bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of alcohol consumption in nursing students
Authors: Cortaza-Ramírez Leticia , Calixto-Olalde Gloria , Hernández-López Litzi , Torres-Balderas Damaris
Published: April 2022

Introduction Alcohol consumption is a public health problem that affects university students. The legality of alcohol facilitates consumption among the young and makes it the most used drug in this population, impacting health and university education. Objective To identify alcohol consumption among nursing students of a public institution in Minatitlán, Veracruz, Mexico. Methods Descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted between October and November 2020. A total of 260 nursing students participated voluntarily and anonymously. The information was collected using two instruments. The first one inquired about personal data, and the second one evaluated drinking through the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Results We found that 64.6% of students reported drinking at least once, with a mean age at drinking onset of 16.3 years. The preferred beverage was beer (53.6%), and the main providers of alcoholic beverages were friends (62.5%) and family (34.5%). A total of 59.6% of students had a low risk drinking patter, 4.6% had a high-risk drinking patter, and 0.4% reported dependence. There were no significant differences between drinking patterns and leisure time activities (X2 = 25.970; p = 0.355). There was a significant relationship between students' alcohol consumption patterns and age, current semester, drinking at least once, and drinking with family and friends (p < 0.01). Conclusions There is a close relationship between the initiation and maintenance of alcohol consumption with nursing students' social, family, and school context. These findings should encourage health programs that follow up on alcohol consumption during university training.
EFFECT OF SHORT-TERM INCENTIVES ON MANAGERS’ MOTIVATION: A CASE STUDY OF SERBIAN BANKING SECTOR
Authors: Marinović Matović Ivana , Pavlović Miloš , Vemić Đurković Jelena
Published: April 2022

The aim of this paper is to investigate the differences in managers’ motivation with short-term incentives in the banking sector of the Republic of Serbia. The research study examined whether short-term incentives differently affect managers’ motivation, depending on hierarchy and age. For this purpose the survey was conducted, using a questionnaire method. The analysis of various literature sources was performed, emphasizing the importance of short-term incentives, as compensation component, for managers’ motivation. Based on insights into existing studies, research hypotheses were established. The empirical results were analyzed quantitatively, using standard statistical methods. The results indicated that there are no significant differences in managers’ motivation with short-term incentives, in relation to their current hierarchical position. Further, the survey results revealed significant relationship between motivation with short-term incentives and managers’ age, that is, the findings show that short-term incentives are more effective in motivating older managers. Therefore, the results are important for compensation strategies in contemporary business organizations. From the aspect of designing executive compensation packages, organizations need to adapt them to different subgroups of managers, considering their motivational preferences.
SMES INTERNATIONALIZATION IN CROATIA: ACTIVITIES, CHALLENGES AND MEASURES
Authors: Koprivnjak Tihana , Oberman Peterka Sunčica , Šarlija Nataša
Published: April 2022

Internationalization of small and medium enterprises is a specific process, which enables growth and development. However, internationalization brings both opportunities and challenges that SMEs do not always know how to deal with. The aim of this paper is to identify activities and challenges in the internationalization of small and medium enterprises in Croatia, as well as measures that could facilitate this process. In order to obtain these findings, the Flash Eurobarometer 421: Internationalisation of SMEs database was used as a secondary data source. Data were collected from the study which has been conducted by the European Commission. The paper analyzed 501 companies from Croatia, and dependence was sought between company and industry size and activities, challenges and assistance measures for internationalization. It has been proven that there are differences in relation to the size of the company, as well as to the industry. Based on the conducted statistical analyses it is shown that internationalized SMEs from Croatia still base this internationalization on imports and exports of goods and services and other international business activities are less developed. There is a noticeable advantage of the European Union market as the primary choice of Croatian companies for internationalization. Recommendations for SMEs focus on the better understanding of the internationalization process and proper preparation, while policy recommendations are oriented towards raising awareness of the importance of internationalization and providing an enabling ecosystem for internationalization.
SPECIFIC BANKING DETERMINANTS OF NON-PERFORMING LOANS: THE CASE OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Authors: Agić Zorana , Dušanić Gačić Svetlana
Published: April 2022

The research was made in order to identify specific banking determinants of non-performing loans in banking sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This problem came to the fore during and after global financial crisis, when the quality of loan portfolio dramatically increased. Much research of the problem of non-performing loans has already been made but they dealt with developed worlds countries. In BiH there is no a lot of research dealing with this issue. In order to resolve this problem (to create adequate measures for managing loan risks in commercial banks) it is necessary to identify the factors that affect appearance and growth of nonperforming loans in BiH. The authors presumed that five specific banking factors statistically influence the non-performing loans. The research included six determinants, ie one dependent and five independent determents. Dependent determinant shows the share of non-performing in total loans of banking sector in BiH, and independent determinants are: active credit rate, credit growth rate, capital adequacy ratio, return on equity and ratio of loan and deposit. We used quarterly data about the period from the first quarter of 2004 to the end of fourth quarter of 2019. The data was downloaded from Central bank od BiH . The research includes correlation and regression analysis which established determinants which statistically influence the non-performing loans and it was determined which part of variable can be explained with independent variables. The results of regression analysis show that only one specific banking determinant can be used to explain and predict the value of non-performing loans in banking sector in BiH. In other words, only the rate of credit growth is statistically significant and negative relation to non-performing loan. That means that increase of credit growth rate could infect the decrease of non-performing loans, which could positively influence the quality of credit portfolio. On the other hand, decrease of the credit growth rate could affect increase of non-performing loans which could make worse the quality of credit portfolio. The results of analysis showed active credit rate, capital adequacy ratio, return on equity and ratio of loan and deposit doesn`t statistically influence non-performing loans in this banking sector. We analyzed the trend of movement of total loan placement by commercial banks in BiH, as well as the trend of movement of non-performing loans. The results show that non-performing loans were mostly growing from 2004 to 2016, and to the end of the analyzed period they started to decrease. Even though non-performing loans started to decrease their share in total loans is still very high. That is why we must resolve this problem as soon as possible. It cannot be resolved by commercial bank because the process would last much too long. It is necessary to involve the state in resolving this problem. Also the activities of state instruments must be complementary with bank activities.
Las fronteras de los residuos: tres movimientos para comprender la actualidad de los cartoneros en la ciudad de Buenos Aires
Authors: Tagliafico Juan Pablo
Published: April 2022

This article aims to address the changing relationship between waste and urban space in Buenos Aires. Specifically, based on an analysis of the period between 1976 and 2019, it seeks to understand the way in which cartoneros (waste pickers) are inscribed today. By studying the productive role played by frontiers as sites of conflict, this paper presents three movements in which borders trace over waste. This mapping reveals the place of the cartoneros as important actors in a network that links waste management, the production of urban space, and a certain way of organizing the labor force.
Do Information Security Breach and Its Factors Have a Long-Run Competitive Effect on Breached Firms’ Equity Risk?
Authors: Ali Syed Emad Azhar , Lai Fong-Woon , Aman Ameenullah , Saleem Muhammad Furquan , Hamad Salaheldin
Published: April 2022

A breach in information security (infosec) can materially impact a firm’s long-term competitiveness. For publicly listed firms, an infosec breach can have a long-lasting effect on their competitive stock performance, including their equity risk. Despite its significance, past research has focused primarily on examining the short-term effect of infosec breaches while ignoring its long-term effect on the firm’s equity risk. Therefore, in this research, we examined the long-run effect of 276 infosec breaches at publicly traded firms on equity risk from 2009 to 2018. We analyzed each firm’s equity risk compared to its competitive control firms of similar sizes and performances for three years, from one year before to two years after the breach, using a one-to-one matching methodology. The univariate analysis of infosec breaches on equity risk indicated that breach firms have a 7% higher equity risk than competitive control firms. Additionally, the quantile regression analysis of the effect of infosec breach factors on long-run equity risk showed that the rise in equity risk is higher if the breach involves the compromise of confidential information and is a repeat breach for the same firm. The findings provide a valuable resource for investors, managers, and researchers interested in understanding the long-term relationship between infosec breaches and a firm’s stock competitiveness.
COVID-19 dari Perspektif Penyakit Ginjal : Dalam Rangka Memperingati Hari Ginjal Sedunia (World Kidney Day 2022)
Authors: Khumaedi Anandhara Indriani
Published: April 2022

Secara global, hingga saat ini pandemi Coronavirusdisease-19 (COVID-19) telah menjangkit lebih dari 450juta orang di dunia dan menyumbang kematian sebanyak6 juta jiwa. Situasi di Indonesia menunjukkan bahwa 5,9juta jiwa terkonfirmasi positif COVID-19, dengan kasusmeninggal mencapai 150 ribu jiwa. Case fatality rate(CFR) secara keseluruhan menunjukkan angka 2,6%,namun angka ini bervariasi sepanjang tahun dan pernahdilaporkan sebanyak 9,6% pada Juni 2020 di DKI Jakarta.
Pinpointing the tumor-specific T cells via TCR clusters
Authors: Goncharov Mikhail M , Bryushkova Ekaterina A , Sharaev Nikita I , Skatova Valeria D , Baryshnikova Anastasiya M , Sharonov George V , Karnaukhov Vadim , Vakhitova Maria T , Samoylenko Igor V , Demidov Lev V , Lukyanov Sergey , Chudakov Dmitriy M , Serebrovskaya Ekaterina O
Published: April 2022

Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) is a promising approach to cancer immunotherapy, but its efficiency fundamentally depends on the extent of tumor-specific T cell enrichment within the graft. This can be estimated via activation with identifiable neoantigens, tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), or living or lysed tumor cells, but these approaches remain laborious, time-consuming, and functionally limited, hampering clinical development of ACT. Here, we demonstrate that homology cluster analysis of T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires efficiently identifies tumor-reactive TCRs allowing to: (1) detect their presence within the pool of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs); (2) optimize TIL culturing conditions, with IL-2low/IL-21/anti-PD-1 combination showing increased efficiency; (3) investigate surface marker-based enrichment for tumor-targeting T cells in freshly isolated TILs (enrichment confirmed for CD4+ and CD8+ PD-1+/CD39+ subsets), or re-stimulated TILs (informs on enrichment in 4-1BB-sorted cells). We believe that this approach to the rapid assessment of tumor-specific TCR enrichment should accelerate T cell therapy development.
Why both sides of the gender equation matter
Authors: Barrett Lindy E
Published: April 2022

Despite efforts to increase gender diversity in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM), men continue to hold most tenured and leadership positions. Moreover, the specific population shifts and timelines which may be required to achieve gender parity have not been well delineated. It is obvious that if women are statistically underrepresented in a field, then men must be statistically overrepresented: however, male overrepresentation and related gender-based advantages are rarely mentioned in conversations about gender equality. It is important that actions to address both overrepresentation and underrepresentation are elements of any strategy that seeks to move STEMM fields closer to gender parity.
A Scale to Measure the Attitude of Organic Farmers towards Paramparagrat Krishi Vikas Yojana
Authors: Supriya M. , Pirabu J. Venkata
Published: April 2022

Organic farming is considers as the medium and long term effect of agricultural interventions on the agro ecosystem. A scale has been developed for the study of attitude of organic famers towards PKVY. Attitude is a behavioural construct that cannot be measured by a single variable, hence there arise a need for developing a standardized instrument for its measurement. A method of Equal-Appearing Intervals was used to construct the attitude scale. A total of 60 attitude statements about PKVY scheme expressing varied degree of favourableness were collected and modified based on the Edward’s criteria. These statements were subjected to judge’s opinion by agricultural extension scientists of State Agricultural Universities and ICAR Research Institutes and field level extension workers. Based on expert’s response a standardized scale has been developed with 10 statements which are having universe of content, uniform distribution of scale values along the psychological continuum and high scale “S” values and lower Interquartile range “Q” values and more or less equal number of favourable and unfavourable attitude items. The selected statements were tested with validity and reliability.
Returns to Wheat Research, Varietal Adoption and Turnover Rates and Wheat Production Risks in Kenya
Authors: Gichangi Anne , Mukhebi Adrian , Murithi Festus
Published: April 2022

A lot of public funds have been used for investment in wheat research in Kenya. The concern is whether it is worthwhile to continue investing. The problem is there is no information on what returns to investments have been achieved to guide the continued allocation of resources to wheat research. To address this problem, this paper seeks to estimate returns to wheat research investments in Kenya, and the wheat varietal adoption and turnover rates that influence it. The Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) model was applied to estimate the returns to wheat research, in terms of three indicators: Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), Net Present Value (NPV), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). Adoption index was used to estimate wheat varietal adoption rates (VAR). The area-weighted average variety age (WAVA) was used to estimate the varietal turnover rate (VTR). The Five-Point Likert scale model was used in assessing production risks. A field survey was used for data collection in selected wheat-producing Counties of Kenya. The results generated were a BCR of 1.47, an NPV of 23.31 million Kenya Shillings, an IRR of 41%. The VAR was 42% and VTR was 15.65 years. The main wheat production risks were output price fluctuations, seed availability, pests, and diseases in that order of ranking.  In conclusion, return on investments in wheat research is positive, though relatively low compared to other countries, largely due to low varietal adoption and turnover rates and prevalence of high production risks. The recommendation is that to improve returns to wheat research in Kenya, varietal adoption and turnover rates should be improved and production risks should be minimized or eliminated.
Impact of Catarman Oil Mill, Incorporation (COMI) Production in Barangay Aguadahan, San Jose, Northern Samar
Authors: Barroga Ruben T. , Ogoc Myrna Nicol
Published: April 2022

This study followed the descriptive method of research, and conducted to assess the impacts of Catarman Oil Mill, Incorporation’s production in Barangay Aquadahan, San Jose, Northern Samar. It identified the possible environmental impacts, socio-economics impact, and on health and safety impacts of the production operations of the company. The barangay officials, barangay health workers and other interested groups particularly focused on the discussion on the environmental impact, socio-economic and health impacts associated with the oil mill in the area. Participants to the FGD were residents of the studied barangay and were enumerated within the 1 kilometer radius from the location of the company. Thus, the results of the study revealed that the Company is not involved in community promotion-related activities and that there is a growing health concerns that the community and people have attributed to the operations of the COMI. There is an unpleasant odor coming from the company which causes health concerns among the community people that most of the children and the elderly experiences from mild to severe headaches, asthma, allergy and other unnecessary illness. It was also found out that the company do not hire residents for permanent employment in the establishment least they would only hire a few of them only on contractual basis. On the environmental impact as a whole, there seems to be no evidence that the company is creating any alarming effect to the environment least the complaint of flooding in the area that most respondents attribute to the plant.
Extragalactic Radio Quasars: Consequences of the Luminosity/ Redshift Relationship
Authors: Chukwuemerie Ezeugo Jeremiah
Published: April 2022

We have used both analytical and statistical methods to show some plausible consequences of the luminosity/redshift relationships for compact steep spectrum (CSS) quasars and the more extended extragalactic radio (EGR) quasars. From the analytical methods (or theory), we find that luminosity shows an inverse dependence on the redshift; while from the statistical (empirical) the converse is the case for both CSS quasars and their extended counterparts. We know that luminosity selection effects may play some role in the empirical results. However, we find that the magnitudes of departure of the two empirical results from the theoretical result are staggering – the difference for the extended EGR quasars far outweighs that of the CSS quasars. We may state categorically that this discrepancy may simply be a sign of a factor in the intergalactic medium (IGM) that appears to cause the anomaly in the extended EGR quasars. This is because sources with similar powers are expected to produce similar luminosities; and besides, central engines of the more extended EGR quasars have roughly similar powers with the CSS central engines. However, our results show great difference between their radiated powers (luminosities). A likely explanation of this is that the irregularity may be a signature of dark/vacuum energy. It simply indicates that among other factors, dark energy may constitute a factor which influences luminosities of the more extended EGR quasars. The components (jets and lobes) of the more extended EGR quasars lie in the intergalactic medium (IGM). This medium is more of a vacuum than the interstellar medium (ISM) in which the components of the CSS sources are located. Therefore, dark energy is expected to show more effect in the IGM than in the ISM. Besides, we estimate percentage influence caused by luminosity selection effect and that caused by the presumed dark/vacuum energy. The estimates are respectively,  and . These results show that intrinsically, dark/vacuum energy influences extended EGR quasars’ luminosities by about  times more than the observational bias caused by luminosity selection effects.
Estimation of Finite Population Mean Using an Improved Class of Mixed Estimators with Two Auxiliary Variables
Authors: Dash Priyaranjan , Sunani Kalyani
Published: April 2022

This paper deals with a class of estimators of finite population mean using a combination of two mixed classes of estimators by exploring the information on two auxiliary variables. We have assumed that the study variable y is highly correlated with both the auxiliary variables x and z. The optimum properties of the proposed class of estimators is studied both theoretically and empirically. The minimum variance bound(MVB) estimator of this class is also derived and compared with several other competing estimators in terms of its bias and percent relative efficiency.
Screening of Yeasts Other than Saccharomyces for Amino acid Decarboxylation
Authors: Nnodim L. C. , Odu N. N. , Ogbonna D. N. , Kiin-Kabari D. B.
Published: April 2022

This study is aimed at screening non-Saccharomyces for amino acids decarboxylation potentials. The yeasts were isolated from banana fruit and honey purchased from markets in Rivers State. The isolation and molecular identification of yeast isolates were according to standard microbiological procedures. A plate assay method for amino acid decarboxylation (biogenic amine production) screening was used. Wild Non-Saccharomyces yeast (NSY) were identified as Candida tropicalis Pe 1 (B7), Candida tropicalis WC65-1 (B10), Candida tropicalis WC57 (H4), Clavispora lusitaniae WM03 (H7), and a Commercial Wine yeast (CY) identified as Candida tropicalis zhuan4 (CY). The NSYs and CY were biogenic amine producers, from L-histidine and glutamic acid; strain variability from glycine, proline, glutamine, and asparagine decarboxylation; while L-arginine, lysine, tyrosine, cysteine, leucine, and phenylalanine were not decarboxylated at a concentration of 0.1 %. The increase in amino acid concentration influenced the number of amino acids decarboxylated - phenylalanine and leucine; L-histidine, glycine, asparagine and glutamic acid were decarboxylated by wild NSY and CY, while the strain variability of phenylalanine, proline, leucine and glutamic acid decarboxylation. The amino acids L-arginine, lysine, tyrosine, and cysteine were not decarboxylated. In terms of the concentration of amino acids, L-histidine and glutamic acid were decarboxylated and arginine, lysine, tyrosine, and cysteine were not decarboxylated by wild NSY isolates and CY. The Chi-square Test and Kendall’s Test of concordance suggest that there is no association between the amino acid concentrations (0.1 and 1 %) and biogenic amine production (P-value > 0.05). The wild NSY and CY are biogenic amine-producers, and the increase in amino acid concentration influences biogenic amine production concerning some amino acids.
The Riemann Zeta Function and Its Zeroes
Authors: Hamdi Alhadbani Taghreed
Published: April 2022

This dissertation includes a detailed of the Riemann zeta functions; with a particular focus its analytic continuation, functional equation and application. We will start with the historical background. Following this we cover certain important preliminaries which are needed to use the functional equation. We then define the Riemann zeta function and prove the functional equation. In addition to this that, we show the Riemann zeta function has generalization in form of the Dirichlet L-function. Then, the zeroes of the Riemann zeta function will be studied. Finally, we establish the zero free region of Riemann zeta function.
Histological Assessment and Haematological Parameters of Honey on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Male Albino Rats
Authors: Alaebo Prince O. , Njoku George C. , Oriaku Chinwe E. , Iloanusi David U. , Ezeh Chiamaka J. , Ugboaja Thankgod C. , James Udeme A. , Ekwunoh Peter O. , Anyadike Norah N.
Published: April 2022

Purpose: The study investigated honey's histological assessment and haematological parameters on alloxan-induced diabetic male albino rats.

Methods: Thirty-six (36) male Wistar rats were assigned into six (6) groups with six (6) animals each, group 1 (Normal control), group 2 (Negative control), group 3 (Glibenclamide), group 4 (treated with 0.2ml of honey) group 5, (treated with 0.5ml of honey and group 6 (treated with 0.8ml of honey). The rats were fed with standard feed and drinking water ad libitum. The diabetic control, diabetic glibenclamide and the treated groups (0.2 mL/kg, 0.5 mL/kg and 0.8 mL/kg) were induced with diabetes by intraperitoneal injection of 120 mg/kg bodyweight alloxan monohydrate, and confirmation was done using a glucometer. Treatment lasted for three weeks, and blood samples for haematology [red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)] analyses were collected on day 21. On the 21st day, two rats per group were humanely sacrificed, and the vital organs (kidney and liver) were collected for histopathology.

Results: Haematologic results obtained showed marked reduction (p < 0.05) in RBC count, PCV, Hb and MCHC, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in MCV compared to the positive control. White blood cell counts showed a reduced level in the test group at a dose-dependent concentration compared to the positive control. Histopathological investigations of diabetic rats' liver and kidney indicated degradation of normal tissue architecture as well as a variety of other problems; however, after treatment with honey, reparative alterations were seen.

Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that honey could ameliorate metabolic disorders caused by diabetes as no pathological changes were elicited in the organs of rats exposed to honey.
Assessment of Genetic Stability of Medium Slender Rice Genotypes for Yield Traits using AMMI Model and GGE biplot Methodology over Different Locations of Karnataka
Authors: Reddy Vishal , Mahantashivayogayya K. , Diwan J. R. , Tembhurne B. V. , Pramesh D.
Published: April 2022

Medium slender grain varieties of rice are one of the most preferred among the south Indian rice consumers and has a high demand in both national as well as international markets. In the study, 18 medium slender rice genotypes were examined along with four individual checks in Karnataka across four different locations to assess genetic stability using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model and GGE bi-plot methodology. The genotype environment interaction (G×E interaction) were partitioned into two principal components and were found highly significant. Together, IPCA1 and IPCA2 explained more than 75 percent of G×E interactions for yield trait, with IPCA I explaining maximum G×E interaction. Gangavati and Malnoor were found to be favorable environments. AMMI analysis indicated that the BPT mutant 1801, BPT mutant 1804 and BPT mutant 1811 were found to be most stable genotypes for grain yield across locations over check GGV-05-01. Among rice genotypes, the best elite genotype, BPT mutant 1801 recorded highest grain yield and was also the most stable in grain yield across four locations.
Assessment of Spatial and Temporal Drought Severity: A Study in Transition Zone of Karnataka State in India
Authors: Ujwala Rani Seedari , Kumar Pramod , P. Singh Naveen , Raj Singh Dharam , Srivastava S. K. , Kumar Paul Ranjit , Padaria R. N. , Tadigiri Sirisha
Published: April 2022

Rainfall data from 1979-2019 was analysed across the agro climatic zones in transition region of Karnataka. Rainfall Anomaly Index and Mean deviation methods are used to identify drought years and wet years over both spatial and temporal on time scale. The North Eastern Transition Zone can be considered as most vulnerable zone as it recorded for about 24 dry years values which indicates existence of persistence drought in this zone. The Northern Transition Zone is not vulnerable when compared to Northern Eastern Transition Zone as most of the drought year values are nearer to wet year values (RAI -0.3 to -1.2) which implies that this zone has moderate drought condition. The Southern transition zone has normal drought condition (RAI +0.3 to -0.3) which implies neither wet nor neither dry condition. But if proper conservations were not taken, this zone may come in the hit list of most vulnerable zone in near future which will harm the farming community.
Impact of Rice Residue Management Practices on Environment, Productivity and Economics of Wheat: A Review
Authors: Kumar Preetam , Rawal Sandeep , Kumar Raj , Kavita .
Published: April 2022

Rice-Wheat (RW) is a major cropping system followed in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India. This cropping system popularised with mechanisation of both mentioned crops. Increase in mechanisation, particularly use of combined harvesting enables harvesting of rice in a very short span of time but it leaves behind a large amount of crop residue. Ex-situ residue management of this voluminous residue is not feasible and economical to the farmer. Burning of rice residue is a common practise in India to manage the rice residue because of its low economic use, which causes serious air pollution and nutrient losses. Sustainability of RW system is at risk due to soil degradation and poor residue management practices. Proper in-situ residue management is of utmost importance as crop residue contains significant amount of nutrients and it can improve soil physical, chemical and biological health because of huge amount of organic carbon added to the soil. Various soil properties, wheat productivity, economics and the environment are highly influenced by the rice residue management practices adopted. In this review, the authors have discussed impact of different rice residue management practices and wheat sowing methods on wheat productivity, economics, soil properties and the environment.
Influence of Biopesticides and Natural Preparations on the Regulation of Diseases and Pests in the Ecological Protection of Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) and Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Salihović Emina , Salkić Besim , Imširović Emir , Hodžić Sedina , Noćajević Sead , Salkić Azra
Published: April 2022

Organic agriculture is increasingly present on farms in response to environmental pollution and food safety. However, organic farmers have a big production risk due to frequent plant diseases. This research was conducted to compare the influence of preparations for plant protection allowed in organic agriculture and phytopharmaceutical preparations which are used in conventional agriculture and observe their effect in regulation of pests and diseases in tomato and cucumber production in an open field. The research included the tomato variety „Oxheart“, and the cucumber variety „Long green“. The time of research was four months from planting to harvest (period: May 2020. – August 2020.) until more than 70% of vegetation was completed. The tests were performed at a location in the rural part of the town of Živinice (Tupković) in an open field with an altitude of 250 m, during the vegetation period of 2020. The tests were performed on two separate plots. The plot where phytopharmaceutical (conventional) preparations were used, was physically separated from the plot where preparations allowed in organic agriculture were used. Temperature measurement was performed using a TFA Dostmann thermometer (-25ºC to + 50ºC) and it was set at a height of 2 meters in the open field. The amount of rainfall was monitored with the TFA Dostmann rain gauge. In the tests with organic plant protection, the nettle solution and preparation with active substance Bacillus thuringiensis for pests was used, and for plant diseases, the milk+soda solution and copper-oxide were used. In the tests with conventional protection, preparations with active substances acetamiprid and imidacloprid for pests were used, and the diseases were treated with mancozeb+copper and metalaxyl-M+mancozeb. After treatments, the onset of diseases was monitored. To conclude, the conventional insecticides gave better results in the regulation of pests in comparison to organic preparations, and in the case of organic preparations, the nettle solution had a better effect. Plant protection with copper-oxide gave the same results as using conventional preparations in disease regulation. This shows that plant protection is possible in organic production, but preparations must be applied more often and in a timely manner.
Marital Status and Level of Depression and Anxiety
Authors: Serapinas Danielius , Narbekovas Andrius
Published: April 2022

Backround: Romantic relationships were described as the unique partnership where intimacy and mutual feelings of love and affection are manifested. However they may be linked with some level of anxiety and depression - two separate conditions, that strongly linked to one another with almost indistinguishable elements. The aim of the study to analyse the link between romantic relationships and depression & anxiety.

Methods: A total of 120 participants currently engaged in a dating romantic relationship (80) and  marriage (40), specifically targeting young adults aged between 18-35 (M = 24.79 years) have filled questionaires.Main instruments that were used in this paper were: Rubin's Love Scale, PHQ-9) and Zung’s anxiety scale.

Results: Results supported findings from previous research that are conducted in this field. While depression and anxiety levels are positively linked, participants who answered the questionnaire showed that when the love in the romantic relationship is high, anxiety and depression symptoms seemed to be decreased. Married individuals are more likely to have a high score of love and less score on depression & anxiety compared to individuals who are engaged in a dating relationship.

Conclusions: Romantic or - better described- companionate love component of the relationships are linked with fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. Married individuals had a higher score of romantic love, and fewer symptoms of depression anxiety, compared with the ones who were in a committed relationship.
Development of IOT Based Digital Display Board for Students’ Lectures Update
Authors: A. Iwayemi , M. S. Olokun , A. O. Alalade
Published: April 2022

Technology is generally improving the advertisement sector and the use of electronic medium in communication system is on geometric rise due to its flexibility, attractiveness, speed and efficiency. Various methods of information dissemination have been adopted from the use of posters, traditional billboards to electronic billboards. This work presents the development of an IOT (Internet of Things) based display board for Engineering Students in Federal Polytechnic Ile Oluji, Ondo State, Nigeria for lecture update using wireless communication channel (wi-fi); this provides ease and comfort of updating the content from remote location in the wireless network range. The command is sent to the digital display board through the Mobile Application interfaced with the wireless module to give regular update and seamless communication with students.

The digital board basically contains a digital display module, a 5volts DC power pack, a wi-fi card, Microcontroller and Light Emitting Diodes. The administrator sends out message through the mobile led art light application to keep students updated on their lecture information. The text is received through the wireless module connected to the application and transferred to the microcontroller which decodes the message for users. The decoded message will automatically switch ON and OFF appropriate LEDs in order to display respective message sent which scrolls on the display. The display board can accept texts in different modes and styles as provided in the mobile application. The display board is useful in academic environment to regularly update students on lectures and other relevant information.
Mixed-mode Oscillations in Filippov System
Authors: Chen Shaomin , Zhao Jiahao , Bi Qinsheng
Published: April 2022

The mechanism of the mixed mode oscillations of a class of non-smooth Filippov systems under multistable coexistence was studied in this paper. Based on a Lorenz-type chaotic model with multi-attractor coexistence, the Filippov system was established by introducing non-smooth terms as well as an external excitation. With multiple stable attractors in the discontinuous vector field, the parameter changes have led to complex transition patterns between the attractors and the non-smooth interface, or between the attractors. When an order gap exists between the exciting frequency and the natural frequency, implying the mixed-mode oscillations. Here we have taken several excitation amplitudes to cover different coexistence regions, a set of mixed mode oscillation patterns were obtained. Besides, the bifurcation set of two generalized autonomous subsystems and the coexistence region of attractors were discussed. Combined with the transformed phase diagram method, the bifurcation mechanism of bursting oscillation and the sliding dynamical behaviors of the system at the discontinuous interface has revealed with slow varying parameters access in different regions of multistable attractors coexistence. The alternations between quiescent and spiking states become more frequent and complex, leading to the change of the structure of the bursting oscillation modes. Moreover, the non-smooth partition interface of the system yields multiple non-smooth bifurcations, which will also affect the oscillation modes of the generalized autonomous system.
Excavation of prehistoric roundhouses and post-medieval kilns at Drumyocher and Hospital Shields, Aberdeenshire
Authors: Johnson Melanie , Anderson Sue , Ballin Torben Bjarke , Cressey Mike , Hastie Mhairi , Jackson Adam , McLaren Dawn , Richardson Phil
Published: April 2022

A programme of archaeological watching brief and excavation was carried out by CFA Archaeology Ltd along the route of the Aberdeen to Lochside Natural Gas Pipeline during its construction in 2004. The remains of four truncated Middle Bronze Age roundhouses, one Iron Age post-built roundhouse with a souterrain entered from the house, and two medieval or post-medieval corn-drying kilns were excavated at Drumyocher Farm, near Arbuthnott, Aberdeenshire (NGR: NO 7831 7679). An assemblage of decorated pottery was recovered, unusually for this period. The remains of three truncated probable ring-ditch roundhouses were excavated to the north-east of Hospital Shields Farm, near St Cyrus, Aberdeenshire (NGR: NO 7215 6740); these features have been radiocarbon dated to the Late Bronze Age.
Rotated Pillars for Functional Integrated On‐Chip Terahertz Spoof Surface‐Plasmon‐Polariton Devices
Authors: Zhang Ying , Lu Yongchang , Yuan Mingrui , Xu Yuehong , Xu Quan , Yang Quanlong , Liu Yingkai , Gu Jianqiang , Li Yanfeng , Tian Zhen , Ouyang Chunmei , Zhang Weili , Han Jiaguang
Published: March 2022

Spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) with strong subwavelength field confinement and enhancement offer a promising way for realizing integrated on‐chip terahertz (THz) devices. How to find a simple way to control the dispersion of spoof SPPs and then achieve functional on‐chip devices is thus highly desired. Here, the authors theoretically and experimentally demonstrate that such a method can provide sufficient design degrees of freedom to enable versatile THz spoof SPP metadevices. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, a series of on‐chip meta‐devices including the switch, the wavelength demultiplexer, and the splitters are presented. The proposed strategy paves a simple way toward the integrated on‐chip THz devices with various functionalities.
Smart Tetraphenylethene‐Based Luminescent Metal–Organic Frameworks with Amide‐Assisted Thermofluorochromics and Piezofluorochromics
Authors: Zhu Zhong‐Hong , Bi Changjiang , Zou Hua‐Hong , Feng Guangxue , Xu Shuping , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2022

Luminescent metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are appealing for the design of smart responsive materials, whereas aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) fluorophores with twisted molecular rotor structure provide exciting opportunities to construct MOFs with new topology and responsiveness. Herein, it is reported that elongating AIE rotor ligands can render the newly formed AIE MOF (ZnETTB) (ETTB = 4',4''',4''''',4'''''''‐(ethene‐1,1,2,2‐tetrayl)tetrakis(([1,1'‐biphenyl]‐3,5‐dicarboxylic acid))) with more elasticity, more control for intramolecular motion, and specific amide‐sensing capability. ZnETTB shows specific host–guest interaction with amide, where N,N‐diethylformamide (DEF), as an example, is anchored through CH···O and CH···π bonds with Zn cluster and ETTB8− ligand, respectively. DEF anchoring reduces both the distortion level and the intramolecular motions of ETTB8− ligand to lead a blueshifted and intensified emission for DEF ∈ ZnETTB. Moreover, amide anchoring also affords the DEF ∈ ZnETTB with the excellent thermofluorochromic behavior, and further increases the piezofluorochromic sensitivity at low‐pressure ranges on the basis of its elastic framework. This work is one of the rare examples of amide‐responsive smart materials, which shall shed new lights on design of smart MOFs with twisted AIE rotors for further sensing and detection applications.
Chirality of Perylene Diimides: Design Strategies and Applications
Authors: Li Jie , Li Pengyu , Fan Mingyu , Zheng Xian , Guan Jun , Yin Meizhen
Published: March 2022

Chirality is a particularly important concept in nature and exists at all length scales, ranging from the molecular level to the supramolecular level. Over the last two decades, various design strategies have been developed to construct chiral materials based on perylene diimides (PDIs) and to mimic the chiral assembly process in biological systems, but applications of these chiral aggregates are still at an early stage. This Minireview summarizes recent progress in the synthesis and properties of chiral PDIs. The chirality in PDI‐based materials can be generated by three different approaches: from the twisted planes of PDIs, the chiral substituents of PDIs, and the co‐assembly of achiral PDIs and chiral guests. A comprehensive understanding of the applications of chiral PDIs as well as potential future developments is also provided.
Phosphine‐Catalyzed Enantioselective (3+2) Annulation of Vinylcyclopropanes with Imines for the Synthesis of Chiral Pyrrolidines
Authors: Zhang Fuhao , Dai Xuan , Dai Lei , Zheng Wenrui , Chan Wai‐Lun , Tang Xiaodong , Zhang Xumu , Lu Yixin
Published: March 2022

A phosphine‐catalyzed highly enantioselective and diastereoselective (up to 98 % ee and >20 : 1 dr) (3+2) annulation between vinylcyclopropanes and N‐tosylaldimines has been developed, which allows facile access to a range of highly functionalized chiral pyrrolidines. Notably, this method makes use of vinylcyclopropanes as a synthon for phosphine‐mediated asymmetric annulation reaction, which will offer new opportunities for potential applications of cyclopropanes substrates in phosphine‐catalyzed organic transformations.
Modulus and adhesion of Sylgard 184, Solaris, and Ecoflex 00‐30 silicone elastomers with varied mixing ratios
Authors: Darby Daniel R. , Cai Zhuoyun , Mason Christopher R. , Pham Jonathan T.
Published: March 2022

Two‐part, commercial silicone elastomers are used in a variety of fundamental soft materials research and industrial applications due to their wide availability, ease of use, low cost, and mechanical tunability. This work seeks to create a library of moduli for three common elastomer systems with varied mixing ratios: Sylgard 184, Solaris, and Ecoflex 00–30, as well as provide a comparison of their adhesive properties. Shear storage moduli are quantified using parallel plate oscillatory shear rheology. The work of debonding is measured with spherical probe adhesion testing, and the static, advancing, and receding contact angles are measured via goniometer. Sylgard 184 can have shear moduli ranging from ~0.5 kPa‐620 kPa, Solaris from ~0.6 kPa‐175 kPa, and EF from ~1.3 kPa‐35 kPa measured at a frequency of 0.01 rad/s. In general, increasing mixing ratios creates softer samples. Additionally, softer samples are universally more adhesive, regardless of the material system. When comparing the different material systems, Sylgard 184 is generally the most adhesive, followed closely by Solaris, and then by Ecoflex 00–30. Our study offers a baseline dataset of modulus values and comparative adhesion to help researchers determine an appropriate commercial silicone for their application.
Optic nerve‐associated connective tissue structures revisited: A histological study using human fetuses and adult cadavers
Authors: Cho Kwang Ho , Takahashi Akihiro , Yamamoto Masahito , Hirouchi Hidetomo , Taniguchi Shuichiro , Ogawa Yudai , Murakami Gen , Abe Shin‐Ichi
Published: March 2022

Unlike the usual peripheral nerve, the optic nerve accompanies a thick “dural sheath,” a thin “sheath of pia mater” (SPM), and multiple “septa,” which divides the nerve fibers into fascicles. We collected specimens from 25 adult cadavers and 15 fetuses and revisited the histological architecture of the optic and oculomotor nerves. In the optic chiasma, the meningeal layer of the dura joins the pia to form a thick SPM, and the periosteum of the sphenoid is continuous with the dural sheath at the orbital exit of the bony optic canal. The septa appeared as a cluster of irregularly arrayed fibrous plates in the intracranial course near the chiasma. Thus, the septa were not derived from either the SPM or the dural sheath. In the orbit, the central artery of the retina accompanies collagenous fibers from the dural sheath and the SPM to provide the vascular sheath in the optic nerve. These connective tissue configurations were the same between adult and fetal specimens. At the optic disk, the dural sheath and SPM merged with the sclera, whereas the septa appeared to end at the lamina cribrosa. However, in fetuses without lamina cribrosa, the septa extend into the nerve fiber layer of the retina. The SPM and septa showed strong elastin immunoreactivity, in contrast to the absence of reactivity in the sheaths of the oculomotor nerve. Each S100 protein‐positive Schwann sheath of the oculomotor nerve was surrounded by collagenous endoneurium. Glial fibrillary acidic protein‐positive astrocytes showed a linear arrangement along the septa.