bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of educators Avram Mrazovic and Dositej Obradovic to the development of education among Serbs
Authors: Trivunović Bojana , Kosanović Maja
Published: May 2021

At the time of the Enlightenment, the Serbian people were divided between the territories that were under the rule of Turkey, on one hand, and the Habsburg Monarchy, on the other. The transformation of man and his opinion were the guiding ideas of the Enlightenment movement, and one of the ways to achieve that goal was the path of education. The aim of this paper is to present the development of education among Serbs, with an emphasis on the contribution of educators Avram Mrazović and Dositej Obradović. By a descriptive method and analysis of relevant literature, the paper presents different historical and social contexts of their work, as well as the development of schools founded by their initiatives. The conclusion of the paper will place special emphasis on the similarities and differences in their work, but also on their contribution to the development of education, schools and the teaching profession among Serbs in the late 18th and early 19th century.
Metric characteristics of the test of misconception about light
Authors: Pešut Natalija
Published: May 2021

Misconceptions (naive knowledge) could be observed from the point of view that there is nothing useful and positive in them for further learning. However, they are actually the main foundation for building the right concepts and scientific knowledge. The only possible way to overcome misconceptions is to improve the teaching process and thus learning. The aim of this study was to verify the basic metric characteristics constructed concept test and detect tendencies in the level of representation of misconception in the understanding of the physical properties of light at primary school students. The sample consisted of 306 students of the first, second, third and fourth grade of elementary schools "Avram Mrazović" and "Ivo Lola Ribar" from Sombor and "Ivan Goran Kovačić" from Stanišić. Data collection was carried out by a testing technique. For the purpose of this research, a special test was constructed to check the student's knowledge, understanding, and ability to apply knowledge through questions (tasks) that include teaching content about the physical properties of water. The research results show satisfactory metric characteristics of the test and indicate the expected participants' misconception about the physical properties of light.
Effects of the application of open-ended tasks in mathematics teaching
Authors: Ciernikova Dominika
Published: May 2021

Learning process, especially during mathematics lesson, is accomplished thanks to the tasks that students are confronted with. A focus of this paper is on open tasks. Its aim is to depict the significance of the open tasks in mathematics teaching with regard to the teachers' work with them. Furthermore, the paper presents the findings about the mindsets of 60 Slovak teachers gained through the online questionnaire. The results indicate that a lot of teachers either do not believe that their students can change their intelligence quotient or cannot decide about this matter. Again, the questionnaire was chosen as the research method to monitor the motivation of students to solve the open tasks. The familiarity of students with this type of tasks seems to raise their interest in solving the open tasks. In addition, few ways of modifying the closed task to the open one are presented in the paper.
Investment strategies in pandemic situations: An analysis and comparison of prospective returns between developed and emerging markets
Authors: Kostin Konstantin , Runge Philippe , Adams Ronald
Published: May 2021

This study empirically analyzes return data from developed and emerging markets to assess whether emerging markets show superior performance during the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of cost of equity. It analyses panel data from eight country indices of developed and emerging countries as well as eight exemplary companies from developed and emerging countries, covering the period from 2000 to 2020. The results provide evidence that emerging markets do not perform in a better way than developed markets. The findings highlight the need for a reassessment of the generalized notion that emerging markets are more profitable than developed markets in such crises which affect the core of their economic structure. It provides investors with meaningful advice on the creation of an investment strategy if they wish to perform equity investments in similar periods like the COVID-19 pandemic. The study contributes to the literature by advancing this research area and is the first study which analyzes and compares the cost of equity of developed and emerging markets during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Refinements in the Techniques of Tank Testing Sailing Yachts and the Processing of Test Data
Authors: Teeters James R.
Published: May 2021

The Partnership for America's Cup Technology (PACT) undertook a tank test program in conjunction with the 1992 defense of the America's Cup. The focus of this program was on:

- establishing baseline data, in both calm water and waves, for the American defense syndicates;

- addressing the "tankery" issues of test reliability and accuracy and expansion to full scale;

- developing the test program so that the tank serves as a more capable partner with computational fluid dynamics (CFD);

- improving the techniques of processing test data.

This paper reviews the results of the PACT program that pertain to the methods of calm water testing. Solutions to specific problems of handling tank data are discussed. Traditional methods used to predict viscous drag are compared with those developed by PACT, which include dynamic wetted area and wetted length, refinement of appendage drag estimates and the use of multiple canoe body form factors.

The revised residuary drag that results from these improved methods is directly compared with CFD estimates.

Lastly, a mathematical model, employing least squares regression techniques, is discussed as a method for fairing and representing tank test data.
A Review on II Moro di Venezia Design
Authors: Caponnetto Mario
Published: May 2021

The design of a boat for the America's Cup has always been a challenging task for any naval architect. While in the past the success of the boat was mainly a question of sensibility and experience of the boat designer, lately the increasing technologies and economical means usually at the disposal of the syndicates provides great potential. Both experimental and theoretical tools require a specific technical knowledge of the matter, which leads to the involvement of many specialised people in different fields. For this reason a big managerial effort is required to organize and collect data and ideas coming from different fields. This paper summarises the first experience of the "II Moro di Venezia" syndicate in dealing with the design methodologies from the hydrodynamic point of view. While a great part of the collected data are still of confidential nature, here a brief history of the design work and some peculiar aspects regarding the use of tools like the towing tank, the wind tunnel, the CFD codes and the VPP are presented.
Wing - Body Interaction on a Sailing Yacht
Authors: Keuning J. A. , Kapsenberg G. K.
Published: May 2021

Model tests have been carried out in the Delft Shiphydromechanics Laboratory with a 3.5 meter model of an 1992 America's Cup yacht. The keel (without the bulb) and the rudder have been isolated from the hull and connected to separate force transducers placed inside the hull in order to be able to measure the lift, the drag and the moment around a horizontal axis on these appendages while being in their regular position underneath the model, as well as on the model as a whole. The experiment consisted of the regular "upright" and "under leeway and heel" tests as customairaly performed in the standard testing routine for sailing yachts of the Delft Shiphydromechanics Laboratory. The model tests have been carried out with four different configurations of the model, i.e.:

- hull with keel and rudder

- hull with keel alone

- hull with rudder alone

- bare hull

By combining the results of all these tests it became possible to evaluate the drag- and lift-interaction of the appendages on the hull and from the hull on the appendages under all conditions of sailing. The results of this analysis of the measurements will be presented in the paper.

In addition these results will be compared with the results obtained from calculations using the CFO panel methods DAWSON and RAPID.
Design Criteria for Composite Masts
Authors: Miller Paul
Published: May 2021

Composite materials such as fiberglass have been used in recreational marine craft for over 30 years. Only within the last decade however have composites found applications in mast construction. This application to masts is due to the lighter weight possible by using composites such as carbon fiber/epoxy that have higher stiffness-to-weight ratios than the traditional aluminum and wood mast materials. Composites use in masts has not been without problems however as designers and manufacturers learn the techniques necessary to produce reliable structures. As with any maturing technology, empiric ii developments will eventually result in acceptably reliable structures.

This paper uses a reliability-based design criterion to aid composite mast development. The basic approach characterizes the uncertainties and variabilities of mast design (loads, materials, analytical models, etc.) to predict a total uncertainty called "the probability of failure." The total probability of failure is then compared to "acceptable' probabilities of failure generated from existing aluminum mast designs to determine an appropriate factor of safety.

This approach takes the guesswork out of factor of safety selection, giving the mast designer an important tool. By using reliability­based methods the influence of each part on the overall probability of failure can be determined. This allows for intelligent selection of design areas to improve that provide the biggest potential gain in reliability, cost or weight, and decreases the likelihood of either an overly­conservative, heavy mast, or an under-designed mast.

The paper begins with the causes of mast failure and then presents the impact of load modeling, material properties and structural modeling on predicted mast reliability. An example mast design is used to illustrate the method, with the result that a composite mast can be designed at nearly the same factor of safety as an aluminum mast.
Kv1.1 channels regulate early postnatal neurogenesis in mouse hippocampus via the TrkB signaling pathway
Authors: Chou Shu-Min , Li Ke-Xin , Huang Ming-Yueh , Chen Chao , Lin King Yuan-Hung , Li Grant Guangnan , Zhou Wei , Teo Chin Fen , Jan Yuh Nung , Jan Lily Yeh , Yang Shi-Bing
Published: May 2021

In the postnatal brain, neurogenesis occurs only within a few regions, such as the hippocampal sub-granular zone (SGZ). Postnatal neurogenesis is tightly regulated by factors that balance stem cell renewal with differentiation, and it gives rise to neurons that participate in learning and memory formation. The Kv1.1 channel, a voltage-gated potassium channel, was previously shown to suppress postnatal neurogenesis in the SGZ in a cell-autonomous manner. In this study, we have clarified the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying Kv1.1-dependent postnatal neurogenesis. First, we discovered that the membrane potential of neural progenitor cells is highly dynamic during development. We further established a multinomial logistic regression model for cell-type classification based on the biophysical characteristics and corresponding cell markers. We found that the loss of Kv1.1 channel activity causes significant depolarization of type 2b neural progenitor cells. This depolarization is associated with increased tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling and proliferation of neural progenitor cells; suppressing TrkB signaling reduces the extent of postnatal neurogenesis. Thus, our study defines the role of the Kv1.1 potassium channel in regulating the proliferation of postnatal neural progenitor cells in mouse hippocampus.
Putting organelles in their place
Authors: Ulm Patricia , Jantsch Verena
Published: May 2021

Experiments in C. elegans reveal new insights into how the ANC-1 protein helps to anchor the nucleus and other organelles in place.
Papillary Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kim Tae-Se , Min Byung-Hoon
Published: May 2021

Gastric papillary adenocarcinoma is one of the histological variants of gastric cancer that shows more aggressive clinicopathological behavior compared to tubular adenocarcinoma. Previous studies have reported higher lymphovascular and submucosal invasion rates for papillary adenocarcionoma than those of tubular adenocarcinoma. However, the current guidelines categorize papillary adenocarcinoma and tubular adenocarcinoma together as differentiated-type tumor and have recommended the same endoscopic submucosal dissection criteria. Thus, concerns have been raised regarding the appropriateness of the current policy. To validate the current guidelines, the lymph node metastasis rate from surgical specimen studies as well as the long-term outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for papillary adenocarcinomas need to be taken into consideration. In this review, I aimed to review the current understanding of the clinical and pathological features of papillary adenocarcinoma. In addition, I aimed to generate an integrated view regarding the outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection and surgery for papillary adenocarcinoma in order to evaluate the appropriateness of the current guidelines.
Evaluating the cleavage efficacy of CRISPR-Cas9 sgRNAs targeting ineffective regions of Arabidopsis thaliana genome
Authors: Malik Afsheen , Gul Alvina , Munir Faiza , Amir Rabia , Alipour Hadi , Babar Mustafeez Mujtaba , Bakhtiar Syeda Marriam , Paracha Rehan Zafar , Khalid Zoya , Hayat Muhammad Qasim
Published: May 2021

The CRISPR-Cas9 system has recently evolved as a powerful mutagenic tool for targeted genome editing. The impeccable functioning of the system depends on the optimal design of single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) that mainly involves sgRNA specificity and on-target cleavage efficacy. Several research groups have designed algorithms and models, trained on mammalian genomes, for predicting sgRNAs cleavage efficacy. These models are also implemented in most plant sgRNA design tools due to the lack of on-target cleavage efficacy studies in plants. However, one of the major drawbacks is that almost all of these models are biased for considering only coding regions of the DNA while excluding ineffective regions, which are of immense importance in functional genomics studies especially for plants, thus making prediction less reliable. In the present study, we evaluate the on-target cleavage efficacy of experimentally validated sgRNAs designed against diverse ineffective regions of Arabidopsis thaliana genome using various statistical tests. We show that nucleotide preference in protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) proximal region, GC content in the PAM proximal seed region, intact RAR and 3rd stem loop structures, and free accessibility of nucleotides in seed and tracrRNA regions of sgRNAs are important determinants associated with their high on-target cleavage efficacy. Thus, our study describes the features important for plant sgRNAs high on-target cleavage efficacy against ineffective genomic regions previously shown to give rise to ineffective sgRNAs. Moreover, it suggests the need of developing an elaborative plant-specific sgRNA design model considering the entire genomic landscape including ineffective regions for enabling highly efficient genome editing without wasting time and experimental resources.
Identification of KIF4A as a pan-cancer diagnostic and prognostic biomarker via bioinformatics analysis and validation in osteosarcoma cell lines
Authors: Pan Jiankang , Lei Xiaohua , Mao Xinzhan
Published: May 2021

Background

Cancer is a disease of abnormal cell proliferation caused by abnormal expression of cancer-related genes. However, it is still difficult to distinguish benign and malignant lesions in many cases. KIF4A has been reported to be associated with a variety of cancer lesions. We aimed to explore whether KIF4A could be used as a biomarker of pan-cancer diagnostic.

Methods

We identified twenty-eight cell cycle-related genes that were overexpressed in no less than ten types of cancer. We determined KIF4A mRNA and protein expression in osteosarcoma (OS) cells. Furthermore, to determine the effect of KIF4A in OS, we silenced KIF4A in OS cells and detected cell viability, colony formation, invasion, migration, apoptosis and cell cycle parameters.

Results

KIF4A exhibited upregulated expression in eleven types of cancer. Cell cycle-related genes are extensively overexpressed in various types of cancers. KIF4A overexpression can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in various cancers. Silencing KIF4A inhibited the viability, colony formation, invasion and migration and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of OS cells. Our findings revealed that high expression of KIF4A could serve as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in OS cancers.

Conclusion

KIF4A could serve as a pan-cancer diagnostic and prognostic marker. KIF4A could be used as a novel therapeutic target for OS.
Солнечная и звездная активность в ожидании сюрпризов, "Земля и Вселенная"
Authors: Кацова М.М. , Соколов Д.Д.
Published: May 2021

Солнце – огромный магнит. Его магнитное поле меняет свою полярность на противоположную приблизительно раз в одиннадцать лет в ходе знаменитого одиннадцатилетнего цикла солнечной активности. Конечно, подобные циклы звездной магнитной активности есть и на ряде других звезд. Исследуя магнитную активность звезд, астрономы лучше понимают активность Солнца, а также находят разнообразные отличия от солнечной активности.
Перспективы использования радиотелескопов на Земле, в космосе и на Луне, "Земля и Вселенная"
Authors: Ипатов А.В. , Ведешин Л.А.
Published: May 2021

В отличие от известной несколько веков назад оптической астрономии, исследования в области микроволновой радиоастрономии начались только в 1930-е годы, когда был создан первый в мире радиотелескоп, чтобы наблюдать природное излучение как объектов с очень высокой энергией, таких как активные ядра галактик или квазары, так и холодных, «темных объектов» – межзвездных молекулярных облаков и микроволнового фона Вселенной, который сегодня считается одним из главных подтверждений теории Большого взрыва. Исследования этих объектов проводятся на длинах волн от 1 мм до нескольких десятков и даже сотен метров. Особое развитие радиоастрономия получила в конце 1950-х годов в связи с началом космических исследований как для приема сигналов космических аппаратов, так и сигналов из дальнего космоса. Информация, поступающая с автоматических межпланетных станций, позволила сделать открытие нескольких классов космических объектов: пульсары, квазары и радиогалактики, и предоставила возможность ученым изучать самые далекие и мощные физические явления во Вселенной.
Пионеры ракетной техники. Документы личного фонда Ф.А. Цандера в Архиве РАН, "Земля и Вселенная"
Authors: Селиванова О.В.
Published: May 2021

Важное место в истории отечественной теории межпланетных полетов и развитии летательных аппаратов занимает Фридрих Артурович Цандер, популяризатор идеи межпланетных полетов. Он одним из первых начал рассматривать идею полета в космос как инженерную задачу, разрабатывая такие вопросы, как выбор траекторий межпланетных перелетов с минимальным расходом топлива, время пребывания космических кораблей в пути, вопросы коррекции их траекторий для обеспечения безопасного движения в космосе и спуска на планету, расчеты температур стенок камер сгорания. При его непосредственном участии была создана знаменитая ГИРД (Группа изучения реактивного движения) – предтеча всей отечественной ракетной промышленности.
Who Should Be Seen When? Establishing Wait Time Benchmarks for Children’s Mental Health
Authors: Eichstedt Julie A. , Singh Devita , Chen Samantha , Collins Kerry A. , Cawthorpe David
Published: May 2021

To develop wait time guidelines, case vignettes were designed corresponding to varying levels of clinical urgency based on an objective measure (Western Canada Waitlist Mental Health Priority Criteria). Experts provided maximum acceptable wait times (MAWT) for each vignette. Raters’ estimates of urgency aligned with the vignettes’ designed ranking. “Very high” and “high” clinical urgency cases were assigned a mean MAWT of approximately 2 weeks and a month, respectively. For “moderate” urgent cases, the mean MAWT was 3.5 months, with a MAWT over 4 months estimated for “low” urgency cases. These results may inform local children’s mental health service triage practices.
Causes of Stress and Coping Strategies among Final Year Students in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria
Authors: Akunne L. I. , Nnadi G. C.
Published: May 2021

Aims: The study determined, the causes of stress among final year students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The study further determined coping strategies used in managing stress among final year students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Study Design:  Descriptive survey research design

Place and Duration of Study: Final year students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria, between 2019/2020. 

Methodology:Stratified disproportionate random sampling was used to select 360 final year student’s 2019/2020. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled causes of stress and coping strategies questionnaire. Cronbach alpha formula which yielded correlation coefficient of 0.70. Out of 360 copies of the questionnaire administered, 351 were correctly filled and returned giving a percentage return rate of 0.98. Data collected was analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The criterion mean was set at 2.50 and above as agree and below 2.49 as disagree.

Results: results presented in Table 1 reports that out of 11 causes of stress listed, respondents rated all the items agreed with mean score ranging from 2.74 to 3.77. Similarly, the grand mean score of 3.16 indicates that final year students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria agreed that the items listed are causes of stress among students. The standard deviation is heterogenous, this implies that the respondents’ scores are widely apart from the mean rating scores. The study further revealed that that out of 11 items listed on coping strategies used in managing stress, the respondents agreed that items 12, 15, 16, 17. 20 and 21 are coping strategies for managing stress while they disagreed on five items as coping strategies used in managing stress. The grand mean score of 2.56 indicates that final year students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria agreed that majority of the items listed are coping strategies used in managing stress. From the standard deviations scores recorded, there is homogeneity in respondents’ ratings.

Conclusion: In conclusion, stress exist and is caused by so many factors such as academic pressure, social problem, family stress, financial burden, management skills, uncomfortable classroom, adjustment to new environment among others. It is also concluded that students adopt and employ various coping strategies in managing stress. These strategies range from going for sporting activities when stressed, listening to music, and hanging out with friends and relatives for extra social activities.
Effect of Pinching Date and Potassium Fertilizer rate on Growth and Productivity of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa, L.) Plant
Authors: El-Shayeb Nahed S. A. , Elbohy Naglaa F. S. I. , Abdelkader Mohammed A. I.
Published: May 2021

To enhance growth and productivity of roselle plant, two field experiments were done during the two consecutive summer season of 2019 and 2020 at Experimental Farm (Ghazala Farm), Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Egypt. This study included different pinching time treatments (after 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks from sowing date) as the main factor and potassium fertilization rate (0.0, 25, 50 and 75 kg K2O/ feddan) as sub-factor as well as their combinations to improve growth, yield, anthocyanin content and some chemical contents of Hibiscus sabbdariffa plant. Results could be summarized as follow: The longest roselle plants were recorded with the control treatment (pinched after 4 weeks from sowing date), whereas pinching after 12 weeks from sowing date increased number of branches/plant. Also, apical bud pinching after 12 weeks from sowing date recorded the highest number of fruits per plant, dry sepals yield/plant and per feddan. Delaying pinching date from 4 to 8 weeks gradually increased anthocyanin content. In addition, total chlorophyll content as well as total carbohydrates, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and potassium percentages were increased with delaying pinching date especially after 12 weeks, in most cases. Potassium fertilization rate at 75 kg per feddan recorded the highest values of growth, yield components and the chemical constituents with significant differences between this rate and the other rates under study. Generally, the combination treatment between pinching after 12 weeks from sowing date and 75 kg potassium fertilization rate had significant effect in most parameters compared to the other combination treatments during both seasons.
Wiener Index of Some Operations on Fuzzy Graphs
Authors: Al-Emrany Saqr H. , Shubatah Mahiuob M. Q. , Al-Mekhlafi Abdullah Q.
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the concept of the Wiener index in some operations on fuzzy graphs was introduced and investigated. The bound of W(G) of some operations on fuzzy graphs are obtained like union, join, Cartesian product, composition, complete fuzzy graph, and bipartite complete fuzzy graph.
Data Hiding in Digital Image for Efficient Information Safety Based on Residue Number System
Authors: Eseyin Joseph B. , Gbolagade Kazeem A.
Published: May 2021

The mass dispersal of digital communication requires the special measures of safety. The need for safe communication is greater than ever before, with computer networks now managing almost all of our business and personal affairs. Information security has become a major concern in our digital lives. The creation of new transmission technologies forces a specific protection mechanisms strategy particularly in data communication state.

 We proposed a steganography method in this paper, which reads the message, converting it into its Residue Number System equivalent using the Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT), encrypting it using the Rivest Shamir Adleman (RSA) algorithm before embedding it in a digital image using the Least Significant Bit algorithm of steganography and then transmitting it through to the appropriate destination and from which the information required to reconstruct the original message is extracted. These techniques will enhance the ability to hide data and the hiding of ciphers in steganographic image and the implementation of CRT will make the device more efficient and stronger. It reduces complexity problems and improved execution speed and reduced the time taken for processing the encryption and embedding competencies.
Comparative Modelling of Price Volatility in Nigerian Crude Oil Markets Using Symmetric and Asymmetric GARCH Models
Authors: Dum Deebom Zorle , Dimkpa Mazi Yellow , Ele Chims Benjamin , Chinedu Richard Igbudu , Emugha George Laurretta
Published: May 2021

The study aimed at developing an appropriate GARCH model for modelling in Nigerian Crude Oil Prices Markets using symmetric and Asymmetric GARCH models while the specific objectives of the study include to: build an appropriate Symmetric and asymmetric Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedacity (GARCH) model for Nigerian Crude Oil Prices, compare the advantage of using Symmetric and Asymmetric GARCH.  The data for the study was extracted from the Central Bank of Nigeria online statistical database starting from January, 1982 to December, 2018. The software used in estimating the parameters of the model is Econometric view (Eview) software version ten (10). Two classes of models were used in the study; they are symmetric and Asymmetric GARCH models. The results of the estimated models revealed that Asymmetric GARCH model (EGARCH (1,1) in student’s-t error assumption gave a better fit than the first order Symmetric GARCH models. Also, Using EGARCH (1,1) models with their corresponding error distribution in estimating crude oil price was found that the larger the size of the estimated news components of the model, the higher the negative news associated with high impact of volatility. This means that conditional volatility estimated using EGARCH model has strong asymmetric characteristic which is prone to news sensitivity. Based on the above findings, recommendations were made in the study.
Effect of Sprouting on the Physico-Chemical Properties of Mung Bean Seeds
Authors: Kumar Manne Hemanth , Vaishnavi Kodidhala , Sen Surojit , Rathi Sunayana
Published: May 2021

The physico-chemical properties of seed are significant in designing equipment, marketing for evaluating seed quality. In this context, physico-chemical properties of three varieties of mung bean seeds, physical properties and germination properties during the sprouting period were evaluated. The average length, width and thickness were 4.64 mm, 3.64 mm and 3.26 mm at moisture content 10.70% on a dry weight basis. Hydration capacity ranged from 0.041 to 0.050 g/seed and hydration index ranged from 0.921 to 1.062, whereas swelling capacity ranged from 0.035 to 0.045 ml/seed and swelling index ranged from 0.927 to 1.447. Maximum sprout length and the germination rate were recorded in the variety SGC-20 at 96 h germination period as 45.56 mm and 96.67% respectively followed by the variety SGC-16 while IPM-02-3 reported lower sprout length and germination rate. Hence, the variety SGC-20 is best for consumption as sprouts among the three varieties.
Self-stigma in Patients with Schizophrenia in a Psychiatry Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Akinjola O. , Lawal R. A. , Abayomi M. O. , Adeosun I. I. , Adefemi A. A. , Adegbaju D. A. , Agbir T. M.
Published: May 2021

Aims: Schizophrenia is a devastating and disabling disorder associated with long term negative consequences and may require lifelong treatment. It is often complicated with self-stigma which makes treatment difficult and may be a source of complications. Ensuring good outcome will therefore, involve taking cognizance of self-stigma in the treatment plan. Studies examining self-stigma in patients with schizophrenia is scanty in Nigeria. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of self-stigma in patients with schizophrenia as well as identifying some of the correlates of self-stigma in the patients.

Study Design:  Cross-sectional survey

Place and Duration of Study: Outpatient clinic of a Neuropsychiatry hospital in Lagos state, Nigeria.

Methodology: 320 adult patients with schizophrenia were recruited using a consecutive sampling technique. MINI international Neuropsychiatric interview (Psychotic disorder module) was used to confirm the diagnosis, after which socio-demographic questionnaire and the Internalized Stigma of Mental illness Inventory (ISMI), were administered to the patients. The data was analyzed with SPSS version 16 and the result presented in frequency tables, percentages, mean and standard deviation where necessary.

Results: Majority of the participants (83.4%) were less than 50 years old, they were mostly females (57.2%), of Yoruba ethnic group (59.7%), Christians (75.6%), and were low-income earners, earning either no income or less than ₦18,000 monthly (72.2%). Also, over four-fifth (86.2%) had good social support.  Over a third (38.1%), were married, with about 80 percent of these living with their spouses while 46.5% were never married. The prevalence of self-stigma was 25.3%. Educational attainment below secondary school and multiple illness episodes were found to predict self-stigma in the study.

Conclusion: Self-stigma is common in schizophrenia and its consideration in management is necessary for a good treatment outcome.
Influence of Fiber Properties on Harmonic and Intermodulation Distortions of Semiconductor Lasers
Authors: Ahmed Moustafa , Al-Hadeethi Yas , Alghamdi Ghodran
Published: May 2021

This paper introduces modeling and simulation of the harmonic and intermodulation distortions of semiconductor laser radiating an optical fiber link. The study is based on the rate equation model of semiconductor lasers excited by injection current with two sinusoidal tones separated by a radio frequency. The modulated laser signal is modeled in both the time and frequency domains. The laser signal distortions include the 2nd and 3rd harmonic distortion (2HD and 3HD), and the third-order intermodulation distortion IMD3. The laser is assumed to be modulated around its relaxation frequency. Influence of the modulation depth on the signal distortion is investigated when the laser is free running and when it is radiating a fiber link. In the latter case, influences of the attenuation and chromatic dispersion on the signal dispersion are elucidated when the fiber length increases up to 10 km. The results show that the fiber attenuation does not affect the signal distortion, whereas the chromatic dispersion affects both the harmonic distortions and intermodulation distortion. Sending the laser signal down an optical fiber of length ~ 5km can help in minimizing 2HD which is the dominant harmonic distortion of the modulated signal. This range of optical fiber is also characterized with intermodulation distortion less than 0dBc.
THE INCREASING PHENOMENON OF SECOND-HAND CLOTHES PURCHASE: INSIGHTS FROM THE LITERATURE
Authors: Herjanto Halimin , Scheller-Sampson Jean , Erickson Elisabeth
Published: May 2021

The global trend of second-hand clothing (SHC) consumption is significantly increasing and unstoppable. This trend has made, and will continue to make, a huge impact in the clothing industry in virtually every part of the world. However, the number of studies on SHC are still limited and more importantly, the findings are mixed and inconclusive. This study investigates the trend in SHC research between 1990 and 2014. 131 published academic articles from different disciplines were collected and content analyzed and the results indicate that SHC research was highly focused on the topics of consumption behavior, textile disposal behavior, and SHC trading related issues. In addition, the results also show that SHC research was mainly conducted from the consumers’ point of view. With the increasing interest in SHC, this study attempts to develop a better understanding of SHC phenomena and provide clear future research directions to scholars in designing SHC related research.
Assessing the role of rare genetic variants in drug‐resistant, non‐lesional focal epilepsy
Authors: Wolking Stefan , Moreau Claudia , McCormack Mark , Krause Roland , Krenn Martin ,   EpiPGx Consortium, Berkovic Samuel , Cavalleri Gianpiero L. , Delanty Norman , Depondt Chantal , Johnson Michael R. , Koeleman Bobby P. C. , Kunz Wolfram S. , Lerche Holger , Marson Anthony G. , O’Brien Terence J. , Petrovski Slave , Sander Josemir W. , Sills Graeme J. , Striano Pasquale , Zara Federico , Zimprich Fritz , Sisodiya Sanjay M. , Girard Simon L. , Cossette Patrick
Published: May 2021

Objective

Resistance to antiseizure medications (ASMs) is one of the major concerns in the treatment of epilepsy. Despite the increasing number of ASMs available, the proportion of individuals with drug‐resistant epilepsy remains unchanged. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of rare genetic variants in ASM resistance.

Methods

We performed exome sequencing of 1,128 individuals with non‐familial non‐acquired focal epilepsy (NAFE) (762 non‐responders, 366 responders) and were provided with 1,734 healthy controls. We undertook replication in a cohort of 350 individuals with NAFE (165 non‐responders, 185 responders). We performed gene‐based and gene‐set‐based kernel association tests to investigate potential enrichment of rare variants in relation to drug response status and to risk for NAFE.

Results

We found no gene or gene set that reached genome‐wide significance. Yet, we identified several prospective candidate genes – among them DEPDC5, which showed a potential association with resistance to ASMs. We found some evidence for an enrichment of truncating variants in dominant familial NAFE genes in our cohort of non‐familial NAFE and in association with drug‐resistant NAFE.

Interpretation

Our study identifies potential candidate genes for ASM resistance. Our results corroborate the role of rare variants for non‐familial NAFE and imply their involvement in drug‐resistant epilepsy. Future large‐scale genetic research studies are needed to substantiate these findings.
SAMHSA prevention manual focusses on ‘professionalization’
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2021

It's important for substance use disorder (SUD) prevention experts to continue their path to professionalization, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP). In a report issued this month, SAMHSA listed core competencies needed to work in the field of SUD prevention.
High‐dose naloxone nasal spray approved
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2021

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last month approved a higher‐dose naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray product (KLOXXADO) to treat opioid overdose. The FDA had previously approved 2 mg and 4 mg naloxone nasal spray products; the new product is 8 mg. It is hoped that this will help counteract the effects of illicit fentanyl.
HHS announces creation of new behavioral health council
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2021

Last week, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, along with Acting Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Tom Coderre, announced the HHS' newly created Behavioral Health Coordinating Council (BHCC). The BHCC is tasked with coordinating all federal government resources to address inequities and gaps within the mental health and substance use disorder system.
Nanoscale 3D Printing of Quantum Dots on Paper
Authors: Bae Jongcheon , Kim Seonghyeon , Ahn Jinhyuck , Sim Ho Hyung , Wajahat Muhammad , Kim Jung Hyun , Yoon Seog-Young , Kim Ji Tae , Seol Seung Kwon , Pyo Jaeyeon
Published: May 2021

Nanoscale integration is difficult on rough surfaces despite their ubiquity and usefulness. Paper is an emerging material system because it is renewable, flexible, and lightweight. However, owing to the rough surface of paper, it is difficult to use conventional nanoscale integration methods. Herein, nanoscale printing of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots on paper using a 3D printing method with surface adaptive control of the femtoliter meniscus is demonstrated. The approach allows the direct integration of light‐emitting materials on the intact surface of paper with nanoscale lateral confinement. The 3D‐printed nanostructures can be treated as a planar pattern of the nanoscale dots when viewed from the top. The individually addressable nature of the 3D printing method enables the equalization of the printed heights, which is essential for practical use in general planar systems. This method can be used in many areas that require paper such as paper electronics, security printing, biomedical engineering, and possibly other material systems with rough surfaces.
Effect of Adding AlN Ceramic Particles on the Micromorphology of the Mg17Al12 Phase in Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Zhao Xin , Yang Zhong , Dong Xiongbo , Li Jianping , Liang Minxian
Published: May 2021

AlN particle–reinforced Mg–Al matrix composites are fabricated by introducing an Al–AlN master alloy in Mg melt during casting. The microstructure, tensile strength, and fracture behavior of the AlN/AZ91 composites are investigated. The introduction of AlN results in a modified dendrite morphology of the β‐Mg17Al12 phase and, thus, improves the mechanical properties of the AZ91 alloy. The results show that 2% (by weight) AlN reinforcement has the highest tensile strength and elongation, mainly due to the reduction of the size of the second phase and the uniform distribution. Consequently, compared to as‐cast AZ91 alloys, the strength and elongation of the AlN/AZ91 composites increase by 34% and 171%, respectively. For second‐phase β‐Mg17Al12, the enhancement mechanism and size model are constructed, and the model trends are analyzed, predicted, and verified experimentally.
The Impact of UV Photoelectron Spectroscopy on the Field of Organic Optoelectronics—A Retrospective
Authors: Olthof Selina
Published: May 2021

The field of organic electronics has been of widespread interest for a long time. Over the years, device efficiencies increased steadily due to the development of new materials, as well as an improved understanding of the physical mechanisms governing underlying fundamental processes such as charge transport or charge carrier generation and recombination. Especially the positions of energy levels that are responsible for the charge transport throughout a device are of paramount importance. This generated a high demand for reliably measured values. The most important technique that can directly access these values in a thin film is photoelectron spectroscopy. The very fruitful collaboration between surface scientists and device specialists is ​ reviewed here, showing a range of experiments through which UV photoelectron spectroscopy helped to unravel the working mechanisms of organic semiconductors in devices.
Towards an Effective Synthesis of Difunctionalized Heptacyclo [6.6.0.02,6.03,13.04,11.05,9.010,14]tetradecane: Ligand Effects on the Cage Assembly and Selective C−H Arylation Reactions
Authors: Marset Xavier , Recort‐Fornals Martí , Kpante Malkaye , Zieliński Adam , Golz Christopher , Wolf Lawrence M. , Alcarazo Manuel
Published: May 2021

A series of strong π‐acceptor polyfluorinated and dicationic chelating phosphines have been synthesized and evaluated in the Rh‐catalysed dimerization of norbornadiene (NBD) into its thermodynamically more stable dimer, heptacyclo[6.6.0.02,6.03,13.04,11.05,9.010,14] tetradecane (HCTD). While dicationic ligands direct the dimerization towards HCTD, by the use of neutral polyfluorinated ancillary ligands endo‐endo‐heptacyclo [8.4.0.02,12.03,8.04,6.05,9.011,13]tetradecane (BINOR−S) is selectively obtained. In addition, a selective Pd‐catalysed arylation at position C8 of the HCTD framework is achieved by the use of a picolylamide directing group previously attached at C1. Theoretical calculations have been performed to understand the origin of that regioselectivity.

magnified image
High‐Temperature and Chemically Resistant Foams from Sustainable Nanostructured Protein
Authors: Ye Xinchen , Capezza Antonio J. , Gowda Vasantha , Olsson Richard T. , Lendel Christofer , Hedenqvist Mikael S.
Published: May 2021

Covalently crosslinked protein networks produced from whey protein nanofibrils (PNFs) are demonstrated to be sustainable high‐performance foams that show chemical resistance and mechanical strength, stiffness, and toughness on harsh aging at 150 °C. The aged foams are able to retain their properties at 180 °C for as long as 24 h, far exceeding the properties of most classical petroleum‐based thermoplastics. The foams are further developed into soft foams by the addition of glycerol as a plasticizer. The improvement in the mechanical performance of the foams with aging, which is equivalent to an increase by one order of magnitude in modulus and yield strength, is confirmed to be associated with (iso)peptide crosslinks. The results open the way for using protein‐based foam materials in severe/corrosive environments such as filtration, thermal insulation, and fluid absorption. The protein foams produced are suggested as suitable alternatives to petroleum‐based porous polymers.
Control of Brain State Transitions with a Photoswitchable Muscarinic Agonist
Authors: Barbero‐Castillo Almudena , Riefolo Fabio , Matera Carlo , Caldas‐Martínez Sara , Mateos‐Aparicio Pedro , Weinert Julia F. , Garrido‐Charles Aida , Claro Enrique , Sanchez‐Vives Maria V. , Gorostiza Pau
Published: May 2021

The ability to control neural activity is essential for research not only in basic neuroscience, as spatiotemporal control of activity is a fundamental experimental tool, but also in clinical neurology for therapeutic brain interventions. Transcranial‐magnetic, ultrasound, and alternating/direct current (AC/DC) stimulation are some available means of spatiotemporal controlled neuromodulation. There is also light‐mediated control, such as optogenetics, which has revolutionized neuroscience research, yet its clinical translation is hampered by the need for gene manipulation. As a drug‐based light‐mediated control, the effect of a photoswitchable muscarinic agonist (Phthalimide‐Azo‐Iper (PAI)) on a brain network is evaluated in this study. First, the conditions to manipulate M2 muscarinic receptors with light in the experimental setup are determined. Next, physiological synchronous emergent cortical activity consisting of slow oscillations—as in slow wave sleep—is transformed into a higher frequency pattern in the cerebral cortex, both in vitro and in vivo, as a consequence of PAI activation with light. These results open the way to study cholinergic neuromodulation and to control spatiotemporal patterns of activity in different brain states, their transitions, and their links to cognition and behavior. The approach can be applied to different organisms and does not require genetic manipulation, which would make it translational to humans.
Advances in Functional Metal‐Organic Frameworks Based On‐Demand Drug Delivery Systems for Tumor Therapeutics
Authors: Nirosha Yalamandala Bhanu , Shen Wei‐Ting , Min Sheng‐Hao , Chiang Wen‐Hsuan , Chang Shing‐Jyh , Hu Shang‐Hsiu
Published: May 2021

Dual on‐demand delivery of therapeutic cargos and energy by transporters can latently mitigate side effects and provide the unique aspects required for precision medicine. To achieve this goal, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), hybrid materials constructed from metal ions and polydentate organic linkers, have attracted attention for controlled drug release and energy delivery in tumors. With appropriate characteristics such as tunable pore size, high surface area, and tailorable composition, therapeutic agents (drug molecules or responsive agents) can be effectively encapsulated in MOFs. Based on their intrinsic properties, many physically or chemically responsive agents are able to achieve precise on‐demand drug release and energy generation (thermal or dynamic therapy) using MOFs (as energy absorbers). Herein, the results obtained with various stimuli‐responsive MOFs (including materials from the Institute Lavoisier [MIL], zeolitic imidazolate frameworks [ZIFs], MOFs from the University of Oslo [UiO], and other MOFs) used for tumor suppression are summarized. Furthermore, with the appropriate stimulus, catalytic therapy (caused by the Fenton reaction induced by MOFs) can be provided via the utilization of existing high levels of H2O2 in cancer cells, which potentially elicits immune responses. In addition, the issues impeding clinical translation are also discussed, including the need to overcome tumor heterogeneity and to recognize the innate immune system and possible effects. As the references reveal, additional comprehensive strategies and studies are needed to enable broad applications and potent translational developments.