bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Vocabulary Learning Strategies in Mathematical Instruction on Ninth-Grade Students' Coordinate Algebra Achievement
Authors: Payne Annette , Soares Lina B.
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate if adding the vocabulary learning strategies of an interactive word wall and graphic organizers to mathematical instruction was an effective method to increase student achievement in mathematics for two ninth-grade coordinate algebra classes. The 45 participants in the study were members of two co-taught ninth grade coordinate algebra classes in the Southeastern United States. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a pre-assessment/post assessment. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare the achievement levels of the two classes, as measured by the post assessment. The results did not show a significant difference between the post assessment scores of the experimental class using graphic organizers and an interactive word wall compared to the control class that did not. The results of this study may be important to teachers as they implement the Common Core State Standards, the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards, and the Mathematical Practice Standards.
Digital Vocabulary: Greek and Latin Root Study in the 21st Century
Authors: Yearta Lindsay Sheronick , Wash Pamela D.
Published: October 2022

Traditional word walls displayed in the elementary classroom are typically posted by the teachers and left alone (Jackson & Narvaez, 2013). Since vocabulary instruction is best when students are actively engaged in the process, the authors of this article present the digital word wall as an active method of instruction for students to use in the acquisition of Greek and Latin roots. Students who participate in the construction of digital word walls have access to 21st century technological tools such as online dictionaries, Greek and Latin root websites, and image gathering sites such as Creative Commons.
Books You and Your Students Need to 'Check Out'!
Authors: Draper Christine A.
Published: October 2022

In 2012 the number of children's book titles published was 32,624 (Statista, 2015). This number is staggering for any teacher or media specialist to keep up with. Unfortunately, you can't always trust reviews you see posted online as well since these could have been written by the author's friends and family members (Bucher & Hinton, 2014). So, what is a teacher or media specialist to do? This new column is designed with the busy teacher and media center specialist in mind. In the spring and fall, I will highlight and review several high quality books that you may want to add to your reading list.
Evaluation of Construction Contract Management in the Nigerian Construction Industry
Authors:   Department Of Civil Engineering, Imo State University Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, Emeka Opara Hyginus
Published: October 2022

Construction projects in Nigeria are most of the time not completed within schedule, cost and quality specifications and at times project abandonment. In evaluating the construction contract management practice in Nigeria with the objective of ascertain the tendering methods, usage of construction document and the common techniques used in construction planning. One-way analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis were used in the analysis. The analysis of the respondent score relating to hypothesis for using regression model showed the regression equation as Y=10.43983+0.7525x1+0.3419x2+0.5256x3+0.1874x4. The coefficient of multiple correlation (R) was 0.909124 and this means that 91% positive correlation exist between the successful implementation of construction contract. The independent variables explain 83% of the variables in successful implementation of construction contracts and the remaining 17% could be attributed to other unspecified factors.
Baby Steps, Giant Strides
Authors: Dy-Co Arlene
Published: October 2022

This is the second time we are releasing a joint editorial from journals all over the world in the call for action to address climate change. The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world unaware despite the progress in science; majority did not take the warnings of a looming pandemic. With climate change, its impact on infectious diseases will not be any gentler as the hazards are too numerous. From increased transmission of infections, expansion of infections to other geographic areas and emergence of new infectious diseases. This would be gargantuan compared to a pandemic as this would not only involve one infectious disease but numerous and would impact every aspect of the world we know. Joining this call for action is a baby step, but no action is too small in whatever way we can to help ensure a better Earth for our younger generation. Our giant stride for this issue comes with the news that our published articles will now have digital object identifier (DOI). The Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines Journal is proud to announce as we join the more than 10,000 organizations that assigns DOI names. The DOI is a unique alphanumeric string assigned by an international registration agency and will provide persistent identification of our articles. This will make our published articles easy to find, cite, link, assess and reuse, thus making scholarly communications more effective. Likewise, this increases opportunities for transparency in scholarly works. Technology has changed publishing dramatically and keeping up with this from the local forefront is not easy. We believe that we will be closer to the realization of making our local publications more visible and discoverable by a wider audience with this giant stride.
CARTOGRAFIA DE UMA ESCUTA CLÍNICA DO TRABALHO EM UMA INSTITUIÇÃO JUDICIÁRIA FEDERAL
Authors: Bezerra Maria de Lourdes Cordeiro de Araújo , Francisco Ana Lúcia
Published: October 2022

Este artigo trata de uma pesquisa-intervenção em clínica do trabalho realizada em uma instituição do Poder Judiciário Federal, com o objetivo de mapear as experiências no campo laboral, a partir do aporte teórico-metodológico da Psicodinâmica do Trabalho articulada com pressupostos da cartografia. O estudo contou com a participação de sete pessoas, todas servidoras do quadro efetivo da instituição, com as quais foram realizadas oito sessões coletivas e produzidos os registros dessas sessões, diários de campo e memoriais. Na análise clínica do trabalho (ACT), constatou-se que as expressões de sofrimento mais recorrentes estão relacionadas ao modelo de gestão, destacando-se como estratégias defensivas a resignação, o distanciamento e a servidão. A transformação do sofrimento torna-se prejudicada, pois, embora o coletivo de participantes obtenha reconhecimento de colegas e da gestão mais próxima, o prazer aparece bem subtraído em seu conjunto, em razão da falta de autonomia e de valorização institucional.
Exposure of Public Sector with the Quasi-market Through Outsourcing: A Case Study in Iran
Authors: Omranikhoo Habib , Zargar Balaye Jame Sanaz , Lotfi Farhad , Rezaee Mehdi , Ghorbanalizadeh Layla , Salari Hedayat
Published: October 2022

Background: Outsourcing as an efficiency-oriented approach was introduced to elevate productivity in the public sector. This strategy as a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement was coined to increase efficiency and quality in public organizations. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the quantity of applying common outsourcing models at Bushehr University of Medical Sciences (BUMS). Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 at BUMS. The research population was all BUMS deputies, hospitals, and health networks. This study was carried out in three stages, including a literature review, the construction of a checklist and finally the quality assurance of gathered data. Descriptive indices were calculated using excel software version 2016. Results: Results showed a total of seven various outsourcing models on which 189 cases of services had been outsourced. Of the 189 cases, 108 were clinical, and the rest were non-clinical. Among the outsourcing models, the service purchasing model was the most typically used, and leases and divestitures were the two least used models. Conclusions: Although various outsourcing models are available, they have been disproportionately utilized, showing that to spread the domain of penetration of this strategy, we need to tackle the obstacles ahead of its successful implementation. Increasing the knowledge of managers could be an effective solution. Furthermore, capacity–building toward raising the number of private healthcare providers could facilitate the implementation of an outsourcing policy.
Technology Choices as Moral Choices in Higher Education
Authors: Caccamo James F. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2022

Despite the moral aspirations of their mission statements, universities often base technology decisions on technical and financial considerations. This paper will explore what it would be like to prioritize ethical considerations in the selection and deployment of technology in higher education. Using the example of a mission grounded in the principles of integral human development and justice (drawing on sources in the Catholic tradition), it will sketch out a six-point framework for considering technologies: enhancement of access to educational opportunities; implementation of structures to support teaching and learning; persistence of embodied corporate interaction; upholding the dignity of work and workers (students, faculty, administrators, and staff); transparency; and maintaining free spaces for exploration and innovation.
Assessing the structure and composition of artificial levees along the Lower Tisza River (Hungary)
Authors: Sheishah Diaa , Sipos György , Hegyi Alexandru , Kozák Péter , Abdelsamei Enas , Tóth Csaba , Onaca Alexandru , Páll Dávid
Published: October 2022

Levees are earth structures constructed along alluvial rivers and are considered to be one of the essential components of flood risk and natural hazard reduction. The preservation of their condition would require orderly monitoring. In Hungary, an over 4200 km long levee system was constructed from the 19th century on. Since then, many natural and anthropogenic processes, such as compaction, erosion, subsidence etc., could contribute to the slow but steady deformation of these structures. In the meantime , due to the lack of documentation, their structure and internal composition are still unclear in many sections. The present study uses different geophysical techniques to validate their efficiency in detecting the structure, composition and potential defects along a 3.6 km levee section of the Lower Tisza River, affected significantly by seepage and piping phenomena during floods. Measurements were made using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and drillings. Information obtained by the different techniques was cross-checked and combined. This way, the potential of the applied survey strategy could be demonstrated, and the selected levee section could be assessed in terms of its structure and composition. Consequently, the major reasons for frequently occurring adverse flood phenomena at the site could be revealed. The survey approach outlined in the present paper can be applied extensively along lowland levee systems in the region and elsewhere.
La desecación de humedales en los inicios del siglo XIX: un proyecto de ingenieros militares en La Mancha
Authors: Fidalgo Hijano Concepción , González Martín Juan Antonio
Published: October 2022

Bajo el término de humedales se incluye una amplia serie de espacios lacustres, pantanosos o,simplemente, encharcados que siempre han ejercido una notable influencia sobre los moradores de susentornos. En ella destacan, como elementos favorables, la utilización de sus aguas y, en ocasiones, laexplotación de sus precipitados; pero han ofrecido también aspectos muy negativos en lo que respectaa la imposibilidad del aprovechamiento agrario de sus cubetas y, sobre todo, a los efectos nocivos queconllevaron sus estancadas aguas al ser un foco palúdico que diezmó a los lugareños de numerosos territoriosen el pasado. Estos efectos perjudiciales motivaron que muchos humedales, especialmente losemplazados cerca de los núcleos de población, fueran objeto de tentativas de desecación destinadas asu eliminación desde épocas relativamente tempranas.
El objeto de este trabajo es dar a conocer los planes de desecación ideados en los inicios del siglo xixpara un conjunto de humedales del centro peninsular (La Mancha y Campo de Calatrava) y que, en sumayoría, no se llevaron a cabo debido a la guerra de la Independencia y al elevado coste de muchas deaquellas iniciativas. El análisis de los proyectos pone de manifiesto no solo el enorme impacto que losencharcamientos tenían en las localidades inmediatas, sino también la responsabilidad originada porla gran recurrencia de eventos de inundación que asolaron los campos de estas regiones. Dos hechosprimordiales convergieron en este fenómeno, por un lado, los eventos meteorológicos vinculados a la Pequeña Edad del Hielo y, por otro, las inadecuadas actuaciones antrópicas sobre las vertientes, cauces fluviales y sus llanuras de inundación.
Sistemas de norias “de sangre” en llanuras aluviales mediterráneas: el caso del río Medjerda (Túnez)
Authors: Fansa Saleh Ghaleb , Pérez Cueva Alejandro J. , Hermosilla Pla Jorge
Published: October 2022

En este trabajo se han analizado las norias “de sangre” de los meandros del Medjerda en Testour,localidad tunecina de fundación morisca. Se han considerado las características ambientales (geológicas,climáticas, hidrológicas e hidrogeomórficas) de este sector, para ponderar su efecto sobre el uso de estetipo de técnica y su localización. Se han analizado también algunas características de estos sistemas,como los aspectos técnicos, la evolución tecnológica y el estado actual, y también su coexistencia conotros sistemas de regadío tradicional.
Se resalta el sobresaliente significado de estos factores ambientales, en especial los hidrogeomórficos,en la localización concreta de esta técnica de water harvesting, que complementan los propios puramenteculturales.
Del paisaje en la geografía: perspectivas y actividades del Grupo de Paisaje de la Asociación Española de Geografía
Authors: Alomar-Garau Gabriel , Gómez-Zotano José
Published: October 2022

En el presente artículo se realiza una síntesis descriptiva de las actividades desarrolladas por el Grupode Paisaje de la Asociación Española de Geografía. Se presta especial atención a las sesiones de campoy de debate organizadas con motivo de las Jornadas de Trabajo de Paisaje celebradas durante el periodotemporal 2017-2022. Previamente, se ofrece una reflexión sobre la presencia del paisaje no ya en lageografía, sino en todos los ámbitos de nuestra realidad social.
Treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum by ablative lasers, series of 14 cases
Authors: Kassel Jihad , Baybay Hanane , Jroundi Chaymae , Soughi Meryem , Elloudi Sara , Douhi Zakia , Mernissi Fatima Zahra
Published: October 2022

Background: Xanthelasma palpebrarum is the most common type of xanthoma. The objective of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of ablative lasers in the treatment of xanthelasma. Material and methods: We collected patients presenting xanthelasma of the eyelids treated by ablative laser, over 3 years. Results: 14 patients, with a total of 38 lesions, the average age was 52.9.We observed bilateral lesions in 9 of our patients. Upper eyelid involvement was the most frequent with a percentage of 85.7%. Concerning the types of laser used, 3 patients were treated with a CO2 laser,the other patients were treated with an erbium Yag laser. Concerning the side effects, we noted a rapidly resolving edema in 3 patients, slight hypo-pigmented atrophic scars in 3 patients. Conclusion: Laser therapies are an excellent cosmetic treatment option for xanthelasma palpebrarum with good efficacy and minimal side effects.
Ionization energy and valence electron orbital binding energy of superheavy element Og(Z = 118) and its homologs
Authors: Zhang Tian-Cheng , Pan Gao-Yuan , Yu You-Jun , Dong Chen-Zhong , Ding Xiao-Bin ,   Key Laboratory of Atomic and Molecular Physics and Functional Materials of Gansu Province, College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China,   School of Physical Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China,   School of Bailie Mechanical Engineering, Lanzhou City University, Lanzhou 730070, China,   Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Laser Plasma Spectroscopy, Lanzhou 730070, China
Published: October 2022

The ionization energy of the superheavy element Og (Z = 118) and its homolog elements Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn, and their ions are systematically calculated by using the GRASP2K program based on the multi-configuration Dirac-Hartree-Fock (MCDHF) method, taking into account relativistic effects, electron correlation effects between valence shell electrons, quantum electrodynamics effects, and Breit interaction. To reduce the uncertainty of the ionization energy derived from electron correlation effects which are not fully considered, the ionization potential of the superheavy element Og0–2+ and its homolog element Rn0–2+ are extrapolated by the extrapolation method. The ionization energy of extrapolated Rn0–5+ and Og5+ coincide well with experimental and other theoretical values. These results can be used to predict the unknown physical and chemical properties of the atoms and compounds of the superheavy element Og. In addition, the calculation results of the electron orbital binding energy of the atomic valence shell of the superheavy element Og and its homolog elements Ar, Kr, Xe, and Rn under relativistic and non-relativistic conditions show that owing to the relativistic effect, there occur strong orbital contraction phenomena in the 7s orbital and 7p1/2 orbital and strong splitting phenomena in the 7p1/2  orbital and 7p3/2 orbital of Og, which may cause the physical and chemical properties of the superheavy element Og to differ from those of other homologs.
Neural dynamics of causal inference in the macaque frontoparietal circuit
Authors: Qi Guangyao , Fang Wen , Li Shenghao , Li Junru , Wang Liping
Published: October 2022

Natural perception relies inherently on inferring causal structure in the environment. However, the neural mechanisms and functional circuits essential for representing and updating the hidden causal structure and corresponding sensory representations during multisensory processing are unknown. To address this, monkeys were trained to infer the probability of a potential common source from visual and proprioceptive signals based on their spatial disparity in a virtual reality system. The proprioceptive drift reported by monkeys demonstrated that they combined previous experience and current multisensory signals to estimate the hidden common source and subsequently updated the causal structure and sensory representation. Single-unit recordings in premotor and parietal cortices revealed that neural activity in the premotor cortex represents the core computation of causal inference, characterizing the estimation and update of the likelihood of integrating multiple sensory inputs at a trial-by-trial level. In response to signals from the premotor cortex, neural activity in the parietal cortex also represents the causal structure and further dynamically updates the sensory representation to maintain consistency with the causal inference structure. Thus, our results indicate how the premotor cortex integrates previous experience and sensory inputs to infer hidden variables and selectively updates sensory representations in the parietal cortex to support behavior. This dynamic loop of frontal-parietal interactions in the causal inference framework may provide the neural mechanism to answer long-standing questions regarding how neural circuits represent hidden structures for body awareness and agency.
Association of Computed Tomography Severity Score of COVID-19 Pneumonia with Clinical Severity and Outcome: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kotwal Rakesh , Sharma Rohit , Kulkarni Renee , Joseph Luke
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Computed Tomography (CT) plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Various scoring systems have also been proposed for prognostic purposes; but their validation in the Indian setting has not been widely done. Aim: To compare the CT Severity Score (CTSS) of lung involvement with the clinical severity of COVID-19 pneumonia. Materials and Methods: A single centre hospital-based cross- sectional observational study was conducted from October 2020 to April 2021 at Holy Family Hospital, New Delhi, India. Hundred hospitalised Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) positive COVID-19 pneumonia adult patients underwent thoracic CT scans within 24 hours of hospitalisation for quantification of pulmonary involvement, which were reviewed to obtain the CTSS. The association between CTSS and the clinical profile of the patients (clinical severity of COVID-19 pneumonia at admission as per Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guidelines, duration of hospitalisation, clinical outcome, and number of co- morbidities) was determined. Fisher’s exact test was used for categorical variables and the two sample Student’s t-test for continuous variables. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. results: Mean age of study participants was 57.8±14.8 years (range 24-90 years); and male to female ratio was 3:2. There was a statistically significant association between the CTSS and clinical severity of COVID-19 pneumonia (p<0.001). Significant association was observed between the CTSS and duration of hospital stay (p-value <0.001). Significant association was also observed between CTSS and clinical outcome of patients (p-value=0.002). Significant association was also observed between CTSS and number of co-morbidities (p-value=0.002). conclusion: The CTSS had a statistically significant association with the clinical severity of COVID-19 pneumonia, as well as with the duration of hospital stay and the clinical outcome.
Heavy Metal Accumulation in Vegetables Grown in Rock Soils of Kilembe Copper Mine, Kasese, Western Uganda
Authors: Masereka Jockus , Byamugisha Denis , Adaku Christopher
Published: October 2022

Aim: Active mining in Kilembe copper mine, Kasese district, Uganda ended about four decades ago. However, various health problems are believed to be from the effect of mining activities that took place in the area. In this study therefore, we quantified the concentration of trace metals: chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and copper (Cu) in cabbages and tomatoes grown in Kilembe mining area and assessed the health risks from consumption of the vegetables after 40 days and 120 days of growth.

Study Design:  This study employed quantitative research design.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiments were done at Department of Chemistry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda from 2018 to 2019.

Methodology: The vegetables were planted, and their roots, leaves, fruits and stems were sampled after 40 days and 120 days. Elemental analysis was performed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The estimated daily intake (EDI), target harzard quotient (THQ) and cancer risks were calculated to explore health risks that could arise from consumption of the vegetables.

Results: The levels of Fe, Cu, Zn and Cr did not exceed WHO/FAO permissible limits. The EDI of Fe (294.678 × 10-4 mg/kg/day) was the highest while the lowest was 0.052 × 10-4 mg/kg/day for Cr. The THQ ranged from 0.000004 to 1.3134. Cancer risk values ranged from 0.126 × 10-4 to 28650 × 10-4.

Conclusion: There are discernable non-carcinogenic health risks (THQ >1) and cancer risks associated with consumption of cabbages and tomatoes by the local inhabitants. The risks are escalated in children who consume both vegetables after 40 days of growth. Arsenic and Cd poses the highest carcinogenic health risk while Pb poses the highest non-carcinogenic health risk. Consumption of the vegetables after 120 days of growth poses lower health risks.
Role of Non-Timber Forest Products in Income Generation of the Tribal Population: A Review
Authors: Jerin V. A. , Lazarus T. Paul , Gopakumar S. , Durga A. R. , Nishan M. A. , Gopinath Pratheesh P.
Published: October 2022

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) refer to all biological resources harvested from the forest for human use and are not having timber purposes. Two types of NTFPs such as tradable and non-tradable NTFPs are available. In international trade, tradable NTFPs are only significant. NTFPs are important components of food security and a vital source of income for the poor in many developing nations. NTFP collection accounts for almost 58 per cent of the total income earned by Kerala's tribal population. Most of the employment (54.04%) was generated by the wage sector followed by NTFP collection (33.77%). NTFPs were found to be collected and used by tribals for a variety of purposes, including food, medicine, raw materials for making implements, and as a source of income. NTFPs are marketed through various marketing channels, depending on various factors such as the product's nature, demand and proximity to the market. If co-operative societies and EDCs (Eco-Development Committees) could develop value additional units for NTFPs with the participation of indigenous groups, it ensures effective use of their spare time as well as a better livelihood through increased NTFP income.
Characterization of a New Class of Stochastic Processes Including all Known Extensions of the Class (\(\Sigma\))
Authors: Obiang Fulgence Eyi , Mbenangoye Paule Joyce , Moutsinga Octave
Published: October 2022

The class (\(\Sigma\)) is an important family of semimartingales defined by Yor. These processes play a key role in the theory of probability and their applications. For instance, such processes are used to resolve the Skorokhod Imbedding Problem and to construct solutions for homogeneous and inhomogeneous skew Brownian Motion equations. This paper contributes to the study of classes (\(\Sigma\)) and (\(\Sigma^r\)). But, instead of considering as it is customary, the semi-martingales whose finite variational part is continuous, we will consider those whose finite variational part is càdlàg. The two main contributions of this paper are as follows. First, we present a new characterization result for the stochastic processes of class (\(\Sigma^r\)). Second, we provide a framework for unifying the studies of classes (\(\Sigma\)) and (\(\Sigma^r\)). More precisely, we define and study a new larger class that we call class (\(\Sigma^g\)) and for which we give characterization results. In addition, we derive some structural properties inspired of those obtained for classes (\(\Sigma\)) and (\(\Sigma^r\)). Finally, we show that some processes of this new class can take the form of relative martingales. More precisely, we derive a formula allowing to recover some processes of the class (\(\Sigma^g\)) from an honest time and their final value.
Effect of Sowing Dates and Varieties on Growth and Yield of Broccoli under Acidic Soil Condition of Sylhet
Authors: Sarker Mukta , Islam Md. Shahidul , Debnath Biswojit , Nath Dwipok Deb , Ferdousi Jannatul , Akhi Masuma Zahan
Published: October 2022

This experiment was conducted during October, 2013 to March, 2014 in the experimental field of Department of Horticulture, Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU), Bangladesh. The objective was to evaluate the effect of three planting dates (30 October, 15 November and 1 December) on growth, yield and yield attributes of three broccoli varieties (Premium, BR001 and BR002) under acidic soil condition of Sylhet. The two factors field experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Broccoli planted on 30 October recorded the minimum number of days to first curd harvest (64.77), the tallest plants at harvest (62.76 cm) with denser leaves (17.90), the highest primary curd weight (142.75 g) with increased curd length (11.93 cm), the maximum curd yield of both primary (5.29 t/ha) and secondary (5.24 t/ha). Variety Premium was the earliest in curd initiation (50.33 days) and curd harvest (64.44 days). Premium had the highest number of leaves at harvest (16.07), the maximum primary curd weight (207.59 g) with increased curd length (12.18 cm) and curd diameter (14.28 cm). The highest primary curd yield (7.70 t/ha) and secondary curd yield (4.02 t/ha) of Premium variety out yielded the other two varieties in this experiment. Interaction effect showed that the variety Premium planted on 30 October showed the best performance in primary curd weight (274.13 g), primary curd yield (10.17 t/ha) and secondary curd yield (8.43 t/ha). Therefore, the variety Premium can be recommended to cultivate at 30 October planting date under acidic soil condition of Sylhet.
A Review on the Effects of Micronutrients in Heat Stress Alleviation in Dairy Animals
Authors: Nair Prasanth M. , Anil . , Anand V. M. , Akash . , Yadav Sukanshi , Pruthviraj . , Singh Amit Kumar , Gujjalkar Prashant , Naveen P. , Johnson Antony , Sreeja S. J. , Chouraddi Rakesh
Published: October 2022

Heat stress from global warming and climate change, which result in an ongoing rise in Earth's temperature, has a detrimental effect on the growth and health of dairy animals. The animal experiences heat stress when it cannot release enough heat to maintain homeothermy. The degree of heat stress dairy animals experience depends on the ambient temperature and humidity. In dairy animals, heat stress reduces feed intake, milk production, reproductive efficiency, and immune function. This article concentrated on the micronutrients that lessen the damaging effects of heat stress on dairy animals. Micronutrients are vital substances that life requires in minute amounts. Major minerals, trace minerals, and vitamins are all included. Micronutrients support the maintenance of animal production, enhance nutrient utilization, effectively combat oxidative stress, and strengthen the weak immune system. Minerals are crucial for maintaining an animal's normal physiological processes. However, it is a belief that animals' reactions to heat stress increase mineral loss through excretion. Therefore, adding minerals to the diet (such as Dietary Cation-Anion Difference, Zinc, Chromium, Selenium, etc.) may help to reduce the harmful effects of heat stress. Vitamins serve as cofactors for enzymes, act as catalysts in a number of metabolic pathways, and are crucial for an animal's normal growth and development. The addition of vitamins (such as Vitamin E, Niacin, etc.) to dairy animals' diets may also help to mitigate the harmful effects of heat stress.
A Study on the Current status of Metal Bipolar Plate Materials and Stamping and Forming for Fuel Cells
Authors: Pengyan Guo , Cunwu He , Jiahao Feng , Chengwei Liu
Published: October 2022

Bipolar plates are one of the most important components in fuel cell stacks and have multiple functions. Compared with composite materials, bipolar plates of metallic materials have superior electrical and thermal conductivity, good mechanical strength, high chemical stability, very wide choice of alloys, and coating techniques are employed to improve their corrosion resistance and reduce their bottom contact resistance. This paper investigates the selection of materials and stamping and forming of metal bipolar plates in the hope that this research can promote the development of metal bipolar plates for fuel cells. On this basis, we expect to innovate the material and fabrication process of metal bipolar plates, reduce their cost, and promote their commercialization.
Pattern of Refractive Errors in a Tertiary Hospital in South East, Nigeria
Authors: Otuka O. A. I. , Eweputanna L. I. , Kalu A. , Ekeleme N. C. , Iwuoha E. C. , Kizor-Akaraiwe N. N. , Ubah J. N.
Published: October 2022

Background: Uncorrected refractive errors (RE) are a major cause of visual impairment. They affect a large proportion of the population globally and have psychological and socio-economic effects on the individual, family and society. They could lead to poor quality of life.

Aim: To determine the pattern and predisposing factors of refractive errors among patients seen in the outpatient clinic.

Methodology: A cross-sectional, descriptive study involving patients with refractive error that presented to the eye clinic in the year 2017. Data were obtained from patients’ records, entered into and analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.

Results: A total of 300 patients with refractive errors were seen in the period of study. This comprised of 93 males and 207 females with mean age of 40.13±17.6 years. The commonest presenting complaint was blurring of both far & near vision (24%), other presenting complaints in decreasing order of frequency were blurring of distant vision, itching, blurring of near vision, eye pain, headache and red eyes in 18%,15%, 9.6%, 5.6%, and 3.2% respectively. Presbyopia was noted in 55.3% while myopia, anisometropia, astigmatism and hypermetropia were noted in 20.7%, 19.3%, 7.0% and 1.3% respectively. Nuclear sclerosis was the commonest co-existing ocular pathology or morbidity.

Statistically significant association was found between age of the patients and presence of ocular disease existing with RE (p=0.016).

Conclusion: Fifty-one percent of the study population had refractive errors. The commonest refractive error was myopia while hypermetropia was the least common refractive error in this environment.
Optimizing Medication Use in Older Adults With Rheumatic Musculoskeletal Diseases: Deprescribing as an Approach When Less May Be More
Authors: Lee Jiha , Singh Namrata , Gray Shelly L. , Makris Una E.
Published: October 2022

The world population is aging, and the rheumatology workforce must be prepared to care for medically complex older adults. We can learn from our colleagues and experts in geriatrics about how to best manage multimorbidity, polypharmacy, geriatric syndromes, and shifting priorities of older adults in the context of delivering care for rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Polypharmacy, a common occurrence in an aging population with multimorbidity, affects half of older adults with RMDs and is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. In addition, potentially inappropriate medications that should be avoided under most circumstances is common in the RMD population. In recent years, deprescribing, known as the process of tapering, stopping, discontinuing, or withdrawing drugs, has been introduced as an approach to improve appropriate medication use among older adults and the outcomes that are important to them. As the rheumatology patient population ages globally, it is imperative to understand the burden of polypharmacy and the potential of deprescribing to improve medication use in older adults with RMDs. We encourage the rheumatology community to implement geriatric principles, when possible, as we move toward becoming an age‐friendly health care specialty.
Water‐Induced Self‐Blown Non‐Isocyanate Polyurethane Foams
Authors: Bourguignon Maxime , Grignard Bruno , Detrembleur Christophe
Published: October 2022

For 80 years, polyisocyanates and polyols were central building blocks for the industrial fabrication of polyurethane (PU) foams. By their partial hydrolysis, isocyanates release CO2 that expands the PU network. Substituting this toxic isocyanate‐based chemistry by a more sustainable variant—that in situ forms CO2 by hydrolysis of a comonomer—is urgently needed for producing greener cellular materials. Herein, we report a facile, up‐scalable process, potentially compatible to existing infrastructures, to rapidly prepare water‐induced self‐blown non‐isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) foams. We show that formulations composed of poly(cyclic carbonate)s and polyamines furnish rigid or flexible NIPU foams by partial hydrolysis of cyclic carbonates in the presence of a catalyst. By utilizing readily available low cost starting materials, this simple but robust process gives access to greener PU foams, expectedly responding to the sustainability demands of many sectors.
Durable Nickel‐Iron (Oxy)hydroxide Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts through Surface Functionalization with Tetraphenylporphyrin
Authors: Kang Sinwoo , Im Changbin , Spanos Ioannis , Ham Kahyun , Lim Ahyoun , Jacob Timo , Schlögl Robert , Lee Jaeyoung
Published: October 2022

NiFe‐based oxides are one of the best‐known active oxygen evolution electrocatalysts. Unfortunately, they rapidly lost performance in Fe‐purified KOH during the reaction. Herein, tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) was loaded on a catalyst/electrolyte interface to alleviate the destabilization of NiFe (oxy)hydroxide. We propose that the degradation occurs primarily due to the release of thermodynamically unstable Fe. TPP acts as a protective layer and suppresses the dissolution of hydrated metal at the catalyst/electrolyte interface. In the electric double layer, the nonpolar TPP layer on the NiFe surface also invigorates the redeposition of the active site, Fe, which leads to prolonging the lifetime of NiFe. The TPP‐coated NiFe was demonstrated in anion exchange membrane water electrolysis, where hydrogen was generated at a rate of 126 L h−1for 115 h at a 1.41 mV h−1degradation rate. Consequently, TPP is a promising protective layer that could stabilize oxygen evolution electrocatalysts.
Self‐Reconstructed Metal‐Organic Framework Heterojunction for Switchable Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Ling , Wang Jiaji , Jiang Ke , Xiao Zhaohui , Gao Yuntian , Lin Shiwei , Chen Banglin
Published: October 2022

Designing metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐based catalysts with superior oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity and robust durability simultaneously is highly required yet very challenging due to the limited intrinsic activity and their elusive evolution under harsh OER conditions. Herein, a steady self‐reconstructed MOF heterojunction is constructed via redox electrochemistry and topology‐guided strategy. Thanks to the inhibiting effect from hydrogen bonds of Ni‐BDC‐1 (BDC=1,4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid), the obatained MOF heterojunction shows greatly improved OER activity with low overpotential of 225 mV at 10 mA cm−2, relative to the totally reconstructed Ni‐BDC‐3 (332 mV). Density function theory calculations reveal that the formed built‐in electric field in the MOF heterojunction remarkably optimizes the ad/desorption free energy of active Ni sites. Moreover, such MOF heterojunction shows superior durability attributed to the shielding effect of the surface‐evolved NiOOH coating.
Thermally Stable Polymer‐Rich Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Safe Lithium Metal Pouch Cells
Authors: Yang Shi‐Jie , Yao Nan , Jiang Feng‐Ni , Xie Jin , Sun Shu‐Yu , Chen Xiang , Yuan Hong , Cheng Xin‐Bing , Huang Jia‐Qi , Zhang Qiang
Published: October 2022

Serious safety risks caused by the high reactivity of lithium metal against electrolytes severely hamper the practicability of lithium metal batteries. By introducing unique polymerization site and more fluoride substitution, we built an in situ formed polymer‐rich solid electrolyte interphase upon lithium anode to improve battery safety. The fluorine‐rich and hydrogen‐free polymer exhibits high thermal stability, which effectively reduces the continuous exothermic reaction between electrolyte and anode/cathode. As a result, the critical temperature for thermal safety of 1.0 Ah lithium‐LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 pouch cell can be increased from 143.2 °C to 174.2 °C. The more dangerous “ignition” point of lithium metal batteries, the starting temperature of battery thermal runaway, has been dramatically raised from 240.0 °C to 338.0 °C. This work affords novel strategies upon electrolyte design, aiming to pave the way for high‐energy‐density and thermally safe lithium metal batteries.
Advances in Biosignal Sensing and Signal Processing Methods with Wearable Devices
Authors: Matthews Jared , Kim Jihoon , Yeo Woon‐Hong
Published: October 2022

Wearable devices have received significant attention recently for their ability to monitor critical physiological signals noninvasively, such as electrocardiography, electroencephalography, electromyography, and photoplethysmography. These bio‐integrated wearable systems can potentially fill gaps in conventional clinical practice by providing highly cost‐effective health characterization and portable continuous health monitoring. Further, the physiological signals measured by wearables require post‐processing to derive meaningful values, such as heart rate or blood oxygen saturation. This requirement, in conjunction with the smaller form factor and limited sensor count of the miniaturized systems, often necessitates robust signal processing and data analysis to approach the stringent performance specifications of conventional medical devices, and machine learning techniques have found success in filling this analytical role for their ability to learn complex functional relationships. Thus, this review outlines a systematic summary of the latest research on various wearable devices and their biosignal sensing and signal processing methods, emphasizing machine learning. We also discuss the developmental challenges and advantages of current machine‐learning methods, while suggesting research directions for future studies.
Observation of reactions in single molecules/nanoparticles using light microscopy
Authors: Ahn Yongdeok , Park Minsoo , Seo Daeha
Published: October 2022

Recent techniques for direct observation of single molecules or nanoparticles provide methodologies for imaging the activation sites of heterogeneous catalysts (spatially resolved) and observing intermediates that are not visible in the ensemble average (temporally resolved). Accordingly, the primary challenge for related experiments is obtaining sufficient spatial and temporal resolutions for microscopic observation of the chemical reaction of interest. This review discusses recent advances in fluorescence—for example, total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF)—and dark‐field microscopy—for example, imaging plasmonic probes—used for observing organic, inorganic, and biological reactions. The following key factors for microscopic observation of chemical reactions are discussed: (1) design of the chemical reaction and probe, (2) selection of microscope based on reaction's temporal information, and (3) use of machine learning algorithms to analyze the sequence imaging data. This review summarizes experimental techniques and detailed examples of reactions at the single molecule and nanoparticle level. Furthermore, it discusses avenues of development. These observations can guide the development of new and systematic methodological approaches for investigating important unsolved problems in chemistry.
Characterization and Structural Determination of CmnG‐A, the Adenylation Domain That Activates the Nonproteinogenic Amino Acid Capreomycidine in Capreomycin Biosynthesis
Authors: Chen I‐Hsuan , Cheng Ting , Wang Yung‐Lin , Huang Szu‐Jo , Hsiao Yu‐Hsuan , Lai Yi‐Ting , Toh Shu‐Ing , Chu John , Rudolf Jeffrey D. , Chang Chin‐Yuan
Published: October 2022

Capreomycidine (Cap) is a nonproteinogenic amino acid and building block of nonribosomal peptide (NRP) natural products. We report the formation and activation of Cap in capreomycin biosynthesis. CmnC and CmnD catalyzed hydroxylation and cyclization, respectively, of l‐Arg to form l‐Cap. l‐Cap is then adenylated by CmnG‐A before being incorporated into the nonribosomal peptide. The co‐crystal structures of CmnG‐A with l‐Cap and adenosine nucleotides provide insights into the specificity and engineering opportunities of this unique adenylation domain.
Cation‐Tuning Engineering on Metal Oxides for Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Cao Liuyue , Zhang Bin‐Wei , Zhao Shenlong
Published: October 2022

Cation‐tuning engineering has become a new frontier in altering the electronic structure of electrocatalysts, which has been employed to enhance their electrochemical performance. Significant efforts have been made to promote the electrochemical performance of transition metal‐based materials during oxygen electrocatalysis and related energy devices such as Zn‐air batteries. Herein, the advantages of cation‐tuning engineering, including cation vacancies/defects and cation doping, in the modification of the electronic structure of transition metal oxide catalysts are discussed. Additionally, practical applications of the cation‐tuning engineering strategy are reviewed in detail with a special emphasis on oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction. Lastly, challenges and future opportunities in this field are also proposed.
Synthesis of Sterically Encumbered Thiourea S‐Oxides through Direct Thiourea Oxidation
Authors: Medvedko Serhii , Ströbele Markus , Wagner J. Philipp
Published: October 2022

Thiourea S‐oxides can be viewed as formal analogs of the currently unknown diamino‐substituted Criegee intermediates (urea O‐oxides). However, the preparation of such S‐oxides is rather challenging, and the direct oxidation of thioureas typically only leads to formation of desulfurized products. Employing the accurate revDSD‐PBEP86‐D4 double hybrid density functional, it was found that the peracid mediated oxidation of thiourea S‐oxides exhibits a lower reaction barrier than the oxidation of the corresponding thiourea itself in contrast to most other ordinary thioketones. The undesired overoxidation reactivity, which is associated with strong π‐donation from the thiourea's nitrogen atoms, can be partially suppressed by introduction of bulky substituents and the utilization of protic solvents. In this regard, we managed to prepare two sterically encumbered thiourea S‐oxides in isolated yields of 35–40 %. The S‐oxides are stable in the solid state and in alcoholic solutions at room temperature for extended periods of time, but swiftly decompose in aprotic solvents by disproportionation. A dimesityl‐substituted thiourea S‐oxide complexed with residual mCBA could be characterized by means of X‐ray crystallography, confirming the importance of hydrogen bonding in the stabilization of the amino‐substituted C=S+−O− moiety.
Boosting Ring Strain and Lewis Acidity of Borirane: Synthesis, Reactivity and Density Functional Theory Studies of an Uncoordinated Arylborirane Fused to o‐Carborane
Authors: Wei Yuxiang , Wang Junyi , Yang Weiguang , Lin Zhenyang , Ye Qing
Published: October 2022

Among the parent borirane, benzoborirene and ortho‐dicarbadodecaborane‐fused borirane, the latter possesses the highest ring strain and the highest Lewis acidity according to our density functional theory (DFT) studies. The synthesis of this class of compounds is thus considerably challenging. The existing examples require either a strong π‐donating group or an extra ligand for B‐coordination, which nevertheless suppresses or completely turns off the Lewis acidity. The title compound, which possesses both features, not only allows the 1,2‐insertion of P=O, C=O or C≡N to proceed under milder conditions, but also enables the heretofore unknown dearomative 1,4‐insertion of Ar−(C=O)− into a B−C bond. The fusion of strained molecular systems to an o‐carborane cage shows great promise for boosting both the ring strain and acidity.
Immune check point inhibitors in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas: “Repeat and replicate”
Authors: Steuer Conor E. , Saba Nabil F.
Published: October 2022

Lay summary

Recent evidence confirmed the significant clinical benefit from using immune check point inhibitors, namely PD‐1 inhibitors, in patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas.

The activity of these different agents seems to be strikingly equivalent.

This phase 2 trial confirms a similar clinical benefit to single agent nivolumab in treating this disease.

The replication of these findings raises the question of whether substitution of these immunotherapeutic agents can be justified based on smaller confirmatory trials.