bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Motivation on Teacher Retention in Public Senior High Schools: The Case of Bekwai Municipality of Ghana
Authors: Ofori Kennedy Nyeseh
Published: November 2021

Attrition of teachers from public schools in Ghana is on the ascendency. The study aimed at examining the effect motivation has on teacher retention in public Senior High Schools (SHS) in the Bekwai Municipality of Ghana. The study adopted the explanatory research design using a quantitative approach. The quota and simple random sampling procedures were employed to select 370 respondents. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The results revealed that prompt payment of monthly salary (mean=4.61) was the most motivating package with a positive effect on teacher retention, whereas training opportunities (mean=2.38) and allowance for car maintenance (mean=2.31) had the least effect. The study recommends among others that governments consider paying teachers monthly salaries promptly and design a more comprehensive and competitive motivation package for them.
Temporal Analysis of Trends in Groundwater Level in Northern Karnataka
Authors: Angadi Sangamesh , Mundinamani S. M.
Published: November 2021

The present study was conducted in three districts of northern Karnataka viz., Belagavi, Vijayapur and Uttar Kannada based on the highest number of observation wells and secondary data collected for the year 1999 to 2018 from various sources like Central Groundwater Department and district Groundwater department. Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) tool was used to analyze the trends in depth of groundwater level which revealed that, in Belagavi district, during 1999 with a ground water level of 4 MBGL has increased to 20.22 MBGL (Meter Below Ground Level) in 2018 at a rate of (2.72%) per year. Among 10 taluks of Belagavi district, Belagavi taluk recorded highest rate of increase in depth of groundwater level (4.82%)  While, Ramdurg taluk recorded lowest growth in depth of groundwater level (0.43%). In Vijayapur district, during 1999 the depth of groundwater level was 7.37 MBGL and has increased to 19.09 MBGL in 2018 at a rate of 1.62 per cent per year. Among five taluks of Vijayapur district, Sindagi taluk recorded highest rate of increase in depth of groundwater level (2.79%). Whereas, Vijayapur taluk recorded lowest growth in depth of groundwater level (0.10%). While, Uttar Kannada district, with a the depth of groundwater level 6.94 MBGL during 1999 had increased to 17.41 MBGL in 2018 at a rate of 2.38 per cent per year. Among 11 taluks of Uttar Kannada district, Sirsi taluk recorded  the highest rate of increase in depth of groundwater level (4.51%). However, Supa taluk recorded the lowest growth in depth of groundwater level (0.36%). The study indicated that over the years depth of groundwater level has increased significantly. The decline in groundwater availability might be due to over exploitation of groundwater over its recharge rate and inadequacy of rainfall over the period of time.
Nutra-Chemical and Organoleptic Quality Evaluation of Wood Apple (Limonia acidissima L.) Pickle
Authors: Rathore Niharika , Gupta Prashant Kumar , Rathour Shubham Singh , Lekhi Rajesh
Published: November 2021

Wood apple is a nutritious minor fruit crop indigenous to India but it is not much popular for the purpose of consumption. The value addition can increase the production and utilization of this valuable fruit crop. Among various value-added products, pickle is popular and traditionally acceptable in India. The present investigation conducted at Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, RVSKVV, Gwalior, MP between 2019-20 and 2020-21, to study the nutrients, chemicals and sensory qualities of wood apple (Limonia acidissima L.) pickle and Nutra-chemical changes in pickle during storage period. The wood apple pickle was prepared as per standard procedure and analyzed for its nutrients and chemical status as well as during storage period to access its self-life and suitability. Fresh wood apple has nutritive property and its pickle was found more nutritious with 3.20 g and 3.43 g crude protein, 1.43 g and 1.53 g crude fibre, 7.03 g and 7.37 g crude fats, 20.33 g and 19.00 g carbohydrates, 1.90 and 1.97 total minerals, 253 mg and 256 mg calcium and 107 mg and 103 mg phosphorous per 100 g of pickle for first and second year respectively. Sensory evaluation revealed color, taste, flavor changed after 90 days of storage remarkably as shelf life is better retained up to 90 days of storage. Moisture, pH and ascorbic acid decreased while titratable acidity and total sugars increased with 0, 30, 60 and 90 days of storage. Wood apple pickle is nutritious, good in taste and a better source for protein, fibre, calcium and phosphorus among different fruits and it was found suitable for consumption up to 90 days of storage without major organoleptic and Nutra-chemical changes.
A Prospective Study of COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis at Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Munesh . , Singh Naveen Kumar , Sweta . , Sen Rajeev
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Mucormycosis is an emerging aggressive angioinvasive fungal infection due to non-septate fungi which belongs to order Mucorales. It is associated with covid-19 patients mainly with risk factors like diabetes mellitus use of steroids etc.

Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out in 30 cases with a history of covid-19 infections and had acquired mucormycosis after recovery from SARS CoV-2 infection. These patients with history of mucormycosis were studied prospectively concerning the site involved, associated disease, evolution and diagnosis, therapy, and end result of the disease. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopatholgy with broad non-septate hyphae, ribbon-like with 90 degree-angled branching showing in specimen of tissue submitted.

Result: Out of 30, 22 patients with maxillary sinusitis, seven cases of rhino-orbital mucormycosis, and one case with the rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis. Twenty-five (83.3%) were males and mean age was 51 years. 25(83.3%) cases had diabetes Mellitus. HbA1C ranges from 5.4-10.9 and mean were 8.3. Out of 25 patients of diabetes mallitus, 16(64%) had uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus on admission. Four (4/25, 16%) patients had Diabetes Mellitus of new onset. Out of the sixteen cases of uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus 9(30%) had diabetic ketoacidosis. Out of 30 cases, 6 patients had no risk factors except steroids given as a part of therapy for covid-19 infection.Amid of 30 cases with COVID-19 eighteen (18/30,60 %) patients had severe COVID-19 disease, required ICU mechanical ventilation. 9(30%) had CKD out of which8(26.6%) cases. Mucormycosis were identified in all 30(100%) patients on H&E, PAS, and GMS.

Conclusion: Mucormycosis is an aggressive angioinvasive disease with high morbidity and mortality. The disease has risen drastically in the recent times due to COVID 19 pandemic together with diabetes, inappropriate corticosteroid use and immunosuppression due to mechanical ventilation, prolonged hospitalization setting the perfect stormfor mucormycosis.
Anisotropic Metamaterials Filled Rectangular Metallic Waveguides Propagation Study and Analysis
Authors: Tahri Nizar
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we propose a novel generalized S-matrix characterization approach. The goal is to keep track of all observed discontinuities as efficiently as possible. In terms of reflection value, the proposed control strategy is based on transmission coefficients and one-axis rectangular guides. We successfully manipulate metal rectangular waveguide filters with both geometrical and physical discontinuity. Lossless discontinuity is depicted as a periodic structure that contains Metamaterials. The modal development of transverse fields provides the basis for the generalized S-matrix approach. The approach works by breaking down electromagnetic fields for each of the guides that make up the discontinuity on an orthonormal basis. When the Galerkin method is used, the matrix of diffraction of the junction is obtained directly.
Distribution Network Reliability and Efficiency Enhancement Using Distributed Generation
Authors: Nwajuonye Raymond Onyeka , Okonkwo Innocent Ifeanyi , Iloh Johnpaul I.
Published: November 2021

The Nigerian power sector is faced with many challenges such as: generation deficit, inefficiency and power loss over lengthy transmission and distribution lines, contribution to greenhouse gas emission, weak and dilapidated transmission and distribution infrastructure, dependence on fossil fuels, insufficient power. Efforts should be put in place by relevant authorities to improve the power sector. With the distribution network being the closest to the final consumer, efforts should be made to make it more efficient. This study therefore aims at improving the performance of poor distribution network using Distributed Generation (DG), optimally placed and sized in the network.  The Asaba, 2 X 15MVA, 33/11kV injection substation in Asaba, Delta state of Nigeria consisting of Anwai road feeder and SPC feeder radiating outwardly from this injection substation was the focus of this study. Relevant data collected from Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) was used to carry out load flow study. The simulation and analysis of the result and injection of photovoltaic (PV) DG of Asaba injection substation distribution network using Newton-Raphson iteration technique in ETAP 12.6environment to ascertain the overall performance of the network under base loading condition was modelled from a drawn detailed single line diagram of the network. DGs were optimally placed in specific buses in the network using loss sensitivity analysis. The result revealed that prior to DG placement in the network, only 10.4% of the buses were within statutory voltage limit (394.25V – 435.75V or 0.95p.u – 1.05p.u) and 89.6% of the load buses in the network violated the statutory voltage limit and high losses (active and reactive) of 1329.08kW and 2031kVar. After the optimal placement of DG, the active and reactive power losses on the network reduced by 57.5% and 70.7%. While the voltage profile improved by 94.8%, thereby increasing the capacity, reliability and efficiency of distribution network.
To Assess Effectiveness of Informational Booklet on Knowledge Regarding Bardet- Biedl syndrome among Nursing Students
Authors: Bawankar Payal , Pohekar Savita
Published: November 2021

Background:  Biedl–Bardet syndrome (BBS) is an autosomal recessive disorder. It is classified as a "rare genetic disease" affecting about 1 in 250,000 persons worldwide. BBS is a disorder that affects many parts of the body and cause learning impairments, retinal degeneration, renal failure, obesity, post-axial polydactyly and hypogonadism. It is one of the most well-studied conditions in the family of diseases caused by defective cilia which is also known as ciliopathies. In this study, researcher provide an updated knowledge on clinical features, diagnostic developments and progress in the management of Bardet–Biedl syndrome. As Advancement occur in diagnostic technology including exome and whole genome studies and sequencing it is expanding the spectrum of patients who are diagnosed with this disorder and increasing the number of cases with diagnostic uncertainty.

Materials and Methods: A one-group pre-test-post-test research design was used to evaluate the effects of an information booklet on nursing students' understanding of Bardet-Biedl syndrome. Non probability purposive sampling technique is used. In this study a total number of 300 students who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected the setting of the study is selected nursing college Wardha.

Expected Results: This study is planned to evaluate the effectiveness of information booklet on knowledge regarding Bardet- Biedl syndrome among nursing students, as a result, it is expected to determine the nursing student's degree of knowledge of the Bardet-Biedl Syndrome and to improve that knowledge.
Evaluation of the Antigenotoxic Potential of Methanolic Leaves Extract of Triticum aestivum in Mice
Authors: Jain Gaurav , M. Kewatker Shailesh , Nayak Govind , Nayak Amit
Published: November 2021

Mutations are changes to the nucleotide sequence of the genetic material of an organism. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in process like mutagenesis, carcinogenesis and aging by their ability to damage cellular DNA. Inhibition of mutagenesis or carcinogenesis is generally not based on one specific mechanism. Protection against cancer can occur at different stages of the complicated processes of carcinogenesis. Naturally occurring antioxidants have been extensively studied for their capacity to protect organisms and cells from oxidation. Triticum aestivum (T. aestivum) have revealed its medicinal potential for some human diseases; therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of methanolic extract. To accomplish this, the methanolic extract of T. aestivum was evaluated for its antigenotoxic effect using the chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus assay of bone marrow cells of mice.T. aestivum extract has shown significant protection against Cyclophosphamide induced micronucleus formation and chromosomal aberrations.
Simultaneous Determination of Tinidazole and Lidocaine in Pharmaceutical Preparations by HPLC with Photodiode Array Detection
Authors: Ayhan D. Gonullu , Aslan S. Saglik
Published: November 2021

A selective, simple and new reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic method (HPLC) was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of tinidazole (TIN)  and  lidocaine (LID) in the ovule  dosage form in this study. Developed method was performed with gradient elution by getting C18 (250x4.6mm,5µm) reversed phase HPLC column, mobile phase containing 10mM potassium phosphate buffer (pH3.0), acetonitrile at 1.0 mL/min. Temperatures for  column  and autosampler were adjusted at 25Cº. The chromatographic separation was carried out at 220 nm  wavelength. Retention times were found as 6.5 min for LID and 8.2 min. for TIN. The purity of each substance was evaluated  getting a photodiode array detector. The  linearity ranges  were 75.0-195.0 µg/mL for TIN and 25.0-65.0 µg/mL for  LID. The  limit of dedection (LOD) and  the  limit of quantitation (LOQ)  results were  0.05625 µg/mL and 0.225 µg/mL for TIN,  0.01875 µg/mL and 0.075 µg/mL for LID, respectively.  The simple, sensitive and reproducible method was applied for simultaneous determination of TIN and LID in pharmaceutical preparations successfully.
Prevalence of Anxiety Disorders among Antenatal Women in a Rural Area Adjacent to Chennai
Authors: Kannappan Jayashree , Mannam Abilash Kannappan , Vaishali K. , Dinakaran Shanthi , Kalaselvi P. S. Jikki , Kalaiselvi B.
Published: November 2021

Aim: Antenatal anxiety and depression are major health problems all over the world. Research conducted during pandemics found that pregnant women are more vulnerable psychologically. The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence of anxiety level during the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant women

Study Design: A Cross sectional study design

Place and Duration of Study: was done on pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at the rural area adjacent to Chennai, India between april 2021 to October 2021.

Methadology: This study was conducted among 74 pregnant women coming for antenatal checkups in the Rural area adjacent to Chennai. Hamilton – Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) was applied after initial psychiatry work up to all women who were selected for the interview. The statistically significant P value was < 0.05.

Results: The sociodemographic variables have been found as significant contributors in explaining the variability of the prevalence rates of antenatal depression. According to the findings, less than 1/3rd of pregnant women experience depression as a result of life circumstances such as economic crises in order to support their families. These were identified as significant risk variables (P>0.05). And also, this study identified those who receiving insufficient socioeconomic assistance were more likely to experience multiple psychological discomfort [atleast 1] than women who got appropriate economic support. (r = -0.112, P < 0.001)

Conclusion: COVID-19 infection during pregnancy was associated with increased levels of generalized anxiety scores. Patient-tailored psychological support should be a mainstay of comprehensive antenatal medical care in order to avoid anxiety- related complications.
Residual Stress in Engineering Materials: A Review
Authors: Tabatabaeian Ali , Ghasemi Ahmad Reza , Shokrieh Mahmood M. , Marzbanrad Bahareh , Baraheni Mohammad , Fotouhi Mohammad
Published: November 2021

The accurate determination of residual stresses has a crucial role in understanding the complex interactions between microstructure, mechanical state, mode(s) of failure, and structural integrity. Moreover, the residual stress management concept contributes to industrial applications, aiming to improve the product's service performance and life cycle. In this regard, the industry requests rapid, efficient, and modern methods to identify and control the residual stress state. This review article contains three main sections. The first section covers different residual stress determination methods and reports the advancements over the recent decade. The second section includes the role of residual stresses in the performance of a broad range of materials including metallic alloys, polymers, ceramics, composites, and biomaterials. This is presented by classifying different science areas dealing with residual stresses into two main groups, including “origins” and “effects” of residual stresses. The range of topics covered are “welding, machining, curing/cooling, and spray coating processes,” “medical and dental sciences,” and “fatigue and fracture mechanisms.” The third section summarizes various strategies to effectively control residual stresses through different manufacturing procedures. It is hoped that the data provided herein serves as a valuable up‐to‐date reference for engineers and scientists in the field of residual stress.
Effect of Titanium/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite as a New Filler on the Properties of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding of Titanium
Authors: Khosravi Mohammad , Mansouri Mohammad , Gholami Ali , Yaghoubinezhad Yadollah
Published: November 2021

Here, the effect of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets on the microstructure and mechanical properties of titanium‐welded joints is investigated through gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). The obtained results indicate that by increasing the RGO volume fraction up to 1.9%, due to the decreasing of the grain size and probably reinforcing the grains, the tensile strength and hardness of welding are improved up to 30% and 78%, respectively. The contribution of increasing in mechanical strength due to the addition of RGO nanosheets (in 1.9 vol%) is measured up to 76.03 ± 1.5 MPa in this study. It is found that these RGO nanosheets could pin the dislocations and improved the mechanical properties of the joints. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Ti/RGO composite filler can be act as an efficient filler for GTA welding of the titanium.
A Unique Multifunctional Nanoenzyme Tailored for Triggering Tumor Microenvironment Activated NIR‐II Photoacoustic Imaging and Chemodynamic/Photothermal Combined Therapy
Authors: Wang Shulong , Zhao Jingjin , Zhang Liangliang , Zhang Chaobang , Qiu Zhidong , Zhao Shulin , Huang Yong , Liang Hong
Published: November 2021

The accurate diagnosis and targeted therapy of malignant tumors face significant challenges. To address these, an oxidized molybdenum polyoxometalate‐copper nanocomposite (Ox‐POM@Cu) is designed and synthesized here. The doping with Cu determines the formation of oxygen vacancies, which can increase the carrier concentration in Ox‐POM@Cu, accelerate electron transfer, and enhance the redox activity, thus playing an efficient catalytic role. The nanocomposite presents unique enzymatic functions characterized by a multielement catalytic activity in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition, it can be employed as an NIR‐II photoacoustic imaging (PAI) probe and cancer therapy agent. First, it participates in a redox reaction with glutathione (GSH) in tumor tissues, activates the PAI and photothermal therapy functions via NIR‐II irradiation, and depletes the GSH supply in cancerous cells. Subsequently, it catalyzes a Fenton‐like reaction with H2O2 in tumor tissues to form hydroxyl radicals, thereby performing a chemodynamic therapy function. The findings show that the developed nanoenzyme is very efficient in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors. This work not only provides a new strategy for the design of TME‐induced NIR‐II PAI but also presents new insights into enhanced cancer therapy.
Elucidating and Mitigating High‐Voltage Degradation Cascades in Cobalt‐Free LiNiO2 Lithium‐Ion Battery Cathodes
Authors: Park Kyu‐Young , Zhu Yizhou , Torres‐Castanedo Carlos G. , Jung Hee Joon , Luu Norman S. , Kahvecioglu Ozge , Yoo Yiseul , Seo Jung‐Woo T. , Downing Julia R. , Lim Hee‐Dae , Bedzyk Michael J. , Wolverton Christopher , Hersam Mark C.
Published: November 2021

LiNiO2 (LNO) is a promising cathode material for next‐generation Li‐ion batteries due to its exceptionally high capacity and cobalt‐free composition that enables more sustainable and ethical large‐scale manufacturing. However, its poor cycle life at high operating voltages over 4.1 V impedes its practical use, thus motivating efforts to elucidate and mitigate LiNiO2 degradation mechanisms at high states of charge. Here, a multiscale exploration of high‐voltage degradation cascades associated with oxygen stacking chemistry in cobalt‐free LiNiO2, is presented. Lattice oxygen loss is found to play a critical role in the local O3–O1 stacking transition at high states of charge, which subsequently leads to Ni‐ion migration and irreversible stacking faults during cycling. This undesirable atomic‐scale structural evolution accelerates microscale electrochemical creep, cracking, and even bending of layers, ultimately resulting in macroscopic mechanical degradation of LNO particles. By employing a graphene‐based hermetic surface coating, oxygen loss is attenuated in LNO at high states of charge, which suppresses the initiation of the degradation cascade and thus substantially improves the high‐voltage capacity retention of LNO. Overall, this study provides mechanistic insight into the high‐voltage degradation of LNO, which will inform ongoing efforts to employ cobalt‐free cathodes in Li‐ion battery technology.
Energy‐Band Engineering by Remote Doping of Self‐Assembled Monolayers Leads to High‐Performance IGZO/p‐Si Heterostructure Photodetectors
Authors: Woo Gunhoo , Lee Dong Hyun , Heo Yeri , Kim Eungchul , On Sungmin , Kim Taesung , Yoo Hocheon
Published: November 2021

Metal oxide semiconductors are of great interest for enabling advanced photodetectors. However, operational instability and the absence of an appropriate doping technique hinder practical development and commercialization. Here, a strategy is proposed to dramatically increase the conventional photodetection performance, having superior stability in operational and environmental atmospheres. By performing energy‐band engineering through an octadecylphosphonic acid (ODPA) self‐assembled‐monolayer‐based doping treatment, the proposed indium–gallium–zinc oxide (IGZO)/p‐Si heterointerface devices exhibit greatly enhance the photoresponsive characteristics, including a photoswitching current ratio with a 100‐fold increase, and photoresponsivity and detectivity with a 15‐fold increase each. The observed ODPA doping effects are investigated through comprehensive analysis with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). Furthermore, the proposed photodetectors, fabricated at a 4 in. wafer scale, demonstrate its excellent operation robustness with consistent performance over 237 days and 20 000 testing cycles.
Diarylethenes in Optically Switchable Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes: Direct Investigation of the Reversible Charge Carrier Trapping Process
Authors: Cotella Giovanni F. , Bonasera Aurelio , Carnicella Giuseppe , Minotto Alessandro , Hecht Stefan , Cacialli Franco
Published: November 2021

The design, fabrication, and characterization of optically switchable organic light‐emitting diodes (OSOLEDs) based on the combination of the commercially available light‐emitting polymer poly(9,9′‐dioctylfluorene‐alt‐benzothiadiazole), F8BT, doped with a diarylethene derivative is reported. The photochromic activity of the dopant in the solid state has been investigated both via UV/vis absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy, whereas the morphology of different blends is investigated via atomic force microscopy. OSOLEDs embedding dopant loadings of 1, 5, and 10 wt% exhibit optical responsivity with a maximum reversible optical threshold voltage shift of 4 V. The best performing devices containing 5 wt% dopant show a maximum current density and luminance ON/OFF ratio of ≈20 and ≈90, respectively. For the first time, the impact of the diarylethene isomerization on hole and electron transport has been decoupled and directly investigated, via the design, fabrication, and characterization of single‐carrier switchable devices based on the same blends. Not only do these results confirm the photo‐responsive trapping activity of the diarylethenes on both charge carriers, but they also demonstrate its asymmetry, with a predominant effect on electron transport that is over 3.4 times larger as compared to hole transport.
Low‐Frequency‐Noise Spectroscopy of TaOx‐based Resistive Switching Memory
Authors: Sugawara Kota , Shima Hisashi , Takahashi Makoto , Naitoh Yasuhisa , Suga Hiroshi , Akinaga Hiroyuki
Published: November 2021

Research and development into resistive switching memories, such as resistive random access memory (ReRAM) and memristors, are being actively promoted toward the realization of new computing techniques. To improve the reliability of these devices, it is important to clarify their resistance characteristics. Low‐frequency‐noise spectroscopy (LFNS) is a powerful method for investigating the nature of traps in conduction paths, even at the nanoscale. In this article, the results of LFNS measurements on a TaOx‐based ReRAM device are presented. The temperature dependence of the noise spectra at given frequencies reveals the existence of multiple trap levels, which are observed over a wide range of resistance values. These experimental results show that the ReRAM device is particularly advantageous when used in analog resistive switching applications.
Relationship between soil carbon and nitrogen, soil properties, and dryland crop yields
Authors: Sainju Upendra M. , Liptzin Daniel , Ghimire Rajan , Dangi Sadikshya
Published: November 2021

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is an important indicator of soil health, but its analysis requires a two‐step process of measuring soil total carbon (STC) and inorganic carbon (SIC) in arid and semiarid regions. Determination of STC or soil total nitrogen (STN) for SOC can shorten the analytical process, which may be used for measuring soil health. We related STC, STN, SOC, and SIC to 62 soil properties and mean crop yields across years in two long‐term (14‐ and 36‐yr‐old) experiments in the northern Great Plains. Treatments were rotations of till‐ and no‐till spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)/barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), and fallow with and without N fertilization. No‐till continuous cropping (every year cropping) increased STC, STN, and SOC compared to till and no‐till crop–fallow, with limited effect of N fertilization. Treatments had little effect on SIC. The STC correlated to 6, 7, and 28 more soil physical, chemical, biological, and biochemical properties than SOC, STN, and SIC, respectively. A combination of data from both experiments enhanced the relationships among STC, STN, SOC, and selected soil properties. The STC also more strongly related to mean crop yield across years than SOC, STN, and SIC. Because of rapid determination and sensitivity to management practices, STC can be used as a potential soil health indicator to relate to more soil properties and crop yields in dryland cropping systems in the semiarid northern Great Plains.
Ternary fluid lattice Boltzmann simulation of dynamic interfacial tension induced by mixing inside microdroplets
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Shiteng , Wang Yujie , Fu Yuhang , Cheng Yi
Published: November 2021

A ternary fluid color‐gradient lattice Boltzmann model is proposed to investigate the effect of mixing‐induced dynamic interfacial tension on the diffusive mixing of two fluids inside microdroplets moving in a third continuous phase through a baffled channel. The diffusion coefficient of binary mixtures and dynamic interfacial tension in this model can be directly defined and independently adjusted. The simulation results show that the dynamic interfacial tension between miscible binary fluids at interfaces with ambient phase would lead to the motion of the interface and redistribution of solutes inside the droplet during mixing. The larger initial interfacial tension gradient would improve mixing efficiency at early stages by promoting faster solute flow. The present model can be easily applied to quantitatively characterize the mixing behavior inside droplets in the practical processes involving the dynamic interfacial tension phenomenon and inspire new designs for mixing intensification.
Synthetic Approaches to Crinipellin Based Tetraquinanes via Ring‐Rearrangement Metathesis and Ring‐Closing Metathesis
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Keesari Ramakrishna Reddy
Published: November 2021

Herein, we have studied the synthetic approaches to tetraquinanes that are present in crinipellin type natural products by employing ring‐rearrangement metathesis (RRM) and ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) as key steps. These studies involve finding the suitable alkylation sequence to prepare desired RRM/RCM precursors. Methyl‐tetraquinane has been assembled by employing a regio‐, and stereoselective methylation followed by allylation sequence. Whereas, allyl‐tetraquinane was constructed by following the allylation‐RRM sequence. Interestingly, spiro‐quinanes rearranges to fused‐quinanes when olefinic moiety is present adjacent to the spiro‐ring under RRM conditions. Additionally, several di‐, and triquinane derivatives reported during this study were also found in diverse polyquinane natural products. The present strategy utilizes the vinyl derivative of exo‐dicyclopentadiene‐1‐one, and produce several intricate polycyclic systems. Our strategy may be useful to design various medicinally important “drug‐like” molecules.
Stable Singlet Carbenes as Organic Superbases
Authors: Vermersch François , Yazdani Sima , Junor Glen P. , Grotjahn Douglas B. , Jazzar Rodolphe , Bertrand Guy
Published: November 2021

A simple experimental procedure for scaling carbene Brønsted basicity is described. The results highlight the strong basicity of pyrazol‐4‐ylidenes, a type of mesoionic carbene, also named cyclic‐bentallenes (CBA). They are more basic (pKaH>42.7 in acetonitrile) than the popular proazaphosphatrane Verkade bases, and even the Schwesinger phosphazene superbase P4(tBu). The basicity of these compounds can readily be tuned, and they are accessible in multigram quantities. These results open new avenues for carbon centered superbases.
Electrochemical Oxo‐Fluorosulfonylation of Alkynes under Air: Facile Access to β‐Keto Sulfonyl Fluorides
Authors: Chen Dengfeng , Nie Xingliang , Feng Qingyuan , Zhang Yingyin , Wang Yiheng , Wang Qiuyue , Huang Lin , Huang Shenlin , Liao Saihu
Published: November 2021

Radical fluorosulfonylation is emerging as an appealing approach for the synthesis of sulfonyl fluorides, which have widespread applications in many fields, in particular in the context of chemical biology and drug development. Here, we report the first investigation of FSO2 radical generation under electrochemical conditions, and the establishment of a new and facile approach for the synthesis of β‐keto sulfonyl fluorides via oxo‐fluorosulfonylation of alkynes with sulfuryl chlorofluoride as the radical precursor and air as the oxidant. This electrochemical protocol is amenable to access two different products (β‐keto sulfonyl fluorides or α‐chloro‐β‐keto sulfonyl fluorides) with the same reactants. The β‐keto sulfonyl fluoride products can be utilized as useful building blocks in the synthesis of various derivatives and heterocycles, including the first synthesis of an oxathiazole dioxide compound. Furthermore, some β‐keto sulfonyl fluorides and derivatives exhibited notably potent activities against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Silicon‐Stereogenic Monohydrosilanes by Rhodium‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Hydrosilylation
Authors: Huang Yu‐Hao , Wu Yichen , Zhu Zile , Zheng Sujuan , Ye Zihang , Peng Qian , Wang Peng
Published: November 2021

Enantiopure monohydrosilanes are versatile chiral reagents for alcohol resolution and mechanistic investigation. Herein, we have demonstrated the asymmetric synthesis of monohydrosilanes via an intramolecular hydrosilylation strategy. This protocol is suitable for the synthesis of five‐ and six‐membered cyclic monohydrosilanes, including a class of chiral oxasilacycles, with excellent diastereo‐, regio‐, and enantioselectivities. Notably, the catalyst loading could be reduced to 0.1 mol % which makes this one of the most efficient methods to access chiral monohydrosilanes. Mechanistic studies and DFT calculations indicate this Rh‐catalyzed intramolecular asymmetric hydrosilylation reaction might proceed via a Chalk–Harrod mechanism, and the enantio‐determining step was predicted to be oxidative addition of Si−H bond.
Structural characterization of PVDF/PVA polymer blend film doped with different concentration of NiO NPs for photocatalytic degradation of malachite green dye under visible light
Authors: Ismail Asmaa M. , Nasr Rabab A.
Published: November 2021

Structural, optical and photodegradation performance of PVDF/PVA polymer blend doped with different concentration of NiO NPs were studied using casting technique method. The effect of adding NiO NPs on PVDF/PVA are investigated using X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM), Fourier Transform Infrared–Attenuated Total Reflection (FTIR–ATR), Ultraviolet–Visible Spectroscopy (UV–Vis), and High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope (HRSEM). XRD results showed that the addition of NiO NPs increase the crystallinity of PVDF/PVA. The appearance and shifting of bands in FTIR–ATR indicate the structural change in the PVDF/PVA with adding NiO NPs combined with decrease in the band gap of nanocomposite films compared to pure blend in UV–Vis confirmed the incorporation of NiO NPs in PVDF/PVA. HRTEM shows the size of NiO NPs ranges from 3 to 10 nm which is agreed with that calculated from Scherrer equation. HRSEM shows a change in surface morphology of nanocomposite sample. Malachite green dye as a textile wastewater pollutant model was chosen to assess the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of PVDF/PVA/NiO NPs. Gradual rising of the weight % of NiO in the prepared films results in higher photocatalytic efficiencies. Photocatalytic activity of PVDF/PVA/7% NiO NPs was 95.4% degradation of malachite green dye at pH 9, 3 g/L film weight and 300 min visible light irradiation. Photocatalytic degradation reaction for malachite green dyes is compatible with Pseudo first‐order kinetic model. Reusability results affirm a low decrease in photocatalytic performance after five runs makes the nanocomposite suitable for applications where reusability is a significant core factor.
Shedding light on the Sudanese Dark Ages: Geophysical research at Old Dongola, a city‐state of the Funj period (16th–19th centuries)
Authors: Obłuski Artur , Herbich Tomasz , Ryndziewicz Robert
Published: November 2021

The article presents the results of magnetic and ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) research carried out in Old Dongola in northern Sudan in 2018 and 2020, within the framework of a project designed to investigate the transition from Christianity to Islam taking place in the capital of the Nubian kingdom of Makuria. The integrated datasets from the application of two geophysical methods, of which one is the standard magnetic method used on sites in the Nile Valley and the other ground‐penetrating radar, enhanced the archaeological interpretation, focused in this case on a reconstruction of the urban layout of the 16th–18th‐century Funj settlement within the walls of the Dongola Citadel. The magnetic method, the effectiveness of which has gone unquestioned with regard to the study of silt architecture in the Nile valley, was successful in mapping the general outline of the settlement on the Citadel hill and in the quarter north of the walls. The GPR survey (450‐MHz antenna) provided a much more detailed image of the street grid and was much more effective than the magnetic method in tracing the course of mud‐brick walls in a sandy matrix containing baked brick rubble. Verification of the geophysical results through the excavation of selected parts of the Citadel not only satisfied the objectives of the archaeological project, which was to establish the overall street and building layout in the research area, but also confirmed the effectiveness of the two prospection methods applied in combination and the potential of integrated research with the use of the GPR and magnetic methods for the study of mud‐brick and baked brick architecture on settlement sites in Sudan.
The centralFR0in the sloshing cluster Abell 795: Indications of mechanical feedback fromChandradata
Authors: Ubertosi Francesco , Gitti Myriam , Torresi Eleonora , Brighenti Fabrizio , Grandi Paola
Published: November 2021

We present a detailed study of the galaxy cluster Abell 795 and of its central Fanaroff‐Riley Type 0 (FR0) radio galaxy. From an archivalChandraobservation, we found a dynamically disturbed environment with evidences for sloshing of the intracluster medium. We argue that the environment alone cannot explain the compactness of the radio galaxy, as similar conditions are also found around extended sources. We identified a pair of putative X‐ray cavities in the proximity of the center: These could have been created in a past outburst of the FR0, and dragged away by the large‐scale gas movement. The presence of X‐ray cavities associated with a FR0 could open a new window on the study of jet power and feedback properties of this recently discovered class of compact radio galaxies.
Ab initio and semi‐empirical atomic structure calculations: Applications to the 5p‐6s transitions for the Mo II ion
Authors: Alkallas Fatemah H. , El Maati Lamia Abu , Ben Nessib Nabil , Dimitrijević Milan S.
Published: November 2021

In this work, we present two different methods for calculation of the atomic structure for atoms and ions. The first one is the Hartree‐Fock pseudo‐Relativistic method which can be ab initio where we calculate the atomic parameters theoretically by using, for example, the first three programs of the Cowan (CW) atomic structure code: RCN, RCN2, and RCG. We can also use it semi‐empirically by using the fourth CW program RCE and fitting the purely theoretical energy levels with experimental data taken for example from the NIST database. The second one is the Thomas‐Fermi‐Dirac‐Amaldi method which can be ab initio where we calculate the atomic parameters theoretically by using, for example, the SUPERSTRUCTURE (SS) or the AUTOSTRUCTURE (AS) atomic structure codes. We can also use it semi‐empirically by using the Term Energy Corrections in SS or the Level Energy Corrections in SS or AS atomic structure codes. As an application of using these methods, we calculate energy levels, oscillator strengths, and transition probabilities for the 5p‐6s transitions for the Mo II ion using ab initio and semi‐empirical methods with the CW and AS atomic structure codes.
Comparing National Regulatory Processes for Safe Drinking Water
Authors: Crawford‐Brown Douglas , Raucher Robert , Carpenter Adam T.
Published: November 2021

Key Takeaways

Setting guidelines and standards helps form a framework for providing safe, reliable drinking water, a prevalent concern throughout the world.

The regulatory processes of seven nations, including the United States, were compared to determine the best practices and identify areas needing improvement.

An assessment consisting of eight attributes was used to examine these nations’ steps in establishing and maintaining drinking water regulations.
Urinary phenylethylamine metabolites as potential markers for sports drug testing purposes
Authors: Krombholz Sophia , Thomas Andreas , Piper Thomas , Lagojda Andreas , Kühne Dirk , Thevis Mario
Published: November 2021

The misuse of 2‐phenylethylamine (PEA) in sporting competitions is prohibited by the World Anti‐Doping Agency. As it is endogenously produced, a method is required to differentiate between naturally elevated levels of PEA and the illicit administration of the drug. In 2015, a sulfo‐conjugated metabolite [2‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)acetamide sulfate (M1)] was identified, and pilot study data suggested that the ratio M1/PEA could be used as a marker indicating the oral application of PEA. Within this project, the required reference material of M1 was synthesized, single and multiple dose elimination studies were conducted and 369 native urine samples of athletes were analyzed as a reference population. While the oral administration of only 100 mg PEA did not affect urinary PEA concentrations, an increase in urinary concentrations of M1 was observed for all volunteers. However, urinary concentrations of both PEA and M1 showed relatively large inter‐individual differences and establishing a cut‐off‐level for M1/PEA proved difficult. Consequently, a second metabolite, phenylacetylglutamine, was considered. Binary logistic regression demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) correlation of the urinary M1 and phenylacetylglutamine concentrations with an oral administration of PEA, suggesting that assessing both analytes can assist doping control laboratories in identifying PEA misuse.
Teaching histology and anatomy online during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Saverino Daniele , Marcenaro Emanuela , Zarcone Daniela
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study is to analyze differences in participation, and in the results obtained in the anatomy and histology exams, over two academic years of the Sport Sciences degree course. During the first semester of the academic year 2019/2020 both the lectures and the exam took place face‐to‐face, while during the academic year 2020/2021 everything was done online. Statistical analysis revealed that the online modality was especially advantageous for the anatomy exam. Students' opinions were also assessed through a short questionnaire. The results showed that teachers involved themselves in both groups. Students needed to interact socially with teachers and colleagues and to ask them questions. Even if the differences were not significant, the difference was greater for face‐to‐face students in most comparisons. Finally, the most common methods of peer communication were by social media.
Zoom‐fwd: Efficient technique for 3D gestual interaction with distant and occluded objects in virtual reality
Authors: Messaci Assia , Zenati Nadia , Belhocine Mahmoud , Otmane Samir
Published: November 2021

In the last decade, there has been an extraordinary acceleration in immersive technologies, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). The VR interfaces have widely explored various 3D interaction‐based approaches. 3D interaction is one of the main features of any VR system. However, the problems while selecting and manipulating distant and occluded 3D virtual objects in VR are still unresolved and suffer from a lack of precision and accuracy. To interact with VR/AR systems, various devices such as VR headsets or gloves are used. These devices are not very reliable yet; in fact they are inconvenient and invasive to a person's comfort. Currently, the natural user interfaces (NUIs) are increasingly introduced in human computer interaction (HCI) systems as gestures recognition, which prove to be very useful in the improvement of the user engagement and presence sensing. More particularly, they provide more user‐friendly and nonintrusive 3D interaction methods and techniques. In this article, the Zoom‐fwd, which is an efficient 3D interaction technique is presented. The proposed technique uses gesture recognition for different 3D interaction tasks like selection and manipulation. This new approach allows an efficient interaction with distant and occluded objects, while providing a precise selection, even when the environment is crowded. The Zoom‐fwd technique is a software solution for a number of hardware and software problems. A user study is conducted to determine whether the proposed technique is more suitable when performing interaction tasks. The results show that the Zoom‐fwd technique provides effective interaction with distant and occluded objects, by improving the user task completion performance. In addition, this indicates that selection precision has been enhanced significantly with the Zoom‐fwd technique.
Conversion of E4 (E4=P4, As4, AsP3) by Ni(0) and Ni(I) Synthons – A Comparative Study
Authors: Haimerl Maria , Graßl Christian , Seidl Michael , Piesch Martin , Scheer Manfred
Published: November 2021

The reactivity of white phosphorus and yellow arsenic towards two different nickel nacnac complexes is investigated. The nickel complexes [(L1Ni)2tol] (1, L1=[{N(C6H3iPr2‐2,6)C(Me)}2CH]−) and [K2][(L1Ni)2(μ,η1 : 1‐N2)] (6) were reacted with P4, As4 and the interpnictogen compound AsP3, respectively, yielding the homobimetallic complexes [(L1Ni)2(μ‐η2,κ1:η2,κ1‐E4)] (E=P (2 a), As (2 b), AsP3 (2 c)), [(L1Ni)2(μ,η3 : 3‐E3)] (E=P (3 a), As (3 b)) and [K@18‐c‐6(thf)2][L1Ni(η1 : 1‐E4)] (E=P (7 a), As (7 b)), respectively. Heating of 2 a, 2 b or 2 c also leads to the formation of 3 a or 3 b. Furthermore, the reactivity of these compounds towards reduction agents was investigated, leading to [K2][(L1Ni)2(μ,η2 : 2‐P4)] (4) and [K@18‐c‐6(thf)3][(L1Ni)2(μ,η3 : 3‐E3)] (E=P (5 a), As (5 b)), respectively. Compound 4 shows an unusual planarization of the initial Ni2P4‐prism. All products were comprehensively characterized by crystallographic and spectroscopic methods.
H2S Dosimetry by CuO: Towards Stable Sensors by Unravelling the Underlying Solid‐State Chemistry
Authors: Werner Sebastian , Glaser Clarissa , Kasper Thomas , Lê Trung Nghia Nguyên , Gross Silvia , Smarsly Bernd M.
Published: November 2021

The precise detection of the toxic gas H2S requires reliable sensitivity and specificity of sensors even at minute concentrations of as low as 10 ppm, the value corresponding to typical exposure limits. CuO can be used for H2S dosimetry, based on the formation of conductive CuS and the concomitant significant increase in conductance. In theory, at elevated temperature the reaction is reversed and CuO is formed, ideally enabling repeated and long‐term use of one sensor. Yet, the performance of CuO tends to drop upon cycling. Utilizing defined CuO nanorods we thoroughly elucidated the associated detrimental chemical changes directly on the sensors, by Raman and electron microscopy analysis of each step during sensing (CuO→CuS) and regeneration (CuS→CuO) cycles. We find the decrease in the sensing performance is mainly caused by the irreversible formation of CuSO4 during regeneration. The findings allowed us to develop strategies to reduce CuSO4 formation and thus to substantially maintain the sensing stability even for repeated cycles. We achieved CuO‐based dosimeters possessing a response time of a few minutes only, even for 10 ppm H2S, and prolonged life‐time.