bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hot-Melt Adhesives: Fundamentals, Formulations, and Applications: A Critical Review
Authors: Gharde Swaroop , Sharma Gaurav , Kandasubramanian Balasubramanian
Published: March 2020

Hot-Melt Adhesives (HMAs) are typically used in applications where instant sealing is critically required. HMAs are generally preferred for those applications where processing speed is critical. These materials are widely used in various engineering applications, mainly as sealants
in leakages and crack filling of walls and roofs. The industrial use of HMAs is most common in glassware and automobiles for gluing glasses in buildings and bonding heavy motor parts. The formulation of HMAs contains a polymer of suitable nature that makes the base for a strong adhesive, and
waxes are added to increase the settling time of adhesive. The tackifiers are used to dilute the polymer to adjust the Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) and to reduce the viscosity for proper flow of hot-melt. This review intends to comprehensively discuss the preparation and formulations
of HMAs using various polymer matrices, along with their applications and mechanics. The designing of green HMAs has been discussed in the literature and have been promoted over conventional solvent-based HMAs due to their functionality without Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Various measures,
challenges, and resolutions for making hazard-free HMAs have been discussed in the present review.
Optimization of Adhesively Bonded Spar-Wingskin Joints of Laminated FRP Composites Subjected to Pull-Off Load: A Critical Review
Authors: Rakshe S. , Nimje S. V. , Panigrahi S. K.
Published: March 2020

A review on optimization of adhesively bonded spar-wingskin joint (SWJ) of laminated fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites subjected to pull-off load is presented in this article using three-dimensional finite element analysis. Von Mises stress components have been computed across
the width of joint at different interfaces viz. load coupler-spar, and load coupler-wingskin interfaces. Further, the weight of SWJ structure is considered as the objective function which needs to be minimized for optimization. In the first step, the material and lamination scheme of the FRP
composite materials used for SWJ are optimized, and, in the second step, the geometrical parameters have been optimized on the basis of minimum von Mises stress and weight. Further, the effects of the material, lamination scheme, and geometrical parameters on the von Mises stress and weight
have been validated using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) approach as prescribed by the Taguchi method. The results show that the material and spar thickness are the most significant factors influencing von Mises stress. The weight analysis reveals that there is a significant effect of change
in material and wingskin thickness on SWJ performance. Suitable design recommendations have been made for SWJ in terms of material, lamination scheme and geometrical parameters.
Study of Relation between Vitamin D Serum Level and Biomarkers of Human Sinonasal Fibroblast Proliferation in Patient with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Lotfi Ali Reza , Shahidi Nikzad , Pourlak Tala , Bayat Ladan Noori
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) is an inflammatory disease of paranasal sinuses and nasal coverage, which reduces the quality of life and overall health. Vitamin D regulates many cellular functions, including anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating functions. There is an increasing evidence of the relative role of fibroblasts in the accumulation of inflammatory cells in chronic rhinosinusitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D levels and the proliferation of sinonasal fibroblasts in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis and its therapeutic role. Material and Method: In this case-control study blood and tissue samples were extracted from patients with CRSwNP (n=30). Control subjects with non-inflammatory conditions underwent endoscopic and non-endoscopic surgery (n=30). The serum level of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) and proliferation of fibroblasts sampled from nasal and sinus tissue using ki 67 and vimentin were evaluated and analyzed using SPSS® 23 software. Results: The average level of vitamin D was 23.1±7.36 ng/ml in the case group and 31.19±7.02 ng/ml in control group, which was significantly lower in case group (P=0.008). The proliferation of sinonasal fibroblasts were positive in all cases patients and only in 20% of control patients using vimentin. The proliferation of sinonasal fibroblasts were negative in all control patients while only 10% of the case patients were negative using Ki 67. The level of vitamin D decreased with the increased rate of Ki 67. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate a reversed relation between vitamin D levels and the proliferation of sinonasal fibroblasts.Thus vitamin D has both prophylactic and therapeutic effects in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.
Laparoscopic Versus Open Appendectomy for the Treatment of Complicated Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Barband Alireza , Mangouri Amir , Gholipouri Changiz , Gharedaghi Abasad
Published: March 2020

Background and Objective: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common and at the same time lethal if not treated promptly. Failure to treat this medical condition in a timely manner then it can lead to major complications that endanger the patient’s health. In these cases, surgical treatment can be done in an open or laparoscopic method. Despite some limited studies comparing the results of these two therapies, there is still insufficient information in patients with this complicated situation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of these two therapies in patients with complicated acute appendicitis. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 52 patients with complicated acute appendicitis in the laparoscopic surgery group and 56 patients in the open surgery group were studied. Primary outcomes in this study were duration of surgery and secondary outcomes including wound infection, intra-abdominal abscess, postoperative pain, miscarriage, hospitalization, and need for re-surgery that were compared between the two groups. Results: Both groups were matched for age (mean 31.0 years in laparoscopic surgery group, 30.5 years in open surgery group, p = 0.81) and gender (28 men in laparoscopic surgery group, 32 men in surgical group, p = 0.73). The mean duration of surgery in the laparoscopic group was significantly longer (mean 66.8 vs. 55.1 min, p <0.001). In contrast, mean duration of hospitalization (85.2 vs 98.6 hours, p <0.001) and mean postoperative pain severity (6.3 vs 7.2, p <0.001) was more significant high in open surgery group. In other cases there was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Although in surgical treatment of complicated acute appendicitis the duration of laparoscopic surgery is longer than the open method, but the duration of hospitalization and pain intensity in laparoscopic method is significantly reduced.
Administrators Rating of School Counsellor’s Competencies in Information, Counselling and Follow-up Service Delivery
Authors: Akunne L. I. , Nwadinobi V. N.
Published: March 2020

Aims: This study examined administrators rating of school counsellor’s competencies in information, counselling and follow-up service delivery. Three purpose statements, three research questions guided the study, while one null hypothesis was tested at 0.05 alpha level.

Study Design: Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study.

Methodology: The population for the study comprised of 2076 administrators (head-teacher and principals). The sample drawn for the study is 208. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire structured on a 4-point scale. The instrument was validated by two experts with a Cronbach reliability coefficient of .641. Arithmetic mean and standard deviation was used to answer the research questions, while analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the null hypothesis at 0.05 alpha level.

Results: The results from the study revealed that moderate level of competence of school counsellors in information service delivery; school counsellors are moderately competent in follow-up service delivery. The findings also revealed that administrators (head-teachers and principals) differ significantly in their mean ratings on school counsellor’s competencies in guidance and counselling (information, counselling and follow-up) service delivery.

Conclusions: Core areas in guidance and counselling should be included in all colleges and universities curricula, routine inspection and review on the progress reports of school counsellors should be conducted and in-service training and retraining programmes for school counsellors should organized.
Physico-chemical and Sensory Properties of Wine Produced from Blends of Roselle Calyces Extract and Pineapple Juice
Authors: Idoko B. O. , Ukeyima M. T. , Gberikon G. M. , Olaleye O. O.
Published: March 2020

Wine was produced from must formulated by blending roselle calyces extract with pineapple juice at different ratios (v/v): A (100:0), B(90:10), C(80:20), D(70:30), E(60:40) and F(50:50). The must was pitched with Saccharomyces cerevisiae; primary and secondary fermentation lasted for five and three days, respectively, during which aliquot samples analyses of pH, titratable acidity, specific gravity, total soluble solids and alcohol were carried out daily using standard procedures.Wine was aged for 31 days. The pH of the must decreased during the period of fermentation with a range of 3.30 to 4.37. Specific gravity and total soluble solids were observed to reduce drastically as fermentation progressed. During the fermentation period, consistent increase in titratable acidity and alcohol was observed with time. At the end of fermentation (8th day), alcohol content ranged from 10.19 to 12.23% with sample B and C having the highest values. Vitamin C analyses carried out on the wines had values ranging from 2.50 to 8.40g/100mL. Wines had volatile acid values range of 0.06 to 0.13g/100mL which was within acceptable limits. Sensory evaluation on a 9-point hedonic scale carried out on the aged wine indicated that all samples were accepted except sample F which had scores below average. Sample B was rated highest in terms of overall acceptability with value of 7.41±1.06. The result of this study showed that acceptable wines can be produced from blends of roselle hot water extract and pineapple juice.
Water Quality Assessment of Shitalakhya River
Authors: Alam Md. Mahabub , E-Zahan Md. Kudrat- , Rahman M. Habibur , Zahid A. A. S. Mostofa
Published: March 2020

Water quality is the key of environmental concern because of its important provision of water for drinking and domestic purpose, irrigation and aquatic life including fish and fisheries. The present study was conducted to assess the surface water quality of the Shitalakhya River from January, 2017 to December, 2018. Temperature, pH, EC, TDS, TSS, BOD5, Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Calcium Hardness, Magnesium Hardness, Chloride, Dissolved Silica, Total Iron concentration and Turbidity in water samples have been found in the ranges 24 - 33°C, 6.5 - 7.6, 108 - 478 µS/cm, 54 - 245 ppm, 8 - 118 mg/l, 6 - 12 mg/l, 36.6 - 231.8 mg/l, 30 - 190 mg/l, 20 - 120 mg/l, 10 - 80 mg/l, 3.54 - 9.91 mg/l, 16 - 51 mg/l, 0.10 - 1.5 mg/l, 2.09 - 120 NTU in the year 2017 and 21 - 32.5°C, 6.7 - 7.3, 101 - 424 µS/cm, 55 - 212 ppm,  10 - 154 mg/l, 7 - 16 mg/l, 42.7 - 219.6 mg/l,  35 - 180 mg/l, 25 - 115 mg/l, 10 - 70 mg/l, 4.96 - 16.99 mg/l, 19 - 84 mg/l, 0.10 - 2.50 mg/l, 2.73 - 214 NTU in the year 2018 respectively. Obtained results of the present study area shows that most of the parameters were within the permissible limit except Turbidity, Total Suspended Solid (TSS), Dissolved Silica (SiO2) and Biological Oxygen Demand for five days (BOD5). Use of river water can pose serious problems to human health and aquatic ecosystem via biological food chain. The present research suggests special preference for better management of the river water to protect the health of aquatic ecosystem of the river.
Hearing Impairment in a Tertiary Hospital in the Niger Delta Region: Prevalence, Aetiology and Pattern
Authors: Uju Ibekwe Matilda
Published: March 2020

Aim: This study is to determine the prevalence, causes, types and patterns of hearing impairment seen in a tertiary hospital in the Niger delta region.

Study Design: A hospital based descriptive study of all patients with complaints of hearing impairment seen at the ear nose and throat clinic of the university of Port Harcourt teaching hospital within the period of January 2015 to December 2019.

Results: Bilateral affectation was commoner among those that have hearing impairment n = 366(65.2%) 91.2% while n = 54(8.8%) was found to have normal hearing. Majority of the ears had profound degree of hearing loss n= 313 (25.4%) with the highest number of it found in the right ear 27.0% however, there is no statistical significance between the side of the ear affected and the degree of hearing loss.

Conclusion: The young adults are the most affected; age 30-39 years with bilateral affectation and profound degree of hearing loss. Infective conditions such as CSOM are still very predominant in the aetiology of hearing loss in our environment.
Serological Investigation of West Nile Virus (WNV) Infection in Cats and Dogs
Authors: Dinç Eda , Yildirim Yakup
Published: March 2020

West Nile Virus, whose natural life cycle continues between birds and mosquitoes, causes neuropathic diseases in horses, cats, dogs, humans and other mammal animals. Particularly in recent years, as a result of the fact that the number of dam reservoirs have increased and areas where irrigated farming is applied have become widespread, depending on the increase in the population of stinger flies, the increase in various human and animal infections transmitted by these has reached remarkable levels. In this study, the presence/prevalence of WNV in cats and dogs around Burdur province was serologically searched using C-ELISA method. For this purpose, blood samples from 82 cats and 246 dogs of different race, gender and age that were not vaccinated against the so-called disease were taken into coagulant tubes. Besides, if there were any animals showing symptoms of disease among the sampled ones, the kind of the clinical symptoms and the housing/life conditions of the animals was broadly questioned. In the study, WNV specific antibody presence was detected in 0.41% of the tested dog blood serum (1/246) and in 1.22% of the cat blood serum (1/82). From the research log, the cat detected as positive turned out to be a two-year old, female, non-vaccinated Tekir stray cat and the dog was an owned, four-year old, female, regularly vaccinated hound dog. Both positive animals showed no clinical findings. Consequently, in this study, WNV presence was revealed in cats and dogs the Burdur region even though it was at low rates.
Farmers’ Climate Change Adaptation Intention in North Eastern Hill Region of India
Authors: Devi Mayanglambam Victoria , Singh R. J. , Devarani L. , Hemochandra L. , Singh Ram , Sethi Binodini
Published: March 2020

Climate change is real. Production and productivity are affected by the variability in climate. Adaptation measures to climate change are needed to tackle by the farmers. To know the adaptation intention measures practices by the vulnerable farmers of North Eastern Hill Region (NEHR) of India, the study was conducted in three states of NEHR viz., Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Meghalaya. The most vulnerable district to climate change from each selected states were purposively selected. With α at 0.05% level of significant and effect size of 0.40, a total of 257 farmers were selected by proportionate random sampling without replacement. The respondent farmers have medium ‘Mass media exposure’, low ‘Extension contact, medium ‘Exposure to long term stress or shocks and low ‘Access to climate change mitigation & adaptation services. The majority farmers practiced Crop and variety diversification and ‘Adjusting planting calendar’ as ‘Climate change adaptation intention’. ‘Mass media exposure’ and ‘Extension contact’ were found significant with the ‘Climate change adaptation intension’ of farmers. From the Multinomial Logistic Regression model, there exist a relationship between the independent variables of the study and the dependent variable, ‘Climate Change adaptation intention’ of farmers in Agriculture and allied ventures. The study suggested improvement of accessibility and usefulness of local services like agricultural extension deemed a necessity for successful adaptation strategies in the North Eastern Hill Region of India.
In-vitro Flowering and in-vivo Sex Expression of Micropropagated Parthenocarpic Gynoecious Cucumber
Authors: Bhardwaj Ajay , Pradeepkumar T. , Roch C. Varun
Published: March 2020

A micropropagation protocol for parthenocarpic gynoecious cucumber reduces the burden of producing the seeds for each generation and their maintenance in-vivo. Thus an experiment was conducted in order to regenerate the plants in-vitro to check their performance after micropropagation. The micropropagation resulted in maximum shoot initiation (100%) from seedling excised cotyledonary explants with half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l IAA and 2 mg/l BAP along with half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.25 mg/l IAA for rooting and from stem nodal explants with Full MS + 1.5 mg/l IAA + 2 mg/l BAP media whereas half strength MS media without any hormones resulted in rooting and in both cases there were in-vitro flowers and change in their sex expression while grown in in-vivo conditions. On an average 61.11 and 48.15 percent survival was recorded from the plants regenerated through cotyledonary explants and stem nodal explants respectively. Out of five survived plants from regenerated parthenocarpic genotype CS 131 three showed monoecious sex expression and two exhibited gynoecious (parthenocarpic) sex expression. Mixed response of sex expression was evident in the regenerated parthenocarpic and gynoecious genotypes.
Physiological Basis of Memory Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease – An Overview
Authors: Prasad A. S. V.
Published: March 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neuro-degenerative disease, causing gradual decline in memory function in the affected patients. The loss of memory makes their existence miserable. It is first noticed and reported by the patient’s care takers. The clinicians objectively assess the type and degree of the memory loss by a specific battery of tests, specially designed for the purpose (like Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test., Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE etc.)). Understanding the symptoms of AD, arising out of memory loss, requires deeper insights into what initiates the memory (the sensory inputs from the five sense organs), the different types of memories (explicit, implicit memories, their sub types and associative memory etc.), how the memory signals are modified at the level of the neuron, (analog to digital signals) and the synapse (sensitization, habituation and Long term potentiation / depression etc.), the processing that the inputs received , undergo (encoding, consolidation /organization, storage and retrieval) in higher brain centres (amygdala, hippocampus prefrontal vortex etc.) and also the role played by the various receptors (NMDA, AMPA and the kinase receptors), the neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, Norepineprine, Gama aminobutic acid, serotonin etc.), the central network systems involved (central executive network, salience network, and the default mode network). In short, it is the study all about, of the physiology of memory. The next step is to integrate this knowledge to interpret symptoms of patients with AD. Accordingly, the subject under discussion is dealt with in two parts. Firstly, how the memory is affected in AD and secondly the physiology behind these changes.
Effect of the Garcinia kola Seed on Glycemia, Creatininemia and Aminotransferases in Adult Subjects
Authors: Gomina Moutawakilou , Salifou Tarik , Djidonou Gilbert , Zinsou Stanislas
Published: March 2020

Background: The administration of extracts of Garcinia kola seed to experimental rats has a hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective effect.

Objective: Assess the effect of daily consumption of Garcinia kola seed on glycemia, creatinine and serum aminotransferases among adult subjects.

Methods: We carried out an intervention study based on quasi-experimental approach during three months i.e. from May 1 to July 30, 2019. A sample consisting of 40 adult subjects (18 men, 22 women) had participated to the study after their written consent and approval by the institutional ethics committee. After the baseline testing which consists of fasting glycemia, creatininemia, alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), each subject consumed one Garcinia kola seed per day during 90 days. Then, every 30 days, the same testing was performed. Glycemia was determined by endpoint colometric method for assaying enzyme using glucose oxidase; creatinine by colometric kinetic assay using the JAFFE reagent; and aminotransferases by UV enzyme kinetics. Student’s t test helped compare the mean values of the parameters determined at the beginning and at the end of the experiment at the threshold of 5%.

Results: The mean values at the beginning and at the end of the experiment were glycemia in g/L (0.81± 0.20 vs 0.84 ± 0.14), creatininemia in mg/L (9.36 ± 2.44 vs 8.01 ± 2.15), ALAT in UI/L (27.19 ± 15.77 vs 25.60 ± 12.45) and ASAT in UI/L (28.46 ± 11.52 vs 23.30 ± 8.48). A significant decrease of creatininemia and ASAT was observed (p = .010 and .025 respectively).

Conclusion: The consumption of the Garcinia kola seed has a nephroprotective and hepatoprotective effect.
Quality of the Diluted Landfill Leachate in Water Supply Used in the Performance of Drippers
Authors: Mesquita Francisco de Oliveira , Batista Rafael Oliveira , Coelho Daniela Costa Leite , Silva Ketson Bruno da , Souto Antonio Gustavo de Luna , Martins Emanoel Lima , Japiassú André , Diniz Adriana Araújo
Published: March 2020

The landfill percolate (LP) has appreciable amounts of nutrients that can be used in the production of biomass for energy purposes and serves as parameters to study the performance of irrigation systems. The objective of this work is to analyze the drip performance indicators applying diluted landfill percolate, well as the main obstruction factors and the percolate quality. The experiment was assembled up in split-plot scheme with kind drippers (G1 - non-pressure compensated; G2 - pressure compensated; G3 - pressure compensated; and G4 - pressure compensated) in the plot and operating times (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140 and 160 h) in subplots, with four replications. The flow rates tested in the main and secondary plots in this work were: main plots - types of drippers (G1 - 1,6 L h-1; G2 - 2,0 L h-1, G3 - 4,0 L h-1 e G4 - 8,0 L h-1) and in the subplots the operating times (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140 e 160 h), with four replications. The suspended solid and dissolved solids attributes present a severe risk of dripper obstruction for the diluted landfill percolate.
Chemical Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Tri-sodium Citrate, Stability Study and Their Characterization
Authors: Yerragopu Prem Santhi , Hiregoudar Sharanagouda , Nidoni Udaykumar , Ramappa K. T. , Sreenivas A. G. , Doddagoudar S. R.
Published: March 2020

The present work was aimed to study the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using Tri-Sodium Citrate (TSC), stability study of synthesized Ag NPs and their characterization. Synthesis of Ag NPs has been carried out by maintaining different conditions such as TSC concentration (0.50, 1.00 and 1.50%), AgNO3 concentration (0.50, 1.00 and 1.50 mM) and stirring time (10, 15 and 20 min). The stability study of synthesized Ag NPs conducted for 30 days without adding any stabilizing agents. The characterization of synthesized Ag NPs was carried out for different parameters like particle size and zeta potential using particle size analyzer, absorbance peak by UV-Visible spectrophotometer, morphology by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), crystallinity by X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) and material structural characteristics by Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The stable chemically synthesized Ag NPs were obtained at C20 (AgNO3 concentration of 1.5 mM, TSC 1.5% and stirring time 20 min) (desirability 99.97%), with average particle size of 22.14 nm and average absorbance peak of 449.85 nm.
Structure of the Woody Stands of the Future Pre-Release Site of North African Ostrich (Struthiocameluscamelus(Linnaeus, 1858)) in Koutous, Niger
Authors: Mamadou Maïmounatou Ibrahim , Habou Maman Kamal Abdou , Rabeil Thomas , Rabiou Habou , Petretto Marie , Mahamane Ali
Published: March 2020

This study aims to investigate the composition and Important Value Index (IVI) of the woody stands of Tchillala, a 130-ha area selected for future North-African ostriches (Struthiocameluscamelus) prerelease in the Koutous region in Niger. The forest inventory method was implemented in 42 plots of 50 m x 20 m (1000 m²) for tree-level observation, using stratified random sampling. For each woody specimen, the trunk diameter, total height and crown diameter have been recorded; thespecimens with a trunk diameter smaller than 5 cm are considered as regenerations. A total of 17 woody species distributed across 10 families have been identified and most of them belongs either to the Mimosaceae (4 species) or the Tiliaceae (3 species). The plants density, domination and frequency were used to determine the IVI: Acacia tortilis and Balanitesaegyptiaca are the species with the highest IVI(118.43 and 88.28 respectively). The woody plants condition assessment has emphasized that trees have been facing natural (uprooting) and anthropogenic (cutting, pruning) threats. Consequently, the diameter class structures within the whole woody species community of Tchilala, as well as of the Acacia tortilis and Balanitesaegyptiaca, are mainly small size trees. The results of this study inform silvicultural management actions that would benefit to the North-African ostrich’establishment in Tchilala and the data collected are considered as possible indicators for long-term monitoring of habitat.
Evaluation of the Different Methods for Fixation of Sagittal Ramus Split Osteotomy of the Mandibular Ramus in Relation to Stability for Mandibular Advancement: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bin Luiza Roberta , Érnica Natasha Magro , Junior Eleonor Álvaro Garbin , Griza Geraldo , Conci Ricardo , Nadal Letícia
Published: March 2020

Aims: The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the different fixation methods available for sagittal ramus split osteotomy associated with mandibular advancement tested in vitro to evaluate stability of each method.

Study Design: Systematic review.

Methodology: Following the PRISMA model for systematic reviews, a query was made in the PubMed, Bireme and Cochrane Library databases, identifying articles that reported the different fixation methods for sagittal ramus split osteotomy for mandibular advancement.

Results: A total of 352 articles were identified, 11 papers of which, after evaluation in relation to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were systematically reviewed.

Conclusion: Sagittal ramus split osteotomy is a technique performed for the treatment of mandibular discrepancies in which the methods for fixation of the segments are quite varied. In view of the biomechanical studies, the hybrid technique is the most indicated method, while miniplates with monocortical screws present less stability.
Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract and Troxerutin on the Hippocampus of Adult Albino Rats after Induction of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ismail Radwa , Mahdy Amal , Attia Mona , Eskander Fotna
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to assess the effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract and Troxerutin on the hippocampus of induced diabetes mellitus in adult albino rats using histological methods.50 adult male albino rats were divided into three groups; Group I (Control); Group II (diabetic): subdivided into Subgroup IIa (T1DM)), Subgroup IIb (T1DM+GBE), Subgroup IIc (T1DM+ troxerutin); Group III: subdivided into Subgroup IIIa (GBE) and Subgroup IIIb (troxerutin). The brain was removed and the cerebral hemisphere was coronally cut at the hippocampal level and used for light microscopic study (H&E staining and PCNA immunostaining). There was a statistically insignificant improvement in animal weights in subgroup IIb and subgroup IIc. Subgroup IIb showed a statistically significant reduction of blood glucose levels while the subgroup IIc showed insignificant reduction of blood glucose levels. Diabetes disturbed the light microscopic structure of the hippocampus. In subgroup IIb and subgroup IIc the hippocampus retained an apparently normal appearance and the stratum pyramidale exhibited the pyramidal cells with rounded vesicular nuclei and acidophilic cytoplasm. Diabetic hippocampal sections revealed negative PCNA immunoreactivity in all layers of DG. In subgroup IIb and subgroup IIc, hippocampal sections showed positive immunoreactivity.
Aspiration Cytology for Thyroid Lump in Remote Areas of Sindh
Authors: Sidhwani Santosh Kumar , Shankar Prem , Chand Haresh , Mala Ali , Khan Yameena Noman , Qureshi Jabbar Ahmed
Published: March 2020

Background: Scandinavian countries were the first to use fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) as a diagnostic tool in the 1930. Fine needle aspiration cytology is a diagnostic approach, which helps the clinicians in diagnosis of the various lesions. Most common sites which can be targeted include breast lumps, lymph nodes, thyroid masses and other palpable swellings. The most common lesion encountered is thyroid nodule. In current cross sectional study we tried to find frequency of different thyroid lesions by fine needle aspiration cytology in different rural areas of Sindh.

Methodology and Results: 158 samples were recruited from the Vital Laboratory Larkana with different pathological midline neck (thyroid) swelling during 2014 and 2015 by non-probability consecutive sampling. 125 (79.1%) were females and 33 (20.9%) were males with a ratio of 4:1. Majority of case were of 20-39 years of age (52.5%). Most of the cases were diagnosed with nodular goiter (88.6%) followed by colloid goiter (4.4%). In present study we failed to find any association of diagnosis with gender (p =0.211) and age (p =0.553).

Conclusion: So in this study we concluded that large number of thyroid lesions present with nodular goiter at the age of 20-39 years. The frequency is increased for these lesions due to different risk factors.
Hepatoprotective Potential of Hura crepitans L.: A Review of Ethnomedical, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Studies
Authors: Owojuyigbe Oluwole S. , Firempong Caleb K. , Larbie Christopher , Komlaga Gustav , Emikpe Benjamin O.
Published: March 2020

Herbal medicines are the main source of treatment of diseases in non-urban centres of the developing world. Secondary metabolites obtained from herbal sources contain bioactive phytochemicals, many of which have been the origin for the development of novel pharmaceutical drugs. Hura crepitans L. (Euphorbiaceae) or sandbox tree has been beneficial in many ethnomedicinal applications as a purgative, emetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and the treatment of leprosy. Toxicological, phytochemical and bactericidal studies have also been documented. This paper reviews the potential of the Hura crepitans plant in protecting the liver against drug-induced toxicity. The paper dwells extensively on the ethnomedical, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of the plant. In achieving the above, intensive analyses of books and published peer-reviewed journal articles were carried out using credible scientific databases. Four main phytochemicals were revealed to be contained in Hura crepitans stem-bark. Their protective effects were enunciated using animal models. However much more biochemical studies need to be done to establish the hepatoprotective potentials of the various parts and various phytochemicals of Hura crepitans with the need for more preclinical and clinical studies. We, therefore, present in this paper efforts to elucidate and bring to the fore the therapeutic potentials of Hura crepitans plant.
T
hermoanaerobaculaceae
Authors: Dedysh Svetlana N. , Losey Nathaniel A. , Lawson Paul
Published: March 2020

Ther.mo.an.a.e.ro.ba.cu.la.ce'ae. N.L. neut. n.
Thermoanaerobaculum
type genus of the family; ‐
aceae
ending to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Thermoanaerobaculaceae
the
Thermoanaerobaculum
family.

Acidobacteria / Thermoanaerobaculia / Thermoanaerobaculales / Thermoanaerobaculaceae

The family
Thermoanaerobaculaceae
accommodates so far only one described member represented by Gram‐negative, non‐spore‐forming, thermophilic, and neutrophilic anaerobic bacteria. Cells are elongated thin rods that divide by binary fission. These bacteria are chemoheterotrophs, which utilize some sugars, organic acids, and proteinaceous compounds. The fatty acid profile contains saturated fatty acids only, including iso‐C
15:0
, iso‐C
16:0
, iso‐C
17:0
, and anteiso‐C
17:0
. The major isoprenoid quinone is MK‐10. The family includes the single genus
Thermoanaerobaculum
. Main habitats of the only cultured representative and main sources of the related environmental clone sequences are freshwater hot springs and sediments. The family belongs to the class
Thermoanaerobaculia
, order
Thermoanaerobaculales
.

DNA G + C content of the single described representative (mol%)
: 63.0 (genome sequence).

Type genus
:
Thermoanaerobaculum
Losey et al. 2013
VP
.
A
rcanobacterium
Authors: Lämmler Christoph , Sammra Osama , Kämpfer Peter , Glaeser Stefanie P.
Published: March 2020

Ar.ca.no.bac.te'ri.um. L. masc. adj.
arcanus
secret, hidden, secretive; N.L. neut. n.
bacterium
a small rod; N.L. neut. n.
Arcanobacterium
secretive bacterium.

Actinobacteria / Actinobacteria / Actinomycetales / Actinomycetaceae / Arcanobacterium

Slender, irregular, bacillary forms predominate during the first 18 h of growth; many cells are arranged at an angle to give V formations. As growth proceeds, cells become granular and segmented so that they resemble small and irregular cocci. Both rods and coccoid cells are Gram‐stain‐positive, non‐acid‐fast, and nonmotile; endospores are not formed. Facultatively anaerobic; growth is considerably enhanced in an atmosphere of increased CO
2
tension. Growth is sparse on ordinary media, but enhanced by blood or serum. The optimum temperature for growth is 37°C. Organisms will not withstand heating at 60°C for 15 min. Chemoorganotrophic, having a fermentative type of carbohydrate metabolism. Fermentation end products include acetic and lactic acids; the amount of succinic acid produced may vary from species to species and may even be difficult to detect. Catalase‐positive and ‐negative. Nitrate reduction is usually negative. Characteristic amino acids of the cell‐wall peptidoglycan of those species whose peptidoglycan has been examined in detail are based on
l
‐lysine. Other chemotaxonomic properties include rhamnose and glucose as diagnostic whole‐cell sugars, lack of mycolic acids, and
N
‐acetylated muramic acid residue of the peptidoglycan and MK‐9 (H
4
) as the major respiratory quinone.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 50–57.

Type species
:
Arcanobacterium haemolyticum
Collins et al. 1982b, VL10.
A
cidothermus
Authors: Berry Alison M. , Normand Philippe
Published: March 2020

A.ci.do.ther'mus. L. masc. adj.
acidus
sour, acid; Gr. masc. adj.
thermus
hot; N.L. masc. n.
Acidothermus
acid and hot (loving).

Actinobacteria / Actinobacteria / Acidothermales / Acidothermaceae / Acidothermus

The genus
Acidothermus
contains a single species,
Acidothermus cellulolyticus
, isolated from a thermal spring, consisting of rods and filaments without endospores, without flagella, and with a variable Gram stain. The cells are thermophilic, acidophilic, and grow on several carbon sources including
d
‐glucose, cellobiose, xylans, and cellulose.

DNA G
+
C content
(
mol
%): 66.9 (determined by complete genome sequencing).

Type species
:
Acidothermus cellulolyticus
Mohagheghi et al. 1986
VP
.
D
esulfohalotomaculum
Authors: Watanabe Miho , Fukui Manabu , Kuever Jan
Published: March 2020

De.sul.fo.ha.lo.to.ma'cu.lum. L. pref.
de
from; L. neut. n.
sulfur
sulfur; Gr. masc. n.
hals
the sea, salt; L. neut. n.
tomaculum
sausage; N.L. neut. n.
Desulfohalotomaculum
a sausage‐shaped, salt‐requiring, sulfate reducer.

Desulfotomaculota (Firmicutes_B) / Desulfotomaculia / Desulfotomaculales / Desulfohalotomaculaceae / Desulfohalotomaculum

Cells are curved rods. Gram‐stain‐negative, but electron microscopy demonstrated a typically Gram‐positive cell‐wall structure. Oval spores occur terminal of cells. Motile with polar flagellum. Strictly anaerobic, having a respiratory and fermentative type of metabolism. Mesophilic and neutrophilic. Growth occurs in the range of 1–14% NaCl concentration with an optimum at 6%. Chemoorganoheterotroph using organic acids and alcohols. Chemolithoheterotrophic growth with H
2
plus CO
2
is possible in the presence of 1 g l
−1
of yeast extract. Substrates are incompletely oxidized to acetate. Yeast extract is required for growth. Sulfate, sulfite, and thiosulfate are electron acceptors and reduced to sulfide; elemental sulfur, nitrate, and fumarate are not utilized. Grows by fermentation of pyruvate but not on lactate. Found in an oilfield brine in France.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 56.3 (LC).

Type species
:
Desulfohalotomaculum halophilum
Watanabe et al. 2018
VP
(basonym:
Desulfotomaculum halophilum
Tardy‐Jacquenod et al. 1998).
D
esulforadius

gen. nov.
Authors: Watanabe Miho , Fukui Manabu , Kuever Jan
Published: March 2020

De.sul.fo.ra'di.us. L. pref.
de
from; L. neut. n.
sulfur
sulfur; L. masc. n.
radius
a staff, rod; N.L. masc. n.
Desulforadius
a sulfate‐reducing rod.

Desulfotomaculota (Firmicutes_B) / Desulfotomaculia / Desulfotomaculales / Desulfohalotomaculaceae /
Desulforadius
gen. nov.

Cells are Gram‐positive rods. Spores occur terminal of cells. Motile with a polar flagellum. Strictly anaerobic, having a respiratory type of metabolism. Thermophilic and neutrophilic. NaCl is required for growth. Chemoorganoheterotroph using pyruvate, which is incompletely oxidized to acetate and CO
2
. Chemolithoheterotrophic growth on H
2
and CO
2
in the presence of yeast extract. Yeast extract, peptone, or vitamins are required for growth. Sulfate, sulfite, and thiosulfate are used as electron acceptors; elemental sulfur, iron (III) citrate, or nitrate is not utilized. Pyruvate is not fermented. Desulfoviridin and
c
‐type cytochromes are not observed in crude bacterial extracts. The major cellular fatty acids are C
16:0
and C
18:1
ω7
c
. Found in a hydrothermal vent sediment collected from the Tofua Arc in the Tonga Trench.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 53.9 (LC).

Type species:
Desulforadius tongensis
comb. nov. (basonyms:
Desulfotomaculum tongense
Cha et al. 2013, VL156;
Desulfohalotomaculum tongense
Watanabe et al. 2018).
Investigation on the Corrosion Behavior of Nickel‐Base Alloys in Molten Chlorides for Sensible Heat Energy Applications
Authors: Knosalla Christian , Lau Marius , Schmies Lennart , Lippmann Wolfgang , Hurtado Antonio
Published: March 2020

Nine selected alloys are exposed in molten KCl–LiCl (eutectic composition) at 1073 K for 167 h under argon atmosphere to predict the long‐term corrosion behavior of these structural materials. The corrosive attack of each alloy is assessed with gravimetric methods, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy measurements. The corrosion rate of each alloy is calculated in accordance with ASTM G1‐03. Low chromium containing alloys as HAYNES 242, Hastelloy B‐3, and Hastelloy N revealed minor or no significant corrosive attack after molten chloride exposure. Alloy 600, Alloy 617, HAYNES 625, Hastelloy X, HAYNES 230, and HAYNES 188 with a chromium content wCr > 8% show severe corrosive attack with complete chromium depletion along the near‐surface layer and partially along grain boundaries. The results show that chromium forms chromium oxide with impurities of oxygen and water vapor at low oxygen partial pressures. This initiates an accelerated corrosion of the alloying elements in the matrix of Ni, Cr, Mo, Fe, and Co, due to chlorine formation. The influence of the composition of nickel‐base alloys on the corrosion resistance is discussed based on the comparison of the gravimetric measurements and thermodynamic calculations.
YAG:Ce3+ Transparent Ceramic Phosphors Brighten the Next‐Generation Laser‐Driven Lighting
Authors: Yao Qi , Hu Pan , Sun Peng , Liu Min , Dong Rui , Chao Kefu , Liu Yongfu , Jiang Jun , Jiang Haochuan
Published: March 2020

Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ (YAG:Ce3+) transparent ceramic phosphors (TCPs) are regarded as the most promising luminescent converter for laser‐driven (LD) lighting. High‐quality YAG:Ce3+ TCPs are still urgent for high efficiency LD lighting devices. YAG:Ce3+ TCPs in a vacuum ambience by using nano‐sized raw materials are prepared. Controlling defects by adding nano‐sized MgO and SiO2 simultaneously enables a high transmittance nearly 80%. After annealing in air furthermore, the luminous efficiency is enhanced greatly from 106 to 223 lm W−1, which is the best result reported now for LD lighting. These results demonstrate that the optimizing YAG:Ce3+ TCPs in a fitting strategy will brighten once again in the next‐generation LD lighting. Based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with a cathodoluminescence system, defects and Ce3+ distributions in grains are identified directly for the first time.
Flexible and Ultrathin Waterproof Cellular Membranes Based on High‐Conjunction Metal‐Wrapped Polymer Nanofibers for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Zeng Zhihui , Jiang Fuze , Yue Yang , Han Daxin , Lin Luchan , Zhao Shanyu , Zhao Yi‐Bo , Pan Zhengyuan , Li Congju , Nyström Gustav , Wang Jing
Published: March 2020

Ultrathin, lightweight, and flexible electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials are urgently demanded to address EM radiation pollution. Efficient design to utilize the shields' microstructures is crucial yet remains highly challenging for maximum EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) while minimizing material consumption. Herein, novel cellular membranes are designed based on a facile polydopamine‐assisted metal (copper or silver) deposition on electrospun polymer nanofibers. The membranes can efficiently exploit the high‐conjunction cellular structures of metal and polymer nanofibers, and their interactions for excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and ultrahigh EMI shielding performance. EMI SE reaches more than 53 dB in an ultra‐broadband frequency range at a membrane thickness of merely 2.5 µm and a density of 1.6 g cm−3, and an SE of 44.7 dB is accomplished at the lowest thickness of 1.2 µm. The normalized specific SE is up to 232 860 dB cm2 g−1, significantly surpassing that of other shielding materials ever reported. More, integrated functionalities are discovered in the membrane, such as antibacterial, waterproof properties, excellent air permeability, high resistance to mechanical deformations and low‐voltage uniform heating performance, offering strong potential for applications in aerospace and portable and wearable smart electronics.
Electronic Decoupling of Graphene from Copper Induced by Deposition of ZnO: A Complex Substrate/Graphene/Deposit/Environment Interaction
Authors: Morales Carlos , Urbanos Fernando J. , del Campo Adolfo , Leinen Dietmar , Granados Daniel , Rodríguez Miguel Angel , Soriano Leonardo
Published: March 2020

This study presents experimental data of the interactions and reactions that occur during the early stages of the growth of ZnO on graphene supported on polycrystalline copper and the subsequent changes on the electronic properties of the graphene. The combination of substrate, graphene, and intercalated species (such as oxygen and water molecules) between graphene and copper due to air exposure, together to the evaporation of metallic zinc under oxygen atmosphere, induces the electronic decoupling of the graphene from copper by the formation of a nanometric layer of copper oxide. In particular, the final stage consists in the formation of a complex interface formed by ZnO/ZnO1−x/Zn/G/Cu2O/Cu. The role of each actor is discussed in terms of a galvanic corrosion reaction of the metallic substrate where the graphene is the cathode and the initial deposition of metallic zinc accelerates the kinetics of this reaction, after which ZnO grows on the metallic zinc initially deposited. In this manner, the electronic properties of graphene can be engineered by the combination and interrelation of substrates, environment, and new‐deposited materials, revealing a more complex and realistic picture for real fabrication processes. These results may help to improve the real applicability of graphene in mass production devices.
Multifunctional Nanomaterials Modification of Cellulose Paper for Efficient Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Sriphan Saichon , Charoonsuk Thitirat , Maluangnont Tosapol , Pakawanit Phakkhananan , Rojviriya Catleya , Vittayakorn Naratip
Published: March 2020

There is a need to develop inexpensive, lightweight, and flexible high‐performance triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) from renewable resources. Here, a multifunctional cellulose filter paper (CFP)‐based TENG consisting of dielectric Ti0.8O2 nanosheets (Ti0.8O2 NSs) and conducting Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) is prepared by a simple dip coating method. The incorporation of dielectric Ti0.8O2 NSs onto the CFP significantly improves charge generation, while the inclusion of Ag NPs provides an electrically conductive path for charge transportation. The presence of these fillers can be deduced from XRD, SEM, EDS, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Their distribution is visualized in 3D by synchrotron radiation X‐ray tomography. The present CFP‐based TENG provides an output voltage and current density of ≈42 V and ≈1 µA cm−2, respectively with the power density of ≈25 µW cm−2. It is capable of lighting up 40 light‐emitting diode bulbs and charging a 0.22 µF capacitor to 8 V in only 5 s. The developed TENG is also capable of detecting simple human motions, i.e., finger tapping, finger rubbing, and foot trampling. This work offers a facile design of low cost yet efficient paper‐based TENG by dual modification with multifunctional nanomaterials, and also demonstrates its use as a feasible power source that not only drives small electronics, but also scavenges energy from human actions.