bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational Commitment, Job Satisfaction, and Performance of Cooperatives
Authors: Ando Ellen , Clarin Ariel , Clarin Analyn
Published: February 2024

Cooperatives represent a resilient, vibrant, and viable economic alternative for achieving social goals because they can ensure more sustainable social and economic benefits within communities. This study determined the level of employees' organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and the performance of cooperatives in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula Region. The study utilized a descriptive-correlational design. A total of 22 managers, 22 bookkeepers, and 76 employees served as respondents who were chosen through purposive and random sampling techniques, respectively. The organizational Commitment Questionnaire, Job Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Performance of Cooperatives Questionnaire were used to gather the data. Mean, Standard Deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, and Multiple Regression Coefficient Analysis were the statistical tools used in the study. Results showed that the employees had high organizational commitment and job satisfaction. In addition, the performance of cooperatives was very good. The level of the employees' organizational commitment in terms of affective commitment and level of job satisfaction in terms of work, physical working conditions, salary, and promotion were correlated with cooperatives' performance in compliance with government requirements and human resource management. In addition, the cooperatives showed good performance with employees who worked according to their assigned responsibilities.

Keywords : economic alternative, government requirement, physical working conditions, promotion, salary
Plant Diversification with Biopesticide Application in the Production of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus Linn.) under Carmen, Davao del Norte Conditions
Authors: Sampiano Karl Fritze
Published: February 2024

The cucumber is one of the most important vegetable crops in the world regarding its nutrient composition and uses. However, this crop is also very susceptible to pest infestations that lead to significant yield loss. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effects of intercropping as a pest management approach in cucumbers. Results revealed that intercropping Zinnia flower with oriental herbal nutrient application significantly reduces the incidence of many important pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and cucurbit leaf beetles. On the other hand, intercropping the Zinnia flower plus the application of OHN was also found to increase the number of natural enemies in cucumber, such as parasitoids and ladybird beetles. It is therefore concluded that intercropping flowers in tandem with biopesticide can be a promising pest management strategy to minimize the dependence on synthetic insecticides. Further research must be carried out in this line of study to gain more insights and provide more scientific evidence supporting intercropping as a very important strategy and component in pest management programs.

Keywords : Arthropod diversity, habitat modification, intercropping, pest management, vegetable crop
Finitely additive functions in measure theory and applications
Authors: Alpay Daniel , Jorgensen Palle
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we consider, and make precise, a certain extension of the Radon-Nikodym derivative operator, to functions which are additive, but not necessarily sigma-additive, on a subset of a given sigma-algebra. We give applications to probability theory; in particular, to the study of \(\mu\)-Brownian motion, to stochastic calculus via generalized It�-integrals, and their adjoints (in the form of generalized stochastic derivatives), to systems of transition probability operators indexed by families of measures \(\mu\), and to adjoints of composition operators.
Smell and Aftersmell: Fast Calcium Imaging Dynamics of Honey Bee Olfactory Coding
Authors: Paoli Marco , Wystrach Antoine , Ronsin Brice , Giurfa Martin
Published: February 2024

Odour processing exhibits multiple parallels between vertebrate and invertebrate olfactory systems. Insects, in particular, have emerged as relevant models for olfactory studies because of the tractability of their olfactory circuits. Here, we used fast calcium imaging to track the activity of projection neurons in the honey bee antennal lobe (AL) during olfactory stimulation at high temporal resolution. We observed a heterogeneity of response profiles and an abundance of inhibitory activities, resulting in various response latencies and stimulus-specific post-odour neural signatures. Recorded calcium signals were fed to a mushroom body (MB) model constructed implementing the fundamental features of connectivity between olfactory projection neurons, Kenyon cells (KC), and MB output neurons (MBON). The model accounts for the increase of odorant discrimination in the MB compared to the AL and reveals the recruitment of two distinct KC populations that represent odorants and their aftersmell as two separate but temporally coherent neural objects. Finally, we showed that the learning-induced modulation of KC-to-MBON synapses can explain both the variations in associative learning scores across different conditioning protocols used in bees and the bees’ response latency. Thus, it provides a simple explanation of how the time contingency between the stimulus and the reward can be encoded without the need for time tracking. This study broadens our understanding of olfactory coding and learning in honey bees. It demonstrates that a model based on simple MB connectivity rules and fed with real physiological data can explain fundamental aspects of odour processing and associative learning.
Preserving and Promoting Cultural Literacy through Education of Chinese Sani Folk Songs in Kunming City, Yunnan Province
Authors: Gao Xuehong , Karin Khomkrich
Published: February 2024

Chinese Sani folk songs, originating from the vibrant culture of the Sani people in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, represent a precious tapestry of musical heritage. This research aims to examine the preservation and promotion of cultural literacy through the education of Chinese Sani folk songs in Kunming City, Yunnan Province. Esteemed Sani scholars, composers, and song transmitters serve as key informants, providing valuable insights into the multifaceted process of preserving and promoting this cultural treasure. A mixed-methods approach is employed. Combining qualitative interviews and quantitative questionnaires, this research offers a comprehensive perspective on Sani folk song preservation. The results highlight the importance of education, legislative support, cultural promotion, and collaboration with universities in preserving Sani folk songs. Suggestions include the establishment of folk song learning workshops, youth education programs, the preservation of traditional living environments, and the creation of a Sani folk song database. Overall, this research underscores the urgency of safeguarding this unique cultural heritage and contributes to the global discourse on preserving endangered folk music traditions.
Fostering Literacy through the Transmission of Chinese Dongbei Dagu Vocal Songs in Xiuyan County, Liaoning Province
Authors: Li Yang , Bhengsri Thanaporn
Published: February 2024

Chinese Dongbei Dagu vocal songs, a traditional genre hailing from Northeast China’s Dongbei region, possess a rich history spanning over two centuries, distinguished by their unique combination of rhythmic speech-like delivery and melodic elements. The objective of this study is to investigate the fostering of literacy through the transmission of Chinese Dongbei Dagu vocal songs in Xiuyan County, Liaoning Province. The research utilized questionnaires and interviews with six key informants as research tools, including two academic experts, three singers of Dongbei Dagu, and one musical accompanist, who played a pivotal role in providing invaluable insights into various facets of Dongbei Dagu, ranging from its historical significanceto the methods employed for its traditional and modern transmission. Qualitative data analysis revealed the existence of two primary modes of transmission: the time-honored apprentice style and the familial family-style methods within traditional settings. Moreover, it uncovered contemporary transmission modes that ingeniously adapt to folk activities, tea houses, theaters, and specialized training workshops. The research findingsunderscore the paramount importance of cultural databases, governmental support, educational initiatives, innovation, audience expansion, and early education in the continuous preservation and promotion of Dongbei Dagu. Ultimately, this study not only enhances our comprehension of intangible cultural heritage but also offersa pragmatic blueprint for sustaining traditional art forms within the context of contemporary society.
Educational and Literacy Perspectives about Bronze Drums in Southwest China for Contemporary Learning Resources
Authors: Liu Jinxi , Nicolas Arsenio
Published: February 2024

Bronze drums, esteemed artifacts saturated in cultural significance, have been integral to the heritage of ethnic communities in Southwest China for centuries. This study aims to investigate the educational and literacy perspectives regarding bronze drums in contemporary learning resources within the region. Conducting fieldwork in Guangxi, Guizhou, and Yunnan – renowned for their rich bronze drum culture we engaged six key informants selected for their cultural proficiency and educational involvement. Interviews and documentaries were used to gather first-hand information about the cultural significance of bronze drums, how they were categorized by gender, and how they changed from being passed down orally to being written down formally. Findings highlight bronze drums as invaluable resources for contemporary education, emphasizing their role in cultural preservation and literacy development. This research encourages the utilization of cultural traditions as effective tools for education and heritage preservation, ensuring the continued relevance of Southwest China’s unique heritage in a rapidly evolving world.
Effects of Eight Week High-Intensity Interval Training Program Followed by a Six Week Detraining on Healthy Adult Gym-Users
Authors: Branquinhoa Luís , Anselmo Gomes Pedro , Ferreira Luís , Brito Diana , Hattabi Soukaina , Ghouili Hatem , Sampaio Tatiana , Malheiro Alexandra , Teixeirae José E. , Forteb Pedro , Ferraz Ricardo
Published: February 2024

Background: The literature has reported that high-intensity training (HIIT) can effectively improve maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and body composition (BC). Still, contradictory results are reported regarding its impact of HIIT training and post-period detraining on gym users. Objective: This study aimed to verify how eight weeks of HIIT affects VO2 maximum and BC in healthy gym users. Additionally, the effect of a six-week detraining period was verified. A group of 10 gym-users (mean ± SD age: 29.03 ± 6.18 years) volunteered for this randomized controlled trial (RCT). Method: A HIIT program that included exercises such as jumping air squats, burpees and jumping jacks was applied over eight weeks. After this period, a six-week detraining period was applied. To measure changes in VO2 max, the Queen’s College Step Test (QCST) was applied, while a bioimpedance scale was used to measure BC. Results: Eight weeks of HIIT seem to show a tendency to increase VO2 max and cause positive changes in BC (p ≤ 0.05) with the exception of two variables (i.e., fat-free mass and fat mass). Furthermore, the results suggest that 6 weeks of detraining may negatively affect gains resulting from the training program, particularly in VO2 max and body mass index (BMI) p ≥ 0.05. Conclusions: Eight-week HIIT program incorporating short-duration explosive exercises can positively affect VO2 max and BC in adult gym users.
Ecological ICMS: environmental policy for the sustainable development of Rondônia
Authors: Konzen Ione Grace do Nascimento Cidade , Matos Gleimíria Batista da Costa , Moret Artur de Souza , Nantes Rosalina Alves , Colferai Sandro Adalberto
Published: February 2024

Emotional competence in teaching is a topic of great interest today, since it is extremely important for teachers to feel good about the tasks assigned to them in terms of work, and it is also very important for them to be emotionally successful in carrying them out efficiently. Due to the context of the COVID-19 Pandemic that we are all experiencing there have been several modifications to which the teachers had to adjust to provide good learning to the students and this is the reason for the conduct of this study, so the objective of this research is to know the emotional competence profile of the teachers of the Schools Groupings of the capital of Bragança district in the context of the COVID-19 Pandemic, making use of an anonymous and confidential questionnaire applied to the teachers of the Groupings of the capital of Bragança, divided into two parts: the first part, contemplating variables of sociodemographic and professional characterization and a second part consisting of "Scaling" the Veiga de Competência Emocional (EVCE) (Veiga-Branco, 2005, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018). The results obtained show that there is no influence of sociodemographic or professional variables on the emotional competence profile of the teachers or on the dimensions of it.
Floyd Type II Congenital Tracheal Agenesis in a Preterm Neonate: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Khandelwal Shikha , Singh Priya , Anand Rama , Dudeja Ajay , Singh Varinder
Published: February 2024

Tracheal agenesis is a rare and life-threatening airway malformation, and currently, there is no curative treatment available. The described case involves a preterm male newborn at 30 weeks of gestational age who could not be intubated during resuscitation, despite multiple attempts. However, the baby could be ventilated after oesophageal intubation. Tracheal stenosis/ atresia was suspected, and airway evaluation was performed using a thin, flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope. No tracheal opening could be identified, and upon introducing the bronchoscope into the oesophagus, a triluminal opening was found, through which the scope could not be further navigated. To further delineate the anatomy, a Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) thorax was performed, revealing the absence of a tracheal lumen and the communication of both bronchi at the carina with the oesophagus. Unfortunately, the baby succumbed to the illness after three days. Tracheal agenesis is an anatomical malformation that typically presents as respiratory distress and the absence of an audible cry at birth. Attempts to establish a definite airway are unsuccessful, which may result in early neonatal death. Oesophageal intubation may temporarily establish ventilation until palliative surgery is performed.
School Teachers’ Knowledge and Attitude towards Mental Disorders among Schoolgoing Children: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Tyagdal Lubna , Phatak Akshay Shreekrishna
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Mental disorders in children can present with non specific behavioural issues, like irritability and procrastination. These issues are often neglected, which can negatively affect academic performance and overall development. Teachers hold a unique position to promote mental health and facilitate early identification of mental disorders, leading to timely referrals for early intervention. Aim: To examine the knowledge and attitude of school teachers towards mental disorders in school-going children. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Karwar city over a period of two months (July and August 2019) at the Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences, Karnataka , India. A total of 121 primary and high school teachers from 11 schools participated in the study. Purposive sampling was used, as all schools in Karwar city were approached for the study. A self-designed questionnaire consisting of 20 questions (10 questions on knowledge and 10 questions on attitude towards children with mental disorders) was used. Descriptive statistics, such as percentages, were used for data analysis. Results: The study revealed that teachers had moderate knowledge about child mental disorders. However, there was a lack of awareness about the treatment and care of such children. Sixty-three (52.07%) teachers believed that mental disorders result from incorrect thinking. Seventy-nine (65.29%) teachers were of the opinion that sleeping pills are not the only available treatment. Attitude towards children with mental disorders were both positive and negative. 82 (67.77%) teachers believed such children to be less intelligent, while 76 (62.81%) teachers did not believe mentally ill children indulge in violence. Many teachers were aware that these children can be vulnerable to bullying and discrimination by their peers. Conclusion: The study concluded that there is moderate knowledge and mixed attitude among school teachers regarding mental disorders in school-going children. This highlights the need for proper training programs that can aid in early identification, timely referrals for mental health evaluation, and the promotion of child mental health.
Multidimensional Measures of Economic Insecurity in Spain: The Role of Aggregation and Weighting Methods
Authors:   Universidad de Alcalá and EQUALITAS, Cantó Olga , García-Pérez Carmelo ,   Universidad de Alcalá, Romaguera de la Cruz Marina ,   Universidad Antonio de Nebrija and EQUALITAS
Published: February 2024

Economic insecurity is a relevant dimension of well-being. The limited availability of subjective expectations’ surveys makes multidimensional insecurity indices based on living conditions surveys a valuable alternative. We study differences in synthetic indicators of insecurity for Spain using different methods to aggregate and weigh dimensions. We show that its evolution and distribution is robust to the aggregation procedure, even though levels do differ. All procedures present strengths and weaknesses but the counting approach has a direct economic interpretation and can better capture insecurity in the middle classes. Other aggregation methods are less transparent and give more relevance to extreme situations.
Critique of Development and Validation of 4-Factor Mathematics Anxiety Scale among Secondary School Students in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Chinonso Ogazi, Francisca , Laseinde James, Oluwayomi , Eleje Enya, Immaculetta
Published: February 2024

Mathematics as a daily cultural activity of human in space and time; concretized into symbols to be computed using mental computer or activities, is a subject that puts people not only the learners into a feeling of phobia/ anxiety whenever the name is mentioned. This article from psychological perspective posits that, the masses general adoption of mathematics as a difficult and fearful subject is a cause from environmental factors. This is because prior scientific approach to mathematics, human beings have been solving daily issues, removing, adding, dividing and multiplying using available counters like fingers, toes, sticks, stones, grains, charcoal, seeds even human beings, animals, plants, buildings, cars  and others. Today, teaching and learning of mathematics is affected. Majority of the mathematics teachers teach mathematics in abstract; learners learn in abstract coupled with some psychological issues that may be opposing the mental ability as at the time of learning which also goes on to affect the retention, remembering and transferring. This article critiqued Development and Validation of 4-Factor Mathematics Anxiety Scale among Secondary School Students in Ibadan, Nigeria. The study adopted opinion research design. The population of the study comprised all aspect of humans that are educable or can learn, but 42 respondents (20 male and 22 female which comprised 8 teachers, 6 non-educators, 24 junior and senior students and 4 postgraduate students) was sampled. The instruments for data collection were interview and focus group. Two research questions guided the study. The main purpose of the critiquing is to counter the masses’ negative notion and the claim about math by this paper; to inculcate into the masses especially the younger learners /scholars that math is like every other subject; that mathematics anxiety is as a result of mathematics nature misconception and the negative verbalization influence from the teachers, parents and the society that, “math is difficult”; to expose the lapses in parents and teachers inadequacies in instilling mathematics self-efficacy into the learners and thereby encourage learners to learn with confidence built on constancy for “constant practice makes for perfection.  From the findings, it was discovered that the onset of mathematics anxiety centered around the teachers’ demonstrating incompetence, giving rigid approaches and personalities and employment of untrained math teachers in teaching mathematics. The study on mathematics anxiety was critiqued and recommendations made that would help educational development and management.
Diversity of Echinoderms in the Subtidal Zone of Sintok Island, Karimunjawa National Park, Jepara, Indonesia
Authors: Trisna Nindya , Hartati Retno , Widianingsih Widianingsih
Published: February 2024

Aims: To determine the diversity of Echinoderms in the subtidal zone of Sintok Island.

Study Design: This study applied a purposive sampling method.

Place and Duration of Study: Sintok Island, Jepara, Indonesia, November 2019.

Methodology: The belt transect method was used. The transect was drawn 200 m perpendicular from the coastline to the sea. The echinoderms in the 2m area along the transect line are observed for their diversity, the number of individuals from each species is counted, and the substrate is observed.The diversity index of Shannon-Wiener, evenness (uniformity), and dominance indices were analyzed.

Results: The results showed 11 species belonging to 3 classes of Echinoderms found in Sintok Island. Holothuroidea class consisted of Holothuria atra, H. coluber, H. edulis, H. impatiens, Pearsonothuria graeffei, and Synapta maculata. Asteroidea class consisted of Culcita novaeguineae, Linckia laevigata, and Protoreaster nodosus. The Echinoidea class consists of Diadema setosum and Laganum laganum. H. atra was the most abundant species (0.70 ind.m-2). The diversity index value (H') of Echinoderm was in the range of 1.21 to 2.01, classified as a moderate condition.

Conclusion: The echinoderm species in subtidal areas on Sintok Island could be a good tourist attraction in this national park.
Retrospective Evaluation of Primary Bone Tumors and Their Incidence in the “Ignacio García Téllez” Specialty Hospital CMN IMSS
Authors: Merino Francisco Elías Vargas , Román Cristóbal Landa , Mejía Gibran Prudencio Mejía
Published: February 2024

In 1948, Steiner conducted an analysis of cancer registries in the United States of America, estimating that primary bone tumors constituted approximately 1% of all fetal malignancies. For its part, in Great Britain, a similar incidence of primary bone tumors is observed, fluctuating between 0.8% and 0.9%. A later statistic from the United States at v of 1.87:1000 000 deaths among children under 14 years of age, increasing to 11.97:1000 000 deaths in people aged 11 to 19 years. Since all bone components are derived from the mesoderm, they have the potential to be composed of any of the four basic types of cells: fibroblasts, chondroblasts, osteoblasts and the reticulo-myelogenous series, to achieve a correct diagnosis it is necessary to have the complementary radiological and pathological support to part of biochemical and hematological investigations. The present investigation focused on a retrospective, observational, quantitative, risk-free study, based on the review of records and tracking of histological reports of patients who were treated at the “Ignacio García Téllez” CMN IMSS Specialty Hospital in a period of 5 years, including all those cases with primary tumors of bone or cartilage origin, both benign and malignant of bone marrow and vascular, in addition to pseudotumor lesions such as fibrous dysplasia, metaphyseal fibrous defect, solitary bone cyst. A total of 182 histological records and reports were recorded in a period of 5 years where a total of 93 women and 89 men were recorded, with ages ranging from 3 months of extrauterine life to 87 years. With a mean of 56.53 years and a standard deviation of 18.48 years. 129 benign tumors were reported in 63 men and 66 women; Meanwhile, a total of 53 malignancies were counted in 26 men and 27 women. The current study facilitates the evaluation of the most common neoplasms in our environment, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of having adequate resources to develop a timely diagnosis and treatment plan for the benefit of patients.
Effect of Some Selected Organic Mulches on Flowering, Ripening and Suckering of Pineapple Va. Smooth cayenne
Authors: Nze, E.O.  , Orji, J.O.  , Tom, C.T.  , Udo, U.K  , Ogu, C.E.
Published: February 2024

The gains obtained from organic mulching of pineapple farms can never be overemphasized. Despite this fact many developed countries still patronize synthetic mulching due to its efficiency in large pineapple farms. However in developing countries of Africa and Nigeria in particular where small scale pineapple farmers still contribute to the national gross domestic product (GDP), the need for cheaper organic mulching techniques which do not only suppress weed and improve soil fertility but have positive influence on pineapple flowering, ripening and suckering is required. Based on this, a research was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Technology Owerri to assess the effect of some selected organic mulch types on the maturing trends of Smooth Cayenne pineapple. A 32 factorial fitted into a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used. Result showed that main effects from mulch rates and mulch types independently had significant influence on days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, the interval between time of first flowering and attainment of 50% flowering, days to ripening, interval from flowering to ripening and number of suckers produced at 50% flowering stage while interaction of mulch rates and mulch types only had significant effect on days to first flowering. This study revealed that the utilized organic mulch materials had tremendous positive influence on flowering, ripening and suckering of Smooth Cayenne pineapple.
Growth and Biomass Models for Three Fast-growing Tree Species under High-density Plantation
Authors: Singh Bijay Kumar , Tomar Anita
Published: February 2024

Three fast-growing trees, viz., Populus deltoides, Eucalyptus spp. and Casuarina equisetifolia were studied, in high-density plantation at Padilla, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh with following treatments viz., T1: Poplar (1×1m), T2: Eucalyptus (1×1m), T3: Casuarina (1×1m), T4: Poplar (1.2×1.2 m), T5: Eucalyptus (1.2×1.2 m), T6: Casuarina (1.2×1.2 m), T7: Poplar (1.5×1.5 m), T8: Eucalyptus (1.5×1.5 m) and T9: Casuarina (1.5×1.5 m). The experiment was established in year July 2021 and data was collected in June 2022. The result indicate the maximum height was recorded in T2: Eucalyptus (1×1 m) 3.81 m followed by T5: Eucalyptus (1.2×1.2 m) 3.78 m, T8: Eucalyptus (1.5×1.5 m) 3.40 m which was at par with each other and minimum in T9: Casuarina (1.5×1.5 m) 2.42 m whereas the maximum girth was found in T4: Poplar (1.2×1.2 m) 6.91 cm followed by T2: Eucalyptus (1×1 m) 6.61 cm, T5: Eucalyptus (1.2×1.2 m) 6.16 cm, T1: Poplar (1×1 m) 5.91 cm which was at par with each other and minimum in T9: Casuarina (1.5×1.5 m) 3.22 cm after one year. Various linear function was attempted to predict biomass based on GBH (G) and Height (H). Prediction accuracy of Height, girth model was slightly better than the height and girth model. Linear model (Y=a + bH + cG), where Y denotes dependent variable (biomass) and H and G denotes independent variable (Height or Girth), performed better (than the remaining tested models) in terms of estimation precision and prediction accuracy. The AGB was maximum was found in T2: Eucalyptus (1×1m) 0.676 kg tree-1 followed by T5: Eucalyptus (1.2×1.2 m) 0.598 kg tree-1 and minimum in T9: Casuarina (1.5×1.5 m) 0.214 kg tree-1. After completion of one year Eucalyptus (1×1 m) showed best growth among all treatments.
Effect of Biofertilizers and Nutrients on Mustard (Brassica juncea): A Review
Authors: Gupta Devrani , Kalhapure Aniket , Sah Dinesh , Kumar Arun , Singh Narendra , Chaubey AK , Maurya Shravan Kumar , Verma Rahul , Panwar G. S.
Published: February 2024

This review explores the impact of biofertilizers and nutrients on mustard (Brassica juncea) cultivation. Mustard, a vital oilseed crop in India, faces challenges such as low productivity and environmental concerns due to excessive chemical fertilizer usage. The paper emphasizes the significance of integrated nutrient management, combining chemical and organic sources, including biofertilizers. The study evaluates the effects on various growth parameters, yield attributes, economic aspects, soil nutrients, and microbial properties. Biofertilizers applications, particularly Azotobacter, PSB and SSB, show promising results in enhancing growth metrics, yield, and nutrient uptake. The judicious combination of chemical fertilizers and biofertilizers demonstrates the potential for improving mustard crop productivity while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Haematological Insight: An Epidemiological Study on Prevalence of Anaemia in Diverse Blood Groups within the Population of Hyderabad Sindh
Authors: Farhanuddin Syed , Suhag Ahmed Hussain , Chohan Habib-ur-Rahman , Waheed Kiran , Warsi Jamshed , Bilal Atique Arain  , Abdeen Syed Zain Ul
Published: February 2024

dietary deficiencies, which is defined by the WHO as low Haemoglobin levels and low red cell death due to a deficiency of iron in the body. This is especially true for lower socioeconomic groups because of cultural influences and a lack of resources. All genders and age groups are affected by iron deficiency anemia (IDA), which can cause microcytic and hypochromic disease with a range of clinical consequences. According to many recent studies, there may be a connection between blood types and IDA, with those who belong to blood groups O and B perhaps at higher risk of developing the anemia. Confirmation of these links and comprehension of the underlying mechanisms need more study.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted at the emergency department of Liaquat University Hospital from June to August 2022 that involved 400 patients who were divided into two groups: a control group comprising 285 patients who were not suffering from iron deficiency anaemia and a study group comprising 415 patients suffering from iron deficiency anemia excluding those with other diseases. A formal consent preceded comprehensive clinical examinations, including blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen saturation measurements. Blood group determination employed the glass slide agglutination method, distinguishing A, B, AB, and O groups. Haemoglobin levels were assessed using Sahli's hemoglobinometer, while the complete blood picture was obtained by the blood CP report of the hospital laboratory. Statistical analyses, including Fischer's exact test, were performed using GraphPad 9 prism. Specificity/sensitivity, likelihood ratios, and odds ratios were calculated for further analysis.

Conclusion: This study shows a significant relationship between various blood groups and the prevalence of anaemia in the population.
Knowing that I didn't know: preschoolers' understanding of their own false belief is a predictor of assents to fictitious events
Authors: Thomsen Yvonne , Berntsen Dorthe
Published: April 2005

The present study examines the relation between children's theory of mind abilities and their tendency to assent to fictitious events when questioned repeatedly across interviews. Children between the ages of 3 and 6 years were interviewed individually either four or seven times about a fictitious and a real staged event, and in addition given a false belief test as well as a fantasy‐reality distinction test. Children's performance on the false belief task addressing the understanding of their own false belief was a better predictor for assents to false events than was understanding the false belief of another person, age, number of interviews and performance on a fantasy‐reality distinction task. Children's memory for a staged event showed that repeated questions across interviews was related to a decrease in correct assents to having experienced a staged event, an increase in wrong yes‐responses about touch and erroneously mentioning names of children who had not been present during the staged event. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of reforming parameter and configuration for hydrogen production
Authors: Chen Zhongxiang , Elnashaie Said S. E. H.
Published: April 2005

In the present investigation optimization is classified into configuration optimization on one hand and optimization of the design and operating parameters for each configuration on the other hand. The process investigated is that of hydrogen production by steam reforming of higher hydrocarbons. Heptane is used as a model component for higher hydrocarbons. The proposed novel reforming process is basically a circulating fluidized‐bed membrane reformer (CFBMR) with continuous catalyst regeneration and gas–solid separation. Composite hydrogen‐selective membranes are used to remove the product hydrogen from the reacting gas mixture, thus driving the reversible reactions beyond their thermodynamic equilibria. Dense perovskite oxygen‐selective membranes are also used to introduce oxygen for the exothermic oxidation of hydrocarbons and carbon. Four configurations are investigated, two of which relate to the catalyst regeneration before the gas–solid separation and the other two related to the catalyst regeneration after the gas–solid separation. The optimization of the performance of each configuration is carried out for a number of design and operating parameters as optimization parameters and under both non‐autothermal and autothermal conditions. Results show that the autothermal operation with direct contact between cold feeds (water and heptane) and hot circulating catalyst can be the best configuration for efficient hydrogen production with minimum energy consumption. The maximum net hydrogen yield is 16.732 mol of hydrogen per mol of heptane fed, which is 76.05% of the maximum theoretical hydrogen yield of 22 when the final reforming products are carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Previous investigations never exceeded 70.82% of this theoretical value. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2005
Scaling potential index (SPI) for CaCO3 based on Gibbs free energies
Authors: Sheikholeslami R.
Published: April 2005

A new index (SPI) incorporating the theoretical thermodynamic relationships relating the equilibrium and solubility constants to the Gibbs free energy of reactions is obtained for assessing the scaling potential of carbonate system. Also inclusion of activity and specific ion interactive forces extends the applicability of the SPI over a wide salinity ranges and in presence of other cations and anions that is usually encountered in brackish water and sea water reverse osmosis desalination units, in concentrate management, and in differentiating between reverse osmosis and nanofiltration modules that have different passages for mono‐valent and di‐valent ions. Some of the industrially used empirical indices for prediction CaCO3 scaling potential are reviewed and their shortcomings are discussed. The theoretically calculated results for SPI have been compared and validated with experimental values and with other commonly and industrially used indices. The results show that SPI is a better predictive approach. This method could be easily extended to take into account the pressure effects in membrane units. Furthermore, the same principle could be applied and the procedure could easily be extended to other salts. This index is a measure of the scaling potential and provides a conservative measure. Use of Gibbs free energy not only provides a theoretical means for assessing the scaling potential but also will enable future incorporation of the interactive and solvent effects in determining the solubility constants which could become readily possible with the advances in computational chemistry and incorporation of the kinetic and hydrodynamic effects in the future studies from the first principles. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2005
Preparation and recovery properties of homogeneous modified polysulfone plate affinity membrane chromatography with thiohydroxy as chelating groups. I. Synthesis and preparation of plate matrix membrane
Authors: Wang Bing , Huang Wenqiang , Yang Xinlin
Published: April 2005

A chloromethylation polysulfone (CMPSF), having good properties of membrane formation, spinnability, and reactive groups, was synthesized with Friedel–Crafts reaction, which could be used as reactivity matrix membrane materials. The effects of ZnCl2 quantity, monochloro methyl ether quantity, reaction time, and reaction temperature on the chlorinity of CMPSF were investigated. The CMPSF plate matrix membranes were prepared with phase inversion by use of the CMPSF/additive/N,N′‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc) casting solution and CMPSF as membrane materials. The focus of this study was primarily concerned with the relationship among such factors as species and contents of additives, CMPSF content in casting solutions, and temperature of solutions, and the morphological structure of the membrane, pore size, porosity, and water flux of the membrane. It was concluded that these factors had obvious effects on the structure and the performance of the CMPSF matrix plate membrane, which could be improved within a wide range by changing the thermodynamic conditions of the casting solution. The effects of coagulation conditions on the microstructure and performance of CMPSF plate matrix membrane were also studied. It was found that the water flux of the CMPSF plate matrix membrane was at a maximum value by use of 10% DMAC solution as coagulation bath. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2117–2131, 2005
Fourier transform Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies of silk fibroin
Authors: Shao Jianzhong , Zheng Jinhuan , Liu Jinqiang , Carr C. M.
Published: April 2005

The chemical and conformational structures of Bombyx mori silk were studied with the complementary techniques of Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The Fourier transform Raman spectrum of silk showed strong bands for the photosensitive aromatic amino acids tyrosine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine. Intensive UV/ozone irradiation reduced the Raman intensities of the amide III band and the tyrosine signals due to peptide chain scission of the silk polymer and the photochemical changes in the tyrosine residues on the silk molecules. However, the Raman spectroscopy changes for tryptophan were less clearly defined because of peak overlapping with other amino acid signals and the low concentration of tryptophan. The Fourier transform infrared (attenuated total reflectance) technique, coupled with second‐derivative spectroscopy analysis, demonstrated a decrease in the crystallinity degree and tyrosine content of UV/ozone‐irradiated silk, as indicated by changes in the Fourier transform infrared bands of amide III doublet and tyrosine signals. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 1999–2004, 2005
Supercritical CO2–assisted synthesis and characterization of a polystyrene/thermal polyurethane blend
Authors: Xu Qun , Zhao Yuan
Published: April 2005

A blend of polystyrene and thermal polyurethane (PS/TPU) was prepared using supercritical (SC) CO2 as a substrate‐swelling agent and monomer/initiator carrier. The SC CO2/styrene/TPU ternary system was studied. Virgin TPU and synthesized blends were characterized through differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, rheometric measurements, and SEM. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2016–2020, 2005
Main‐chain liquid‐crystalline ionomers bearing potassium sulfonate groups
Authors: Meng Fan‐Bao , Zhang Bao‐Yan , Xu Ye , Liu Jing‐Yan
Published: April 2005

A series of thermotropic main‐chain liquid‐crystalline (LC) ionomers were prepared, which contained potassium sulfonate groups pendent to the chains. The polymers were prepared in an esterifying reaction with potassium ion contents ranging between 0 and 3.9 wt %. The content of potassium ion was characterized by spectrophotometric analysis with sodium tetraphenylboron as the titrant. Chemical structures were determined by various experimental techniques including Fourier transform IR spectroscopy and 1H‐NMR. LC properties were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy, and X‐rays. All of the polymers displayed nematic or smectic mesophases. With increasing potassium sulfonate ionic concentration in the polymers, the melting temperatures and isotropic transition temperatures changed little, whereas the temperature of the smectic A–nematic phase transition increased. The ionic aggregation was tangled with the rigid mesogenic groups of LC segments to form multiple block domains, leading the soft main chains to fold and form a lamellar structure due to their electrostatic interactions. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2021–2026, 2005
Characterization of a thermoset by thermal analysis techniques: Criterion to assign the value of the α‐transition temperature by dielectric analysis
Authors: Núñez‐Regueira Lisardo , Gracia‐Fernández C. A. , Gómez‐Barreiro S.
Published: April 2005

A cured thermoset composed of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and m‐xylylene diamine as the cure agent was studied with different thermal analysis techniques, including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and dielectric analysis (DEA). DSC was used to measure the glass‐transition temperature and to check the absence of the heat of reaction. DMA and DEA were used to show the existence of two transitions in the temperature range of −100 to 240°C. The transition at a low temperature corresponded to the β transition. The second one, at a higher temperature, was associated with an α transition. The β transition followed Arrhenius behavior, whereas the α transition followed Vogel behavior. For an analysis of the α transition, different equations, such as the Havriliak–Negami, Vogel, and Williams–Landel–Ferry equations, were used. Important differences related to the fitting parameters were found that depended on the type of equation and the operation mode used. For this reason, a new method for calculating the α‐transition temperature was examined. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2027–2037, 2005
Crystallization and dynamic mechanical properties of polypropylene/polystyrene blends modified with maleic anhydride and styrene
Authors: Zhang Yu , Huang Yongping , Mai Kancheng
Published: April 2005

Polypropylene (PP)/polystyrene (PS) blends modified with reactive monomers, such as maleic anhydride (MAH) and styrene (St), and in situ formed PP/PS blends were prepared by melting extrusion. The crystallization and melting behavior and the dynamic mechanical properties of the PP/PS blends, including the structure of the grafted copolymer, were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and Fourier transform infrared. The results indicated that the addition of MAH hardly influenced the crystallization temperature of PP in the blends, but the addition of MAH and St increased the crystallization temperature of PP in its blends. The blends showed no remarkable variety for the melting temperature, but the shapes of the melting peaks were influenced by the addition of the reactive monomers. In addition, a significant increase in the storage and loss moduli of all the modified PP/PS blends was observed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2038–2045, 2005
Synthesis and characterization of quaternized poly(4‐vinylpyridine‐co‐styrene) membranes
Authors: Huang Aibin , Xiao Chaobo , Zhuang Lin
Published: April 2005

Copolymers of 4‐vinylpyridine and styrene [P(4VP–St)s] with varied molar ratios were synthesized by means of radical mass polymerization with 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator. The insoluble (linear) pyridinium‐type polymers in the octyl‐pyridinium bromide form, which possess various macromolecular chain compositions, were prepared by the reaction of each P(4VP–St) with 1‐bromooctane. A series of membranes were prepared for use in electrochemistry. These membranes, prepared with quaternized poly(styrene‐co‐4‐vinylpyridine), were characterized by IRspectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetory, tensile strength measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and an electrochemistry workstation. Our emphasis was to select a membrane with appropriate properties for use in the electrochemistry field. A promising membrane was selected to use in the field of electrochemistry by these characterizations. This study could be the preparation for a study on the electrochemical properties of pyridinium‐type polymers. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2146–2153, 2005
Pore structure and water‐swelling behavior of porous resins based on methyl acrylate and different divinylbenzene isomers
Authors: Wei Jia , Tang Xiaoshan , Wang Xunhua , Yan Jun
Published: April 2005

Porous resins based on divinylbenzene (DVB) and methyl acrylate (MA) were prepared with m‐DVB (98.3%) or p‐DVB (99.1%) in the presence of toluene as a porogen. The MA/DVB resins thus obtained with a wide range of pore structures were hydrophobic in nature and were swellable by direct contact with water. The behavior of m‐DVB and p‐DVB as a crosslinker in the MA/DVB monomer system was different from that in the styrene (ST)/DVB system and was influenced by the amount of MA in the MA/DVB monomer system. As a result, a larger specific surface area and pore volume were observed for MA/DVB resins derived from p‐DVB than for those derived from m‐DVB, which was opposite to that observed for resins based on DVB and ST. The different behaviors of m‐DVB and p‐DVB in the MA/DVB monomer system also resulted in different swelling abilities of the resins in water. Compared with the MA/DVB resins derived from m‐DVB, the p‐DVB derived resins swelled faster in water and were water‐swellable when the resins had a higher DVB content and, therefore, a stronger hydrophobicity and a larger specific surface area. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2071–2078, 2005
Thermal and microwave‐assisted oxidative degradation of poly(ethylene oxide)
Authors: Vijayalakshmi S. P. , Chakraborty J. , Madras Giridhar
Published: April 2005

The kinetics of the thermal and microwave‐assisted oxidative degradation of poly(ethylene oxide) were determined with potassium persulfate as the oxidizing agent. Gel permeation chromatography was used to determine the variation of the molecular weight with time. The degradation was studied as a function of the temperature and persulfate concentration, and it was found that the degradation rate increased with the temperature and concentration of persulfate. Continuous distribution kinetics were used to determine the rate coefficients for the degradation process, and the activation energies were obtained. The results indicated that the microwave‐assisted process had a lower activation energy of 10.3 kcal/mol, whereas that of the thermal degradation was 25.2 kcal/mol. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2090–2096, 2005