bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prawne implikacje wykorzystywania sztucznej inteligencji w handlu algorytmicznym na rynku kapitałowym
Authors:   Uniwersytet Warszawski, Wydział Prawa i Administracji, Żądło Adrian
Published: February 2023

The article is focused on the use of artificial intelligence in algorithmic trading in capital markets. The purpose of the study is to answer the questions of whether 1) the existing laws relating to algorithmic trading can successfully regulate such uses; 2) the hypothetical extension application of the draft Artificial Intelligence Act and the recognition of the use of artificial intelligence in algorithmic trading as a high-risk system would increase the safety and stability of the capital market; 3) capital markets law can be a model for other sectoral regulations on the use of artificial intelligence. The research method adopted in the article is the analysis of binding EU legislative and executive acts, the draft of the Act on Artificial Intelligence, as well as the practice of supervisory authorities – the Financial Supervision Authority and the European Banking Authority. The article formulates conclusions de lege ferenda.
The Evolution of Electoral Technologies in Germany and the Bundestag Elections of 1998
Authors: Ageev Rostislav Evgenevich
Published: February 2023

The subject of the study is the federal election campaigns of the main competitors in the German Bundestag elections of 1998 - the CDU and the SPD. The object of the study is the evolution of German political culture related to the practice of conducting federal election campaigns. The purpose of this work is to analyze the election campaigns of the CDU and the SPD in 1998 to identify new elements of the professionalized, "Americanized", modernized campaign of the SPD, which, against the background of the traditional CDU campaign, contributed to the victory of the Social Democrats and the coming to power in Germany of the "red-green" coalition led by Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. The scientific novelty of the article is that the effectiveness of election campaigns is considered as one of the significant factors influencing the outcome of the party-political struggle, and the 1998 elections are considered as one of the turning points in the evolution of German political culture in terms of party election campaigns. The successful SPD campaign, which abandoned many traditional elements and actively borrowed new electoral practices from the United States and Great Britain, had a significant impact on the modernization of the forms and methods of electoral struggle of the main parties in Germany in the next two decades.
Forms of Criminal Procedure Appeal
Authors: Rudakova Svetlana Viktorovna
Published: February 2023

Criminal procedural appeal is a special way of protecting the rights and legitimate interests of citizens and participants in legal proceedings empowered. Each part of the judicial proceedings has its element. The effectiveness of the implementation of the appeal is due to the clarity of the structuring of the relevant legal participants and their adaptation to the specifics. The purpose of this work is to formulate and raise for a wide scientific discussion the problem associated with the allocation of forms of appeal in certain parts of the division of legal proceedings and the proposal of author's approaches to its resolution. The scientific novelty of the work is due to the fact that it is, in fact, one of the first works devoted to the analysis of the forms of criminal procedure appeal. Based on a combination of traditional scientific methods (dialectics, hypothetical, systemic, functional-structural, logical and other types of analysis, generalization, modeling, and others), a scientifically based vision of only two forms of appeal is formed: pre-trial and judicial, differing in objective and essential features. The author believes that these forms as a whole form a complex of criminal procedural appeals. The proposals contained in the study can be used in legislative activities to improve the criminal procedural norms devoted to the institution of appeal.
The Influence of Chinese Traditional Philosophical Ideas on Ancient Chinese Architecture
Authors: wang Fang
Published: February 2023

The formation and development of any architectural form and system has its own historical and cultural background. The ancient Chinese architectural system has a long history and characteristics inseparable from the historical development of Chinese traditional philosophy. Chinese philosophy, as a theory of human self-consciousness, does not give knowledge, but mainly gives ideas and ways of thinking for the needs of human self-development; At the same time, ancient Chinese architecture became a physical object reflecting the idea of traditional Chinese philosophy. Therefore, in order to explore ancient Chinese architecture, it is necessary to analyze and study it from the point of view of traditional Chinese philosophy. Like Confucius' thoughts on etiquette, the idea of the "doctrine of the middle" and the concept of hierarchical division; These ideas had a profound influence on ancient Chinese architecture, including urban planning, traditional dwellings, the environment, Lao Tzu's desire for harmony and unity between man and nature, worship of the gods, etc., as well as the theory that emerged later "Feng Shui", etc. temple space and garden architecture in the south of the Yangtze River. This article is devoted to the analysis of the influence of Confucianism and Taoism on the general principle of designing spaces of ancient Chinese architecture. The article selects some typical examples of ancient Chinese architecture for analysis. The following principles are manifested in the design of spaces of Chinese architecture under the influence of Confucianism and Taoism: moderation of living space; the principle of symmetry, balance and coordination; architectural hierarchy formed on the basis of the needs of "rituals"; integration of architecture and the environment; design of spaces according to "Feng Shui".
Thirteen Five-Voice Madrigals "From Omar Khayyam's Rubayat" by Sergey Ekimov: on the Problem of the Modern Method of Analysis of Polyphonic Cycles for a cappella Choir
Authors: Koshkareva Natalya  Vladimirovna
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this article is to identify the parameters of cyclization, as well as techniques for updating the ancient form and technique of polyphonic writing by modern musical means in a cappella choral music. The subject of the study is the choral creativity of Sergei Ekimov. The object of the research is the study of the architectonics of the cyclic form and the consideration of polyphonic techniques in thirteen five-voice madrigals "From the Rubayat of Omar Khayyam" by S. Ekimov. The musical language of the St. Petersburg master is saturated with semantic concentration, differs in the expression of the utterance. The appeal to ancient polyphonic genres, forms and techniques of writing in S. Ekimov's choral cycles is characterized by an individual approach to solving creative ideas. S. Ekimov embodies the images of Omar Khayyam's poetry in music and forms his own author's concept of the entire cycle. Through the synthesis of research methods, including musicology, poetics and choral studies, the parameters of musical composition are revealed: the architectonics of the cycle, genre specificity and musical. The author examines in detail such an aspect of the topic as the dialectical interaction of constructive and destructive formants of the architectonics of the musical form of polyphonic compositions for chorus. The main conclusion of the research is the paradigm of artistic connections of the Western European polyphonic tradition with the achievements of Russian musical culture through the prism of modern techniques of compositional writing (sonorica, aleatorica). The attention is focused on the need to study the problems associated with the architectonics of modern choral polyphonic a cappella cycles, due to the general artistic and historical potential and the significance of Russian choral music. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that for the first time the polyphonic cycle of choral creativity a cappella by a modern Russian composer is analyzed from the standpoint of musicology and choral studies. A special contribution of the author to the disclosure of the topic is the study of Sergei Ekimov's essay "From the Rubayat of Omar Khayyam", which has not previously been the object of special research, and its introduction into modern scientific usage.
Antimicrobial Effectiveness of Different Root Canal Irrigants on Viablility of Root Canal Flora
Authors: Sharma Rohit , Panadan John Johnson , Sharma Madhurima , Tanweer Syeda Afeefa
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Cleaning and shaping of sophisticated root canal system plays an important role in the success of endodontic treatment. In addition to root canal instrumentation, irrigation also becomes a crucial aspect in the effective disinfection of root canal system. The chemical substances like acids, chelating agents, alkaline solutions, Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl), oxidative agents, and normal saline are used as root canal irrigants. But each irrigant has its own limitations. With the advent of novel materials and techniques, the search for the optimal root canal irrigant still continues. Aim: To evaluate and compare the antimicrobial effectiveness of various root canal irrigant solutions such as combination of 5.25% NaOCl and 2% Chlorhexidine gluconate, 2% Chlorhexidine gluconate, Miswak extract and normal saline for root canal irrigation. Materials and Methods: In this prospective observational study was conducted from February 2021 to April 2021, on 10 patients with persistent endodontic infection on single rooted teeth. After obtaining access to the root canals, paper points were inserted and the soaked paper points were placed immediately in a microtube with two mL of Reduced Transport Fluid (RTF) to obtain the bacterial suspension. The sensitivity of gram negative anerobic bacteria and E.faecalis to different irrigants was assessed with disc diffusion test and bacterial load was evaluated with Colony Forming Unit (CFU) assay. The study was analysed statistically using Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn test (post-hoc test). Result: The results of disk diffusion method showed that the zone of inhibition for 2% chlorhexidine gluconate was 29 mm for gram negative anerobic bacteria and 22 mm for E.faecalis, and the zone of inhibition for Miswak extract was 8 mm for gram negative anerobic bacteria and 10 mm for E.faecalis. Gram negative anerobic bacteria on the culture plates treated with Miswak extract had 6.41 CFU/mL, and E.faecalis had 5.21 CFU/mL. Gram negative anerobic bacteria on the culture plates treated with normal saline had a CFU/mL of 6.77, and E.faecalis had a CFU/mL of 5.77. The antibacterial activity of miswak extract was lower than that of other irrigants. The normal saline lacked any antimicrobial qualities. Conclusion: The antibacterial effectiveness of the combination of 5.25% NaOCl and 2% Chlorhexidine gluconate was found to be higher than, 2% Chlorhexidine gluconate, Miswak extract and normal saline for root canal irrigation. A combination of 5.25% NaOCl and 2% Chlorhexidine gluconate can be used as a better choice over the other three irrigants.
Space-based Mapping and Assessment of a Three-decade Urban Landcover Dynamics towards a Smart Federal Capital City, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Bello Innocent E. , Usman Umar Bala , Abubakar Mahmud
Published: February 2023

A general notion from majority of researchers noted that connecting rural-urban services with Information Technology (IT), Internet of Things (IoT), Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making cities smarter. This is because, the global urban population is expected to grow by 63% between 2014 and 2050 – compared to an overall global population growth of 32% during the same period. The Federal Capital City (FCC), Abuja, Nigeria is no exception to urban population growth which requires IT, IoT, ICT and AI technologies if she must be regarded as a Smart City. This study was, therefore, aimed at mapping and assessing a three-decade urban dynamics of the FCC, Abuja, towards ascertaining the suitability of the FCC, Abuja being regarded as a Smart City. Three (3) epochs of Landsat ETM+ data from the US Global Land Cover Facility web platform was analyzed using the maximum likelihood algorithm to process the Remote Sensing images for thirty (30) years time period (2000, 2010, and 2020). The study shows that the urban builtup land cover increased significantly from 72.88 km2 (22.04%) in year 2000 to 145.77km2 (44.09%) in 2020. As the causative alteration of natural vegetation paved the way for urban infrastructure, the study re-affirms a corresponding effects on the decrease in light vegetation cover from 119.85km2 (36.25%) in 2000, to 29.24km2 (8.84%) in 2010, and down to as low as 13.49km2 (4.08%) in 2020. Other land covers also decreased due to population upsurge and physical urban developments. The findings confirm the suitability of the FCC, Abuja as an emerging Smart City as the study further revealed a number of efforts made to digitalized government services through e-governance. The total (overall) accuracy of the supervised classifications of LULC for 2000, 2010, and 2020 images were 97.3%, 99.2% and 99% respectively with corresponding strong positive Kappa statistics of 0.95, 0.99 and 0.97. It is recommended that Smart City initiatives anchored on digital hub tools such as IoT, AI and ICT; Remote Sensing; and GIS Technologies  be deployed in the ongoing and future city-wide development initiatives in order to fast track smart, smooth, effective and efficient service delivery in the FCC, Abuja, Nigeria.
Enhancing Drought Tolerance of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) Through Potassium and Boron Application
Authors: Zaheen Iqra , Naeem Hafsa , Ateeq Muhammad , Afzal Muhammad , . Sanaullah , Shahzadi Nimra , Khalid Burhan
Published: February 2023

Aims: Pakistan is facing a severe water shortage and the situation is further aggravated due to elevated temperature, leading to drastic yield reduction of quinoa. Hence, there is a dire need to maintain or increase agricultural production by utilizing sustainable methods of production to tackle changing climate. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is a crop, recognized by United Nations due to its nutritional and health benefits.

Methodology: Therefore, a field study was carried out to evaluate the drought tolerance of quinoa through soil application of potassium (K) and boron (B) under Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with a split-split plot arrangement and three replications. The crop was sown on November 06, 2021, using a seed rate of 8 kg ha-1 on 75 cm apart ridges with hand dibbling maintaining plant to plant distance of 120 cm. The experiment contained the following treatments; soil application of K at 0, 50, and 75 kg K2O ha-1 and B (H3BO3) at 0, 6 kg ha-1 in well-watered and drought-induced experimental units.

Results: Data related to crop physiological response and yield attributes were recorded using standard procedures and protocols.  Quinoa performance decreased under drought stress but it was improved by potassium (K) supplementation at 75 kg K2O ha-1. Supplementation of K improved the seed yield of quinoa in drought-stressed conditions up to 41% and was also found economically viable because the value of benefit cost ratio was 2.2 in drought conditions as compared to the respective control (1.65).

Conclusion: Drought is an environmental factor that negatively interferes with crop growth and yield. So application of potassium and boron can enhance drought tolerance of quinoa through soil application.
Diplomacy among Nations: The Case Study of Malaysia and Nigeria
Authors: Sandra Kayode, Bidemi , Osman Nazariah Binti , Akerele Kayode Joel , Sakiru Oladipo Kolapo
Published: February 2023

Nigeria and Malaysia have a shared historical background. Both countries were free of British authority. They have a federal style of government with a bicameral legislature, and the regions are home to people of many racial and ethnic backgrounds. Both economies had a lot of natural resources. Malaysia and Nigeria were the main exporters of primary products when they gained independence in 1957 and 1960, respectively, due to their tropical climates. Nigeria has the capacity to emerge as the largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa as well as even the world and play a significant role in the world economy, according to experts (Okezie C. A, 2017) and (Amir Baharuddin, 2017). These potentials have remained untapped, and Nigeria faces the risk of failing to reach the globally agreed millennium development goals (MDGs) by 2015, or the vision 2020, if current trends continue. This study aims to examine the untapped opportunities in the diplomatic relationship between these nations and also to determine what went wrong and take lessons from Malaysia achievement and how it was implemented. Nigeria and Malaysia share a very identical historical background: both had sultans as spiritual and political leaders in their major areas, were colonized by the British, and gained independence in 1960 and 1957, respectively. Malaysia has progressed in terms of human development since 1980 and strives to be among the industrialized nations. Nigeria has seen a rise in poverty from 1980 to the present, and it is likely to be classified as an underdeveloped country.
Study on Community Participation in Tourism Activities in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park
Authors: Tran Tu Luc
Published: February 2023

Sustainable tourism development is an indispensable trend of the world tourism industry, aiming to bring socio-economic and environmental harmony but not affect the future of the local community. In particular, the participation of the people in tourism activities plays an important role, they must be empowered in planning activities, managing tourist destinations and providing advice to management agencies. The State develops policies, manages and implements destination tourism planning. With the objective to assess the participation and factors affecting the participation of the community in tourism development, the study compares the theoretical model of Pretty (1995), Sherry Arnstein (1971) and Cevat Tosun (1999) From there choose the model of Pretty (1995) as a research base with the scale of participation is 7 steps and scales to evaluate the influencing factors according to groups: The people's awareness group on tourism has 6 criteria; group of motivating factors has 15 criteria; The barrier factor group has 11 criteria. Based on that, the study conducts the participation assessment and the factors affecting people's participation in tourism activities in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park where is a famous tourist destination in Vietnam, twice honored by UNESCO as a world natural heritage site with outstanding geological - geomorphological criteria and biodiversity criteria with a top-valued cave system world.
Remote Sensing Related Tools and their Spectral Indices Applications for Crop Management in Precision Agriculture
Authors: Kumawat Rohit Kumar , Tiwari Gyanendra , Ramakrishnan R. Shiv , Bhayal Divya , Debnath Supriya , Thakur Satyendra , Bhayal Lalita
Published: February 2023

World population increased rapidly has increased food demands for human and fulfill the food requirements with limited available resources of the planet is a big challenge for Agriculture. Farmers will need to increase the food production, either the increasing the agricultural land or enhancing crop productivity in agriculture by using different crop management practices and adopting new methods like precision farming. Concept of precision agriculture that involves integrating new technologies and field data to accomplish the right input at the right time in the right place. However, the agricultural sector is yet to adopt remote sensing technologies fully due to lack of knowledge on their sufficiency, appropriateness and techno-economic feasibilities. This study based on the research literature that focused on the application of remote sensing tools in precision agriculture on different aspect of crop management from field preparation to crop harvesting, with the objective of contributing to the scientific understanding on the potential for RS technologies to support decision-making within different production stages. Remote sensing tools and spectral vegetation index (normalized difference vegetation index & others) to support crop management and decisions making at different crop growth stages of crop production in precision agriculture, ranging from field preparation, weather, insect pest management, biotic & abiotic stress management and in-season crop health monitoring to harvest.
Assessment of Environmental Parameters and Occupational Health Hazards of Rural Women in Post Harvest Activities of Assam
Authors: Kalita M. , Borah R. , Bhattacharyya N.
Published: February 2023

Agriculture is the oldest and most dangerous occupation as compared to other occupations. Agriculture is the major national economic contributor for under-developed nations such as India, Brazil, and South Korea. It was estimated that nearly half of the world labor force involved in agricultural activities. An attempt was undertaken to assess the environmental parameters and occupational health hazards in the view point of environmental conditions in post harvest activities. Three blocks were selected randomly from Jorhat sub-division. Two villages from each block were selected randomly and there by all together six villages and 300 farm women were selected proportionately. Both interview and experimental method was considered for collection of data. Personal and demographic characteristics of the respondents showed that 82 per cent belonged to marginal farmers having 1 acre of land. As regards to age of the respondents, 88 per cent falls in the age group of 30-40 years. The mean temperature was found to be 22°C and mean relative humidity (RH) was observed to be 49 per cent. The lighting condition revealed that the illuminance level were ranges from 21 lux to 95 lux. It was found that mean noise level was 110 db which was more than the permissible limit. Hazards faced by farm women in post harvest activities due to the environmental factors are pain or cramps, indigestion, eye strain, watering of eyes, blurred vision or vision problem, loss of hearing capacity, temporary deafness, headaches and faintness due to working under cold, humid, noisy and inadequate lighting conditions. It was apparent that 63 per cent respondents were belonged to ‘high’ incidence of environmental hazards during the performance of post harvest activities. The angles of average flexion was highest in upper arm (90.62) and extension was in thoracic and it was observed 115.30°indicating deviation of body parts.
Studies on Irrigation Scheduling, Moisture Conservation Practices and Nutrient Management on Performance of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.)
Authors: Niwas Ram , Verma V. K. , Singh Dhananjai , Kumar Kishan , Tiwari Kamal , Sachan Ravindra
Published: February 2023

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive Rabi seasons 2020-21 and 2021-22 at Students’ Instructional Farm of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. The field experiment allocated three irrigation scheduling namely: I1: two irrigations at CRI (crown root initiation) and Jointing stage, I2: three irrigations at CRI, Jointing and Booting stage  and I3: Four irrigations at CRI, Tillering, Booting and Milking stage, two moisture conservation practices viz: M0: without mulching  and M1: Organic mulch at the rate of 10 t ha-1 + Kaolin 6% spray and three nutrient management practices viz: N1: 100% Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) (150:60:40 kg ha-1 NPK), N2: 85% RDF + Farm yard manure (FYM) @ 5.0 t ha-1 and N3: 75% RDF + FYM  @ 10.0 t ha-1. The field experiment was laid out in double split plot design with three replications. On pooled basis of two years experimentation the results indicated that, four irrigations at CRI, Tillering, Booting and Milking stage recorded significantly highest value of crop growth rate (CGR) (13.15 and 19.28 g m-2 day-1 at 30-60 and 60-90 days after sowing (DAS), respectively), grain yield (4381.60 kg ha-1) and consumptive use of water (457.39 mm) while, significantly highest water use efficiency (11.97 kg ha-1 mm) was received under two irrigations at CRI and Jointing stage over the rest of irrigation schedules. In respect of moisture conservation practices, organic mulch @ 10 t ha-1 + Kaolin 6% spray recorded significantly water use efficiency (11.41 kg ha-1 mm) compared to without mulching treatment while, highest consumptive use of water (380.72 mm) was recorded under without mulching. Integration of 85% RDF + FYM @ 5.0 t ha-1 recorded significantly maximum water use efficiency (10.99 kg ha-1 mm) compared to other treatments while, highest consumptive use of water (381.41 mm) was recorded under the treatment of 100% RDF.
Daily Sediment Yield Prediction Using Hybrid Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Yadav Avanish , Alam M. A. , Suryavanshi Shakti
Published: February 2023

In this study, four different soft computing AI techniques were tested for the prediction of sediment yield based on hydro-meteorological variables at Jondhara station, Seonath stream in Rajnandgaon district, India. In order to fulfill this purpose, the models namely, multilayer perceptron (MLP), support vector machine (SVM), multilayer perceptron coupled with genetic algorithm (MLP-GA), and support vector machine coupled with genetic algorithm (SVM-GA) models were employed. To select the optimal input variables, a statistical method such as the Gamma test was considered among several methods. Based on the results of the analysis, all models were evaluated by using the following statistical indices: Coefficient of Correlation (CC), room mean square error (RMSE) and percent bias (PBAIS). Overall, the performance of the studied models indicates that all of them are capable of simulation sediments yield at Jondhara station, Seonath river basin in a satisfactory manner. Comparison of results showed that the MLP-GA with CC = 0.988, RMSE = 0.006 and PBIAS = 0.000 in training period and CC= 0.990, RMSE = 0.007 and PBIAS = 0.000 in testing period for S-6 model and CC = 0.986, RMSE = 0.025 and PBIAS = -0.001 in training period and CC = 0.988, RMSE = 0.029 and PBIAS = -0.001 in testing period for S-13 model were able to yield better results than the other models considered. Furthermore, an SVM model is also observed to have some advantages over MLP models and SVM-GA models since it can represent the output data in a continuous manner by fitting a linear regression function to the output data, which has the advantage of making the model more precise than MLP and SVM-GA models.
Mallory Weiss Tear - An Uncommon Cause of Upper G.I Bleeding in a Cardiac Patient with Successful Dual Intervention
Authors: Sumalatha M. , Fatima Kulsoom , Babu Sethu , Azam Mohammed Sadiq
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) with stenting, especially with Drug eluting stents (DES), is the most widely accepted strategy globally for patients presented with STEMI, which necessitates a long duration of Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) to prevent stent thrombosis. Potent P2Y12 inhibitors for DAPT are preferred in view of their superior protection against thrombosis but at the expense of increased bleeding risks. Early therapeutic intervention in the event of acute GI bleed has beneficial outcome while on active cardiac intervention.

Case Presentation: A 67-year-old patient, who underwent PPCI with DES stent, incidentally developed Mallory-Weiss (MW) tear, which manifested as severe hematemesis when loaded with DAPT consisting of Aspirin and Ticagrelor. The therapy was withheld until the clipping of the tear was done. Single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) with Aspirin was reinstituted after a day and DAPT with Aspirin plus Clopidogrel after a week.

Conclusion: A careful assessment of the risks and benefits of acute coronary interventions need to consider complications and timely interventions thus individualizing and curating the DAPT as deemed necessary.
Comparison of Total Viable Bacteria Counts and in situ Characteristics in Drinking Water Sources in Sagbama Town, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Enaregha Esther Benafegha , Omotete Theresa Romanus , Izah Sylvester Chibueze , Odubo Tamaraukepreye Catherine
Published: February 2023

Before the 21st century, most of Nigeria's rural and coastal communities obtained their drinking water from surface water sources. However, due to development, many coastal towns now get their drinking water from underground sources. Nevertheless, surface water remains a crucial source of drinking water in communities where groundwater is inaccessible. This study evaluated the density of total heterotrophic bacteria and in situ characteristics of drinking water sources in Sagbama town in the Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Triplicate water samples were obtained from five stations for each of the water types (ground and surface water). The water samples were analyzed following standard procedures. The results of ground and surface water ranged from 2.33 to 2.86 (overall mean of 2.52) Log CFU/mL and 2.70 to 3.87 (overall mean of 3.24) Log CFU/mL for total heterotrophic bacteria counts, 7.05 to 7.68 (overall mean 7.40) and 7.06 to 7.31 (overall mean 7.22) for pH, 146.67 to 232.00 (overall mean 169.13) mg/L and 40.23 to 45.60 (overall mean 41.50) mg/L for total dissolved solids, 207.57 to 327.67 (overall mean 239.31)µS/cm and 56.73 to 64.47 (overall mean 58.55) µS/cm for conductivity, and 0.11 ppt and 0.03 ppt (in all the stations) for salinity. The temperatures of both kinds of water were in the range of 26°C. Except for the pH, salinity, and conductivity of groundwater, an analysis of variance reveals no significant differences (p>0.05) across sites for any water type. The overall t-test revealed that all parameters, except pH and temperature, were statistically distinct (p<0.05) between the various water types. According to Pearson’s correlation, conductivity correlates positively with total dissolved solids for both kinds of water. In contrast, salinity correlates positively with conductivity and total dissolved solids for surface water at p< 0.01. Except for total heterotrophic bacteria counts on surfaces, which exceeded World Health Organization standards, other parameters fell within the Standard Organization of Nigeria and World Health Organization guidelines. Therefore, drinking surface water from the research location without first purifying it increases the chance of avoidable ill health consequences.
Effect of Different Sources of Sulphur on Sulphur Fractions in a Calcareous Soil
Authors: Perumal Mangala Devi , Soundharya S. , Yazhini S. , Samundeeswari S. , Nirosha T. , Sathana P. , Neelasri K. , Prasad P. Arun
Published: February 2023

An incubation experiment was conducted to study the S release pattern by different S sources and grades. The bulk soils were collected from the Esanai village which has deficient in sulphur. The treatments were replicated thrice in completely randomized design. Treatment details are Ammonium sulphate, Single Super Phosphate, Gypsum were the three sources of sulphur applied at the intervals of 0, 20, 40 kg S ha-1 along with the recommended dose of N, P and K.  Destructive soil sampling was carried out at 15, 30, 60, 90 days after incubation and analyzed for S fractions as per standard procedures to understand the effect of S sources and S dynamics in those areas. Soil samples were analysed for sulphur fraction i.e. Water soluble sulphur fraction, Exchangeable sulphur fraction, CaCl2extractable sulphur fraction, Occuled sulphur fraction, Organic sulphur fraction and Total sulphur fraction. The soil sulphur fractions were arranged in the order of occluded sulphur > water soluble sulphur > exchangeable sulphur > CaCl2 extractable sulphur > organic sulphur. The results emerged out in this experiment indicate that that application of sulphur in the form of Ammonium Sulphate @ 40 kg S ha-1 was found to be applied for better release of available sulphur. The zero fertilization led to decline in the levels of all the forms of sulphur as compared to rest of treatments.
Bride Price (Lobola) and Gender-based Violence among Married Women in Lusaka
Authors: Moono Patience , Thankian Kusanthan , Menon Gaurav B. , Mwaba Sidney O. C. , Menon J. Anitha
Published: February 2023

Background: This study investigated the influence of lobola, a payment made for marriage, on gender-based violence among married women in Lusaka’s Kamanga compound. Specifically, the study sought to establish how married women and men perceived lobola in relation to gender-based violence in marriage.

Method: The study used the qualitative research method. Participants in the study included eighteen married women and men. In addition, in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide were conducted with five key informants.

Results: The findings from the study suggest that paying lobola translated into buying a wife and as such, a wife became a husband’s property. Lobola gave the man or husband powers to treat his wife as he wished, including subjecting her to sexual and other forms of abuse. This seems to take away a wife’s rights to make decisions on matters that affected her own life such as being restricted in her movements, in choosing what to wear, and depriving her of a claim over her children among others.

Conclusion: The study recommends that the Ministries of Justice and Gender and the Local Government should look deeply into the issue of paying lobola and correct the practice by deterring or reprimanding those who do adhere to its significance. Civil society should also lobby government to enact appropriate laws and policies to deal with patriarchy and help married women to enjoy their rights as human beings.
Physicochemical and Microbiological Evaluation of Soil and Effluent Contaminated with Azo-Dye in Itoku, Abeoukuta Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Ibitoye Francisca Omolara , Imarhiagbe Emmanuel Esosa , Ekhaise Frederick Osaro
Published: February 2023

The global industrialization of chemical dyes used for household products has resulted in various dyes leaching into the soil. Azo dye textile contamination could lead to infertile soil. This study investigates the ecological effect of azo textile dye contamination on bacterial biomass, selective pressure, and associated physicochemical changes in soil samples contaminated with textile azo dye in Itoku, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Microbiological and physicochemical changes of the soil and effluent samples collected were determined using standard procedures.  Results revealed that the average count of total viable bacteria in the contaminated sampling sites ranged from 0.82±021 x 106 cfu/g to 1.65±0.02 x 106 cfu/g which was significantly lower than the control bacterial counts. The dye contaminated and the control soil samples each contained a heterogenous population of bacteria which included Paenibacillus validus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus niacin, Seratia liquefaciens, Staphylococcus gallinarum, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus coagulans. The physicochemical analysis of the soil revealed high levels of pH in the azo dye contaminated soil (10.4–11.1) and electrical conductivity was also highest in the effluent (1250 to 2943 units) compared to the control (430 to 480).  Importantly, the control samples were higher in all of the other tested soil parameters including cation exchange, the mean value of the organic matter, water holding capacity, particle density, moisture content, and total porosity. Conclusion- Azo dye contamination caused decreases in bacterial density and many other soil parameters along with higher PH and electrical conductivity which suggests that azo textile dye contaminated soil is unfavorable for agricultural purposes and potentially toxic to the ecosystem.
Impact of CT scan parameters on deformable image registration accuracy using deformable thorax phantom
Authors: Ikeda Ryutaro , Kadoya Noriyuki , Nakajima Yujiro , Ishii Shin , Shibu Takayuki , Jingu Keiichi
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the deformable image registration (DIR) accuracy using various CT scan parameters with deformable thorax phantom.

Our developed deformable thorax phantom (Dephan, Chiyoda Technol Corp, Tokyo, Japan) was used. The phantom consists of a base phantom, an inner phantom, and a motor‐derived piston. The base phantom is an acrylic cylinder phantom with a diameter of 180 mm, which simulates the chest wall. The inner phantom consists of deformable, 20 mm thick disk‐shaped sponges with 48 Lucite beads and 48 nylon cross‐wires which simulate the vascular and bronchial bifurcations of the lung. Peak‐exhale and peak‐inhale images of the deformable phantom were acquired using a CT scanner (Aquilion LB, TOSHIBA). To evaluate the impact of CT scan parameters on DIR accuracy, we used the four tube voltages (80, 100, 120, and 135 kV) and six reconstruction algorithms (FC11, FC13, FC15, FC41, FC44, and FC52). Intensity‐based DIR was performed between the two images using MIM Maestro (MIM software, Cleveland, USA). Fiducial markers (beads and cross‐wires) based target registration error (TRE) was used for quantitative evaluation of DIR.

In case with different tube voltages, the range of average TRE were 4.44–5.69 mm (reconstruction algorithm: FC13). In case with different reconstruction algorithms, the range of average TRE were 4.26–4.59 mm (tube voltage: 120 kV). The TRE were differed by up to 3.0 mm (3.96–6.96 mm) depending on the combination of tube voltage and reconstruction algorithm.

Our result indicated that CT scan parameters had moderate impact of TRE, especially for reconstruction algorithms for the deformable thorax phantom.
AIPH‐Encapsulated Thermo‐Sensitive Liposomes for Synergistic Microwave Ablation and Oxygen‐Independent Dynamic Therapy
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Zhou Hu , Gong Deyan , Wu Haitao , Huang Xiang , Miao Zhaohua , Peng Hu , Zha Zhengbao
Published: February 2023

Microwave ablation (MWA) is a novel treatment modality that can lead to the death of tumor cells by heating the ions and polar molecules in the tissue through high‐speed vibration and friction. However, the single hyperthermia is not sufficient to completely inhibit tumor growth. Herein, a thermodynamic cancer‐therapeutic modality has been fabricated which could be able to overcome hypoxia's limitations in the tumor microenvironment. Using thermo‐sensitive liposomes (TSLs) and oxygen‐independent radical generators (2,2’‐azobis[2‐(2‐imidazolin‐2‐yl)propane]dihydrochloride [AIPH]), a nano‐drug delivery system denoted as ATSL is developed for efficient sequential cancer treatment. Under the microwave field, the temperature rise of local tissue could not only lead to the damage of tumor cells but also induce the release of AIPH encapsulated in ATSL to produce free radicals, eliciting tumor cell death. In addition, the ATSL developed here would avoid the side effects caused by the uncontrolled diffusion of AIPH to normal tissues. The ATSLs have shown excellent therapeutic effects both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting its highly promising potential for clinic.
Atomic‐Level Regulated 2D ReSe2: A Universal Platform Boostin Photocatalysis
Authors: Ran Jingrun , Chen Ling , Wang Deyu , Talebian‐Kiakalaieh Amin , Jiao Yan , Adel Hamza Mahmoud , Qu Yang , Jing Liqiang , Davey Kenneth , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: February 2023

Solar hydrogen (H2) generation via photocatalytic water splitting is practically promising, environmentally benign, and sustainably carbon neutral. It is important therefore to understand how to controllably engineer photocatalysts at the atomic level. In this work, atomic‐level engineering of defected ReSe2 nanosheets (NSs) is reported to significantly boost photocatalytic H2 evolution on various semiconductor photocatalysts including TiO2, CdS, ZnIn2S4, and C3N4. Advanced characterizations, such as atomic‐resolution aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC‐STEM), synchrotron‐based X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transient‐state surface photovoltage (SPV) spectroscopy, and transient‐state photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, together with theoretical computations confirm that the strongly coupled ReSe2/TiO2 interface and substantial atomic‐level active sites of defected ReSe2 NSs result in the significantly raised activity of ReSe2/TiO2. This work not only for the first time realizes the atomic‐level engineering of ReSe2 NSs as a versatile platform to significantly raise the activities on different photocatalysts, but, more importantly, underscores the immense importance of atomic‐level synthesis and exploration on 2D materials for energy conversion and storage.
The First Demonstration of Strain‐Controlled Periodic Ferroelectric Domains with Superior Piezoelectric Response in Molecular Materials
Authors: Song Xian‐Jiang , Xiong Yu‐An , Zhou Ru‐Jie , Cao Xiao‐Xing , Jing Zheng‐Yin , Ji Hao‐Ran , Gu Zhu‐Xiao , Sha Tai‐Ting , Xiong Ren‐Gen , You Yu‐Meng
Published: February 2023

Achieving a periodic domain structure in ferroelectric materials to tailor the macroscopic properties or realize new functions has always been a hot topic. However, methods to construct periodic domain structures, such as epitaxial growth, direct writing by scanning tips, and the patterned electrode method, are difficult or inefficient to implement in emerging molecular ferroelectrics, which have the advantages of lightweight, flexibility, biocompatibility, etc. An efficient method for constructing and controlling periodic domain structures is urgently needed to facilitate the development of molecular ferroelectrics in nanoelectronic devices. In this work, it is demonstrated that large‐area, periodic and controllable needle‐like domain structures can be achieved in thin films of the molecular ferroelectric trimethylchloromethyl ammonium trichlorocadmium (TMCM‐CdCl3) upon the application of tensile strain. The domain evolution under various tensile strains can be clearly observed, and such processes are accordingly identified. Furthermore, the domain wall exhibits a superior piezoelectric response, with up to fivefold enhancement compared to that of the pristine samples. Such large‐area tunable periodic domain structure and abnormally strong piezoresponse are not only of great interests in fundamental studies, but also highly important in the future applications in functional molecular materials.
2D Nano‐Sonosensitizers Facilitate Energy Transfer to Enhance Sonodynamic Therapy
Authors: Lin Gan , Nash Geoffrey T. , Luo Taokun , Ghosh Indranil , Sohoni Siddhartha , Christofferson Andrew J. , Liu Gang , Engel Gregory S. , Lin Wenbin
Published: February 2023

Although sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has shown promise for cancer treatment, the lack of efficient sonosensitizers (SSs) has limited the clinical application of SDT. Here, a new strategy is reported for designing efficient nano‐sonosensitizers based on 2D nanoscale metal–organic layers (MOLs). Composed of Hf‐oxo secondary building units (SBUs) and iridium‐based linkers, the MOL is anchored with 5,10,15,20‐tetra(p‐benzoato)porphyrin (TBP) sensitizers on the SBUs to afford TBP@MOL. TBP@MOL shows 14.1‐ and 7.4‐fold higher singlet oxygen (1O2) generation than free TBP ligands and Hf‐TBP, a 3D nanoscale metal–organic framework, respectively. The 1O2 generation of TBP@MOL is enhanced by isolating TBP SSs on the SBUs of the MOL, which prevents aggregation‐induced quenching of the excited sensitizers, and by triplet–triplet Dexter energy transfer between excited iridium‐based linkers and TBP SSs, which more efficiently harnesses broad‐spectrum sonoluminescence. Anchoring TBP on the MOL surface also enhances the energy transfer between the excited sensitizer and ground‐state triplet oxygen to increase 1O2 generation efficacy. In mouse models of colorectal and breast cancer, TBP@MOL demonstrates significantly higher SDT efficacy than Hf‐TBP and TBP. This work uncovers a new strategy to design effective nano‐sonosensitizers by facilitating energy transfer to efficiently capture broad‐spectrum sonoluminescence and enhance 1O2 generation.
Multifunctional Hybrid Interfacial Layers for High‐Performance Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Niu Benfang , Liu Haoran , Huang Yanchun , Gu Emely , Yan Minxing , Shen Ziqiu , Yan Kangrong , Yan Buyi , Yao Jizhong , Fang Yanjun , Chen Hongzheng , Li Chang‐Zhi
Published: February 2023

Challenges remain hindering the performance and stability of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs), particularly for the nonstable interface between lead halide perovskite and charge extraction metal oxide layer. Herein, a simple yet scalable interfacial strategy to facilitate the assemble of high‐performance inverted PSCs and scale‐up modules is reported. The hybrid interfacial layer containing self‐assembly triphenylamine and conjugated poly(arylamine) simultaneously improves the chemical stability, charge extraction, and energy level alignment of hole‐selective interface, meanwhile promoting perovskite crystallization. Consequently, the correspondent inverted PSCs and modules achieve remarkable power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 24.5% and 20.7% (aperture area of 19.4 cm2), respectively. The PSCs maintain over 80% of its initial efficiency under one‐sun equivalent illumination of 1200 h. This strategy is also effective to perovskite with various bandgaps, demonstrating the highest PCE of 19.6% for the 1.76‐eV bandgap PSCs. Overall, this work provides a simple yet scalable interfacial strategy for obtaining state‐of‐the‐art inverted PSCs and modules.
Strong Photocurrent from Solution‐Processed Ruddlesden–Popper 2D Perovskite–MoS2 Hybrid Heterojunctions
Authors: Ansari Rashid M. , Salunke Akshaykumar D. , Rahil Mohammad , Ahmad Shahab
Published: February 2023

This study reports overall improvement in structural, morphological, and optoelectronic properties of Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskites of type (BA)2(MA)n−1PbnI3n+1 by forming their bulk heterojunction hybrids with few‐layer MoS2 nanoflakes. RP perovskite–MoS2 hybrid thin films have shown significantly improved packing and crystallinity compared to pristine perovskites. The presence of MoS2 at RP perovskite interface has improved the quantum confinement effects and transport of photogenerated charge carriers from perovskite to MoS2, due to suitable conduction band of MoS2 and more number of decay channels. The optoelectronic properties of RP perovskite–MoS2 hybrids are studied for various MoS2 concentrations (4.2–25.6 × 10−3 m) and at optimum concentration (12.8 × 10−3 m) the photodetectors (n = 2, 4) have shown strong, sharp, and highly stable photocurrent response. At 0.0 V bias, the RP perovskite (n = 4) and MoS2 (12.8 × 10−3 m) hybrid‐based photodetectors, prepared without any encapsulation, have shown strong photocurrent density of ≈9.8 µA cm−2 under 1 sun illumination, which is ≈17 times higher compared to the pristine RP perovskites‐based photodetector (0.6 µA cm−2). Further transient photocurrent, performed over 200 cycles for hybrid (n = 4+MoS2) thin film photodetector under laser (λex ≈ 405 nm, ≈630 mW cm−2) illumination and ambient air conditions has shown highly stable photocurrent with only ≈9.6% reduction in the peak photocurrent density.