nm by protein penetration inside the ordered structure. For citrate‐capped NPs, a different mechanism is observed. The protein particles attach to the NPs surfaces, and an appropriate concentration of proteins results in a stable suspension. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo‐TEM), UV–visible spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) support the SAXS results. The findings will pave the way to design and synthesize NPs with controlled behaviors in biomedical applications.
Scalable Polyimide‐Poly(Amic Acid) Copolymer Based Nanocomposites for High‐Temperature Capacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Dai Zhizhan , Bao Zhiwei , Ding Song , Liu Chuanchuan , Sun Haoyang , Wang He , Zhou Xiang , Wang Yuchen , Yin Yuewei , Li Xiaoguang
Published: November 2021

The developments of next‐generation electric power systems and electronics demand for high temperature (≈150 °C), high energy density, high efficiency, scalable, and low‐cost polymer‐based dielectric capacitors are still scarce. Here, the nanocomposites based on polyimide‐poly(amic acid) copolymers with a very low amount of boron nitride nanosheets are designed and synthesized. Under the actual working condition in hybrid electric vehicles of 200 MV m−1 and 150 °C, a high energy density of 1.38 J cm−3 with an efficiency higher than 96% is achieved. This is about 2.5 times higher than the room temperature energy density (≈0.39 J cm−3 under 200 MV m−1) of the commercially used biaxially oriented polypropylene, the benchmark of dielectric polymer. Especially, the energy density and efficiency at 150 °C show no sign of degradation after 20 000 cycles of charge‐discharge test and 35 days’ high‐temperature endurance test. This research provides an effective and low‐cost strategy to develop high‐temperature polymer‐based capacitors.
Highly Efficient Blue Phosphorescence from Pillar‐Layer MOFs by Ligand Functionalization
Authors: Liu Haohao , Ye Wenpeng , Mu Ying , Ma Huili , Lv Anqi , Han Songde , Shi Huifang , Li Jinhua , An Zhongfu , Wang Guoming , Huang Wei
Published: November 2021

Room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) has been extensively researched in heavy‐metal containing complexes and purely organic systems. Despite the rapid blossom of RTP materials, it is still a tremendous challenge to develop highly efficient blue RTP materials with long‐lived lifetimes. Taking the metal–organic framework (MOF) as a model, herein, a feasible strategy of ligand functionalization is proposed, including two essential elements, to develop blue phosphorescence materials with high efficiency and long‐lived lifetimes simultaneously under ambient conditions. One is isolation of the chromophores with assistance of another predefined co‐ligands, the other is restriction of the chromophores’ motions through coordination and host‐guest interactions. Remarkably, it renders the MOFs with highly efficient blue phosphorescence up to 80.6% and a lifetime of 169.7 ms under ambient conditions. Moreover, a demo of the crown is fabricated with MOFs ink by 3D printing technique. The potential applications for anti‐counterfeiting and fingerprint visualization have been also demonstrated. This finding not only outlines a universal principle to design and synthesize highly efficient RTP materials, but also endows traditional MOFs with fresh vitality for potential applications.