bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Elevated CO2 on Nutritional Quality of Green Gram for the Management of Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) during Storage
Authors: Raghupathi B , Jayanth B V , Lakshmi K S Ishwarya , Gouthami Angoth , Rajarushi C N , M Chaitanya , Dasari Surekha
Published: September 2024

An experiment was conducted to study the assessment of nutritional quality parameters of green gram treated with elevated levels of carbon dioxide to manage Callosobruchus infestation during 2020-21 at Seed Entomology Laboratory, Seed Research and Technology Centre, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India. Nutritional quality of Callosobruchus chinensis infested green gram seeds exposed to four different concentrations of CO2 viz., 20, 40, 60 and 80 per cent was studied. The results revealed that the 80 per cent CO2 concentration maintained high carbohydrate content (62.93 per cent) and crude fat (4.51 per cent) besides less protein (25.26 per cent) content after two months of storage. The 80per cent CO2 treatment was consistently found to be the best treatment when it was retested in bulk quantity (25 kg of seed) after two months of storage period. High carbohydrate, crude fat content and low protein content were observed in all the CO2 treatments (20, 40, 60 and 80 per cent) when compared to untreated control. These findings suggest that using elevated CO2 levels could be a viable alternative to synthetic pesticides chemical fumigants for preserving green gram during storage.
Physicochemical and Bacteriological Assessment of Traditional Sorghum Beers in Jimeta, Nigeria
Authors: Pola Bristone James , Ijabani Emmanuel , Wadzamda Brenda Clement
Published: September 2024

Sorghum beer popularly known as “burukutu” in Nigeria is a traditional beverage whose consumption has been passed down through generations. This beer, consumed while actively fermenting, harbors a diverse array of microorganisms. This study aims to evaluate the bacteriological and physicochemical characteristics of traditional sorghum beers sold in Jimeta, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Beer samples were obtained from eight traditional beer joints within the Jimeta metropolis, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The physicochemical analysis of the samples revealed titratable acidity ranging from 0.91% to 2.65%, pH values from 4.20 to 4.50, total reducing sugars from 10.1 mg/mL to 15.0 mg/mL, ethanol content from 3.12% to 4.69%, and total solids from 6.50 mg/mL to 7.60 mg/mL. The total bacterial count, determined using aerobic plate count, ranged from 8.0 × 10² to 1.0 × 1010 CFU/mL. Pure cultures from each sample were identified through cultural characteristics, Gram staining, motility, and biochemical tests including citrate utilization, catalase, indole, urease, methyl red, Voges-Proskauer and coagulase. Total of 44 isolates were identified, with Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus sp. being the most prevalent (8 isolates), followed by Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6 isolates), Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter sp. (4 isolates), and Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Serratia sp. and Proteus mirabilis (2 isolates). The presence of these potential pathogens raises great concerns about the safety of these beers. Improved sanitary practices during production, handling and serving are necessary to ensure consumer safety.
Innovative Design of a Whole-Stem Sugarcane Harveste
Authors: Juguang Fang
Published: September 2024

The small whole-stem sugarcane harvester is a type of sugarcane harvesting machinery designed for individual farmers. It ensures a complete cutting plane during the harvesting process, resulting in low sugarcane head breakage and reduced sugar loss. The sugarcane harvesters currently developed mainly come in two forms: whole- stem and cut-stem. The cut-stem harvesters are larger in size and more expensive, making them unsuitable for the hilly terrain and small-scale cultivation in China. The whole-stem harvesters have poor adjustability of the cutting platform, leading to uneven stubble and high head breakage rates, making it difficult for farmers to choose the right sugarcane harvesting machinery. Currently, the aforementioned issues have not been effectively addressed. Therefore, this paper designs a low-cost, rationally structured, easy-to-operate, and individual-farmer-friendly small whole-stem sugarcane harvester that can efficiently complete sugarcane harvesting tasks.
Empowering University Graduates for Self-Defined Careers via Entrepreneurship: A Roadmap
Authors: Malik Rizwana , Kirmani Mudasir
Published: September 2024

The increasing unemployment among the educated groups has become a major socio-economic problem which is being addressed by Higher education system of India which is relentlessly working towards developing a culture of generating successful entrepreneurs. Different studies have been conducted to demonstrate how entrepreneurial education imparted by academic institutions has paved way for students to become self-reliant. This research work has been focussed on identifying the bottlenecks/ lacunae in education system that hamper the growth of students as entrepreneurs. The main instrument of study was a questionnaire that confirmed validity by a panel of experts. This study used 120 respondents from postgraduate students of SKUAST-Kashmir where 50% of the respondents were female students. The results of study showed that majority of respondents lacked the confidence and skills to become entrepreneurs. The investigation has suggested the pathways to overcome these drawbacks thus making University education system more entrepreneurship oriented. The study concluded that for motivating, developing positive attitude and expertise among the students regarding entrepreneurship, the universities need to reframe their syllabus and pedagogy which is focused on practical applicability of a subject. The research work also highlighted the importance of including entrepreneurship related subject from 1st year up to the final year of the study in order to inculcate the culture of entrepreneurship among the students. The study suggested the steps to be undertaken for making higher education system more entrepreneurship focused and result oriented.
A Study on Socio-economic Status of Fishers in Khammam District of Telangana, India
Authors: K. M. Kishor , Teja I. Krishna , Sreedeepya Ch. , Shivani S.
Published: September 2024

This study typically aims at analyzing the socio-economic condition of fishers in Khammam district of Telangana. The study was held in Khammam district of Telangana. In Khammam district top 5 mandals with highest fish production was selected for the study. The study lasts from April-May 2024. A multi-stage random sampling technique was selected for the study with sampling population of 120 beneficiaries. A well-structured pretested interview schedule was prepared that includes educational status, fisheries experience, type of family, type of house and sources of income etc. The socio-economic parameters were selected from previous literature. Based on response given by respondents, the data was analyzed and conclusive results were drawn. Most respondents have a high school education (48.33%) and fall within the 35-50 years age group (61.66%). The majority belong to the OBC category (85.83%) and live in nuclear families (95.00%) with pucca houses (84.16%). Fisheries is the primary occupation for 55.83% of respondents, while 44.16% have no secondary occupation. Landholding is predominantly marginal or small, with 55.83% holding no land. The main crops grown are paddy, cotton, and chili, with fisheries being the primary income source, complemented by agriculture and off-farm activities. It can be concluded that the majority of fishers are well-integrated into the fisheries sector, with limited landholdings and minimal secondary occupations. Educational attainment is concentrated at the high school level, and most participants belong to the OBC category. Income was primarily derived from fisheries, with some involvement in agriculture and off-farm activities.
Epidemiology of Common Eye Diseases in North Kordofan, Sudan
Authors: Ibraheim Khalil Ali
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Eye illness epidemiology is critical because it identifies the most dangerous diseases in the community and helps decision-makers make better management decisions. This study aims to explore the epidemiology of prevalent eye diseases in north Kordofan State.
Methodology: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted at El-Obeid Teaching Hospital's Ophthalmology Department, North Kordofan State, Sudan, and Dr. Khalil's Ophthalmology Center. Out of almost 50000 patient files, we selected 1000 files for this study using a random systemic selection of 1 in 50. The data collection sheet was created, and all data were collected.
Results: The corneal diseases made up 19.6% of the 1000 cases in this study, followed by conjunctival 17.7%, lens 15.3%, eye surface 9.8%, uveal tract 9.1%, refractive errors 6.4%, eye lids 5.4%, orbital 5.4%, glaucoma 4.3%, retinopathy 4.6%, anterior chamber diseases 2.1%, lacrimal drainage system disorders 1.8%, and nerve palsies 0.5%.
Conclusion: The western Sudan is heavily affected by eye diseases, with corneal diseases being the most common, closely followed by conjunctival diseases. This report delves into the eye disease situation in western Sudan. With absence of such literature from Sudan, the findings of this study presenting baseline of future research in this context.
High spatial resolution radar observations of ultralow frequency waves in the southern polar cap
Authors: Bland Emma C. , McDonald Andrew J.
Published: April 2016

We present an analysis of ultralow frequency (ULF) waves detected in the southern polar cap using the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN). These waves manifest as quasi‐sinusoidal oscillations in the Doppler velocity, which arise due to the oscillating ULF wave electric field in the F region ionosphere. The event reported in this study occurred during the southern polar winter under quiet geomagnetic conditions. The 1.1–1.3 mHz oscillations were observed throughout the polar cap by the McMurdo, Dome C East, and South Pole Station SuperDARN radars and also by the Dome Concordia and Scott Base magnetometers at corrected geomagnetic latitudes of ∼89°S and ∼80°S, respectively. In contrast to large‐scale toroidal field line resonances observed at auroral latitudes, we find that the magnetic perturbation vector of the polar cap oscillations did not undergo a 90° rotation upon transmission from the ionosphere to the ground and was instead rotated by about 30°. The polar cap oscillations were also accompanied by simultaneous field line resonance (FLR) activity in the dayside auroral zone, in the field of view of the Zhongshan SuperDARN radar. This FLR occurred at the same frequency and exhibited a similar azimuthal phase velocity to the polar cap oscillations, indicating that they may have been driven by the same source mechanism.
Methane and carbon dioxide total column retrievals from cloudy GOSAT soundings over the oceans
Authors: Schepers D. , Butz A. , Hu H. , Hasekamp O. P. , Arnold S. G. , Schneider M. , Feist D. G. , Morino I. , Pollard D. , Aben I. , Landgraf J.
Published: April 2016

We present a novel physics‐based retrieval method to infer total column mixing ratios of methane (XCH4) and carbon dioxide (XCO2) from space‐borne short‐wavelength infrared (SWIR) Earth radiance observations over the cloud‐covered ocean. In nadir observing geometry in the SWIR spectral range, backscattering at the ocean surface is negligible. Hence, space‐borne radiance measurements of ocean scenes generally do not provide sufficient level to retrieve XCO2 and XCH4. Our approach specifically targets cloudy GOSAT ocean soundings to provide sufficient radiance signal in nadir soundings in ocean areas. Currently, exploiting space‐borne SWIR soundings over oceans relies on soundings in Sun glint geometry, observing the specular solar reflection at the ocean surface. The glint observation mode requires cloud‐free conditions and a suitable observation geometry, severely limiting their number and geographical coverage. The proposed method is based on the existing RemoTeC algorithm that is extensively used to retrieve CH4 and CO2 columns from GOSAT SWIR measurements over land. For ocean pixels, we describe light scattering by clouds and aerosols by a single‐layer water cloud with Gaussian height distribution. We infer the height and the geometrical thickness of the cloud layer jointly with the droplet size and the number density and the column abundances of CO2, CH4, and H2O. The CO2 and CH4 column product is validated with ground‐based total column measurements performed at eight stations from the TCCON network that are geographically close to an ocean coastline. For the TCCON site with the most robust statistics (Lauder, New Zealand), we find a retrieval bias of 0.36% for XCH4 combined with a standard deviation of retrieval errors of 1.12%. For XCO2, the bias is 0.51% combined with a standard deviation of 1.03%. Averaged over all TCCON sites, our retrievals are biased −0.01% for XCO2 and −0.32% for XCH4. The standard deviation of station biases amounts to 0.45% for XCO2 and 0.35% for XCH4.
Dependence of entrainment in shallow cumulus convection on vertical velocity and distance to cloud edge
Authors: Tian Yang , Kuang Zhiming
Published: April 2016

The dependence of entrainment rate on environmental conditions and cloud characteristics is investigated using large eddy simulations (LES) of the response of shallow cumulus convection to a small‐amplitude temperature perturbation that is horizontally uniform and localized in height. The simulated cumulus fields are analyzed in the framework of an ensemble of entraining plumes by tracking a large number of Lagrangian parcels embedded in the LES and grouping them into different plumes based on their detrainment heights. The results show that fractional entrainment rate per unit height of a plume is inversely proportional to the plume's vertical velocity and its distance to the cloud edge, while changes in environmental stratification and relative humidity, the plume's buoyancy, or the vertical gradient of its buoyancy due to the temperature perturbation have little effect on the plume's entrainment rate.
Flexible Polymer Transducers for Dynamic Recognizing Physiological Signals
Authors: Han Xu , Chen Xin , Tang Xin , Chen Yu‐Lei , Liu Jia‐Hao , Shen Qun‐Dong
Published: April 2016

Ferroelectric polymers are of interest as most promising electroactive materials. Flexible transducers from ferroelectric polymer thin film with underneath semiconducting polymer active layer for high sensitive and versatile detection of physiological signals are described. When attached directly on the wrist, the flexible transducers can distinguish the transient pulse waves non‐invasively and in situ, due to their fast response (milliseconds) and high sensitivity (down to several Pascal) to instantaneous change of blood pressure. High‐resolution picture of one pulse wave is available to provide two most common parameters for arterial stiffness diagnosis. The transducers are also suitable for dynamic recognizing physiological signals under both physical exercise and medicine treatment, demonstrating their enormous potential for warning the risk of cardiovascular disease, and evaluating the efficacy of heart medicines. The transducers are easy to carry around with an operating voltage of 1 V and the power consumption less than 1 μW. Thus, they are valuable for applications like electronic skin and mobile health monitoring.
Stretchable‐Fiber‐Confined Wetting Conductive Liquids as Wearable Human Health Monitors
Authors: Guan Liyun , Nilghaz Azadeh , Su Bin , Jiang Lei , Cheng Wenlong , Shen Wei
Published: April 2016

Wetting behaviors on stretchable supports are very common in our daily lives, however, received limited attention even they show promising potentials in flexible electronics and other fields. In this study, stretchable wetting behaviors of conductive liquids deposited onto two horizontal rubber fibers are investigated. A firm liquid/solid interaction during the stretching process can contribute to a stable liquid bridge between the fibers even under extremely stretching, showing their proof‐to‐principle ability to monitor human movement toward early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or sports injury prevention.
Intercalation‐Induced Tunable Stimuli‐Responsive Color‐Change Properties of Crystalline Organic Layered Compound
Authors: Okaniwa Mamoru , Oaki Yuya , Imai Hiroaki
Published: April 2016

Layered structures accommodate guest molecules and ions in the interlayer space through intercalation. Organic layered compounds, such as layered polymers, have both intercalation and dynamic properties. Here intercalation‐induced tunable temperature‐ and mechanical‐stress‐responsive color‐change properties of crystalline layered polydiacetylene (PDA) as an organic layered compound are reported. In general, organic materials with stimuli responsivity are developed by molecular design and synthesis. In the present work, intercalation of guest metal cations in the layered PDA directs tuning of the stimuli‐responsive color‐change properties, such as color, responsivity, and reversibility. Whereas PDA without intercalation of metal ions distinctly changes the color from blue to red at the threshold temperature, the PDA with intercalation of the divalent metal ions (PDA‐M2+) shows a variety of color‐change properties. The present study indicates that intercalation has versatile potentials for functionalization of organic layered compounds.
Self‐Assembled Dense Colloidal Cu2Te Nanodisk Networks in P3HT Thin Films with Enhanced Photocurrent
Authors: Arciniegas Milena P. , Stasio Francesco Di , Li Hongbo , Altamura Davide , De Trizio Luca , Prato Mirko , Scarpellini Alice , Moreels Iwan , Krahne Roman , Manna Liberato
Published: April 2016

The integration of colloidal nanocrystals with polymers adds optoelectronic functionalities to flexible and mechanically robust organic films. In particular, self‐assembled structures of nanocrystals in polymers can act as functional components enhancing, for instance, transport or optical properties of the hybrid material. This study presents Cu2Te hexagonal nanodisks that assemble into ribbons with a face‐to‐face configuration in poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) through a controlled solvent evaporation process. The ribbons form weaving patterns that create 3D networks fully embedded in the thin polymer film at high nanodisk concentration. The photoresponse of these composite films measured in a layered vertical geometry demonstrates increased photocurrent with increasing nanocrystal loading. This study attributes this behavior to the presence of networks of Cu2Te nanodisks that form a bulk heterojunction with the semiconducting polymer, which improves exciton dissociation and the overall photoelectric response.
Recent Advances in Controlling Syntheses and Energy Related Applications of MX2 and MX2/Graphene Heterostructures
Authors: Shi Jianping , Ji Qingqing , Liu Zhongfan , Zhang Yanfeng
Published: April 2016

Recently, two‐dimensional (2D) layered materials have attracted significant attention owing to their novel physical properties and versatile applications in electronics, optoelectronics, and renewable energy storage/conversions. Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides, for example MX2 (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se, etc.) have become the flagship materials after graphene (Gr), because of their unique properties (e.g., direct bandgaps, strong light‐matter interactions, and high‐efficiency electrocatalytic and photocatalytic activities, etc.). Particularly, vertically stacked MX2/graphene (MX2/Gr) heterostructures have also ignited intensive interest, where many unusual physical issues have been detected, and novel devices with unprecedented performances have been constructed. Recent research achievements towards the controllable syntheses of monolayer MX2 and MX2/Gr heterostructures, as well as their multiple applications in electronics, optoelectronics and energy related fields are highlighted. The first part of this review focuses on the chemical vapor deposition syntheses of high‐quality monolayer MX2 and MX2/Gr heterostructures on insulating and conducting substrates. The second part introduces the applications of MX2 and MX2/Gr heterostructures in above‐mentioned application aspects. Finally, remaining challenges for the controllable syntheses and the large‐scale applications of MX2 and MX2/Gr heterostructures are discussed, and the future research directions in the related fields are also proposed.
Effect of needle‐like crystal shape on measured particle size distributions
Authors: de Albuquerque Ian , Mazzotti Marco , Ochsenbein David R. , Morari Manfred
Published: April 2016

The effect crystal morphology has on measured particle size distributions (PSDs) is explored, with a focus on particles exhibiting a needle‐like habit. An idealized in silico study was performed, targeted at modeling the measurement principles of various particle sizing devices, namely laser diffraction, Coulter counter, focused beam reflectance measurement, a single and a dual projection imaging devices. The evolution of a crystal population is measured, allowing for an evaluation of the introduced biases. Further, the consequences of these biases are highlighted by demonstrating how the real growth mechanism may be incorrectly interpreted depending on the chosen particle sizing technique. It is found that techniques which utilize a one‐dimensional PSD are incapable of simultaneously describing the concentration profile and average length; in contrast, imaging techniques are able to reproduce both quantities. Finally, the dual projection imaging device is shown to be the only instrument to yield a nearly bias‐free measurement. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 2974–2985, 2016
Product design: Metal nanoparticle‐based conductive inkjet inks
Authors: Tam Sze Kee , Fung Ka Yip , Poon Grace Sum Hang , Ng Ka Ming
Published: April 2016

A systematic procedure that provides an efficient workflow for formulating conductive inks is developed. Qualitative product attributes of the inkjet ink are first identified and transformed into quantitative product specifications. Ingredients are then selected based on heuristics, mechanistic, and empirical models to meet the product specifications. Printability checks based on theoretical criteria are used to ensure that stable droplets can in principle be formed and coalesced properly to form a printed line of ink. Then, the conductive ink is prepared and printed to evaluate the performance of the inkjet ink experimentally. An example of preparing a copper ink for inkjet printing is used to illustrate the systematic procedure. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 2740–2753, 2016
Nested direct transcription optimization for singular optimal control problems
Authors: Chen Weifeng , Biegler Lorenz T.
Published: April 2016

Singular optimal control problems arise frequently on a broad range of chemical engineering applications. Determination of the accurate dynamic structure of the optimal solution profile and the junctions between optimal nonsingular and singular arcs is essential for operating strategies, as well as equipment designs for many processes. In a previous study (Chen, Shao, and Biegler, AIChE J. 60(3), pp. 966–979, 2014) a nested optimization formulation that finds the optimal mesh distribution and determines exact control profiles for nonsingular optimal control problems without state constraints is developed. This study extends this approach to singular optimal control problems. To satisfy the necessary optimality conditions for singular optimal control problems with a well‐defined solution strategy, the overall nonlinear programming formulation resulting from direct transcription is decomposed into inner and outer problems. The key feature of this algorithm is that it converges to a solution that satisfies the discretized Euler‐Lagrange equations of the original singular optimal control problem; we prove this under suitable assumptions. This is obtained through the introduction of pseudomultipliers that reconstruct the necessary optimality conditions for singular optimal control in the outer problem. We demonstrate this approach on eight classical singular control problems with known solutions, as well as three larger singular control problems derived from chemical engineering applications. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 3611–3627, 2016
Incorporating an Alternating Donor–Acceptor Structure into a Ladder Polymer Backbone
Authors: Kass Kim‐Julia , Forster Michael , Scherf Ullrich
Published: April 2016

Incorporation of the donor–acceptor structure of an alternating conjugated copolymer into a rigid ladder polymer backbone is reported. The resulting ladder polymers show optical features typical of rigid ladder polymers, but present an increased Stokes shift if compared to their non‐polar counterparts. This behavior reflects the occurrence of charge transfer processes during excitation and leads to a positive solvatochromism.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Carbocyclization–Borylation of Enallenes to Cyclobutenes
Authors: Qiu Youai , Yang Bin , Zhu Can , Bäckvall Jan‐E.
Published: April 2016

A highly efficient palladium‐catalyzed oxidative borylation of enallenes was developed for the selective formation of cyclobutene derivatives and fully‐substituted alkenylboron compounds. Cyclobutenes are formed as the exclusive products in MeOH in the presence of H2O and Et3N, whereas the use of AcOH leads to alkenylboron compounds. Both reactions showed a broad substrate scope and good tolerance for various functional groups, including carboxylic acid ester, free hydroxy, imide, and alkyl groups. Furthermore, transformations of the borylated products were conducted to show their potential applications.
Iron and Manganese Catalysts for the Selective Functionalization of Arene C(sp2)−H Bonds by Carbene Insertion
Authors: Conde Ana , Sabenya Gerard , Rodríguez Mònica , Postils Verònica , Luis Josep M. , Díaz‐Requejo M. Mar , Costas Miquel , Pérez Pedro J.
Published: April 2016

The first examples of the direct functionalization of non‐activated aryl sp2 C−H bonds with ethyl diazoacetate (N2CHCO2Et) catalyzed by Mn‐ or Fe‐based complexes in a completely selective manner are reported, with no formation of the frequently observed cycloheptatriene derivatives through competing Buchner reaction. The best catalysts are FeII or MnII complexes bearing the tetradentate pytacn ligand (pytacn= 1‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐4,7‐dimethyl‐1,4,7‐triazacyclononane). When using alkylbenzenes, the alkylic C(sp3)−H bonds of the substituents remained unmodified, thus the reaction being also selective toward functionalization of sp2 C−H bonds.
A Graphene Composite Material with Single Cobalt Active Sites: A Highly Efficient Counter Electrode for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Cui Xiaoju , Xiao Jianping , Wu Yihui , Du Peipei , Si Rui , Yang Huaixin , Tian Huanfang , Li Jianqi , Zhang Wen‐Hua , Deng Dehui , Bao Xinhe
Published: April 2016

The design of catalysts that are both highly active and stable is always challenging. Herein, we report that the incorporation of single metal active sites attached to the nitrogen atoms in the basal plane of graphene leads to composite materials with superior activity and stability when used as counter electrodes in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). A series of composite materials based on different metals (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) were synthesized and characterized. Electrochemical measurements revealed that CoN4/GN is a highly active and stable counter electrode for the interconversion of the redox couple I−/I3−. DFT calculations revealed that the superior properties of CoN4/GN are due to the appropriate adsorption energy of iodine on the confined Co sites, leading to a good balance between adsorption and desorption processes. Its superior electrochemical performance was further confirmed by fabricating DSSCs with CoN4 /GN electrodes, which displayed a better power conversion efficiency than the Pt counterpart.
Rechargeable Room‐Temperature Na–CO2 Batteries
Authors: Hu Xiaofei , Sun Jianchao , Li Zifan , Zhao Qing , Chen Chengcheng , Chen Jun
Published: April 2016

Developing rechargeable Na–CO2 batteries is significant for energy conversion and utilization of CO2. However, the reported batteries in pure CO2 atmosphere are non‐rechargeable with limited discharge capacity of 200 mAh g−1. Herein, we realized the rechargeability of a Na–CO2 battery, with the proposed and demonstrated reversible reaction of 3 CO2+4 Na↔2 Na2CO3+C. The battery consists of a Na anode, an ether‐based electrolyte, and a designed cathode with electrolyte‐treated multi‐wall carbon nanotubes, and shows reversible capacity of 60000 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 (≈1000 Wh kg−1) and runs for 200 cycles with controlled capacity of 2000 mAh g−1 at charge voltage <3.7 V. The porous structure, high electro‐conductivity, and good wettability of electrolyte to cathode lead to reduced electrochemical polarization of the battery and further result in high performance. Our work provides an alternative approach towards clean recycling and utilization of CO2.
Amide pectin: A carrier material for colon‐targeted controlled drug release
Authors: Li Chen , Nie Hui , Chen Yu , Xiang Zhou‐Yang , Li Jian‐Bin
Published: April 2016

In order to deliver bioactive components to the colon, an oral colon‐targeted bioadhesive microparticle delivery system based on pectin was developed. Unmodified pectin exhibited a poor hydrophobicity and weak tablet‐crushing strength. Pectin was modified by an amide reaction, which results in a dramatic decrease in water solubility and viscosity, as well as favorable controlled release properties. Amide pectin (AP) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results of FTIR and 1H‐NMR revealed that amide groups were introduced into the pectin molecules; DSC analysis exhibited that the thermal stability of pectin was decreased. An in vitro release assay demonstrated that matrix tablets prepared by AP could deliver bioactive components to the colon when the pectin content and hydrophobicity were properly controlled. The relationship between the structure and in vitro release properties of amide pectin suggests that an optimal tablet structure and composition can be responsible for a suitable BSA release rate. The optimal tablets making conditions were using methylcellulose (MC) as tablet adhesive, amidation reaction time of 60 min, drug loading of 0.008 g and tableting pressure of 8 kg/mm. The results indicated that matrix tablets made by AP exhibited good colon‐targeted drug release. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43697.
Graft copolymerization of acrylic acid on to styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) to improve morphology and mechanical properties of SBR/polyurethane blend
Authors: Taheri Shahed , Hassani Yones , Sadeghi Gity Mir Mohamad , Moztarzadeh Fathollah , Li Mei‐Chun
Published: April 2016

Graft copolymerization of acrylic acid (AA) on to styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) is carried out via free radical polymerization using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as initiator. Graft yield (GY) and graft efficiency (GE) measurements reveal that the optimum grafting is achieved when 100 wt % of AA and 3 wt % of BPO are used for a reaction time of 6 h at 60 °C. The execution of the grafting process is confirmed through ATR‐IR spectroscopy and DMTA analysis. Tan δ thermograms indicate that the graft copolymerization occurs in the styrene segments of the SBR backbone. An in situ polymerized, semicrystalline polyurethane (PU) is then used to prepare a series of SBR‐g‐PAA/PU blends. It is found that the SBR‐g‐PAA with the highest GY exhibits the best compatibility with PU matrix. One‐phase morphology (SEM), as well as the appearance of only one glass transition (DMTA) verify the homogeneous miscibility of the modified blend compositions. Moreover, the integration of PUs crystalline structure into blends gives rise to elongation‐induced crystallinity as the prominent phenomenon in tensile testing, which proves to synchronously enhance tensile strength, modulus, elongation at break, and toughness. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43699.
A cellular automata (CA) model for motorized vehicle flows influenced by bicycles along the roadside
Authors: Chen Qun , Wang Yan
Published: April 2016

On many urban low‐grade or branch roads, especially in medium or small cities in China, bicyclists and motorists commonly share the non‐barrier road surface. Because bicycles are unpredictable and unstable when moving, motorized vehicles must reduce their speed to safely approach and overtake them. In this study, the gradual deceleration process a motorized vehicle undergoes before it passes a bicycle was analyzed. The motorist was assumed to prefer a comfortable deceleration and to select a higher deceleration rate only when the distance to the bicycle was insufficient to reduce the car's speed to the expected value at a comfortable deceleration rate. Cellular automata (CA) simulations were used to reveal the flow characteristics of motorized vehicles reacting to bicycles traveling along the roadside, and the results show that for the general velocities of motorized vehicles and bicycles traveling on urban branch roads, the road capacity for motorized vehicles is not related to the number of bicycles present. However, the average travel time of motorized vehicles is significantly affected by the presence of bicycles when the number of motorized vehicles on the road is small. In addition, motorized vehicles' average travel time is more influenced by disturbances in the flow of motorized vehicles than by bicycles when the number of motorized vehicles on the road is large. Field observations and surveys were used to validate the traffic behaviors and simulation results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Tootling on Classwide and Individual Disruptive and Academically Engaged Behavior of Lower‐Elementary Students
Authors: McHugh Melissa B. , Tingstrom Daniel H. , Radley Keith C. , Barry Christopher T. , Walker Kelly M.
Published: April 2016

The current study was designed to replicate and extend the literature on the effectiveness of a classroom intervention known as Tootling, a strategy that encourages and prompts students to report instances of their peers' positive behaviors. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of the Tootling intervention on decreasing classwide and individual target students' disruptive behavior as well as increasing classwide and individual target students' academic engagement in lower elementary, general education classrooms using a criterion number of tootles that could reasonably be attained daily, thus potentially allowing more immediate and frequent access to reinforcement. Participants included second and third graders and their teachers in three classrooms in two Southeastern elementary schools. An ABAB withdrawal design was used in the three classrooms, along with a multiple baseline element across two of the classrooms, to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. Results demonstrated decreases in disruptive behaviors and increases in academically engaged behaviors during intervention phases as compared to baseline and withdrawal phases in all classrooms. Effect sizes were moderate to large for all comparisons. Limitations of the present study, directions for future research, and implications for practice are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New UVA‐emitting BaAlBO3F2:Eu2+ phosphor with PL and TL properties for phototherapy lamp
Authors: Kunghatkar R. G. , Dhoble S. J. , Hemne P. S.
Published: April 2016

We present a new phosphor material, BaAlBO3F2 doped with Eu2+ ions, having emission in the UVA region. The phosphor material is prepared by a simple wet chemical method. Phase confirmation was carried out using the Rietveld refinement program which shows that BaAlBO3F2:Eu2+ has an hexagonal crystal system. Using a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy graph, we studied the bond stretching present in the phosphor material. Photoluminescence (PL) characterization, carried out using a RF spectrofluorophotometer, shows two types of PL excitation and emission. Before reduction, emission is in the blue region at 431 nm; after reduction, excitation is at 258 nm and emission is at 361 nm, which is in the UVA region. Some thermoluminescence (TL) studies were carried out in this material for the first time, for example, determination of the trapping parameters, linearity, fading, glow curve convolution and deconvolution (GCCD) function for curve fitting and the Tm–Tstop method for confirmation of the trapped centers in the TL glow peak. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production of the virus‐like particles of nipah virus matrix protein in Pichia pastoris as diagnostic reagents
Authors: Joseph Narcisse MS , Ho Kok Lian , Tey Beng Ti , Tan Chon Seng , Shafee Norazizah , Tan Wen Siang
Published: April 2016

The matrix (M) protein of Nipah virus (NiV) is a peripheral protein that plays a vital role in the envelopment of nucleocapsid protein and acts as a bridge between the viral surface and the nucleocapsid proteins. The M protein is also proven to play an important role in production of virus‐like particles (VLPs) and is essential for assembly and budding of NiV particles. The recombinant M protein produced in Escherichia coli assembled into VLPs in the absence of the viral surface proteins. However, the E. coli produced VLPs are smaller than the native virus particles. Therefore, the aims of this study were to produce NiV M protein in Pichia pastoris, to examine the structure of the VLPs formed, and to assess the potential of the VLPs as a diagnostic reagent. The M protein was successfully expressed in P. pastoris and was detected with anti‐myc antibody using Western blotting. The VLPs formed by the recombinant M protein were purified with sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography (IMAC). Immunogold staining and transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the M protein assembled into VLPs as large as 200 nm. ELISA revealed that the NiV M protein produced in P. pastoris reacted strongly with positive NiV sera demonstrating its potential as a diagnostic reagent. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:1038–1045, 2016
Anatomy of trisomy 12
Authors: Roberts Wallisa , Zurada Anna , Zurada‐ZieliŃSka Agnieszka , Gielecki Jerzy , Loukas Marios
Published: April 2016

Trisomy 12 is a rare aneuploidy and fetuses with this defect tend to spontaneously abort. However, mosaicism allows this anomaly to manifest itself in live births. Due to the fact that mosaicism represents a common genetic abnormality, trisomy 12 is encountered more frequently than expected at a rate of 1 in 500 live births. Thus, it is imperative that medical practitioners are aware of this aneuploidy. Moreover, this genetic disorder may result from a complete or partial duplication of chromosome 12. A partial duplication may refer to a specific segment on the chromosome, or one of the arms. On the other hand, a complete duplication refers to duplication of both arms of chromosome 12. The combination of mosaicism and the variable duplication sites has led to variable phenotypes ranging from normal phenotype to Potter sequence to gross physical defects of the various organ systems. This article provides a review of the common anatomical variation of the different types of trisomy 12. This review revealed that further documentation is needed for trisomy 12q and complete trisomy 12 to clearly delineate the constellation of anomalies that characterize each genetic defect. Clin. Anat. 29:633–637, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Streamline performance of Excel in stepwise implementation of numerical solutions
Authors: Niazkar Majid , Afzali Seied Hosein
Published: April 2016

Excel spreadsheet not only provides useful facilities to solve various kinds of engineering problems, but also can be simply utilized to enhance the curriculum of engineering courses. In this paper, first a summary of literature review on the application of spreadsheets was presented. Reviewing the literature of the application of Excel in different engineering fields shows that Excel was only applied for different individual applicants; while it can be utilized to implement the solution of all kinds of physical problems because of various facilities which Excel provides. In this regard, the step‐by‐step numerical solutions of several examples from all kinds of physical problems in civil engineering were implemented into Excel. The educational merit of this study is the stepwise implementation of Excel and Visual Basic Application (VBA) solution to simple examples of all kinds of physical problems without any advanced requirement of prior knowledge of the software. The robust performance of Excel in solving all the considered examples demonstrates that the Excel appraisal in solving engineering problems should be more addressed than what it is in the current literature. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 24:555–566, 2016; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21731
A Potent Phytotoxic Substance in Aglaia odorata Lour.
Authors: Kato‐Noguchi Hisashi , Suzuki Masahiko , Noguchi Kazutaka , Ohno Osamu , Suenaga Kiyotake , Laosinwattana Chamroon
Published: April 2016

Aglaia odorata Lour. (Meliaceae) was found to have very strong allelopathic activity and a bioherbicide PORGANIC™ was developed from its leaf extracts. However, the phytotoxic substances causing the strong allelopathic activity of the plants have not yet been determined. Therefore, we investigated allelopathic properties and phytotoxic substances in A. odorata. Aqueous EtOH extracts of A. odorata leaves inhibited root and shoot growth of garden cress (Lepidum sativum), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), timothy (Phleum pratense), ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), and Echinochloa crus‐galli with the extract concentration‐dependent manner. The extracts were then purified and a major phytotoxic substance with allelopathic activity was isolated and identified by spectral data as rocaglaol. Rocaglaol inhibited the growth of garden cress and E. crus‐galli at concentrations > 0.3 and 0.03 μm, respectively. The concentrations required for 50% inhibition ranged from 0.09 to 2.5 μm. The inhibitory activity of rocaglaol on the weed species, E. crus‐galli, was much greater than that of abscisic acid. These results suggest that rocaglaol may be a major contributor to the allelopathic effect of A. odorata and bioherbicide PORGANIC™.
Selective Oxidation of Glycerol to Glyceric Acid in Base‐Free Aqueous Solution at Room Temperature Catalyzed by Platinum Supported on Carbon Activated with Potassium Hydroxide
Authors: Tan Hua , Tall Omar E. , Liu Zhaohui , Wei Nini , Yapici Tahir , Zhan Tong , Hedhill Mohamed Nejib , Han Yu
Published: April 2016

Pt supported on KOH‐activated mesoporous carbon (K‐AMC) was used to catalyze glycerol oxidation under base‐free conditions at room temperature. To study the relationship between the carbon surface chemistry and the catalytic performance of the K‐AMC‐based Pt catalysts, different levels of surface oxygen functional groups (SOFGs) on the AMC supports were induced by thermal treatment at different temperatures under inert or H2 gas. A strong effect of the surface chemistry was observed on AMC‐supported Pt catalysts for glycerol oxidation. The presence of carboxylic acid groups impedes the adsorption of glycerol, which leads to the reduction of catalytic activity, whereas the presence of high‐desorption‐temperature SOFGs, such as phenol, ether, and carbonyl/quinone groups, provide hydrophilicity to the carbon surface that improves the adsorption of glycerol molecules on Pt metal surface, which is beneficial for the catalytic activity.
Ionic‐Liquid‐Derived Boron‐Doped Cobalt‐Coordinating Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Materials for Enhanced Catalytic Activity
Authors: Chen Yuan , Fu Lingling , Liu Zhigang , Wang Yong
Published: April 2016

The structural diversity of ionic liquids can control the properties and structures of carbon materials at the molecular level. A nitrogen and boron codoped and highly crystalline metal porous carbon material was synthesized through cothermal condensation of the [Bmim][BF4] (Bmim=1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) ionic liquid and cobalt(II) 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenylporphyrin. In this approach, the ionic liquid acted as both a soft template and a heteroatom precursor. The resulting B‐doped Co‐N‐C nanomaterial showed significantly enhanced catalytic performance toward the selective oxidation of ethylbenzene, in that the conversion of ethylbenzene was approximately four times higher than that of the catalyst without the introduced B atoms. Moreover, the CoNCB‐2 catalyst was successfully recycled several times without any significant loss in activity. Such a boron, nitrogen, and metal ternary codoped porous carbon shows promise as a catalyst for chemocatalysis.
An Aged Precatalyst Solution Leads to High Catalytic Activity: Oxidative Cyclization of 1,5‐Dienes Using ppm Amounts of Ruthenium
Authors: Adrian Juliane , Roth Stefanie , Stark Christian B. W.
Published: April 2016

The ruthenium tetroxide catalyzed direct oxidative cyclization is a powerful synthetic method for the diastereoselective preparation of THF diols from simple achiral 1,5‐diene starting materials with significant relevance to target‐oriented and natural product synthesis. We here report that an aged precatalyst solution exhibits an extraordinarily high reactivity. Thus, even at 50 ppm catalyst loading, impressive results were achieved with good to high yields and excellent diastereoselectivities for the four stereogenic centers that were established in this single‐step transformation. Turnover numbers of up to 15 000 and turnover frequencies of up to 3660 h−1 were obtained. The ageing effect was analyzed spectroscopically and a preliminary hypothesis to explain the reactivity is given. Finally, the generality of this effect in oxidative cyclization chemistry was demonstrated by using a set of substrates with different substitution patterns and different geometries of the reacting double bonds.
Synergistic Effect of Tungsten Nitride and Palladium for the Selective Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde at the C=C bond
Authors: Wang Dong , Zhu Yujun , Tian Chungui , Wang Lei , Zhou Wei , Dong Yongli , Yan Haijing , Fu Honggang
Published: April 2016

Herein, a series of catalysts made of Pd–WN on various supports was synthesized by modifying supports with small‐size WN NPs firstly and loading Pd subsequently. Their catalytic performances were evaluated for selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde (CAL) to hydrocinnamaldehyde (HALD). Interestingly, it was found the synergistic effect between Pd and WN can improve conversion and selectivity of CAL to HALD. Among these catalysts, Pd–WN/SBA‐15 shows best performance with highest conversion (99 %) and selectivity to HALD (97 %), which is superior to commercial 5 % Pd/C catalyst. The hydrogenation kinetics of Pd–WN/SBA‐15 has been adequately represented by a standard pseudo‐first‐order approximation, and it discloses that the existence of WN can effectively decrease the activation energy (23.2 kJ mol−1). The synergistic effect of Pd and WN results in enriching the electron density of Pd, increasing the ratio of surface Pd0 and decreasing the size of Pd on the Pd–WN/SBA‐15 catalyst.
ChemInform Abstract: CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF α‐TETRAETHYLAMMONIUM TRICHLOROMERCURATE(II)
Authors: SANDSTROEM M. , LIEM D. H.
Published: April 2016

Die Struktur von NEt4HgCl3 wird anhand dreidimensionaler Röntgen‐Einkristalldaten bestimmt.
ChemInform Abstract: ANODIC OXIDATION OF COBALT IN NEUTRAL AND BASIC SOLUTION
Authors: SATO N. , OHTSUKA T.
Published: April 2016

Die anodische Oxidation von Co in boratgepufferter Lösung (pH 7‐11) hat in Abhängigkeit vom Potential aktive Auflösung, Passivierung und transpassive Auflösung zur Folge.