bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF HIV/AIDS AMONG MEN, WOMEN AND YOUTH IN CROP PRODUCTION OF JEMA’A AND GIWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Michael, H. Y.
Published: April 2023

This study was conducted, to analyze the effects of HIV/AIDS among men, women and youth in crop production in Jema’a and Giwa local government areas of Kaduna state, Nigeria. Jema’a and Giwa were purposively selected due to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and the youth and women are predominantly crop farmers. A sample size of 192 respondents was randomly and proportionately selected for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit relevant data from the respondents. Percentages and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the data. The results showed that women were 41.8% and youth58.2%, and 73.0% had secondary education status, about 70% of the respondents earned between N1,000.00 - N15,000.00 monthly with the mean earning of N12,595.1. The study established that about 84% of respondents agree that HIV/AIDS significantly affects their crops output and income at 5% level of significance. It was concluded that HIV/AIDS has significant economic effects on crops output and income of the respondents. It was recommended that, enlightenment campaign on abstinence should be intensified and use of condoms if abstinence is not possible should be the best alternative for this active stubborn group; provision of credit facilities and inputs should be directly delivered to the effected HIV/AIDS farmers in good time and legislation that can protect the land rights of women and children. This may help to improve the income levels of women who in a great measure contribute to crop production development in Nigeria.
PRODUCTIVITY OF GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea L.) AS INFLUENCED BY VARIETY AND SPACING IN NINGI LGA, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Abdussalam, M. S.
Published: April 2023

The experiment was conducted at Ningi during dry season of 2021 and 2022 to evaluate the effect of variety and spacing on the growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The treatments consisted of two groundnut varieties (Samnut 21 and Samnut 24) and four intra-row spacings (10, 15, 20 and 25 cm); these were factorially combined to give eight treatment combinations and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RBCD) with three replications. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, 100 grains weight and grain yield. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was adopted in separating the means. The result of the experiment showed that, there was a significant difference (P= 0.05) in both years on all the parameters observed. The results further indicated that, spacing of 15x50 cm produced statistically (P= 0.05) similar result with 20x50 cm, however the two treatments were better than the other spacing used. Varieties on the other hand, Samnut 24 proved to be significantly (P= 0.05) better than Samnut 21 on most of the parameters observed. Considering year of study however, 2021 was found to be statistically (P= 0.05) better than 2022 in all the parameters observed. Based on the results, growing Samnut 24 at a spacing of 15 x 50cm can be adopted by farmers for groundnut production in the study area.
RESPONSE OF TOMATO (SOLANUM LYCORPERSICUM L.) TO TRANSPLANTING AGE AND NUTRIENT SOURCE IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Zakari, A.  , Garba, A. A.  , Sabo, M. U.
Published: April 2023

Field experiment was carried out for two years during the dry seasons of 2020 and 2021 to study the response of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to transplanted age and nutrient source in Miri ward, Bauchi state, Nigeria. Five transplanted ages (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks) after emergence from nursery and three nutrient sources, mineral fertilizer NPK, poultry manure, and control were used for the study. The five transplanted ages and three nutrient sources gave 15 treatment combinations and these were factorially combined and laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three (3) replications. During the research, growth characters such as plant height, number of branches and stem diameter were measured. Similarly, yield characters such as number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, and fruit yield/hectare were also measured. The results obtained revealed that tomato respond to both transplanted age and nutrient source. Transplanting 5 weeks old seedlings significantly (P≤0.05) led to higher growth characters such as plant height, number of branches, stem diameter and yield characters such as fruit yield/ha than the other transplanted ages used. Among the different nutrient sources applied, application of poultry manure at the rate of 9t/ha and NPK at the rate of 110:45:45kg/ha produced significantly (P<0.05) higher growth characters such as plant height, branches, stem diameter and yield characters such as fruit weight and fruit yield (kg/ha). Based on the findings of this study, transplanting 5 weeks old seedlings and application of either poultry manure at the rate of 9t/ha, or NPK 15:15:15 at the rate of 110:45:45kg/ha led to higher yield of tomato than the control and can be used by farmers to improve tomato production in the study area.
ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS IN RICE FARMING IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Adebayo, E. F.  , Dauna, Y.  , Giroh, D. Y.
Published: April 2023

Risk factors such as frequent changes in input cost, drought, herdsmen activities and high degree of product price fluctuation could bring about severe loss in rice production and discouragement to present and prospective rice farmers. The study was conducted to assess the risk factors associated with rice farming in Adamawa State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: investigate risk factors that limit rice farmers from achieving maximum potential yields from rice farms and to predict the future state of rice farm output in the long run. Data were collected from 184 rice farmers using multi stage sampling techniques. Risk impact/probability chart was used to assess the potential impact of risk factors on rice output. The Markov chain model was employed to predict the future state of rice farm output.  The result revealed that frequent change in input costs is a risk that its occurrence is almost certain and has high destructive tendency. The result of Markov chain predicted that in the long run more than 51% of the rice farmers in Adamawa State would produce above 10 tonnes annually. To improve rice production, it is recommended that input prices should be subsidized and stabilized by government.
DIETARY LEVELS OF PINEAPPLE PEELS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE, NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF WEANER RABBITS
Authors: Ibrahim, H.  , Alemede, C. I.  , Saidu, Q. V.
Published: April 2023

A feeding trial was conducted on weaner rabbit (Oryctolagus cunniculus) to assess the growth, reproductive performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics rabbits fed graded levels of inclusion of dried pineapple peal meal. Thirty-six (36) composite weaned rabbits of mixed sexed and aged between 6 and 8 weeks were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments group with nine rabbits per treatments. Each treatment had three replicates with 3 rabbits in the ratio of 2 females and 1 male per replicate. The pineapple peal was included in the diet at varying inclusion levels of 0,5,10 and 15 % (forming diets T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively) T1 was the control diet. The experiment lasted for fourteen (14) weeks. Data were collected on growth parameter (body weight feed intake and conversion ratio.), at the end of the 7 weeks digestibility trial using a total collection method. Reproductive performance trial was also determined and carcass characteristics 8 weeks, 2 rabbits per replicate were slaughtered eviscerated and dressed to obtain carcass information on the carcass, weighted and expressed as percentage live weight. Result revealed non- significant (P<0.05) differences in the values obtained for final weight gain, feed conversion ratio and mortality. Result of nutrient digestibility revealed a significant different (P<0.05) most of the parameters (CP. CF and Ash). Significant (P<0.05) different were also recorded in the semen characteristics (sperm per ejaculate and % live sperm. Also, carcass characteristics were observed to be significantly (P<0.05) different on head, fore limb and hind limb). Result obtained for the experiments revealed significant differences in most of growth parameters, higher values of total weight gains and feed intake were observed in T2(5%) 508.33level of inclusion level with T4(15 %) 485.33 lower values. Results of carcass characteristics revealed significant difference (P<0.05) in back, hind limbs and fore limbs, respectively, with T2 having higher values of 181.60, 23.76, for organ weight of weaner rabbits the kidney revealed significant effects (P<0.05) with T2 (5%) having a higher value 6.00 and lower value of 5.20 at T4(15%) inclusion level. Also, the result of semen characteristics revealed significant difference (P<0.05) on sperm ejaculate and live sperm % with T3(10%) having the highest value 355.00 and lowest value of 0.275.00 at T1(5%). It can therefore be recommended that 5% (T2) of dry peal pineapple meal can be included in the diet of weaner rabbit for optimum growth performance, nutrient rabbit digestibility and carcass characteristics while T4(15%) inclusion level for reproductive
AN ASSESSMENT OF TEA PROCESSING AND CONSUMPTION AMONG TEA FARMERS’ IN MAMBILLA, TARABA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ndagi, I.
Published: April 2023

The study assessed tea processing and consumption among tea farmers’ in Mambilla, Taraba State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling was used to select 384 tea farmers in the study area. Data were collected from the respondents with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Simple descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) were the major analytical tools employed in analysing the data. The study revealed that majority of the respondents were male, married and within the age bracket of 31-50 years. The study also revealed that majority of the respondents (55.9%) consumed about 1.44 litres of tea per day and that majority of the respondents (91.4%) consumed the tea in the morning. Majority of the respondents (94.3%) consume home prepared tea and black tea was the most consumed tea by the respondents. Alcoholic drinks, cocoa, and coffee are alternative drinks to tea consumed in the study area. The study further revealed that sex and education influenced the quantity of tea consumed in the study area. It was therefore recommended that there should be intensive enlightenment on the health benefits associated with tea consumption.
THE ROLE OF COOPERATIVE SOCIETY IN IMPROVING FARMERS LIVELIHOOD IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ndagi, I.  , Ahmed, A.  , Ubandoma, G. A.  , Umar, A.
Published: April 2023

The cooperative was formed as a result of human sufferings and degradation during the industrial revolution in England. The social impact of the revolution was pronounced and largely felt by the common man who needed to improve their conditions of living that had deteriorated to an inhuman standard. The study is set out to describe socio economics characteristics of the cooperators and the various cooperative societies as well as the role cooperative society play in improving the livelihood of cooperators in the study area. The study was conducted in Lapai Local Government area of Niger State. Purposive selection of five villages: Eshi, Kuchi, Gulu, Ebbo, and Puzhi was due to the predominant of cooperative societies in these villages. A total of 90 respondents were randomly selected from sampled communities. Primary and Secondary data were used with the aid of a structured interview scheduled. Data collected were analyzed using the descriptive statistics, Likert-type scale and binary logistic regression model.  The result revealed that majority of the respondents 77.8% are within the age of ≤60, married and literate with farming experience of about 30 years. More than half 64% of the respondents belonged to a cooperative society with mean years of about 8. Majority of the cooperators 81% belonged to producer cooperative society. The strong bargaining power has a mean score of 3.14 which is greater than the neutral point and is therefore accepted.
Pengendalian Cacat Produk PDL Loreng Tni AD Dengan Metode Six Sigma Di PT Sri Rejeki Isman Tbk
Authors: Sugiyarto Sugiyarto
Published: April 2023

Sri Rejeki Isman Tbk adalah perusahaan yang bergerak dalam bidang garmen dengan salah satu hasil produksi berupa PDL Loreng TNI AD. Berdasarkan pengamatan selama 3 (tiga) hari, dalam menghasilkan produk PDL Loreng TNI AD 450 pcs terdapat produk cacat sebesar 17,33%. Maka dari itu penelitian ini digunakan untuk mengetahui kemampuan proses berdasarkan produk cacat yang ada dengan metode DMAIC dan pendekatan six sigma yang kemudian dilakukan pengendalian dengan menganalisis penyebab kecacatan menggunakan fishbone diagram. Setelah dilakukan pengolahan data didapat nilai DPMO sebesar 28.888,89 yang dapat diartikan bahwa dari satu juta kesempatan akan terdapat 28.888,89 kemungkinan produk yang dihasilkan mengalami kecacatan. Produk tersebut berada pada tingkat 3,40-sigma dengan CTQ (Critical To Quality) yang paling banyak menimbulkan cacat yaitu sambung jahitan 38,47% dari total cacat 78. Dari hasil analisis berdasarkan sebab akibat, faKtor manusia, metode dan mesin menjadi aspek penyebab masalah utama yang perlu mendapat perhatian.
Stereomicroscopic on-site evaluation in endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition of upper gastrointestinal subepithelial lesions
Authors: Nakatani Seigo , Okuwaki Kosuke , Watanabe Masafumi , Imaizumi Hiroshi , Iwai Tomohisa , Matsumoto Takaaki , Hasegawa Rikiya , Masutani Hironori , Kurosu Takahiro , Tamaki Akihiro , Ishizaki Junro , Ishizaki Ayana , Kida Mitsuhiro , Kusano Chika
Published: April 2023

Background/Aims: In stereomicroscopic sample isolation processing, the cutoff value (≥4 mm) of stereomicroscopically visible white cores indicates high diagnostic sensitivity. We aimed to evaluate endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) using a simplified stereomicroscopic on-site evaluation of upper gastrointestinal subepithelial lesions (SELs).Methods: In this multicenter prospective trial, we performed EUS-TA using a 22-gauge Franseen needle in 34 participants with SELs derived from the upper gastrointestinal muscularis propria, requiring pathological diagnosis. The presence of stereomicroscopically visible white core (SVWC) in each specimen was assessed using stereomicroscopic on-site evaluation. The primary outcome was EUS-TA’s diagnostic sensitivity with stereomicroscopic on-site evaluation based on the SVWC cutoff value (≥4 mm) for malignant upper gastrointestinal SELs.Results: The total number of punctures was 68; 61 specimens (89.7%) contained stereomicroscopically visible white cores ≥4 mm in size. The final diagnoses were gastrointestinal stromal tumor, leiomyoma, and schwannoma in 76.5%, 14.7%, and 8.8% of the cases, respectively. The sensitivity of EUS-TA with stereomicroscopic on-site evaluation based on the SVWC cutoff value for malignant SELs was 100%. The per-lesion accuracy of histological diagnosis reached the highest level (100%) at the second puncture.Conclusions: Stereomicroscopic on-site evaluation showed high diagnostic sensitivity and could be a new method for diagnosing upper gastrointestinal SELs using EUS-TA.
CAMILLO NERI, Saffo. Testimonianze e frammenti. Introduzione, testo critico, traduzione e commento, Berlin, De Gruyter, 2022, 1124 pp. [ISBN 978-3-11-073936-7].
Authors: Redondo Jordi
Published: April 2023

CAMILLO NERI, Testimonianze e frammenti. Introduzione, testo critico, traduzione e commento, Berlin, De Gruyter, 2022, 1124 pp. [ISBN 978-3-11-073936-7]
LOURDES BONHOME PULIDO, MIREIA MOVELLÁN LUIS (edd.), Del relato martirial al género hagiográfico en la tardoantigüedad. Personajes y espacios liminales, Madrid-Porto, Sindéresis, 2022, 200 pp. [ISBN 978-84-19199-10-2]
Authors: Redondo Jordi
Published: April 2023

LOURDES BONHOME PULIDO, MIREIA MOVELLÁN LUIS (edd.), Del relato martirial al género hagiográfico en la tardoantigüedad. Personajes y espacios liminales, Madrid-Porto, Sindéresis, 2022, 200 pp. [ISBN 978-84-19199-10-2]
BEGOÑA ORTEGA VILLARO, MARÍA TERESA AMADO RODRÍGUEZ, Antología Palatina. Libros XIII, XIV, XV (epigramas variados), Madrid, CSIC (Alma Mater, colección de autores griegos y latinos), 2021, 465 pp. [ISBN: 978-84-00-10888-5]
Authors: Pérez Lambás Fernando
Published: April 2023

BEGOÑA ORTEGA VILLARO, MARÍA TERESA AMADO RODRÍGUEZ, Antología Palatina. Libros XIII, XIV, XV (epigramas variados), Madrid, CSIC (Alma Mater, colección de autores griegos y latinos), 2021, 465 pp. [ISBN: 978-84-00-10888-5]
CRISTINA SANTOS PINHEIRO, JOAQUIM PINHEIRO, GABRIEL F. SILVA, RUI CARLOS FONSECA, Gynaikeia. Colectânea de textos antigos de ginecologia, Famalicão, Humus–Centro de Estudos Clássicos–Universidade de Madeira, 2022, 345 pp. [ISBN: 978-989-755-802-3]
Authors: Coronel Ramos Marco Antonio
Published: April 2023

CRISTINA SANTOS PINHEIRO, JOAQUIM PINHEIRO, GABRIEL F. SILVA, RUI CARLOS FONSECA, Gynaikeia. Colectânea de textos antigos de ginecologia, Famalicão, Humus–Centro de Estudos Clássicos–Universidade de Madeira, 2022, 345 pp. [ISBN: 978-989-755-802-3]
JAVIER VELAZA (ed. y trad.), Historia Augusta, Madrid, Cátedra, 2022, 560 pp. [ISBN 978-84-376-4447-9]
Authors: Coronel Ramos Marco Antonio
Published: April 2023

JAVIER VELAZA (ed. y trad.), Historia Augusta, Madrid, Cátedra, 2022, 560 pp. [ISBN 978-84-376-4447-9]
JESÚS M. NIETO IBAÑEZ, RAÚL LÓPEZ LÓPEZ (edd.), Lorenzo de Zamora. Monarquía mística I, Berlín, Peter Lang, 2022, 895 pp. [ISBN: 978-3-631-84438-0]
Authors: Coronel Ramos Marco Antonio
Published: April 2023

JESÚS M. NIETO IBAÑEZ, RAÚL LÓPEZ LÓPEZ (edd.), Lorenzo de Zamora. Monarquía mística I, Berlín, Peter Lang, 2022, 895 pp. [ISBN: 978-3-631-84438-0]
SALVADOR RUS RUFINO, FRANCISCO ARENAS-DOLZ, El descubrimiento de la política: Solón de Atenas, Madrid, Tecnos, 2022, 379 pp. [ISBN 978-84-309-8490-9]
Authors: Coronel Ramos Marco Antonio
Published: April 2023

SALVADOR RUS RUFINO, FRANCISCO ARENAS-DOLZ, El descubrimiento de la política: Solón de Atenas, Madrid, Tecnos, 2022, 379 pp. [ISBN 978-84-309-8490-9]
Clinical and dermatoscopic correlation in facial melanosis: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary hospital
Authors:   Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Sardar Patel Medical College, Bikaner, Rajasthan, Mohta Vijeta , Mohta Alpana ,   Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Sardar Patel Medical College, Bikaner, Rajasthan, Mehta Rajesh ,   Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Sardar Patel Medical College, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Published: April 2023

Background: Facial pigmentary disorders are a group of heterogeneous entities, sharing a common clinical feature of altered pigmentation of the face. The overlapping features among the different clinical entities of facial hyperpigmentation may be differentiated by dermatoscopy. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the different types of facial melanosis and their dermatoscopic findings. Methods: This non-interventional, cross-sectional study was conducted at our dermatology department over a period of one year. All clinically diagnosed cases of facial melanosis were included in our study and their dermatoscopic evaluation was performed. Results: We included 500 patients with facial melanosis. While 370 patients were female, 130 were males. Three hundred patients had melasma, 59 (lichen planus pigmentosus) had LPP, 40 had Riehl’s melanosis, while 35 had frictional melanosis. Other dermatoses included acanthosis nigricans, ashy dermatosis, and poikiloderma of Civatte, to name a few. The most common dermatoscopic finding in our study evident in almost all cases of facial melanosis was exaggerated pseudo-reticular hyperpigmentation. The unique observation in our study, the reticulo-globular pattern seen in melasma, was thin and in the shade of brown pigmentation, whereas in LPP and ashy dermatosis, it was comparatively thicker and grayish-brown in color. The other specific finding observed was telangiectasia due to topical steroids, more prominent and enlarged than telangiectasia due to sun exposure in melasma and poikiloderma of Civatte. Conclusion: This study highlights the clinical and dermatoscopic features of facial melanosis. Further research is required in this field of dermatoscopic evaluation of facial melanosis to define more accurate diagnostic features as a facial biopsy is mostly refused by the patients, yet meanwhile, clinical evaluation should not be neglected. Study Limitations: The limitations of our study were the lack of direct histopathological correlation and the inclusion of both therapy-naive patients and patients on therapy. Key words: Facial melanosis; Dermatoscope; Melasma
Assessment and Evaluation of Emergency Remote Teaching for a Project-Based Assignment on the Production of Eco-Innovative Food Products – A Case Study
Authors: Katsouli Maria , Giannou Virginia , Taoukis Petros
Published: April 2023

Institutions of Higher Education (HEIs) faced great challenges, due to the COVID- crisis, on swiftly dealing with this unprecedented situation regarding the implementation of practical courses and interactive educational activities such as project-based courses. The aim of this work is to analyze the challenges and difficulties that arose through this process and the benefits that have emerged for both students and educators. For this reason, questionnaires were designed to study the pedagogical practices used for a project-based course, during the pandemic, and were distributed online to all students and supervisors enrolled in the course. The course entailed the design of an innovative food product, from the interactive analysis of different novel ideas to the production of a final product of high nutritional and ecological profile. Despite the concern that the enforcement of distance learning would significantly affect project-based courses, the majority of respondents confirmed that their institution adapted the curriculum successfully. They also declared satisfaction with the general format, and teaching procedures adopted, and agreed that the online modality can properly transmit educational content. Although, both faculty and students needed to adapt to the distance learning modality and become familiar with the use of new digital tools, they agreed that it can be very useful and provide benefits, when properly planned in advance and accompanied by the right technical support, equipment and class materials.
Production and Evaluation of an Instant Maize-Soy Flour Enriched With Refractance Window Dried Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) Powder
Authors: Nansereko Sophie , Muyonga John , Byaruhanga Yusuf
Published: April 2023

Porridge is a staple food in many developing countries and is usually used as a weaning or breakfast food. The increased preference for convenient and healthy meals has increased the desire for nutrientenriched instant flours. Jackfruit is an underutilised fruit that is rich in vitamin C and other bioactive components. This study aimed to evaluate dried jackfruit powder as an ingredient for porridge flour. Formulations were made by substituting varying levels (0, 10, 20 and 30, 40 and 50%) of an extruded maize-soy blend (MSB) constituting 70% maize and 30% soy with refractance window dried jackfruit powder. The composite flours were used to make porridges which were analysed for their sensory acceptability by a 60-member semi-trained panel. The viscosity, water holding capacity, oil holding capacity, solubility index and bulk density of the flours were also assessed. Porridge acceptability, flour proximate composition, ascorbic acid and carotenoid content for the most preferred experimental formulation were compared to commercial maize-based instant flour and plain maize-soy instant flour. The most acceptable porridge was made from the 50% MSB and 50% jackfruit flour blend. The 50% jackfruit - MSB blend and control commercial instant flours attained drinking viscosity (2,500–3,000cP) at 20% and 31% flour rates. The energy, protein, iron, calcium, β-carotene, and vitamin C densities of jackfruit - MSB porridge were 47.8 %, 48.9 %, 158.1 %, 226.5 %, 230.3 % and 125.9 % higher than those obtained from plain MSB porridge respectively. The results showed the potential of jackfruit as an ingredient for the nutritional enrichment of flours meant for making porridge.
Fabrication technology of void embedded silicon-on-insulator substrate
Authors: Jia Xin , Liu Qiang , Mu Zhi-Qiang , Zhou Hong-Yang , Yu Wen-Jie ,   National Key Laboratory of Integrated Circuit Materials, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 200050, China
Published: April 2023

Void embedded silicon-on-insulator (VESOI) substrate is a newly developed silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate for advanced complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices and integration technology. However, in the ion-cutting process for preparing the substrate, numerous hydrogen bubbles aggregate at the cut interface, which compresses the cavity structure and might cause the thin film above the cavity to be damaged and delaminated. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct in-depth research on the stress mechanism and process stability in the preparation of VESOI substrates. This study focuses on a single rectangular cavity structure and uses the fixed-supported beam theory to analyze its mechanical behavior during fabrication, and a three-dimensional model of cavity structure is constructed by using the finite element analysis tool. Through stress simulation, the failure mechanism of the cavity structure is identified, and the weak points are confirmed. The results show that the short side length (w), top silicon film thickness (t), and hydrogen bubble pressure are the main factors affecting the stress state of the top silicon film. When the w/t ratio exceeds 4–5, the silicon film will fracture owing to excessive tensile stress, and the fracture site is along the long side of the rectangular cavity. By increasing the thickness of the top silicon film slightly and adding support structures inside the cavity (to reduce w), this work successfully prepares high-quality 8-inch VESOI substrates that meet the requirements for the CMOS production line. The present study is expected to provide valuable idea for the development of integrated technologies relying on VESOI substrates.
Age-related differences in prefrontal glutamate are associated with increased working memory decay that gives the appearance of learning deficits
Authors: Rmus Milena , He Mingjian , Baribault Beth , Walsh Edward G , Festa Elena K , Collins Anne GE , Nassar Matthew R
Published: April 2023

The ability to use past experience to effectively guide decision-making declines in older adulthood. Such declines have been theorized to emerge from either impairments of striatal reinforcement learning systems (RL) or impairments of recurrent networks in prefrontal and parietal cortex that support working memory (WM). Distinguishing between these hypotheses has been challenging because either RL or WM could be used to facilitate successful decision-making in typical laboratory tasks. Here we investigated the neurocomputational correlates of age-related decision-making deficits using an RL-WM task to disentangle these mechanisms, a computational model to quantify them, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy to link them to their molecular bases. Our results reveal that task performance is worse in older age, in a manner best explained by working memory deficits, as might be expected if cortical recurrent networks were unable to sustain persistent activity across multiple trials. Consistent with this, we show that older adults had lower levels of prefrontal glutamate, the excitatory neurotransmitter thought to support persistent activity, compared to younger adults. Individuals with the lowest prefrontal glutamate levels displayed the greatest impairments in working memory after controlling for other anatomical and metabolic factors. Together, our results suggest that lower levels of prefrontal glutamate may contribute to failures of working memory systems and impaired decision-making in older adulthood.
A TRAF-like E3 ubiquitin ligase TrafE coordinates ESCRT and autophagy in endolysosomal damage response and cell-autonomous immunity to Mycobacterium marinum
Authors: Raykov Lyudmil , Mottet Manon , Nitschke Jahn , Soldati Thierry
Published: April 2023

Cells are perpetually challenged by pathogens, protein aggregates or chemicals, that induce plasma membrane or endolysosomal compartments damage. This severe stress is recognised and controlled by the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) and the autophagy machineries, which are recruited to damaged membranes to either repair or to remove membrane remnants. Yet, insight is limited about how damage is sensed and which effectors lead to extensive tagging of the damaged organelles with signals, such as K63-polyubiquitin, required for the recruitment of membrane repair or removal machineries. To explore the key factors responsible for detection and marking of damaged compartments, we use the professional phagocyte Dictyostelium discoideum. We found an evolutionary conserved E3-ligase, TrafE, that is robustly recruited to intracellular compartments disrupted after infection with Mycobacterium marinum or after sterile damage caused by chemical compounds. TrafE acts at the intersection of ESCRT and autophagy pathways and plays a key role in functional recruitment of the ESCRT subunits ALIX, Vps32 and Vps4 to damage sites. Importantly, we show that the absence of TrafE severely compromises the xenophagy restriction of mycobacteria as well as ESCRT-mediated and autophagy-mediated endolysosomal membrane damage repair, resulting in early cell death.
A escrita acadêmica e a formação de pesquisadores: superando os obstáculos epistemológicos na produção de um artigo científico
Authors: Pereira Raphael
Published: April 2023

A escrita acadêmica é uma atividade social, na qual a construção dos conhecimentos científicos adquire o formato de textos concretos que fazem parte do contexto acadêmico. O indivíduo que produz um texto acadêmico é desafiado a escrever, socializar pesquisas e construir conhecimento científico, pois essa tarefa não é fácil. O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi analisar a construção de artigos científicos desenvolvidos por estudantes a partir da proposta da recursividade. A metodologia teve uma abordagem quantitativa com objetivos descritivos e procedimentos de campo. A amostra foi composta por 60 estudantes dos cursos de Educação Física e Fisioterapia de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior privada da cidade de Vitória-ES. Os resultados evidenciaram que a experiência de construção de um artigo científico foi potencializadora, pois o momento é de internalização de conhecimentos básicos para ser um pesquisador inicial. E nesse clima de poder errar e refazer é que se abre o caminho para despertar o espírito científico dos estudantes. As melhorias obtidas refletem a capacidade do estudante fazer e refazer seu trabalho com a finalidade de aprimorá-lo sempre. As intervenções realizadas durante o processo de vivência de produção do artigo científico minimizaram os obstáculos epistemológicos nos momentos do fazer.
Performance-Based Assessment in Contemporary Classroom Assessment: The Forms and Nature
Authors: Gyamfi Abraham , Langee Patience , Yeboah Abraham , Adu Isaac Aboagye
Published: April 2023

Performance-based assessment (PBA) is one of the contemporary forms of assessment that is being advocated for by many assessment experts. This is because it has proven to bridge the gap between knowing and doing. It allows students to apply learned concepts in solving real life situational problems. It has advantage over the traditional assessment which only requires student to choose rather than creating responses. It also allows students to think differently in creating a solution to a real-life problem. However, most teachers have little knowledge of the forms and nature of performance-based assessment even though some have taken at least a course in classroom assessment. This paper therefore presents the forms and nature of performance-based assessment that teachers can employ for classroom assessment.
The Compatibility of Natural Enemies and Botanical for Management of Earias vittella (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) and Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Bhendi Ecosystem
Authors: Hubballi Aravinda , Shylesha A. N. , Shivalingaswamy T. M. , Shivanna B.
Published: April 2023

Aims: The current study was conducted to know the compatibility of natural enemies and botanical for management bhendi fruit borers in the bhendi field.

Study Design:  Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD).

Place and Duration of Study: Experiment conducted during 2019-20 and 2020-21 at ICAR- National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Hebbal, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. 

Methodology: Two field tests were conducted  at the entomological research farm, ICAR-NBAIR Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, to know the compatibility of the natural enemies (Trichogramma chilonis Ishii (Hymenoptera:Trichogrammatidae) , Chelonus blackburni (Cameron) and  Bracon brevicornis (Wesmael) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and botanical (Neem oil 0.5%)  for management of E. vittella and H. armigera on bhendi. Arka Nikita (IIHR) bhendi variety was used for the two trials with different treatments in four replication. The release rates of parasitoids were decided based on the previous parasitic potential studies.

Results: In the first trial, among the treatments, a combination of T. chilonis + C. blackburni + B. brevicornis and C. blackburni + B. brevicornis recorded the lowest pooled mean larval population reduction over pre-treatment count of E. vittella and were on par with each other, recording 40.19% and 37.27%, respectively followed by T. chilonis + B. brevicornis (31.28%), C. blackburni (30.90%), B. brevicornis (28.64%),  Neem oil 0.5% (27.71%),  Neem oil  0.5% + B. brevicornis  (25.46%) and T. chilonis (25.32%). A similar trend was also observed in combination of T. chilonis + C. blackburni + B. brevicornis and C. blackburni + B. brevicornis against H. armigera, which accounted for 47.19% and 37.22% of reduction over pre-treatment count in the respective treatment combination of parasitoids. The next best treatments were T. chilonis + B. brevicornis (28.21%), C. blackburni (26.56%), B. brevicornis (22.21%), Neem oil 0.5% (20.37%), T. chilonis (17.31%) and Neem oil 0.5% + B. brevicornis (16.07%)

Conclusion: From this study we recommend that, for bhendi fruit borers management, release of parasitoids like T. chilonis + C. blackburni + B. brevicornis at 50,000+1000+1000 adults/ha, respectively in bhendi field starting from 35 DAS at 15 days’ intervals of duration, two-time release of parasitoids is enough later, they have augmented and reduce the population of fruit borer larvae effectively.
Investigate the Function and Structure of (Fe,Cr) La2Ti2O7 Photocatalyst Calcined under the Nitrogen Atmosphere
Authors: Luangthanarak Hussanai , Supruangnet Ratchadaporn , Tanthanuch Waraporn , Watcharamaisakul Sukasem
Published: April 2023

Extensive research has been conducted on enhancing the photocatalytic activity of Lanthanum titanium oxide (La2Ti2O7) based photocatalysts. However, these photocatalysts were found to be inactive under visible light. To address this limitation, a modification was developed by co-doping Fe and Cr on La2Ti2O7 to enable visible light driven photocatalytic response. The calcination of (Fe,Cr) La2Ti2O7 was carried out under nitrogen atmosphere at various temperatures for 24 h. The results showed that the (Fe,Cr)-La2Ti2O7 calcined at 1250 °C for 24 h exhibited the highest methylene blue degradation under visible light. Synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy indicated that Fe and Cr were substitutionally located adjacent to the Ti atom within the La2Ti2O7 structure. This metal  substitutionally facilitated electron transfer and perturbed the p-d hybridization by modifying the local electronic structure of the surrounding oxygen atoms and transition metal ions, thereby reducing the band gap energy and enhancing the photocatalytic capability. Copyright © 2023 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Screening for Skin Cancer
Authors:   US Preventive Services Task Force, Mangione Carol M. , Barry Michael J. , Nicholson Wanda K. , Chelmow David , Coker Tumaini Rucker , Davis Esa M. , Donahue Katrina E. , Jaén Carlos Roberto , Kubik Martha , Li Li , Ogedegbe Gbenga , Rao Goutham , Ruiz John M. , Stevermer James , Tsevat Joel , Underwood Sandra Millon , Wong John B.
Published: April 2023

Importance

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the US. There are different types of skin cancer varying in disease incidence and severity. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common types of skin cancer but infrequently lead to death or substantial morbidity. Melanomas represent about 1% of skin cancer and cause the most skin cancer deaths. Melanoma is about 30 times more common in White persons than in Black persons. However, persons with darker skin color are often diagnosed at later stages, when skin cancer is more difficult to treat.

Objective

To update its 2016 recommendation, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a systematic review on the benefits and harms of screening for skin cancer in asymptomatic adolescents and adults.

Population

Asymptomatic adolescents and adults who do not have a history of premalignant or malignant skin lesions.

Evidence Assessment

The USPSTF concludes that the evidence is insufficient to determine the balance of benefits and harms of visual skin examination by a clinician to screen for skin cancer in asymptomatic adolescents and adults.

Recommendation

The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of visual skin examination by a clinician to screen for skin cancer in adolescents and adults. (I statement)
Factors Associated With Knowledge and Experience of Self-managed Abortion Among Patients Seeking Care at 49 US Abortion Clinics
Authors: Aiken Abigail R. A. , Tello-Pérez Luisa Alejandra , Madera Melissa , Starling Jennifer E. , Johnson Dana M. , Broussard Kathleen , Padron Elisa , Ze-Noah Carol Armelle , Baldwin Aleta , Scott James G.
Published: April 2023

Importance

Patients attending US abortion clinics may consider or try self-managing their abortion before coming to the clinic, yet little is known about the factors associated with self-management behavior.

Objective

To examine the prevalence and factors associated with considering or attempting a self-managed abortion before attending a clinic.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This survey study included patients obtaining an abortion at 49 independent, Planned Parenthood, and academic-affiliated clinics chosen to maximize diversity in geographic, state policy, and demographic context in 29 states between December 2018 and May 2020. Data were analyzed from December 2020 to July 2021.

Exposures

Obtaining an abortion at a clinic.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Knowledge of medications used to self-manage an abortion, having considered medication self-management before attending the clinic, having considered any method of self-management before attending the clinic, and having tried any method of self-management before attending the clinic.

Results

The study included 19 830 patients, of which 99.6.% (17 823 patients) identified as female; 60.9% (11 834 patients) were aged 20 to 29 years; 29.6% (5824 patients) identified as Black, 19.3% (3799 patients) as Hispanic, and 36.0% (7095 patients) as non-Hispanic White; 44.1% (8252 patients) received social services; and 78.3% (15 197 patients) were 10 weeks pregnant or less. Approximately 1 in 3 (34%) knew about self-managed medication abortion, and among this subsample of 6750 patients, 1 in 6 (1079 patients [16.1%]) had considered using medications to self-manage before attending the clinic. Among the full sample, 1 in 8 (11.7%) considered self-managing using any method before clinic attendance, and among this subsample of 2328 patients, almost 1 in 3 (670 patients [28.8%]) attempted to do so. Preference for at-home abortion care was associated with considering medication self-management (odds ratio [OR], 3.52; 95% CI, 2.94-4.21), considering any method of self-management (OR, 2.80; 95% CI, 2.50-3.13), and attempting any method of self-management (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.10-1.69). Experiencing clinic access barriers was also associated with considering medication self-management (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.69-2.32) and considering any method of self-management (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.89-2.32).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this survey study, considering self-managed abortion was common before accessing in-clinic care, particularly among those on the margins of access or with a preference for at-home care. These findings suggest a need for expanded access to telemedicine and other decentralized abortion care models.
Supercooled Liquid Ga Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Wang Bei , Maslik Jan , Hellman Oskar , Gumiero Alessandro , Hjort Klas
Published: April 2023

By controlling the properties of its medium, supercooled liquid Ga (SLGa) based stretchable remains stretchable at −22 °C, i.e., 52 °C below its thermodynamic melting point of Ga. Thus far, our oldest deposited SLGa circuit and film have remained liquids for 2 years at room temperature. The study investigates the crystallization of SLGa triggered by the surface energy of nucleation agents, temperature, circuit cross‐section, and mechanical impact. Based on these parameters, a method is presented to integrate electronic components with SLGa circuits without compromising its supercooling effect. Further, the large stiffness variation induced by phase transition is demonstrated in different applications. For the desired stiffness variation, the crystallization rate can be controlled by varying the temperature and cross‐section area. Finally, spray‐printing an ink of microscale SLGa microscale particles can conformally pattern Ga on a rough surface, e.g., to fabricate a stretchable array of SLGa microelectrodes. A smart patch with stretchable SLGa electrode arrays records human electrocardiogram signals in cold water and does not stain the skin after use. Its low and stable impedance in water will enable novel applications in wearable electronics.
Gradient Pore Structured Elastic Ceramic Nanofiber Aerogels with Cellulose Nanonets for Noise Absorption
Authors: Zong Dingding , Bai Wenya , Yin Xia , Yu Jianyong , Zhang Shichao , Ding Bin
Published: April 2023

The expeditious growth of modern transportation and industrialization has given rise to serious noise pollution, which has brought disaster to the world economy and human health. Most existing sound‐absorber with single pore structures suffer from large weight and the incidence and dissipation of noise that are difficult to be enhanced simultaneously. Herein, gradient‐structured elastic ceramic nanofiber aerogels with cellulose nano‐nets are successfully structured through step‐by‐step directional freeze‐casting technology, which has a gradient structure of “larger pore‐middle pore‐smaller pore” in the propagation direction of sound waves and dual nanofiber networks perpendicular to the direction of sound waves. The integration of gradient pore structures and dual nanofiber networks effectively improves the acoustic contact area of aerogels while increasing the acoustic incidence. The noise reduction coefficient of the obtained lightweight gradient aerogels (average density only 9 mg cm−3) reaches 0.58, and the low‐frequency air compressor noise can be reduced by 23.1 dB. Besides, the silica sol with hydrophobic groups endows gradient aerogels with good mechanics (plastic deformation only 5.7% after 1000 compressions) and superhydrophobic properties (water contact angle of ≈150°). The successful construction of gradient‐structured dual network nanofiber aerogels will offer new horizons for the upgrading of nextgen noise absorbers.
An Ion‐Channel‐Restructured Zwitterionic Covalent Organic Framework Solid Electrolyte for All‐Solid‐State Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Kang Tae Woog , Lee Jun‐Hyeong , Lee Jaewoo , Park Jung Hyun , Shin Jae‐Hoon , Ju Jong‐Min , Lee Hajin , Lee Sang Uck , Kim Jong‐Ho
Published: April 2023

Organic solid electrolytes offer an effective route for safe and high‐energy‐density all‐solid‐state Li metal batteries. However, it remains a challenge to devise a new strategy to promote the dissociation of strong ion pairs and the transport of ionic components in organic solid electrolytes. Herein, a zwitterionic covalent organic framework (Zwitt‐COF) with well‐defined chemical and pore structures is prepared as a solid electrolyte capable of accelerating the dissociation and transport of Li ions. The Zwitt‐COF solid electrolyte exhibits a high room‐temperature ionic conductivity of 1.65 × 10−4 S cm−1 with a wide electrochemical stability window. Besides, the Zwitt‐COF solid electrolyte displays stable Li plating/stripping behavior via effective inhibition of the formation of Li dendrites and dead Li, leading to superior long‐term cycle performance with retention of 99% discharge capacity and 98% Coulombic efficiency in an all‐solid‐state Li‐metal battery. Theoretical simulations reveal that the incorporation of zwitterionic groups into COF can facilitate the dissociation of strong ion pairs and reconstruct the AA‐stacking configuration by dissociative adsorption of Li+ ions on Zwitt‐COF producing linear hexagonal ion channels in the Zwitt‐COF solid electrolyte. This strategy based on Zwitt‐COF can provide an alternative way to construct various solid‐state Li batteries.
A Space‐Confined Polymerization Templated by Ice Enables Large‐Scale Synthesis of Two‐Dimensional Polymer Sheets
Authors: Peng Xiaomeng , Zhang Jie , Zhou Ji , Chen Shang , Jia Yuncan , Han Xinyi , Meng Xiaodong , Bielawski Christopher W. , Geng Jianxin
Published: April 2023

Despite significant progress in the preparation and characterization of two‐dimensional (2D) materials, the synthesis of 2D organic materials remains challenging. Here, we report a novel space‐confined polymerization method that enables the large‐scale synthesis of 2D sheets of a functional conjugated polymer, namely, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). A key step in this method is the confinement of monomer to the boundaries of ice crystals using micelles. This spatial confinement directs the polymerization to form 2D PEDOT sheets with high crystallinity and controlled morphology. Supercapacitors prepared from the 2D PEDOT sheets exhibit outstanding performance metrics. In aqueous electrolyte, a high areal specific capacitance of 898 mF cm−2 at 0.2 mA cm−2 along with an excellent rate capability is achieved (e.g., capacitance retention of 67.6 % at a 50‐fold higher current). Moreover, the 2D PEDOT‐based supercapacitors exhibit outstanding cycling stability (capacitance retention of 98.5 % after 30,000 cycles). Device performance is further improved when an organic electrolyte is used.