bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ginseng: Pharmacological Action and Phytochemistry Prospective
Authors: Dave Mehta Shuchi , Rathore Priyanka , Rai Gopal
Published: September 2021

Ginseng, the root of Panax species is a well-known conventional and perennial herb belonging to Araliaceae of various countries China, Korea, and Japan that is also known as the king of all herbs and famous for many years worldwide. It is a short underground rhizome that is associated with the fleshy root. Pharmacognostic details of cultivation and collection with different morphological characters are discussed. Phytocontent present is saponins glycosides, carbohydrates, polyacetylenes, phytosterols, nitrogenous substances, amino acids, peptides, vitamins, volatile oil, minerals, and enzymes details are discussed. The main focusing of the bioactive constituent of ginseng is ginsenosides are triterpenoid saponin glycosides having multifunctional pharmacological activities including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and many more will be discussed. Ginseng is helpful in the treatment of microbial infection, inflammation, oxidative stress, diabetes, and obesity. Nanoparticles and nanocomposite film technologies had developed in it as novel drug delivery for cancer, inflammation, and neurological disorder. Multifaceted ginseng will be crucial for future development. This chapter review pharmacological, phytochemical, and pharmacognostic studies of this plant.
Mechanisms of Photoisomerization and Water Oxidation Catalysis of Ruthenium(II) Aquo Complexes
Authors: Tsubonouchi Yuta , A. Mohamed Eman , N. Zahran Zaki , Yagi Masayuki
Published: September 2021

Polypyridyl ruthenium(II) complexes have been widely researched as promising functional molecules. We have found unique photoisomerization reactions of polypyridyl ruthenium(II) aquo complexes. Recently we have attempted to provide insight into the mechanism of the photoisomerization of the complexes and distinguish between the distal−/proximal-isomers in their physicochemical properties and functions. Moreover, polypyridyl ruthenium(II) aquo complexes have been intensively studied as active water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) which are indispensable for artificial photosynthesis. The catalytic aspect and mechanism of water oxidation by the distal-/proximal-isomers of polypyridyl ruthenium(II) aquo complexes have been investigated to provide the guided thought to develop more efficient molecular catalysts for water oxidation. The recent progress on the photoisomerization and water oxidation of polypyridyl ruthenium(II) aquo complexes in our group are reviewed to understand the properties and functions of ruthenium complexes.
Nematodes as Biological Indicators of Soil Quality in the Agroecosystems
Authors: Ara Khanum Tabassum , Mehmood Nasir , Khatoon Nasira
Published: September 2021

Soil nematodes have advantages as bio-indicators, because they have beneficial role in the food web. Nematodes associated with bacteria are probably the most studied biological indicators of soil fertility. Saprophytic nematodes act as bio-indicators of soil health because they have different beneficial ways to increase in soil functions such as in management of ecosystem; enhancement of nitrogen in soil by ingestion of nitrogen and secrete extra nitrogen as NH4, that is easily absorbable; putrefaction and by dispersion of bacteria and fungi to recently available organic residues. Therefore, nematode are beneficial in increasing soil health or plant growth by providing the nutrient through associated bacteria. So it can be evaluated that the nematodes use as biological indicators of soil fertility because of remarkable diversity and nematode contribution in many functions of the soil fertility.
Raman Spectroscopy and Mapping Analysis of Low-Dimensional Nanostructured Materials and Systems
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Karthikeyan , Kim Sang-Jae
Published: September 2021

This chapter describes the use of Raman spectroscopy and mapping analysis for the characterization of low dimensional nanostructures, including 2D sheets (graphene oxide, graphene sheets, MoS2, siloxene), and one-dimensional carbyne chains. The Raman mapping analysis and their application towards understanding the molecular level interactions in these low dimensional materials, nanostructured polymer composites, and nanopaints are also discussed. The stoichiometric composition and structure of these low dimensional materials were correlated with the Raman spectral and mapping analysis. Further, Raman spectroscopy for understanding or probing the mechanism of mechanical to electrical energy harvesting properties of carbyne films via the structural transformation from cumulene to polynne networks of carbyne is demonstrated.
Influence of Initial Study Activities on Final Academic Performance – An Analysis of Higher Education Students
Authors: Fabián Moncada Mora Luis , Ramiro Armijos Valdivieso Pablo , Fernando Negrete Zambrano José , Alejandro Arias Monteros Max
Published: September 2021

The academic performance of the first weeks of the study period, determine or project the final academic performance; This phenomenon, mainly, is since the student seeks and finds stimulus in her results, even if they are very short-term. This article proposes a way of modeling the evolution of academic performance intraperiod, to guide the accompanying actions during the process and not after it. The degree cohort of the distance study system, April–August 2019 (6,675 students), from the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, was followed up, through probability models, on the four moments of performance measurement academic and it was found that, at the first moment of measurement, students who accumulated a result equal to or greater than 75% of the possible grade, had a high probability of passing the course.
Accelerate the Aging of Polymer as Energy-Saving Method Prior to the Pyrolysis Process
Authors: Hu Jin
Published: September 2021

Pyrolysis technology has appeared a long time ago, but it has not been widely recognized and used in the area of waste plastic/rubber management. The key reason is that the high energy consumption of pyrolysis is the most important problem that plagues the further development of pyrolysis. Prior to the pyrolysis of waste plastics/rubbers, in addition to dehydration and drying can save part of the energy consumption of pyrolysis, in this study, we have first reviewed and discussed high irradiance exposure to artificially accelerate the aging process of waste plastics/rubbers as pretreatment. The results from our preliminary experiments show that the pyrolysis process of the plastic that has undergone UV accelerated aging was speed up, accordingly to achieve saving energy in thermal cracking.
The Use of Dexmedetomidine in the Emergency Department: A Cohort Study
Authors: Sinnott Joseph , Holthaus Christopher , Ablordeppey Enyo , Wessman Brian , Roberts Brian , Fuller Brian
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Management of sedation, analgesia, and anxiolysis are cornerstone therapies in the emergency department (ED). Dexmedetomidine (DEX), a central alpha-2 agonist, is increasingly being used, and intensive care unit (ICU) data demonstrate improved outcomes in patients with respiratory failure. However, there is a lack of ED-based data. We therefore sought to: 1) characterize ED DEX use; 2) describe the incidence of adverse events; and 3) explore factors associated with adverse events among patients receiving DEX in the ED.

Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective, cohort study of consecutive ED patients administered DEX (January 1, 2017–July 1, 2019) at an academic, tertiary care ED with an annual census of ~90,000 patient visits. All included patients (n= 103) were analyzed for characterization of DEX use in the ED. The primary outcome was a composite of adverse events, bradycardia and hypotension. Secondary clinical outcomes included ventilator-, ICU-, and hospital-free days, and hospital mortality. To examine for variables associated with adverse events, we used a multivariable logistic regression model.

Results: We report on 103 patients. Dexmedetomidine was most commonly given for acute respiratory failure, including sedation for mechanical ventilation (28.9%) and facilitation of non-invasive ventilation (17.4%). Fifty-four (52.4%) patients experienced the composite adverse event, with hypotension occurring in 41 patients (39.8%) and bradycardia occurring in 18 patients (17.5%). Dexmedetomidine was stopped secondary to an adverse event in eight patients (7.8%). Duration of DEX use in the ED was associated with an increase adverse event risk (adjusted odds ratio, 1.004; 95% confidence interval, 1.001, 1.008).

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine is most commonly administered in the ED for patients with acute respiratory failure. Adverse events are relatively common, yet DEX is discontinued comparatively infrequently due to adverse events. Our results suggest that DEX could be a viable option for analgesia, anxiolysis, and sedation in ED patients.
This Article Corrects:”Assessment of Physician Well-being, Part One: Burnout and Other Negative States”
Authors: Lall Michelle , Gaeta Theodore , Chung Arlene , Dehon Erin , Malcolm William , Ross Adam , Way David , Weichenthal Lori , Himelfarb Nadine
Published: September 2021

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Effect of High-intensity Interval Training on Endothelial Function in Type 2 Diabetic Females
Authors: Abdi Shiva , Tadibi Vahid , Sheikholeslami-Vatani Dariush
Published: September 2021

Background: Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is a noninvasive approach to examine endothelial function. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on FMD and circulating levels of adropin and nitric oxide (NO) in females with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Thirty females with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned into two equal groups of HIIT and control. The exercise program consisted of three sessions a week for 12 weeks. Each training session included 4 × 4-minute running intervals at 85 - 95% of maximal heart rate (HRmax) with 3-minute active recoveries at 50 - 60% of HRmax. Circulating levels of adropin, NO, glucose, HbA1c, insulin, HOMA-IR, as well as lipid profile, and body composition parameters were measured before and after the intervention. Results: A significant increase of FMD% was observed after the intervention in the HIIT group (P = 0.001). In addition, the circulation levels of adropin and NO enhanced as a result of HIIT (P = 0.012 and P < 0.001, respectively). There were also significant positive effects on the levels of lipid profile (except for HDL), FBS, and HbA1c; as well as on the insulin resistance and the body composition variables. There were no significant changes in the control group except an increase in the total cholesterol levels (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The results showed that 12 weeks of the HIIT program could improve the endothelial function, glucose-related indices, lipid profile, and body composition variables in females with type 2 diabetes.
Effects of Schema Therapy for Children and Adolescents on the Externalizing Behaviors of the Adolescents Referred to the Counseling Centers in Ahvaz, Iran
Authors: Karimipour Afaf , Asgari Parviz , Makvandi Behnam , Johari Fard Reza
Published: September 2021

Background: Internalizing and externalizing behaviors often emerge during adolescence. Early interventions could prevent severe or chronic mental health issues such as depression, suicidal tendencies, crime, and social harm, thereby potentially mitigating their adverse consequences. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of schema therapy for children and adolescents (ST-CA) on the externalizing behaviors of the adolescents referred to the counseling centers in Ahvaz, Iran. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The sample population included adolescents aged 12 - 14 years with behavioral, educational, and mood problems who were referred to the counseling centers in Ahvaz, Iran in 2020. In total, 30 adolescents were selected via convenience sampling and randomly divided into two groups of experimental and control (15 per each). The experimental group received 14 sessions of ST-CA (120-minute weekly sessions). Data were collected using the child behavior checklist. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 26.0. Results: In the experimental group, the mean scores of externalizing behaviors at the pretest and posttest were 70.52 ± 6.11 and 58.27 ± 4.80, respectively. The mean score of aggression in the experimental and control groups at the posttest was 57.60 ± 3.83 and 64.20 ± 7.41, respectively. The mean score of rule-breaking in the experimental and control groups at the posttest was 55.53 ± 6.10 and 61.07 ± 7.63, respectively. ST-CA could significantly alleviate the externalizing behaviors of the subjects, such as aggression and rule-breaking (P < 0.001). Conclusions: According to the results, ST-CA could effectively decrease externalizing behaviors. Therefore, this approach should be incorporated into the interventions designed for these cases. Our findings could lay the groundwork for further investigation in this regard.
Common-Source Outbreak of Hepatitis A in an Indian Himalayan Mountain Camp
Authors: Sridhar Mangalesh , Khan Inam Danish , Jain Rahul , Pandey Rahul , Srivastava Sachin , Makkar Anuradha , Pathania Sunny , Tandel Kundan , Parihar MKS , Brijwal Megha , Kumar Ranjan , Bhalla Sandeep
Published: September 2021

Background: Hepatitis A is an emerging public health problem worldwide, with alerts issued in developed countries, although it remains under-reported, under-diagnosed, and under-investigated in the developing world. Prolonged epidemics can occur due to person-to-person transmission. The ongoing outbreak of hepatitis A reported in the United States is one of its largest-ever outbreaks of the disease. A public health emergency for hepatitis A was declared in Florida, with over 2000 cases across several regions of The United States, in the year 2019. Methods: The outbreak investigation was carried out on 30 travelers in an Indian Himalayan mountain camp. Clinical features were correlated with laboratory parameters for establishing diagnosis by standard case definition. Line listing and epidemic curve were plotted to corroborate outbreak variables. Clinicodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and outbreak variables were descriptively analyzed. Results: Most of the 30 patients with hepatitis A were young male patients within the age range of 20 - 30 years. The most common clinical features among the case-patients were anorexia and vomiting. The epidemic curve revealed a peak of 15 case-patients from June 22 to July 5, 2019. Liver function tests showed mild derangement in all the case-patients. All the patients required hospitalization, with a mean duration of hospital stay reported as 11.86 ± 2.53 days. All the patients fully recovered with no fatalities. Conclusions: Hepatitis A outbreaks can occur through the consumption of untreated mountain stream/river water due to upstream contamination with human/animal excrements. Strengthening surveillance systems, traveler education, vaccination, and intersectoral coordination for safe water supply remains a necessary public health measure.
Comparison of the Epidemiological Features of COVID-19 Patients Transported by the Emergency Medical Service in the First vs. Second Wave of the Pandemic; a Comparative Report from Tehran, Iran
Authors: Saberian Peyman , Kolivand Pir-Hossein , Kheyrati Leila , Sadeghi Mostafa , Hesami Mina , Hasani-Sharamin Parisa , Baratloo Alireza
Published: September 2021

Background: COVID-19 pandemic, which started in late 2019, has brought various ups and downs worldwide. Planned policies were highly useful in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. However, due to several reasons, the country faced the second wave. Objectives: The current study aimed to compare patients’ features in the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Tehran, Iran. Methods: Following a retrospective, cross-sectional design, the current study was carried out on 5000 suspected/confirmed COVID-19 cases who were randomly selected from all cases transferred by ambulance to hospitals located in the city of Tehran. The first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic was from February 20 to May 04, 2020, and the second wave was from May 05 to August 05, 2020. Data for both waves, were collected using a researcher-made checklist. Results: In this study, data of 5000 suspected/confirmed COVID-19 cases were analyzed (2773 cases belonged to the first wave and 2227 to the second one). The older mean age of patients (P < 0.001), the frequency of cigarette smoking (P < 0.001), opium abuse (P = 0.004), and the presence of underlying diseases (P < 0.05) were more frequent in the second wave than in the first one. The notable finding in this study was the significant increase of non-respiratory symptoms of patients in the second wave. The number of cases who reported close contact with COVID-19 patients was higher in the second wave. Also, hypoxia, intubation during the hospital stay, length of hospitalization, and mortality rates were significantly lower in the second wave. During the second wave, the odd ratio of positive findings in lung CT-scan was 3.4 times more (95% confidence interval: 2.51 to 4.55) compared to the first wave (P < 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrated considerable differences between the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic concerning the patients’ features.
Extractivist violence and the COVID-19 conjuncture
Authors: Serafini Paula
Published: September 2021

This article consists of a theoretical development of the concept of extractivist violence, which is proposed as useful for understanding a conjuncture that is not only characterised by the COVID-19 pandemic, but also by an urgent climate crisis resulting from violent extractivism. Extractivist violence is defined as the combination of different forms of violence exerted upon territories and upon racialised, gendered peoples (their bodies and their cultures) resulting from, and with the purpose of, perpetuating the extractivist model. It is engrained in the zones of extraction, but its logic extends beyond it. Taking Argentina as a starting point of enquiry, the theoretical proposal is followed by discussion of a series of events and phenomena unfolding during the COVID-19 crisis, with the aim of demonstrating how the perspective of extractivist violence is useful for arriving at a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the COVID-19 conjuncture. The article concludes with a consideration of the ethics of care as a counterpart to extractivist violence, and of the ways that care has underpinned a series of responses to COVID-19.
Staying alive? Dealing with the Uncertainty of Childhood Cancer
Authors: Løvschal-Nielsen Pia , Andersen Rikke Sand , Meinert Lotte
Published: September 2021

This article explores how institutions and individuals in Denmark deal with the uncertainty of cancer in children. Based on a seven months ethnographic fieldwork conducted on a paediatric oncology ward during the period 2011-2013, the article examines how uncertainty manifests itself in the interface between cancer treatment and institutional childhood in the Danish welfare state. The argument is based on American pragmatist philosophy and its ideas about how people respond to a hazardous world in constant transformation. Through a focus on practices, the article explores how clinical and existential uncertainty arises for children and their families, and how they deal with this by navigating their way round the more tangible forms of insecurities. Important collective attempts to circumscribe clinical uncertainty are part of this navigation, but the article argues that epidemiologically based practices of dealing with the clinical uncertainty of cancer paradoxically gives rise to existential and social uncertainty for the affected children and their families, which they struggle with during treatment and even as long-term social effects into adolescence and young adulthood. The article suggests that more attention should be paid to assist children to manage the social and existential uncertainty that emerges in the interface between being a child in cancer treatment and being a child in the Danish welfare state.
ILUSTRATIVNO-DEMONSTRATIVNA METODA U NASTAVI SRPSKOG KAO STRANOG JEZIKA
Authors: Herbez Darka
Published: September 2021

U ovom radu ukazujemo na upotrebu ilustrativno-demonstrativne metode u nastavi srpskog kao stranog jezika. Nastavna sredstava ilustrativno-demonstrativne metode koristimo uz tekstu- alne materijale, ali i na brojnim platformama koje nam nudi internet. U radu cemo se osvrnuti na upotrebu crteza i fotografija, koje smo koristili u tekstalnim materijalima, kao i na drustve- nim mrezama Fejsbuk i Instagram.
KOMUNICIRANJE KAO DOP PREDUZECA
Authors: Dusanic - Gacic Svetlana , Agic Zorana
Published: September 2021

Nacin da se preduzece izdvaja od drugih jeste da efikasno komunicira sa stejkholderima. Po- zicioniranje na trzistu je od velike vaznosti, zbog cega preduzeca moraju uloziti dodatne na- pore u promociju. Kvalitetno i transparentno korporativno izvjestavanje jepreduslov efikasnog funkcioniranja trzista kapitala.
RADNA INKLUZIJA
Authors: Novakovic Nenad , Macura Rajko
Published: September 2021

Pojam „socijalna iskljucenost“, na prostorima BiH, postao je aktuelan krajem 90-ih goduna proslog vijeka. Potrebno ga je posmatrati u sirem konceptu od koncepta borbe protiv siromas- tva. On nije samo shvacen kao nedostatakpristupa robi, vec obuhvata siru lepezu ljudskih i socijalnih prava, ukljucujuci i pravo na rad. BiH ima velikeprobleme u pogledu radne inkluzije, prvenstveno zbog niskog nivoa ekonomske aktivnosti.
Optimal plasticity for memory maintenance during ongoing synaptic change
Authors: Raman Dhruva V , O'Leary Timothy
Published: September 2021

Synaptic connections in many brain circuits fluctuate, exhibiting substantial turnover and remodelling over hours to days. Surprisingly, experiments show that most of this flux in connectivity persists in the absence of learning or known plasticity signals. How can neural circuits retain learned information despite a large proportion of ongoing and potentially disruptive synaptic changes? We address this question from first principles by analysing how much compensatory plasticity would be required to optimally counteract ongoing fluctuations, regardless of whether fluctuations are random or systematic. Remarkably, we find that the answer is largely independent of plasticity mechanisms and circuit architectures: compensatory plasticity should be at most equal in magnitude to fluctuations, and often less, in direct agreement with previously unexplained experimental observations. Moreover, our analysis shows that a high proportion of learning-independent synaptic change is consistent with plasticity mechanisms that accurately compute error gradients.
Activation of mTORC1 and c-Jun by Prohibitin1 loss in Schwann cells may link mitochondrial dysfunction to demyelination
Authors: Della-Flora Nunes Gustavo , Wilson Emma R , Hurley Edward , He Bin , O'Malley Bert W , Poitelon Yannick , Wrabetz Lawrence , Feltri M Laura
Published: September 2021

Schwann cell (SC) mitochondria are quickly emerging as an important regulator of myelin maintenance in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). However, the mechanisms underlying demyelination in the context of mitochondrial dysfunction in the PNS are incompletely understood. We recently showed that conditional ablation of the mitochondrial protein Prohibitin 1 (PHB1) in SCs causes a severe and fast progressing demyelinating peripheral neuropathy in mice, but the mechanism that causes failure of myelin maintenance remained unknown. Here, we report that mTORC1 and c-Jun are continuously activated in the absence of Phb1, likely as part of the SC response to mitochondrial damage. Moreover, we demonstrate that these pathways are involved in the demyelination process, and that inhibition of mTORC1 using rapamycin partially rescues the demyelinating pathology. Therefore, we propose that mTORC1 and c-Jun may play a critical role as executioners of demyelination in the context of perturbations to SC mitochondria.
A lexical network approach to the acquisition of English verbs of memory: The case of Japanese learners
Authors: Morimoto Shun
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The present study investigated the acquisition of L2 English memory verbs, memorize, remember, and recall, by Japanese learners within the framework of a lexical network. In the fields of psychology and cognitive science, the human memory has been conceptualized as consisting of three cognitive phases, namely input, retention, and output. In English, memorize and recall are used for the input and the output phases, respectively, while remember can be used across the three phases. In order to investigate the extent to which Japanese learners of English can appropriately make differential use of these verbs in relation to the above cognitive phases, a test called ”the Memory Verb Acceptability Judgment Test” was administered on 173 Japanese university students grouped into three proficiency levels. The results showed that while they were able to accept memorize and recall with high accuracy for the input and the output phases, respectively, they tended to accept remember primarily for the retention phase, failing to fully accept it in the remaining two phases. This tendency was observed even among those learners whose average length of stay in English-speaking countries was 5 years. It was also revealed that basic-level learners tended to over-generalize memorize for the retention phase. Based on the overall results, theoretical and pedagogical implications of the lexical network approach are discussed.
Profiling lexical diversity in college-level writing
Authors: González Melanie C.
Published: September 2021

The present paper reports on a study that examined the contribution of lexical frequency to lexical diversity in narrative texts composed by 119 multilingual and monolingual English-speaking students enrolled in first-year college writing courses. The Measure of Textual Lexical Diversity (MTLD) quantifed lexical diversity and the BNC-COCA 25 strand in Lextutor’s VocabProfle Compleat sorted the words according to frequency band. Overall, results from statistical analyses indicated that sample’s lexical diversity was not significantly impacted by the use of high-frequency (1,000-3,000 bands) or low-frequency (9,000+ bands) terms. Instead, texts showed greater differences in the mid-frequency (3,000-9,000) bands (p<0.05). There were also significant differences between MTLD writers’ written productive use of mid-frequency words. Consequently, findings suggest that mid-frequency vocabulary may play a greater role in academic writing quality than the attention it is typically given in the L2 writing classroom.
Panel Discussion - Scope, Opportunities and Challenges of Agri-Journalism in India
Authors: Ramappa K. B. , Srivastava R. C. , Kumar Birendra , Sharma Mohit , Shravanthi A. R. , Kumari Tulika
Published: September 2021

Information is crucial for taking or arriving at right decisions, it becomes an economic action that can be produced, purchased and sold. Although, agriculture is a backbone of many countries, the investment in agriculture and rural development is still lagging. Communication for agriculture is not seen as a major priority and the role of the media as an effective player in agricultural and rural development. There is hardly any meaningful debate on farmers’ issues with facts and figures. There are hardly any media that covers exclusive news on rural India in general and agriculture in particular, although 70 per cent of the population lived there. The information on agriculture coverage is limited to a particular topic such as market and market prices, advertisement, stock market, etc., in most of the medium. Many a times, this piece of information might be written by an exclusive scientist, interested journalist or as usual by the news reporters, who have the journalist skills but, not able to translate things. There is a lack of skilled manpower to cover all aspects of agriculture such as crop production output, national GDP, overcome farmer problems, farm machinery and implements, farmer lifestyle, ways of doubling of farmer income etc. This panel discussion has come up with a suggestion to start a one year Post Graduate Diploma in Agri-journalism course to train the interested students, working professionals and the budding entrepreneurs to contribute to the industry as well as farming community.
Tree Species Composition, Richness and Diversity in the Northern Guinea-Savanna Taraba State, Nigeria
Authors: Sobola O. O. , Oke D. O. , Adedayo A. G. , Olusola J. A.
Published: September 2021

The study investigated tree species composition, diversity and abundance in the Guinea savanna ecosystem, Taraba State, Nigeria. Three transects with a distance of 500 m apart were used for the study. Four sample plots of 25 m x 25 m size were laid in alternate positions along each transect at 250 m intervals. Identification of trees/shrubs was carried out in the forest reserves. Biodiversity indices such as; Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Species evenness, Simpson’s diversity index, Margalef’s richness index and Menhinick’s diversity index, were estimated at the end of the study. The result of floristic diversity assessment showed that the two forest reserves were able to conserve trees/shrubs species diversity. This was reflected by the value obtained for diversity indices for the two land use types: Shannon- Weinner (3.29, 3.08), species evenness (0.47, 0.49), Simpson (0.95, 0.93), Margalef (6.83, 6.49), Minhinck’s index (2.09, 1.79) for Sonkpa and Jabwanje forest reserves respectively. The density of fruit trees/shrubs encountered in the two forest reserves were (279, 414) which accounted for (47% and 56%) of the total woody population in Sonkpa and Jabwanje forest reserves respectively. Among the prominent fruit trees/shrubs encountered were Nauclea latifolia, Gardenia aqualla, Annona senegalensis, Prosopis africana, Vitellaria paradoxa, Vitex doniana, Strychnos innocua.  However, the absence of Irvingia gabonensis and lower density of Afzelia africana was an indication that some important species are already going to extinction while others are endangered.  Hence, the State government should, intensify the management of savanna forest by controlling the intensity of tree harvesting, stop illegal felling and encourage enrichment planting. Genetic improvement through germplasm collection and propagation studies should be carried out on the under exploited edible fruit species for genetically improved cultivars production.
Comparative Assessment of Nutrient Values and Heavy Metals Content of Talinum triangulare Collected from Farm Land (Post Service) and Dumpsite (Oko Fili) in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Adu A. A. , Aderinola O. J. , Adeyeye O. B.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Talinum triangulare is a nutritious vegetable whose consumption is popular in Nigeria. Therefore, the necessity to consume a very quality and hygienic T. triangulare cannot be over emphasized.

Aims: To investigate the nutrient contents and level of heavy metals in T. triangulare collected from dumpsite and farmland.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Botany, Lagos State University, (Oko fili in Alimosho Local Government Area) and farmland (Post Service in Ojo Local Government Area) between January to March, 2021.

Methodology: The data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20 and a standard procedure was used for t-test analysis.

Results: All the amino acids detected in T. triangulare from both dumpsite and farmland had no significant differences (p>0.05). There are no significant difference (p>0.05) between lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and selenium (Se) in samples examined across the two sampling sites, while arsenic (except in the soil from dumpsite) and nickel (except in plant from both sites) were not detected. However, the concentrations of heavy metals such as calcium(Ca), iron(Fe), potassium(K), magnesium(Mg), sodium(Na), phosphorus(P), and zinc (Zn) in both the soil and T. triangulare  samples from the dumpsite are significantly(p<0.05) higher than that from the farmland. The respective values of these metals (mg/100g) in the plant at dumpsite and farmland are: Ca (343.400±206.475), Fe (82.000±29.839), K(90.900±10.748), Mg(1595.250±149.553), Na(2217.050), P(502.250±140.077) and Zn(60.620±8.739) respectively.

Conclusion: Therefore, T. triangulare examined in this study is safe for consumption, however its excess K, Na, and Mg content can be recommended for people with deficiency in those nutrients.
Changes in COVID-19 measures in the workplace: 8-month follow-up in a cohort study of full-time employees in Japan
Authors: Asaoka Hiroki , Sasaki Natsu , Imamura Kotaro , Kuroda Reiko , Tsuno Kanami , Kawakami Norito
Published: September 2021

Objectives

It is unclear how many workplace COVID-19 preventive measures were maintained during repeated outbreaks. The aim of this study was to investigate a longitudinal change of implementation of workplace preventive measures responding to COVID-19 in Japan.

Methods

An online longitudinal study was conducted using a cohort of full-time employees in Japan, starting in March 2020 (T1), with follow-up surveys in May (T2), August (T3), and November (T4) 2020. A repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to compare the difference among the four surveys in the mean number of 23 predetermined items of the measures implemented.

Results

The final sample comprised 800 employees. The mean number of the implemented measures increased from T1 to T2, but did not change from T2 to T3, then decreased from T3 to T4. The number of workplace preventive measures significantly increased from T1 to T2 for 21 items (P < .001), and significantly decreased from T3 to T4 for 14 items (P < .001 to P = .005).

Conclusions

While the preventive measures responding to COVID-19 in the workplace were well-implemented during the earlier phase of the outbreak, they seem to have been relaxed after a huge outbreak (T3 to T4: August to November 2020). Workplaces should be encouraged to continue the preventive measures over repeated outbreaks.
Super‐Wetting Porous g‐C3N4 Nanosheets Coated PVDF Membrane for Emulsified Oil/Water Separation and Aqueous Organic Pollutant Elimination
Authors: Xue Jinjuan , Gao Jiamin , Xu Minjing , Zong Yuqing , Wang Mingxin , Ma Shuaishuai
Published: September 2021

Super‐wetting multifunctional membranes are highly attractive in the current decade in the environmental remediation of wastewater containing water‐insoluble emulsified oils and water‐soluble hazardous organic pollutants. Herein, hydroxyl modified porous g‐C3N4 nanosheets (CNNS) coated polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane is fabricated by a facile vacuum pumping process. Hydroxyl modified porous g‐C3N4 nanosheets are firmly immobilized on flexible PVDF substrate via sodium alginate (SA) adhesive to create a stable surface micro/nanohierarchical structure. The fabricated CNNS/SA/PVDF membrane achieves the desired surface wettability of superhydrophilicity/underwater superoleophobicity with an anti‐oil‐fouling property. The functionalized membrane exhibits above 99% emulsified oil rejection rate with excellent stability and recyclability when separating oil‐in‐water emulsions. Besides, visible‐light‐response CNNS endow the as‐prepared membrane with excellent photocatalytic activity. The resulted CNNS/SA/PVDF membrane can eliminate organic dye both in static and dynamic water with high flux recovery ratio and renewability, which conducted the procedures of photodegradation of organic dye adsorbed on the membrane surface after filtering the contaminative flowing aqueous solution, and directly the photodegradation of organic dye in stationary aqueous solution, respectively. This facile‐fabrication and high‐performance CNNS/SA/PVDF membrane provides a promising practical application toward oily and organic wastewater treatment. It also promotes the utilization of surface wettability modified g‐C3N4 nanomaterial in the construction of multifunctional interface membrane for environmental purification.
Bioinspired Design of Hill‐Ridge Architecture‐Based Iontronic Sensor with High Sensibility and Piecewise Linearity
Authors: Qin Yuxiang , Zhang Xueshuo , Zheng Anbo , Xia Qing
Published: September 2021

Iontronic sensing has experienced a rapid growth in recent years due to its ultrahigh device sensitivity, high resolution, and high spatial definition. However, most of the reported sensors usually exhibit a highly nonlinear response for the dramatic drop of sensitivity as pressure increasing. Here, a sensitive, piecewise linear flexible iontronic pressure sensor is reported. Inspired by the relationship between microstructure of fly mechanoreceptors and their associated stimuli, hill‐ridge architecture (HRA)‐based sensors with piecewise high sensitivity and linearity are designed and successfully prepared by using a simple and adjustable PDMS prestretched template. The developed sensor demonstrates a high sensitivity of 37.7 kPa–1 in the low‐pressure range (0–4 kPa) and 4.69 kPa–1 in higher load force (100–350 kPa). It is worth emphasizing that the response in both loading ranges is linear. Besides, the sensor exhibits a short dynamic response time of 23 ms together with extremely low LOD of 0.32 Pa and remarkable mechanical stability (>5000 cycles). Finally, the applications of the sensor for artery pulse detection, handwriting identification, and spatial discrimination are demonstrated. Benefiting from the unique properties, the proposed sensor can be advantageous for the potential applications in fields of motion detection, healthcare monitoring, and human‐machine interfaces.
Genetic imprints of Brosimum alicastrum Sw. in Mexico
Authors: López‐Barrera Gabriela , Ochoa‐Zavala Maried , Quesada Mauricio , Harvey Nick , Núñez‐Farfán Juan , González‐Rodríguez Antonio , Rocha‐Ramírez Víctor , Oyama Ken
Published: September 2021

Premise

The mechanisms generating the geographical distributions of genetic diversity are a central theme in evolutionary biology. The amount of genetic diversity and its distribution are controlled by several factors, including dispersal abilities, physical barriers, and environmental and climatic changes. We investigated the patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation among populations of the widespread species Brosimum alicastrum in Mexico.

Methods

Using nuclear DNA microsatellite data, we tested whether the genetic structure of B. alicastrum was associated with the roles of the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt and the Isthmus of Tehuantepec as geographical barriers to gene flow and to infer the role of past events in the genetic diversity patterns. We further used a maximum‐likelihood population‐effects mixed model (MLPE) to identify the main factor affecting population differentiation in B. alicastrum.

Results

Our results suggested that Mexican B. alicastrum is well differentiated into three main lineages. Patterns of the genetic structure at a finer scale did not fully correspond to the current geographical barriers to gene flow. According to the MLPE mixed model, isolation by distance is the best model for explaining the genetic differentiation of B. alicastrum in Mexico.

Conclusions

We propose that the differentiation patterns might reflect (1) an ancient differentiation that occurred in Central and South America, (2) the effects of past climatic changes, and (3) the functions of some physical barriers to gene flow. This study provides insights into the possible mechanisms underlying the geographic genetic variation of B. alicastrum along a moisture gradient in tropical lowland forests.
Molecular Encapsulation of Naphthalene Diimide (NDI) Based π‐Conjugated Polymers: A Tool for Understanding Photoluminescence
Authors: Royakkers Jeroen , Guo Kunping , Toolan Daniel T. W. , Feng Liang‐Wen , Minotto Alessandro , Congrave Daniel G. , Danowska Magda , Zeng Weixuan , Bond Andrew D. , Al‐Hashimi Mohammed , Marks Tobin J. , Facchetti Antonio , Cacialli Franco , Bronstein Hugo
Published: September 2021

Conjugated polymers are an important class of chromophores for optoelectronic devices. Understanding and controlling their excited state properties, in particular, radiative and non‐radiative recombination processes are among the greatest challenges that must be overcome. We report the synthesis and characterization of a molecularly encapsulated naphthalene diimide‐based polymer, one of the most successfully used motifs, and explore its structural and optical properties. The molecular encapsulation enables a detailed understanding of the effect of interpolymer interactions. We reveal that the non‐encapsulated analogue P(NDI‐2OD‐T) undergoes aggregation enhanced emission; an effect that is suppressed upon encapsulation due to an increasing π‐interchain stacking distance. This suggests that decreasing π‐stacking distances may be an attractive method to enhance the radiative properties of conjugated polymers in contrast to the current paradigm where it is viewed as a source of optical quenching.
Immobilizing Redox‐Active Tricycloquinazoline into a 2D Conductive Metal–Organic Framework for Lithium Storage
Authors: Yan Jie , Cui Yutao , Xie Mo , Yang Guo‐Zhan , Bin De‐Shan , Li Dan
Published: September 2021

Heteroaromatic‐conjugated aromatic molecules have inspired numerous interests in rechargeable batteries like Li‐ion batteries, but were limited by low conductivity and easy dissolution in electrolytes. Herein, we immobilize a nitrogen‐rich aromatic molecule tricycloquinazoline (TQ) and CuO4unit into a two‐dimensional (2D) conductive metal–organic framework (MOF) to unlock their potential for Li+storage. TQ was identified redox activity with Li+for the first time. With a synergistic effect of TQ and CuO4unit, the 2D conductive MOF, named Cu‐HHTQ (HHTQ=2,3,7,8,12,13‐hexahydroxytricycloquinazoline), can facilitate the Li+/e−transport and ensure a resilient electrode, resulting in a high capacity of 657.6 mAh g−1at 600 mA g−1with extraordinary high‐rate capability and impressive cyclability. Our findings highlight an efficient strategy of constructing electrode materials for energy storage with combining multiple redox‐active moieties into conductive MOFs.
Chemical Synthesis of Sialyl N‐Glycans and Analysis of Their Recognition by Neuraminidase
Authors: Shirakawa Asuka , Manabe Yoshiyuki , Marchetti Roberta , Yano Kumpei , Masui Seiji , Silipo Alba , Molinaro Antonio , Fukase Koichi
Published: September 2021

The chemical synthesis of a fully sialylated tetraantennary N‐glycan has been achieved for the first time by using the diacetyl strategy, in which NHAc is protected as NAc2 to improve reactivity by preventing intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Another key was the glycosylation to the branched mannose in an ether solvent, which promoted the desired glycosylation by stabilizing the oxocarbenium ion intermediate. Furthermore, high α‐selectivity of these glycosylation reactions was realized by utilizing remote participation. Two asymmetrically deuterium labeled sialyl N‐glycans were also synthesized by the same strategy. The synthesized N‐glycans were used to probe the molecular basis of H1N1 neuraminidase recognition. The asymmetrically deuterated N‐glycans revealed a difference in the recognition of sialic acid on each branch. Meanwhile, the tetraantennary N‐glycan was used to evaluate the effects of multivalency and steric hinderance by forming branching structures.
New Route to Battery Grade NaPF6 for Na‐Ion Batteries: Expanding the Accessible Concentration
Authors: Ould Darren M. C. , Menkin Svetlana , O'Keefe Christopher A. , Coowar Fazlil , Barker Jerry , Grey Clare P. , Wright Dominic S.
Published: September 2021

Sodium‐ion batteries represent a promising alternative to lithium‐ion systems. However, the rapid growth of sodium‐ion battery technology requires a sustainable and scalable synthetic route to high‐grade sodium hexafluorophosphate. This work demonstrates a new multi‐gram scale synthesis of NaPF6 in which the reaction of ammonium hexafluorophosphate with sodium metal in THF solvent generates the electrolyte salt with the absence of the impurities that are common in commercial material. The high purity of the electrolyte (absence of insoluble NaF) allows for concentrations up to 3 M to be obtained accurately in binary carbonate battery solvent. Electrochemical characterization shows that the degradation dynamics of sodium metal‐electrolyte interface are different for more concentrated (>2 M) electrolytes, suggesting that the higher concentration regime (above the conventional 1 M concentration) may be beneficial to battery performance.
Acid catalyzed cross‐linking of polyvinyl alcohol for humidifier membranes
Authors: Michele Andre , Paschkowski Patrick , Hänel Christopher , Tovar Günter E. M. , Schiestel Thomas , Southan Alexander
Published: September 2021

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a hydrophilic polymer well known for good film forming properties, high water vapor permeance JW, and low nitrogen permeance. However, depending on molar mass and temperature, PVA swells strongly in water until complete dissolution. This behavior affects the usability of PVA in aqueous environments and makes cross‐linking necessary if higher structural integrity is envisaged. In this work, PVA networks are formed by thermal cross‐linking in the presence of p‐toluenesulfonic acid (TSA) and investigated in a design of experiments approach. Experimental parameters are the cross‐linking period tc, temperature ϑ and the TSA mass fraction wTSA. Cross‐linking is found to proceed via ether bond formation at all reaction conditions. Degradation is promoted especially by a combination of high wTSA, tc and ϑ. Thermal stability of the networks after preparation is strongly improved by neutralizing residual TSA. Humidification membranes with a JW of 6423 ± 63.0 gas permeation units (GPU) are fabricated by coating PVA on polyvinyliden fluoride hollow fibers and cross‐linking with TSA. Summarizing, the present study contributes to a clearer insight into the cross‐linking of PVA in presence of TSA, the thermal stability of the resulting networks and the applicability as selective membrane layers for water vapor transfer.
Physicochemical characterization and flocculation performance evaluation ofPAC/PMAPTACcomposite flocculant
Authors: Guo Yiming , Li Xiaoxiao , Sun Jun , Liu Yanyan , Wang Hua , Ding Jianjun , Chen Lin , Tian Xingyou , Yuan Yun
Published: September 2021

A novel inorganic–organic composite flocculant was prepared with polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and poly(methacrylamido propyl trimethyl ammonium chloride) (PMAPTAC). To understand the physicochemical characterization of PAC/PMAPTAC and evaluate its flocculation efficiency, the interactions of PAC and cationic polymer were investigated, then the characterization and flocculation performance of PAC/PMAPTAC and PAC/Poly‐dimethyldiallylammonium chloride (PDMDAAC) were compared. The results showed that there were obvious interactions between PAC and cationic polymer in composite flocculant. The cationic polymer chain exhibited a coiled state in PAC solution, and the curly degree of PMAPTAC chain was lower than that of PDMDAAC due to the intermolecular association of methyl of PMAPTAC. The cationic polymer enhanced the charge neutralization ability of PAC and changed the aluminum hydrolysis polymerization species of PAC from low and medium polymeric species to high‐polymeric species. The flocculation sedimentation experiments turned out that the charge neutralization and bridging ability of PAC/PMAPTAC was higher than that of PAC/PDMDAAC, and the increase of molecular weight or content of PMAPTAC in PAC/PMAPTAC could enhance the charge neutralization and adsorption bridging ability simultaneously. The enhanced effects may come from the exist of polymer and the interactions between PAC and cationic polymer in composite flocculant.