bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Approach for Mélange Yarn Manufacturers by Recycling Dyed Fibre Waste
Authors: Wang Hua , Memon Hafeezullah , Abro Rashid , Shah Asif
Published: April 2020

The aim of this paper is to study a sustainable approach of recycling different fibre waste for the mélange yarn industry and to suggest a sustainable strategy of mixing dyed fibre waste for use by yarn supply chain engineers. Fibre waste was added to a Blow room or draw frame and compared in terms of properties. It was found that the mechanical properties of cotton mélange yarn manufactured by adding waste are suitable to be marketed. Various qualitative parameters such as the spun length, tenacity, elongation %, short fibre index (SFI), yarn evenness analysis, nep count analysis and waste assessment were discussed and compared in both kinds of mixing strategies i.e. mixing in the form of flocks in a blow room and in the form of slivers on a draw frame; as followed by the Mélange yarn Industry. The effect of increasing the number of passages on yarn quality was also analysed.
Selecting Appropriate Longitudinal Rigidity of Knitted Fabric in Compression Products of Standardised Size
Authors: Kowalski Krzysztof , Kłonowska Magdalena , Ilska Anita
Published: April 2020

Based on the models developed, the changes in unit pressure exerted by ready-made compression products were evaluated in dependence on the longitudinal rigidity, compression class, dimensional tolerance and product size. Tests made it possible to determine the maximum permissible values of longitudinal rigidity for individual compression classes and product sizes, which, if not exceeded, ensure that the pressure exerted falls within the given compression class. Experimental verification carried out on an example of a commercial compression product from the first and second compression classes showed that the main reason for the differences between the declared and experimentally determined values of unit pressure was the overestimated longitudinal rigidity of the knitted fabric and dimensional tolerance of the size ranges and errors in the design procedure, resulting from not sticking to the principle of designing the product for the middle circumference value and the middle pressure from the compression class.
Influence of Bleach Activators in Removing Different Soils from Cotton Fabric
Authors: Tavčer Petra Forte
Published: April 2020

The influence of adding Sodium Perborate Tetrahydrate (NaPB) and tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED) on the efficiency of removing soils from cotton fabric was evaluated in the study. NaPB as inorganic peroxide and TAED as a bleach activator were added to a commercial washing powder agent. Four standard soils applied on cotton fabric (EMPA standard soiled fabrics) were used in the study, i.e. 101 – carbon black/olive oil, 114 – red wine, 116 – blood/ milk/ink and 160 – chocolate. The washing of fabrics was conducted in accordance with the SIST EN ISO 105-C06 standard at 40, 60 and 90 °C in Launder-Ometer apparatus. The washing efficiency was evaluated by determining the CIE L* colour coordinates of the unwashed and washed fabric samples, and the difference in ΔL* colour coordinates among them. The results showed that NaPB and TAED improve the efficiency of washing for two standard soils, have no effect on one, and deteriorate the washing results of one standard soil.
The analysis of surface morphology,
band gaps and optical properties
of PAN/GO thin films
Authors: Matysiak W. , Adamczyk K.
Published: April 2020

Purpose: PAN/GO nanocomposites are gaining more and more interest from research
and industrial environments. According to theoretical studies and experimental tests, PAN/
GO exhibits excellent properties such as tensile strength, good thermal and electrical
conductivity, excellent thermal and tribological properties. Thanks to this property, the
composite is considered the ideal successor to the nanocomposites used so far. The
PAN/GO nanocomposite has great potential in the filtration, automotive, electrical and
photovoltaic industry.
Design/methodology/approach: The spin-coating process is used to produce thin
layers by centrifuging a liquid substance on flat surfaces. The advantages of the spin-
coating process are simplicity and ease with which the process can be carried out. Due to
the ability to high spin speeds, high airflow leads to fast drying time, which in turn results
in high consistency in both macroscopic and nanometre scales. The spin-coting method is
usually the starting point and reference point for most academic and industrial processes
that require a thin and uniform coating. The use of spin coating has a wide spectrum. This
technique can be used to coat small substrates (from a few square mm) up to the coating of
flat displays, e.g. TV sets, which may have a meter or more in diameter.
Findings: Among the existing methods for producing thin layers, including physical and
chemical methods for gas phase deposition or the self-assembly process, the spin-coating
process makes it possible to produce uniform thin nanocomposite layers in an easy and
cheap way. Spin coating is usually the starting point and reference point for most academic
and industrial processes that require a thin and uniform coating. The advantage of the
method is the wide spectrum of use. It is used for coating substrates with everything from
photoresists, insulators, organic semiconductors, synthetic metals, nanomaterials, metal
precursors and metal oxides, transparent conductive oxides and many other materials.
Often, spin coating is used to unravel polymer layers or photoresist on semiconductor
substrates.
Research limitations/implications: Due to the ongoing research on the potential
applications of PAN/GO thin layers, including electronics, automotive and photovoltaics, it is
worth trying to optimize the parameters of the spin-coiling process such as rotational speed
or duration of the process. It is also worth trying to optimize the concentration of GO in the
nanocomposite.
Practical implications: Despite mixing the solution with an ultrasonic homogenizer to
disperse the nanoparticles, the particles dispersed to form a rough surface.
Originality/value: Low-cost, easy to carry out method of producing thin nanocomposite
layers, having significant application in laboratory environments.
The effect of the modification
by ultrafine silicon carbide powder
on the structure and properties
of the Al-Si alloy
Authors: Kovbasiuk T.M. , Selivorstov V.Yu. , Dotsenko Yu.V. , Duriagina Z.A. , Kulyk V.V. , Kasai O.M. , Voitovych V.V.
Published: April 2020

Purpose: Determine the possibility of modifying aluminium alloys of the Al-Si system with
an ultrafine SiC modifier with a particle size of 3-5 μm.
Design/methodology/approach: Processing of the Al-Si alloy was carried out by
introducing an ultrafine modifier in the amount of 0.1, 0.2, or 0.3 wt.%. Silicon carbide (SiC)
with a particle size in the range of 3-5 μm was used as a modifier. To study the microstructure
of the formed surface layers, a metallographic analysis was performed according to
the standard method on a microscope MIKPOTEX® MMT-14C using TopView software.
Microhardness studies of the samples were carried out on a Vickers microhardness tester
NOVOTEST TC-MKV1. The microstructure of castings of the AlSi12 grade was studied at
magnification from 100 to 400 times on the horizontal and vertical surfaces of the samples
after etching with a 2% NaOH aqueous solution.
Findings: Aluminium cast alloy of Al-Si system has been synthesized with the addition
of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 wt.% ultrafine SiC modifier. It was found that the modification of the
AlSi12 alloy by SiC particles of 3-5 μm in size led to an improvement of its microstructure
due to the reduction of the volume fraction of micropores and primary Si crystals. It was
shown that the AlSi12 aluminium alloy due to the modification by 0.2 wt.% SiC has the best
micromechanical properties and macrostructure density.
Research limitations/implications: The obtained research results are relevant for cast
specimens of the indicated sizes and shapes. The studies did not take into account the
influence of the scale factor of the castings.
Practical implications: The developed modification technology was recommended for
use in the conditions of the foundry "Dnipropetrovsk Aggregate Plant" (Dnipro, Ukraine).
Originality/value: The technology of AlSi12 alloy modification of ultrafine SIC modifier
with a particle size of 3-5 μm was used for the first time.
Empathische Ethik
Authors: Mierzwa Roland
Published: April 2020

Something new is happening in ethical thinking, for which empathy is increasingly becoming the starting point. However, it is not yet entirely clear how this basic empathetic attitude is changing ethics and what kind of empathy is involved. In this respect, the point of departure for a form of empathy based on collective humanity can be understood quite differently than if one only considers empathy to be the act of adopting a more or less sensitive perspective. Along with a basic empathetic attitude, listening has become important in the process of ethical reflection. Moreover, underpinned by empathy, an awareness of vulnerability is influencing thinking about human rights, justice and participation. On the basis of these considerations, this book develops a blueprint for ethical thinking in the aftermath of the coronavirus.
Answering the Bioethicists’ Objection
Authors: Bennett Michael ,   Canadian Society for Continental Philosophy
Published: April 2020

Bioethicists criticize Jürgen Habermas’s argument against “liberal eugenics” for many reasons. This essay examines one particular critique, according to which Habermas misunderstands the implications of human evolution. In adopting Hannah Arendt’s concept of “natality,” Habermas seems to fear that genetically modified children will lose the contingency of their births, which would impair their capacity for political action; but according to evolutionary theory, bioethicists argue, this fear is unfounded. I explore this objection by entertaining the hypothesis that Habermas’s argument assumes Arendt’s interpretation of Darwinian evolution in addition to her conception of natality, and then I answer it by contrasting the conceptions of evolution held by Habermas, by Arendt, and by Habermas’s critics. Les bioéthiciens critiquent l’argument de Jürgen Habermas contre « l’eugénisme libéral » pour de nombreuses raisons. Cet essai examine une critique en particulier, selon laquelle Habermas comprend mal les implications de l’évolution humaine : en adoptant le concept de la « natalité » de Hannah Arendt, Habermas semble craindre que les enfants soumis à une modification génétique ne perdent la contingence propre à leur naissance, une perte qui diminuerait leur capacité pour l’action politique, mais selon la théorie de l’évolution, les bioéthiciens soutiennent que cette peur est sans fondement. J’explore cette objection à Habermas en considérant l’hypothèse que, en plus du concept de la natalité, Habermas suppose aussi l’interprétation arendtienne de l’évolution biologique de Darwin, et j’y répond en confrontant cette conception de l’évolution avec la conception propre à Habermas et avec celle des bioéthiciens qui lui ont répondu.
Los aspectos económicos en la Batalla por el Magreb entre omeyas y fāṭimíes: el control del acceso al oro del Sudán Occidental = The Economic Aspects of the Battle For The Maghreb between Umayyads and Fatimids: Controlling the Access to Gold in Western Sudan
Authors: De Villar Iglesias José Luis
Published: April 2020

El objetivo de este artículo es resaltar uno de los factores decisivos en el enfrentamiento que durante el siglo X mantuvieron los Omeyas cordobeses y los califas fāṭimíes, y que tuvo como su principal escenario el Magreb Occidental, en la que hemos venido a denominar la Batalla por el Magreb. En nuestra opinión, un objetivo clave de ambas potencias fue, sin duda, el control de las rutas comerciales de la región y el dominio de Siŷilmāsa, la gran ciudad de las caravanas. Desde mediados del siglo VIII hasta el siglo XIII, Siŷilmāsa fue el más importante emporium en el comercio del oro y los esclavos procedentes del Sudán Occidental, y su sometimiento fue un objetivo estratégico esencial de los califas omeyas y fāṭimíes.Abstract The aim of this paper is to highlight one of the definitive factors in the confrontation that took place between the Cordoban Umayyad dynasty and the Fatimid caliphs during most of the tenth century. The conflict’s main scenario was the Western Maghreb and it is commonly referred to as the Battle for the Maghreb. We believe without a doubt that one of the key objectives for both powers was the control of regional commercial routes and the authority of Sijilmasa, the great caravan city. From the eighth to the thirteenth centuries, Sijilmasa was the most important emporium for the gold and slave trade from Western Sudan, and its subjugation was an essential strategic goal of both the Umayyad and Fatimid caliphs.
Las inscripciones medievales del claustro de la catedral de Roda de Isábena (Huesca). Aproximación a su taller lapidario = The Medieval Inscriptions of the Cloister of the Cathedral of Roda de Isábena (Huesca). An Initial Look at its Lapidary Workshop
Authors: Martín López María Encarnación
Published: April 2020

El conjunto de inscripciones funerarias de la catedral de Roda constituye con sus 225 letreros el obituario en piedra más importante conocido. El objeto de este artículo es presentar los inicios de una investigación monográfica del conjunto. El taller comienza su actividad entre 1200-1230 para finalizar en últimas décadas del XIV. Se determinan las distintas etapas del taller epigráfico, así como las principales manos que intervienen en cada etapa, con especial relieve sobre la grafía del maestro de Roda. Estudiar su génesis, la forma y evolución de sus grafías es la metodología a seguir en orden a poner de relieve su valor historiográfico.AbstractThe epigraphic collection of the cathedral of Roda with its 225 signs makes up the most important stone obituary known. The purpose of this article is to present the initial results of a monographic research of the whole complex. The workshop begins its activity between 1200-1230 to end in the last decades of the fourteenth century. The different stages of the epigraphic workshop will be established as well as the main cutters’ hands involved in each stage, with special emphasis on the script of the Master of Roda. In order to highlight its historical importance, the methodology adopted will include the study of the genesis of the various scripts, as well as their form and evolution.
Los archivos catedralicios y su importancia para los estudios prosopográficos. El deán Don Aparicio Sánchez, en el archivo de la Catedral de Sevilla
Authors: Montes Romero-Camacho Isabel
Published: April 2020

Hoy por hoy, puede resultar una obviedad resaltar la importancia de los archivos eclesiásticos para la investigación histórica, sea cual sea su enfoque historiográfico, dada la riqueza y variedad de sus fondos. Uno de estos grandes archivos es, sin duda, el Archivo de la Catedral de Sevilla, cuya extraordinaria documentación no sólo se refiere a la institución capitular y a sus componentes, sino que es fiel reflejo de toda la sociedad sevillana y su evolución histórica, en un arco temporal que va desde la conquista de la ciudad y la restauración de su sede, en la segunda mitad del siglo XIII, hasta nuestros días. Nuestra intención en este trabajo es destacar la enorme contribución de los archivos eclesiásticos –y concretamente del Archivo de la Catedral de Sevilla- para los estudios prosopográficos, tomando como modelo la figura del deán don Aparicio Sánchez, la cual abordaremos desde distintos puntos de vista, como la carrera eclesiástica, el patrimonio o las relaciones de poder con la nueva sociedad sevillana, nacida de la conquista, de la que él mismo era un distinguido miembro.AbstractRegardless of the history topic, the importance of ecclesiastical archives for historical research is indisputable thanks to the wealth and variety of the records they hold. One of these salient archives is, without a doubt, the Archive of the Cathedral of Seville, whose extraordinary documentary sources refer not only to the institution of the Chapter House and its members, but it is also a faithful reflection of the whole of Sevillian society. The archive covers a large part of the historical evolution of Seville: a chronological period which extends from the Christian conquest of the city and the restoration of its episcopal see, in the second half of the thirteenth century, to the present day. The purpose of this study is to highlight the enormous contribution offered by ecclesiastical archives ­–and specifically the Archive of the Cathedral of Seville– for prosopographical studies. As a case study, we will focus on the figure of its dean, don Aparicio Sánchez, from different points of view, including his ecclesiastical career, his estate, or the relations of power within the new Sevillian society born of the Christian conquest, of which he himself was a distinguished member.
Reseña de: García Fernández, Ernesto, García-Gómez, Ismael y Rodríguez Fernández, José, Urbanismo, patrimonio, riqueza y poder en Vitoria-Gasteiz a fines de la Edad media e inicios de la Edad Moderna.
Authors: Cantera Montenegro Enrique
Published: April 2020

Reseña de: García Fernández, Ernesto – García-Gómez, Ismael – Rodríguez Fernández, José, Urbanismo, patrimonio, riqueza y poder en Vitoria-Gasteiz a fines de la Edad media e inicios de la Edad Moderna. Vitoria. Diputación Foral de Álava, 2018, 458 pp. ISBN: 978-84-7821-910-0.
Reseña de: Val Valdivieso, M.ª Isabel del – Martín Cea, Juan Carlos – Carvajal de la Vega, David (coords.), Expresiones del poder en la Edad Media. Homenaje al profesor Juan Antonio Bonachía Hernando
Authors: Díaz de Durana Ortiz de Urbina José Ramón
Published: April 2020

Reseña de: Val Valdivieso, M.ª Isabel del – Martín Cea, Juan Carlos – Carvajal de la Vega, David (coords.), Expresiones del poder en la Edad Media. Homenaje al profesor Juan Antonio Bonachía Hernando. Valladolid, Ediciones de la Universidad de Valladolid, 2019, 664 pp. isbn: 978-84-1320-030-9
Omisión del deber de socorro (nuevo delito de abandono del lugar del accidente) y denegación de asistencia sanitaria
Authors: Delgado Gil Andrés
Published: April 2020

Se analizan en este trabajo los delitos de denegación de asistencia sanitaria y de abandono de los servicios sanitarios por profesional de la sanidad (artículo 196 CP). En todo caso, conviene examinar con carácter previo las características del delito de omisión del deber de socorro (artículo 195 CP), teniendo en cuenta que su interpretación afectará también al previsto para el ámbito de la sanidad. Además, se estudia el nuevo delito de abandono del lugar del accidente (artículo 382 bis CP), analizando entonces las diferencias con el de omisión del deber de socorro cuando previamente se ocasionó el accidente.
Recensión a Elena Maculan. Los crímenes internacionales en la jurisprudencia latinoamericana. Marcial Pons. Madrid. 2019. 313 páginas.
Authors: Liñán Lafuente Alfredo
Published: April 2020

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Survey of Scientific Document Summarization Techniques
Authors: K Sheena Kurian , Mathew Sheena
Published: April 2020

The number of scientic or research papers published every year is growing at an exponential rate, which has led to an intensive research in scientic document summarization. The different methods commonly used in automatic text summarization are discussed in this paper with their pros and cons. Commonly used evaluation techniques and datasets in this field are also discussed. Rouge and Pyramid scores of the different methods are tabulated for easy comparison of the results.
FORWARD AND BACKWARD STATIC ANALYSIS FOR CRITICAL NUMERICAL ACCURACY IN FLOATING POINT PROGRAMS
Authors: Kanagasabapathi Somasundaram , Thushara MG
Published: April 2020

In this article, we introduce a new static analysis for numerical accuracy. Weaddress the problem of determining the minimal accuracy on the inputs and on the intermediary results of a program containing  foating-point computations in order to ensure a desired accuracy on the outputs. The main approach is to combine a forward and a backward static analysis, done by abstract interpretation. The backward analysis computes the minimal accuracy needed for the inputs and intermediary results of the program in order to ensure a desired accuracy on the results, specied by the user. In practice, the information collected by our analysis may help to optimize the formats used to represent the values stored in the variables of the program or to select the appropriate sensors. To illustrate our analysis, we have shown a prototype example with experimental results.
Effect of Industrial Effluents on Rice Growth, Yield and Soil Chemical Properties
Authors: Islam Md Rafiqul , Rahman Golam Kibria Muhammad Mustafizur , Saleque Abu
Published: April 2020

Toxic pollutants and heavy metals in industrial effluents and city waste water are massive concern among the researchers, development worker, media personnel and policy makers. Keeping this in view-a pot experiment was conducted at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), net house during T. Aman 2010 (wet season) and Boro 2011 (dry season) rice aimed to determining the effect of different industrial effluents on rice growth, yield and soil chemical properties. The irrigation effect of industrial effluents on rice production was more prominent in dry season (Boro) rice than wet season (T. Aman) rice. Perceptible changes in soil properties occurred through the effluents irrigation in rice-rice cropping pattern. Pharmaceutical and tannery effluents increased soil pH, EC, total N (%) available P (mg/kg). Exchangeable K, Ca, Mg and Na (cmol/kg) were increased due to irrigation with dyeing, pharmaceutical and tannery effluents. Dyeing, beverage, tannery and city waste water reduced percent soil organic carbon. Micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn) were increased significantly by the irrigation with dyeing, pharmaceutical and tannery effluents in both wet and dry season rice.  Heavy metals like Pb, Cd, Ni and Cr in soils were increased significantly through irrigation with effluents in rice-rice cropping pattern.
Stance and Evaluation in the First Inaugural Speeches of Lagos State Governors: A Roadmap for the Development of Lagos State
Authors: Ugah Helen Ufuoma , Olaniyan Oluwayomi Rosemary
Published: April 2020

Several researchers have posited that political inaugural speeches embody several meanings that help the politician connect with their audience as well as convey the new administration’s commitment to leadership. This study argues that inaugural speeches also provide a glimpse into the future trajectory of a country or state. This study used Martin and White’s (2005) Appraisal Theory to investigate stance taking in the first inaugural speeches of the following governors of Lagos State: Bola Ahmed Tinubu (1999-2007), Babtunde Raji Fashola (2007-2015) and Akinwunmi Ambode (since 2015). Findings from the study demonstrate that the speeches not only predict the roadmap of the future of Lagos State or proclaim the actions of the Governors and the supposed effects of their past and future actions, but they also contain attitudinal meanings of affect, judgement and appreciation used to connect and communicate effectively with the audience, and also to present the future plans for the development of the state. These findings portray that stance taking in political inaugural speeches is a mechanism used by politicians to galvanise solidarity and support from state, boast about past performances, pledge allegiance to the positive development of the state and call upon citizens to work unanimously with them. These findings corroborate those of the researchers cited above, explicate the nature of the use of language in inaugural speeches, and also maintain that political inaugural speeches give access to the knowledge of the historical development of a political sphere as a result of the stance embedded in them.
Obtaining Java Plum Seedlings (Syzygium cumini) through Different Seed Extraction and Cleaning Methods
Authors: Rodrigues Breno Alves , Zielinski Maryana Silva , Brito Lucas Eduardo Morais , Barros Daniella Inácio , Nunes Helber Veras , Nunes Bruno Henrique di Napoli , Aguiar Hingrid Rodrigues Martins , Ribeiro Evandro Alves , Sales Paulo Victor Gomes , Liborio Ricardo Alencar
Published: April 2020

Java plum (Syzygium cumini) belonging to the botanical family Myrtaceae, which also includes species of other tropical fruits widely consumed in Brazil, such as guava (Psidium guajava L.) and surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.). The production of quality seedlings depends on several factors, including the method of extraction and cleaning the seed for planting. The experiment was conducted at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Tocantins, Gurupi/TO city, from October 2018 to May 2019. The extraction methods used were: manual with friction on wire mesh; manual with the addition of sand and friction on wire mesh; manual with friction on a plastic sieve; fermentation at room temperature for three days; immersion in quicklime (CaO) solution for 24 and 48 hours; fermentation at room temperature with the addition of 5 pieces of sugar to 3 pieces of water, for 24, 48 and 72 hours; fermentation at room temperature, with the addition of 5 pieces of sugar to 1 of water, for 24, 48 and 72 hours. The following characteristics were evaluated: Root length, green mass of the aerial part, dry mass of the aerial part and root, first count of emergence and seedling emergence. All seeds were manually extracted and then submitted to different extraction methods. The best results were for the seeds that were applied to extraction by friction in plastic mesh, were soon immersed in quicklime solution for 24 hours and fermented at room temperature. The solutions that presented the best results were the solution with 5 proportions of water and 3 of sugar exposed during 24 hours (5:3) and also 5 proportions of water for only 1 sugar for 72 hours. These are the best treatments for the values of viability and vigor in Java plum seeds.
Beta Thalassemia Major: Overview of Molecular Etiology, Pathophysiology, Current and Novel Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Kababi S. El , Khalfi B. El , Maani K. El , Soukri A.
Published: April 2020

Major beta thalassemia is a severe form of thalassemia caused by the alteration of two beta globin genes resulting in a defective synthesis of hemoglobin.

It is characterized by chronic severe anemia, ineffective erythropoiesis (IE) and iron overload. However although the thransfusion and chelation assosciated constitute the basis of the traitement curently recommended, they do not allow always to control the iron overload induced by pathology and repeated transfusions.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has proven to be a definitive treatment for beta thalassemia. However, this procedure is confronted to immunological complications and the small nomber of histocompatible donors. In the face of these therapeutic blocks, much research has been undertaken in recent years leading to the development of a number of promising therapeutic strategies in order to reduce the constraints linked to current chronic treatments, and to move towards an access to healing for all patients. Among other three approaches are envisaged and are in the experimental phase: Gene therapy to restore globin chain imbalance, Improve ineffective erythropoiesis and Improve iron dysregulation. In this article we give a view on the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, genetic origin of beta-thalassaemia major. The second part presents the therapeutic arsenal currently used, and its limits leading to therapeutic impasse. The last part explores the scientific tracks that present a real therapeutic potential in β-Thalassemia.
Haemostatic Effects of Ethanolic Extracts of Amaranthus hybridus on Wistar Rats
Authors: Chinko B. C. , Amah-Tariah F. S.
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Haemostasis refers to the arrest of bleeding due to vascular damage and involves the intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways which converge at the point of fibrin activation to stop or minimize blood loss. Amaranthus hybridus contains a while range of nutritional, chemical and phytochemical constituents which gives it wide range of applications in folk medicine.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of ethanolic extracts of Amaranthus hybridus on blood platelet count, prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) using Wistar rat models.

Methodology: Twenty Four (24) adult male Wistar rats were used for the study. The animals were randomly divided into three (3) groups of eight (8) animals each. Oral administration of distilled water for the control group and ethanolic extracts of Amaranthus hybridus at 30 and 60 mg/kg lasted for twenty eight (28) days. Platelet count, prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were determined using standard laboratory methods.

Results: Ethanolic extracts of Amaranthus hybridus significantly increased platelet count at 30 mg and 60 mg/kg compared to the control animals (p<0.05). Also, it significantly reduced prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time at 30 and 60 mg/kg in a dose dependent manner compared to control animals (P<0.05).  

Conclusion: The study shows that ethanolic extract of Amaranthus hybridus may have enhanced haemostasis as demonstrated by increased platelet count and reduced prothrombin (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) time.
Data Visualization and Analyzation of COVID-19
Authors: Khanam Fahima , Nowrin Itisha , Mondal M. Rubaiyat Hossain
Published: April 2020

Since December 2019 the world is experiencing a deadly disease caused by a novel coronavirus termed as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease associated with this virus is known as COVID-19. This paper focuses on COVID-19 based on freely available datasets including the ones in Kaggle repository. Data analytics is provided on a number of aspects of COVID-19 including the symptoms of this disease, the difference of COVID-19 with other diseases caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and swine flu. The impact of temperature on the spread of COVID-19 is also discussed based on the datasets. Moreover, data visualization is provided on the comparison of infections in males/females which shows that males are more prone to this disease and the older people are more at risk. Based on the data, the pattern in the increase of confirmed cases is found to be an exponential curve in nature. Finally, the relative number of confirmed, recovered and death cases in different countries are shown with data visualization.
Cholino‐ncRNAs modulate sex‐specific‐ and age‐related acetylcholine signals
Authors: Madrer Nimrod , Soreq Hermona
Published: April 2020

Acetylcholine (ACh) signaling orchestrates mammalian movement, mental capacities, and inflammation. Dysregulated ACh signaling associates with many human mental disorders and neurodegeneration in an individual‐, sex‐, and tissue‐related manner. Moreover, aged patients under anticholinergic therapy show increased risk of dementia, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here, we report that certain cholinergic‐targeting noncoding RNAs, named Cholino‐noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), can modulate ACh signaling, agonistically or antagonistically, via distinct direct and indirect mechanisms and at different timescales. Cholino‐ncRNAs include both small microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). The former may attenuate translation and/or induce destruction of target mRNAs that code for either ACh‐signaling proteins or transcription factors controlling the expression of cholinergic genes. lncRNAs may block miRNAs via ‘sponging’ events or by competitive binding to the cholinergic target mRNAs. Also, single nucleotide polymorphisms in either Cholino‐ncRNAs or in their recognition sites in the ACh‐signaling associated genes may modify ACh signaling‐regulated processes. Taken together, both inherited and acquired changes in the function of Cholino‐ncRNAs impact ACh‐related deficiencies, opening new venues for individual, sex‐related, and age‐specific oriented research, diagnosis, and therapeutics.
Lionrock prepared for the pandemic with video treatment
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2020

Lionrock Recovery has been providing videoconferencing for addiction recovery for a decade, so it was ready for the requirements under the pandemic for virtual support groups. Originally designed for people who wanted privacy and would not go to a physical treatment program, Lionrock's high‐definition videoconferencing, in groups and in individual therapy, is now essential. (Also see “HD videoconferencing offers a treatment alternative,” ADAW, Nov. 19, 2012; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/adaw.20354.)
An Environmentally Stable and Lead‐Free Chalcogenide Perovskite
Authors: Gupta Tushar , Ghoshal Debjit , Yoshimura Anthony , Basu Swastik , Chow Philippe K. , Lakhnot Aniruddha S. , Pandey Juhi , Warrender Jeffrey M. , Efstathiadis Harry , Soni Ajay , Osei‐Agyemang Eric , Balasubramanian Ganesh , Zhang Shengbai , Shi Su‐Fei , Lu Toh‐Ming , Meunier Vincent , Koratkar Nikhil
Published: April 2020

Organic–inorganic halide perovskites are intrinsically unstable when exposed to moisture and/or light. Additionally, the presence of lead in many perovskites raises toxicity concerns. Herein, a thin film of barium zirconium sulfide (BaZrS3), a lead‐free chalcogenide perovskite, is reported. Photoluminescence and X‐ray diffraction measurements show that BaZrS3 is far more stable than methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) in moist environments. Moisture‐ and light‐induced degradations in BaZrS3 and MAPbI3 are compared by using simulations and calculations based on density functional theory. The simulations reveal drastically slower degradation in BaZrS3 due to two factors—weak interaction with water and very low rates of ion migration. BaZrS3 photodetecting devices with photoresponsivity of ≈46.5 mA W−1 are also reported. The devices retain ≈60% of their initial photoresponse after 4 weeks under ambient conditions. Similar MAPbI3 devices degrade rapidly and show a ≈95% decrease in photoresponsivity in just 4 days. The findings establish the superior stability of BaZrS3 and strengthen the case for its use in optoelectronics. New possibilities for thermoelectric energy conversion using these materials are also demonstrated.
Thermoresponsive Shape‐Memory Hydrogel Actuators Made by Phototriggered Click Chemistry
Authors: Maiti Binoy , Abramov Alex , Franco Lourdes , Puiggalí Jordi , Enshaei Hamidreza , Alemán Carlos , Díaz David Díaz
Published: April 2020

This article describes the design and synthesis of a new series of hydrogel membranes composed of trialkyne derivatives of glycerol ethoxylate and bisphenol A diazide (BA‐diazide) or diazide‐terminated PEG600 monomer via a Cu(I)‐catalyzed photoclick reaction. The water‐swollen hydrogel membranes display thermoresponsive actuation and their lower critical solution temperature (LCST) values are determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Glycerol ethoxylate moiety serves as the thermoresponsive component and hydrophilic part, while the azide‐based component acts as the hydrophobic comonomer and most likely provides a critical hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance contributing also to the significant mechanical strength of the membranes. These hydrogels exhibit a reversible shape‐memory effect in response to temperature through a defined phase transition. The swelling and deswelling behavior of the membranes are systematically examined. Due to the click nature of the reaction, easy availability of azide and alkyne functional‐monomers, and the polymer architecture, the glass transition temperature (Tg) is easily controlled through monomer design and crosslink density by varying the feed ratio of different monomers. The mechanical properties of the membranes are studied by universal tensile testing measurements. Moreover, the hydrogels show the ability to absorb a dye and release it in a controlled manner by applying heat below and above the LCST.
Unobstructed Ultrathin Gas Transport Channels in Composite Membranes by Interfacial Self‐Assembly
Authors: Wang Bo , Qiao Zhihua , Xu Jiayou , Wang Jixiao , Liu Xinlei , Zhao Song , Wang Zhi , Guiver Michael D.
Published: April 2020

Ultrathin unobstructed gas transport channels through the membrane selective layer are constructed in mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) by using gravity‐induced interface self‐assembly of poly(vinylamine) and polymer‐modified MIL‐101(Cr). For CO2/N2 (15/85 by volume) mixed gas, the MMMs achieve a high CO2 permeance of 823 gas permeation units and CO2/N2 selectivity of 242 at 0.5 MPa. Based on economic analyses, a two‐stage membrane process can achieve gas separation and economic targets.
Atomic‐Precision Repair of a Few‐Layer 2H‐MoTe2 Thin Film by Phase Transition and Recrystallization Induced by a Heterophase Interface
Authors: Xu Xiaolong , Han Bo , Liu Shuai , Yang Shiqi , Jia Xionghui , Xu Wanjin , Gao Peng , Ye Yu , Dai Lun
Published: April 2020

2D semiconductors have emerged as promising candidates for post‐silicon nanoelectronics, owing to their unique properties and atomic thickness. However, in the handling of 2D material, various forms of macroscopic damage, such as cracks, wrinkles, and scratches, etc., are usually introduced, which cause adverse effects on the material properties and device performance. Repairing such macroscopic damage is crucial for improving device performance and reliability, especially for large‐scale 2D device arrays. Here, a method is demonstrated repair damage to few‐layer 2H‐MoTe2 films with atomic precision, and its mechanism is elucidated. The repaired 2H‐MoTe2 inherits the lattice orientation of the adjacent original 2H‐MoTe2, thereby forming an atomically perfect lattice at the repaired interface. The time‐evolution experiments show that the interface between the 2H‐ and early formed 1T'‐MoTe2 plays an important role in the subsequent phase transition and recrystallization. Electrical measurements on the original MoTe2, repaired MoTe2, and cross‐interface regions show unobservable differences, indicating that the repaired MoTe2 has the same electrical quality as the original one and the interface does not introduce extra scattering centers for carrier transport. The findings provide an effective strategy for macroscopic damage repair of few‐layer 2H‐MoTe2, which paves the way for its practical application in advanced electronics and optoelectronics.
A Porous Au@Rh Bimetallic Core–Shell Nanostructure as an H2O2‐Driven Oxygenerator to Alleviate Tumor Hypoxia for Simultaneous Bimodal Imaging and Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Wang Jinping , Sun Jingyu , Hu Wei , Wang Yuhao , Chou Tsengming , Zhang Beilu , Zhang Qiang , Ren Lei , Wang Hongjun
Published: April 2020

In treatment of hypoxic tumors, oxygen‐dependent photodynamic therapy (PDT) is considerably limited. Herein, a new bimetallic and biphasic Rh‐based core–shell nanosystem (Au@Rh‐ICG‐CM) is developed to address tumor hypoxia while achieving high PDT efficacy. Such porous Au@Rh core–shell nanostructures are expected to exhibit catalase‐like activity to efficiently catalyze oxygen generation from endogenous hydrogen peroxide in tumors. Coating Au@Rh nanostructures with tumor cell membrane (CM) enables tumor targeting via homologous binding. As a result of the large pores of Rh shells and the trapping ability of CM, the photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG) is successfully loaded and retained in the cavity of Au@Rh‐CM. Au@Rh‐ICG‐CM shows good biocompatibility, high tumor accumulation, and superior fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging properties. Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that Au@Rh‐ICG‐CM is able to effectively convert endogenous hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and then elevate the production of tumor‐toxic singlet oxygen to significantly enhance PDT. As noted, the mild photothermal effect of Au@Rh‐ICG‐CM also improves PDT efficacy. By integrating the superiorities of hypoxia regulation function, tumor accumulation capacity, bimodal imaging, and moderate photothermal effect into a single nanosystem, Au@Rh‐ICG‐CM can readily serve as a promising nanoplatform for enhanced cancer PDT.
Preparative‐Scale Production of Testosterone Metabolites by Human Liver Cytochrome P450 Enzyme 3A4
Authors: Fessner Nico D. , Srdič Matic , Weber Hansjörg , Schmid Christian , Schönauer David , Schwaneberg Ulrich , Glieder Anton
Published: April 2020

Just like the drugs themselves, their metabolites have to be evaluated to succeed in a drug development and approval process. It is therefore essential to be able to predict drug metabolism and to synthesise sufficient metabolite quantities for further pharmacological testing. This study evaluates the possibility of using in vitro biotransformations to solve both these challenges in the case of testosterone as a representative component for steroids. The application of cells of Pichia pastoris with expressed membrane‐associated human liver cytochrome P450 enzyme (P450) 3A4 in two cycles of a preparative‐scale bioreactor experiment enabled the isolation of the common metabolites 6β‐hydroxytestosterone and 6β‐hydroxyandrostenedione on a 100 mg scale. Side‐product formation caused by enzymes intrinsic to P. pastoris was reduced. In addition more polar testosterone metabolites formed by a P450 3A4‐catalysed bioconversion, than the known mono‐hydroxylated ones, are reported and 6‐dehydro‐15β‐hydroxytestosterone as well as the di‐hydroxylated steroids 6β,16β‐dihydroxytestosterone, 6β,17β‐dihydroxy‐4‐androstene‐3,16‐dione and 6β,12β‐dihydroxyandrostenedione were isolated and verified by NMR analysis. Their respective biological significance remains to be investigated. Whole‐cell P450 catalysts expressed in P. pastoris qualify as a tool for the preparative‐scale synthesis of human metabolites. Biotransformation processes in combination with standard chemical procedures allow the isolation and characterisation even of minor drug metabolite products.

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Optimizing the nutritional quality and phosphorus use efficiency of alfalfa under drip irrigation with nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization
Authors: Zhang Qianbing , Liu Junying , Liu Xuanshuai , Sun Yanliang , Li Shengyi , Lu Weihua , Ma Chunhui
Published: April 2020

Appropriate fertilization is an important management practice for optimizing the nutritional quality and increasing the phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) of field‐grown alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). A 2‐yr field experiment in 2017 and 2018 in Xinjiang, China, involving fertilization with different amounts of N (0, 105, and 210 kg ha−1, referred to as N0, N1, and N2, respectively) and P (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha−1, referred to as P0, P1, P2, and P3, respectively) was established and resulted in the production of high‐quality alfalfa under drip irrigation. The crude protein (CP) content in the N1 treatment was greater than that in the N2 treatment under the P0, P2, and P3 treatments. Compared with that in the N1P0 and N2P3 treatments, the relative feed value (RFV) in the N1P2 treatment increased by 9−21% and 8−18%, respectively. The annual total CP yield in the N1P2 treatment was the greatest. Compared with that in the N1P3 treatment, the total PUE in the N1P2 treatment increased by 76.69−99.69%. At each clipping, the CP yield and PUE of alfalfa were significantly different between the N and P treatments. Therefore, we conclude that when N was applied at 105 kg ha−1 and P was applied at 100 kg ha−1, alfalfa presented the greatest nutritional quality and PUE under drip irrigation.
High‐performance oxygen transport membrane reactors integrated with IGCC for carbon capture
Authors: Cai Lili , Wu Xiao‐Yu , Zhu Xuefeng , Ghoniem Ahmed F. , Yang Weishen
Published: April 2020

Precombustion carbon capture is an effective strategy to reduce large‐scale CO2 emissions, which is mainly used in the area of integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plants. Oxygen transport membranes (OTMs) were suggested as the air separation unit to produce high purity oxygen for the gasifier. However, the improvement in efficiency was limited. Here, a new IGCC process is reported based on a robust OTM reactor, where the OTM reactor is used behind the coal gasifier. This IGCC‐OTM process fulfills syngas oxidation, H2 production, and carbon capture in one unit, thus a significant decrease of the energy penalty is expectable. The membrane reactor does not use noble metal components, and exhibits high hydrogen production rates, high hydrogen separation factor (103–104), and stable performance in a gas mixture mimicking real syngas compositions from a coal gasifier with H2S concentrations up to 1,000 ppm.
Chemische Modifizierung der reduzierenden Enden von Cellulosenanokristallen
Authors: Heise Katja , Delepierre Gwendoline , King Alistair W. T. , Kostiainen Mauri A. , Zoppe Justin , Weder Christoph , Kontturi Eero
Published: April 2020

Native Pflanzencellulose hat eine intrinsische, supramolekulare Struktur und kann daher als Nanocellulosespezies isoliert werden, die als Baustein für nachhaltige Nanomaterialien genutzt werden kann. Die Struktur der Cellulose selbst erlaubt außerdem selektive Modifizierungen, exklusiv ausgehend von einem Ende der Cellulosekette oder des Nanocellulosepartikels. Die Prämisse von Endgruppen‐selektiven Modifizierungen ist lange bekannt, jedoch haben sich verschiedene Reaktionskonzepte erst in den letzten Jahren entwickelt. Dies ist unter anderem auf präparative und analytische Herausforderungen zurückzuführen, wie die nur bedingte Reaktivität des reduzierenden Endes und das geringe Vorkommen selektiv eingeführter Funktionalitäten. Ziel dieses Aufsatzes ist es, ganzheitlich die wissenschaftlichen Prinzipien und Herausforderungen hinter der chemischen Modifizierung des reduzierenden Endes von Cellulosenanokristallen zu beleuchten. Des Weiteren diskutieren wir, wie sich diese Funktionalisierungen für einen zielgerichteten Strukturaufbau nutzen lassen. Derartige Nanostrukturen ermöglichen weitreichende Materialdesigns, von Templaten für adaptive Flüssigkristalle bis zu maßgeschneiderten Nanokompositen.
Soft Polymer Janus Nanoparticles at Liquid–Liquid Interfaces
Authors: Jiang Yufeng , Chakroun Ramzi , Gu Peiyang , Gröschel André H. , Russell Thomas P.
Published: April 2020

Soft polymeric Janus nanoparticles (JNPs), made from polystyrene‐b‐poly(butadiene)‐b‐poly(methylmethacrylate), PS‐PB‐PMMA, triblock terpolymers, assemble into a monolayer at the water–oil interface to reduce interfacial tension. The extent to which the polymer chains can deform influences the packing density of the JNPs at the interface. The longer the polymer chains are relative to the core, the softer are the JNPs, resulting in a JNPs assembly with a lower initial lateral packing density. The interfacial activity of JNPs can be further tuned by complexation of the PMMA chains with lithium ions that are introduced into the water phase. This work provides a fundamental understanding of soft JNPs packing at the water–oil interface and provides a strategy to tailor the areal density of soft JNPs at liquid–liquid interface, enabling the design of smart responsive structured‐liquid systems.