bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asia's Leading Percentage Share of Global GDP (2000-2022): Trends, Drivers, and Implications
Authors: Khan Ruby , Nasreen Ghousia
Published: February 2024

This study explores the intricate correlation between Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and exports in the top ten Asian economies from 2000 to 2022. Employing a quantitative research approach, the investigation utilizes extensive secondary data to discern patterns and dynamics impacting economic output within international trade. The analysis presents statistically significant connection between export potential and GDP across the sampled countries. According to the study, Asia's percentage share of global GDP has been growing steadily since 2000, indicating sustained economic growth in the region. Factors such as economic reforms, globalization, and technological advancements emerge as pivotal contributors to Asia's evolving role in the global economic landscape. Acknowledging limitations, including presumptions of a linear relationship and the exclusion of country-specific contextual factors, underscores the necessity for prudent interpretation. By amalgamating these findings with a comprehensive research methodology encompassing data collection, statistical analyses, and hypothesis testing, this study furnishes a holistic understanding of the multifaceted interactions shaping the economic trajectories of these nations.
Establishing City Branding Strategy for Tomohon Central Tourism Area in Indonesia in Attracting Interest in Visiting Tourists
Authors: Tombeg Beldie Aryona , Soemarno  , Leksono Amin , Aziz Utami
Published: February 2024

Background: City branding is a marketing strategy aimed at building a positive image of a city, building differentiation and increasing the city's competitiveness as well as attracting tourists and investors.

Aims: This study aims to determine the city branding strategy in the central area of Tomohon City and see the effectiveness of implementing this strategy in attracting tourists to visit.

Methods: This study used a descriptive qualitative method with data collection through interviews and documentation studies. Subjects on this research were conducted with 3 people from Tomohon City government representatives and 2 people from Tomohon City Tourism Office. The research site is in Tomohon City, focusing on its tourism area. The data analysis used in this research was conducted during data collection and used the interactive model of Miles and Huberman

Findings: The results of this study indicate that the government of Tomohon City together with stakeholders have implemented a city branding strategy that is in accordance with the Anholt city branding concept, although overall it has not been optimally implemented because it is only focused on promoting TIFF as an international event and the utilization of promotional media and community participation has not been optimal.

Conclusion: The Tomohon City Center area already has various cultural activities, characteristics, positive perceptions and names that are known as potentials that can be further developed to attract tourists to visit.
Volumetric Analysis of Selected Reservoirs in Ogbenu Field, Niger Delta, Nigeria Using 3D Seismic and Well Log Data
Authors: Ogidikpe, E. S.  , Anakwuba, E. K.  , Bestman, D. K.
Published: February 2024

Volumetric analysis of selected reservoirs in the Ogbenu field, Niger Delta, Nigeria was carried out using 3D seismic and well log data. The objectives include the identification and selection of suitable reservoirs, correlating the reservoirs across the field, generating synthetic seismograms and seismic-to-well ties, performing structural interpretation of faults and horizons to generate time and depth structure map, identifying potential prospects and volumetric analysis to estimate the volume of hydrocarbon in place. The adopted methodology comprises structural, petrophysical and volumetric analysis facilitated by Petrel and Techlog software suites. Well log were utilized to identify distinctive features and cross-well stratigraphic correlation which revealed complex variations, indicating a potential thickening trend in the Agbada sequence towards the southwest. Faults and horizons were mapped to establish the structural framework, unveiling a faulted rollover anticline influenced by lateral fault block movements, contributing to a complex structural style. Detailed analysis of seismic responses, synthetic seismograms, and petrophysical parameters from the well log led to the identifying and correlating of eight prospective reservoir intervals (Reservoir A to H). Average petrophysical parameters, including thickness, porosity, Not-to-Gross ratio, volume of shale, and water saturation were derived from the petrophysical analysis, confirming the eight reservoirs exhibit good petrophysical properties, indicating their potential as promising prospects. The reservoirs exhibit varying qualities, with a southward decline in reservoir quality and indications of gas-water contacts in reservoir A with a similar trend across the other reservoir units. The estimated Original Oil in Place volume were. Reservoir A (29,025.57 MMBOE), B (23.95 MMSTB), C (2,776.37 MMBOE), D (48.19 MMSTB), E (16.69 MMSTB), F (131.98 MMSTB), G (42.19 MMSTB) and H (102.60 MMSTB). This integrative approach revealed complex reservoir variations and structural intricacies, enhancing the understanding of future exploration and production strategies in the Ogbenu field.
Efficiency of Different Techniques in Collecting Insects in Environments Exposed to Palm Oil and Spent Engine Oil Effluents in Abakiliki, Ebonyi State
Authors: Okeke, T.E.  , Ewuim, S.C.  , Ononye, B.U.  , Chukwudebelu, A.E.  , Mbelede, K.C.
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the ecological consequences of palm oil and spent engine oil effluents on insect populations, employing a comparative analysis of two widely used collection techniques: pitfall traps and sweep netting. The aim was to assess the effectiveness of these methods in capturing and quantifying insect diversity and abundance in polluted environments. The research was conducted in selected sites exposed to palm oil and spent engine oil effluents, with corresponding control sites for comparison. Pitfall traps and sweep netting were deployed simultaneously to collect insects across various habitats impacted by the aforementioned effluents. The collected specimens were then identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible, and population data were analyzed to evaluate the relative impact of each effluent type on insect communities. Furthermore, statistical analyses were employed to compare the efficiency of pitfall traps and sweep netting in detecting changes in insect populations. The study revealed that pitfall traps recorded significantly higher number of insects (72.93%) than sweep nets (27.07%) in sites exposed to palm oil effluent (P<0.05). The result obtained in the site exposed to spent engine oil effluent showed that pitfall traps recorded significantly higher number of insects (80.61%) than sweep nets (19.39%) (P<0.05). This study contributes to the ecological repercussions of industrial effluents on insect populations, offering a methodological comparison that can enhance the precision of future insect-related environmental assessments.
Comparative Evaluation of Nano Urea Versus Conventional Urea for Nitrogen Management in Rainfed Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Cultivation in Acid Sandy Loam Soils of Assam.
Authors: Devi Shriya , Kalita Jayanta , Borkotoki Bikram , Baruah Nikhilesh , Choudhury Hemendra
Published: February 2024

A field experiment was conducted during rabi, 2021-22 at the experimental plot of the Department of Agronomy, Biswanath College of Agriculture (BNCA), Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Biswanath Chariali, Assam having geographic coordinates 26°43'30'' N and 93°08'08'' E to assess nitrogen management in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) with conventional and nano urea under rainfed farming situations in the North Bank Plain Zone of Assam. The experiment confined to 10 treatments in Randomized Block Design (RBD) viz., T1: Control (No Nitrogen), T2: Soil application of 50% N, T3: Soil application of 100% N (RD), T4: 3 foliar applications of 0.6% nano urea, T5: Soil application of 50% N + 2 foliar application of 1% conventional urea, T6: Soil application of 50% N + 2 foliar application of 2% conventional urea, T7: Soil application of 50% N + 2 foliar application of 3% conventional urea, T8: Soil application of 50% N + 2 foliar application of 0.2% nano urea, T9: Soil application of 50% N + 2 foliar application of 0.4% nano urea, T10: Soil application of 50% N + 2 foliar application of 0.6% nano urea. Results revealed that there was no significant effect on the seedling emergence percentage due to different nitrogen management treatments. The highest plant height (84 cm) and maximum number of leaves (33) were found in T10. T9 showed the maximum values of Relative Leaf Water Content (RLWC) (71%), leaf area index (LAI) (3.2 and 4.2 at 60 and 90 DAS), chlorophyll content index (30 DAS) and head diameter (16.70 cm). For most of the growth and phenological parameters, T9 and T10 were at par with each other. T1 (no nitrogen) was the earliest to complete its life cycle which is reflected in 50% heading (65 days) and days to maturity (97 days). Dry matter accumulation varied at different time intervals, initially, it was highest in T3 but later T9 and T10 showed the maximum values. In terms of seed yield, test weight and chaffy grain percentage (%), T9 showed the best results: (1505 kg/ha), (54 g/1000 seeds) and (20%) respectively, followed by T10. Whereas the highest stover yield was recorded in T10. The highest Benefit to Cost ratio (B:C ratio of 1.60) was obtained in the T9.
Kappa-Carrageenan/Ciprofloxacin Loaded Hydrogel Patch for Wound Healing Application
Authors: Chanpuria Aniteshma , S. K. Bajpai  , Bajpai M. , Dubey Seema
Published: February 2024

Kappa carrageenan/Ciprofloxacin composite films have been developed to protect wounds from bacterial infection. The films were characterized by FTIR, TGA, and SEM analysis. The Water Vapor Transmission Rates (WVTR) for film samples, with different compositions, was in the range of 1025 to 1181 g m-2day-1. The O2 permeability for the samples tested was 16.6 mg/mL against the values of 10 and 28 mg/mL obtained for negative and positive controls respectively. As compared to the standard moisture loss from wounded skin, the   relatively low values indicated their suitability for low exudating wounds.  The total release of drug Ciprofloxacin from the samples loaded with 0.06, 0.13 and 0.19 g drug/g gel was found to be 29.13, 71.75, 85. 90 mg/g gel in the media of pH 7.4 and the time required for the release was almost 240, 320 and 356 min respectively.  The release data were best interpreted by ‘Power Function Model’, as indicated by high regression values of 0.9793,0.9862 and 0.9994 respectively. The release exponent ‘n’ values were 0.55,0.33 and 0.42 respectively, thus suggesting a diffusion-controlled mechanism. The films showed fair antibacterial activity against model bacteria E. Coli. Finally, Kappa carrageenan/Ciprofloxacin composite films, when applied on artificially created wound on skin of rats, showed excellent healing with no inflammation and bacterial infection.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

 Ciprofloxacin loaded Kappa Carrageenan films showed fair ability to treat bacterial infections on wounds. The animal studies, performed on rats, also established their strong candidature in the protection of wound from infection.
Aid System for Estimating Agricultural Yield Using a Deep Learning Technique: Tomato Case
Authors: Djara Tahirou , Sonon Sekoude Jehovah-nis Pedrie , Sobabe Aziz , Sanny Abdul-Qadir
Published: February 2024

The precision of traditional methods for estimating crop yield is a major challenge, particularly for large areas. To improve this process, we developed a tomato detection and localization system using deep learning techniques. The system uses Faster-RCNN, a cutting edge technology of object detection model, to detect and localize tomatoes in images. We trained the model on a database of 150 images, which were normalized to 100*100 pixels in RGB. The system estimates the real sizes of tomatoes using the Ground Sampling Distance method and predicts their masses using a regression model. The model produces an average absolute error of 42.365% and a quadratic error of 51.044%. Our system provides a more efficient and accurate way to estimate tomato crop yields on a large scale.
Antihyperlipidemic Bioactivity Guided Isolation and Structural Elucidation of Isolated Phytoconstituents from Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy
Authors: Iyer Deepa , Jain Nimisha , Patil U. K.
Published: February 2024

Background: Atherosclerosis is a crucial element in the origination of coronary heart disease (CHD). Lipid aggregation inside the coronary arteries walls lead to the occurrence of hyperlipidemia. Aim: The research was conducted for assessing the lipid lowering effect of ethanol extract and chloroform fraction from Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy. aerial parts in Triton induced hyperlipidemic rat model. 
Methodology: The active fraction was obtained from antihyperlipidemic bioactivity. The phytocomponents were separated from the active fraction using flash chromatography technique resulting in the isolation of n-hexatriacontane; 9-octadecenoic acid- octyl ester; 12, 14-heptacosanedione; dodecyl-octadeca-9,12-dienoate; tetracosanyl 9-hexadecenoate; heptacosan-14-ol; stigmasta- 5, 22- dien-3 beta-ol and stigmast-5-en-3 beta-ol. The phytocomponent structures were established by spectral data analysis. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of Triton WR- 1339 at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) was given to the animals. The ethanol extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. and chloroform fraction at a dose of 400 mg/kg b.w. were administered orally in rats after 24 hours of the Triton administration.
Results: The study resulted in dose dependent inhibition of triglycerides (p <0.01), total cholesterol (p <0.05), Low density lipoprotein level (p <0.05) while significant increased HDL (p <0.01) level. Alteration in lipid profile in Triton treated rats was restored and found more effective in the chloroform fraction probably due to the presence of phytocomponents. The study elucidated different phytocomponents isolated from the active chloroform fraction of C. pluricaulis.
Conclusion: Treatment with extract and fraction manifested significant decrease in triglyceride level. HDL exerts an inhibitory action in the etiology of atherosclerosis. It is considered as a beneficial lipoprotein and its lower level leads to the greater risk of CHD. It may be concluded that the isolated components were responsible for the lipid lowering level of active fraction.
 
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Releasing Patterns of Potassium and its Relationship with Different Forms of Potassium in Acid Alfisols Soils of Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
Authors: Sinha Asha Kumari , Toppo Madhuri , Upadhay Ajay Kumar , Shahi Dhirendra Kumar
Published: February 2024

A study was conducted during 2017-2018 at the Experimental Farm of Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India to assess the releasing patterns of potassium and its relationship with different forms of potassium in surface (0-15 cm) and sub-surface (16-30 cm) soils of acid alfisols from the selected 9 treatments under long-term nutrient management practices in maize-wheat cropping system. The releasing power of soil potassium is an index of the availability of the nutrient to the crops over a longer duration and in general, it indicates the sum of water-soluble K, exchangeable K, and a fraction of non-exchangeable K which is not immediately available to the growing plants, but will be slowly available over a longer period. Repeated extraction with boiling 1N HNO3 has been suggested as one of the methods to assess the potassium-releasing capacity of soils. In this context, cumulative K, constant rate K, and step K as a part of non-exchangeable potassium proposed by Haylock (1956) measure the potassium-releasing capacity of soils more effectively under intensive crop cultivation. The amount of K release in successive extraction with boiling 1N HNO3 decreased consistently and reached a plateau at the 8th and 9th extraction steps in both depths of soils. Cumulative K is highest in INM (T6) while constant rate K and step K are highest in Lime, FYM, P2O5, and K2O treated plots (T8). The lowest contribution of potassium release patterns is generally observed in the control plot (T1). Also, the K release was found to be maximum in surface soils than in sub-surface soils concerning various selected treatments. Cumulative K, Constant- rate K, and Step K had highly significant and positive correlations with different forms of potassium (Water soluble K, Exchangeable K, Non-Exchangeable K, Total K, and Lattice K) in both depths. The potassium-releasing patterns evaluated through cumulative K, constant rate K, and step K could be meaningful for making fertilizer recommendation programmes, especially in intensively cultivated areas. Hence, the importance of study in terms of the possible contribution to plant available pool of soil K through potassium release patterns in two depths of given soil has been pointed out.
Improved Biomass Stoves in Rural Areas in Karnataka, India
Authors: Salunke Renuka S. , Swati Hebbal
Published: February 2024

Aims: the study aimed to quantify fuel wood consumption in traditional and biomass stoves as well asto estimate the Carbon dioxide (Co2) and carbon monoxide (Co) while cooking with different fuel wood.

Study Design: exploratory and experimental.

Place and Duration of Study: The duration of the Study was 2 years and the place of the study was Dharwad and Vijayapur districts of Karnataka state India.

Methodology: Keeping this in view a study was conducted in two villages namely Timmapur Village of Dharwad district and Bhaganager Village of Vijayapur district Karanarak State India. From each village 60 households were selected randomly thus total sample size comprises 120 rural women.

Results: About 80 per cent of the women were illiterate in Timmapur and 76.70 per cent of the women were illiterate in Bhaganagar. The quantity of ash, charcoal and smoke after food preparation was significantly varied in both villages. A reduction in the percentage of both carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide was found in biomass stoves compared to traditional stoves. The experimental research revealed that 58 per cent of the fuel wood was saved per year per 100 families when compared to traditional stoves. Whereas the traditional stove consumes 1200 kg /month/100 families.

Conclusion: Improved biomass stoves should be promoted to encourage rural women to better use the stove.
First Infestation of an Exotic Crops Pest, Amrasca biguttula on Cotton Gossypium hirsutum L. in North Cameroon
Authors: Jacques Housseini Djida , Socrates Doké Noé , Bouladji Yonki , Djague Théodore Lawe , Moïse Adamou , Noé Woïn
Published: February 2024

Cotton is a cash crop that actively contributes to the socio-economic development of the entire northern region of Cameroon. However, the production of this crop faces many constraints, including the pressure of bio-aggressors that cause significant damage and generate considerable losses for many producers. Amrasca biguttula is a feeding pest that was first reported in 2022 in a leafhopper sample collected in Djalingo, Benoue department, North region. The attacks of this atypical pest caused major damage on several cotton fields during the 2023 crop year. As a result, several other outbreaks have been reported throughout most of the cotton zone. Adults average 2.82±0.16 mm in length and are green, with two black dots near the tip of the forewing. Leafhopper samples collected at several sites showed the presence of Amrasca biguttula and this species alone represented 22% to 84% of the diversity of leafhopper populations on cotton. The month of August seems to be the propitious time for the invasion of this new species, because it is during this period that it was mainly represented in the different leafhopper samples collected.
Effect of Crop Establishment Methods and Nitrogen Levels on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Coarse Rice
Authors: Ravi  , Lathwal O. P. , Dhaka A. K. , Sutaliya J. M. , Garhwal R. S. , Kamal  , Kumar Pradeep , Phogat Pardeep
Published: February 2024

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2020 at farm of College of Agriculture, Kaul (Kaithal) of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to investigate the response of short duration non-scented rice variety HKR-48 to nitrogen under two different methods of crop establishment. The experiment was laid out in RBD factorial design consisting of two establishment methods i.e. direct seeded (DSR) and transplanted (TPR) as main plot treatments and six different levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 kg/ha) in sub- plots with three replications. The experiment showed that plants grown under the DSR method had greater height and tiller production at all growth stages but experienced higher tiller mortality later on. DSR also resulted in higher early-stage dry matter accumulation compared to TPR, but there was no significant difference at later stages or at harvest. Although the number of effective tillers did not significantly differ between DSR and TPR, DSR had 16% more grains per panicle with the same test weight. However, the transplanted crop had a significantly higher grain yield (11.9%) compared to the direct-seeded crop. Increasing nitrogen dosage up to 120 kg N/ha positively influenced growth parameters and yield-contributing characters. There was no significant difference between 120 kg N/ha and 150 kg N/ha in respect of growth indicators. Grain yield was significantly enhanced with increased nitrogen dosage, but the difference between 120 kg N/ha and 150 kg N/ha was not significant.
Serum Procalcitonin as a Biological Marker to Distinguish between Bacterial and Non-Bacterial Exacerbation of COPD: A Comparative Cross- Sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Centre in India
Authors: Agarwal Richa , Deswal Anubhav , Matlani Monika , Manocha Rajesh
Published: February 2024

Aims: The goal of this study was to determine the diagnostic importance and cut-off value of serum PCT as a vital biomarker in differentiating bacterial and non-bacterial causes of exacerbation of COPD.

Study Design:  It was a comparative cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted on 80 patients recruited from VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New- Delhi, India, for a period of 18 months. Forty  patients has COPD and other 40 had acute exacerbation of COPD.

Methodology: Every enrolled patient received a thorough history, a clinical assessment, and records of tests such as a venous blood sample, spirometry, and a chest X-ray. We excluded from our study patients with various respiratory conditions such as hydrothorax, pneumothorax, CHF, pleural effusion, and those outside the respiratory system, as well as those who started antibiotic medication earlier than 48 hours after enrollment. Venous samples were obtained from each participant in order to measure procalcitonin levels and blood counts. Serum PCT levels were assessed by ELISA kit. Gram stain and culture was done of sputum sample collected from the exacerbated group.

Results: Patients with bacterial COPD exacerbations had significantly higher mean serum PCT levels compared to non-bacterial exacerbations (2.58±1.54 vs 0.45±0.51 ng/ml; P=0.0001) based on sputum culture results. PCT cutoff of 0.9 ng/ml differentiated bacterial exacerbations with 100% sensitivity and 76.9% specificity.

Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate the serum PCT levels can be regarded as an appropriate biomarker to differentiate between the bacterial and non-bacterial cause of exacerbation in COPD.
Physico-chemical and Functional Properties of Drumstick Leaf Powder
Authors: Bagmare P. A. , Wanjari B. S. , Chandewar K. B. , Swami S. B. , Waghamare K. G.
Published: February 2024

The study was conducted to analysis of physico-chemical properties of drumstick leaf powder. Drumstick leaf were dried in a convective hot air dryer at 30oC, 40oC and 50oC. The air velocity inside the dryer was 2-3 m/s, the drying process takes 6 hrs, 27hrs, and 19 hrs time to dry the product at 30⁰C, 40⁰C, and 50⁰C.

The experimental drying data of drumstick were applied to six Moisture ratio models, namely, the Newton model, modified Page model, Henderson and Pabis, Logarithmic, Two term and Exponential Model was found to be the best for explaining the drying characteristics of drumstick leaf. The effective moisture diffusivity varied from 3.651 ×10-11, 4.503×10-11 and to 7.343×10-11 over the temperature range studied, with activation energy of 28.281 kJ/mol for drying of drumstick leaf. The drumstick leaf powder contains moisture 10.85 to 15.56 %, protein 22.88 to 23.979 %, fat 1.80 to 2.42 %, fibre 11.53 to 12.16 %, ash 3.69 to 4.93 %, carbohydrate 40.94 to 849.25% The flour had average water absorption capacity (3.081to 4.22l g/cc), bulk density (3.081 to 0.445 g/cc) were recorded.
Solar Hybrid System: Innovations in Cooking, Drying, and Power Generation
Authors: Modi V. V. , Sanchavat H. , Deshpande A. D. , Desai N. N. , Rajput J. C. , Parmar V.
Published: February 2024

A hybrid system has been designed and developed which comprises the principle of solar thermal and photovoltaic. Flat plate collector and concentrating trough collector were incorporated under solar thermal technology. Solar thermal device which makes the most using infrared radiation out of solar spectrum. Black copper sheet at focal point of the solar trough served as a stand for cooking pan was able to gain direct as well as high intensity reflected solar radiation to expedite the cooking process. The electric unit of the system worked on the principle of photovoltaic effect. Main components of the hybrid system were collector housing, solar trough reflector, triangular shaped glazing surfaces, copper sheet to place cooking pots and dedicated insulation to prevent heat loss. The dual concept hybrid system was found exceptionally speedier as compared to traditional box type cooker. Results revealed that cooking pot attained maximum temperature of 104.50 C at 12.30 pm, which was sufficient for cooking nutritious food. The experiment was conducted in winter season on 18th January, 2018. Average thermal efficiency (ηtherm) was estimated as 35.1%,  cooking  power  (P) was estimated  47.68 W  and  the  overall heat  loss coefficient was calculated 3.03 W/m2°C. Average cooking time found to be just 130 minutes which was otherwise more than 3 hrs in case of traditional box type cooker. Electric power which was stored in the battery can operate 5W dc bulb for 9 hours in single charging. It also could operate smart phone charger and a dc fan (12V, 4Ah) for 60 minutes each.
Fama and French Five- Factor Study of Stock Market in Indonesia
Authors: Buditomo Bryan , Candra Steven , Soetanto Tessa Vanina
Published: February 2024

In general, contemporary finance theories agree that the Fama and French Five-Factor model provides a more comprehensive explanation for average stock returns compared to its predecessors. Previous research on the five-factor model in Indonesia has yielded inconclusive results, and none of the studies has attempted to compare the significance of the five factors over shorter and longer periods, or even within shorter periods. As a result, the researchers of this study endeavor to ascertain the importance of the five elements – the profitability (RMW), market, size (SMB), profitability (RMW), book-to-market (HML), and investment (CMA) factors – to an excess return on the portfolio over shorter and longer periods. The findings indicate that SMB and CMA factors exhibit statistically insignificant, significantly negative, and significantly positive correlations with excess portfolio return, respectively, over the three shorter periods and the longer period. A significant negative correlation is observed between the HML factor and excess portfolio return over the longer period, while the relationship is deemed insignificant over the three shorter periods. No significant relationship was found between the RMW factor and excess portfolio return over the (2005-2019) period and two (2010-2014, 2015-2019) periods, but one shorter period is significantly positive.
Investigating for Photocatalytic Activity of Hybrid TiO2/Reduced Graphene Oxide and Application in Reducing VOCs
Authors: Thanh Nguyen Thi Phuong , Danh Nguyen Thanh , Nguyen Tran Quang , Giang Huynh Van , Chi Tran Kim , Giang Le Thuy Thanh , Trung Tran Quang
Published: February 2024

In this study, rGO/TiO2 hybrid nanostructures (rGO : reduced Graphene Oxide)  have been successfully fabricated for the purpose of application in the treatment of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that harmful for the environment through the method of directly measuring the change in concentration of decomposed VOCs in real time under UV-excited conditions using a home-made measuring system. the results showed that hybrids TiO2 : rGONFs (reduced Graphene Oxide nano flake) samples with the weight ratio between two kind of material are 99%:1% and 98%:2% which reduced VOCs faster than 2 time intrinsic TiO2. The phenomenon of 2D materials involved in the hybrids lead to the fact that the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 had been significantly improved, this can be explained as follows: When heterogeneous hybrid was formed, because of the difference in energy levels of conduction band between two materials was negligible, heterojunction barrier is not too high this made the photogenerated electrons from TiO2 easily move through rGONFs under UV stimulation. This thing has significantly reduced the recombination of the generated carrier in TiO2 during irradiation, which lead to an increase in the lifetime of the carrier and make photocatalytic reaction of the assembly become more effective. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Model of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Five‐Trial, Repeated Acquisition Inhibitory Avoidance in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat Pups
Authors: Fox Gerard B.
Published: September 2004

There is no one definitive animal model or test for ADHD. However, behavioral symptoms of this disorder, such as inattentiveness, impulsivity, rate of learning, and hyperactivity, can be evaluated in animals. Unfortunately, many of the cognitive tests used to assess attention and impulsivity require considerable equipment, and financial and time resources. Additionally, many of the genetic animal models are difficult to obtain due to cost, intellectual property issues, or difficulties in breeding sufficient numbers. The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) is relatively easily obtained and exhibits many behavioral abnormalities analogous to those observed in ADHD. This unit describes a cost‐effective and relatively simple approach to modeling ADHD preclinically, by training juvenile SHR pups in a five‐trial repeated acquisition inhibitory avoidance model with components of attention and response inhibition. The model is suited to identifying compounds with stimulant and nonstimulant mechanisms of action, although the latter has yet to be verified conclusively in the clinic.
Hepatic Clearance and Drug Metabolism Using Isolated Perfused Rat Liver
Authors: Liu Yong , Weber Steven J. , Onua Emmanuel T.
Published: September 2004

The isolated perfused rat liver (IPRL) has been extensively used as an intact organ model for determination of hepatic clearance and metabolism of drugs. The IPRL model can also be applied to determine physiologically based pharmacokinetics. Since the IPRL model avoids neural and hormonal interferences and excludes influences from absorption processes and non‐hepatic elimination routes such as renal excretion and respiration, it provides a relatively clean hepatic system to study metabolism and pharmacokinetics. It is especially useful to model the hepatic uptake associated with plasma protein binding and transport. The viability of the liver can be evaluated based on the gross appearance, bile flow, perfusion pressure, lactate dehydrogenase release, and oxygen uptake. The protocol describes the surgical procedures for isolation of the rat liver, a hemoglobin‐free perfusion method, and application of this model for determination of hepatic uptake and clearance.
Multi‐Color FISH Techniques
Authors: Bayani Jane , Squire Jeremy
Published: September 2004

Traditional FISH analysis has employed, at most, two colors of detection, a red‐fluorescing fluorochrome and a green‐fluorescing fluorochrome. The improvements in fluorescent imaging and development of heartier fluorochromes/dyes have enabled investigators to use several different DNA probes in one experiment. This may involve all or combinations of locus‐specific probes and chromosome paints. The value of such experiments lies in the investigator obtaining far more information from one specific cell at one time, rather then carrying out separate experiments on multiple specimens prepared from the same sample, then extrapolating results. The generic term for multi‐color FISH assays is M‐FISH, however, the technologies behind the manner in which the fluorochrome information is generated has spawned two different M‐FISH systems: spectral karyotyping (SKY) and M‐FISH. For both assays, the experimental procedures are identical: commercially available probes for all 24 (human) chromosomes are differentially labeled according to a labeling scheme and hybridized to metaphase spreads for 24 to 48 hr, followed by post‐hybridization washes and, if required, antibody detection. The difference lies in the imaging: spectral karyotyping identifies the differentiation of the chromosomes based on their spectral properties, whereas M‐FISH identifies the differentiation of the chromosomes based on that fluorochrome's presence or absence when visualized with specific filters. The resulting analysis for both methods is the same, revealing hidden translocations and insertions as well as the chromosomal components of marker chromosomes.
Altered decision‐making in multiple sclerosis: A sign of impaired emotional reactivity?
Authors: Kleeberg Jörg , Bruggimann Laure , Annoni Jean‐Marie , van Melle Guy , Bogousslavsky Julien , Schluep Myriam
Published: October 2004

We assessed decision‐making capacity and emotional reactivity in 20 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and in 16 healthy subjects using the Gambling Task (GT), a model of real‐life decision making, and the skin conductance response (SCR). Demographic, neurological, affective, and cognitive parameters were analyzed in MS patients for their effect on decision‐making performance. MS patients persisted longer (slope, −3.6%) than the comparison group (slope, −6.4%) in making disadvantageous choices as the GT progressed (p < 0.001), suggesting significant slower learning in MS. Patients with higher Expanded Disability Status Scale scores (EDSS >2.0) showed a different pattern of impairment in the learning process compared with patients with lower functional impairment (EDSS ≤2.0). This slower learning was associated with impaired emotional reactivity (anticipatory SCR 3.9 vs 6.1 microSiemens [μS] for patients vs the comparison group, p < 0.0001; post‐choice SCR 3.9 vs 6.2μS, p < 0.0001), but not with executive dysfunction. Impaired emotional dimensions of behavior (assessed using the Dysexecutive Questionnaire, p < 0.002) also correlated with slower learning. Given the considerable consequences that impaired decision making can have on daily life, we suggest that this factor may contribute to handicap and altered quality of life secondary to MS and is dependent on emotional experience. Ann Neurol 2004
Studies on poly(acrylic acid)/attapulgite superabsorbent composites. II. Swelling behaviors of superabsorbent composites in saline solutions and hydrophilic solvent–water mixtures
Authors: Li An , Wang Aiqin , Chen Jianmin
Published: September 2004

The effect of the attapulgite content on the swelling for a series of poly(acrylic acid)/attapulgite superabsorbent composites in water was studied. The effects of the temperature and pH values on the water absorbency of the superabsorbent composites were investigated. The swelling behavior of the superabsorbent composites in various saline solutions was also investigated. The water absorbency in various salt solutions decreased with an increase in the ionic strength of the solutions. At a high ionic strength (>1 × 10−3M), the water absorbency in monovalent cationic solutions was higher than that in multivalent cation solutions. This dramatic reduction of the water absorbency in multivalent cationic solutions of high ionic strength may have been due to the complexing ability of the carboxylate groups inducing the formation of intramolecular and intermolecular complexes, which resulted in an increased crosslink density of the network. The swelling behavior of the superabsorbent composites in mixtures of water and hydrophilic solvents, including methanol, acetone, ethanol, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), was also investigated. The water absorbency decreased with an increase in the concentration of any of the four organic solvents, and two transitions were observed in the superabsorbent composite/hydrophilic solvent–water mixture systems. The main transition for the four hydrophilic solvent–water mixtures was a collapse of the swollen gel (at 50–80% methanol, 30–80% acetone, 50–80% ethanol, and 50–80% DMSO). For the methanol–water system, the magnitudes of the first and second transitions for the poly(acrylic acid)/attapulgite superabsorbent composites containing lower proportions of attapulgite were larger than those for the superabsorbent composites with higher attapulgite contents. The effect of the mixture temperature on the water absorbency of the superabsorbent composites in 10 min was also reported. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1869–1876, 2004
Emulsifier‐free emulsion polymerization of styrene
Authors: Sharifi‐Sanjani Naser , Soltan‐Dehghan Morteza , Naderi Nader , Ranji Ali
Published: September 2004

Polystyrene latex particles in an emulsifier‐free emulsion were prepared by purified styrene (St) as monomer and 2,2′‐azobis (2‐amidino propane) dihydrochloride (ABA, 2HCl) as initiator. The optimized condition of polymerization of styrene was obtained by using the various parameters such as different amounts of monomer (0.009, 0.051, and 0.071 mol styrene/mol Water), different amounts of initiator (6.02, 4.62, 2.41, and 1.00 weight percent of initiator relative to styrene), and pH (range 1–7). Quantitative and qualitative analyses of prepared polymer were performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), and 1H‐NMR and FT‐IR spectroscopy, that were used, respectively, to show the morphology of particles, the glass transition temperature (Tg), the average molecular weight, and the structure of the prepared polymer. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1898–1904, 2004
Comparative studies of the properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)–clay nanocomposite materials prepared by in situ emulsion polymerization and solution dispersion
Authors: Yeh Jui‐Ming , Liou Shir‐Joe , Lai Mei‐Chun , Chang Yu‐Wen , Huang Cheng‐Yu , Chen Chen‐Ping , Jaw Jenn‐Huey , Tsai Tsung‐Yen , Yu Yuan‐Hsiang
Published: September 2004

A series of polymer–clay nanocomposite (PCN) materials consisting of organic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and inorganic montmorillonite (MMT) clay platelets were prepared successfully by the effective dispersion of nanolayers of the MMT clay in the PMMA framework through both in situ emulsion polymerization and solution dispersion. The as‐prepared PCN materials obtained with both approaches were subsequently characterized with wide‐angle powder X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. For a comparison of the anticorrosion performance, a PCN material (e.g., 3 wt % clay loading) prepared by in situ emulsion polymerization, showing better dispersion of the clay platelets in the polymer matrix, exhibited better corrosion protection in the form of a coating on a cold‐rolled steel coupon than that prepared by solution dispersion, which showed a poor dispersion of the clay nanolayers according to a series of electrochemical corrosion measurements. Comparative studies of the optical clarity, molecular barrier properties, and thermal stability of samples prepared in both ways, as membranes and fine powders, were also performed with ultraviolet–visible transmission spectroscopy, molecular permeability analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1936–1946, 2004
Binary and ternary blends of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyamide 6,6: The effect of compatibilization on the morphology and rheology
Authors: Krache R. , Benachour D. , Pötschke P.
Published: September 2004

The effects of two compatibilizing agents, polystyrene–poly(ethylene butylene)–polystyrene copolymer (SEBS) and SEBS‐grafted maleic anhydride (SEBS‐g‐MAH), on the morphology of binary and ternary blends of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyamide 6,6 were investigated with scanning electron microscopy and melt rheology measurements. The addition of the compatibilizers led to finer dispersions of the particles of the minor component and a decrease in their size; this induced a significant change in the blend morphology. The rheological measurements confirmed the increased interaction between the blend components, especially with SEBS‐g‐MAH as the compatibilizer. New covalent bonds could be expected to form through an amine–anhydride reaction. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1976–1985, 2004
Effects of calcium carbonate, talc, mica, and glass‐fiber fillers on the ultrasonic weld strength of polypropylene
Authors: Sancaktar Erol , Walker Eric
Published: September 2004

The objective of this work was to study the differences in the ultrasonic weld strength of polypropylene compounds with different fillers. The fillers were calcium carbonate, talc, mica, and glass fibers. The welder parameters were varied to determine the optimum set. These welder parameters were the weld time, weld force, trigger force, and amplitude. The results indicated that the weld time had the greatest effect on the weld strength of each of the filled compounds. Unfilled polypropylene had the highest weld strength under the optimum welding conditions, which were used as the baseline welding conditions. For each given filler, the weld strength was reduced as the filler loading increased. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1986–1998, 2004
Application of supercritical carbon dioxide in the preparation of biodegradable polylactide membranes
Authors: Xu Qun , Pang Maizhi , Peng Qi , Li Jianbo , Jiang Yu
Published: October 2004

The application of supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) has been attracting more and more attention, especially in the formation of polymer membranes. The membrane formation using SCCO2 is analogous to conventional immersion precipitation process by using organic nonsolvent. Polylactide (PLA) membranes were prepared by phase separation with SCCO2 as nonsolvent. Two kinds of solvents were used to study the effect of the solvent on the cross‐section structure of the PLA membrane and the compatibility between the solvent and SCCO2 was studied. The effect of the solvent and the preconditioning on the morphology of the PLA membrane was also investigated through scanning electron microscope, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, and polarizing microscopy. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 2158–2163, 2004
Water‐swellable hydrophobic porous copolymer resins based on divinylbenzene and acrylonitrile. I. Water‐swelling behavior
Authors: Tang Xiaoshan , Wei Jia , Yan Jun
Published: September 2004

Hydrophobic porous copolymer resins based on divinylbenzene (DVB) and acrylonitrile (AN) could be prepared as directly swellable in water by using purified DVB (98.8%) and technical DVB (79.3%) in the presence of 1,2‐dichloroethane as porogen. Compared with the resins based on DVB and methyl acrylate (MA/DVB resins), the AN/DVB resins thus obtained are water‐swellable over a wider range of copolymer compositions, and the swelling ability of the AN/DVB resins in water was further confirmed by investigating the water‐swelling behavior of the AN/DVB resins undergoing solvent treatment. The copolymer composition (AN and DVB contents) of the resins and the property of the porogen affect the water‐swellable behavior of the AN/DVB resins profoundly. The results in this paper provide additional evidence to support the hypothesis that the swelling ability of a hydrophobic porous copolymer in water originates from the existence of the inner stresses in the strained polymer network of the resins and the weak interaction between polymer and water that is negligible in the case of a conventional hydrophobic polymer. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 2041–2049, 2004
Realizing student success at Hispanic‐serving institutions
Authors: Benítez Margarita , DeAro Jessie
Published: September 2004

This chapter highlights the role of Hispanic‐Serving Institutions in promoting the academic success of minority students and discusses successful strategies used by several Hispanic‐Serving community colleges.
Defining Asian American and Pacific Islander‐serving institutions
Authors: Laanan Frankie Santos , Starobin Soko S.
Published: September 2004

Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) represent a diverse group of different ethnicities and cultures. This study examines how national data on race and ethnicity are reported and describes the characteristics of AAPIs in light of the “model minority” myth. In addition, this study examines a definition of Asian American and Pacific Islander‐Serving Institutions (AAPISIs) contained in legislation currently under consideration by the United States Congress.
Lessons from community college programs targeting welfare recipients
Authors: Meléndez Edwin , Falcón Luis M. , de Montrichard Alexandra
Published: September 2004

Many community colleges have pursued aggressive initiatives to serve students on welfare, creating new academic programs or expanding existing ones. This chapter highlights case studies of best practices that illustrate how institutional initiatives targeting welfare students have resulted in an expanded capacity to educate and serve mainstream students.
Benzene‐Templated Hydrothermal Synthesis of Metal–Organic Frameworks with Selective Sorption Properties
Authors: Choi Eun‐Young , Park Kyungsoo , Yang Cheol‐Min , Kim Hyejin , Son Jung‐Ho , Lee Soon W. , Lee Young Hee , Min Dongwon , Kwon Young‐Uk
Published: September 2004

In this paper, we report two metal–organic frameworks [Co3(ndc)3(bipyen)1.5]⋅H2O (1) and [Co2(ndc)2(bipyen)]⋅C6H6⋅H2O (2) (bipyen=trans‐1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene, H2ndc=2,6‐naphthalenedicarboxylic acid). These compounds were both synthesized from identical hydrothermal reaction conditions except that benzene was added to the reaction for 2. Crystal structures show that the two compounds have triply interpenetrated three‐dimensional frameworks and these frameworks have the same primary structure of a two‐dimensional network of interconnected [Co2(O2CR)4/2] (R=naphthalene group) paddle‐wheels and bridging bipyen ligands. Both compounds have guest water molecules and, in addition, 2 has guest benzene molecules. Structural transformations of the host accompanied guest removal, which can be monitored by powder X‐ray diffraction. N2 adsorption data of 2 show that there are two different types of pores corresponding to the benzene and water pores. Upon exposure to vapors of several organic molecules, the heat‐treated sample of 2 adsorbs benzene and cyclohexene, but does not adsorb toluene, (o‐, m‐, and p‐)xylenes, cycloheptatriene, or cyclohexane.