bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structured peer review: pilot results from 23 Elsevier journals
Authors: Malički Mario , Mehmani Bahar
Published: June 2024

Background

Reviewers rarely comment on the same aspects of a manuscript, making it difficult to properly assess manuscripts’ quality and the quality of the peer review process. The goal of this pilot study was to evaluate structured peer review implementation by: 1) exploring whether and how reviewers answered structured peer review questions, 2) analysing reviewer agreement, 3) comparing that agreement to agreement before implementation of structured peer review, and 4) further enhancing the piloted set of structured peer review questions.

Methods

Structured peer review consisting of nine questions was piloted in August 2022 in 220 Elsevier journals. We randomly selected 10% of these journals across all fields and IF quartiles and included manuscripts that received two review reports in the first 2 months of the pilot, leaving us with 107 manuscripts belonging to 23 journals. Eight questions had open-ended fields, while the ninth question (on language editing) had only a yes/no option. The reviews could also leave Comments-to-Author and Comments-to-Editor. Answers were independently analysed by two raters, using qualitative methods.

Results

Almost all the reviewers (n = 196, 92%) provided answers to all questions even though these questions were not mandatory in the system. The longest answer (Md 27 words, IQR 11 to 68) was for reporting methods with sufficient details for replicability or reproducibility. The reviewers had the highest (partial) agreement (of 72%) for assessing the flow and structure of the manuscript, and the lowest (of 53%) for assessing whether interpretation of the results was supported by data, and for assessing whether the statistical analyses were appropriate and reported in sufficient detail (52%). Two thirds of the reviewers (n = 145, 68%) filled out the Comments-to-Author section, of which 105 (49%) resembled traditional peer review reports. These reports contained a Md of 4 (IQR 3 to 5) topics covered by the structured questions. Absolute agreement regarding final recommendations (exact match of recommendation choice) was 41%, which was higher than what those journals had in the period from 2019 to 2021 (31% agreement, P = 0.0275).

Conclusions

Our preliminary results indicate that reviewers successfully adapted to the new review format, and that they covered more topics than in their traditional reports. Individual question analysis indicated the greatest disagreement regarding the interpretation of the results and the conducting and the reporting of statistical analyses. While structured peer review did lead to improvement in reviewer final recommendation agreements, this was not a randomized trial, and further studies should be performed to corroborate this. Further research is also needed to determine whether structured peer review leads to greater knowledge transfer or better improvement of manuscripts.
Applying different levels of practice variability for motor learning: More is not better
Authors: Caballero Carla , Barbado David , Peláez Manuel , Moreno Francisco J.
Published: June 2024

Background

Variable practice is a broadly used tool to improve motor learning processes. However, controversial results can be found in literature about the success of this type of practice compared to constant practice. This study explored one potential reason for this controversy: the manipulation of variable practice load applied during practice and its effects according to the initial performance level and the initial intrinsic variability of the learner.

Method

Sixty-five participants were grouped into four practice schedules to learn a serial throwing task, in which the training load of variable practice was manipulated: one constant practice group and three groups with different variable practice loads applied. After a pre-test, participants trained for 2 weeks. A post-test and three retests (96 h, 2 weeks and 1 month) were carried out after training. The participants’ throwing accuracy was assessed through error parameters and their initial intrinsic motor variability was assessed by the autocorrelation coefficient of the error.

Results

The four groups improved their throwing performance. Pairwise comparisons and effect sizes showed larger error reduction in the low variability group. Different loads of variable practice seem to induce different performance improvements in a throwing task. The modulation of the variable practice load seems to be a step forward to clarify the controversy about its benefits, but it has to be guided by the individuals’ features, mainly by the initial intrinsic variability of the learner.
Evaluation of Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) as a diagnostic marker for staging liver fibrosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Gong Siyao , Yu Xin , Li Qian , Chen Ming , Yu Shuguang , Yang Sha
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study aimed to assess the accuracy of Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) in predicting the stage of liver fibrosis.

Methods

Articles published until October 10, 2023, were searched in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), summary receiver–operator curves (SROC), and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were used to examine the accuracy of M2BPGi in predicting the stage of liver fibrosis. A 95% confidence interval (CI) was provided for each estimate.

Results

Twenty-four studies were included in this meta-analysis, including 3,839 patients with liver fibrosis, 409 of whom progressed to stage 4 or above. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC (AUC) for M2BPGi predicting liver fibrosis ≥F3 were 0.74 (95% CI [0.65–0.82]), 0.84 (95% CI [0.76–0.89]), and 14.99 (95% CI [9.28–24.21]), respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUC for ≥F4 were 0.80 (95% CI [0.70–0.88]), 0.80 (95% CI [0.73–0.86]), and 16.43 (95% CI [0.84–0.90]), respectively.

Conclusion

Among different sample partitions, M2BPGi has the best diagnostic performance for liver fibrosis stage ≥4. Furthermore, the cutoff of 1–2 is more accurate than that of 0–1 or 2–3 for fibrosis ≥ F3 and ≥ F4.

Registration

CRD42023483260.
Evaluation of genetic variation and host resistance to wheat stem rust pathogen (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties grown in Türkiye
Authors: Cat Ahmet
Published: June 2024

Wheat stem rust, which is caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), is a highly destructive disease that affects wheat crops on a global scale. In this study, the reactions of 150 bread wheat varieties were evaluated for natural Pgt infection at the adult-plant stage in the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 growing seasons, and they were analyzed using specific molecular markers to detect stem rust resistance genes (Sr22, Sr24, Sr25, Sr26, Sr31, Sr38, Sr50, and Sr57). Based on phenotypic data, the majority of the varieties (62%) were resistant or moderately resistant to natural Pgt infection. According to molecular results, it was identified that Sr57 was present in 103 varieties, Sr50 in nine varieties, Sr25 in six varieties, and Sr22, Sr31, and Sr38 in one variety each. Additionally, their combinations Sr25 + Sr50, Sr31 + Sr57, Sr38 + Sr50, and Sr38 + Sr57 were detected in these varieties. On the other hand, Sr24 and Sr26 were not identified. In addition, many varieties had low stem rust scores, including a large minority that lacked Sr57. These varieties must have useful resistance to stem rust and could be the basis for selecting greater, possibly durable resistance.
Conservación Activa del Paisaje Altiplánico desde los Intersticios Mineros: Caso Salar de Maricunga
Authors:   , Sandoval Vallejos Jonathan Ignacio
Published: June 2024

La investigación proyectual aborda el impacto de la extracción minera en paisajes altiplánicos frágiles desde la arquitectura del paisaje, en dónde se reconoce un espacio de oportunidad para diseñar soluciones que integren los usos productivos, científicos y turísticos en el salar de Maricunga con el fin de promover la conservación del paisaje. En el marco de las Evaluaciones de Impacto Ambiental, la minería del Litio ha tenido el permiso para la exploración y explotación del recurso mineral en territorios desérticos altiplánicos, específicamente en salares, como fuente principal de Litio; las operaciones mineras han perturbado el ambiente altoandino, como se ha visto en múltiples salares entre Chile, Argentina y Bolivia. Lo anterior es el punto de partida para situar la investigación considerando el recurso hídrico, como sostenedor de la vida en el desierto más árido del mundo, y contrastarlo con la actividad productiva que está en auge actualmente, entendiéndola como una minería del agua. Esto se respalda en la búsqueda de una transición energética, en donde la sociedad contemporánea se ha enfocado en el producto resultante del proceso de extracción del metal. Así, el modo de operar en los salares provoca una pérdida de los valores naturales, sin realizar medidas de mitigación adecuadas respecto a la fragilidad ecológica que presentan estos hábitats y las especies endémicas y micro endémicas que existen en el territorio. La investigación propone estrategias y un diseño, bajo lo establecido por las declaraciones ambientales de proyectos de extracción, en el salar de Maricunga para su conservación de manera activa, es decir, una adecuada protección de áreas con fragilidad ecológica y una integración de las actividades tanto productivas como científicas y turísticas. El proyecto considera operaciones de reutilización de los descartes mineros, nuevas circulaciones de agua superficial y activación de espacios en una nueva estructura que articula las actividades mineras que han convertido al salar en un campo de maniobras, en conjunto con las áreas de mayor fragilidad en el sistema, para promover las investigaciones científicas y del Estado, como también el desarrollo del turismo como mecanismo de control en un paisaje alterado.
The noncommutative geometry of the Landau Hamiltonian
Authors:   , Sandoval, Maximiliano
Published: June 2024

This dissertation will present three works in the areas of noncommutative geometry, the study of the Landau Hamiltonian, and the study of rational noncommutative tori making use of complex geometry and theta functions. The first two works focus primary on extending Bellissard’s work on the noncommutative geometry of the Hall Effect to the case where the medium is continuous case making use of a novel Dirac Operator, closely related to the isotropic quantum harmonic oscillator. We study the resulting spectral triple and its properties as a noncommutative space. Notably we provide proofs for the first and second Connes formulas for this spectral triple. The third work deals with the study of a pair of dual representations of rational noncommutative tori with rational parameters θ and θ −1, how we can naturally construct a vector bundles on a complex tori from to them, and hint how this duality is a manifestation of the Fourier-Mukai-Nahm transform.
Futuro do ensino superior frente aos desafios da Inteligência Artificial: uma revisão bibliográfica
Authors: Souza Edney Costa , Fernandes Alice Munz , Matos Gleimiria Batista da Costa , Teixeira Odilene de Souza , Lubiana Alessandro
Published: June 2024

Os crescentes avanços tecnológicos que caracterizam a sociedade contemporânea têm ocasionado múltiplas transformações em distintos contextos, inclusive no âmbito educacional. Nesse ínterim, a Inteligência Artificial (IA) figura como uma temática emergente e dotada de complexidade, cuja aplicação tende a oportunizar contributos ao processo de ensino-aprendizagem, sobretudo em nível superior. Ante a este cenário, a pesquisa realizada teve como objetivo analisar o panorama do ensino superior frente aos desafios concernentes a utilização e ao desenvolvimento da IA. Para tanto, empregou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa e exploratória por meio de um estudo bibliográfico. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que a IA apresenta um conjunto de riscos e de benefícios e que as Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) brasileiras precisam desenvolver competências inerentes ao uso e a difusão de sistemas educacionais advindos da referida tecnologia. Outro aspecto pertinente corresponde a consolidação e legitimação de preceitos éticos concernentes a utilização da IA como mecanismo propulsor de um processo de ensino-aprendizagem mais flexível, autônomo e personalizado.
Percepção dos colaboradores sobre a saúde mental no ambiente de trabalho em uma empresa de eletroeletrônico
Authors: Ferreira Keudiney Alves , Jinkings Elaine Yaskara , Maduro Márcia Ribeiro , Lima Orlem Pinheiro de
Published: June 2024

Baseado em levantamentos de dados no Brasil, podemos observar que a Saúde Mental nas organizações ganhou grande destaque e preocupou a sociedade como um todo, além dos possíveis transtornos que afetam os trabalhadores no decorrer dos anos. Podemos afirmar que os trabalhadores não percebem os seus próprios problemas de saúde mental. Esse artigo busca analisar através de uma pesquisa de campo feita por meio de questionário e entrevistas aplicado em colaboradores de uma empresa de eletroeletrônicos na área de produção, analisando a percepção dos colaboradores em relação à Saúde Mental no Ambiente de Trabalho, levantando dados atuais sobre essa percepção , investigando o quanto a produtividade é afetada pelo estado de saúde do trabalhador e adicionalmente entendendo as causas, impactos e efeitos que  afetam essa mão de obra dentro da organização. Os resultados mostraram que os sintomas surgem de acordo com a vulnerabilidade de cada trabalhador. Carga excessiva de trabalho, hora extra, competitividade interna, são alguns fatores de risco, que de forma direta ou indiretamente afetam o trabalhador que por sua vez diminui seu rendimento produtivo. Em contrapartida deve-se destacar o incentivo da   Empresa que vem criando projetos com o objetivo de combater sintomas e melhorar a qualidade de vida do trabalhador no seu ambiente de trabalho.
Cytodiagnosis of Telangiectatic Osteosarcoma in a Patient with Previous Fracture Humerus Surgery with Plating: A Case Report
Authors: Khan Simran , Bhake Arvind , Chandrakar Garima , Sagar Shakti
Published: June 2024

Telangiectatic Osteosarcoma (TO) is a rare variant of osteosarcoma, accounting for 0.4-12% of cases. It is a high-grade malignancy occurring in adolescence and the adult population. It commonly occurs in the bones of the limbs but rarely in the humerus. It is assumed to originate in stem cells of the mesenchyme or from transformed osteoblasts. The initial X-ray of TO would show an osteolytic lesion over the metaphysis of the long bone. However, the radiographic imaging techniques may not correlate with the histological variant of osteosarcoma. It has been rarely diagnosed and reported in the literature in terms of diagnostic modality using Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC). Its cytological as well as histological diagnosis is challenging. However, the diagnosis of TO has numerous implications such as prognosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment options. The present clinical and pathological case images depict the unusual features of TO involving the upper humerus by an osteolytic lesion. Its clinical and diagnostic chronology is interesting due to the occurrence of TO in a case that underwent surgery for a fractured humerus with plating. The plate fixation in this particular case was surrounded by osteolytic tumour tissue extending into the soft tissue. The FNAC under Ultrasonography (USG) guidance was carried out. The smears of the aspirated material typically showed malignant spindle cell fragments with a few gaps of remnant sinusoids entrapping sparse red blood cells. The smears also showed osteoid material which was lacy in character. This case has several noteworthy features in the form of cytomorphological description of the telangiectatic variant of osteosarcoma, its occurrence following plating, and subsequent confirmation on histology and Immunohistochemistry (IHC).
A fontosabb termékpályák piaci folyamatai 2019
Authors: Ecsediné Wanek Zsuzsanna , Egri Edit , Isépy Anett , Mándi-Nagy Dániel , Pásztor Zsuzsanna , Tubáné Elek Réka , Vadkerti-Tóth Nikolett
Published: June 2024

A kiadvány a fontosabb termékpályák 2019. évi piaci folyamatait mutatja be, elsősorban az ártrendeken keresztül. Az összeállítás a NAIK Agrárgazdasági Kutatóintézet Piaci Árinformációs Rendszerének adataira, valamint a különböző magyarországi és nemzetközi forrásokból származó árinformációkra és adatokra támaszkodik. Az étkezési búza termelői ára 3 százalékkal 52,4 ezer forint/tonnára, a takarmánybúzáé 1 százalékkal 47,8 ezer forint/tonnára emelkedett, ugyanakkor a takarmánykukoricáé 8 százalékkal 42,9 ezer forint/tonnára csökkent 2019-ben az előző évihez képest. Az ipari napraforgómag (magas olajsavas napraforgómaggal együtt) a 2018. évinél 6 százalékkal volt drágább 2019-ben (97,2 ezer forint/tonna), a repcemag termelői ára 7 százalékkal 115,3 ezer forint/ tonnára emelkedett egy év alatt. Magyarországon 821 ezer tonna cukorrépát szedtek fel 2019-ben, ami 14 százalékkal kevesebb a 2018-ban betakarított mennyiségnél. A magyarországi sertésárak az előző évekhez hasonlóan 2019-ben is követték az uniós árak tendenciáját. A vágósertés termelői ára 552 forint/kg hasított meleg súly volt 2019-ben, 22,4 százalékkal csökkent egy év alatt. A vágócsirke élősúlyos termelői ára 2,7 százalékkal 260 forint/kg-ra emelkedett 2019-ben a 2018. évihez viszonyítva. A vágómarha termelői ára 1,3 százalékkal, a vágóbárányé 7,5 százalékkal, a nyerstejé 6 százalékkal emelkedett 2019-ben a 2018. évi átlagárhoz képest. A zöldségfélék termelése és termelői ára nem változott számottevően. A gyümölcsök termelése csökkent, míg termelői ára 15 százalékkal emelkedett. A földrajzi jelzés nélküli (FN) borok és az oltalom alatt álló földrajzi jelzéssel (OFJ) ellátott borok feldolgozói értékesítési ára 11 százalékkal volt alacsonyabb 2019-ben, mint egy évvel korábban.
Az élelmiszer-termelés gazdálkodó szervezeteinek pénzügyi helyzete, 2019
Authors: Illés Ivett , Vágó Katalin
Published: June 2024

A kettős könyvvitelt végző mezőgazdasági társas vállalkozások adózás előtti eredménye 13,5 milliárd forinttal 153,1 milliárd forintra nőtt 2019-ben. A bővülésben az üzemi tevékenység eredményének növekedése játszotta a főszerepet, amely 23,5 milliárd forinttal 156,8 milliárd forintra nőtt egy év alatt, miközben a pénzügyi műveletek eredménye, a tárgyévet megelőző évivel ellentétben veszteségesnek bizonyult. Az adózás előtti eredmény kedvező alakulásának következtében javult az ágazat jövedelmezősége: az árbevétel-arányos adózott eredmény (0,6 százalékponttal) 7,2 százalékra, a tőkearányos (0,4 százalékponttal) 6,7 százalékra, az eszközarányos (0,3 százalékponttal) 4,3 százalékra emelkedett. A saját tőke, valamint az alaptőke jövedelmezősége egyaránt kedvezőbbnek mondható, előbbi 0,3 százalékponttal 7,1 százalékra, utóbbi 5,7 százalékponttal 52,0 százalékra nőtt. Az árbevétel-arányos jövedelmezőség a más gazdasági tevékenységet végző vállalkozásokhoz képest is kiemelkedőnek számít.
Experiences of Technology and Livelihood Education Teachers in the Division of Davao Del Norte: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Pamor Ivy L , Legarda Maricris B. , Bauyot Marleonie M.
Published: June 2024

The goal of the Philippine educational system's integration of technology and livelihood education (TLE) is to provide students with information and abilities that apply to a variety of career domains. The backgrounds and skill sets of TLE's teachers, who are essential in transforming curriculum objectives into stimulating learning experiences for students, have a significant impact on the program's effectiveness. Hence, this study explored and described the lived experiences of teachers teaching technology and livelihood education in the Division of Davao del Norte. It aimed to go deeper into their experiences, coping strategies, and significant insights. This study was conducted and limited to the personal responses of the participants from the Division of Davao Del Norte, comprising seven (7) teachers. This study was qualitative with a phenomenological approach. Data was collected using interviews, which were coded and analyzed for themes. Results revealed that participants' experiences of the study emerged in two main themes: insufficient materials, equipment, and skills. Meanwhile, when it comes to coping with the challenges encountered by TLE teachers in the Division of Davao del Norte, three major themes were formulated: pedagogical diversity, technology integration, and training and seminars. On the other hand, the participants in this study shared their insights and suggestions when it comes to teaching TLE subjects. Out of the common insights, three themes emerge. It includes pedagogical adaptability, resource optimization, and professional development. Thus, further approaches to solving the aforementioned issues may be investigated by researchers in the future. They can also examine the long-term impacts of improved resources and teacher training on student outcomes in TLE subjects. Further, they may investigate best practices in TLE instruction from various regions and countries and explore their applicability in the local context.
Efficacy of Selected Insecticides against Diamond Back Moth (Plutella xylostella L.) on Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.)
Authors: Dange Tejas Ravindra , Tayde Anoorag Rajnikanth
Published: June 2024

The research trial was undertaken at Central Research Field, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. Experiment was laid in RBD with three replication consists of eight treatments viz, Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (0.4 gm/lit), Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (0.5 ml/lit), Novaluron 10% EC (2 ml/lit), Spinosad 45% SC (0.5 ml/lit), Beauveria bassiana 1.15% WP (1 gm/lit), Neem oil 1% (10 ml/lit), Karanj oil 2% (20 ml/lit) and untreated control. The mean larval population of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) on cabbage at 3rd, 7th, and 14th days after two sprays revealed that the treatment Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (2.63) observed the lowest population of diamond back moth followed by Spinosad 45%SC (2.96), Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (3.02), Novaluron 10% EC (3.32), Beauveria bassiana 1.15% WP (3.54), Neem oil 1% (3.70) and Karanj oil2% (3.85) as compared to control (5.45). Among the treatments studied, the best and most economical treatment was Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 %SC with 245.52 q/ha yield and cost benefit ratio (1:6.53),     followed by Spinosad 45% SC 230.15 q/ha with (1:6.04) C:B ratio, Emamectin benzoate 5% SG 190.30 q/ha with (1:5.54) C:B ratio, Novaluron 10% EC 170.20 q/ha with (1:4.67) C:B ratio, Beauveria bassiana 1.15%WP 150.35 q/ha with (1:4.40) C:B ratio, Neem oil 1% 142 q/ha with (1:3.85) C:B ratio and Karanj oil 2% 135.45 q/ha with (1:3.68) C:B ratio and Control 65.20 q/ha (1: 1.97) C:B ratio.
Field Efficacy and Economics Certain Chemicals and Botanical against Fall Armyworm, [(Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. smith.)] on Maize (Zea mays)
Authors: Meena Ankush , Yadav Usha , Panwar Chirag , Bhati Manoj Singh
Published: June 2024

The current study evaluated the field efficacy of specific chemicals and botanicals against fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) on maize (Zea mays Linn.) during the Kharif season of 2023. It was carried out in a RBD with 3 replications and 8 treatments (seven insecticides and one control). Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (3.25) > Spinosad 45 SC (3.46) was the study's most effective treatment. Lambda-cyhalothrin 5% EC + Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (3.99) was the next best treatment, followed by Emamecttin benzoate 5% SG (4.16) > Lambda-cyhalothrin 5% EC (4.44) > Flubendiamid 39.35% SC (4.87) > Neem oil 1500 ppm (5.18), which was the least effective but still significantly better than the control. In comparison to the untreated Control plot (1:1.52), the most cost-effective treatment was Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (1:2.96), followed by Spinosad 45 SC (1:2.82), Lambda-cyhalothrin 5% EC + Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (1:2.65), Emamecttin benzoate 5% SG (1:2.53), Lambda-cyhalothrin 5% EC (1:2.36), Flubendiamide 39.35% SC (1:1.81), and Neem oil 1500 ppm (1:1.74).
Physicochemical Analysis and Pollution Indices for Heavy Metal Assessment in Flooded and Non-flooded Soils of Obunagha, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Joy Obasi Chinenye , Young Erepamowei , Timipa Ajoko Imomotimi , Jim-Halliday Tarinimi Tamunosa
Published: June 2024

Soil samples from flood affected areas and non-affected areas of different farmlands in Obunagha, Bayelsa State, Nigeria; were collected for this study. The study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical properties, and pollution indices of flooded and non-flooded farmlands to see if the flood had any effect in the fertility state of these soils. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used to identify and quantify the several heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, and Zn) that were discovered in the collected soil samples. The findings indicated increased acidity since the pH of the soil varied between 4.8 and 5.7 in farmlands that were flooded and between 4.9 and 5.7 in farmlands that were not. In flooded areas, electrical conductivity ranged from 0.2x101 to 4x101 µS/cm, while in non-flooded areas, it was between 0.2x101 and 2x101 µS/cm. The cation exchange capacity in flooded farmlands was 0.16 to 0.24 meq/100 g, while in non-flooded farmlands it was 0.18 to 0.22 meq/100 g. Variations in metal contamination were found in different farming situations based on the contamination factor (CF) analysis. Chromium CF values ranged from 0.3 to 0.8 in both flooded and non-flooded farmlands, with certain non-flooded farmlands having slightly higher values. Cadmium contamination in flooded farmlands was much higher (25.5 to 43.7 CF) than in non-flooded farmlands (20.0 to 32.0 CF). Nickel contamination levels were from 0.7 to 1.1 in flooded farmlands and 0.5 to 0.8 in non-flooded farmlands, suggesting moderate pollution. Zinc contamination was consistently low throughout all circumstances, with CF values ranging from 0.2 to 0.4. According to the contamination factor average, Cd was followed by Ni, Cr, and Zn in decreasing order. The ecological pollution degree for the study area was low indicating no possible pollution by all the heavy metals. In conclusion, the study area is significantly contaminated with cadmium. Therefore, we urgently recommend monitoring the soil in the surrounding farmlands, particularly for cadmium, to prevent a potential environmental crisis.
Efficacy and Economics of Selected Chemicals and Bio-pesticides against Mustard Aphid [Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach)] in Prayagraj, U.P., India
Authors: Shastri Bhaskar , Kumar Ashwani
Published: June 2024

The study was carried out at central research farm in rabi season at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences. The efficacy of treatments was measured in terms of the reduction in aphid population. Imidacloprid 17.8 SL exhibited the highest population reduction (95.210), followed by Dimethoate 30 EC (82.887), Acetamiprid 20 SP (69.350), Neem oil 5% (48.767), N.S.K.E. (42.040), Verticillium lecanii 1.15 WP (39.95), Beauveria bassiana 1.15 WP (30.707), with the untreated plot showing the minimum reduction. The cost-benefit analysis of treatments revealed that. Imidacloprid 17.8 SL demonstrated the highest return (1:5.23), followed by Dimethoate 30 EC (1:4.26), Acetamiprid 20 SP (1:4.16), Neem oil 5% (1:3.67), N.S.K.E (1:3.45), Verticillium lecanii (1:2.77), and Beauveria bassiana (1:2.61). The control plot yielded the lowest return (1:1.56).
Effect of Organic Manures on Productivity in a Groundnut-Wheat Sequence under Organic Farming
Authors: J. R. Patel, , M. G. Chaudhary, , D. M. Patel, , J. C. Patel,
Published: June 2024

An experiment was conducted during two consecutivekharif and rabi season from the year 2016-17 to 2018-19 for three years on to evaluate different organic sources performance on groundnut and wheat sequence under organic farming at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar. The soil of experiment was loamy sand. Experiment was carried out in Large plot technique design and with eight replication for four treatments. From three years experiment result revealed that in kharif season, application of 100% nitrogen through castor cake sequring higher pod yield of groundnut and application of 75% nitrogen through castor cake for succeding wheat in rabi season for getting higher seed yield. Application of castor cake in both season sequred higher groundnut equivalent yield. Maximum gross (Rs 150300/ha) and net neturn (Rs 67922/ha) with BCR of 1.82 was obtained under Treatment T3 (100% RDN through castor cake in groundnut and 75%  RDN through castor cake in succeeding wheat) under organic farming under North Gujarat Agro climatic conditions.
Analytical Study on the Settings and Fire Spreading Characteristics of Representative Rack Structures in Korean Logistics Facilities
Authors: Cho Gyuhwan , Yun Hongseok
Published: June 2024

Racks are prone to catching fire and causing the fire to spread intensely owing to the vertically stacking of commodities. Their flexible characteristics, influenced by various components such as rack structures, commodity types, and loading methods, make it is challenging to establish effective fire prevention measures and countermeasures. In this study, representative rack structures were established based on the systems/guidelines derived from field surveys of approximately 40 logistics facilities in Korea. Fires were analyzed based on fire spreading characteristics, such as temperature, mass loss rate of commodities, and heat release rate of the unit racks. This series of processes and results can serve as a reference for research and development of related technologies aimed at reducing the spread of rack fires.
Study on Hazard Identification (HAZID) for Subterranean Liquefied Hydrogen Refueling Stations
Authors: Yoon Ung-Gi , Kim Yangkyun , Hwang Inju , Park Byoungjik
Published: June 2024

To reduce carbon emissions globally, hydrogen fuel has emerged as a promising contender for environmentally sustainable energy transport and storage. However, hydrogen possesses several inherent safety challenges such as its propensity for rapid diffusion, a broad flammability range when mixed with air, and hydrogen embrittlement, a phenomenon where hydrogen diffuses into metals, compromising their structural integrity. Consequently, safety considerations are paramount. This study presents a hazard identification (HAZID) analysis to evaluate the feasibility of a subterranean liquid hydrogen refueling station as an alternative to conventional above-ground gaseous hydrogen refueling stations. Through this analysis, four representative accident scenarios were identified, and 17 mitigation recommendations were proposed. The implementation of these recommendations is anticipated to significantly reduce the potential for accident-related damage in subterranean liquid hydrogen refueling stations.
Questionnaire for Surveying Factors Affecting Evacuation Awareness: Focused on Warehouse Workers
Authors: Kim Bongchan , Seo Donggoo , Kim Hansaem , Yeom Taejun , Hwang Eunkyoung
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to analyze the evacuation awareness and the behavior of workers in the event of a fire in a warehouse. A survey and statistical analyses were conducted to identify and explore the factors affecting evacuation awareness. The main findings of this study are as follows. First, significant differences in evacuation awareness were found in relation to gender, current employment status at logistics facilities, full-time employment status, fire safety training experience, and false auditory fire alarm experiences. Second, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify six factors. Furthermore, significant correlations were were identified between these factors. Third, multiple regression analysis (R2 = .481) was used to examine the impact of the factors on evacuation awareness, indicating that spatial cognition and concerns were factors with a significant impact, as well as the visibility of excavation guidance lights, fear of fire, and full-time employment status. These results serve as essential data for identifying the factors that influence the evacuation awareness and behavior of warehouse workers.
A Study on the Measurement of Walking Speed for Evacuation Safety in Postpartum Care Centers
Authors: Kim Taehyeong , Kim Yunseong , Lee Yoolim , Son Yeonhee , Kwon Youngjin
Published: June 2024

Most postpartum care centers in Korea are located on the high floors of multi-use establishments and mixed use buildings; mothers in recovery after childbirth and newborns who cannot self-evacuate are the occupants of these centers. Walking speed is a necessary factor to be considered during occupant evacuation to predict evacuation time. Research is continuously being conducted on the walking speed of vulnerable persons, such as the elderly, disabled, and patients, who have relatively poor evacuation capacity. However, to date, no data exists on the walking speed of the occupants of postpartum care centers. Therefore, in this study, the walking speed was measured by categorizing the occupants of the postpartum care center into mothers alone, mothers + newborns, workers alone, and workers + newborns. The results showed an average speed of 0.95 m/s in the range of 0.73–1.12 m/s for the mothers alone and 0.68–1.03 m/s for the mothers + newborns, an average speed of 0.87 m/s in the range of 1.06–1.33 m/s for the workers alone, and an average speed of 1.18 m/s in the range of 0.95–1.29 m/s for the workers + newborns categories.
Children's Eyewitness Identification as Implicit Moral Decision‐Making
Authors: Spring Toni , Saltzstein Herbert D. , Peach Roger
Published: September 2012

Why are young children particularly prone to make false positive errors or false alarms when identifying a wrongdoer? In three studies, the problem was approached using a signal detection analysis, focusing on the moral costs of false alarms, as understood at different points in development. The findings are as follows: (i) decisional criteria became more conservative, indicating fewer false alarms, with age in three studies; (ii) children's beliefs about the seriousness of false alarms and misses changed from (a) a non‐moral concern to (b) a moral concern for misses to (c) a moral concern for false alarms. (iii) These findings were replicated in two demographically different communities. More critically, (iv) framing of the filmed event, for example, as a moral transgression (stealing) or a pro‐social (helping) act (Study 1) and as intentional with little damage or unintentional with major damage (Study 3), interacts with age in influencing decisional criteria. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stem Cell Response to Spatially and Temporally Displayed and Reversible Surface Topography
Authors: Guvendiren Murat , Burdick Jason A.
Published: September 2012

The dynamic alignment of cells and matrix is critical in many biological processes, including during tissue development and in the progression of a variety of diseases; yet, nearly all in vitro models are static. Thus, it is of great interest to temporally and spatially manipulate cellular alignment to better understand and develop strategies to control these biological processes. Here, strain‐responsive buckling patterns on PDMS substrates are used to dynamically and spatially control human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) organization. The results indicate that cellular alignment and pattern recognition are strongly diminished with culture time, which can be overcome by limiting cellular proliferation. Preferential alignment of the hMSCs is completely eliminated after the topography switch from patterned to flat, and can be reversibly repeated for at least 8 cycles. The hMSCs are responsive to dynamic changes in pattern size, where the distribution of the cells with preferential alignment increase with increasing pattern amplitude and decreasing wavelength. Furthermore, by introducing a biaxial stretching system, dynamic control is introduced over the cellular orientation angle and order, and by controlling the UV‐ozone exposure of the PDMS, the topographical features can be spatially patterned.
Investigating the membrane morphology of water/solvent/nylon 6 systems
Authors: Sobhanipour Payman , Karimi Mohammad
Published: September 2012

In this study, nylon 6 membranes were prepared in a water coagulation bath with two types of solvents, CaCl2–methanol (CaClMe) and formic acid (FA). The morphology of the membranes, which was controlled by the phase behavior of their solutions, were connected to the mechanism of demixing, including liquid–liquid and liquid‐crystallization. Ternary phase diagrams showed that the CaClMe system coagulated significantly faster than the FA system. As observed by scanning electron microscopy, the CaClMe membrane had a porous, interconnected pore structure with macrovoids, whereas the FA membrane had a dense, spherulitic surface with a closed cell morphology. The high reaction surface of the CaClMe membrane with dye molecules provided outstanding dye rejection. Also, thermal analysis by differential scanning calorimetry showed that the slow coagulation of the FA system facilitated the formation of stable α‐form crystals rather than a metastable γ‐form structure. The results show that the phase‐separation mechanism was switched from liquid–liquid to liquid‐crystallization through a change in the solvent type from CaClMe to FA. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Crystallization properties of polycaprolactone composites filled with nanometer calcium carbonate
Authors: Liang Ji‐Zhao , Zhou Lin , Tang Chak‐Yin , Tsui Chi‐Pong
Published: September 2012

Polycaprolactone (PCL) composites filled with nanometer calcium carbonate (nano‐CaCO3) were prepared by means of a twin‐screw extruder in this study. The nano‐CaCO3 surface treated with stearate. The crystalline properties of the PCL/nano‐CaCO3 composites were measured with a differential scanning calorimeter to identify the influence of the nanometer filler content on the crystalline properties. The results show that the crystallization onset temperature, crystallization temperature, and crystallization end temperature of the composites were obviously higher than those of the unfilled PCL resin, and the crystallization degree (χc) of the composites increased with increasing particle weight fraction (ϕf) when ϕf was more than 1%. When ϕf was 1%, χc of the composite was less than that of the unfilled PCL resin. Moreover, the dispersion of the inclusions in the matrix was observed by means of scanning electron microscopy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Lignocellulosic fiber reinforced composites: Influence of compounding conditions on defibrization and mechanical properties
Authors: Beaugrand Johnny , Berzin Françoise
Published: September 2012

This work describes a systematic study of the compounding conditions by twin‐screw extrusion on the defibrization process that modulates the fiber aspect ratio and in turn the mechanical properties. Composites made of polycaprolactone reinforced by 20% hemp fibers were prepared by melt blending. The influence of the extrusion parameters (screw speed, feed rate, barrel temperature, and screw profile) and the initial fiber moisture content on both the fiber dimensions and the mechanical performance of the composite was investigated. The fiber aspect ratio increased when the fibers were water plasticized, principally at a higher feed rate and under a moderated extrusion temperature. The screw speed slightly influenced the fiber dimensions. Flow modeling was used to estimate the specific mechanical energy provided to the fibers, which ranged from 300 to 1700 kWh/t. Independent of the screw profile, a decrease in fiber length with an increase in energy was observed. The evolution of the fiber length and aspect ratios with respect to energy can be accurately described by an exponential function. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Synthesis and magnetorheological characteristics of ribbon‐like, polypyrrole‐coated carbonyl iron suspensions under oscillatory shear
Authors: Mrlik Miroslav , Sedlacik Michal , Pavlinek Vladimir , Bazant Pavel , Saha Petr , Peer Petra , Filip Petr
Published: September 2012

One of the crucial problems of classical magnetorheological (MR) fluids is their high rate of sedimentation. This disadvantage may be substantially eliminated using core‐shell particles. The aim of this study is to prepare spherical carbonyl iron (CI) particles coated with conducing polymer polypyrrole (PPy) with ribbon‐like morphology. Scanning electron microscopy proved the formation of the ribbon‐like layer onto CI particles while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the chemical structure of PPy. The magnetic properties observed via vibrating sample magnetometer showed decreased magnetization saturation of core‐shell‐structured particles due to the existence of non‐magnetic surface layer. MR measurements performed under oscillatory shear flow as a function of the applied magnetic flux density, temperature, and particle concentration showed that core‐shell particle‐based MR suspension exhibits sufficient MR performance for practical applications. Moreover, the suspension stability is promoted significantly when core‐shell particles are used as a dispersed phase. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Synthesis and crosslinking kinetic study of epoxidized and acrylated/epoxidized oligoisoprenes: Comparison between cationic and radical photopolymerization
Authors: Jellali Rachid , Campistron Irène , Laguerre Albert , Lecamp Laurence , Pasetto Pamela , Bunel Claude , Mouget Jean‐Luc , Pilard Jean‐François
Published: September 2012

The photoinitiated polymerization of epoxidized hydroxytelechelic cis‐1,4‐polyisoprene and of a dual system (epoxidized/acrylated) telechelic cis‐1,4‐polyisoprene in the presence of 2,2‐dimethyl‐1,2‐hydroxyacetophenone or/and hexafluoro‐phosphate triarylsulfonium salt has been studied by real‐time infrared spectroscopy. The synthesis of photosensitives oligoisoprenes was achieved by chemical modifications of hydroxytelechelic cis‐1,4‐polyisoprene obtained by controlled degradation of high molecular weight cis‐1,4‐polyisoprene. Then, the effect of light intensity, photoinitiator concentration, addition of reactive diluent and concentration of functional groups on the photopolymerization process was evaluated. Concerning the cationic process, the results showed that the kinetic profile improves when photoinitiator concentration and light intensity increase. The optimum concentration of triarylsulfonium salt used as photoinitiator was determined as 5% (w/w) and the optimum light intensity was 50 mW cm−2. Reactive diluent (3‐ethyl‐3‐hydroxymethyl oxetane) addition greatly improves the ultimate conversion and the polymerization rate. Subsequently, the photopolymerization kinetic of a dual epoxidized/acrylated system was studied. The results obtained using different photoinitiator mixtures and different intensity of irradiation showed that the crosslinking of acrylate functions at the chain‐end prevents the progression of the cationic process at the oxirane groups along the chain. Thus, the mobility of the cationic reactive centers was restricted by the crosslinking at the high conversion of the acrylate double bonds. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Exploring the Myth of Nascent Hydrogen and its Implications for Biomass Conversions
Authors: Fábos Viktória , Yuen Alexander K. L. , Masters Anthony F. , Maschmeyer Thomas
Published: September 2012

Iron (and to a lesser extent manganese) in the wall of a 316 stainless steel (SS) reactor is responsible for the hydrogenation of cyclohexanone to cyclohexanol when using an aqueous formic acid solution under high temperature and pressure water (HTPW) conditions. However, not only dilute formic acid but also aqueous solutions of several other organic and mineral acids in the presence of iron are active in this reaction covering a range of aldehydes and ketones, even under ambient conditions. The stoichiometry, kinetics, and the possible mechanisms of both dihydrogen production as well as of the hydrogenation of the model compound cyclohexanone were examined. The reduction is essentially stoichiometric with respect to metallic iron, and the conversions are highly dependent on the speed of stirring as well as temperature and reactant concentrations. Importantly, it is established unequivocally that water participates in dihydrogen gas formation (hydrogen atoms originate from both the acid and water molecules) and facilitates substrate reduction.
Pharmacological and pathophysiological roles of carnitine/organic cation transporters (OCTNs: SLC22A4, SLC22A5 and Slc22a21)
Authors: Tamai Ikumi
Published: September 2012

The carnitine/organic cation transporter (OCTN) family consists of three transporter isoforms, i.e. OCTN1 (SLC22A4) and OCTN2 (SLC22A5) in humans and animals and Octn3 (Slc22a21) in mice. These transporters are physiologically essential to maintain appropriate systemic and tissue concentrations of carnitine by regulating its membrane transport during intestinal absorption, tissue distribution and renal reabsorption. Among them, OCTN2 is a sodium‐dependent, high‐affinity transporter of carnitine, and a functional defect of OCTN2 due to genetic mutation causes primary systemic carnitine deficiency (SCD). Since carnitine is essential for beta‐oxidation of long‐chain fatty acids to produce ATP, OCTN2 gene mutation causes a range of symptoms, including cardiomyopathy, skeletal muscle weakness, fatty liver and male infertility. These functional consequences of Octn2 gene mutation can be seen clearly in an animal model, jvs mouse, which exhibits the SCD phenotype. In addition, although the mechanism is not clear, single nucleotide polymorphisms of OCTN1 and OCTN2 genes are associated with increased incidences of rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and asthma. OCTN1 and OCTN2 accept cationic drugs as substrates and contribute to intestinal and pulmonary absorption, tissue distribution (including to tumour cells), and renal excretion of these drugs. Modulation of the transport activity of OCTN2 by externally administered drugs may cause drug‐induced secondary carnitine deficiency. Rodent Octn3 transports carnitine specifically, particularly in male reproductive tissues. Thus, the OCTNs are physiologically, pathologically and pharmacologically important. Detailed characterization of these transporters will greatly improve our understanding of the pathology associated with common diseases caused by functional deficiency of OCTNs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The promise and challenges of stem cell‐based therapies for skeletal diseases
Authors: Diederichs Solvig , Shine Kristy M. , Tuan Rocky S.
Published: September 2012

Despite decades of research, remaining safety concerns regarding disease transmission, heterotopic tissue formation, and tumorigenicity have kept stem cell‐based therapies largely outside the standard‐of‐care for musculoskeletal medicine. Recent insights into trophic and immune regulatory activities of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), although incomplete, have stimulated a plethora of new clinical trials for indications far beyond simply supplying progenitors to replenish or re‐build lost/damaged tissues. Cell banks are being established and cell‐based products are in active clinical trials. Moreover, significant advances have also been made in the field of pluripotent stem cells, in particular the recent development of induced pluripotent stem cells. Their indefinite proliferation potential promises to overcome the limited supply of tissue‐specific cells and adult stem cells. However, substantial hurdles related to their safety must be overcome for these cells to be clinically applicable.