bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LA CREACIÓN MUSICAL EN LA ESTIMULACIÓN DEL INTERÉS SITUACIONAL DEL ALUMNADO EN ESCUELAS DE MÚSICA
Authors: Martínez-Hierrezuelo Yailin , Ivanova Iotova Anelia , Martínez Valle Carlos
Published: November 2022

Recientes investigaciones educativas en el ámbito de la Educación Musical han destacado las poten- cialidades motivadoras de la creación musical. La motivación es una categoría psicológica compleja. En un ejercicio de acotación del campo, centramos nuestra atención en el interés como variable so- ciocognitiva de la motivación intrínseca y, específicamente, en el interés situacional, puesto que este a diferencia del interés individual, es influido por condiciones y/u objetos del entorno. Por tanto, una intervención educativa especialmente diseñada repercutiría en él. Teóricos del interés han señalado a la participación como una de las condiciones del interés situacional y las experiencias de aprendizaje basadas en la creación musical propiciarían el fomento de ese condicionante. Basándonos en estos fundamentos, nos planteamos como objetivo determinar en qué medida el ejercicio de la creación musical estimuló el interés situacional de 21 estudiantes de dos Escuelas de Música de la Comunidad de Madrid. Para ello, analizamos una actividad de composición que formaba parte de un proceso creativo que dirigía el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de la asignatura de Lenguaje Musical. Utili- zamos el método mixto para la recopilación y análisis de los resultados, los cuales reflejan que la acti- vidad de creación musical no resultó de interés para todo el alumnado, pues causó diferentes grados de estimulación. De ello, inferimos que no existe una relación directa entre las prácticas de creación musical y la estimulación del interés situacional que puedan ser generalizadas.
The Emergent Curriculum ‘Marries’ eTwinning in the Early Years: A Rediscovery of Froebel’s Kindergarten Through One Transformative Learning Experience in 21st Century Malta.
Authors: Bonello Charmaine , Camilleri Rose Anna , Attard Charmaine
Published: November 2022

In 2018, the state Kindergarten sector in Malta (3-5 years) was influenced by the shift from a prescriptive to an emergent curriculum, and the increasing use of eTwinning - a particular scenario that is research-worthy. Through one narrative inquiry of a Kindergarten educator who decided
to ‘marry’ the emergent curriculum and eTwinning in practice, this paper aims to systematically track down the educator’s experience of this integration. Findings indicate initial and ongoing challenges overshadowed by sustained success through the synergy created from the
philosophically fused emergent curriculum and the eTwinning concept. This study conceptualises the birth of an innovative approach and surfaces a rediscovery of Froebel’s 19th-century Kindergarten.
Factors Influencing Rural Foundation Phase Learners’ Underperformance in Reading and Mathematics in Primary Schools in South Africa: Teacher Perspectives
Authors: Rubbi Nunan Julie Shantone
Published: November 2022

Foundation phase (grade R to 3) learners’ underperformance against the curriculum is a growing concern in primary school. In South Africa, reports reveal a large number of learners underperforming in Reading and Mathematics. To understand this phenomenon, focus group discussions
(FGDs) were held with 17 foundation phase teachers to probe their perspectives for qualitative data collection. Thematic results revealed many factors that could influence learners’ underperformance. Social constructivism and development theories highlighted the importance of scaffolding
learning. Education authorities should consider these factors in curriculum design and implementation to mitigate learners’ underperformance in reading and Mathematics in primary schools.
Diversity among Morphological Traits of Segregating Sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] Genotypes in Umudike, Nigeria
Authors: Harry Gamaliel I. , Ifeanyi Ulasi, J. , Edith Okoiseh G.
Published: November 2022

Genotypes of the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) normally exhibit high variability in their morphological characters. A field experiment was carried out in 2017 at the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria to assess the morphological diversity among the population of 68 first filial generation (F1) sweet potato genotypes (Ligri PC) derived from seeds produced through poly cross systems from the International Potato Center, Kumasi, Ghana, including two local check varieties (UMUSPO3 and TIS87/0087). A randomized complete block design with three replicates was used to set up this experiment. The morphology descriptor was used to evaluate the genotypes of sweet potatoes on sixteen characters that covered both folial and fresh storage root morphology. The data were then subjected to an analysis of variance to identify any differences between the measured morphological parameters and agronomic variables. Using cluster analysis, it was established that all of the genotypes could be categorized into four distinct groups based on their physical characteristics. Consequent, a vast gene pool would provide for effective recombination to create a viable sweetpotato variety with high agricultural value.
Evaluating the Effects of Globalization and Small Arms Proliferation on Nigeria Economic Development
Authors: Abubakar Omaku Angulu , Mohammed Musa , Gayam M. Ibrahim
Published: November 2022

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of globalization and small arms proliferation on Nigeria Economic Development. The method adopt in this study is content analysis with the use of secondary data. The result of study shows that globalization has increased high rate of crimes in the society such as increase in Boko haram, kidnapping, Proliferation of Militant Group etc. The study concluded that globalization has really created room for the uncontrolled manner in which small arms and light weapon diffused into different part of the country, after inducing a market friendly environment for them. This study recommends that the Nigeria government should endeavor to sign up programme that can support her citizens in the fight against the small arms and light weapons proliferation in the nation by incentivizing anyone that provides sufficient information to security mediators on the spread.
Evaluation of Histopathological Diagnosis and Determination of Grades and Stages in Breast Cancer
Authors: Nur Fateha , Badruddoza Shah Md. , Asafudullah S. M.
Published: November 2022

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequent neoplasm in women. According to American Cancer Society in 2019, an estimated 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer was diagnosed among women in USA. In Bangladesh, breast cancer has rapidly become the number one cancer in female pushing cervical cancer to second position.

Objective: To evaluate histopathological diagnosis and determination of grades and stages in breast cancer.

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive type of study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, Rajshahi Medical College. Forty-five untreated cases of breast cancer were included in this study between the period of July 2019 to June 2021 and paraffin embedded sections were obtained from representative mastectomy specimen. The sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain followed by evaluation of angiogenesis by using CD34 antibody.

Results: According to histopathological grade 51.1% belonged to grade III followed by 28.9% grade II and 20% grade I. Histological stage showed most of the cases was stage II (48.9 %) followed by stage I (26.7 %) then stage III (24.4 %). Upon statistical analysis, a significant relation was obtained between MVD with increasing histologic grades and stages. 

Conclusion: In conclusion we can say that histological stage showed most of the cases was stage II followed by stage I then stage III.
Effect of a Natural Growth Stimulant (Ascobein) on Growth and Yield of Seeds and Oil of Nigella sativa Plants
Authors: Elhafez Zeinab A. Abd , Shehata Abeer M. , Ahmed Adel F.
Published: November 2022

The importance of Nigella sativa plant is increasing day by day in many medical and nutritional fields, and the demand for it is increasing in foreign markets. Therefore, we chose the nigella plant to study the effect of spraying with a natural growth stimulant (Ascobein) at concentrations of zero, 50, 100 and 150 ppm on the productivity of seed and oil, as well as its effect on the activity of antioxidants. The results showed that the concentration of 100 ppm gave the highest values of vegetative growth traits; (Plant height (86.3 and 89.5cm), Number of branches (21.7 and 25.1), Fresh and Dry weight per plant (118.43 and 143.85gm, 23.86 and 28.29gm/plant) respectively for both seasons. Also, results revealed that foliar application of 100 ppm (Ascobein) improved the seed yield/plant (16.95 and 19.74gm), Oil % (45.73 and 48.02%), DPPH% (99.04 and 102.39%), TPC (447.17 and 450.54 mg GAE/g) and TFC (110.19 and 114.43 mg QE/g) for both seasons 20/2021 and 21/2022. The percentage of major fatty acids in nigella seeds oil has been estimated (Linoleic, Oleic, Palmitic and Stearic).
Inflammatory Mediators (CA125, CRP) and Uric Acid in Association with Severity of Preeclampsia in North Kordofan State, Western Sudan
Authors: Suliman Naglaa Abdelbasit , Awadalla Khidir Elamin , Bakheit Khalid Hussein , Mohamed Abdelrahim Osman
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Inflammatory mediators could be laboratory markers of preeclampsia, as the induction of an inflammatory process within the placenta may trigger the expression of cancer antigen 125(CA125), C-reactive protein (CRP) and uric acid (UA). Regarding the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia, there is defective trophoblastic invasion of uteroplacental blood vessels that leads to placental ischemia, and induction of an inflammatory process within the placenta.

Objective: To evaluate the association of serum levels of cancer antigen (CA125), C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum uric acid with the Severity of Preeclampsia.

Materials and Methods: The study recruited 200 singleton Sudanese pregnant women. These participants were divided into two groups: control (n = 100) and cases (n = 100). The cases were further subdivided into; mild preeclampsia (n =46), and severe preeclampsia (n = 54). The study groups were well-matched in maternal age, gestational age and body mass index. Blood samples were taken for measurement of serum cancer antigen-CA125, uric acid and C - reactive protein using immune- assay and enzymatic automated chemical analysis.

Results: The mean levels of cancer antigen-CA125 in mild and severe preeclampsia groups were; 21.94±5.08 (IU/ml) and 40.77±9.82 (IU/ml) respectively, which were significantly higher, (P<0.001)   in comparison with the control group (16.88±7.36 (IU/ml). The mean levels of C-reactive protein in mild and severe preeclampsia were; 15.17±5.35 (mg/L), 31.49±12.56 (mg/L) respectively. There was significant difference in their levels, compared to the control group (4.79±1.78 (mg/L), (P<0.01).  Also, the mean levels of uric acid in mild and severe cases were; 6.44±1.98 and 7.37±2.00 which was significantly higher, in comparison with the control (4.00±0.61); (P<0.001). The level of uric acid also, showed significant difference within the case (severe and mild) group (P<0.05). CA125, CRP and UA level‎s correlated positively with Mean Arterial blood pressure (MAP), (r>0.7; P < 0.001). ROC curve validate the utility of these biomarker for the detection of preeclampsia severity (AUC>0. 8; P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Serum cancer antigen 125(CA125), C- reactive protein and uric acid in studied preeclampsia groups were found to be significantly higher compared with the control group, and the rises were directly associated with the severity of preeclampsia.
Modelling the Relationship between Weather Variables and Yellow Stem Borer Population: A Count Data Modelling Approach
Authors: Reddy Bojjareddy Nanda Kumar , Rathod Santosha , Kallakuri Supriya , Sridhar Yerram , Admala Meena , Malathi Seetalam , Pandit Pramit , Jyostna Bellamkonda
Published: November 2022

Aim: This study was conducted to model the relationship between discrete dependent variable (yellow stem borer population) and continuous weather variables.

Data Description: The yellow stem borer (YSB) population and standard meteorological week (SMW) wise weather variables (temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and sunshine hours) data of Warangal centre (Telangana state) generated under All India Co-Ordinated Rice Improvement Project (AICRIP) from 2013-2021 were considered for the study. The YSB population were recorded daily using light trap with an incandescent bulb and are counted as weekly cumulative catches.

Methodology: The weekly cumulative trapped YSB populations and weekly averages of climatological data were considered as inputs to the models under consideration. In this study the classical linear regression i.e. step-wise multiple linear regression and count regression models such as Poisson, negative binomial, zero inflated Poisson and zero inflated negative binomial regression models were employed.

Result: The empirical results revealed that the zero inflated count regression models viz., zero inflated Poisson regression and zero inflated negative binomial regression models performed better compared to the classical linear regression, Poisson and negative binomial regression models, further the negative binomial regression model outperformed all models as it yielded lowest mean square error (MSE) and highest R2 values. The average percentage reduction in accuracy of zero-inflated negative binomial regression model over classical model was around 4 percent.

Conclusion: Based on the results obtained in this study, it is concluded that the zero inflated models performs better compared to classical models as they are unable to handle the presence of excess zeroes, as a result provides more prediction error and lower R2 values. Further, the models developed in this study will be of great assistance in identifying the factors influencing occurrence of YSB population in rice.
Estimation of Genetic Variability and Correlation Analysis for Quantitative Traits in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Srija Katpally , Lal Gaibriyal M. , Snehapriya Pydi , Lavanya G. R.
Published: November 2022

The present investigation were to assess the Genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation coefficient analysis and path coefficient analysis for  chickpea(Cicer arietinum.L) genotypes for 13 quantitative traits during Rabi 2021-2022 at field experiment center, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Uttar Pradesh . To perform the study, 13 quantitative traits of 31 chickpea genotypes were measured using Randomized Block Design replicated thrice. The mean sum of Squares due to genotypes showed significant differences for all the characters under study at 1% level of significance. The estimates of the phenotypic coefficient of variation found higher than their corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation which indicates the presence of environment effect on expression on characters studied. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for the traits like Number of pods per plant, Seed yield per plant, Harvest index and Biological yield per plant Indicates that most likely the heritability might be due to additive gene effect and selection may be effective segregating generations for improvement of traits. Seed yield per plant exhibited significant and positive correlation with Plant height, Seed index, Biological yield per plant , Number of secondary branches and Number of pods per plant was found to possess positive significant association with grain yield per plant both genotypic and phenotypic level. Further, correlation and path analysis also proved the importance of Plant height, Seed index and Harvest index. Hence, they could be used as selection indices for further improvement in Chickpea varieties.
Studies on the Response of Hybrid Maize to IPNSS on Productivity, Nutrient Uptake and Post Harvest Soil Status
Authors: Jayasoorya R. , Stalin P. , Anandan P. , Prabakar C. , Gobi R. , Murugan G. , Prasath P. Naveen
Published: November 2022

A field study was carried out at farmer’s field, Kalappanaickenpatti village, Sendamangalam block, Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu during July - October 2021 to study the effect of Integrated plant nutrient supply system (IPNSS) for sustaining yield of hybrid maize variety, KAVERI SUPER – 244 in clay loam soil. There are ten different treatments with three replications each were carried out in the plot RBD design. IPNSS practice including inorganic fertilizers, organic manures and biofertilizers in which treatment (T8) 100 per cent RDF + CPM @ 3 t ha-1 + Micronutrient mixture (25 kg ha-1) + Azophos (20 packets) showed its best results with respect to soil properties and yield parameters like cob length, cob diameter, number of grain cob-1, test weight and harvest index.
Structural Racial Disparities in the Allocation of Disproportionate Share Hospital Payments
Authors: Schpero William L. , Chatterjee Paula
Published: November 2022

This cross-sectional study examines the allocation of Medicare and Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital payments by race.
Expansion Microscopy‐based imaging for visualization of mitochondria in Drosophila ovarian germline stem cells
Authors: Lin Chi‐Hung , Lin Tzu‐Yang , Hsu Shao‐Chun , Hsu Hwei‐Jan
Published: November 2022

Recent studies have shown that mitochondrial morphology can modulate organelle function and greatly affect stem cell behavior, thus affecting tissue homeostasis. As such, we previously showed that the accumulation of fragmented mitochondria in aged Drosophila ovarian germline stem cells (GSCs) contributes to age‐dependent GSC loss. However, standard immunofluorescence methods to examine mitochondrial morphology yield images with insufficient resolution for rigorous analysis, while 3‐dimensional electron microscopy examination of mitochondrial morphology is labor intensive and allows only limited sampling of mitochondria. To overcome these issues, we utilized the expansion microscopy technique to expand GSC samples by 4‐fold in combination with mitochondrial immunofluorescence labeling. Here, we present a simple, inexpensive method for nanoscale optical imaging of mitochondria in the germline. This protocol may be beneficial for studies that require visualization of mitochondria or other fine subcellular structures in the Drosophila ovary.
Temporal Dynamics of Metabolic Acquisition in Grafted Engineered Human Liver Tissue
Authors: Fortin Chelsea L. , McCray Tara N. , Saxton Sarah H. , Johansson Fredrik , Andino Christian B. , Mene Jonathan , Wang Yuliang , Stevens Kelly R.
Published: November 2022

Liver disease affects millions globally, and end‐stage liver failure is only cured by organ transplant. Unfortunately, there is a growing shortage of donor organs as well as inequitable access to transplants across populations. Engineered liver tissue grafts that supplement or replace native organ function can address this challenge. While engineered liver tissues have been successfully engrafted previously, the extent to which these tissues express human liver metabolic genes and proteins remains unknown. Here, it is built engineered human liver tissues and characterized their engraftment, expansion, and metabolic phenotype at sequential stages post‐implantation by RNA sequencing, histology, and host serology. Expression of metabolic genes is observed at weeks 1–2, followed by the cellular organization into hepatic cords by weeks 4–9.5. Furthermore, grafted engineered tissues exhibited progressive spatially restricted expression of critical functional proteins known to be zonated in the native human liver. This is the first report of engineered human liver tissue zonation after implantation in vivo, which can have important translational implications for this field.
Over 13% Efficient Single‐Component Organic Solar Cells Enabled by Adjusting the Conjugated‐Length of Intermediate PBDB‐T Block
Authors: Yang Xinrong , Wu Yao , Gao Yuan , Guo Jing , Wang Wei , Min Jie
Published: November 2022

Batch‐to‐batch variation widely exists in conjugated donor‐acceptor (D‐A) block copolymer materials and plays a crucial role in photovoltaic performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). To investigate the influence of conjugated‐length of the intermediate block on the performance of single‐component OSC (SCOSCs), herein, four batches of conjugated block copolymers (CBCs, PB‐b‐PY‐1, PB‐b‐PY‐2, PB‐b‐PY‐3, and PB‐b‐PY‐4) are synthesized, which possess different D/A block lengths. As the conjugation length of intermediate D‐block increases, the lamellar packing order of these CBCs shows a monotonically increasing trend, leading to stronger absorption spectra in the visible region, efficient charge transfer, and suppressed carrier recombination loss. Consequently, the PB‐b‐PY‐4 device yields a higher efficiency of 13.28% than those of other CBCs. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the conjugated length of intermediate D‐blocks in designing high‐performance conjugated D‐A block copolymers, which paves the way toward developing high‐performance SCOSCs.
Robust Magnetic Order Upon Ultrafast Excitation of an Antiferromagnet
Authors: Lee Sang‐Eun , Windsor Yoav William , Fedorov Alexander , Kliemt Kristin , Krellner Cornelius , Schüßler‐Langeheine Christian , Pontius Niko , Wolf Martin , Atxitia Unai , Vyalikh Denis V. , Rettig Laurenz
Published: November 2022

The ultrafast manipulation of magnetic order due to optical excitation is governed by the intricate flow of energy and momentum between the electron, lattice, and spin subsystems. While various models are commonly employed to describe these dynamics, a prominent example being the microscopic three temperature model (M3TM), systematic, quantitative comparisons to both the dynamics of energy flow and magnetic order are scarce. Here, an M3TM was applied to the ultrafast magnetic order dynamics of the layered antiferromagnet GdRh2Si2. The femtosecond dynamics of electronic temperature, surface ferromagnetic order, and bulk antiferromagnetic order were explored at various pump fluences employing time‐ and angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy and time‐resolved resonant magnetic soft X‐ray diffraction, respectively. After optical excitation, both the surface ferromagnetic order and the bulk antiferromagnetic order dynamics exhibit two‐step demagnetization behaviors with two similar timescales (<1 ps, ∼10 ps), indicating a strong exchange coupling between localized 4f and itinerant conduction electrons. Despite a good qualitative agreement, the M3TM predicts larger demagnetization than the experimental observation, which can be phenomenologically described by a transient, fluence‐dependent increased Néel temperature. The results indicate that effects beyond a mean‐field description have to be considered for a quantitative description of ultrafast magnetic order dynamics.
A Generative Meta‐Atom Model for Metasurface‐Based Absorber Designs
Authors: Ding Wei , Chen Jian , Wu Rui‐xin
Published: November 2022

Metasurfaces (MS) are widely accepted in the devices, such as absorbers, to improve their performances. MS provide new design freedoms, however, they also result in complexity in designs because of the high‐dimensional topological space of meta‐atoms, and high computational costs in the optimization procedure. To alleviate this challenge, a generative meta‐atom model that generates the pattern and corresponding electromagnetic (EM) responses of meta‐atoms, specialized for absorbing applications is developed. The model is established by the convolutional variational autoencoder (CVAE), and a deep neural network (DNN). The model is verified by designing different types of absorbers with the evolutionary algorithm, and an ultrabroadband lower profile absorber at low microwave frequencies is achieved. The realized metasurface‐based absorber (MSA) covers the frequency range from 1.4 to 18 GHz at the criteria of return loss (RL) −10 dB with a thickness of 8 mm, which is validated by experiments. This work provides an effective and highly efficient way to design high‐performance MSA, which can be easily extended to other metasurface‐based functional devices.
An Optically Transparent Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface with Low Angular Sensitivity
Authors: Liang Jing Cheng , Gao Yuan , Cheng Zhang Wen , Jiang Rui Zhe , Dai Jun Yan , Zhang Lei , Cheng Qiang , Jin Shi , Cui Tie Jun
Published: November 2022

Recently, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) have attracted extensive attentions from the communication community due to their powerful wavefront manipulation and signal modulation abilities. Optically transparent RISs are needed in some scenarios requiring both optical transparency and high‐quality communication services. In RIS‐based wireless communications, the channel reciprocity is an important factor to be considered since the electromagnetic responses of RISs usually depend on the incident and receiving angles. To address this problem, an optically transparent 2‐bit RIS with low angular sensitivity is proposed. By applying a transparent dielectric substrate and metal‐mesh‐based patterns, the designed RIS achieves a light transmittance of 49.3%. Both the simulation and measurement results demonstrate the low angular sensitivity at transverse magnetic incidence from 0° to 60°. Moreover, beam steering experiments under various coding sequences and various incident angles are simulated and measured, and the results are consistent with the theoretically predicted results. A further study on the broadcast mode of the RIS shows that its phase response is weakly dependent to the incident and receiving directions.
Revisiting the Dielectric Breakdown in a Polycrystalline Ferroelectric: A Phase‐Field Simulation Study
Authors: Khondabi Mohammad , Ahmadvand Hossein , Javanbakht Mahdi
Published: November 2022

To understand the dielectric breakdown in a polycrystalline ferroelectric, a thorough phase field simulation has been performed by introducing a new degradation function. Time and position evolution of breakdown path, electric field dependence of breakdown time, and the effect of several parameters such as grain orientation, dielectric constant of grain and grain‐boundaries (GBs), thickness of GBs (), and grain size () on the threshold breakdown electric field, , are investigated. The results indicate that is improved with decreasing dielectric constant. The dependence of on grain size and GB's thickness obeys a power function () and (), respectively. The results help to engineer the grains and GBs properties and achieve a high breakdown electric field, which is very important in energy‐storage applications.
Readily processed multifunctional SiC catalytic filter for industrial emissions control
Authors: Chen Jiahao , Yin Yongliang , Low Ze‐Xian , Yuan Kai , Wei Wei , Zeng Yiqing , Zhong Zhaoxiang , Xing Weihong
Published: November 2022

One step fabrication of SiC catalytic filter is currently limited by the mismatched calcination temperature between SiC filter (>1700°C) and the catalysts (<800°C), and the difficulty in the chemical immobilization of catalysts. Here, a SrTi1−xCoxO3‐SiC (STC‐SiC) catalytic filter was directly fabricated from raw SiC grains and STC precursor oxides (SrCO3, TiO2, and Co3O4) via a single‐step reactive thermal processing (SRTP) approach, which significantly reduced energy consumption and sintering time over 50%. Acid etching enables the active TiO2 and Co3O4 nanoparticles spontaneously formed on STC catalysts in STC‐SiC catalytic filter (STC‐SiC‐A), which induces the generation of oxygen vacancies and facilitates the adsorption and activation of O2 and NO. The STC‐SiC‐A catalytic filter exhibits highly competitive NO oxidation of 60% and complete dust interception (100%) at 360°C. This work demonstrates an efficient and rapid processing technique of SiC based catalytic filters, which can also be implemented on other ceramic‐based catalytic filters.
Economic impacts and nutritional outcomes of the 2017 floods in Bangladeshi Shodagor fishing families
Authors: Starkweather Kathrine E. , Keith Monica H. , Zohora Fatema tuz , Alam Nurul
Published: November 2022

Objectives

As climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of flooding in Bangladesh and globally, it becomes increasingly critical to understand the pathways through which flooding influences health outcomes, particularly in lower‐income and subsistence‐based communities. We aim to assess economic pathways that link flooding to nutritional outcomes among Shodagor fishing families in Bangladesh.

Methods

We examine longitudinal economic data on kilograms of fish caught, the income earned from those fish, and household food expenditures (as a proxy for dietary intake) from before, during, and after severe flooding in August–September of 2017 to enumerate the impacts of flooding on Shodagor economics and nutrition. We also analyze seasonally collected anthropometric data to model the effects of flooding and household food expenditures on child growth rates and changes to adult body size.

Results

While Shodagor fishing income declined during the 2017 flooding, food expenditures simultaneously spiked with market inflation, and rice became the predominant expenditure only during and immediately following the flood. Our nutritional models show that children and adults lost more body mass in households that spent more money on rice during the flood. Shodagor children lost an average of 0.36 BMI‐for‐age z‐scores and adults lost an average of 0.32 BMI units during the flooded 2017 rainy season, and these metrics continued to decline across subsequent seasons and did not recover by the end of the study period in 2019.

Conclusions

These results show major flood‐induced economic impacts that contributed to loss of child and adult body mass among Shodagor fishing families in Bangladesh. More frequent and severe flooding will exacerbate these nutritional insults, and more work is needed to effectively stabilize household nutrition throughout natural disasters and economic hardship.
Charge Density Overcomes Steric Hindrance of Ferrocene Surfactant in Switchable Oil‐in‐Dispersion Emulsions
Authors: Liu Yunshan , Zhang Haojie , Zhang Wanqing , Binks Bernard P. , Cui Zhenggang , Jiang Jianzhong
Published: November 2022

A ferrocene surfactant can be switched between single and double head form (FcN+C12/Fc+N+C12) triggered by redox reaction. FcN+C12 can neither stabilize an O/W emulsion alone nor an oil‐in‐dispersion emulsion in combination with alumina nanoparticles due to the steric hindrance of the ferrocene group. However, such steric hindrance can be overcome by increasing the charge density in Fc+N+C12, so that oil‐in‐dispersion emulsions can be co‐stabilized by Fc+N+C12 and alumina nanoparticles at very low concentrations (1×10−7 M (≈50 ppb) and 0.001 wt %, respectively). Not only can reversible formation/destabilization of oil‐in‐dispersion emulsions be achieved by redox reaction, but also reversible transformation between oil‐in‐dispersion emulsions and Pickering emulsions can be obtained through reversing the charge of alumina particles by adjusting the pH. The results provide a new protocol for the design of surfactants for stabilization of smart oil‐in‐dispersion emulsions.
Asymmetric oxygen‐functionalized carbon nanotubes dispersed in polysulfone forCO2separation
Authors: Costa Flores Marcelo , Figueiredo Kátia Cecília de Souza
Published: November 2022

Carbon dioxide separation from flue gases is an important challenge to be faced. Membrane processes are a promising alternative to increase technical and economical constraints once the development of materials with superior characteristics are attained. Integrally asymmetric mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were prepared by dry/wet phase inversion process of polysulfone (PSF) containing oxygen‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT‐O). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of MWNT‐O in MMMs. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that MMMs are stable up to 150°C. Photomicrographs from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that MMMs consist of an asymmetric structure with a skin layer supported on a sponge‐like substructure. The pore size of the support of MMMs increased with MWNT‐O content from 0.4 to 0.8 wt.% and the thickness of the dense layer decreased. However, when the content of MWNT‐O increased to 1 wt.%, the pore size decreased, and the dense layer increased. Therefore, MMMs changed CO2separation performance. For 1 wt.% MWNT‐O loading compared to the neat polymer, CO2permeance and CO2/N2selectivity was increased from 1.5 to 2.7 GPU, and from 9.5 to 14.3, respectively.
Tuning the index of refraction of a polyvinyl toluene and polystyrene copolymer toward a heterogenous, index‐matched neutron detector
Authors: Thorum Aaron J. , Allred David D. , Pitt William G. , Munro Troy R.
Published: November 2022

One class of neutron detectors for illicit nuclear materials are capture‐gated detectors, which use organic scintillators to slow neutrons while emitting fluorescent light and elements that have high neutron capture cross‐sections to provide a second signal. Homogeneous detectors composed of neutron capturing metallo‐organics within plastic darken due to their chemical instability, while heterogeneous detectors frequently result in non‐transparent material due to a mismatch of the refractive index. These detectors are often polymerized through bulk polymerization, but there is little data available on this process applied to mixtures of polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl toluene (PVT), two commonly used polymers in plastic scintillators. This work presents bulk polymerization processing toward an index‐matched, heterogeneous capture‐gated neutron detector based on PS and PVT copolymers with a range of refractive indices. Specifically 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1 PS:PVT ratios were manufactured and their refractive indices, measured by refractometry, were compared to a theoretical model based on a mixture of the refractive indices of pure PS and PVT. Finally, a composite of PS/PVT and an Ohara S‐BAL42 glass was developed to confirm the index‐matching capability of the process as a step toward developing a heterogenous, capture‐gated neutron detector with high light transmission efficiencies allowed by index‐matched materials.
Processing efficiency in pediatric cancer survivors: A review and operationalization for outcomes research and clinical utility
Authors: Trapani Julie A. , Murdaugh Donna L.
Published: November 2022

Objective

Childhood cancer and cancer‐related treatments disrupt brain development and maturation, placing survivors at risk for cognitive late effects. Given that assessment tools vary widely across researchers and clinicians, it has been daunting to identify distinct patterns in outcomes across diverse cancer types and to implement systematic neurocognitive screening tools. This review aims to operationalize processing efficiency skill impairment—or inefficient neural processing as measured by working memory and processing speed abilities—as a worthwhile avenue for continued study within the context of childhood cancer.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine the existing research on cognitive late effects and biopsychosocial risk factors in order to conceptualize processing efficiency skill trends in childhood cancer survivors.

Results

While a frequently reported pattern of neurobiological (white matter) and cognitive (working memory and processing speed) disruption is consistent with processing efficiency skill impairment, these weaknesses have not yet been fully operationalized in this population. We offer a theoretical model that highlights the impacts of a host of biological and environmental factors on the underlying neurobiological substrates of cancer survivors that precede and may even predict long‐term cognitive outcomes and functional abilities following treatment.

Conclusion

The unified construct of processing efficiency may be useful in assessing and communicating neurocognitive skills in both outcomes research and clinical practice. Deficits in processing efficiency may serve as a possible indicator of cognitive late effects and functional outcomes due to the unique relationship between processing efficiency skills and neurobiological disruption following cancer treatment. Continued research along these lines is crucial for advancing childhood cancer outcomes research and improving quality of life for survivors.
Preparation and Characterization of Polysaccharides from Turpiniae Folium and Its Antioxidative, Anti‐Inflammatory Activities and Antiproliferative Effect on VSMCs
Authors: Yan Jing , Zhao Ling‐Jia , Li Ya‐Mei , Zhang Zhi‐Min , Lin Li‐Mei , Xia Bo‐Hou
Published: November 2022

Turpiniae Folium, the dried leaves of Turpinia arguta Seem., is a kind of historic traditional Chinese medicine. Here, based on our previous study, we extracted the Turpiniae Folium polysaccharides (TFP) and isolated three polysaccharide fractions from TFP. Then, TFP and one of the major polysaccharide fractions (TFP‐1a) were identified through HPLC, HPGPC, and ATR‐FTIR. Furthermore, the evaluations of their antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory activities and inhibitory effect on angiotensin II‐induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSCMs) proliferation in vitro were conducted. Both TFP and TFP‐1a showed strong hydroxyl radical scavenging, DPPH radical scavenging, and Fe2+ chelating activities, and exerted strong anti‐inflammatory activity. Moreover, TFP and TFP‐1a also possessed a strong inhibitory effect on Ang II‐induced VSCMs proliferation. On these premises, we inferred that TFP and TFP‐1a could be potential and promising natural antioxidants, anti‐inflammatory agents, and implicated to treat cardiovascular disease.
Comparative study of brown rice and germinated brown rice for nutritional composition, in vitro starch digestibility, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and microstructural properties
Authors: Jabeen Rifat , Hussain Syed Zameer , Jan Nusrat , Fatima Tabasum , Naik Haroon Rashid , Jabeen Abida
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives

Brown rice is rarely consumed as a staple food due to its dark appearance and hard texture. However, germination can improve the taste, nutritional composition, and phenolic content, of brown rice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the pasting properties, thermal properties, nutritional profile, in vitro starch digestibility, bioactive compounds {particularly γ –aminobutyric acid (GABA), and γ‐oryzanol}, morphological and antioxidant characteristics of ungerminated brown rice (UGBR) and germinated brown rice (GBR) of one of the most commonly consumed rice varieties (Jhelum) of Northern Highland Himalayan regions.

Findings

When compared with UGBR, GBR exhibited lower pasting viscosities but gelatinization temperatures were observed to be higher. Germination increased the total free amino acids, protein, total and reducing sugars, while resistant starch, apparent amylose content, and slowly digestible starch decreased. L* value minimized while a* and b* maximized upon germination. Scanning electron micrographs revealed that the continuous matrix structure of starch granules was severely damaged after germination. Total phenolic contents, GABA, γ‐oryzanol, and antioxidant properties (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power) were improved while phytic acid, pyridoxine, niacin, and thiamine contents were reduced in brown rice after germination.

Conclusion

Germination caused significant changes in the nutritional profile of brown rice. Specifically, it improved GABA and γ‐oryzanol levels and lowered the phytic acid contents of brown rice.

Novelty

Jhelum is one of the most commonly consumed rice varieties in Northern Highland Himalayan regions. In the present study, germination significantly improved the biologically active compounds in Jhelum. Therefore, regular consumption of GBR of the said variety may help in preventing the various chronic disorders in Northern Himalayan regions where rice is a staple food.
Coupling Gasification with Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier Storage: Aspects of Dynamization of Biomass‐Based Power Production
Authors: Açikkalp Emin , Palmero-Marrero Ana I. , Müller Karsten W.
Published: November 2022

Gasification of biomass can yield synthesis gas for power generation. A problem is the poor adjustability to changes in load. To improve dynamics, integration of a hydrogen storage system based on liquid organic hydrogen carriers has been evaluated. Coupled with a gasification unit, it can remove hydrogen from the synthesis gas. If the power demand is high, dehydrogenation releases hydrogen to increase the energy content of the gas mixture. The proposed concept is discussed regarding three aspects: dynamics, energy demand, and reliability. Especially, if a load change is not a very short peak, the ability of the system to adjust is improved. To achieve this, energy input is needed, which lowers the overall efficiency. Furthermore, attention should be paid to protecting the catalysts from poisoning.
Recent Advances in DNA Nanostructure‐enabled Drug Delivery
Authors: He Shiliang , Fan Taojian , Wang Yiming , Wei Chenxi , Hu Junqing
Published: November 2022

The unique physicochemical properties of DNA molecules allow them to be used as self‐assembling motifs for the construction of DNA nanostructures with the merits of shape designability, precise addressability, structural dynamic stimuli‐responsiveness, and superb biocompatibility. After loading therapeutical payloads, current DNA nanostructures were able to deliver them to diseased tissues and cells in a targeted manner, and release them responsively, as well as increase the cellular uptake of the payloads. In this review, we investigate the utility of typical DNA nanostructures in the development of the state‐of‐the‐art drug delivery systems, highlighting the key technological aspects in the transportation of payloads of different chemical categories, i. e., small molecules, oligonucleotides and peptides/proteins. Meanwhile, their implementation in various therapeutic modalities was surveyed, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, protein therapy, photothermal and photodynamic therapy. And finally, possible challenges and future perspective are discussed for further developments.
Palaeoceanographic and hydrodynamic variability for the last 47 kyr in the southern Gulf of Cádiz (Atlantic Moroccan margin): Sedimentary and climatic implications
Authors: Vandorpe Thomas , Delivet Stanislas , Blamart Dominique , Wienberg Claudia , Bassinot Frank , Mienis Furu , Stuut Jan‐Berend W. , Van Rooij David
Published: November 2022

X‐ray fluorescence, grain‐size and oxygen and carbon stable isotope measurements of a 33 m long piston core, recovered from the Pen Duick drift located at the foot of the prominent Pen Duick Escarpment (Atlantic Moroccan margin), are combined to decipher past oceanographic conditions. The data indicate that, similar to the northern Gulf of Cádiz, the Azores Front exerts a major control on the palaeoclimatology of the region. Contrasting the northern Gulf of Cádiz, where Mediterranean Outflow Water is the main water mass at similar water depths, the palaeoceanography of the studied area is mostly influenced by the amount of Antarctic Intermediate Water advected from the south. The density contrast between the Antarctic Intermediate Water and the overlying North Atlantic Central Water determined the strength of the prevailing internal tides and corresponding high current speeds, which drastically impacted the sedimentary record. The most notable impact is the presence of a 7.8 kyr condensed section (30.5–22.7 ka bp). The formation of the Pen Duick sediment drift was not just controlled by the strength of the bottom currents and the intensity of the internal tides, but also by the amount of (aeolian) sediment supplied to the region. Although variable, drift‐growth phases seem to mainly occur during colder periods of the last glacial, that is Heinrich and Dansgaard‐Oeschger events during Marine Isotope Stage 3 and late Marine Isotope Stage 2. These periods, characterised by increased aeolian dust supply and higher bottom currents, coincide with a phase of prolific cold‐water coral growth and enhanced coral mound formation as recorded in numerous cores obtained from the southern Gulf of Cádiz. This implies that both records (on and off mound cores) are pivotal to provide the complete picture of the palaeoclimatic and palaeoceanographic conditions in the region.
Floodplain characteristics affect woody vegetation regeneration on point bars of a coastal plain river recovering from anthropogenic disturbances
Authors: Chen Yin‐Hsuen , Mossa Joann , Singh Kunwar K.
Published: November 2022

Floodplain characteristics contribute to the natural regeneration of vegetation and help facilitate their ecosystem recovery but vary within and between river systems and more so in a river system recovering from anthropogenic disturbances. Here, we explored the floodplain characteristics that contribute to the woody vegetation regeneration on point bars of the middle reach of the Apalachicola River in Florida, USA, which has been passively recovering for over two decades after dredging and disposal activities ended. Woody vegetation regeneration on point bars was analysed using 1999 and 2019 aerial imagery and divided into zones and sections. Data were extracted from a digitized geodatabase regarding several floodplain characteristics with potential to influence vegetation regenetation. Later, we analysed noncollinear floodplain characteristics using a random forest (RF) regression model. The top characteristics that contributed to the RF model include vegetation density, distance‐to‐seeding source and bend curvature. Findings suggest that high vegetation density contributes substantially to woody vegetation regeneration. The negative relationship between distance‐to‐seeding source and vegetation regeneration shows the importance of seeding availability. The bend curvature corresponds with the highest regeneration in the lowermost section of point bars. Our results signify the importance of maintaining healthy vegetated corridors as a buffer to reinforce the vegetation community and potential seed source for passive recovery. These findings regarding floodplain characteristics can be applied to future active restoration of anthropogenically disturbed floodplains.
Exploring factors driving macrophytes in rivers—A case study in Middle Atlas Morocco
Authors: Nouri Ayoub , Hammada Soumaya , Chillasse Lahcen
Published: November 2022

Macrophytes represent a functional compartment that plays multiple and fundamental ecological roles in aquatic environments. They are linked with the other compartments of hydrosystems, both abiotic and biotic, which gives them the ability to integrate environmental conditions and reflect the trophic state of watercourses. Nevertheless, macrophytes in Moroccan rivers have been rarely studied. Thus, the main objective of the present work is to study these plants by determining the environmental factors that control their presence and distribution in the watercourses of the upper Oum Er‐rbia basin (Middle Atlas Morocco). From June 2018 to June 2019, 14 sites spread over five rivers were monitored monthly to describe macrophytic communities and investigate their ecological determinism. We used a principal component analysis to establish each river's typology and a detrended correspondence analysis to explore macrophyte assemblages. Canonical correspondence analysis was used to determine the hydrochemical parameters of water that govern the development and distribution of macrophyte species in the upper Oum Er‐rbia basin. The Amengous river stands out from the other surveyed rivers for its exceptional richness of macrophytic species. This richness is often associated with the enrichment of the aquatic environment by nitrogen and phosphate inputs. Furthermore, in some rivers, such as Oum Er‐rbia, nutrient enrichment plays a secondary function in comparison to the hydromorphological descriptors that tend to be more important for macrophyte composition and distribution.