bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrous oxide, methane emissions and grain yield in rainfed wheat grown under nitrogen enriched biochar and straw in a semiarid environment
Authors: Yeboah Stephen , Jun Wu , Liqun Cai , Oteng-Darko Patricia , Narteh Tetteh Erasmus , Renzhi Zhang
Published: August 2021

Background

Soil application of biochar and straw alone or their combinations with nitrogen (N) fertilizer are becoming increasingly common, but little is known about their agronomic and environmental performance in semiarid environments. This study was conducted to investigate the effect(s) of these amendments on soil properties, nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) emissions and grain and biomass yield of spring wheat (Triticum aestivumL.), and to produce background dataset that may be used to inform nutrient management guidelines for semiarid environments.

Methods

The experiment involved the application of biochar, straw or urea (46% nitrogen [N]) alone or their combinations. The treatments were: CN0–control (zero-amendment), CN50–50 kg ha–1N, CN100–100 kg ha–1N, BN0–15 t ha–1biochar, BN50–15 t ha–1biochar + 50 kg ha–1N, BN100–15 t ha–1biochar + 100 kg ha–1N, SN0–4.5 t ha–1straw, SN50–4.5 t ha–1straw + 50 kg ha–1N and SN100–4.5 t ha–1straw + 100 kg ha–1N. Fluxes of N2O, CH4and grain yield were monitored over three consecutive cropping seasons between 2014 and 2016 using the static chamber-gas chromatography method.

Results

On average, BN100reported the highest grain yield (2054 kg ha–1), which was between 25.04% and 38.34% higher than all other treatments. In addition, biomass yield was much higher under biochar treated plots relative to the other treatments. These findings are supported by the increased in soil organic C by 17.14% and 21.65% in biochar amended soils (at 0–10 cm) compared to straw treated soils and soils without carbon respectively. The BN100treatment also improved bulk density and hydraulic properties (P < 0.05), which supported the above results. The greatest N2O emissions and CH4sink were recorded under the highest rate of N fertilization (100 kg N ha–1). Cumulative N2O emissions were 39.02% and 48.23% lower in BN100compared with CN0and CN100, respectively. There was also a ≈ 37.53% reduction in CH4uptake under BN100compared with CN0–control and CN50. The mean cumulative N2O emission from biochar treated soils had a significant decrease of 10.93% and 38.61% compared to straw treated soils and soils without carbon treatment, respectively. However, differences between mean cumulative N2O emission between straw treated soils and soils without carbon were not significant. These results indicate the dependency of crop yield, N2O and CH4emissions on soil quality and imply that crop productivity could be increased without compromising on environmental quality when biochar is applied in combination with N-fertilizer. The practice of applying biochar with N fertilizer at 100 kg ha−1N resulted in increases in crop productivity and reduced N2O and CH4soil emissions under dryland cropping systems.
Oxidative Stress Markers (8-Isoprostane and 8-Hydroxy-2-Deoxyguanosine) in Major Depression: A Case-control Study
Authors: Chopra Parul , Sagar Rajesh , Mukhopadhyay Asok Kumar
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Depression is associated with activation of innate immune response leading to oxidative damage. The 8-isoprostanes and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) are biomarkers of oxidative damage to lipids and Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), respectively. They have been independently linked to depression. Aim: To study the oxidative stress markers (8-Isoprostanes and 8-OHdG) in subjects with major depression. Materials and Methods: In this observational case-control study 42 cases of depression, 13-25 years of age were recruited from Psychiatry Out Patient Department (OPD) at a tertiary-care hospital in Delhi, India, along with 42 healthy controls. They were assessed clinically and using psychometric evaluation scores, Beck’s Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). All 42 subjects were on medication with antidepressants {33/42 with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) 8/42 with Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA) and 1/42 on a combination of both}. Routine laboratory investigations were done. Plasma 8-Isoprostane and serum 8-OHdG concentrations were measured in both cases and controls. The results obtained were analysed using relevant statistical tests on STATA version 11 (StataCorp, 2009). Results: Clinically, all patients had moderate to severe depression. BDI-II and HAM-D scores were raised in all cases as compared to the controls (28.81±5.60 vs 1.62±1.59 for BDI and 20.88±4.67 vs 1.33±1.43 for HAM-D, respectively). The concentration (in depressed vs controls) of plasma 8-Isoprostane (107.70±54.48 pg/mL vs 77.78±60.15 pg/mL) and serum 8-OHdG (2103.03±154 pg/mL vs 2017±164.69 pg/mL) were significantly elevated (p-value <0.05). Though elevated in patients belonging to both genders, showed significant increase of 8-Isoprostane only in females and 8-OHdG only in males as compared to their healthy controls. No correlation of the levels of any of two markers was seen with clinical severity of depression of patients as assessed by BDI. Conclusion: Evidence of oxidative stress to lipids and DNA are present in the peripheral blood. These can be explored further in establishing the biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of depression.
Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Frontline Health Care Physicians
Authors: Jain Prateek , Mehta Tejal , Pathania Monika
Published: August 2021

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Such sudden infectious outbreaks take a toll on the psychological health of our brave frontline health care physicians. Frontline health care physicians become vulnerable to psychological problems like depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Long working hours, increased patient load, and risk of spread of contagion to family members are a few of the major contributing factors. Such factors, coupled with chronic stress and emotional exhaustion predispose doctors to experience burnout which has also been reported to increase the risk of mental morbidities. Early counselling, pandemic preparedness, self-care efforts, and stress management can help to cope in these adverse times. Various online portals have also been developed as an intervention strategy in mitigating the negative impact of this pandemic. The purpose of this viewpoint is to highlight the need to address such issues in physicians, find possible root causes, and suggest relevant measures to curb the incidence of these problems.
Intravascular Administration of Isotonic Saline versus Polymerised Gelatin in the Prevention of Spinal Induced Hypotension: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Sreekanth C , Gurumurthy T
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Hypotension remains one of the most common problems associated with subarachnoid blockade. A number of strategies have been developed for its prevention, of which administration of fluids prior to subarachnoid block holds the importance. Gelatin is a colloidal plasma volume expander obtained from degraded gelatine. It is as effective as albumin solution in the treatment of spinal induced hypotension. Aim: To compare the incidence and frequency of hypotension after subarachnoid block in patients receiving colloid (polymerised gelatin) or crystalloid (0.9% normal saline) as prehydration and compare side-effects of colloid and crystalloid prehydration. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients scheduled for elective Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP) surgery were selected to participate in this prospective randomised double-blind study for a period of two years from April 2006 to April 2008. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 30 patients each. Group H received 500 mL of polymerised gelatine (Haemaccel) solution and group N received 1000 mL of 0.9% normal saline15 minutes prior to subarachnoid block. Intraoperative monitoring includes SBP, DBP, MAP and HR for 30 minutes. Incidence of hypotension and number of mephentermine boluses were noted.Statistical analysis of data was determined with Mann-Whitney U test and analysis of variance for repeated measures (ANOVA). Chi-square test was used to find out possible associations. Result: After spinal anaesthesia mean systolic blood pressure decreased in both the groups and was lower in group N compared to group H (97±18.9 vs 102±9.26 mmHg). There was fall in diastolic blood pressure in both the groups and was maximum at 20th minute in group N and group H (66.37±5.47 vs 64.67±10.30). There was highly significant (p<0.01) fall in mean arterial pressure in group N. The change in the heart rate was highly significant (p<0.01) at different time interval in both the groups. Vasopressor was required in 90% and 60% patients in group N and group H, respectively. No statistical difference in the incidence of nausea and vomiting in both the groups. Conclusion: The present study showed that preloading of fluids either with colloids or crystalloids prior to subarachnoid block reduces the incidence of hypotension but not completely eliminating it, also showed that colloids offset hypovolemia and hypotension more effectively than crystalloids in patients undergoing TURP surgery.
Effectiveness of Modified Plank vs Conventional Plank on Core Muscle Endurance and Stability in Recreational Athletes: A Quasi-Experimental study
Authors: Selvakumar Kiruthika , Manoharlal Manoj Abraham , Rusli Puan Nadia Safirah Binti , Jing Low Wei , Thiruvevenkadam Ilayaraja Alagai
Published: August 2021

Introduction: The core muscle plays a major role in providing stability. Several studies have been conducted to identify the activation of core muscle in variety of planking methods but the effects of modified planking in core strengthening program is vaguely studied. Aim: This study aimed to compare the modified plank with conventional plank and to identify which mode of planking was more superior in training for endurance and dynamic stability of core muscle. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test study design was conducted for a total duration of 6 weeks and 32 subjects were assigned into two groups: Experimental group (Body Saw Plank) and Control group (conventional plank). A pre-test and post-test of core endurance and dynamic stability were measured by using McGill Torso Muscular Endurance Test and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). A paired sample t-test was used to identify a significant difference between pre-test result and post-test result within the same group. Furthermore, an independent t-test was used to determine the significant difference between the post-test on the subject’s core endurance and dynamic stability between the control group and experimental group. Results: A total of 32 subjects were selected, with a mean age of 20.63±1.6, of which 14 were males and 18 were females, with mean height, mean weight and mean BMI were 164.70±7.74, 57.26±8.57 and 21.02±2.36 respectively. After 6 weeks of intervention, there was a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test of McGill Torso Muscular Endurance Test. However, comparison of post-test between groups of the McGill Torso Muscular Endurance Test shows no significant difference. On the other hand, both groups also show significant differences between the pre-test and post-test on SEBT. However, comparison between the post-test of the control group and experimental group has no significant differences in normalised reach distance and composite score. Conclusion: The findings proved that both body saw plank and conventional plank effectively enhances core muscle endurance and also dynamic stability equally.
Thermodynamic and Adsorption Study of the Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel by Aframomum chrysanthum Extract in 0.1 M Hydrochloric Acid Solution
Authors: Fayomi Omotola M. , Chahul Habibat F. , Ike David C. , Ndukwe Gloria I. , Phoebe Ikpum M.
Published: August 2021

The study reports the corrosion inhibition activity of methanol extract of Aframomum chrysanthum on mild steel in 0.1 M HCl, using gravimetry analysis. The weight loss of the mild steels was observed to increase with increasing immersion time. The inhibition efficiency (%IE) was also observed to have increased with increasing concentrations of the inhibitor but decreases with increasing immersion time. The effect of temperature change on the inhibition efficiency was also studied and it was observed that for every increase in temperature there was a corresponding increase in weight loss and decreased in the %IE. The highest values of %IE; 46.66, 56.66, 60.0, 80.0 & 93.33 was observed at temperature 303 K for 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 & 1.0 g/L respectively. Activation energy (Ea) values and the enthalpy values reviews that the adsorption process followed a physisorption’s mechanism. Change in enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy change (ΔS) of the reaction was positive indicating the endothermic nature and the spontaneity of the reaction. Three adsorption isotherms were tried on the inhibition process and only the Temkin isotherm gave the best fit with R2 value of 0.903, describing the best adsorption mechanism. The adsorption equilibrium constants K­ads were positive, indicating the feasibility of the adsorption of the inhibitor to the metal surface. Gibb’s Free Energy change of adsorption, ΔGads are negative indicating that the adsorption of the extract of Aframomum chrysanthum on mild steel surface is spontaneous. The values of ΔGads shows physisorption mechanism. All confirming that Aframomumm chrysanthum extract is a good corrosion inhibitor on mild steel in 0.1 M HCl.
Applied Studies on Application of Capric/Caprylic MCT Oils in Food Industries
Authors: Farag Rabie S. , Hashem Hanafy A. , Naser Abdel-Al Rahman , Mohamed Montaser. A.
Published: August 2021

Non healthy oils & fats consumption in foods is the major reason of obesity in human beings.

Common cooking oils & fats are composed of medium and long chain triglycerides. Each triglyceride consist of fatty acids called medium and long chain fatty acids abbreviated as (MCFAs & LCFAs). The ratio of LCFAs is mostly higher than the MCFAs in common cooking oils to be to be suitable for heat stress applications like cooking and frying. On the other side there is natural dietary fats are rich in Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) like coconut oil and dairy fats. Also there are synthetic medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oils which are synthetized by a processes called fractionation that extracts the MCFAs as caprylic and capric acid from the other fatty acids in the coconut or palm kernel oil.

The MCFAs, shows substantial metabolic advantage compared to LCFAs. MCFAs are a preferred source of energy (b-oxidation). The last 20 years studies conﬁrmed the potential of MCFAs to reduce body weight and may reduce fasting lipid levels more than oils rich in LCFAs. The same is true for glucose levels.

In this study, the authors did chemical and instrumental studies on dietary structured MLCT and non-structured MCT/LCT cooking oils which were used for producing for weight reduction and obesity control purpose Capric /caprylic MCT oil was used as a source of MCFAs for producing of novel. Different sources of long-chain triglycerides (LCFAs) have been used including sunflower oil (SFO), Canola oil(CNO), high oleic sunflower oil (HOSFO), palm oil (PO) and double fractionated palm olein (DFOlein).

The following techniques have been used for preparation of structured and non structured cooking oils in this study :

1-Physical blending.

2 - Chemical interesteriﬁcation in a multipurpose batch reactor.

2- Enzymatic interesterification using immobilized Lipase enzyme in pilot scale packed bed reactor (PBR).

Different analytical and instrumental techniques were used in this study including Gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), Rancimate, and smoke point tester.

The study shown that the non-structured MCT/LCT oils gave reasonable heat stability, higher smoke points compared the structured MLCT oil which make it more suitable for cooking and frying applications.

 The chemical and enzymatic interesterification (CIE & EIE) technique yield a real structured MLCT oil which is more effective in caloric reduction and obesity control purpose during long term consumption in dietary foods, however, due to its much lower smoke point compared to its relative LCFAs oil so it will be suitable only for cold applications like salad dressing and other culinary applications. But not suitable for heat stress applications like deep or shallow frying.
On Social Media: The Voices of Blaan Students in Digital Age
Authors: Quijano Elizabeth Joy S.
Published: August 2021

This study aims to describe indigenous peoples’ use of social media. There are 110 ethno-linguistic groups in the Philippines who comprise nearly 15 percent of total population. Majority of indigenous peoples live in the island of Mindanao. Phenomenology was used for this study in explaining the experiences and perspectives of the Blaan students in using social media. Twenty-five Blaan students from Matanao, Davao del Sur were selected through purposive sampling. Through in-depth interviews and focus group discussion it was revealed that entertainment and leisure, emotional trauma and discrimination, research and educational purposes, and communication and socialization were the issues related to the Blaan students’ experiences on using social media. As regards insights in using social media, they identified time management, stand against discrimination, staying hopeful and positive, respecting and promoting culture, and prioritizing education. This study has significance not only in but also in the indigenous peoples’ cultural community in terms of promoting and preserving culture in the digital age.
Some Inequalities on Generalized p − k Gamma and Beta Functions
Authors: Ege Inci , Yıldırım Emrah
Published: August 2021

In this work, we firstly introduce the integral representation of the generalized p-k beta function and then employ well-known Chebychev’s and H¨older’s inequalities to obtain some inequalities on generalized p - k gamma and beta functions. Also, we show the logarithmic convexity propertiesof these functions.
Pseudo-Lindley Family of Distributions and its Properties
Authors: Uwadi U. U. , Nwezza E. E.
Published: August 2021

In this study, we proposed a family of distribution called the Pseudo Lindley family of distributions. The limiting behaviors of the density and hazard rate function of the new family are examined. Statistical properties of the proposed family of distributions derived include quantile function, moments, order statistics, and Renyi’s entropy. The maximum likelihood method was employed in obtaining the parameter estimates of the Pseudo Lindley family of distribution. Bivariate extension of the proposed family is discussed. Some special members of the family are obtained. The shape of the density function of special members could be unimodal, bathtub shaped, increasing and decreasing.
The Influence of Circulatory Forces on the Stability of Undamped Gyroscopic Systems
Authors: Akpan Ubong D.
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the effects of circulatory forces on undamped gyroscopic systems have been studied. The stability or otherwise of arising MGKN systems have been analysed using eigenvalue method and Lyapunov method. Bottema-Lakhadanov-Karapetyan theorem is also employed to further analyze the systems. Examples are given to illustrate the use of these methods in determining the stability or otherwise of undamped gyroscopic circulatory systems.
New Criterion of Robust Hܣ Stabilization for Uncertain Neutral Systems
Authors: Lu Jiyong
Published: August 2021

The problems of delay-dependent robust stability and stabilization for a class of uncertain neutral systems are investigated in this paper. At first, by constructing a new Lyapunov functional and using the Lyapunov stability theory, a new delay-dependent condition which renders the system with no external disturbance and input to be asymptotically stable is obtained and given by a linear matrix inequality. Then, based on the obtained condition, a state feedback stabilize law is designed, which guarantees closed-loop neutral systems are asymptotically stable for all the permitted uncertainties when the external disturbance is naught, and it can also guarantee the closed-loop systems have  performance under the external disturbance. The model of neutral systems with both the uncertainty and the disturbance discussed in this paper has rarely been considered before.
Effect of Phosphorus Levels and Phosphorus-Solubilization Rock Phosphate by Spent Wash on Growth and Productivity of Wheat
Authors: Ram Balu , Meena Ramawatar , Meena Rajkumar
Published: August 2021

Field experiment was conducted at Agriculture Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Science during 2014-15 and 2015-16. The experiments comprising five levels of phosphorus (control, 100% Recommended dose of N & K +50% P through SSP, 100% Recommended dose of N & K +75% P through SSP, 100% Recommended dose of N & K +50% P through rock phosphate and 100% Recommended dose of N & K +75% P through rock phosphate) in main plots and four levels of solubilization of rock phosphate treatments (control, RP:SW@1:10, RP:SW@1:40 and RP:SW@1:80) in sub-plots combinations of twenty treatment were tested in split plot design with three replications. Wheat HUW-468(variety) was sown seed of 100 kg ha-1 in rows spaced at 22.5 cm. Results revealed indicate that solubilization of rock phosphate remained at par with RP:SW@1:80 but recorded significantly higher plant height (cm), Total number of tillers/m row length, Chlorophyll content (SPAD), Test weight (gram), Grain yield, Straw yield and Biological yield (kg/ha) as compared to remaining levels of rock phosphate and control and Results further indicate that solubilization of rock phosphate remained at par with RP:SW@1:80. Results revealed that application of 100% N&K + 75% P through SSP found significantly superior over the other level.
Enchancement of GSC Using OFDM and QAM Over Reiyleign Fading Channel: A Review
Authors: Lasisi Hammed Oyebamiji , Adeagbo Funmilola Margaret , Aderinkola Bolatito Fatimah
Published: August 2021

As indispensable as communication has been to human endeavors, geographical and physical distance would have been a barrier to its effective deployment if not for the advent of wireless mobile communication. In the world today, most of the developments we see in all spheres of our modern life are influenced by communication technologies. However, the performance of each modulation scheme deployed in the communication system dictates the Quality of Service (QoS), effective cost management, efficient power, available bandwidth, Bit Error Rate (BER), and Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). Extensive research has been done with different authors proffering wide ranging solutions for generalized selection combining (GSC) algorithms in the presence of noise and interfering signals. Some of the reported approaches include varying modulation schemes, changing the channel, and using different equalizing techniques. Many of these proposed solutions worked effectively in some areas while they understandably left other areas untouched, others show better performance by analyzing the channel using; Log-likelihood Ratio (LLR), integral expression, and multiple-mode transmission scheme which in turns proof to be of better performance with a good result. Despite all the efforts, overcoming the issue of noise interference in the communication channel has still been somewhat elusive. Conclusively, to reduce noise to the barest minimum in mobile/cellular communication, this review proposes modulation scheme synchronization with combined diversity technique over an improved channel that is less prone to noise.
Prevalence and Expression of Genes of Type II Antitoxin Toxin Systems in Clinical Isolates of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Rahimkhani M. , Mordadi A. , Karami P. , Zarei O.
Published: August 2021

Objectives: Antibiotic resistance of bacteria has been increasing in recent years and reports indicate that some bacterial strains are even resistant to the last treatment line. The survey of MazEF antitoxin-toxin genes in 84 strain of MRSA and and the antimicrobial effect of supernatants on the logarithmic growth stage of the bacteria.

Methods: In this study, 84 strains of MRSA were collected. The patients included 48 males and 36 females with a mean age of 39 years.  The primers for Staphylococcus aureus type II antitoxin genes were designed. In the first step, using the mecA primer and PCR, the strains were genetically examined to confirm methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In the next step, the frequency of MazEF antitoxin-toxin genes was examined.

Results: All strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus had the F maz gene except one. The highest antibiotic resistance was related to the strains isolated from the wound and the lowest resistance was related to the strains isolated from the urine. the effect of the supernatant obtained in the death phase of Staphylococcus aureus was assessed and the antimicrobial effect of these supernatants on the logarithmic growth stage of the bacteria was measured.

Conclusion: since previous studies showed the antimicrobial effect of this supernatant on many other bacteria, a type II system was suspected that was confirmed by the results.
A Cross Sectional Study to Assess the Status of Hemoglobin and Other Blood Indices among Pregnant Women Attending Tertiary Care Hospital of Vadodara
Authors: Patel Vruti , Lakhani J. D.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: A number of adaptations happen in the anatomy, physiology and metabolic processes within the mother which aids in successful progression of the pregnancy. The different blood indices such as haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count; total WBC count etc. can be measured to evaluate haematological status in a pregnant woman. The hematological profile of the pregnant women has an impact on both pregnancy and its outcome. Anaemia in pregnancy can be leads to morbidity and mortality in mother and fetus. The current study was designed to determine the variation in status of hemoglobin and other blood indices in anemic and non-anemic pregnant women.

Aims ans Objectives: 1. To study the hematological and other blood indices among pregnant women, 2. To assess the degree of anemia in pregnant women, 3. To compare the Various hematological parameters between anemic and non -anemic pregnant women.

Materials and Methods: A Cross-sectional comparative descriptive survey design and quantitative approach was adopted to achieve the goal of the study. The study was conducted at the tertiary care hospital of Vadodara, Gujarat. Total 300 pregnant women were recruited and socio demographic information was collected. Hemoglobin concentration (Hb), total leucocyte count (TLC), differential leucocyte count (DLC), and platelet count, blood indices of the recruited samples were studied.Mean and SD of Haematological parameters were calculated and unpaired t-test was used to compare the pregnant anaemic women data with non-anaemic pregnant women.

Results: Out of 300, 204 pregnant women were found anemic and most of the pregnant women 84% belonged to rural area. In accordance with severity of anemia, Moderate degree of anemia was found to be highest (41%) in anemic pregnant women. Comparison of non - anaemic pregnant women with anaemic pregnant women shows significant changes in haematological parameters (p <0.05).

Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is significant changes in hematological parameters in each trimesters of pregnancy as well compare to non-anemic to anemic pregnant women. Most of the hematological changes occur in order to physiological adaptation of pregnancy but abnormal status of Haemoglobin and other blood indices cause adverse outcome of the pregnancy.
Malnutrition and Some Related Factors in Primary School Children in Saudi Arabia: Systemic Review
Authors: Mohamed Hassan Tag Elkhatim , Alanazi Fahad Salamah Obaid , Alanazi Salah Farhan T. , Aljuraysi Mohammed Naif H. , Alanazi Omar Ayed B.
Published: August 2021

Background: Malnutrition is an underlying factor in many diseases in both children and adults, and it contributes greatly to the disability-adjusted life years worldwide. It is a major public health concern in developing countries among children since it places a heavy burden on already disadvantaged communities.

Methods: This is systematic review was carried out, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and EBSCO using the following terms in different combinations: Malnutrition, overweight, underweight, systemic review, primary school children, Saudi Arabia.

Results: The review included 9 studies from different countries that assess the level of malnutrition and associated factors among school children. Many of studies reported high prevalence of malnutrition among school children which included overweight, stunting, wasting and underweight. The studies reported that age, gender, regularity of father’s employment, and dietary factors were associated with malnutrition. Also, the type of school attended was found to be associated with malnutrition.

Conclusion: This review concluded that there was high malnutrition prevalence among school children in different parts and its affected by many factors like age and gender.
Blood DNA methylation profiles improve breast cancer prediction
Authors: Kresovich Jacob K. , Xu Zongli , O’Brien Katie M. , Shi Min , Weinberg Clarice R. , Sandler Dale P. , Taylor Jack A.
Published: August 2021

Although blood DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles are reported to be associated with breast cancer incidence, they have not been widely used in breast cancer risk assessment. Among a breast cancer case–cohort of 2774 women (1551 cases) in the Sister Study, we used candidate CpGs and DNAm estimators of physiologic characteristics to derive a methylation‐based breast cancer risk score, mBCRS. Overall, 19 CpGs and five DNAm estimators were selected using elastic net regularization to comprise mBCRS. In a test set, higher mBCRS was positively associated with breast cancer incidence, showing similar strength to the polygenic risk score (PRS) based on 313 single nucleotide polymorphisms (313 SNPs). Area under the curve for breast cancer prediction was 0.60 for self‐reported risk factors (RFs), 0.63 for PRS, and 0.63 for mBCRS. Adding mBCRS to PRS and RFs improved breast cancer prediction from 0.66 to 0.71. mBCRS findings were replicated in a nested case–control study within the EPIC‐Italy cohort. These results suggest that mBCRS, a risk score derived using blood DNAm, can be used to enhance breast cancer prediction.
Perceptions of Physical Activity and the Use of Activity Monitors to Increase Activity Levels in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Arant Kaetlyn R. , Zimmerman Zoe E. , Bensen Gordon P. , Losina Elena , Katz Jeffrey N.
Published: August 2021

Objective

Although most total knee replacement (TKR) recipients report less pain and improved function after TKR, many remain sedentary. We aimed to understand TKR recipients’ motivations for undergoing TKR, perceptions of and goals related to physical activity, and the role, if any, that activity monitors might play in their recovery.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study, individually interviewing 27 participants who had recently undergone or were about to undergo TKR. We conducted a thematic analysis to better understand participants’ views of the benefits and barriers to physical activity after TKR.

Results

We identified nine themes and one subtheme that identify patients’ initial motivations for undergoing TKR and may help TKR recipients achieve increased activity levels and a perceived successful recovery. Some key messages that emerged from our work include the following: exercise is necessary for physical and mental health, pain and functional limitation interfere with daily life, tracking steps motivates individuals to increase activity levels, and different incentives (for engaging in physical exercise and using an activity monitor) are effective for different individuals.

Conclusion

Participants recognized the health benefits of physical activity, and many believed activity monitor use would help them become more active after surgery. Both external and internal factors played a role in motivating individuals to become more active and wear activity monitors.
Synthetic Mimics of Antimicrobial Peptides for the Targeted Therapy of Multidrug‐Resistant Bacterial Infection
Authors: Gong Chenyu , Sun Junjie , Xiao Yan , Qu Xue , Lang Meidong
Published: August 2021

Antibacterial materials are highly demanded in treatment of bacterial infection, especially severe ones with multidrug‐resistance. Herein, pH‐responsive polypeptide, i.e., poly‐L‐lysine modified by 1‐(propylthio)acetic acid‐3‐octylimidazolium and citraconic anhydride (PLL‐POIM‐CA), is synthesized by post‐polymerization modification of poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) with 1‐(propylthio)acetic acid‐3‐octylimidazolium (POIM) and citraconic anhydride (CA). It is observed that PLL‐POIM‐CA is stable under normal physiological condition, while CA cleaves rapidly at weakly acidic environment like bacterial infectious sites. The hydrolyzed PLL‐POIM‐CA exhibits excellent broad‐spectrum antibacterial activities against Gram‐negative bacteria of Escherichia coli and Gram‐positive bacteria of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In particular, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against multidrug‐resistant bacteria like MRSA is as low as 7.8 µg mL−1. Moreover, PLL‐POIM‐CA exhibits good biocompatibility with mouse fibroblast cells (L929) in vitro and improved hemocompatibility with an HC50 exceeding 5000 µg mL−1. Therefore, PLL‐POIM‐CA displays an excellent bacteria versus cells selectivity (HC50/MIC) over 534, which is 53 times higher than natural antimicrobial peptide of indolicidin. It is further demonstrated in vivo that the antimicrobial polypeptide effectively accelerates MRSA‐infected wound healing by relieving local inflammatory response. Therefore, this targeted antimicrobial polypeptide has broad application prospects for the treatment of multidrug‐resistant bacterial infection.
Simple Acridan‐Based Multi‐Resonance Structures Enable Highly Efficient Narrowband Green TADF Electroluminescence
Authors: Jiang Pengcheng , Zhan Lisi , Cao Xiaosong , Lv Xialei , Gong Shaolong , Chen Zhanxiang , Zhou Changjiang , Huang Zhongyan , Ni Fan , Zou Yang , Yang Chuluo
Published: August 2021

Multi‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) offers an exceptional solution for narrowband organic light‐emitting diode devices in terms of color purity and luminescence efficiency, while the development of new MR skeleton remains an exigent task. It is hereby demonstrated that a simple modification of the B (boron)−N (nitrogen) framework by sp3‐carbon insertion will significantly bathochromic shift the short‐range charge‐transfer emission, boost the reverse intersystem crossing process, and improve the device performances. The bis(acridan)phenylene‐based skeleton developed in this contribution presents a non‐planar conformation with functional sites to facilely introduce isolating units, deriving two luminophores with quantum yields approaching 90% in film state and narrowband emission. Corresponding green‐emissive devices realize superior performances compared to the planar carbazolyl‐based MR‐TADF analogs, featuring a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) up to 28.2% and small efficiency roll‐off without the involvement of any sensitizing host.
Stepwise Dual‐Fabry–Pérot Nanocavity for Grayscale Imaging Encryption/Concealment with Holographic Multiplexing
Authors: Dai Chenjie , Wan Chengwei , Li Zhe , Wang Zejing , Yang Rui , Zheng Guoxing , Li Zhongyang
Published: August 2021

Metal–insulator–metal (MIM) nanocavity, as a lossy Fabry–Pérot (FP) scheme, has been widely studied for color filter and perfect absorber functionality, which can be integrated into functional photonic devices. However, such triple‐layered MIM still lacks the ability to induce multiple intensity levels for meticulous grayscale imaging because of strong spectral sensitivity to cavity thickness variation. Moreover, the MIM stack remains unexplored to multiplex a near‐field nanoprinting and holographic imaging because it is challenging to break the mutual dependence relation between the intensity and phase shift. Herein, a new film stack of dual‐Fabry–Pérot (DFP) nanocavity is proposed to create triple‐fold freedom in light modulations: intensity, phase shift and operation wavelength, which can be respectively modulated by the top/bottom/total cavity length. By spatially arranging the stepwise nanocavities, the designed DFP pattern can show multiplexing dual‐channel imaging, which encrypts/conceals a grayscale nanoprinting image and simultaneously projects a far‐field holographic image. Such DFP strategy allows for new possibility of independent light modulation and creates new dimensional degree of freedom for thin‐film nanocavity. The proposed functional DFP strategy enriches the subwavelength building block design for metasurfaces and thin‐film stacks, which would promisingly empower advanced applications in information multiplexing, imaging encryption/concealing, and many other related fields.
Tunable Intramolecular Charge Transfer Effect on Diphenylpyrazine‐Based Linear Derivatives and Their Expected Performance in Blue Emitters
Authors: Wu Haozhong , Li Ganggang , Luo Juanjuan , Chen Tao , Ma Yao , Wang Zhiming , Qin Anjun , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: August 2021

High efficiency deep‐blue emitters are one of the basic requests for an outstanding full‐color organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. Herein, a linear D‐A‐D diphenylpyrazine structure is designed for maximizing the π‐conjugation effect, whilst two deep‐blue (DPP‐DPhC and DPP‐D3C) and one blue (DPP‐DTPA) fluorophores are synthesized by incorporating the N‐phenylcarbazole and triphenylamine donor units, respectively. As a result, they emit bright deep‐blue to blue fluorescence with the luminescence quantum yields of 0.312–0.888 in solid state. Fortunately, all the non‐doped and doped OLED devices show deep‐blue (N‐phenylcarbazole disubstituted compounds, DPP‐DPhC and DPP‐D3C) and blue (triphenylamine derivative, DPP‐DTPA) electroluminescence (EL) performance with the maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of >4%. Comprehensively considering other parameters, the deep‐blue non‐doped OLED device based on DPP‐DPhC exhibits the best EL performance with the maximum EQE of 5.73% with the Commission International de L'Eclairage (CIEx,y) coordinate of (0.151, 0.078) among them. These results demonstrate the feasibility of this strategy and provide a simple method to achieve high efficiency deep‐blue emitters.
Transient and Biocompatible Resistive Switching Memory Based on Electrochemically‐Deposited Zinc Oxide
Authors: Xue Qi , Hang Tao , Gong Zheng , Chen Linfeng , Liang Jianghu , Sun Yu , Lu Di , Zhang Xiaonong , Chen Chun‐Chao , Li Ming
Published: August 2021

“Transient” resistive random access memory (RRAM) has attracted tremendous research interests in recent years, due to its biodegradable characteristics and data storage capability. Zinc oxide (ZnO) has been widely used as the biodegradable and biocompatible material. However, research on ZnO based‐RRAM shows undesired performance due to masses of intrinsic defects and low crystallinity in ZnO films when deposited using sputtering and so on. In this work, excellent crystallinity and oxygen vacancy‐poor electrochemically‐deposited zinc oxide (ED‐ZnO) films are utilized as the active layer for fabricating transient resistive memory device with a structure of Ag/ED‐ZnO/W. This ED‐ZnO RRAM device exhibits uniform switching voltage, stable retention time (over 104 s) at 37 °C, and outstanding endurance up to 2500 cycles without obvious degradation. Additionally, a fully degradable RRAM device is fabricated by water‐assisted transfer printing method and it can be dissolved completely after immersed in phosphate buffered saline solution without encapsulation layer after 60 min. The cell toxicity test demonstrates the biocompatibility of the dissolved memory device. These results suggest that the ED‐ZnO based transient RRAM has a significant potential for data storage applications in transient electric system and implantable biomedical device.
The effect of radial impeller geometry on the link between power and flow numbers
Authors: John Thomas P. , Fonte Claudio P. , Kowalski Adam , Rodgers Thomas L.
Published: August 2021

Impellers in stirred vessels are often characterized by dimensionless numbers such as the power and flow numbers. These are often crucial in determining mixing performance. Previous studies for high‐shear mixers have yielded correlations between the power, flow, and mixer geometries, since in these mixers the flow can be independently varied. For stirred vessels, dimensional analysis is typically used to develop such correlations, leading to less accurate predictive models. Here, we combine an analysis based on a balance of angular momentum balance with computational fluid dynamics simulations to comprehensively study the effect of impeller geometry on the relationship between power and flow. The results allow for the prediction of the flow generated by the impeller based on the easily measurable impeller power consumption and the geometrical dimensions of the impeller. The models are accurate over a wide range of geometries. Furthermore, we are able to predict both the primary and total flows.
An Effient Synthesis of Pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxaline Derivatives via Isocyanide Insertion into the N−H Bond of 2‐(1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)anilines
Authors: Luo Liangliang , Xiong Tong , Zhou Liyan , Zeng Qin , Xiao You‐Cai , Chen Fen‐Er
Published: August 2021

We describe a highly efficient cyclization of substituted 2‐(1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)anilines with isocyanides. Various pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxalines and 4‐aminopyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxalines were obtained by Lewis acid (TMSCl) or transition‐metal (palladium) catalyzed isocyanide insertion in good to high yields. The notable feature of this protocol includes its mild reaction condition, diverse products and broad functional group tolerance.
A General Synthesis Strategy for Hollow Metal Oxide Microspheres Enabled by Gel‐Assisted Precipitation
Authors: Luo Jin‐Min , Sun Tian‐Qi , Sun Yong‐Gang , Lv Rong‐Wen , Cao An‐Min , Wan Li‐Jun
Published: August 2021

Hollow metal oxide microspheres (HMMs) have drawn enormous attention in different research fields. Reliable and scalable synthetic protocols applicable for a large variety of metal oxides are in emergent demand. Here we demonstrated that polymer hydrogel, such as the resorcinol formaldehyde (RF) one, existed as an efficient synthetic platform to build HMMs. Specifically, the RF gel forms stacked RF microspheres enlaced with its aqueous phase, where the following evaporation of the highly dispersed water leads to a gel‐assisted precipitation (GAP) of the dissolved metal precursor onto the embedded polymeric solids suited for the creation of HMMs. By taking advantage of the structural features of hydrogel, this synthesis design avoids the delicate control on the usually necessitated coating process and provides a simple and effective synthetic process versatile for functional HMMs, particularly Nb2O5 as a high‐performance electrode material in Li‐ion intercalation pseudocapacitor.
A study on the state and parameter cooperative estimation of nonlinear mechanical systems
Authors: Pak Jong Hyok , Choi Kwang Chol , Han Dae Ho
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we propose a new state and parameter cooperative estimation design method for the nonlinear mechanical systems that can measure the configurations. The paper is based on a preceding state observer that is intrinsic to nonlinear mechanical systems and considers the case where a design parameter differs by some constant error from the real parameter. In the paper, we first confirmed through theory and simulation that the configurations estimated by the observer differ from those of the real dynamics. Then we confirm that modifying the parameter in a direction reducing the difference between the measured and estimated configurations can sufficiently estimate the real parameter, and we derive a parameter estimation equation based on it. Furthermore, we designed a new cooperative estimation method that estimates the system states and a parameter simultaneously in association with each other by adding this estimation equation to an intrinsic observer designed for mechanical systems. Numerical simulations show that it estimates an exact parameter value while ensuring convergence rates as much as the preceding observer.
Developments in Dilatometry for Characterisation of Electrochemical Devices
Authors: Michael Harry , Jervis Rhodri , Brett Dan J. L. , Shearing Paul R.
Published: August 2021

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of authors from The Electrochemical Innovation Lab at University College London and The Faraday Institution. The cover picture shows how electrochemical dilatometry can inform real world battery applications through the study of electrode expansion characterisation of various battery chemistries. Read the full text of the Review by H. Michael et al.
Factors and methods to modulate DNA hybridization kinetics
Authors: Wong Kingsley L. , Liu Juewen
Published: August 2021

DNA oligonucleotides are widely used in a diverse range of research fields from analytical chemistry, molecular biology, nanotechnology to drug delivery. In these applications, DNA hybridization is often the most important enabling reaction. Achieving control over hybridization kinetics and a high yield of hybridized products is needed to ensure high‐quality and reproducible results. Since DNA strands are highly negatively charged and can also fold upon itself to form various intramolecular structures, DNA hybridization needs to overcome these barriers. Nucleation and diffusion are two main kinetic limiting steps although their relative importance differs in different conditions. The effects of length and sequence, temperature, pH, salt concentration, cationic polymers, organic solvents, freezing and crowding agents are summarized in the context of overcoming these barriers. This article will help researchers in the biotechnology‐related fields to better understand and control DNA hybridization, as well as provide a landscape for future work in simulation and experiment to optimize DNA hybridization systems.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Encapsulation of Enzymes over Porous Solids for Biodiesel Production and Cellulose Valorization into Glucose
Authors: Cirujano Francisco G. , Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi
Published: August 2021

Different porous supports of enzyme catalysts are reviewed here for the valorization of biomass and production of biodiesel, given the high yields and mild reaction conditions in the presence of the biocatalysts. Two main types of enzymes have been widely employed for such endeavors, i. e. lipase and cellulase, which are able to produce fatty acid alkyl esters and glucose from fats and cellulose, respectively. Robust and versatile porous silica, carbon, polymers and metal‐organic frameworks are among the most employed supports of the enzymes, via simple adsorption or covalent grafting. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review by comparing the catalytic performance of the enzymes supported over porous solids with respect to the bulk/free enzymes in terms of yields, stability and recycling, highlighting the benefits of the porous support for an optimal biocatalytic performance in the biodiesel production and cellulose valorization into glucose. The final section provides our views for further developments in this field.