bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profile of Beneficiary Farmers of Jalyukt Shivar Campaign
Authors: Thakare Pranali N. , Tekale V. S.
Published: December 2021

In Maharashtra state, nearly 82 per cent area of the state falls in rainfed sector and 52 per cent area is drought prone. To mitigate drought in Maharashtra, state government specially launched Jalyukt Shivar Campaign in December, 2014. In Vidarbha, drought is the major challenge hence the research objective was formulated to study profile of beneficiary farmers of Jalyukt Shivar Campaign in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra state. An ex-post facto research design of social research was used for present investigation. The study was conducted in Nagpur and Yavatmal district in month of October and November, 2020, with 320 beneficiary farmers of Jalyukt Shivar Campaign. The findings revealed that, more than half of the respondents (54.69%) were belonged to middle age i.e. between 36 to 50 years. Majority of the respondents (70.00%) were engaged in agriculture as their main occupation for earning. Slightly more than two fifth of the respondents (40.63%) had annual income in the range of Rs. 2,36,001/- to 4,02,000/-. Nearly two fifth of the respondents (39.06%) from study area belonged to small land holding 1.01 to 2.00 ha. Majority of the respondents (70.63%) were belonged to medium category of social participation. Majority of the respondents (72.19%) were belonged to medium level of extension participation. Over three fifth of the respondents (62.50%) were using medium sources of information. Majority of the respondents (66.88%) belonged to medium innovativeness. Majority of the respondents (66.88%) belonged to medium risk preference and medium economic motivation (65.63%).  It is suggested that, efforts should be made by government to involve young farmers in agricultural development programmes like Jalyukt Shivar Campaign as well as in performing farming as main occupation. For success of this campaign, extension agencies must increase participation of farmers in local social institutions, extension activities and contact with information sources outside beneficiaries social systems.
Some Properties of Cone Inner Product Spaces over Banach Algebra
Authors: Yusuf Anas , Garba Abor Isa
Published: December 2021

The aim of this paper is to introduce a concept of a cone inner product space over Banach algebras. This is done by replacing the co-domain of the classical inner product space by an ordered Banach algebra. Some properties such as Cauchy-Schwarz inequality, parallelogram identity and Pythagoras theorem are established in this setting. Similarly, the notion of cone normed algebra was introduced. Some illustrative examples are given to support our findings.
Yield Performance of Non-spiny Brinjal Variety VRM (Br)2 in Northern Zone of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Nanthakumar S. , Savitha B. K.
Published: December 2021

Aim: To identify the yield performance of non-spiny brinjal variety VRM (Br)2.

Study Design: Non-spiny brinjal variety VRM (Br)2 was developed by hybridization between Senur local x spiny brinjal VRM (Br) 1 followed by pedigree method of selection.

Place and Duration of the Study: The present study was carried out at northern districts of Tamil Nadu viz., Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupathur, Thiruvannamalai, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri during 2015-2016.

Methodology: VRM (Br) 2 was evaluated under different trials during 2017-2020 at various locations along with ruling check variety VRM (Br) 1.The observations were recorded at yield and yield characters.

Results: VRM (Br) 2 recorded highest fruit yield of 46.35 t/ha as compared to check variety VRM (Br) 1 (32.85 t/ha). It was 41.00 % higher fruit yield over check variety VRM (Br) 1 and moderately resistant to major insect pests. viz., epilachna beetle, whiteflies and shoot and fruit borer.

Conclusion: All the plant and fruit characters are similar to spiny brinjal VRM (Br) 1, whereas the spines are absent in the variety VRM (Br) 2. Due to it’s non-spiny nature, intercultural operations viz., harvesting, packing, storage and transport are easy to do.
Determination of Dengue Virus IGM Seroprevalence, Malaria Parasitaemia and Some Haematological Parameters of HIV Infected Individuals in Awka, Nigeria
Authors: Linda Okoye, Ebele , Violet Chimere Egbufoama, , George O. Chukwuma
Published: December 2021

Dengue fever is regarded as an important neglected Arboviral disease worldwide. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence of dengue IgM seroprevalence, malaria parasitaemia and some haematological parameters of HIV infected individuals attending Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital Amaku, Awka, Nigeria. A cross sectional study consisting of 188 participants was performed. The demographic data and possible risks factors of the subjects were obtained using well-structured questionnaire. Dengue virus IgM was analysed using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques, Malaria parasitaemia was determined using microscopy technique while some haematological parameters were evaluated using heamatology auto analyser (PE-6800 fully auto heamatology analyser procan). Statistical analysis was performed using the statistical package for social (spss) version 25. The results of this study showed that the prevalence of Dengue virus was 20.2% while that of Malaria was 37.2%. The co-infection of Dengue virus IgM antibodies and Malaria parasitemia was 8.51%. Plasmodium falciparium was seen as the only specie of malaria parasite present in the study. The results of some haematogical parameters of the Dengue virus seropositive participants as compared with the Dengue virus seronegative participants were statistically significant with neutrophils (p = 0.035), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC = p<0.013), eosinophils (EOS = p<0.001) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV = p<0.001). This study suggests that Dengue maybe the emerging cause of fever of unknown origin among populations. This calls for urgent attention, adoption of immediate control measures and public health preventive actions against the disease so as to curb or mitigate the emergence as well as reduce the morbidity and mortality resulting from dengue burden especially in the immunocompromised individuals.
Fibrin Monomer in Chronic HCV ‎Cirrhotic Patients
Authors: Ram B. B. CH. Eman , Sherief M. A. M. D. , Wesam S. M‎. , Mohammed K. Z.
Published: December 2021

Background: Cirrhosis is a diffuse pathophysiological state of the liver that is thought to be the final stage of various liver injuries. It is characterized by chronic necroinflammatory and fibrogenetic processes, which result in the conversion of normal liver architecture into structurally abnormal nodules, dense fibrotic septa, concomitant parenchymal exaustment, and liver tissue collapse.

Aim of this Work is to study fibrin monomer in chronic HCV patients with and without portal hypertension aiming to investigate its value in these patients and if it aides in early detection of thrombus formation.‎

Patients and Methods: They were fifty chronic HCV cirrhotic patients with and ‎without portal hypertension. Patients of these study were selected from Tropical and internal medicine departments and investigated at Clinical Pathology department in Tanta University hospitals, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University during the period from July 2018 to January 2020.

Results: The individuals included in this study were comprised as: Group 1: Twenty-five healthy volunteers (matched for age and gender) were investigated as a control group. Group 2: Twenty-five diagnosed cirrhotic patients without portal hypertension. Group 3: Twenty-five diagnosed cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. The result of the present study was statistically analyzed, summarized and presented in tables.

Conclusion: It may be concluded that soluble fibrin monomer complex could represent a useful marker ‎for early detection of thrombus generation in chronic HCV cirrhotic patients. It may enable ‎us to pick up vulnerable patients in early stages to start early management.
Development of Curcumin loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: Preparation, Characterization and In-vitro Evaluation of Anti-cancer Activity Against A-549 Human Lung Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Patel Shoaib , Shah Jinal , Bhairy Srinivas , Hirlekar Rajashree
Published: December 2021

Aims: The present study was aimed at preparing stable lyophilized curcumin loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). The optimized lyophilized curcumin loaded NLCs were characterized and evaluated for various quality control parameters.

Methodology: The optimized curcumin loaded NLCs were prepared by modified hot emulsification using compritol 888 ATO (CMPR), capmul MCM C8 EP (CAP) as solid and liquid lipids respectively. The combination of tween 80 (T80) and solutol HS 15 (SHS) were used as an emulsifier. The NLCs dispersion was lyophilized into powder form to improve the thermodynamic stability of the formulation. The lyophilized curcumin loaded NLCs were evaluated for particle size, size distribution, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (EE), drug loading, assay, in-vitro drug release, crystallinity, thermal behavior and surface morphology studies.

Results: The optimized lyophilized curcumin loaded NLCs have a mean particle size of 332.88 ± 5.9 nm with a size distribution of 0.350 ± 0.007, a zeta potential of 0.098 ± 0.019 mV with high entrapment of 97.64 ± 1.59% and drug loading of 2.50 ± 0.16%. The X-ray diffraction and endothermic peaks confirmed the maximum encapsulation of curcumin in lipid matrices. The particles were spherical with smooth surface morphology. In-vitro release studies showed sustained release for up to 24 h. The cytotoxicity against human lung cancer line A-549 for curcumin loaded NLCs was confirmed with positive control adriamycin (ADR).

Conclusion: Curcumin loaded NLCs prepared had a nanosize particle distribution with maximum entrapment efficiency. Dispersion stability was increased by the lyophilization process. The solid lyophilized powder is reconstituted for oral delivery.
Influence of Different Crop Establishment and Irrigation Methods on Growth and Growth Indices of Rice
Authors: Theerthana T. , Fathima P. S. , Denesh G. R.
Published: December 2021

The increasing global demand for water in many sectors has become a universal concern. Challenge is to develop advanced production systems that allow rice production to be sustained in the face of waning water availability. With the intention to find the efficient water saving technology and establishment method, a field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, V. C. Farm, Mandya, University of Agricultural Sciences, and Bangalore during Kharif 2018. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three main plot irrigation treatments and five sub plot rice establishment treatments. The paddy variety used was ‘MTU 1001’. Objective was to study the irrigation and establishment methods on growth of rice. The results revealed that, continuous flooding recorded significantly higher plant height (80.67 cm) at harvest. Whereas, alternate wetting and drying (AWD) recorded higher leaf area index (5.06), CGR at 30 to 60 DAS, 60 to 90 DAS and 90 DAS to harvest (1.49,  3.50 and 2.47 g m-2 day-1, respectively), NAR at 30 to 60 DAS and 60 to 90 DAS (7.19 and 4.37 mg cm-2 day-1, respectively). Among establishment methods, manual transplanting recorded higher plant height (81.82 cm), LAI (5.70), DME (55.77), AGR at 30 DAS (0.36 g day-1), CGR at 30 to 60 DAS and 60 to 90 DAS (1.73 and 3.94 g m-2 day-1, respectively) and LAD at 30 to 60 DAS, 60 to 90 DAS and 90DAS to harvest (49.50, 128.70 and 272.80, respectively). However, mechanical transplanting recorded significantly more number of tillers m-2 (765.67), NAR at 30 to 60 DAS and 60 to 90 DAS (9.96 and 4.41 mg cm-2 day-1, respectively). AWD method of irrigation in mechanical transplanting and manual transplanting are found to be better among all other methods due to the higher growth and development.
To Determine the Influence of Students’ Past Performance Component of Self-Efficacy on Examination Malpractices among Students in Kiambu County Universities Kenya
Authors: Peter Kaindio Mauta , Muiru Anne , Kenei Reuben
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible influence of students’ self-efficacy on examination malpractices among undergraduate students in Universities within Kiambu County. The objectives of this study includes; to analyze the influence of students’ past performance component of self-efficacy. The data collected from the pilot test was used to compute Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient which was found to be r = 0.86, hence the instruments were reliable. The researcher ensured the validity of the instruments by consulting peers and experts from the department of educational psychology, Mount Kenya University. Dependability of qualitative data was ensured through adoption of suitable research method, pre-testing and in-depth interviews. Credibility of the instrument was ensured by triangulating data obtained and creation of research questionnaires based on research objectives. The quantitative data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 21, and was presented in descriptive statistics inform of frequencies and percentages. Inferential statistics in form of linear regression was used to test the relationship between independent and dependent variables in each objective. Linear Regression Results were presented in model summary tables, ANOVA tables and coefficient tables. Content analysis method was employed to critically analyze qualitative data and presented in textual form. On the first objective, the study revealed that students’ past performance slightly influenced examination malpractices among undergraduate students. The study showed that students’ emotional experiences significantly influenced examination malpractices. Based on the finding, students’ self-efficacy has significant influence on examination malpractices. To address the issue of students’ self-efficacy on examination malpractices, a multi-sectoral approach would be needed, that may involve all the stake holders, that is, the larger society, the government and the students. The incorporation of modern technology in entire process of examination administration and certification would be important in reducing the examination malpractices. An examination policy shift in universities would be necessary too.
Comparative Study on Treatment using Water-based Extract of Fresh and Dry Unripe Banana Peels with Conventional Antibiotics on UTI
Authors: Eedee Konne Felix , Chiladi Isomah , Solomon Ogbonna Ikechi , Nwokah Easter , Fyneface Amadi Chikadibia
Published: December 2021

Almost every part of a banana plant has use in medicine. Increased bacterial resistance to the conventional antibiotics has led to research into the development of alternative treatments to conventional antibiotics. This study focuses on the antimicrobial properties of banana peels against selected isolates from Urinary Tract Infection sample. The isolates from cultures further analysed with agarose gel electrophoresis for the presence of 16SrRNA and Phylogenetic analysis revealed Staphylococcus sciuri strain, a coagulase‐negative species, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis. Fresh unripe and dry unripe were used to determine the antimicrobial activities. A measure of 150grams of both fresh unripe and dry unripe was extracted with 100ml of water solvent (sterile) respectively for about 2days. The solvent extracts were concentrated separately under reduced pressure,  10g of each concentrated solvent extracts were dissolved in 5ml of sterile distilled water and used for antimicrobial assay using agar well diffusion method. The phytochemical analysis of fresh unripe and dry unripe revealed that alkaloid, flavonoid, cardiac glycosids,and phenols were present.. Musa sapientum L peels showed some effect on Escherichia coli, Enterococcusfaecalis, Staphylococcus sciuri, Klebsiellapneumoniae and Proteus mirabilisat 80% concentrations for water. Dry unripe has advantage over fresh unripe banana peels. The peels of Musa sapientum exhibited some inhibitory activity on these selected UTIs isolates, which could be attributed to the presence of certain secondary metabolites. Finally, when compared the peels extracts against the standard antibiotics drugs as the control, the water solvent extract were less effective.
Stress and Financial Burden Faced by Dentists Amidst COVID 19 Pandemic
Authors: Patil Amruta Popatrao , Magdum Dilip , Jadhav Santosh , Jadhav Abhijeet , Vhatkar Prakash , Kavle Pratibha Gopal
Published: December 2021

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic, initiated in Wuhan, China, had devastating effects on the dental industry world-wide. The mode of transmission of SARS Cov-2, causative agent of Covid-19, was through aerosol and saliva contamination putting dentists at high risk of contracting Covid-19. The measures taken to contain the spread of virus had financial repercussion on the dental industry. The survey was conducted to understand the mental health of dentists amidst Covid-19 pandemic.

Aim: To analyse the concerns and anxiety faced by dental surgeons regarding vaccination and the psychological and socio-economic impact Covid-19 pandemic had on dental setups.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of 3 months. A sample size of 300 dentists belonging to age group of 25years to 45years was analysed. The dentists included in the sample practiced in Maharashtra, India. A questionnaire was formulated in Google forms and circulated through social media platform. The result was analysed and demonstrated in pie-charts.

Results: The survey analysed that majority of dentists were apprehensive to carry out dental procedures. Along with the risk of contracting and being a source of transmission of Covid-19, dentists had huge financial burden of clinic rents, EMI loan pending bills, the cost of preventive kits and reduced patient flow.

Conclusion: The survey was successful in analysing the monetary and safety concerns faced by dentists amidst Covid-19 pandemic. The survey also pointed out the mental stress dentists had to overcome to practice dental procedures.
Title: Clinical Profile of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Neonates with Role of Sildenafil in its Outcome: Rural India NICU Experience
Authors: Pathak Sunil , Bhil Deepika , Prabodh Sakshi , Rasania Manish , Kumar Saurabh , Jain Shailesh
Published: December 2021

Background: Persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn (PPHN) result from failure of normal fall in pulmonary vascular resistance at or shortly after birth. It is associated with high mortality and morbidity.

Objectives: To estimate incidence, risk factors; and outcome within limited resources – conventional ventilation, sildenafil, dobutamine and milrinone therapy.

Methods: This prospective study was carried out on cases of PPHN admitted between March 2017 to August 2018. PPHN was suspected clinically, and then confirmed by echocardiography.

Results: Out of 2811 inborn live births 12 (0.43%) developed PPHN. Out of total 942 NICU admissions, PPHN was diagnosed in 40(4.2%). 32 (80%) were full term, 6 (15%) were late preterm and 2(5%) were post term neonates. 25(62.5%) were male. Major etiological factors were asphyxia 19(47.5%), EOS (early onset sepsis) 18(45%) and MAS (meconium aspiration syndrome)  12(30%). 20(50%) responded to oral sildenafil and dobutamine therapy, 6 more responded with addition of milrinone. The overall survival rate was 26(65%) and poor outcome in 14 (35%) in our study. Median duration of respiratory support was 1.5(1 – 6) days in those with poor outcome and 6(4 – 7) in those survived. Duration of hospital stay was 1.5(1 – 6) days in poor outcome and 17(13 – 22) in those survived.

Conclusions: Asphyxia, EOS and MAS are common causes of PPHN. Severity of respiratory distress on admission is correlated with mortality rather than etiological factors. Conventional ventilation, dobutamine, sildenafil and milrinone therapy are mainstay of treatment of PPHN cases in resource limited settings, and helps to reduce mortality to some extent.
Method for Robust Ground Ranging Using Monopulse Radar in Heterogeneous Clutter Environment
Authors: Son Jegyung
Published: December 2021

Aircraft radar has special function which is ranging from aircraft to ground of antenna boresight. Because ranging information is used to calibrate altitude of aircraft or to drop a conventional bomb, the measuring have to be precise and robust. Therefore, we propose a simple and efficient method using monopulse radar for ground ranging. Proposed method calculates balancing weight according to linearity of monopulse ratio and mixes two ranging measurements in proportional to the weight. By exploiting balancing weight, radar is able to react to various environment as monopulse ratio contains characteristics of clutter environment. As a result, robust ranging information can be achieved. We use DEM(Digital Elevation Model) in order to simulate heterogeneous environment. In experimental result, it is shown that proposed method shows better accuracy and precision in any environment.
Comparison of Heat Transfer Theory, CFD and Experimental Results in the Design Process of High-Power Fiber Laser Cooling Plate
Authors: Kim Taewoo , Lee Kangin , Jeong Minwan , Jeong Yeji , Koh KwangUoong , Lee Yongsoo
Published: December 2021

For the stabilization of laser output power and wavelength of the high power fiber laser, the cooling plate must be properly taken into account. In this study, three analyzing methods which are heat transfer theory, CFD and experiment are used to analyze cooling plate performance by measuring pump Laser Diode(LD) temperature. Under limited operating conditions of a cooling plate, the internal flow of cooling plate is transitional flow so that the internal flow is assumed to be laminar and turbulence flow and conducted theoretical calculation. Through CFD, temperature of pump LD and characteristics of the internal flow were analyzed. By the experiment, temperature of pump LD was measured in real conditions and the performance of the cooling plate was verified. The results of this study indicate that three analyzing methods are practically useful to design the cooling plate for the high power fiber laser or similar things.
A Conversion Protocol for 2W Telephone Signal over Ethernet in a Private PSTN
Authors: Shin JinBeom , Cho KilSeok , Lee DongGwan , Kim TaeHyon
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we proposed a protocol to convert 2W telephone analog signals to Ethernet data in a private PSTN 2W tactical voice system. There are several kinds of operational problems in the tactical telephone network where 2W telephone copper lines are installed hundreds of meters away from the PBX in a headquarter site. The reason is that it is difficult to install and maintain the 2W telephone copper cable in severe operational fields and to meet safety and stability operational requirements of the telephone line under lighting and electromagnetic environments. In order to solve these challenging demands, we proposed an efficient method that the 2W analog interface signals between a private PBX system and a 2W telephone is converted to Ethernet messages using the optical Ethernet data communication network already deployed in the tactical weapon system. Thus, it is not necessary to install an additional optic cable for the ethernet telephone line and to maintain the private PSTN 2W telephone network. Also it provides safe and secure telecommunication operation under lightning and electromagnetic environments.
This paper presents the conversion protocol from 2W telephone signals over Ethernet interface between PBX systems and 2W telephones, the mutual exchange protocol of ethernet messages between two converters, and the rule to process analog signal interface. Finally, we demonstrate that the proposed technique can provide a feasible solution in the tactical weapon system by analyzing its performance and experimental results such as the bandwidth of 2W telephone ethernet network and the transmission latency of voice signal, and the stability of optic ethernet voice network along with the ethernet data network.
Advances in Precise Structure Control and Assembly toward the Carbon Nanotube Industry
Authors: Zhu Zhenxing , Cui Chaojie , Bai Yunxiang , Gao Jun , Jiang Yaxin , Li Bofan , Wang Yao , Zhang Qiang , Qian Weizhong , Wei Fei
Published: December 2021

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess a unique tubular structure composed of highly graphitized atoms. Since their sp2 hybridized skeleton is discovered under the microscope, extensive attention is paid to their peculiar physics and extraordinary performances in mechanics, optics, and electricity. However, due to the challenges in controlled synthesis and mass production, there is a long bottleneck period in both the science and engineering of CNTs. In the recent decade, significant advances have emerged in ton‐scale production, 3D microprocessors, ultrastrong fibers, etc., which have pushed the renaissance of CNTs toward a new peak. This important progress benefits from the critical but commonly ignored breakthroughs in the precise structure control and assembly of CNTs. Herein, the morphological manipulation and technical routes toward the CNT industry will be focused on. First, the growth mechanism of defect‐free aligned CNTs will be discussed. Subsequently, nondestructive flow‐guided fabrication methods and their application paradigms are summarized. Then, attention will be turned to assembly‐based industrial production and applications of CNTs. Some research prospects toward the precise synthesis and CNT industry are proposed at last, in the hope of building a comprehensive understanding on the catalytic assembly toward defect‐free nanostructures and their high‐end applications.
Metal Oxides/Carbon Felt Pressure Sensors with Ultra‐Broad‐Range High Sensitivity
Authors: Wang Xiu‐man , Chai Yujun , Wang Ze‐ping , Yu Jiabing , Chen Xianping , Wong Ching Ping
Published: December 2021

Flexible piezoresistive pressure sensors have been extensively used in the field of wearable sensors. However, it is difficult to achieve both ultrahigh sensitivity and pressure range, with traditional pressure sensors. Therefore, a new Co3O4/carbon felt pressure sensor is proposed here, where Co3O4 as nanospacer provides low initial current without loading. Carbon felt with a rough surface as a flexible substrate provides a high output current under loading and extends the measurement range of the pressure sensors. The high sensitivity of the pressure sensors can be achieved with a low initial current and high output current. The Co3O4/carbon felt pressure sensors exhibit high sensitivity (243 kPa−1), ultralow detection limit (1.3 Pa), fast response (14 ms), and broad range (up to 180 kPa) of measurements. These excellent performances indicate that the Co3O4/carbon felt pressure sensor has great potential for application in wearable, healthcare devices. Furthermore, this strategy can be extended to the fabrication of other metal oxides/carbon felt pressure sensors.
A Self‐powered Triboelectric Coral‐Like Sensor Integrated Buoy for Irregular and Ultra‐Low Frequency Ocean Wave Monitoring
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Liu Jianhua , Wang Siyuan , Zheng Jiaxi , Guan Tangzhen , Liu Xiangyu , Wang Tingyu , Chen Tianyu , Wang Hao , Xie Guangming , Xu Peng , Tao Jin , Xu Minyi
Published: December 2021

The design of efficient ocean wave sensors for monitoring the marine environment and revealing dynamic changes has been a major challenge. In this study, a self‐powered bionic coral wave sensor (BCWS) based on a triboelectric nanogenerator is proposed. The BCWS captures wave data, which are useful for marine engineering construction, marine resource development, and marine disaster warning. It is mainly composed of triboelectric perceiving units (60 mm in length, 10 mm in width, and 1.5 mm in thickness) encapsulated in coral tentacles, a fixation mechanism, a buoyancy tray, and a counterweight mechanism. With the help of its bio‐inspired structural design, the BCWS effectively improves the signal response time and sensitivity in the 3D perception of wave information. In particular, the coral tentacles stimulated by a load cause contact‐separation between fluorinated ethylene propylene and conductive ink electrodes, thereby generating electric signals. This analysis of the experimental data reveals that the BCWS perceives wave height, wave frequency, wave period, and wave direction with millimeter accuracy. To demonstrate the applicability and stability of the BCWS, several of its potential functions are illustrated, including controlling light emitting diodes, perceiving wave information in the ocean, and assisting overboard rescue. The results show that the BCWS provides an intelligent solution for modern marine monitoring.
Enhanced Photoluminescence of Cesium Lead Halide Perovskites by Quasi‐3D Photonic Crystals
Authors: Carreño José Mendoza , Passarelli Nicolás , Otero‐Martínez Clara , Polavarapu Lakshminarayana , Pérez Luis A. , Reparaz Juan Sebastián , Alonso María Isabel , Mihi Agustín
Published: December 2021

Cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals have emerged as one of the most promising candidates for manufacturing portable lasers and light sources. In order to harness and exploit their photoluminescence more effectively, the nanocrystals are often accompanied by a photonic scheme that improves light emission. In this work, a quasi‐3D photonic crystal is introduced which is composed of a 2D‐grating on top of a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) and provides a greater photoluminescence enhancement than the isolated architectures alone. The quasi‐3D photonic crystals support both Rayleigh‐Wood anomalies and guided modes that populate the photonic bandgap of the Bragg mirror, all of them capable of enhancing the outcoupling of light from the emitting layer. In order to demonstrate the benefits of the quasi‐3D system, the authors prepare 2D‐gratings, DBRs, and quasi‐3D photonic crystals covered with metal halide perovskite nanocrystals and study the photoluminescence enhancement produced in each case. Interestingly, the quasi‐3D structure exhibits a photoluminescence enhancement of 16 times and an increase in spontaneous emission rate, greatly exceeding the values observed for the separate components.
Glycerol‐derived solvents containing two or three distinct functional groups enabled by trifluoroethyl glycidyl ether
Authors: Qian Shuai , Liu Xiaoyang , Turner Christoffer Heath , Bara Jason E.
Published: December 2021

Conversion of epichlorohydrin to glycidyl ethers creates versatile precursors that can be transformed into a variety of molecular species with glycerol skeletons, enabling the design of molecules with highly tailored functionalities. The synthesis of 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl glycidyl ether (TFGE, IUPAC name: 2‐[(2,2,2‐trifluoroethoxy)methyl]oxirane, CAS# 1535‐91‐7) was optimized to provide high yield/selectivity and good “green metrics.” TFGE was then used as a platform molecule in the synthesis of asymmetric glycerol 1,3‐diether‐2‐alcohol derivatives, which were subsequently transformed to 1,2,3‐triethers or 1,3‐diether‐2‐ketones. The density, viscosity, and CO2 solubility of each molecule were measured and compared with those of other glycerol‐derived compounds as well as compounds with similar functional groups. Furthermore, quantum chemical calculations were performed to understand the structure–property–performance relationships of these molecules for CO2 absorption. Based on the results in this work, we foresee that TFGE (and similar glycidyl ethers) would offer great flexibility in molecular design of green solvents and precursors to more complex compounds.
Solvent‐Independent Molecular Weight Determination of Polymers Based on a Truly Universal Calibration
Authors: Voorter Pieter‐Jan , McKay Alasdair , Dai Jinhuo , Paravagna Olga , Cameron Neil R. , Junkers Tanja
Published: December 2021

Diffusion‐ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY) allows for accurate molecular weight calibration and determination that can be corrected for solvent influences. Polystyrene and poly(ethylene glycol) standards have been used to calibrate DOSY diffusion data for a variety of solvents, showing a high correlation of data when the bulk viscosity of the solvent is accounted for following the Stokes–Einstein equation. In this way, a type of universal calibration is introduced that allows for determinations of average molecular weight that are at least as accurate as those of traditional size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC), if not better. Further, we demonstrate that DOSY calibrations can be used between laboratories, hence removing the need for individual calibration of setups as currently done.
Assessment of biological activity of the caffeine‐derived Pt (II) and Pd (II) complexes
Authors: Jovanović‐Stević Snežana , Ćoćić Dušan , Puchta Ralph , Bogojeski Jovana , Jurišević Milena , Gajović Nevena , Jakovljević Slobodan , Arsenijević Nebojša , Jovanović Ivan , Petrović Biljana
Published: December 2021

The substitution reactions of [Pd (caffeine)2Cl2] and [Pt (caffeine)2Cl2] (caffeine = 1,3,7‐trimethylxanthine) complexes with bio‐molecules such as 9‐methylguanine (9‐MetGua) and guanosine‐5′‐monophosphate (5′‐GMP) were studied spectrophotometrically. Kinetic measurements were performed under the pseudo‐first‐order conditions at 37°C and pH = 7.2 (25‐mM Hepes buffer) with the addition of 50‐mM NaCl. All reactions were carried out in two reaction steps giving the [M (caffeine)2(Nu)2] (M = Pd (II) or Pt (II) and Nu = 5′‐GMP or 9‐MetGua) as the reaction product. The reaction mechanism was also confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Kinetically data revealed a much higher reactivity of [Pd (caffeine)2Cl2] complex compared with analog platinum‐complex, while 9‐MetGua reacted faster than 5′‐GMP. The interactions of [Pd (caffeine)2Cl2] and [Pt (caffeine)2Cl2] complexes with calf thymus‐DNA (CT‐DNA) and human serum albumin (HSA) were investigated as well. Competitive studies with DNA were performed in the presence of ethidium bromide (EB) and Hoechst dye 33258 (Hoe). The complexes interact with DNA via minor groove rather than by intercalation. High values of binding constants indicate a good binding affinity of complexes toward HSA (104 M−1). Additionally, the experimental results of binding studies between [Pt (caffeine)2Cl2] complex with DNA and HSA were compared by a molecular docking study. The cytotoxicity of [Pd (caffeine)2Cl2] and [Pt (caffeine)2Cl2] complexes was tested against the mouse breast cancer (4T1) and colon cancer (CT26) as well as the human breast cancer (MDA‐MB‐468) and colon cancer (HCT‐116)] cell lines. The results indicate that the [Pt (caffeine)2Cl2] complex has higher cytotoxic capacity compared with [Pd (caffeine)2Cl2] at concentrations higher than 2 μM.
Dental remains of the Middle Pleistocene hominins from the Sima de los Huesos site (Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain): Maxillary dentition
Authors: Bermúdez de Castro José María , Martínez de Pinillos Marina , Martín‐Francés Laura , Modesto‐Mata Mario , García‐Campos Cecilia , Arsuaga Juan Luis , Martinón‐Torres María
Published: December 2021

The Middle Pleistocene site of the Sima de los Huesos (Sierra de Atapuerca, northern Spain) has yielded a considerable number of human fossils during the period 1984–2020. Among them, up to 253 maxillary teeth have been recovered. In this article, we present the description of the eight dental classes of the maxilla following the Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System classification. In addition, we present the mean mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters of these teeth compared to those of Neanderthals and a modern human sample. The morphology of both the anterior and posterior teeth suggests a close relationship of the Sima de los Huesos hominins with the populations of the second half of the Middle Pleistocene of Europe and the Near East, as well as with the so‐called classic Neanderthals of Europe. Features with a recognizable taxonomic signal allow grouping the Sima de los Huesos hominins with different paleodemes into a Neanderthal clade. The dental evidence of the Sima de los Huesos hominins is key to suggest a complex model for the settlement of Europe during the Middle Pleistocene. During this period, different migrations of human groups probably coming from Southwest Asia, replacements, prolonged isolations, as well as hybridization and introgression processes would have contributed to the diversity of hominins in Europe.
Detroit River Phytoplankton Analysis From Water Treatment Plant Data
Authors: Vasquez Adrian A. , Ahmed Abul , Carmona‐Galindo Victor D. , Sehgal Balvinder , Miller Carol J.
Published: December 2021

Key Takeaways

A new study of phytoplankton in the Detroit River follows significant changes to ecological and environmental conditions in the boundary waters and updates historical data research.

Measures to remediate river health in recent years can be evaluated through analysis of the abundance and diversity of phytoplankton communities at a higher taxonomic resolution.

By working with community partners to measure phytoplankton communities in the long term, water treatment plants can use the data gained to design an early‐warning system for river changes.
Exploring Dihydroflavonol‐4‐Reductase Reactivity and Selectivity by QM/MM‐MD Simulations
Authors: Diharce Julien , Bignon Emmanuelle , Fiorucci Sébastien , Antonczak Serge
Published: December 2021

Flavonoids are secondary metabolites ubiquitously found in plants. Their antioxidant properties make them highly interesting natural compounds for use in pharmacology. Therefore, unravelling the mechanisms of flavonoid biosynthesis is an important challenge. Among all the enzymes involved in this biosynthetic pathway, dihydroflavonol‐4‐reductase (DFR) plays a key role in the production of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. Here, we provide new information on the mechanism of action of this enzyme by using QM/MM‐MD simulations applied to both dihydroquercetin (DHQ) and dihydrokaempferol (DHK) substrates. The consideration of these very similar compounds shed light on the major role played by the enzyme on the stabilization of the transition state but also on the activation of the substrate before the reaction through near‐attack conformer effects.
Patient after correction Taussig‐Bing anomaly with severe neo‐aortic regurgitation after sudden cardiac arrest
Authors: Bielecka‐Dabrowa Agata , Bikiewicz Agata , Rybak Marek , Pawliczak Filip , Lewek Joanna , Banach Maciej , Maciejewski Marek
Published: December 2021

The Taussig‐Bing anomaly is a rare cyanotic congenital heart defect treated surgically in the early infancy. The preferred repair procedure is an arterial switch operation combined with ventricular septal defect closure. Despite promising long‐term functional outcomes and survival benefits, neo‐aortic dysfunction and arrhythmias might be relevant complications.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome relapsing in 10 months with an initial manifestation of polymyositis
Authors: Takeda Yukihisa , Ono Mariko , Kinoshita Hayato , Nagatomo Yoko , Miyauchi Hiroki , Tsukamoto Hiroshi , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Aoshiba Kazutetsu
Published: December 2021

Autoimmune disorders are an important cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We report a case of a patient with steroid‐responsive ARDS that relapsed in 10 months with an initial manifestation of seronegative polymyositis. ARDS associated with polymyositis may develop earlier than myopathy and may relapse later.
Online Teaching and Learning in Counselor Education: A 23‐Year Content Analysis
Authors: Li Dan , Su Yi‐Wen
Published: December 2021

Online teaching and learning has become increasingly prevalent in counselor education, particularly during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We conducted a content analysis on the frequency, type, and topics for 48 articles of online teaching and learning published from 1998 to 2020 in 26 counseling journals. Implications for online counselor education and future research are provided.
Europium is Different: Solvent and Ligand Effects on Oxidation State Outcomes and C‐F Activation in Reactions Between Europium Metal and Pentafluorophenylsilver
Authors: Guo Zhifang , Blair Victoria L. , Deacon Glen B. , Junk Peter C.
Published: December 2021

Unique outcomes have emerged from the redox transmetallation/ protolysis (RTP) reactions of europium metal with [Ag(C6F5)(py)] (py=pyridine) and pyrazoles (RR′pzH). In pyridine, a solvent not normally used for RTP reactions, the products were mainly EuII complexes, [Eu(RR′pz)2(py)4] (RR′pz=3,5‐diphenylpyrazolate (Ph2pz) 1; 3‐(2‐thienyl)‐5‐trifluoromethylpyrazolate (ttfpz) 2; 3‐methyl‐5‐phenylpyrazolate (PhMepz) 3). However, use of 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylpyrazole (tBu2pzH) gave trivalent [Eu(tBu2pz)3(py)2] 4, whereas the bulkier N,N′‐bis(2,6‐difluorophenyl)formamidine (DFFormH) gave divalent [Eu(DFForm)2(py)3] 5. In tetrahydrofuran (thf), the usual solvent for RTP reactions, C−F activation was observed for the first time with [Ag(C6F5)(py)] in such reactions. Thus trivalent [{Eu2(Ph2pz)4(py)4(thf)2(μ‐F)2}{Eu2(Ph2pz)4(py)2(thf)4(μ‐F)2}] (6), [Eu2(ttfpz)4(py)2(dme)2(μ‐F)2] (7), [Eu2(tBu2pz)4(dme)2(μ‐F)2] (8) were obtained from the appropriate pyrazoles, the last two after crystallization from 1,2‐dimethoxyethane (dme). Surprisingly 3,5‐dimethylpyrazole (Me2pzH) gave the divalent cage [Eu6(Me2pz)10(thf)6(μ‐F)2] (9). This has a compact ovoid core held together by bridging fluoride, thf, and pyrazolate ligands, the last including the rare μ4‐1η5(N2C3): 2η2(N,N′): 3κ(N): 4κ(N′) pyrazolate binding mode. With the bulky N,N′‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)formamidine (DippFormH), which often favours C−F activation in RTP reactions, neither oxidation to EuIII nor C−F activation was observed and [Eu(DippForm)2(thf)2] (10) was isolated. By contrast, Eu reacted with Bi(C6F5)3 and Ph2pzH or tBu2pzH in thf without C−F activation, to give [Eu(Ph2pz)2(thf)4] (11) and [Eu(tBu2pz)3(thf)2] (12) respectively, the oxidation state outcomes corresponding to that for use of [Ag(C6F5)(py)] in pyridine.
Spiroconjugated Tetraaminospirenes as Donors in Color‐Tunable Charge‐Transfer Emitters with Donor‐Acceptor Structure
Authors: Grenz David C. , Rose Daniel , Wössner Jan S. , Wilbuer Jennifer , Adler Florin , Hermann Mathias , Chan Chin‐Yiu , Adachi Chihaya , Esser Birgit
Published: December 2021

Charge‐transfer emitters are attractive due to their color tunability and potentially high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs). We herein present tetraaminospirenes as donor moieties, which, in combination with a variety of acceptors, furnished 12 charge‐transfer emitters with a range of emission colors and PLQYs of up to 99 %. The spatial separation of their frontier molecular orbitals was obtained through careful structural design, and two DA structures were confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. A range of photophysical measurements supported by DFT calculations shed light on the optoelectronic properties of this new family of spiro‐NN‐donor‐acceptor dyes.
Überwachung der kontinuierlichen hydrothermalen Synthese mittels Impedanzspektroskopie
Authors: Schüßler Christian , Zürn Martin , Hanemann Thomas , Türk Michael
Published: December 2021

Die kontinuierliche hydrothermale Synthese (CHTS) stellt ein vielversprechendes Verfahren zur Herstellung metalloxidischer Nanopartikel dar. Das Prinzip beruht auf der Vermischung einer kalten wässrigen Metallsalzlösung mit einem nahe‐/überkritischen Wasserstrom. Durch die außergewöhnlichen Eigenschaften des überkritischen Wassers kommt es zur Partikelbildung. Neben der Studie des Einflusses der Prozessparameter auf die resultierende Partikelgröße und ‐verteilung ist die Restkonzentration an gelöstem Metallsalz von Interesse. Diese kann mittels der Impedanzspektroskopie analysiert werden. Dazu werden an einer modifizierten CHTS‐Anlage Vorversuche durchgeführt, um zukünftig die Restkonzentration direkt bestimmen zu können.
Alliance rupture profiles by personality disorder pathology in psychotherapy for depression: Tendencies, development, and timing
Authors: Lipsitz‐Odess Ilana , Benisty Hadas , Dolev‐Amit Tohar , Zilcha‐Mano Sigal
Published: December 2021

Objective

Clinical and theoretical considerations presume that patients with different personality disorder (PD) clusters will be associated with distinct alliance rupture profiles; however, there is scarce empirical literature examining this. The present study adopted a systematic framework for investigating profiles of alliance ruptures for individuals belonging to each of the three PD clusters.

Method

The sample consisted of 94 patients from a randomized controlled trial for treatment of depression. PD cluster features were assessed at intake and ruptures were assessed across treatment. Three sets of multilevel analyses were conducted to test differences between the PD clusters in the general tendency to show a rupture profile, rupture development throughout the treatment, and timing of predicting ruptures by PD within sessions.

Results

The three clusters were associated with distinct profiles of alliance ruptures. Clusters A and B were characterized by a general tendency to show more withdrawal and confrontation ruptures. Cluster A had a greater decrease in confrontation ruptures over the course of treatment, while cluster B had a greater decrease in withdrawal ruptures. Cluster C was characterized by a general tendency to show fewer withdrawal and confrontation ruptures, with a greater increase in both ruptures over the course of treatment. For withdrawal ruptures, the differences between clusters were evident from the beginning of sessions, whereas for confrontation ruptures, there was less of a difference between beginning and end of sessions.

Conclusion

The distinct profiles of alliance ruptures for each PD cluster may contribute to progress towards tailoring treatment to individuals with PDs.
The role of cytology as an effective tool in management of omental and peritoneal lesions: Experience of a large health care system
Authors: Kataria Nidhi , Hacking Sean , Abdelwahed Mohammed , Burke Alexander , Karam Priyanka , Gimenez Cecilia , Das Kasturi , Khutti Seema
Published: December 2021

Background

The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of cytology in omental or peritoneal lesions.

Methods

A retrospective review of the pathology database for cytology cases of peritoneal or omental nodules over a 3‐year period (2016–2018) was conducted. The cases consisted of either FNA only (FO); FNA and Core biopsy (FCB) or Touch prep and core biopsy (TCB). Cases were further divided based on the prior history of carcinoma. Concordance rates of cytologic diagnosis with histologic diagnosis were studied.

Results

Out of 104 cytology cases reviewed, 60 (57.7%) had prior history of cancer (PHC) and 44 (42.3%) had no prior history of cancer (NPHC). Of the cases with PHC, 43(71.66%) were recurrence, 10 (16.66%) were second cancer, and 7 (11.66%) were non‐neoplastic lesions. Of the cases with NPHC, 38 (86.4%) had a second cancer diagnosis, while 6 (13.6%) were non‐neoplastic. For FO only cases, 11 of 35 (31.4%) had follow up and 9 of 11 (81.8%) were concordant. For FCB cases, 6 out of 39 (15.4%) had follow up and 6 (100%) were concordant. For TCB cases, 9 out of 30 (30%) had follow up and 9 (100%) were concordant. A definite diagnosis was reached in 30/35, 39/39, and 29/30 cases in FO, FCB, and TCB, respectively.

Conclusion

In summary, cytologic evaluation of omental lesions is an effective tool in providing accurate diagnosis and guiding further management. Also, the results based on our study show that the combined techniques are superior at reaching a definitive diagnosis.
Cirsium vickifunkiae, a new name for Cirsium validum (Cardueae, Asteraceae)
Authors: Deshmukh Umakant B. , Shende Mukund B. , Reddy Eanguwar Srinivas
Published: December 2021

A new name Cirsium vickifunkiae, is proposed to replace the illegitimate later homonym C. validum. According to the Art. 7.11 of Shenzhen Code, the typification of the basionym Carduus validus was not correctly proposed by Ackerfield et al. in 2020. Therefore, a lectotypification of the Greene’s name is here given.