bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the issue of using black soldier fly larvae in animal feeding
Authors: Некрасов Р.В.
Published: May 2024

В представленном кратком обзоре рассмотрены вопросы использования в рационе сельскохозяйственных животных белковой массы из личинок черной львинки. Доказанная эффективность данного продукта и других нетрадиционных белковых и энергетических кормовых добавок позволит повысить заинтересованность в поиске новых компонентов кормов, стимулировать их производство, что будет способствовать расширению кормовой базы и укреплению устойчивости отечественного животноводства.

Application of protein concentrate based on the larvae of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) in nutrition of the productive animals is briefly reviewed. Proven effectiveness of this product and other non-traditional dietary protein and energy sources can further stimulate the interest in the search for the new feed ingredients and increase their production which, in turn, would enhance the sustainability of Russian animal production. Key words: productive animals, black soldier fly, protein, fat, feed additives, effective nutrition.
PAINTED SHERDS IN THE PAINTED DESERT: A MULTISCALAR ANALYIS OF A SHRINE SITE IN PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Authors: Forton Maxwell M.
Published: May 2024

Lacey Point is a prominent butte rising above the Painted Desert in Petrified Forest National Park, containing a concentration of Ancestral Pueblo petroglyphs, an extensive and diverse ceramic assemblage, and the fugitive remains of a small jacal structure on the butte’s summit. Archaeologists interpret Lacey Point as a regional shrine site devoted to themes of hunting and fertility. To assess this interpretation, I reviewed the form and landscape context of shrine sites in the American Southwest and conducted a comparative study of Lacey Point’s ceramics with three contemporary Painted Desert sites to determine if Lacey Point’s ceramic assemblage is indeed disproportionate in its quantity and diversity. I determine the landscape context of Lacey Point is consistent with regional shrine sites and identify cupule and grinding slick features characteristic of devotional shrine features. I establish Lacey Point has a disproportionately large and diverse ceramic assemblage, with a deeper temporal span than previously understood. I conclude Lacey Point was a space designed for regional ritual gatherings, with a range of domestic and ceremonial activities taking place on-site. Adopting a multifarious approach enables a more holistic understanding of landscape iconography, imbedding petroglyphs within a greater network of interrelated archaeological features.
Multi-study fMRI outlooks on subcortical BOLD responses in the stop-signal paradigm
Authors: Isherwood S.J.S. , Kemp S.A. , Miletić S. , Stevenson N. , Bazin P-L. , Forstmann B.U.
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the functional network underlying response inhibition in the human brain, particularly the role of the basal ganglia in successful action cancellation. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) approaches have frequently used the stop-signal task (SST) to examine this network. We merge five such datasets, using a novel aggregatory method allowing the unification of raw fMRI data across sites. This meta-analysis, along with other recent aggregatory fMRI studies, do not find evidence for the innervation of the
hyperdirect
or
indirect
cortico-basal-ganglia pathways in successful response inhibition. What we do find, is large subcortical activity profiles for
failed stop
trials. We discuss possible explanations for the mismatch of findings between the fMRI results presented here and results from other research modalities that have implicated nodes of the basal ganglia in successful inhibition. We also highlight the substantial effect smoothing can have on the conclusions drawn from task-specific GLMs. First and foremost, this study presents a proof of concept for meta-analytical methods that enable the merging of extensive, unprocessed or unreduced datasets. It demonstrates the significant potential that open-access data sharing can offer to the research community. With an increasing number of datasets being shared publicly, researchers will have the ability to conduct meta-analyses on more than just summary data.
Atypical Biological Motion Perception in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Local Motion and Global Configuration Processing
Authors: Tian Junbin , Yang Fang , Wang Ying , Wang Li , Wang Ning , Jiang Yi , Yang Li
Published: May 2024

Perceiving biological motion (BM) is crucial for human survival and social interaction. Many studies have reported impaired BM perception in autism spectrum disorder, which is characterised by deficits in social interaction. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often exhibit similar difficulties in social interaction. However, few studies have investigated BM perception in children with ADHD. Here, we compared differences in the ability to process local kinematic and global configurational cues, two fundamental abilities of BM perception, between typically developing and ADHD children. We further investigated the relationship between BM perception and social interaction skills measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale and examined the contributions of latent factors (e.g., sex, age, attention, and intelligence) to BM perception. The results revealed that children with ADHD exhibited atypical BM perception. Local and global BM processing showed distinct features. Local BM processing ability was related to social interaction skills, whereas global BM processing ability significantly improved with age. Critically, general BM perception (i.e., both local and global BM processing) may be affected by sustained attentional ability in children with ADHD. This relationship was primarily mediated by reasoning intelligence. These findings elucidate atypical BM perception in ADHD and the latent factors related to BM perception. Moreover, this study provides new evidence that BM perception is a hallmark of social cognition and advances our understanding of the potential roles of local and global processing in BM perception and social cognitive disorders.
Dietary bacteria control C. elegans fat content through pathways converging at phosphatidylcholine
Authors: Han Hsiao-Fen , Nien Shao-Fu , Jiang Hang-Shiang , Wu Jui-Ching , Chiang Chia-Yi , Li Man-Tzu , Huang Leng-Jie , Chiang Sufeng , Lin Lien-Chieh , Chuang Yi-Ting , Lin Yu-Ho , Wang Chao-Wen , Wu Yi-Chun
Published: May 2024

Dietary factors play a pivotal role in regulating metabolism in both health and disease. Lipid metabolism is particularly important for organismal health and longevity. However, the mechanisms by which dietary factors influence lipid metabolism remain poorly understood. Here, using the nematode
C. elegans
as a model system, we investigated the influence of distinct bacterial diets on fat metabolism. We found that dietary vitamin B12 activates the S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) biosynthetic pathways. This activation leads to elevated levels of PC, which in turn suppresses the expression of the gene
fat-7
and modulates lipid droplet dynamics through the regulatory proteins SBP-1/SREBP1 and SEIP-1/SEIPIN, respectively. Additionally, we identified a feedback loop involving SBP-1-mediated regulation of acid sphingomyelinase ASM-3, which enhances the production of phospho-choline and further stimulates PC synthesis. Our localization studies further suggest that ASM-3 may act as a signaling mediator between the intestine and coelomocytes, coordinating their roles in vitamin B12-mediated fat regulation. Overall, our findings shed new light on the complex interplay between diet and metabolic regulation, with a particular emphasis on the central role of phosphatidylcholine.Animals govern PC level to regulate lipid homeostasis in response to dietsB12 regulates SAM-PC axis to affect lipogenic genes expression and LD biogenesisCoelomocytes regulate diets-induced lipid homeostasis through
asm-3
asm-3
constructs a positive feedback loop to participate in PC metabolism
Frequency-specific cortico-subcortical interaction in continuous speaking and listening
Authors: Abbasi Omid , Steingräber Nadine , Chalas Nikos , Kluger Daniel S. , Gross Joachim
Published: May 2024

Speech production and perception involve complex neural dynamics in the human brain. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), our study explores the interaction between cortico-cortical and cortico-subcortical connectivities during these processes. Our connectivity findings during speaking revealed a significant connection from the right cerebellum to the left temporal areas in low frequencies, which displayed an opposite trend in high frequencies. Notably, high-frequency connectivity was absent during the listening condition. These findings underscore the vital roles of cortico-cortical and cortico-subcortical connections within the speech production and perception network. The results of our new study enhance our understanding of the complex dynamics of brain connectivity during speech processes, emphasizing the distinct frequency-based interactions between various brain regions.
Cell class-specific long-range axonal projections of neurons in mouse whisker-related somatosensory cortices
Authors: Liu Yanqi , Bech Pol , Tamura Keita , Délez Lucas T. , Crochet Sylvain , Petersen Carl C.H.
Published: May 2024

The extensive long-range axonal projections of various classes of neocortical excitatory neurons are thought to contribute importantly to the highly integrative brain-wide interactions underlying the processing of sensory, cognitive and motor signals. Here, we investigated the long-range axonal output of various classes of genetically-defined projection neurons with cell bodies located in the whisker-related somatosensory cortices of the mouse through brain-wide light-sheet imaging of fluorescently-labeled axons segmented by specifically-trained convolutional networks quantified within the Allen Mouse Brain Atlas Common Coordinate Framework. We injected Cre-dependent virus to express GFP or tdTomato in the posterior primary somatosensory barrel cortex and the posterior supplemental somatosensory cortex, which contain the representations of the large posterior mystacial whiskers. We investigated the six following transgenic mouse lines: Rasgrf2-dCre, Scnn1a-Cre, Tlx3-Cre, Sim1-Cre, Rbp4-Cre and Ntsr1-Cre. We found long-range axonal projections in many diverse downstream brain areas with genetically-defined cell classes showing distinct innervation patterns. To test whether the revealed axonal projections might underpin functional circuits, we compared the spatial organization of the axonal innervation with functional connectivity maps obtained from optogenetic stimulation of sensory cortex and wide-field imaging of the activity propagation to frontal cortices. Both methods indicated that neurons located more laterally in somatosensory cortex topographically signaled to more anteriorly located regions in motor cortex. The current methodology therefore appears to quantify brain-wide axonal innervation patterns supporting brain-wide signaling, and, together with further technological advances, this will help provide increasingly detailed connectivity information of the mouse brain, essential for understanding the complex neuronal circuitry underlying even simple goal-directed behaviors.
Effort Drives Saccade Selection
Authors: Koevoet Damian , Zantwijk Laura Van , Naber Marnix , Mathôt Sebastiaan , Van der Stigchel Stefan , Strauch Christoph
Published: May 2024

What determines where to move the eyes? We recently showed that pupil size, a marker of noradrenaline release, reflects the effort associated with making a saccade (’saccade costs’). Here we demonstrate saccade costs to critically drive saccade selection: when choosing between any two saccade directions, the least costly direction was consistently preferred. Strikingly, this principle even held during search in natural scenes in two additional experiments. When increasing cognitive demand experimentally through an auditory counting task, participants made fewer saccades and especially cut costly directions. This suggests that the eye-movement system and other cognitive operations consume similar resources that are flexibly allocated among each other as cognitive demand changes. Together, we argue that eye-movement behavior is tuned to adaptively minimize saccade-inherent effort.
The mediating effects of post-pandemic health promotion behaviors in the relationship between anxiety and quality of life in young adults in South Korea: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Choi Hyang-Suk , Heo Myoung-Lyun
Published: May 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the mediating effects of health promotion behavior (HPB) in the relationship between anxiety and quality of life (QoL) in young adults living in the post-pandemic era.Methods: A cross-sectionaldescriptiveonlinesurveydesign was utilized. Data on anxiety, QoL, HPB, and demographic characteristics were collected from 213 adults aged 19–35 years in Korea via an online survey in January 2024. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 and PROCESS MACRO 4.2 software.Results: Strong correlations were observed among anxiety, QoL, and post-pandemic HPB (PP-HPB) in young adults, andanxiety and PP-HPB were identified as significant predictors of QoL. The total effect of anxiety on QoL was significant (B = −1.40, bootstrapped SE = 0.10), with both the direct effect (B = −0.70, bootstrapped SE = 0.09) and the indirect effect (B = −0.70, bootstrapped SE = 0.11) being significant. This suggests that PP-HPB partially mediated the relationship between anxiety and QoL.Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of strengthening HPB with consideration of life changes since the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic to improve QoL among young adults with anxiety.
CVG-Net: novel transfer learning based deep features for diagnosis of brain tumors using MRI scans
Authors: Al-Otaibi Shaha , Rehman Amjad , Raza Ali , Alyami Jaber , Saba Tanzila
Published: May 2024

Brain tumors present a significant medical challenge, demanding accurate and timely diagnosis for effective treatment planning. These tumors disrupt normal brain functions in various ways, giving rise to a broad spectrum of physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. The daily increase in mortality rates attributed to brain tumors underscores the urgency of this issue. In recent years, advanced medical imaging techniques, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have emerged as indispensable tools for diagnosing brain tumors. Brain MRI scans provide high-resolution, non-invasive visualization of brain structures, facilitating the precise detection of abnormalities such as tumors. This study aims to propose an effective neural network approach for the timely diagnosis of brain tumors. Our experiments utilized a multi-class MRI image dataset comprising 21,672 images related to glioma tumors, meningioma tumors, and pituitary tumors. We introduced a novel neural network-based feature engineering approach, combining 2D convolutional neural network (2DCNN) and VGG16. The resulting 2DCNN-VGG16 network (CVG-Net) extracted spatial features from MRI images using 2DCNN and VGG16 without human intervention. The newly created hybrid feature set is then input into machine learning models to diagnose brain tumors. We have balanced the multi-class MRI image features data using the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) approach. Extensive research experiments demonstrate that utilizing the proposed CVG-Net, the k-neighbors classifier outperformed state-of-the-art studies with a k-fold accuracy performance score of 0.96. We also applied hyperparameter tuning to enhance performance for multi-class brain tumor diagnosis. Our novel proposed approach has the potential to revolutionize early brain tumor diagnosis, providing medical professionals with a cost-effective and timely diagnostic mechanism.
The Significance of Processing Techniques on the Quality of Smoked African Cat Fish (Clarias gariepinus) Using Different Energy Sources
Authors: Oludayo Olaniyi Christianah , Olalekan Fawole Olaolu , Adediran Awogbade Adeniyi
Published: May 2024

There is unavoidable need for fish smoking as a preservative technique to reduce rampant post harvest losses in the tropical Africa. However the imperative of healthier and quality smoked products through improved processing method were however investigated. Organoleptic and chemical assessment of African catfish collected from a reputable fish farm in Ogbomoso, Oyo state Nigeria was carried out. Eviscerated and non-eviserated fish samples were smoked using four different smoke sources: Gmelina (Gmnelina arborea), Parkia (Parkia biglobosa), Neem (Azadirachita indica) and charcoal. Overall acceptability was based on 5-point Hedonic scale (excellent (5) - poor (1). Chemical test was on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon contents (benzo(a)pyrene, Fluoranthene, Napthalene, Acenapthalene, Chrysene and Benzo(ghi) perylene). Data were subjected to one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using general linear mode (GLM) of Factorial Experimental Design and means were separated by Duncan’s multiple range tests (P<0.05). Non- eviscerated smoked African catfish samples had lower scores for colour than eviscerated smoked samples for energy sources used. Eviscerated samples had mean scores of 4.64, 3.91, 3.36 and 2.82 for charcoal, Gmelina, Neem and Parkia smoked samples respectively, much better than scores of 4.36, 2.46, 2.36 and 2.27 obtained for non-eviscerated samples. Total concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were highest in samples produced using Gmelina as smoke source and Neem for eviscerated (15.25 µg/kg) and non-eviscerated (29.43 µg/kg) samples respectively. Evisceration of fish prior to smoking enhances its sensory characteristics however; concentrations of PAHs for both eviscerated and non-eviscerated fish samples were within the recommended international standard limit.
Antilipidemic and Hepatorenal Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Terminalia catappa on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Japhet C.P. . , Luka C.D. . , Otitoju A.P. . , Miri P .
Published: May 2024

Aims: Diabetes mellitus, a condition characterized by glucose receptor abnormalities affecting glucose uptake, affects approximately 600 million individuals globally as of 2021. This study aimed to assess the antilipidemic and renal effects of aqueous extracts from the root bark and flowers of Terminalia catappa on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Methodology: Twenty-five Albino rats weighing 160 – 300g were divided into five groups: A - normal control, B - diabetic control, C - diabetic treated with root bark extract, D - diabetic treated with flower extract, E - diabetic rats treated with glibenclimide. Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (55mg/kg). The extracts (200mg/kg) were orally administered for 14 days, after which lipid profiles, renal and liver function tests were conducted.
Results: There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in total cholesterol, serum liver enzymes, and kidney markers in the diabetic control group compared to the normal control group. Treatment with the Terminalia catappa extracts for 14 days resulted in more than 20% decrease in urea (from 18.58 Mmol/L to between 11.58 and 13.92 Mmol/L), creatinine (from 343.56 Mmol/L to between 223.94 and 266.30 Mmol/L) and uric acid (from 570.54 µmol/L to between 413.55 and 440.62 µmol/L) concentrations by more than 20%, with the root bark extract showing the most significant effect. Additionally, the Terminalia catappa extract-treated groups exhibited a substantial (around 40%) reduction in serum liver enzymes compared to the diabetic control group. The hepatoprotective capacity of the root bark extract was similar to the glibenclimide-treated group. Furthermore, the extracts led to a 3% reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins, along with a significant increase in high-density lipoproteins.
Conclusion: The aqueous root bark and flower extracts of Terminalia catappa demonstrate potentials for managing diabetes mellitus at the specified dosage.
Climate Perceptions of Small Ruminant Farmers in the Mouhoun Province of Burkina Faso
Authors: Zan Amadou , Sawadogo Boureima , Bonkoungou Joachim , Some Yélézouomin Stéphane Corentin
Published: May 2024

Perception is all about taking in, taking for oneself, taking hold of. Thus, a false perception of climate change can lead to a lack of adaptation or to maladaptation. Climate change represents a threat to the livestock farmers of the MP, whose main source of income is the exploitation of natural and animal resources. The problematic of this study is based on the good perception of the stockbreeders which were necessary to them to adapt to the climatic crises already occurred. The aim of this study is to analyze the perception of climate change by small ruminant breeders in the Mouhoun Province of Burkina Faso. To this end, 286 breeders, including agro-pastoralists and agro-pastoralists, i.e. 22 breeders per village, were surveyed. In addition, a focus group was held in each village, for a total of thirteen (13). Phinks software was used to process the individual survey data. The results indicate a drop in rainfall intensity (78.7%), a rise in temperatures (90.7%), a withdrawal from grazing areas (86%), a drop in milk production (81.3%) and lactation duration (86%). In summary, it appears that the population has a good perception of the climate in their locality. In addition, although it is difficult to integrate research evidence into development policy and practice, the results of this research could guide policy in making decisions about the climate perception of small ruminant farmers in the Mouhoun Province. This study leads to the conclusion that the changes perceived by farmers are relevant to the development of climate change adaptation strategies.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Impacts on Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment Programs: A Narrative Review
Authors: Bispo Sebastião Kauã de Sousa , Silva Alex Patrick Oliveira da , Andrade Natasha Cristina Oliveira , Freitas Karina Faine da Silva , Sousa Yasmin Martins de , Lima Danielle Etienne de Oliveira Bezerra , Santos Ana Maria Dias Corrêa dos , Soares Tamires de Nazaré , Santos Suziane do Socorro dos , Dergan Marcela Raíssa Asevedo , Lobão Gal Caroline Alho , Magalhães Milena Silva dos Santos , Corrêa Perla Katheleen Valente , Kimura Mayara Annanda Oliveira Neves , Freitas Joyce dos Santos , Sardinha Daniele Melo
Published: May 2024

Cervical cancer is a significant global health issue affecting both developing and industrialised countries. Annually, over 500,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, resulting in more than 300,000 deaths worldwide. Notably, around 90% of cervical cancer cases occur in low- and middle-income countries that lack organised HPV screening and vaccination programs. The condition is commonly known as the 'disease of disparity' due to the significant difference in incidence and mortality rates between low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries. The objective of this review is to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cervical cancer, based on a narrative literature review. Experts in global gynecological health have reported that cervical cancer screening programs, already scarce in low- and middle-income countries, have been severely impacted by COVID-19 and cuts in UK foreign aid. The pandemic has caused delays in diagnosis due to the interruption of health services by COVID-19 control measures, as well as affecting the follow-up and treatment of women who have already been diagnosed. Following the pandemic restrictions, incidence and mortality rates have increased due to the failure of pap smear screening. The lack of screening services has disproportionately affected women who are most vulnerable due to social factors. In the long term, this may have a greater impact on low- and middle-income countries.
Consumer Preferences for Turmeric Quality Attributes: A Conjoint Analysis in Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka, India
Authors: B. M. Navyashree , Vedamurthy K. B. , Vaishnavi . , B. Ujjwal , M. N. Venkataramana
Published: May 2024

Consumer purchasing behaviour, heavily influenced by quality preferences, drives the need to understand the desired quality attributes of turmeric. With the increasing emphasis on health and wellness, there's a growing demand for organic and sustainably sourced turmeric among health-conscious consumers. To meet these preferences, quality control measures throughout production and processing stages are crucial. The study employed conjoint analysis to elucidate consumer preferences for turmeric quality attributes in Chamarajanagar district utilizing both primary and secondary data sources. Well-structured questionnaires were employed to gather consumer preference data on attributes such as quantity, colour, texture, origin and longevity. Turmeric's area and production exhibited a positive growth rate despite moderate instability. The additive model was used for analysis proved to be a good fit, with both Pearson’s rank correlation coefficient (0.97) and Kendall’s correlation coefficient (0.89) significant at the one percent probability level. Preferred attributes for turmeric powder among respondents included light-yellow colour, fine texture, a 50g quantity pack, organic origin, and long-lasting nature. Insights gained from this analysis inform product development, marketing strategies, and pricing decisions, enabling producers to tailor turmeric offerings to meet consumer demands effectively and enhance market competitiveness. Promoting domestic turmeric cultivation not only boosts foreign exchange inflow but also improves the economic standing of farmers. Thus, prioritizing enhancements in turmeric cultivation presents a promising avenue for encouraging the agricultural sector and fostering economic growth.
Response of Inorganic Fertilizer and Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Seed Yield of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Singh Vijay Kumar , Verma R. B. , Kumari Vishakha , Garg Vibhootee , Jha Anjali Kumari
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different levels of inorganic fertilizer and plant growth regulator on seed yield of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) was formulated and conducted during the rabi season of 2022-23 at vegetable seed production plot, Department of Horticulture (Vegetable & Floriculture), BAC, Sabour Bhagalpur. The experiment was conducted to determine seed production ability at four levels of fertilizers viz, (F0-control, F1-N40:P30:K40, F2-N60:P40:K50,& F3-N8P50:K50) as well as seven levels of PGRs viz, P0 (Control), P1 (GA3 @ 50ppm), P2 (GA3 @100 ppm), P3 (GA3 @ 150 ppm), P4 (NAA @ 50 ppm), P5 (NAA @ 100 ppm) and P6 (NAA @ 150 ppm). Inorganic fertilizers were applied at 20 days and PGRs as foliar spray at 30 and 60 days after stecklings transplanting. The experiment was conducted in RBD (Factorial) and replicated thrice. the combined effect of inorganic fertilizers and Plant growth regulators F2P3 significantly gave maximum diameter of pod (7.64 mm), length of pod (56.61mm), number of seeds/pod (6.18), 1000- seed weight (15.12g) and seed yield (18.23q/ha) and plant height is non significant. The treatment combination F3P6 gave the maximum number of branches (8.06). Hence, F2P3 treatment combination is a best combination for seed yield of radish and enhancing seed yield is our ultimate goal. As we performed the study in a particular location, we recommend multilocation trials in different agro-climatic regions to study and final confirmation of the results.
Rice-Based Cropping System Effect on Yield and Yield Attributes on Promising Released Sesame Varieties
Authors: Krishnaveni D. , Ramesh G. , Lath A M. , Chandrasekhar K. , Chowdary L. Rajesh , Raviteja G.
Published: May 2024

A field experiment was carried out at Agricultural College farm, Bapatla district, Andhra Pradesh, during the period from March 2023 to June 2023 to assess the performance of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) varieties under different fertilizer management practices in rice-based cropping system in Krishna Zone of AP. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with the factorial concept and three replications. The results showed that YLM 146 recorded significantly the highest seed yield (748 kg ha-1) at harvest. The yield attributing characters like the number of capsules plant-1 (67) and the number of seeds capsules-1 (45) were found significantly to be the highest in the variety YLM 146. Concerning different fertilizer management practices, 125% RDF + 1% foliar spray of 19:19:19 at the early budding and capsule formation stages recorded significantly higher seed yields (827 kg ha-1). Yield attributes like number of capsules plant-1 (96) and number of seeds capsules-1 (51) were significantly highest in 125% RDF + 1% foliar spray of 19:19:19 at the early budding and capsule formation stages. Overall, the results showed that sowing of YLM 146 variety with 125% RDF + 1% foliar spray of 19:19:19 at the early budding stage and early capsule formation stage seems to be appropriate for getting higher seed yield in Krishna Zone of Andhra Pradesh.
Role of R&D Investment on Future Performance: Evidence From Malaysian Companies
Authors: Susanto Idil Rakhmat , Soewarno Noorlailie , Tjahjadi Bambang
Published: May 2024

R&D Investment is an issue that is still interesting in business research today because it constantly explores company development in terms of technology and innovation. Our study intends to investigate the impact of R&D investment on Malaysian company performance in the future. This empirical study uses company financial statement data accessed via the OSIRIS database. The sample is a non-financial company in Malaysia from 2003 to 2019. This study evaluates The hypothesis using unbalanced panel data regression on 460 company years of observation. Our findings indicate that R&D investments have a degrading impact on the performance of Malaysian companies in the future. These findings indicate that companies in developing countries such as Malaysia have yet to give special attention to investing in R&D as the main business strategy.
Factors Classifying School Adjustment of Children With and Without Special Needs in Inclusive Preschools
Authors: Sucuoğlu Bülbin , Özbek Ahmet Bilal , Demir Ergül , Bakkaloğlu Hatice
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the factors predicting the school adjustment of Turkish preschool children with and without special needs by assessing the school adjustment, social skills, developmental functions, problem behaviors, and cognitive skills of 122 children from 53 preschool classes in 13 public preschools, as well as teacher-child and teacher-parent relationships. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze data to identify the main predictors of school adjustment. The children’s classification structure was then modeled using a Chi-squared automatic interaction detector (CHAID) analysis, considering both their important predictors and school adjustment levels. The findings revealed that the children’s social skills were the most critical predictor of school adjustment. The decision tree created based on the results of the CHAID analysis classified the levels of school adjustment of children with different levels of social skills in terms of parent-teacher relations, developmental functions, and problem behaviors.
Size Effects on Magnetic Actuation in Ni‐Mn‐Ga Shape‐Memory Alloys
Authors: Dunand David C. , Müllner Peter
Published: October 2010

The off‐stoichiometric Ni2MnGa Heusler alloy is a magnetic shape‐memory alloy capable of reversible magnetic‐field‐induced strains (MFIS). These are generated by twin boundaries moving under the influence of an internal stress produced by a magnetic field through the magnetocrystalline anisotropy. While MFIS are very large (up to 10%) for monocrystalline Ni‐Mn‐Ga, they are near zero (<0.01%) in fine‐grained polycrystals due to incompatibilities during twinning of neighboring grains and the resulting internal geometrical constraints. By growing the grains and/or shrinking the sample, the grain size becomes comparable to one or more characteristic sample sizes (film thickness, wire or strut diameter, ribbon width, particle diameter, etc), and the grains become surrounded by free space. This reduces the incompatibilities between neighboring grains and can favor twinning and thus increase the MFIS. This approach was validated recently with very large MFIS (0.2‐8%) measured in Ni‐Mn‐Ga fibers and foams with bamboo grains with dimensions similar to the fiber or strut diameters and in thin plates where grain diameters are comparable to plate thickness. Here, we review processing, micro‐ and macrostructure, and magneto‐mechanical properties of (i) Ni‐Mn‐Ga powders, fibers, ribbons and films with one or more small dimension, which are amenable to the growth of bamboo grains leading to large MFIS, and (ii) “constructs” from these structural elements (e.g., mats, laminates, textiles, foams and composites). Various strategies are proposed to accentuate this geometric effect which enables large MFIS in polycrystalline Ni‐Mn‐Ga by matching grain and sample sizes.
Olefin production by cofeeding methanol and n‐butane: Kinetic modeling considering the deactivation of HZSM‐5 zeolite
Authors: Mier Diana , Gayubo Ana G. , Aguayo Andres T. , Olazar Martin , Bilbao Javier
Published: October 2010

The joint transformation of methanol and n‐butane fed into a fixed‐bed reactor on a HZSM‐5 zeolite catalyst has been studied under energy neutral conditions (methanol/n‐butane molar ratio of 3/1). The kinetic scheme of lumps proposed integrates the reaction steps corresponding to the individual reactions (cracking of n‐butane and MTO process at high‐temperature) and takes into account the synergies between the steps of both reactions. The deactivation by coke deposition has been quantified by an expression dependent on the concentration of the components in the reaction medium, which is evidence that oxygenates are the main coke precursors. The concentration of the components in the reaction medium (methanol, dimethyl ether, n‐butane, C2C4 paraffins, C2C4 olefins, C5C10 lump, and methane) is satisfactorily calculated in a wide range of conditions (between 400 and 550°C, up to 9.5 (g of catalyst) h (mol CH2)−1 and with a time on stream of 5 h) by combining the equation of deactivation with the kinetic model of the main integrated process. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Carbon dioxide reforming of methane in kilohertz spark‐discharge plasma at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Li Xiao‐Song , Zhu Bin , Shi Chuan , Xu Yong , Zhu Ai‐Min
Published: October 2010

The spark‐discharge plasma, generated between tubular and rotary‐disc electrodes using a sine‐wave high voltage with 5 kHz frequency, was explored for CO2 reforming of CH4. Based upon the investigation on the effects of specific energy input and CO2/CH4 ratio, the energy costs (EC) and fuel‐production efficiencies (η) at various CO2/CH4 ratios (r) in the same conversion range were compared and accordingly their sequences were given: EC (r = 0.5) and EC (r = 3) are the lowest; η(r = 0.5) is the highest. Compared with other nonthermal discharge techniques, the kilohertz spark discharge exhibits low EC and high fuel‐production efficiency, especially at high total‐carbon conversions. Preliminary investigation on partial oxidation and CO2 mixed reforming at (O2 + CO2)/CH4 = 0.5 exhibited high H2/CO ratio (nearly 2) and low total‐carbon EC (0.59–0.96 MJ/mol, 58–77% of total‐carbon conversion, and O2/(CO2 + O2) = 0.8). © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Thalidomide versus bortezomib based regimens as first‐line therapy for patients with multiple myeloma: A systematic review
Authors: Kumar Ambuj , Hozo Iztok , Wheatley Keath , Djulbegovic Benjamin
Published: October 2010

Thalidomide (T) or bortezomib (B) in combination with melphalan plus prednisone (MP) is superior to MP as first line therapy for previously untreated myeloma. However, direct head‐to‐head comparison of Melphalan, Prednisone plus Bortezomib (MPB) versus Melphalan, Prednisone plus Thalidomide (MPT) is lacking. We performed an indirect meta‐analysis to assess the treatment effects of MPB versus MPT via common comparator MP using the systematic review and meta‐analytical techniques. A comprehensive literature search (MEDLINE and gray literature) was undertaken. Systematic review was performed as per the Cochrane Collaboration recommendations. Initial search yielded 1,013 citations, of which six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) enrolling 2,798 patients met the inclusion criteria. Comparison of MPT versus MP (five RCTs) showed no survival difference [hazard ratio (HR) 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64–1.05] but a statistically significant difference in event‐free survival favoring MPT (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.56–0.77) without excessive treatment‐related mortality [risk ratio (RR) 1.11, 95% CI 0.64–1.92]. Comparison of MPB vs. MP (one RCT) showed a statistically significant benefit for survival (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.51–0.84) and event‐free survival (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.37–0.63) without difference in treatment‐related mortality (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.11–1.63) with MPB. The indirect comparison of MPB versus MPT showed no difference between MPB versus MPT for all outcomes but a significant benefit for complete response (RR 2.34, 95% CI 1.12–4.90), and grade III/IV adverse events (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.38–0.73) favoring MPB. There is an uncertainty about definitive superiority of one type of regimen over the other. Therefore, direct head‐to‐head comparison between these competing regimens is warranted. Am. J. Hematol., 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of s‐triazine‐based hyperbranched polyurethane for novel carbon‐nanotube‐dispersed nanocomposites
Authors: Mahapatra Sibdas Singha , Rana Sravendra , Cho Jae Whan
Published: October 2010

s‐Triazine‐based hyperbranched polyurethanes (HBPUs) with different hard segments were synthesized by A2 + B3 approach. Various kinds of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) nanocomposites with HBPU were prepared to investigate an impact of hyperbranched polymer on dispersion of MWNTs in the polymer matrix and the resulting properties of nanocomposites. Synthesized HBPUs were characterized using FTIR and NMR measurements. The highly branched structures were found very effective in enhancing the pristine MWNT dispersion in the polymer matrix. As a result, the MWNT‐reinforced HBPU nanocomposites showed a steep increase in the yield stress and modulus and enhanced shape memory effect with an increase of hard segment and MWNT loading. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation of amphoteric polyacrylamide flocculant and its application in the treatment of tannery wastewater
Authors: Zhu Junfeng , Zhang Guanghua , Li Junguo
Published: October 2010

Through two‐phase aqueous polymerization, amphoteric polyacrylamide (AmPAM) emulsion, as an environmental friendly flocculant for the tannery wastewater, was firstly synthesized using ammonium sulfate aqueous solution as the dispersion, using acrylamide, cationic monomer ethylene methyl propenoyl‐trimethylammonium chloride (DMC), and anionic monomer acrylic acid (AA). The structure and properties of the synthesized AmPAM were characterized by means of FT‐IR measurement, and the effects of various factors were studied, such as dispersing agent, dispersion medium concentration, initiator concentration, and AA/DMC feeding ratio on the intrinsic viscosity of the emulsion. The influences of pH, the AA/DMC feeding ratio, the intrinsic viscosity, and the dosage of polymer on the flocculating performance were also studied. When the weight percent of ammonium sulfate was 10.0% of emulsion total weight and dispersing agent polyvinylpyrrolidone was 1.2% and the weight percent of initiator was 4.0% of monomer total weight and m (acrylamide): m (DMC): m (AA) was 9: 5: 3, AmPAM achieved overall performance, good solubility, high stability, and application in a wide range of pH value between 4 and 10. The flocculating rate was more than 90.0%. AmPAM flocculant with both anionic group and cationic group provided a clear antipolyelectrolyte effect and a wide pH value range of the application, especially for tannery wastewater. It had not only charge neutralization and adsorption bridging role but also winding and enclosing effect among the molecules so as to flocculate and subside coarse particles of the sludge treated and dehydrate perfectly. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
One‐step fabrication of fluoropolymer transparent films with superhydrophobicity by dry method
Authors: Wang Jian‐Ming , Wang Li‐Duo , Feng Lin
Published: October 2010

Fluoropolymer transparent thin films were deposited on different substrates by one‐step vacuum evaporation method, which exhibit superhydrophobic property with water contact angle (CA) greater than 150°. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film with network structure shows high oleophobicity with oil CA of 138°, whereas polytetrafluoroethylene‐perfluoropropylvinylethers (PFA) film with particle structure is superoleophilicity with oil CA near 0°. It is believed that different conformation of CF2 groups at the surface lead to this different surface activity. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Rigid polyurethane foam based on modified vegetable oil
Authors: Veronese Vinícius B. , Menger Rodrigo K. , Forte Maria Madalena de C. , Petzhold Cesar L.
Published: October 2010

Soybean oil and castor oil were modified and used to prepare rigid polyurethane foam with similar properties to a commercial foam used for thermal insulation applications. Soybean oil was firstly modified according to a peracid method, using formic acid and hydrogen peroxide to yield a formiated soy polyol. Furthermore, transesterification was performed with a polyfunctional alcohol to increase OH‐functionality. Castor oil, which has hydroxyl groups in the molecular structure, was only transesterified. The vegetable polyols were characterized by OH‐number, Brookfield viscosity, differential scanning calorimetry, and size exclusion chromatography. The foams were prepared at constant NCO/OH ratio (1.2 : 1) by the hand mix method and poured into a closed steel box. They were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The apparent density and the compression strength of foams were determined, respectively, by the mass/volume relation and through the table tensile tester. After modification, the polyols reached an OH‐number between 393 and 477 mg KOH/g oil, showing a low viscosity and molecular weight, allowing the preparation of a rigid vegetable foam with an apparent density of 50 ± 1 kg/m3 and compression strength around 200 kPa. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Ethylene polymerization with methylaluminoxane/(nBuCp)2ZrCl2 catalyst supported on silica and silica‐alumina at different AlMAO/Zr molar ratios
Authors: Carrero A. , van Grieken R. , Paredes B.
Published: October 2010

Methylaluminoxane (MAO)/(nBuCp)2ZrCl2 metallocene catalytic system was supported on silica and silica‐alumina. The Zr loading was varied between 0.2–0.4 wt %, and the MAO amount was calculated to get (AlMAO/Zr) molar ratios between 100 and 200, suitable for the industrial ethylene polymerization of supported metallocene catalysts. Catalytic activity was statistically analyzed through the response surface method. Within the ranges studied, it was found that Zr loading had a negative effect on polymerization activity, which increases with the (AlMAO/Zr) molar ratio. Catalysts supported on silica‐alumina are more active than those supported on silica, needing less MAO to reach similar productivity, which constitutes an important advantage from an economical and environmental point of view. Supported catalysts were characterized by ICP‐AES, SEM‐energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometer, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy, whereas polyethylenes were characterized by GPC and DSC. Molecular weight and crystallinity are not influenced by Zr loading or (AlMAO/Zr) ratio, in the range studied. In general, silica‐supported MAO/(nBuCp)2ZrCl2 catalysts give polyethylenes with higher molecular weight and polydispersity but lower crystallinity. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis of azo chromophores by using a polymer‐supported sodium nitrite
Authors: Karimi Zarchi Mohammad Ali , Karimi Mohammad
Published: October 2010

Polymer supported reagents especially anion exchange resins have been widely applied in organic synthesis. The recent developments in polymer‐supported reactions have led to the propagation of combinatorial chemistry as a method for the rapid and efficient preparation of novel functionalized molecules. An interesting and fast growing branch of this area is polymer‐supported reagents. In this study, diazonium salts are generated and are coupled with a coupling component by using a polymer supported nitrite and a polymeric acid. In this procedure, the azo chromophores are formed in a clean and efficient manner, the work‐up is easy and yields are high to excellent. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Metal ion removal properties of crosslinked poly(acrylamide‐co‐2‐acrylamide‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid)
Authors: Rivas Bernabé L. , Muñoz Carla , Leiton Lorena , Pooley S. Amalia
Published: October 2010

Poly(acrylamide‐co‐2‐acrylamide‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid) P(AAm‐co‐APSA) copolymers have been prepared to be used in the extraction of Pb(II), Hg(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Al(III), and Cr(III) metal ions from aqueous solution by a batch and column equilibration procedures. The adsorption capacity was increased with pH for all metal ions studied. The contact time and the temperature did not affect the retention significantly. The resin did not show a preference in a mixture of Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), and Cr(III). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effect of polymers blend ratio binder on electrochemical and morphological properties of PC/S‐PVC‐based heterogeneous cation‐exchange membranes
Authors: Khodabakhshi A. R. , Madaeni S. S. , Hosseini S. M.
Published: October 2010

In this research, heterogeneous cation exchange membranes were prepared by the casting‐solution technique using polycarbonate (PC) and S‐polyvinylchloride (S‐PVC) as binders along with cation exchange resin as functional group agent. The effect of blend ratio (PC to S‐PVC) of polymer binder on structure and electrochemical properties of the prepared membranes were elucidated. The morphology of the prepared membranes was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning optical microscopy (SOM). The images show that the addition of PC ratio in the casting solution results in formation of a membrane with more inner cavities and micro voids. The electrochemical properties and mechanical strength tests were conducted. Water content, ion exchange capacity, ion permeability, flux, current efficiency, and oxidative stability of the prepared membranes initially were decreased by increasing the PC ratio in the casting solution and then it began to increase. The blending of S‐PVC and PC polymers results in membranes with lower mechanical strength. Membrane potential, surface charge density, perm‐selectivity, cationic transport number, electrical resistance, and energy consumption were initially improved by the increment of PC ratio in the casting solution and then it decreased. The membrane with 70% PC exhibited the highest flux, maximum current efficiency, and minimum energy consumption. However, the selectivity of this membrane was low compared with the other prepared membranes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011