bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Fortification Breadsticks with Milk Thistle Seeds Powder on Chemical and Nutritional Properties
Authors: Hadidy G. S. El- , Yousef Eman A. , Sattar A. S. Abd El-
Published: August 2020

This work aim to verify the importance of milk thistle seed powder (MTSP) as a medicinal plant and effect of fortification wheat flour (WF) with MTSP on chemical and nutritional properties. Therefore, the chemical composition such as ether extract, dietary fiber, crude protein, vitamin C, amino acids and minerals contents were determined. Also, the antioxidative properties such as phenolic compounds and flavonoid compounds and scavenging activity on DPPH free radicals were also determined. Furthermore, the possibility to use MTSP in bread sticks preparation, where the use of MTSP as replacer of WF at different extents (4, 8 and 12%) to prepare bread sticks rich in protein and minerals, as well as organoleptic evaluation of prepared bread sticks were investigated. Results indicated that MTSP have high amount of protein (25%), ether extract (25.56%), crude fiber (29.68%), minerals content (4.55%), vitamin C (4.59 mg∕g), flavonoids (20,65 mg/g), and phenolic compounds (40.33 mg as Gallic /g) (antioxidants) which, could be used as alternative natural source for synthetic antioxidants in industry. The indispensable and dispensable amino acids are more abundant in MTSP protein. Sensorial evaluation of the obtained products indicated that successful replacement was 4, 8 and 12% of MTSP. So, it could be recommended to use the investigated plant seeds in bread sticks production for its nutritional concept and antioxidative effects. Finally, the use of inexpensive available natural sources of bioactive material and incorporated to our low-cost foods for treatment or protection of our widespread disease is innovated road to produce low price therapeutic foods available to wide levels of our people.
Pro-Agripreneurial Factors for the Formation of Agri-startups in India
Authors: Vijayan Bhagya , Shivkumar P. Sethuraman
Published: August 2020

India has one of the largest Startup ecosystem in the World catering to approximately 10,000 Startups spanning from IT, finance to services. Since 2015, India’s startup ecosystem has steadily matured with the startups diversifying their focus across a myriad of economic segments and has embraced technological innovation to meet the country’s unique challenges. Indian ease of doing business ranking is 63rd in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index Report 2020. The Agriculture in India is witnessing a massive transformation with the focus on shifting to  creating sustainable businesses to support the farmers. With the business focus, the agri-startups are leveraging opportunities in areas such as increasing crop production, improving the  nutritional value of the crops, reduction in input prices for farmers, improving the overall process-driven supply chain, and reducing wastage in the distribution system, among others.                 They are also creating market linkages through retailing, B2C (Business to customer) and B2B (business to busines) market place management. This work reflects upon the deciding or the proactive factors contributing to the formation of Agri-startups spearheaded by youth in India.
Utilization of Waste Lemi Blue Swimming Crabs on Preference Level of Crackers
Authors: Gunawan Rio Chandra , Liviawaty Evi , Rizal Achmad , Rochima Emma
Published: August 2020

Lemi is a yellowish product which usually finds under the surface of the cooked blue swim crab carapace. This research aims to determine the number of lemi addition from the utilization of blue swimming crabs waste in crackers that produces the most liked crackers by panelist. This research was undertaken in the Fishery Production Processing Laboratory, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Universitas Padjadjaran and Food Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, Pasundan University in January 2020. The method of research used was an experimental method with the treatment of addition of lemi blue swimming crabs in 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% and 35% based on the amount of tapioca flour with 20 semi trained panelists as a repetition. The observed parameters are physical test (level of florescence), proximate test (moisture content, ash content, protein content and fat content in preferred treatment) and hedonic test (favorite test) based on organoleptic characteristics which include the appearance, smell, textures and flavors. The level of acceptance of crackers are analyzed using a non parametric statistical method Friedman then followed by the Bayes test to discover the best treatment of crackers. The results showed that the addition of a 25% lemi is a more preferential treatment by the panelists.
Vision-related Quality of Life among Adult Patients with Visual Impairment at a Tertiary Eye Centre, South-South Nigeria
Authors: Ezeh Ernest I. , Ezeh Roseline N.
Published: August 2020

Aim: To determine the vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) and associated factors among adult patients with visual impairment.

Study Design: It was a cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, between August 2015 and March 2016.

Methodology: We consecutively recruited 270 patients aged 18 to 90 years with visual impairment. Presenting visual acuity was assessed to determine the degree of visual impairment, anterior segment and posterior segment examinations as well as refraction were done to establish clinical diagnosis, and an interviewer National Eye Institute’s 25-itemVisual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) was administered to estimate the vision-related quality of life (VRQOL). Data was entered into and analyzed with SPSS for Windows version 20. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, standard deviation, and range with 95% confidence interval were calculated and the Chi square (χ2) test for categorical variables and the Student’s t-test for continuous variables were used for test of significance, p value <0.05. ANOVA test, including Post-hoc analysis were used to determine associations between categorical and numerical variables at p value <0.05.

Results: A total of 270 study subjects participated in the study. The study participants included 152(56.3%) males and 118(43.7%) females, with Mean age ± SD was 51.07±16.91 years.  Based on the intra study categorization of VRQOL among the study participants, most (85.6%) had good VRQOL. However, the overall mean VRQOL score was remarkably low 41.23±22.87. The proportion of poor VRQOL was 39 (14.4%). The poor VRQOL was significantly associated with blindness 11.60±19.10 (p < 0.001). Age ≥80 years [44.0(95% CI: 27.4-60.7)], rural residents [64.9(95% CI: 58.7-71.1)], no formal education [48.5(95% CI: 33.5-63.5)] and widowhood [48.0(95% CI: 32.4-60.7)] had statistically significant association with low mean VRQOL scores.

Conclusion: Above three-fourth of the participants had good VRQOL, with reference to the categorization of in this study. However, the overall mean VRQOL score was remarkably low. Blindness, older age, rural residency, illiteracy, widowhood, agricultural workers and Ibo ethnicity had a statistically significant association with low vision-related quality of life.
Biodiversity of Soil Microorganisms and their Effects on Disease Management at Black Pepper Farms in Gia Lai Province
Authors: Nguyen Thi Huyen , Nguyen Anh Dzung , Vinh Nguyen Quang
Published: August 2020

Research on soil ecological systems, such as the soil characteristics and properties of the soil micro-flora system, is essential in the sustainable production of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.).The role of using beneficial microorganisms in the sustainable production of black pepper is in increase because many people are being aware of the hazards associated with consuming products with chemical substances. Twenty-seven soil samples were collected from Chu Se, Chu Prong and Duc Co district of Gia Lai province to determine the relationships between the ecological system, pathogenic fungi and nematodes in black pepper farms. The obtained results showed that the soil micro flora community was quite diverse. The average total density microorganism in Duc Co district, Chu Prong district and Chu Se district was of 8.41x106 CFU/g, 6.76x106 CFU/g and 8.91x106 CFU/g, respectively. The density of average total beneficial microorganisms in Duc Co district, Chu Prong district and Chu Se district was of 20.03x104 CFU/g, 14.25x104 CFU/g and 17.62x104 CFU/g, respectively. The use of organic fertilizers is common to the farms where high microbial densities were recorded. The relationship between the density of beneficial  microorganisms (Nitrogen fixing bacteria, Phosphorus soluble bacteria, Cellulose degradation bacteria) and the density of fungal pathogens and nematodes was negatively correlated with R = - 0.84 and R = - 0.81 respectively. The results of correlation analysis showed that the density of beneficial microorganisms in the soil and the incidence of diseases in orchards were negatively correlated (R = - 0.69). This study proposes that the correlation between the basic factor of soil ecological system with pathogenic fungi and nematodes plays a very important role in biological control and the sustainable production of black pepper.
Analytical Solution of Black-Scholes Equation in Predicting Market Prices and Its Pricing Bias
Authors: Andaowei Azor, Promise , Uchenna Amadi, Innocent
Published: August 2020

This paper is geared towards implementation of Black-Scholes equation in valuation of European call option and predicting market prices for option traders. First, we explained how Black-Scholes equation can be used to estimate option prices and then we also estimated the BS pricing bias from where market prices were predicted. From the results, it was discovered that Black-Scholes values were relatively close to market prices but a little increase in strike prices (K) decreases the option prices. Furthermore, goodness of fit test was done using Kolmogorov –Sminorvov to study BSM and Market prices.
Physical and Emotional Repercussions of Pregnancy during Adolescence
Authors: Ciampo Luiz Antonio Del , Ciampo Ieda Regina Lopes Del
Published: August 2020

Adolescence is a phase marked by physical, emotional and, social changes culminating with sexual development and final adult height, which occur at different stages during the second decade of life. Due to their characteristics of immaturity, impulsiveness, and tendencies to take risky behaviors with sexual activity starting earlier, adolescents are subject to becoming pregnant during the first years after menarche. This article presents some characteristics of the adolescent's growth and development and the repercussions of pregnancy on her physical growth and emotional maturity.
Geochemical, Index, and Strength Appraisals of Granite-derived Residual Soils
Authors: Ikubuwaje C. O. , Oso O. O. , Rotimi I. A.
Published: August 2020

This research work examined the geochemical, index, and strength properties of lateritic residual soils from granitic parent rock in Akure, southwestern Nigeria. The aim is to underscore the potential use of such soils as engineering fills materials. The geochemical method involved the use of X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). The major oxides determined from this analysis were used for the geochemical quantifications of the soils. Analysis of soil index properties involved consistency limits, grain size distribution and specific gravity tests, while the strength analysis involved compaction and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests. Results obtained from the index analysis classified the soil profile into behavioral groups VII and VI. These indicates that the soils are of high to intermediate plasticity and compressibility. The UCS values vary from 272.6 to 377.2 kPa while the shear strength values range from 138.8 to 188.6kPa, indicating good bearing capacity. The geochemical results revealed iron-oxide variations as the major influential constituent within the soil profile. Furthermore, the more lateriterizad zones correspond with the more competent horizons. The residual soils from the study area are found to be suitable materials in engineering construction works as Sanitary landfills and Subgrade materials.
A Study on Keratin-Associated Protein (KAP) 3.2 Gene and Its Polymorphism in Sandyno Breed of Sheep
Authors: Bharathesree R. , Saravanan R. , Jeyakumar M. , Murali N.
Published: August 2020

The current study investigates the polymorphic patterns of keratin-associated protein (KAP) 3.2 gene in Sandyno breed of sheep. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples of 51 numbers of Sandyno breed. Ovine specific primer associated PCR amplification of KAP 3.2 gene revealed product at 393 bp and genotyped by PCR-SSCP (Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism) method and visualized under silver staining technique. KAP 3.2 gene locus revealed 3 genotypes, viz. AA, AB and BB with a frequency of 0.84, 0.16 and 0 in Sandyno breed with allele frequencies of A(0.92) and B(0.08). Regarding population genetic indices, the effective number of alleles (Ne) for KAP 3.2 in Sandyno breed of sheep was found to be 1.1716. The PIC values was 0.1356 and FIS values was negative (– 0.0864) in this breed. The result revealed that the selected population of Sandyno breed of sheep was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium without any significant deviation from the population mean and was monomorphic for KAP 3.2 gene.
Hematology of 2, 4 (Dinitrophenyl Hydrazine) Induced Anaemic Rat Administered with Ficus capensis Fruits and Leave Extract
Authors: Umerah N. N. , Okoye J. I. , Asouzu A. I.
Published: August 2020

Background: Anemia is regarded as public health challenge and is predominant in developing countries due to nutritional deficiencies.

Aim/Objectives: The study was carried out to evaluate the biological properties of Ficus capensis fruits and vegetables on some haematological parameters in 2, 4 (dinitrophenyl hydrazine) induced anemic rat.

Materials and Methods: Ficus capensis leaves and fruits were separately plucked, sorted cleaned. Twenty male adult rats were purchased from the Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The animals were divided into 4 groups of 5 rats each on the basis of body weight. The rats in all the groups received 2, 4-DNPH (20 mg/kg body weight) once daily for 7 days to induce anaemia. Group I were fed rat chow alone, group 2 were fed rat chow with ferrous sulphate, group 3 were fed rat chow with Ficus capensis leaves extract and group 4 were fed rat chow with Ficus capensis seed extract. The aqueous extracts of the leaves and fruits were tested for haematinic effects in albino rats. Blood parameters such as Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, White Blood Cell (WBC) count and Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) were measured.

Results: The result showed that the mean PCV baseline of the rats were (38.72-39.24%), mean PCV of anemic rats (33.01- 34.60%) and the mean PCV of the rats after test of recovery were group 1 (34.10%), group 2 (51.81%), group 3 (40.20%) and group 4 (38.20%).The result showed that the mean HB baseline of the rats were (9.67-10.47 g/dl), mean HB of anemic rats (6.50- 7.10 g/dl) and the mean HB of the rats after test of recovery were group 1 (6.51 g/dl), group 2 (12.32 g/dl), group 3 (9.73 g/dl) and group 4 (9.69 g/dl). The results of the effect of the extracts on the haematological parameters indicated that oral administration of the aqueous extract of Ficus capensis leaves and fruits after 22 days exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) increase in haematinic activity by increasing the blood parameters Hb, PCV, WBC and RBC.
Combining Ability Studies Based on Mori CMS System in Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.]
Authors: Choudhary Raju Ram , Avtar Ram , Sheoran R. K. , Samita . , Kumar Deepak
Published: August 2020

An experiment for Line x tester analysis was carried out to estimate combining ability effects of 50 hybrids developed by crossing of 10 Mori CMS lines with five restorers in Indian mustard. The F1 hybrids along with parental genotypes planted at Oilseeds Research Area, Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar India during 2018-19. Data recorded for 12 characters viz., days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, main shoot length (cm), numbers of siliquae on main shoot, siliquae length (cm), number of seeds per siliquae, 1000-seed weight (g), oil content (%) and seed yield per plant (g). Analysis of variance revealed sufficient genetic variability present among lines, testers and crosses for most of the traits. There was presence of both additive and non-additive gene actions with preponderance of non-additive gene action in controlling yield and component traits. On the basis of overall performance of parents, line MA-023 and tester MR-38 were found the best general combiners for majority of component traits including seed yield per plant. Other three lines viz; MA-8701, MA-8812 and MA-9301 were also observed as good general combiners for most of component traits including seed yield per plant. Tester MR-43 and MR-44 were found good general combiner for earliness. On the basis of per se performance and specific combining ability, crosses namely MA-9301 x MR-44, MA-8701 x MR-38 and MA-9705 x MR-31 were observed as superior cross combinations for seed yield in desirable direction.
Elucidating the Heterosis for Yield and Quality Parameters in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Gurjar Narayan Ram , Dadheech Amit , Kumar Sanjay , Chittora Khushbu , Khan Turfan
Published: August 2020

A set of thirty-nine hybrids of maize were developed to estimate heterosis. These hybrids were evaluated along with their respective parents and three standard checks namely, Pratap Hybrid Maize-3(PHM-3), PMH-3 and PM-9, were evaluated during Kharif 2017 for 14 characters at instructional farm Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur, Rajasthan. The mean sum of squares for hybrids, inbred lines and testers, was significant for all the traits except for days to 75 per cent brown husk of inbred lines. A perusal of estimates of economic heterosis for grain yield per plant revealed that five hybrids L7 x T2 (14.47%), L3 x T3 (11.19%), L6 x T2 (10.44%), L6 x T1 (9.93%), and L9 x T3 (9.88%) depicted positive significant economic heterosis for grain yield per plant over the best check Pratap Hybrid Maize-3. Hybrid (L6 x T2) also exhibited significant positive economic heterosis for oil content. These crosses will be considered for finding transgressive segregants in segregating generation to develop a maize variety with quality improvement.
In-vitro Antimicrobial Activities and Phytochemical Screening of Selected Plant Extracts against Some Medically and Agriculturally Important Pathogens
Authors: Asfere Yirgashewa , Kebede Ameha , Zinabu Dejene
Published: August 2020

In Ethiopia, many plants are used for medicinal drive-by old-style naturopaths without any scientific justification for their therapeutic values. The principal aim of this study were to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities of the leaf, root and stem bark extracts of Rhamnus prinioides (gesho), Justicia schimperiana (sensel) and Ruta chalepensis (Tena adam) against some common pathogenic species of bacteria and fungi. The results of this study shown that the crude extracts of ethanol, methanol, hexane and water crude extracts had antimicrobial activities on most bacterial and fungi species of some solvent extracts. Ethanol and methanol crude extracts had the highest growth inhibitory effects as compared with those of the aqueous and hexane crude extracts. But, the four solvent crude extracts had fewer antimicrobial activities than commercially available drug(chloramphenicol and clotrimazole). Campylobacter jejuni and Staphylococcus aureus were found to be the most vulnerable microbes to the crude ethanol (99.5%). The growth-inhibitory events of the crude extracts were found to be significantly dissimilar for both concentrations (30 and 60 mg/ml) in all plant parts (p < 0.05). In general, this study did not only indicate that the antibacterial activities of R. prinioides (gesho), J. schimperiana (sensel) and R. chalepensis (Tena adam). It also accesses a scientific justification for its old-style use against some diseases.
Zero Budget Natural Farming in India: Aiming Back to the Basics
Authors: Biswas Saikat
Published: August 2020

Crisis of Indian agriculture is very pertinent at this moment as green revolution is gradually losing its hope. Excessive, pointless exploitation of broods of green revolution has left bad footprints on country’s food security and environmental safety. With the motto to ensure food security by reviving Indian agriculture in environmentally safe way as well as to release farmers from debt cycle and suicides, zero budget natural farming (ZBNF) has come in the picture, which discards uses of all the chemical farming inputs and relies on natural way of farming i.e. rejuvenating soil and crop health through its own practices (Jivamrita, Bijamrita, mulching, soil aeration, intercropping, crop diversification, bunds, bio-pesticides etc.). ZBNF movement right now is the most popular agrarian movement which begun in 2002 in Karnataka and later successfully spread in many states (specially, of South India) of the nation through numbers of trainings, demonstrations and various promotional activities. Successful outcomes from farmers’ fields of south Indian states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka etc. are encouraging and grabbing attention of farmers, public and private organisations towards ZBNF in recent times. Yet, various controversies regarding its transparency,      inadequate information, efficacy, practices, idealisms, even the term ‘zero budget’ etc. have agglutinated around ZBNF over the years since it debuted. Critics in fact have cited several references of drastic yield reductions with ZBNF practices in many places. Adequate scientific evaluation or monitoring of ZBNF’s successes or failures through multi-locational trials is now therefore the needful before allowing or restraining its run in Indian agriculture.
Effect of Lockdown amid COVID-19 Pandemic on Weather Parameters of Mid Hill Region of Jammu District of J&K, UT
Authors: Singh Mahinder , Vikas Vishaw , Sharma Charu , Sharma Rohit
Published: August 2020

Aim: A study was conducted in mid hill region of Jammu district, J&K to analyze the impact lockdown amid covid-19 pandemic on weather parameters so as to define it as a tool to mitigate the pace of climate change.

Methodology: Day and night temperature readings were recorded fortnightly during 22nd March to 10th June 2020 from maximum and minimum thermometer, relative humidity from dry and wet bulb thermometers in stevenson screen, rainfall values from ordinary rain gauge,  evaporation readings from pan evaporimeter and soil temperature at different depth from soil thermometers.

Results: After analyzing the data statistically using “Descriptive statistics” in MS-Excel 2010, it was observed that after the implementation of lockdown and with the beginning of unlock down the change in day temperature was -8.07% from normal mean value, night temperature was -4.44% from normal mean value, rainfall pattern was 30.00% more from normal mean value, Relative Humidity (morning) pattern was 6.94% more from normal mean value, relative humidity (evening) pattern was 20.94% more from normal mean value, evaporation pattern was 7.66% more from normal mean value. The average change in soil temperature in morning at 5 cm, 10 cm and 20 cm depth was -3.46%, -3.84% and -7.23% as compared to year 2019 (22nd March to 10th June 2019) mean value and the change in soil temperature in evening at same depths was -7.69%, -6.31% and -4.14% from year 2019 (22nd March to 10th June 2019).

Conclusion: With the variable significant pattern observed in almost all parameters, it can be concluded that lockdown might be an effective tool in mitigating pace of climate change in future.
Organoleptic Properties of Ready to Reconstitute Little Millet Smoothie with Fruit Juices
Authors: Neeharika B. , Suneetha W. Jessie , Kumari B. Anila , Tejashree M.
Published: August 2020

Millets being climate resilient crops with high nutritional value are far better than staple grains like wheat and rice. Being adaptable to wide range of agro ecological conditions, the nutricereals little millet can grow on low fertility dry lands meeting demands of exploding population and providing solution to agrarian and nutritional challenges the world is dealing with. Further, value addition could be a strategic intervention in popularization of underutilized small millets and transform the billions of people from nutrient insufficiency to nutrient adequacy. The present fast-paced era with increased nuclear families and changing eating habits due to rapid urbanisation and globalisation demands for development of ready to consume nutrient dense food. In addition, growing awareness regarding health benefits of millets demands for millet-based designer foods to meet diversified needs of consumers. In view of these aspects, a ready to reconstitute (RTR) little millet smoothie mix was developed and tested for its suitability to blend with fruit juices through sensory profiling. The nourishing little millet and fruit-based smoothies would be a healthy inclusion in one’s daily diet with a great market potential.
Assessment of Soil Fertility Status in a Cereal Based Cropping System at Outer Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Nazir Gazala , Sharma V. K. , Anjali . , Suri Deepika
Published: August 2020

Soil fertility management plays a key role in sustaining different production systems. Present investigation aimed at determining available nutrient status in cultivated soils under maize-wheat and paddy-wheat cropping sequences in outer Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh. Based on the standard GPS based soil sampling methodology, composite surface soil samples (0-15 cm) from 38 and 15 representative sites were collected from soils under maize-wheat and paddy-wheat cropping sequences, respectively. Six to eight cores of surface soils were collected from croplands to make one composite sample in 2016 & 2017. Out of 38 (maize-wheat) sites, 24 and 14 sites represent the cultivated Entisols and Inceptisols. Similarly, under paddy-wheat, 8 and 7 sites represent Entisols and Inceptisols. The results of the investigation revealed that soils were medium in available N & K, low in available P & S, high in available Ca & Mg, sufficient in available Cu, Fe & Mn and deficient to sufficient in available Zn and B. Inceptisols had higher value of all the nutrients as compared to Entisols. The available nutrient status viz., N, P, S, Zn and B were deficient to the extent of 26, 42, 57, 40 and 42 per cent, respectively. The overall evaluation of the study area revealed very high variation on the fertility status.
Phytochemical Screening, Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Cinnamon verum Bark
Authors: Ahmed Hamza Mohamed , Ramadhani Ashraf Mahmoud , Erwa Ibrahim Yaagoub , Ishag Omer Adam Omer , Saeed Mohamed Bosharh
Published: August 2020

cinnamon dating from 1000 AD when it was firstly recorded in English due to its important as aroma and as herbs. The aim of this study was to investigate phytochemicals constitutes, chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of commercial samples of Cinnamon verum bark. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, while the crude extracts were prepared by three different solvents methanol (70%), acetone and aqueous. Phytochemical screening of crude extracts was performed using standard methods. The essential oil was subjected to GC-MS analysis and tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Eschericchia coli and Candida albicans. The obtained results indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarin, tannins, terpenoids, saponin, glycoside, anthrocyanin and phenolic compounds in the methanolic, aqoueous and acetone extracts of C. verum bark; while the major components of the extracted essential oil of C. verum bark were cinnamaldehyde (85.50%), stigmasterol (3.69%), Cadinene (1.37%), (E)-cinnamaldehyde (1.35%), alpha-amorphene (1.33%), hydrocinnamaldehyde (1.28%), alpha-cubebene (1.25) and ergosterol (1.09%) respectively. The antimicrobial activity result indicated the high activity of the extracted essential oil against all tested microorganisms at high concentration; except in S. typhimurium and C. albicans at concentrations of 25% and 12.5% no activity was noticed. Based in our obtained results the essential oil of C. verum bark had high potential as antimicrobial agent, therefore, recommended for more advanced studies to be conducted on this abundant plant as natural source of antibiotics.
Impact of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Obese Type 2 Diabetic Patients and Role of Gut Hormones Peptide Tyrosine Tyrosine and Glucagon Like Peptide 1on Remission of Diabetes
Authors: Zayed Heba H. , Sabry Karim , Abdelraouf Yasser M , Salah Wessam M. , Wahab Ingy Abdel , Sheikh Mabrouk R EL-
Published: August 2020

Our Study Aimed: To investigate the effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on obese T2DM patients, its effect in remission of diabetes and role of gastrointestinal Glucagon like peptide 1(GLP1) and Peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) hormones. Metabolic surgery should be recommended as an option in type 2 diabetic patients (T2DM) with body mass index (BMI) ≥40 Kg/m2, in patients who have BMI ≥35 Kg/m2 and in selected patients with BMI < 35 Kg/m2, if not achieving diabetes control with maximum tolerated anti-hyperglycemic treatment.

Methods: 30 T2DM patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy after full clinical evaluation, routine blood tests, glucagon like peptide 1, Peptide tyrosine tyrosine (fasting, 0.5-hour post-mixed meal test (MMT) serum levels) and upper GIT endoscopy. Follow-up visits were at 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively to evaluate body weight, BMI and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and at 18th month for confirmation of diabetes remission. Gut hormones were measured at 15 days and 9 months postoperatively.

Results: (53.3%) of patients had partial remission of T2DM according to HbA1C remission criteria. There was significant increase in fasting and post-MMT levels of peptide tyrosine tyrosine, glucagon like peptide 1 postoperatively. The only independent predictors for remission of T2DM were the baseline serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-Ch), duration of diabetes, preoperative post MMT Peptide tyrosine tyrosine plasma level, serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and age.

Conclusions: laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy can induce partial remission of diabetes in younger patients who had shorter duration of diabetes, higher level of preoperative post-MMT peptide tyrosine tyrosine, lower levels of preoperative serum LDL-Ch and thyroid stimulating hormone.
Analysis of Energy and Cost Performance of Retrofitting Fluorescent Tubes with Compact Fluorescent and Light Emitting Diode Lamps
Authors: Adeleke J. S. , Wahab A. B. , Olanipekun E. A.
Published: August 2020

Over the years, visual comfort has been described as a major requirement needed to enhance optimal performance of occupants in any learning environment in tertiary institutions. This is reflected in the poor performance of the commonly used Fluorescent Lamps (FL) occasioned by its constant burn-off, high failure rate and reduced durability. Hence, there is a shift to the adoption of Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) and Light Emitting Diode (LED). This study therefore examined the pattern of electricity consumption involving the adoption of FL, CFL and LED in the purposively selected lecture theatres of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The study was carried out using energy monitor to obtain the consumption data of the lamps for periodic logging at intervals of 1 hr, 3 hrs, 6 hrs, 12 hrs, 1 day, 7 days, 1 month and 3 months respectively; and also to determine the payback period of each of the lamps. From the data collected, patterns of electricity used, electricity savings were calculated and compared to establish performance potentials of each of the lamps. The study found that there was a significant difference in the pattern of electricity consumption of FLs compared with that of CFLs and LEDs, but a reduced margin existed between CFLs and LED lamps. It showed that the FLs consumed 681.576 kWh, 1619.466 kWh and 5652.432 kWh, CFLs consumed 387.302 kWh, 692.479 kWh and 1936.600 kWh, while LED consumed 294.188 kWh, 426.608 kWh and 1499.015 kWh. There were significant differences in consumption with 43, 47 and 65% reduction in electricity consumption using CFLs while 57, 73 and 73% using LED fittings were obtained. The CFLs performed better in terms of return on investments by having a lower payback period when compared to LED. The study concluded that replacing FL with CFL and LED would be desirable option in order to enhance optimal performance of lecture theatres, but in terms of payback period, it would be beneficial to retrofit FLs with CFLs.
Recent Developments of Biomaterials for Additive Manufacturing of Bone Scaffolds
Authors: Chen You , Li Weilin , Zhang Chao , Wu Zhaoying , Liu Jie
Published: August 2020

Recent years have witnessed surging demand for bone repair/regeneration implants due to the increasing number of bone defects caused by trauma, cancer, infection, and arthritis worldwide. In addition to bone autografts and allografts, biomaterial substitutes have been widely used in clinical practice. Personalized implants with precise and personalized control of shape, porosity, composition, surface chemistry, and mechanical properties will greatly facilitate the regeneration of bone tissue and satiate the clinical needs. Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, also known as 3D printing, are drawing fast growing attention in the fabrication of implants or scaffolding materials due to their capability of manufacturing complex and irregularly shaped scaffolds in repairing bone defects in clinical practice. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent progress in the development of materials and techniques used in the additive manufacturing of bone scaffolds. In addition, clinical application, pre‐clinical trials and future prospects of AM based bone implants are also summarized and discussed.
Stone–Wales Defects Cause High Proton Permeability and Isotope Selectivity of Single‐Layer Graphene
Authors: An Yun , Oliveira Augusto F. , Brumme Thomas , Kuc Agnieszka , Heine Thomas
Published: August 2020

While the isotope‐dependent hydrogen permeability of graphene membranes at ambient condition has been demonstrated, the underlying mechanism has been controversially discussed during the past 5 years. The reported room‐temperature proton‐over‐deuteron (H+‐over‐D+) selectivity is 10, much higher than in any competing method. Yet, it has not been understood how protons can penetrate through graphene membranes—proposed hypotheses include atomic defects and local hydrogenation. However, neither can explain both the high permeability and high selectivity of the atomically thin membranes. Here, it is confirmed that ideal graphene is quasi‐impermeable to protons, yet the most common defect in sp2 carbons, the topological Stone–Wales defect, has a calculated penetration barrier below 1 eV and H+‐over‐D+ selectivity of  7 at room temperature and, thus, explains all experimental results on graphene membranes that are available to date. The competing explanation, local hydrogenation, which also reduces the penetration barrier, but shows significantly lower isotope selectivity, is challenged.
Tocilizumab–Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles for NIR‐II Photoacoustic‐Imaging‐Guided Therapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Chen Jingqin , Qi Ji , Chen Chao , Chen Jianhai , Liu Liangjian , Gao Rongkang , Zhang Tiantian , Song Liang , Ding Dan , Zhang Peng , Liu Chengbo
Published: August 2020

The progressive debilitating nature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) combined with its unknown etiology and initial similarity to other inflammatory diseases makes early diagnosis a significant challenge. Early recognition and treatment of RA is essential for achieving effective therapeutic outcome. NIR‐II photoacoustic (PA) molecular imaging (PMI) is emerging as a promising new strategy for effective diagnosis and treatment guidance of RA, owing to its high sensitivity and specificity at large penetration depth. Herein, an antirheumatic targeted drug tocilizumab (TCZ) is conjugated to polymer nanoparticles (PNPs) to develop the first NIR‐II theranostic nanoplatform, named TCZ‐PNPs, for PA‐imaging‐guided therapy of RA. The TCZ‐PNPs are demonstrated to have strong NIR‐II extinction coefficient, high photostability and excellent biocompatibility. NIR‐II PMI results reveal the excellent targeting abilities of TCZ‐PNPs for the effective noninvasive diagnosis of RA joint tissue with a high signal‐to noise ratio (SNR) of 35.8 dB in 3D PA tomography images. Remarkably, one‐month treatment and PA monitoring using TCZ‐PNPs shows RA is significantly suppressed. In addition, the therapeutic evaluation of RA mice by NIR‐II PMI is shown to be consistent with clinical micro‐CT and histological analysis. The TCZ‐PNPs‐assisted NIR‐II PMI provides a new strategy for RA theranostics, therapeutic monitoring and the beyond.
Spontaneous Mosaics of Charge Formed by Liquid Evaporation
Authors: Moreira Kelly S. , Lermen Diana , da Campo Yan A. Santos , Ferreira Leticia O. , Burgo Thiago A. L.
Published: August 2020

Commonly used liquids have a powerful effect on producing electrostatic patterns in dielectric surfaces. During evaporation, charges are built‐up on dielectric surfaces that support liquids but with an important difference: negative charges appear where the liquid evaporates while positive ones are formed within the residual liquid. After complete evaporation, the result is a mosaic of stable and fixed surface charges resulting in electrostatic potential gradients as large as 20 kV m−1, but charge partitioning can be suppressed with common surfactants. The results can be understood considering the Maxwell–Wagner effect where charge accumulation takes place during current flowing across the interface. All these findings help to explain the hitherto challenging problem of static electricity and the appearance of the ubiquitous electrostatic patterns in dielectrics, what it must be helpful for the controlling of electrostatic charges in industry or in common laboratory activities.
Toward High‐Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerators by Engineering Interfaces at the Nanoscale: Looking into the Future Research Roadmap
Authors: Ahmed Abdelsalam , Hassan Islam , Pourrahimi Amir Masoud , Helal Ahmed S. , El‐Kady Maher F. , Khassaf Hamidreza , Kaner Richard B.
Published: August 2020

To meet the future need for clean and sustainable energies, there has been considerable interest in the development of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that scavenge waste mechanical energies. The performance of a TENG at the macroscale is determined by the multifaceted role of surface and interface properties at the nanoscale, whose understanding is critical for the future development of TENGs. Therefore, various protocols from the atomic to the macrolevel for fabrication and tuning of surfaces and interfaces are required to obtain the desired TENG performance. These protocols branch out into three categories: chemical engineering, physical engineering, and structural engineering. Chemical engineering is an affordable and optimal strategy for introducing more surface polarities and higher work functions for the improvement of charge transfer. Physical engineering includes the utilization of surface morphology control, and interlayer interactions, which can enhance the active interfacial area and electron transfer capacity. Structural engineering at the macroscale, which includes device and electrode design/modifications has a considerable effect on the performance of TENGs. Future challenges and promising research directions related to the construction of next‐generation TENG devices, taking into consideration “interfaces” are also presented.
Revisiting Alkaline Pretreatment of Lignocellulose: Understanding the Structural Evolution of Three Components
Authors: Zhu Yuting , Liu Jing , Lv Wei , Pi Qifeng , Zhang Xinghua , Chen Lungang , Liu Qiying , Xu Ying , Zhang Qi , Ma Longlong , Wang Chenguang
Published: August 2020

Herein, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) pretreatment of lignocellulose is performed to investigate the structural evolution of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. It is found that most of hemicellulose and part of cellulose are hydrolyzed/converted to monosaccharide, alcohols, and carboxylic acids. Over half of cellulose is stabilized because the reducing end groups of cellulose convert to stable carboxylic groups. In addition, lignin is converted to aromatic monomers (predominately vanillin and acetovanillone) with a highest yield of 6.1 wt%, along with dimers and oligomers with Mw less than 10 000 Da. According to heteronuclear single quantum coherence analysis, no common interlinkages (β‐O‐4, β‐β, β‐5, etc.) appear in lignin oligomers due to lignin fragments condensed during the alkaline pretreatment. Notably, the acidification process is also the cause of lignin condensation since high aromatic monomers yield of 15 wt% (based on original lignin in pine) is achieved by a postoxidation of alkaline solution, while few no aromatic monomers generated by using the isolated lignin oligomers. The direct oxidation of lignocellulose in alkaline solutions to aromatic monomers demonstrates the potential application of lignocellulose alkaline pretreatment for high‐value chemicals production.
Precise Control of Phase Separation Enables 12% Efficiency in All Small Molecule Solar Cells
Authors: Bin Haijun , Angunawela Indunil , Qiu Beibei , Colberts Fallon J. M. , Li Mengmeng , Dyson Matthew J. , Wienk Martijn M. , Ade Harald , Li Yongfang , Janssen René A. J.
Published: August 2020

Compared to conjugated polymers, small‐molecule organic semiconductors present negligible batch‐to‐batch variations, but presently provide comparatively low power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) in small‐molecular organic solar cells (SM‐OSCs), mainly due to suboptimal nanomorphology. Achieving precise control of the nanomorphology remains challenging. Here, two new small‐molecular donors H13 and H14, created by fluorine and chlorine substitution of the original donor molecule H11, are presented that exhibit a similar or higher degree of crystallinity/aggregation and improved open‐circuit voltage with IDIC‐4F as acceptor. Due to kinetic and thermodynamic reasons, H13‐based blend films possess relatively unfavorable molecular packing and morphology. In contrast, annealed H14‐based blends exhibit favorable characteristics, i.e., the highest degree of aggregation with the smallest paracrystalline π–π distortions and a nanomorphology with relatively pure domains, all of which enable generating and collecting charges more efficiently. As a result, blends with H13 give a similar PCE (10.3%) as those made with H11 (10.4%), while annealed H14‐based SM‐OSCs have a significantly higher PCE (12.1%). Presently this represents the highest efficiency for SM‐OSCs using IDIC‐4F as acceptor. The results demonstrate that precise control of phase separation can be achieved by fine‐tuning the molecular structure and film formation conditions, improving PCE and providing guidance for morphology design.
Influence of water deficit and defoliation managements on post‐drought recovery and persistence of smooth bromegrass
Authors: Saeidnia Fatemeh , Majidi Mohammad Mahdi , Bakhtiari Mostafa Abdollahi , Mirlohi Aghafakhr
Published: August 2020

In arid and semiarid regions, successful recovery from drought may be of more economic significance than plant productivity during a dry season. This research was conducted to investigate the effects of pre‐drought irrigation and defoliation managements (seed and forage managements) on post‐drought recovery of diverse smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) genotypes, and to identify growth traits associated with persistence and recovery as indices for selecting superior genotypes. Thirty‐six genotypes were field evaluated in two separate experiments of seed and forage managements during 2013–2015 under well‐watered and deficit irrigation regimes. In the fourth year (2016), irrigation was withheld from both moisture regimes for two months (almost complete senescence) and then plants were re‐watered to find the effect of prolonged drought stress on post‐drought recovery. Pre‐drought irrigation increased persistence of genotypes relative to the well‐watered treatment in the seed management experiment. In the seed management trial, genotypes had greater recovery under deficit irrigation when compared to forage management counterpart. There was no significant difference between seed and forage management experiments under the well‐watered regime in this respect. Positive correlations were observed between recovery after prolonged drought and total aerial biomass, persistence, and winter growth vigor under both irrigation regimes. Superior genotypes were identified as having more productivity, better recovery, higher persistence, and drought tolerance.
Memristors—From In‐Memory Computing, Deep Learning Acceleration, and Spiking Neural Networks to the Future of Neuromorphic and Bio‐Inspired Computing
Authors: Mehonic Adnan , Sebastian Abu , Rajendran Bipin , Simeone Osvaldo , Vasilaki Eleni , Kenyon Anthony J.
Published: August 2020

Machine learning, particularly in the form of deep learning (DL), has driven most of the recent fundamental developments in artificial intelligence (AI). DL is based on computational models that are, to a certain extent, bio‐inspired, as they rely on networks of connected simple computing units operating in parallel. The success of DL is supported by three factors: availability of vast amounts of data, continuous growth in computing power, and algorithmic innovations. The approaching demise of Moore's law, and the consequent expected modest improvements in computing power that can be achieved by scaling, raises the question of whether the progress will be slowed or halted due to hardware limitations. This article reviews the case for a novel beyond‐complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology—memristors—as a potential solution for the implementation of power‐efficient in‐memory computing, DL accelerators, and spiking neural networks. Central themes are the reliance on non‐von‐Neumann computing architectures and the need for developing tailored learning and inference algorithms. To argue that lessons from biology can be useful in providing directions for further progress in AI, an example‐based reservoir computing is briefly discussed. At the end, speculation is given on the “big picture” view of future neuromorphic and brain‐inspired computing systems.