bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual Stimulants: Prevalence and Associated Factors Amongst Married Women in Sokoto Metropolis, Sokoto State, Nigeria
Authors: Ango U. M. , Oche M. O. , Bello M. M. , Yunusa E. U. , Umar M. T. , Adamu A. , Adamu B. H. , Adetoro S. M. , Shija D. T.
Published: April 2021

Aim: This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence and factors associated with the use of sexual stimulants (aphrodisiacs) among married women in Sokoto metropolis, Sokoto state, Nigeria.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 215 married women in Sokoto metropolis selected by multistage sampling technique. A set of pre-tested, semi-structured interviewer- administered questionnaire was used to collect data on the research variables. Data were analyzed using IBM® SPSS version 20 statistical package.

Results: A total of 215 married women were interviewed, out of which 209 were aware of sexual stimulants. Of the 209 respondents who were aware of sexual stimulants, majority 183 (85.0%) reported using one form of sexual stimulants or the other and up to 135 (73.8%) of those who used sexual stimulants were from monogamous setting, their main source of information concerning sexual stimulants was from family relatives 101 (55.2%). A large proportion of the respondents 127 (69.4%) used it to satisfy their spouses while majority (84.3%) of them reported increased sexual pleasure/satisfaction by them and their husbands. Complications developed by the respondents while using sexual stimulants include: vaginal itching 8(30.8%), vaginal discharge 5(19.2%), dryness of the vagina and irregular menstrual period 2 (7.7%) each, vaginal bruises, lower abdominal pain and painful intercourse 3 (11.5%) each.

Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of use of sexual stimulants among the respondents, with the substances being obtained from various sources and used for different reasons. A sizeable number of them opined that they used the substances to enhance their sexual satisfaction and that of their husbands. Since the pharmacological compositions of these substances have not been ascertained, there is need for community education on the health risks associated with the use of sexual stimulants as some of them may have adverse effects on the organs of the body.
The Effects of Extraction Conditions on Extraction Yield and Syringin Content in Producing Standardized Tinospora crispa Aqueous Extract with High Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Shah Zamree Md , Hasan Mohd Kamal Nik , Kadir Khairul Kamilah Abdul , Arshad Mohd Shahidan Mohd , Amom Zulkhairi
Published: April 2021

The herbal plant known as Tinospora crispa is reported to have many beneficial effects on health and has great potential in future to be developed as a health product either in the form of traditional medicine, food supplements or in pharmaceutical preparations. However, so far knowledge on processing procedures to produce quality standardized extracts of this plant to be used in product development has still not widely reported. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the optimal extraction conditions for producing a standardized T. crispa aqueos extract (STCAE) with high extraction yield and high syringin content. Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of various extraction conditions involving temperature (25–100 ° C), extraction time (0.5–6 hours) and liquid (water) to solid ratio (5: 1–25: 1 ml of solvent per g stem dry). Using optimized conditions obtained, the extract was standardized based on syringin and was further investigated on its antioxidant activity through DPPH, FRAP and TBA bioassays. Results revealed that the optimum extraction conditions were found to be 1 h extraction time and 15:1 ml g−1 liquid-to-solid ratio. For the extraction temperature, 60°C was found to be the best. STCAE was produced on the basis of the extract to contain with at least 0.4 wt% of syringin. STCAE was found to possess high antioxidant activities through DPPH, FRAP and TBA bioassays.
Survey on Disaster Risk Reduction Measures in the Balicuatro Area Schools of Northern Samar
Authors: Canales Randy O. , Sanico Felisa L.
Published: April 2021

This study sought to account the disaster risk reduction measures of the school heads of the elementary schools in the Balicuatro Area of Northern Samar in terms of information dissemination and advocacy campaign, policy mechanisms, organizational structure and mitigation measures to ensure the safety of the pupils, school personnel, properties and records. The findings showed that there was a significant relationship on the level of awareness of the respondents and the status of implementation of disaster risk reduction measures. The respondents possess some extent of knowledge on disaster risk reduction measures. The respondents’ awareness influenced their status of implementation of the measures. It can be implied that the efforts of the government to raise the awareness is effective.
Workplace Stressors and Employee Performance: A Conceptual Review
Authors: Tamunomiebi Miebaka Dagogo , Mezeh Akpobolokami Andy
Published: April 2021

In work settings, stress can be produced by an array of stressors, such as work tasks, psychosocial, and organizational stressors. Reviews of studies done on physical and psychosocial stressors revealed that physical factors, such as repetitive movements, awkward postures, high force demands, work posture, vibration and psychosocial factors, such as low co-worker support, high quantitative demands, low job control and low job satisfaction are of importance. The organizations therefore should be concerned with identifying the workplace stressors, and empowering their employees to deal with those stressors that cannot be completely eliminated. Stress is a universal element experienced by employees around the globe. Stress has become major problem for employer particularly in developing nations where the employer does not realize the impact of stress on employee performance. It is important to recognize and address properly job stress because it badly affects the employee’s mental and physiological health. As there are so many resources for employees to perform excellent in their jobs but there is also some factors that hinders in their way. These factors lead to negative employee performance. Stress at work is seen as one of the major psychosocial risks of work. Work-related stress is one of the problems confronting employees. It is of great concern to employees, employers and psychologists, because of its high growing rate in ill- health, as a result of long working hours of some employees. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of work stressors on employee performance.
A Comprehensive Analysis of M-ary PSK and M-ary QAM Schemes
Authors: Balarabe Anas Tukur , Rufa’i Ahmad , Hassan Zahriya Lawal , Aliyu Muhammad Bello
Published: April 2021

In the last few decades, data communication has recorded massive improvements. These improvements were brought about by advancement in digital circuitry, its availability and persistent reduction in cost. Before the advancement of digital communication technology, analogue communication was the dominant means of transmitting data. As the internet expands across the globe, the need to transfer data over long distances increases. However, the major problem with analogue communication is that the quality of signals is lost with distance. Also, it has minimal security and does not support data integration. Digital communications provided an alternative to analogue communication. Today, digital modulations have become part and parcel of the present and future communication technologies. Despite the advantages of these schemes, the traditional channel impairments, such as noise, can affect their performance. Moreover, data transmission is mostly done over wireless channels, which are very unpredictable and are characterised by multipath fading effects. This paper presents a short research article that presents a study of digital modulation schemes (M-ary QAM and M-ary PSK) using MATLAB/Simulink under Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN). The result shows that, among the three modulation schemes compared, QAM has the best BER performance with minimal energy consumption.
Supplementary Foliar Applications and Their Effect on the Agronomic Behavior of Strawberry in a Vertical System
Authors: Cortez María del Pilar Marín , Naveda Antonio Flores , Vázquez Perpetuo Álvarez , López Josué Israel García , Olivo Armando Robledo , Chacon Xohitl Ruelas , Montejo Neymar Camposeco
Published: April 2021

Aims: The objective was to evaluate the agronomic behavior of the strawberry crop under supplementary foliar applications in a vertical system.

Study Design: The experimental design used in each test was the completely randomized experimental model with six treatments and four repetitions each. The treatments were Control, Estimulante plus®, AeroBiot®, BasfoliarAktiv®, Basfoliar PS® and HPLS.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out under a greenhouse in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. From October 20, 2019 to February 20, 2020.

Methodology: The San Andreas strawberry variety was used, the vertical system consisted of 4” PVC tubes, 1.2 m long, with 5 cm diameter perforations, a mixture of peat moss and perlite was used as substrate in a ratio 70:30 %. The foliar applications were carried out every week, stimulant plus®, AeroBiot®, Basfoliar Activ® and HPLS were at a rate of 2 ml L-1, Basfoliar PS® was at a rate of 2 g L-1, the control was only distilled water.

Results: The foliar application of AeroBiot® statistically improved the average weight of the fruit and exceeded the control by 16.7 %, the length of the fruit was statistically similar between the applications of BasfoliarActiv®, AeroBiot®, Basfoliar PS® and HPLS, the rest of the variables showed a similar statistical behavior.

Conclusion: The agronomic performance of strawberry cultivation in a vertical system was similar between supplementary foliar applications of products containing macro and microelements, amino acids and protein hydrolysates, while worm leachates such as AeroBiot® improve the average weight of the fruit.
Physico-chemical Characterization of the Leachate from Fermentation Composts Treated with Lime and Soda: Case of the Composting Platform in Aného, Togo
Authors: Kolédzi Edem K. , Krou Nitale M’Balikine , Ségbéaya Kwamivi N. , Aziablé E.
Published: April 2021

This study aims to determine the parameters measuring the reduction rate of the organic matter during fermentation and its bio-availability after maturation of the compost made using fermentable fractions of household waste. Thus, a physico-chemical characterization of the raw leachate and the leachate treated with lime and caustic soda was carried out. The results showed that, the contents of the other parameters measured are higher for the raw leachate compared to those obtained for the treated leachate. Organic and inorganic pollution is reflected by high Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), absorbance at 254 nm, turbidity and suspended matter. The COD values ​​in the raw leachate vary between 13000 and 19150 mg/O2/L; those of the absorbance at 254 nm between 30.5 and 34.15 OD; those of turbidity between 156 and 255 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) and those of suspended matter between 48 and 1600 mg/L. In the treated leachate, the COD values ​​oscillate between 4489 and 8743 mg/O2/L; those of the absorbance at 254 nm between 6.69 and 31.1 OD; those of turbidity between 57.8 and 122 NTU and those of suspended matter between 70 and 92 mg. These results reflect a good reduction after treatment with lime and soda.
Evaluation of the response of Turkey strains to Salmonella and Newcastle vaccines
Authors: Ikpeme Ekei Victor
Published: April 2021

This research work was carried out to evaluate the immune response of 3 turkey strains to salmonella and Newcastle vaccines measured via antibody titre. The study deployed a total of 120 poults (40 black, 40 white and 40 lavender) strains. To ascertain the initial antibody titre of all the birds, blood samples were obtained from their wing veins immediately after acclimatization for salmonella and Newcastle antibody titre.  The test for salmonella and Newcastle antibody titre responses of the birds were performed using widal and haemagglutination inhibition (HI), respectively. The birds were divided into two broad groups tagged as A and B, which represented Salmonella and Newcastle vaccines, respectively. Each group had 3 sub-groups denoting the 3 strains of turkey used for the study. After vaccination, blood samples were collected from all the birds at 3 and 5 days for laboratory assessment of antibody titre response. The results showed that there was significant increase (p<0.05) in the antibody titre response of all the turkey strains after vaccination. Results obtained on the time of exposure of the birds to vaccine revealed that higher antibody titre values were obtained from the black and white turkey strains at 3 days than at 5 days after administration of Newcastle vaccine, except in the lavender strain, which had higher titre value at 5 days after Newcastle vaccination. Following administration of salmonella vaccine, black and lavender strains had statistically higher antibody titre response (2.03 and 2.10 mean loge widal, respectively) than white strain (1.86 mean loge widal). Similarly, the black strain also had higher antibody titre value when Newcastle vaccine was administered (2.35 mean loge HI) followed by lavender (1.99 mean loge HI) and white strain (1.71 mean loge HI). Black strains showed more antibody titre response and by implication, stronger immunity to Salmonella and Newcastle vaccines. More importantly, the differential response of the 3 turkey strains to vaccine could give turkey breeders the choice of selection of turkey breeds for disease resistance breeding.
Assessment of the Quality of Liquid Digestate from Small-scale Anaerobic Biodigesters Used for Crop Irrigation in Urban and Peri-urban Maseru, Lesotho
Authors: Tanor Emmanuel B. , Lejone Itumeleng , Magama Sibusisiwe , Lebofa Mantopi Martina
Published: April 2021

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the quality of Liquid Digestate (LD) from selected small scale anaerobic digesters for biogas production and assess the suitability for crop irrigation.

Methodology: The selection of the parameters was guided by national standards and international guidelines for the agricultural use of wastewater and wastewater treatment products. The analysis was carried out using standard methods.

Results: The results showed that most of the parameters determined of the LD from the anaerobic reactors were within the ranges of the national standards and the FAO recommended guideline limits for crop irrigation with wastewater; pH (6.75-8.50), alkalinity 12.5-45.7 mg/L), EC 0.39-1.30dS/m), COD (82.3-158.0 mg.O2/L, SS (1.35-6.17 mg/L) and TDS (249.6-832.0 mg/L). The LD from the reactors contain some considerable amounts of plant nutrients; total nitrogen (11.5- 33.1 mg/L), ammonium nitrogen (2.3-22.0 mg/L), total phosphorous (1.5-121.6 mg/L) calcium (37.68-438 mg/L), magnesium (15.25-127-36 mg/L), sodium (4.67-32.47 mg/L), chloride (9.30-19.5 mg/L) and potassium (12.07-39.50 mg/L). The mean concentrations of the micronutrients cobalt (0.67-0.94 mg/L), copper (0.78-1.08 mg/L), iron (0.851.93 mg/L), manganese (0.09-0.20 mg/L), nickel (0.82-1.48 mg/L) and zinc (0.31-2.24 mg/L) were greater than the FAO guideline limits for wastewater used in crop irrigation, which suggests that the LD are potential low-cost biofertilizer. The level of toxic metals arsenic (0.65-0.87 mg/L), cadmium (0.70-0.97 mg/L), chromium (0.71-0.98 mg/L) and lead (0.55-1.46 mg/L), were higher than the recommended levels for use of treated wastewater in crop irrigation. The numbers of the common pathogenic microorganisms determined were much lower than the FAO and WHO recommended limits indicating that the liquid digestate will not pose any major health risk a biofertilizer.

Conclusion: The nutrients and other parameters indicated that the quality of the LD is good enough to be used for crop irrigation without any restrictions.However, the LD should be used with caution, because of the levels of the toxic metals, which may accumulate in the soil after prolonged application. Also, extension services on best practices for the agricultural application of the LD should be made available to potential users to mitigate any potential negative environmental and health impacts.
New Validated RP-HPLC Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Valsartan and Nebivolol in Bulk and Dosage Forms
Authors: Albakour Bayan , Trefi Saleh , Bitar Yaser
Published: April 2021

The main reason of this work to develop a sensitive, rapid, economic, precise reverse phase liquid chromatographic method to separate and assay the simultaneous determination of Valsartan and Nebivolol as a minor component in bulk and dosage forms. The separation was carried out using SHIMADZU UV-photo diode array detector at 200, 245 nm for Nebivolol and Valsartan respectively equipped with reverse phase C18 column Sunniest 5μm, 4.6 mm, 250 mm at 40˚C oven temperature, flow rate of 1 mL/min with mobile phase consist of 70:30 methanol: 10 mM phosphate buffer pH=3. The retention time of Nebivolol and Valsartan were to be found at 4.3 min and 8 min respectively. The method was validated according to ICH guidelines. The linearity of the proposed method was investigated in concentration range of 45.8-229% r=0.9997 for Nebivolol and the range 55-166%, r=0.9999 for Valsartan. Robustness in the case of little change of some chromatographic conditions. Validation of the proposed method was carried out for its linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness and assay. This method can be applied easily in routine work analysis to detrmine the estimation of nebivolol and valsartan in bulk and dosage forms.
Development of Tinidazole Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles Formulation and its Characterization
Authors: Devi K. Tirumala , Venkateswarlu B. S.
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The development of safe drug delivery systems for a therapeutic agent with less side effects and more bioavailability to the targeted site is very vital in drugs formulation. Tinidazole (TZ) is a drug used to treat giardiasis, amebiasis for colon infections and other infections also such as trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis. But the oral bioavailability for the current using drugs low. So, the current study was aimed to develop colon targeted drug delivery system for Tinidazole (TZ) with polymeric nanoparticles (NPs).

Methodology: The nanoparticles formulations of TZ were prepared with modified ionic gelation method using chitosan and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP) are in different combinations by magnetic stirring method followed by temperature modulated solidification. The solvent evaporation method applied to coat TZ nanoparticles with Eudragit S100. The prepared TZ nanoparticle were studied to evaluate physiochemical properties, In-vitro drug release, mucopenetration and In-vivo mucoadhesive studies were carried out.

Results: The results of study indicate, 1:1 ratio of chitosan and HPMCP formulation of nanoparticles provides better spatial interaction between them and TZ with spherical porous and the particles size was diverging between 202 - 236 nm. In vitro release of TZ followed Higuchi and first order equations better than zero order equation. The drug release results of nanoparticles formulations of TZ indicate that the NPs have potential as a drug delivery system compare to uncoated TZ and coated nanoparticles have comparatively less mucoadhesive detachment force.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the study was an evidence to use nanoparticles in colon targeted drug delivery systems for better bioavailability of drugs at targeted site and the biodistribution properties of drugs using nanoparticle will be depend on their composition, particle size and their adhesive abilities.
Application of Percutaneous Screw Fixation and Closed Reduction for Tibial Plateau Fractures in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Akhund Muhammad Azeem , Latif Muhammad , Moton Rahat Zahoor , Khan Zohaib , Nawaz Zohaib , Rasheed Nusrat
Published: April 2021

Objective: Objective of this study is to assess the application of percutaneous screw fixation and closed reduction for tibial plateau fractures in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods: The study design of this study is case series with sample size of 58 patients calculated by WHO calculator with functional outcome of 80-100%. The duration of the study was about 6 months.Non-probability sequential technique was adopted for data collection.

Results: The average patient age was 35.35±6.84 years however male patient were high in numbers (83.8%). Types of fractures (type I, II and IV) and functional outcomes (un-satisfactory and satisfactory) showed 17(29.3%), 33(56.8%) and 12(20.6%) and 4(6.45%) and 58(93.5%). The mean Rasmussen Score was 24.6(4.9%) however significant relationship between age and functional group were observed (p<0.05). The Rasmussen Functional Scoring System and Schatzker classification were also evaluated w.r.t ache, capability of walking normally, extension lag, stability as well as range of motion. Scores ranging from 28 up till 36 stipulate excellent, from 20 to 27 good, considering score of 10 to 20 fair and 6 to 10 poor.

Conclusion: The application of Percutaneous screw fixation and closed reduction for tibial plateau fractures in Karachi, Pakistanis less invasive, decrease hospital stays and charges, escalation of early mobilization along with satisfactory outcomes.
Effect of Potassium Fertilization on Growth and Yield Attributes of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Crop in an Inceptisol
Authors: Ranjan Kumar Rishi , Singh Y. V.
Published: April 2021

A pot experiment was designed for two consecutive years of (2018 and 2019) to investigate the effect of optimal use of potassium fertilizer by applying at different rates 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg K kg-1 10 kg pot-1 soil. Rice cv. HUR-36 (Malaviya Dhan-36)] crop was transplanted by maintaining four seedlings in each pot and potassium fertilization effect on plant growth and yield attributes of rice was recorded. The experiment was carried out in completely randomized design (CRD) with seven treatments viz., T1: absolute control (0:0:0), T2: 60:30:0 mg kg-1, T3: 60:30:10 mg kg-1, T4: 60:30:20 mg kg-1, T5: 60:30:30 mg kg-1, T6: 60:30:40 mg kg-1 and T6: 60:30:50 mg kg-1 corresponding to 120, 60, 60 (N:P2O5: K2O) kg ha-1. The experiment was conducted in triplicate. The data pertaining to experiment revealed that plant height, effective no. of tillers, chlorophyll content and grain and straw yield were significantly increased as the scheduled rates of potassium fertilizer application increases. In treatment T5 receiving 60:30:30 mg kg-1, potassium was general recommendation but due to intensive cropping of rice, mining of K was noticed. Therefore, increased dose of potassium should be recommended to maintain the replenishment of K in soil system and other side benefit cost ratio should not affect negatively. The treatment received extra doses of T6 to T7 (60:30:50 mg kg-1) showed highest growth in plant and yield of rice but in steady state which is not beneficial economically. Hence, in T7 benefit cost ratio will be poor. In the present experiment, T6 maintains all fulfillment of K whether in plant or soil system.
Experimental Study of a Stationary Hot Air Solar Collector Built with Hemispherical Concentrators and Enhanced with Fresnel Lenses
Authors: Ky Thierry S. M. , Ouedraogo Salifou , Ousmane Moctar , Dianda Boureima , Ouedraogo Emmanuel , Bathiebo Dieudonné J.
Published: April 2021

Aims: This paper is about a solar collector made of hemispherical concentrators. This collector is sun tracking free, and used for natural convection. Lenses are used on top of each concentrator to improve its efficiency.

Study Design: The Solar collector is made of hemispherical concentrators with Fresnel lenses axially-centered to those concentrators and placed on top of each one of them. Those concentrators are covered with a 4 mm glass for a greenhouse effect. The concentrators generate hot spots that heat the inside air. There is no need for receivers at the hot spots.

Methodology: from Inlet to outlet, temperatures are measured as well as inlet air speed, which allow the efficiency evaluation.

Results: Although those measurements were conducted in a cloudy period, temperature difference from the inlet to the outlet was around 55°C to 65°C. This result is superior to previous studies of the same system without lenses which gave temperature difference around 35°C to 45°C. It is sharply superior to that of usual black-painted convective system with fined plates that gives a temperature difference of around 20°C to 25°C.

Conclusion and Perspectives: The global efficiency calculated using measurement values reaches 56%. This is far greater compared to previous black plate systems’ efficiency of 29%, giving an efficiency increase of 93%, but expected knowing that we are using a concentration system for convection.
Enterovibrio
Authors: Pujalte María J. , Lucena Teresa , Macián Maria Carmen , Arahal David R.
Published: April 2021

En.te.ro.vi'bri.o. Gr. neut. n.
enteron
intestine; L. masc. n.
vibrio
that which vibrates; N.L. masc. n.
Enterovibrio
enteric vibrio.

Proteobacteria / Gammaproteobacteria / Vibrionales / Vibrionaceae / Enterovibrio

The genus
Enterovibrio
is classified within the family
Vibrionaceae
and contains five species that have validly published names:
Enterovibrio norvegicus
,
Enterovibrio coralii
,
Enterovibrio nigricans
,
Enterovibrio calviensis
 – basonym
Vibrio calviensis
 – and
Enterovibrio pacificus
. A sixth species, whose name has not yet been validated, is “
Enterovibrio baiacu
.” Two
Candidatus
species have been affiliated to the genus, the luminescent symbionts “
Candidatus
E. luxaltus” and “
Candidatus
E. escacola”, whose names have been corrected to “
Candidatus
E. altilux” and “
Candidatus
E. escicola”, respectively.

Cells are Gram‐negative rods or coccobacilli, motile by one polar flagellum, oxidase test is positive. All species but
E. pacificus
are catalase positive. Chemoheterotrophic, utilize
N
‐acetyl
d
‐glucosamine and
d
‐glucose as sole carbon sources. Mesophilic, able to grow optimally between 20 and 30°C, none of the species grows at 42°C. Strictly halophilic, unable to grow without NaCl; they grow at 2–6% NaCl. Facultatively anaerobic, fermenting
d
‐glucose without gas production. Nitrate reduction to nitrite, arginine dihydrolase, and indole production from tryptophan are variable among species. Voges–Proskauer and lysine and ornithine decarboxylases are negative. Some species do not grow on TCBS agar or grow slowly, producing green (sucrose negative) colonies. Major fatty acids are C
16:1
ω7
c
and/or iso C
15:0
2‐OH, C
16:0
, and C
18:1
ω7
c
. Major respiratory quinone is quinone‐8 (Q‐8). Member of the class
Gammaproteobacteria
, order
Vibrionales. Enterovibrio
species have been isolated from marine environments and are particularly frequent on the gut of marine fish. The type species was originally isolated from intestinal content of healthy turbot larvae in Norway.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 45.5–50.8 (genome).

Type species
:
Enterovibrio norvegicus
Thompson et al. 2002
VP
.
Battling to a draw: Defense expert rebuttal can neutralize prosecution fingerprint evidence
Authors: Mitchell Gregory , Garrett Brandon L.
Published: April 2021

The present study examined whether a defense rebuttal expert can effectively educate jurors on the risk that the prosecution's fingerprint expert made an error. Using a sample of 1716 jury‐eligible adults, we examined the impact of three types of rebuttal testimony in a mock trial: (a) a methodological rebuttal explaining the general risk of error in the fingerprint‐comparison process; (b) a new‐evidence rebuttal concluding the latent fingerprint recovered in this case was not suitable for use in a comparison; and (c) a new‐evidence rebuttal excluding the defendant as the source of the latent fingerprint. All three rebuttals significantly altered perceptions of the prosecution's fingerprint evidence, but new‐evidence rebuttals proved most effective. The effectiveness of the rebuttals depended, however, on whether jurors were more concerned about false acquittals or false convictions.
Adaptive finite‐time consensus tracking control for nonlinear multiagent systems in nonstrict feedback form with full‐state constraints
Authors: Liu Dan , Zhao Lin
Published: April 2021

In this article, the fuzzy adaptive finite‐time consensus tracking control problem for nonstrict feedback nonlinear multiagent systems with full‐state constraints is studied. The finite‐time control based on command filtered backstepping is proposed to guarantee the finite‐time convergence and eliminate the explosion of complexity problem caused by backstepping process, and the errors in the filtering process are compensated by using error compensation mechanism. Furthermore, based on the fuzzy logic systems, the uncertain nonlinear dynamics are approximated and the problem of state variables in nonstrict feedback form is solved by using the property of basis functions. The barrier Lyapunov functions are introduced to guarantee that all system states and compensated tracking error signals are constrained in the designed regions. A simulation example is given to verify the superiority of the proposed algorithm.
Remodelling: Home as Cosmos
Authors: Randl Chad
Published: April 2021

House refurbishment, renovation or simply rearranging the pictures on your walls or ornaments on your shelves is worldbuilding. Chad Randl, Art DeMuro Assistant Professor in the Historic Preservation programme at the University of Oregon, takes us on a psychological trek via our domestic environments to reveal that we worldmodel consistently and perennially at home.
Enhancing the Hydrogen Evolution Properties of Kesterite Absorber by Si‐Doping in the Surface of CZTS Thin Film
Authors: Vishwakarma Manoj , Kumar Mukesh , Hendrickx Mylène , Hadermann Joke , Singh Aadesh P. , Batra Yogita , Mehta B. R.
Published: April 2021

In this work, the effects of Si‐doping in Cu2ZnSnS4 are examined computationally and experimentally. The density functional theory calculations show that an increasing concentration of Si (from x = 0 to x = 1) yields a band gap rise due to shifting of the conduction band minimum towards higher energy states in the Cu2Zn(Sn1−xSix)S4. CZTSiS thin film prepared by co‐sputtering process shows Cu2Zn(Sn1−xSix)S4 (Si‐rich) and Cu2ZnSnS4 (S‐rich) kesterite phases on the surface and in the bulk of the sample, respectively. A significant change in surface electronic properties is observed in CZTSiS thin film. Si‐doping in CZTS inverts the band bending at grain‐boundaries from downward to upward and the Fermi level of CZTSiS shifts upward. Further, the coating of the CdS and ZnO layer improves the photocurrent to ≈5.57 mA cm−2 at −0.41 VRHE in the CZTSiS/CdS/ZnO sample, which is 2.39 times higher than that of pure CZTS. The flat band potential increases from CZTS ≈0.43 VRHE to CZTSiS/CdS/ZnO ≈1.31 VRHE indicating the faster carrier separation process at the electrode–electrolyte interface in the latter sample. CdS/ZnO layers over CZTSiS significantly reduce the charge transfer resistance at the semiconductor–electrolyte interface.
Facile Fabrication of a Mechanical, Chemical, Thermal, and Long‐Term Outdoor Durable Fluorine‐Free Superhydrophobic Coating
Authors: Tan Xinyu , Wang Yunkuan , Huang Zhengtao , Sabin Sydney , Xiao Ting , Jiang Lihua , Chen Xiaobo
Published: April 2021

Despite their great self‐cleaning, anti‐dust, and anti‐icing properties superhydrophobic coatings show great promise in various practical applications in solar cells, car windows, powerlines, etc., superhydrophobic coatings encounter a large resistance in large‐scale practical applications due to their unsatisfactory long‐term mechanical, chemical, thermal, and weathering durability. This study demonstrates a cost‐effective, large‐scale applicable, mechanical, chemical, thermal, and long‐term weathering durable fluorine‐free superhydrophobic coating. This coating can be prepared with a simple spin‐coating or doctor‐blade painting or spray‐brush method, using SiO2 nanoparticles coated with methyl MQ silicone resin (Me‐MQ), and y‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH‐570). This coating displays remarkable super‐hydrophobic performance with a large water contact angle of 168.8°, and a small sliding angle less than 1.0°, which survives tape peeling, sand impact, sandpaper abrasion, etching in acidic and alkaline environments, baking at high temperature up to 550 °C, and long‐term exposure to outdoor natural environment (under 16 months’ natural sunlight irradiation, UV irradiation, rain falls, high PM2.5, dust accumulation, etc.). The materials used are non‐fluorine, non‐toxic, environmentally friendly, and can be effectively applied to large glass surfaces using cost‐effective doctor‐blade painting and spray‐brush methods towards large‐scale applications. Therefore, this work can inspire and advance researches on superhydrophobic coatings towards practical applications.
Ultrafast Zinc–Ion–Conductor Interface toward High‐Rate and Stable Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Yan Huibo , Li Songmei , Nan Yang , Yang Shubin , Li Bin
Published: April 2021

The corrosion, passivation, and dendritic growth of Zn anodes and the dissolution of cathodes hinder rechargeable aqueous zinc ion battery (AZIB) rejuvenation. In this work, a versatile Zn‐based montmorillonite (MMT) interlayer is constructed to achieve a stable rechargeable AZIB. The Zn‐based MMT coating Zn foil (MMT‐Zn) is designed to enable a high transference number for Zn2+ (t+ ≈ 0.82) and a freeway for Zn2+ migration to alleviate corrosion and passivation and suppress Zn dendrites. The results show the MMT‐Zn symmetrical batteries render dendrite‐free plating/stripping with an ultra‐stable and small overpotential (50 mV) and a long‐life span (1000 cycles) at 1 mA cm−2/0.25 mAh cm−2 and with 100 mV overpotential at ultrahigh current and capacity of 10 mA cm−2/45 mAh cm−2 (over 1000 h, 77% depth of discharge). The MMT interlayer is applied to the MnO2 cathode to inhibit the discharge product dissolving and diffusing into the electrolyte, so that the stability of the capacity is maintained. Thus, MMT‐Zn||MMT‐MnO2 delivers an ultra‐long cycle life and ultra‐high capacity (1100 cycles with 191.5 mAh g−1 at 2 C). Hopefully, Zn‐based MMT interlayer can be considered to improve the electrochemical performance of the metal anodes and soluble cathodes.
Nucleophilic Addition to Diradicals Derived From Cycloaromatization of Maleimide‐Based Enediynes
Authors: Zhang Mengsi , Ma Hailong , Li Baojun , Sun Ke , Lu Haotian , Wang Wenbo , Cheng Xiaoyu , Li Xiaoxuan , Ding Yun , Hu Aiguo
Published: April 2021

Diradical chemistry, typified by the cycloaromatization of enediynes or enyne‐allenes, have been extensively explored due to the involved intriguing biological activity and unique mechanistic actions. Because of the essential Myers‐Saito cycloaromatization involved in the maleimide‐assisted rearrangement and cycloaromatization (MARACA) mechanism disclosed in our recent work, the important object of diradical/zwitterion dichotomy and the reactivity of thermally induced σ,π‐diradicals were investigated in this work through the combination of experimental and computational studies. Deuterium incorporation experiments demonstrated that the polar product was afforded from the MARACA strategy, in which the diradical and zwitterion reactivities from the cycloaromatization step could both lead to the closed‐shell product via the subsequent nucleophilic addition reaction and protonation. Using the density functional theory calculations, the unusual reactivity of the heterosymmetric diradicals to closed‐shell zwitterions was examined, and the addition of carbonyl moiety to α,3‐dehydrotoluene was allowed to occur via a nonplanar cyclic allene transition structure with a small barrier of 9.1 kcal/mol. The observed nonplanar geometry is essential for the necessarily symmetry‐breaking action, resulted in the continuous transformation from open‐shell diradical to closed‐shell zwitterion species during the addition process.
Low‐Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Time Domain Characterization of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid–Rich Linseed and Fish Oil Emulsions during Thermal Air Oxidation
Authors: Resende Maysa T. , Linder Charles , Wiesman Zeev
Published: April 2021

Linseed contains high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), such as α‐linolenic acid (> 50% ALA‐18:3), that are naturally protected against thermal oxidation by their encapsulation within linseed oil bodies (OB) by multiple components including antioxidant proteins and mucilage emulsifying agents. Linseed OB emulsions (LSE) can be produced by grinding linseed seeds, adding water, adjusting pH, and sonication. This is a process that can encapsulate externally added PUFA to minimize their thermal oxidation, as it does for the intrinsic ALA PUFA. Fish oil (FO) encapsulation into this LSE platform to form linseed fish oil emulsions (LSFE) offers the possibility of a nutritive delivery system of the biologically essential FO PUFA eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. In this study, 1H low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) is used to characterize LSE's and LSFE's chemical and structural properties as well as their stability and changes under thermal oxidation (55 °C for 96 hours). 1H LF‐NMR data processing was developed to generate one‐dimensional (1D) T1 (spin–lattice), 1D T2 (spin–spin), and 2D (T1 vs. T2) relaxation time spectra that can characterize OB emulsions and monitor their time domain fingerprints (spectrum peaks) of chemical and structural changes during the oxidation process. The 1H LF‐NMR analysis were further supported and correlated with conventional peroxide value test, self‐diffusion, droplet size distribution, zeta potential estimation of surface stability, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of fatty acid profile changes under thermal oxidation conditions. The 1D and 2D LF‐NMR relaxation spectra showed that the LSE and LSFE did not suffer intense oxidation process, due to PUFA assembly in OB oxidative protection. These results were further confirmed by the supportive analytical methodologies. The results of this study demonstrate the efficacy of 1H LF‐NMR methodology to monitor PUFA's rich oil and emulsion thermal oxidation.
The composite hydrogel with “2D flexible crosslinking point” of reduced graphene oxide for strain sensor
Authors: Xiang Xu , Li Huilan , Zhu Ying , Xia Shuang , He Qing
Published: April 2021

Intelligent hydrogels with excellent flexibility, biocompatibility, and stimulus responsivity can mimic the functions of the skin to detect human motions. However, the low mechanical strength limits its application in the field of biomimetic materials. In this work, polyacrylamide‐reduced graphene oxide (PAM‐rGO) composite hydrogels were prepared by the combination of PAM and partially rGO, and their biomimetic strain sensors were studied. The rGO played the role of “2D flexible crosslinking point” in the composite hydrogel. Through the H‐bonds between rGO and hydrogels, the toughness and strength of the composite hydrogel were enhanced. The maximum strain of the hydrogel changed from 751% to 1097%, and the maximum stress changed from 0.065 to 0.20 MPa. On the other hand, the interaction between the PAM backbone and the rGO provided a credible resistance response to the stimulation of strain. The better linear relationship between resistance and length was built, with R2 of 0.992. Furthermore, the composite hydrogels were assembled into wearable devices to monitor human‐motion, including fingers bending, elbows bending and walking. The experimental results showed that the PAM‐rGO composite hydrogel had great potential in the field of bionic skin.
Messdatenbasierte Belastungsanalyse von Autobahn‐Betonfahrbahndecken aus Fertigteilen
Authors: Prammer Dominik , Vorwagner Alois , Kwapisz Maciej
Published: April 2021

In Österreich sind ca. 40 % bzw. in Deutschland ca. 30 % des Autobahn‐ und Schnellstraßennetzes mit Betonfahrbahndecken ausgestattet. Über die tatsächlich in Betonfahrbahndecken wirkenden Spannungszustände und Temperaturbelastungen ist allerdings sehr wenig bekannt. Vor allem deshalb, da die messtechnische Erfassung in realer Einbauumgebung mit vielen Schwierigkeiten verbunden ist, gibt es nur wenige In‐situ‐Daten. Im Zuge eines Forschungsprojekts wurden erstmalig Fertigteile zur Reparatur von Betonfahrbahnen in einer Autobahn in Österreich eingesetzt und diese zusätzlich umfassend mit einbetonierten faseroptischen Sensoren ausgestattet. In einer vertieften Analyse der Messdaten eines Zeitraums von zwei Jahren werden Temperaturänderungen, ‐extrema wie auch ‐gradienten im Zusammenhang mit äußeren Wetterbedingungen ausgewertet. Im Hinblick auf Bildung von Rissen und Zwängen in der Platte werden einerseits gemessene Dehnungen ohne Verkehrslast analysiert, andererseits wird eine statistische Analyse der gemessenen einwirkenden Verkehrslastwechsel durchgeführt. Im zweiten Abschnitt folgt auf Basis eines kalibrierten nichtlinearen FE‐Modells eine kombinierte Analyse des instationären Spannungsverlaufs der Platte unter dynamischer Verkehrsbelastung bei variierender temperaturmechanischer Belastung. Nach dem Abgleich mit Messdaten können die in der Platte wirkenden dynamischen Spannungsmaxima ermittelt werden.
Purification of the key enzyme complexes of the anammox pathway from DEMON sludge
Authors: Akram Mohd , Dietl Andreas , Müller Melanie , Barends Thomas R. M.
Published: April 2021

Anaerobic Ammonium Oxidation (“anammox”) is a bacterial process in which nitrite and ammonium are converted into nitrogen gas and water, yielding energy for the cell. Anammox is an important branch of the global biological nitrogen cycle, being responsible for up to 50% of the yearly nitrogen removal from the oceans. Strikingly, the anammox process uniquely relies on the extremely reactive and toxic compound hydrazine as a free intermediate. Given its global importance and biochemical novelty, there is considerable interest in the enzymes at the heart of the anammox pathway. Unfortunately, obtaining these enzymes in sufficiently large amounts for biochemical and structural studies is problematic, given the slow growth of pure cultures of anammox bacteria when high cell densities are required. However, the anammox process is being applied in wastewater treatment to remove nitrogenous waste in processes like DEamMONification (DEMON). In plants using such processes, which rely on a combination of aerobic ammonia‐oxidizers and anammox organisms, kilogram amounts of anammox bacteria‐containing sludge are readily available. Here, we report a protein isolation protocol starting from anammox cells present in DEMON sludge from a wastewater treatment plan that readily yields pure preparations of key anammox proteins in the tens of milligrams, including hydrazine synthase HZS and hydrazine dehydrogenase (HDH), as well as hydroxylamine oxidoreductase (HAO). HDH and HAO were active and of sufficient quality for biochemical studies and for HAO, the crystal structure could be determined. The method presented here provides a viable way to obtain materials for the study of proteins not only from the central anammox metabolism but also for the study of other exciting aspects of anammox bacteria, such as for example, their unusual ladderane lipids.
Application of low‐dose CT to the creation of 3D‐printed kidney and perinephric tissue models for laparoscopic nephrectomy
Authors: Li Guan , Dong Jie , Cao Zhiqiang , Wang Jinbao , Cao Dongbing , Zhang Xin , Zhang Longjiang , Lu Guangming
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of 3D printing of kidney and perinephric fat based on low‐dose CT technology.

Patients and Methods

A total of 184 patients with stage T1 complex renal tumors who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy were prospectively enrolled and divided into three groups: group A (conventional dose kidney and perinephric fat 3D printing group, n = 62), group B (low‐dose kidney and perinephric fat 3D printing, n = 64), and group C (conventional dose merely kidney 3D printing group, n = 58). The effective dose (ED), signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) were determined. The 3D printing quality was evaluated using a 4‐point scale, and interobserver agreement was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

The ED of group B was lower than that of group A, with a decrease of 55.1%. The subjective scores of 3D printing quality in all groups were 3 or 4 points. The interobserver agreement among the three observers in 3D printing quality was good (ICC = 0.84–0.92). The perioperative indexes showed that operation time (OT), warm ischemia time (WIT), estimated blood loss (EBL), and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) conversion to laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) in groups A or B were significantly less than those in group C. LPN was more frequent in group A and group B than in group C (all p < 0.017). There were no significant differences in perioperative indexes between group A and group B (all p > 0.017).

Conclusion

Low‐dose CT technology can be effectively applied to 3D printing of kidney and perinephric fat and reduce the patient's radiation dose without compromising 3D printing quality. 3D printing of kidney and perinephric fat can significantly increase the success rate of LPN and decrease OT, WIT, and EBL.
Counselling as a calling: Meaning in life and perceived self‐competence in counselling students
Authors: Hurst Robert , Prescott Julie
Published: April 2021

Both meaning in life (MIL) and perceived self‐competence (PSC) have been linked to a sense of calling, and better well‐being. To the authors' knowledge, no study has examined MIL or PSC in counselling students. Current counselling students (N = 292) were asked whether studying counselling brought them MIL, and completed the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and an adapted Perceived Competence Scale for Counselling Students (PCS‐CS). Results showed that students with a higher sense of MIL had a higher level of PSC. Over 95% of participants found meaning in their study of counselling, implying that many found it to be a calling. The PCS‐CS was found to be reliable, and implications include its potential usefulness in future research on PSC in counselling populations. With MIL and PSC being linked to better workplace well‐being, this study implies that trainee counsellors have high levels of these protective factors, with further research warranted to establish whether this is also the case for counselling professionals.