bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Efficiency of Ceramic Water Filter Improved by Dried Duckweed Plant (Lemna minor) in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Osemeahon S. A. , Okechukwu J. O. , Dimas B. J.
Published: April 2021

The lack of clean water sources due to pollution and industrialisation is a major problem in many countries including Nigeria. To overcome this challenge, various methods have been adopted including phytoremediation treatment. This study evaluates dried duckweed an aquatic plant and its removal efficiency in comparison with other locally available treatment materials. This was achieved by formulating ceramic water filters (C.W.F) categorized into four different types- clay and kaolin(P1), clay, kaolin and sawdust(P2), clay, kaolin and charcoal(P3) and clay, kaolin and duckweed(P4). These filters were subjected to contaminated water and the following physicochemical parameters Colour, pH, Conductivity(Ec), Fluoride(F-), Magnesium(Mg2+), Nitrites(NO2-), Sulphates (SO42-), Ammonia (NH3) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and Total Nitrogen were determined before and after filtration. In all the ceramic water filters, the filter improved by duckweed showed the best removal efficiency of Colour – 100%, Conductivity(Ec) -72.60%, Fluoride(F)- 99.82%, Magnesium(Mg2+)- 51.68% Nitrites(NO2-)-92.34, Sulphates (SO42-)- 46.09%, Ammonia (NH3)-98.75%, and Total Suspended Solids (TSS)- 85.43% and Total Nitrogen (TN) -83.79% indicating that duckweed is capable of adsorbing inorganic and organic pollutants from water.
EFL Female College Students and Instructors’ Preferred Method of Speaking Assessment: A Perspective from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Jarf Reima
Published: April 2021

Introduction: At the College of Languages and Translation (COLT), the students take four speaking courses in the first four semesters of college. In each course, they take two interm tests and a final exam.

Aims: The study aims to find out which speaking assessment method EFL students and instructors at COLT prefer: Face to face, or lab testing, and reasons for their preferences.

Procedures: Face-to-face assessment is the most common method at COLT. The students are tested individually. Each student randomly draws one topic from a basket and engages in a conversation or interview with the teacher who asks 3-5 questions about it. The test session for all the students lasts from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. non-stop. The second method is language lab testing used by few instructors where all the students take the test at the same time and they all answer the same set of questions in about 60 minutes. The lab test consists of several questions. The students read the printed questions, take short notes, then record their answers on an MP3 player. 

Results: Most students prefer lab assessment, whereas most instructors prefer face-to-face assessment. Students reported that lab test questions are comprehensive and help them improve their speaking skills better than face-to-face assessment. Testing conditions are the same. They are less anxious. They lose few marks if they miss a question. On the other hand, instructors reported that face-to-face test questions are easy and only cover part of the material. All students pass. Students are more anxious. Comparisons of students’ test score showed that lab tests are more reliable, valid and have a better discriminating power between students who have mastered and those who have not mastered the speaking skills than face-to-face tests. Recommendations for effective speaking assessment methods are given.
Modeling Key Drivers of Under-Five Child Malnutrition in Marsabit County, Kenya: Application of the Logit Model
Authors: Rop Benjamin Kiptoo , Koech J. , Otieno A.
Published: April 2021

Malnutrition remains one of the major problems in developing countries affecting both adults and children under 5 years. The use of binary logistic regression model was employed, and parameters of interest estimated. Results showed that 29.3 percent of the children were acutely malnourished. There was an insignificant difference between household food security and child malnutrition status  Factors such as the age of caregivers, household size, the gender of the child, and the level of education of caregivers, if the child was weighed at birth, source of income, the occupation status, and the distance to the water source remained insignificant at a multivariate level. However, factors such as full-term maternal pregnancy, the child being ill for the past two weeks, and the study site were strong significant factors affecting the status of childhood malnutrition. Moreover, mothers with full-term pregnancy up to the birth were 53 percent less likely to have malnourished infants when compared to their counterparts whose pregnancy was not term. Mothers/caregivers who traveled more than half a kilometer were twice more likely to have their children malnourished than those who had traveled less than half a kilometer. It recommended that the policymakers and the entire County government of Marsabit should build more social amenities that provide pregnant women with full-term maternal checkups for both antenatal and postnatal care. County government of Marsabit should lobby and mobilize resources for food aid or cash transfers to households.
E-Tendering System for Arecanut in Karnataka: Stakeholders’ Perspective
Authors: Vivek M. C. , Sahana S. , Halingali B. I. , Chinnappa B. , Amareshkumar K.
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to explore the perception of farmers, commission agents and traders about e-tendering system for arecanut in Karnataka. The present study was conducted in two major Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMC) of Karnataka state, viz., Shivamogga APMC of Shivamogga district and Bheemasamudra APMC of Chitradurga district during 2019-20. The primary data were collected randomly from 50 farmers, 10 traders, and 10 commission agents involved in e-tendering of Arecanut from each of the selected APMCs. Thus, the total sample size was 140. The study also attempts to document the constraints faced by the stakeholders and their suggestions for the improvement of the system. The results indicated that the majority of the farmers (65.00%), traders (60.00%) and commission agents (50.00%) had a favourable perception about e-tendering system. Frequent price fluctuation was the major constraint confronted by the farmers and difficulty in rectifying the mistakes after quoting the price was the major issue for traders and commission agents. Majority of the farmers insisted on creating awareness about the operational aspects of e-tendering system, whereas traders demanded a provision to rectify mistakes after quoting the price. Results from the present study could provide a                                better understanding of the effectiveness and inherent problems associated with the e-tendering system.
The Influence of Iron Chelates on Chlorophyll Content and Yield of Bajra Napier
Authors: Sangeetha S. S. , Jawahar D. , Chitdeshwari T. , Babu C. , Lakshmanan L.
Published: April 2021

Bajra Napier is an important forage crop. Numerous studies have reported a direct relationship between ferrite levels and physiological function of plants. The present study investigates the impact of iron sources and its levels on yield and chlorophyll content of Bajra Napier. The experiment was carried out in a Factorial CRD with 3 factors namely seven sources of Iron (Fe glycinate, Fe citrate, Fe tartrate, Fe glutamate, FeSO4, Fe-EDDHA, Fe malate) four levels (FeSO4 - 0, 25, 37.5 and 50 kg ha -1 and Fe chelates - 0, 1, 2.5 and 5 kg ha -1) and two different soils (Calcareous and Non-calcareous).The results revealed that the iron application increased the chlorophyll concentration and yield, and it was also seen that as the level increased there was an increase in both the characteristics. These results indicated that applying Fe chelates have significantly improved the quality of produce and it was seen that there was an improvement in the iron uptake and the fodder yield showed a greater increase when compared to ferrous sulphate.
Isolation and Identification of Fungi Associated with Solanum lycopersicum L. (Tomato) Leaves in Alapoti, Ogun State Nigeria
Authors: Ewekeye Tolulope S. , Odebode Adegboyega C.
Published: April 2021

Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) is an essential vegetable crop consumed worldwide. Major limiting factors in its production include fungal foliar diseases. Therefore, this work was aimed at investigating the fungi associated with diseased tomato leaves. Infected leaf samples (3 per plant, 30 plants per farm) of Kerewa variety were randomly collected at the expression of disease symptoms from 3 farms in Alapoti, Ogun State. Samples were cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar for fungal isolation. All isolates were identified using morphological and microscopic features. Pathogenicity test was conducted based on Koch’s postulates. Identified symptoms on the leaf samples were chlorosis, leaf spot and wilt. Fungi isolated from diseased tomato leaves were Aspergillus aculeatus, A. niger, A. tamarii, A. ustus, A. versicolor, Epicoccum nigrum, Fusarium oxysporum, Phialophora melinii, Phomopsis sp. and Trichodema asperellum. Fusarium oxysporum and Phomopsis sp. were found to be the causal organisms of the leaf infections. Due to the effect of the leaf diseases of the overall productivity of tomato, it is important to put in place adequate control measures to mitigate the effect of the diseases.
Efficacy of Zn, Fe and Mg Nano Scale and Bulk Plant Nutrient Foliar Sprays in Biochemical Changes of Blackgram Genotypes under YMV Tolerance
Authors: Rajitha B. , Rajarajeswari V. , Sudhakar P.
Published: April 2021

Evidence-based synergistic effects of Nanoscale materials, which size typically falls below 100 nm, exhibit novel chemical, physical and biological properties which are different from their bulk counterparts. Here, we report for the first time comparision of nanoscale zinc oxide (n-ZnO), magnesium oxide (n-MgO), and iron oxide (n-FeO) with their respective bulk concentrations on biochemical variability of blackgram genotypes under yellow mosaic virus condition. Oxides of nano scale Zn, Mg and Fe materials were prepared by using a modified sol-gel method. Characterization was performed by using X- ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Analysis and High- Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). Average sizes of ZnO, MgO and FeO (78.8, 60.8 and 12.4 nm respectively) and potentials (-36.7,-33.0 and -18.0 mV respectively). A field study was conducted during summer 2018 in split-plot design with two blackgram genotypes as main treatments (TBG-104 and LBG-623) and nine sub treatments (Control, ZnSO4 @ 0.2 %, n-ZnO @ 200ppm, MgSO4 @ 0.2 %, n- MgO @ 100ppm, FeSO4 @ 0.2%, n- FeO @ 200ppm, ZnSO4 @ 0.2 % + MgSO4 @ 0.2 % + FeSO4 @ 0.2 %,  n-ZnO @ 200ppm + n- MgO @ 100ppm + n- FeO @ 200ppm) as foliar sprays with three replications. YMV infection was observed at 25 DAS. The foliar treatmental sprays were imposed at 30 and 50 DAS.

Results of the field study revealed that combined application of nanoscale treatmental spray ZnO @ 200 ppm + MgO @ 100 ppm + FeO @ 200 ppm resulted higher YMV tolerance interms of high chlorophyll content, total phenols, total proteins and lower total soluble sugars, followed by combined bulk treatmental spray ZnSO4 @ 0.2% + MgSO4 @ 0.2% + FeSO4 @ 0.2% and nano scale Magnesium Oxide @ 100 ppm. Here we concluded that either of these three foliar sprays can be recommended to blackgram crop prone to YMV condition to sustain plant growth and final yields. But, there should be study on the impact of different shape, size of nano particles on plant system and the promotery effects of nano scale Oxides of Zn, Mg and Fe particles at cellular level and transport mechanism in plant system needs to be understood.
Performance Evaluation of Digger for Ginger Crop
Authors: Narender . , Shrivastava Atul Kumar
Published: April 2021

The ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome is harvested manually by different types of spade, fork or bullock drawn plow. These methods consume more time, cause drudgery, losses and low field capacity. Therefore a tractor drawn digger was evaluated for ginger crop. The performance parameters (exposed, cut, bruised and digging efficiency) of the digger were studied at 3 forward speeds and 3 blade angles. The performance of the digger was found satisfactory in respect of digging efficiency of 98.01%, and undug crop of 2.38 % at an average depth of operation of 15.75 cm. The damage was 1.98 per cent which was much low as compared to manual digging of ginger crop (9.73%). The machine takes 7.4 hours to dig one-hectare area of ginger crop with field efficiency of 87.82%.
Awareness and Utilization Pattern of Over-the-Counter Painkillers amongst Health professional Students in a Medical University
Authors: Al-Azi Abir , Dzhakha Aya , Palaian Subish
Published: April 2021

Objective: Pain relievers are one of the most frequently purchased over-the-counter medications and are vulnerable to be misused, leading to safety concerns. This study was conducted to assess the awareness and self-medication practices of over-the-counter analgesics amongst health professions students in a medical university.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, after obtaining ethical approval, using a self-developed, pilot tested (n=40), valid questionnaire comprising three sections; sociodemography, student awareness, analgesic use pattern. A sample of 379 (calculated sample size, n=400) covering all health stream students proportionately from Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE, were studied during October-December 2018 and data analysed using descriptive statistics (Mean±SD, frequency), Chi square test, and independent t test at alpha =0.05.

Results: Total 379 respondents (male 38.5%; n=146, female 61.5%; n=233 with mean ± SD age of 19.76±2.109 years) were enrolled. Commonly used painkillers were paracetamol 47.3% (n=187), ibuprofen 24% (n=95) and aspirin 14.4% (n=57).  Information available on package inserts were the source of information for 54.1% (n=119) respondents. Family and friends’ recommendations was reason for use of painkillers in 27.3% (n=93) of the students. Adverse effects mostly known were nausea 11.5% (n=92), drowsiness 8.9% (n=71) and vomiting 7.2% (n=58). Contraindications known were pregnancy 14.5% (n=225), liver disease 13.4% (n=208) and bleeding 13.3% (n=207). Findings showed 61.5% (n=233) were not aware of painkillers’ interactions with other medications. 

Conclusion: Though students were aware of the usage of analgesics, the utilization pattern is high, suggesting the need for further in-depth investigations.  Findings also showed the need for creating awareness among the students.
Status of Transferrin Saturation in Diabetic Nephropathypatients
Authors: Kumar R. Dinesh , Manjula A. J. , Shanthi B.
Published: April 2021

Serum transferrin saturation (TSAT%) ratio is a commonly used laboratory measure of iron deficiency and iron overload in clinical practice. It has  become a  first step in the routine screening of iron deficiency anaemia in  patients with chronic kidney disease  and  for  the  detection of pathological iron overload in assessment for hemochromatosis. Used alone or in combination with other measures of iron metabolism, low levels of TSAT (typically<20%) reflect a state of iron deficiency whereas levels in excess of 50% indicate an excess of total body iron. In our study, transferring saturation levels was significantly high in diabetic Nephropathy (group I). Comparison of the parameters serum iron, Urine Albumin, TIBC, Trasferrin saturation, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), Fasting plasma glucose(FBS) between the 3 group was done using Student t test and was statistically significant.Pearson’s coefficient correlation was done between transferrin saturation and serum iron, Urine microalbumin, TIBC, Trasferrin saturation, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and found a positive correlation between them and had a statistical significance.  This indicates that transferrin saturation levels increases with the extent of severity of diabetic Nephropathy. Positive correlation provides the information that transferrin saturation can be considered to reflect the iron depletion of an individual.
Detection of Gram Negative Bacilli Producing Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase on Intensive Care Unit at Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Nishanthy M. , Saikumar Chitralekha
Published: April 2021

Antimicrobial resistance is a budding threat worldwide. The every class of antibiotic agents must have resistance mechanisms.The principal mechanism for resistance to the β-lactam antibiotics in gram-negative bacteria is the production of β-lactamase. The creation of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) is a vital mechanism which is responsible for the resistance to the cephalosporins. During the last 2 decades, ESBL producing gram-negative bacilli have arose as a major problem in many settings. Resistance to 3rd generation cephalosporins by attainment and manifestation of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) enzymes among gram-negative bacilli is on a rise. To isolate the ESBL strains from various clinical samples in ICU. To find out the prevalence of ESBL producing gram negative bacilli during the period of December 2017 - December 2018 in the Intensive care unit of Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital. Totally 27 out of 139 gram negative bacilli (19.42%) were found to be ESBL producers. ESBL triggering gram negative bacilli spiteful the biological sample like blood,  urine, wound  swab, sputum  were 36.36%, 16.00%, 10.00%, 9.09% individually Though Meropenem is 100% sensitive to all ESBL beginning gram negative bacilli, but still sensitivity also witnessed with some cheaper drugs like Cotrimoxazole (33.33%), Amikacin (48.14%), Gentamicin (40.7%), Ciprofloxacin (22.22%). Hence we care and will provide an analysis and treatment for affected patients with Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase producing organisms.
Effect of Metformin on C-reactive Protein in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Selvi P , Elizabeth Arul Amutha
Published: April 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex endocrinology disease which requires a meticulous understanding of its pathogenesis and its complications to subdue it. It has been riddled with extensive micro and macro vascular complications which by itself has its own set of pathogenesis. There is a link between DM and cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia are more common in patients with DM, placing them at increased risk for cardiac events.  In addition, they have found biological mechanisms associated with DM that independently increases the risk of CVD in diabetic patients.Metformin is the most commonly used antidiabetic agent derived from Gallegaofficinalis. Metformin provided greater protection against macro vascular complications than would be expected from its effects upon glycemic control alone. Hence this study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of metformin on C Reactive Protein (CRP) in patients. In this study fifty type 2 diabetes patients were enrolled in the study including 23 males and 27 females with mean age 40±4.33. FBS and PPBS baseline values expressed as Mean ± SD were 138.06±17.12 mg/dl and 223.12±30.63 mg/dl respectively. After 6 months of metformin therapy, FBS and PPBS were 91.64±10.55 mg/dl and 133.88±7.99 mg/dl respectively. HBA1C baseline value expressed as Mean ± SD was 7.966±0.85 %. After 6 months of metformin therapy, HBA1C improved to 6.8±0.93.hs-CRP baseline value expressed as Mean±SD was 3.4±1.16 mg/L. After 6 months of metformin therapy, hs - CRP effectively reduced to 1.7±0.81 mg/L. Prompt treatment intensification in such cases may thus be sensible. Further studies are needed to identify predictors of metformin treatment response, especially focusing on hs-CRP levels, lipid levels and genetic factors.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Interventions: Narrative Review
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J. , Haseeb Abdul , Hassali Azmi Ahmed , Khan Amer H.
Published: April 2021

Antimicrobial resistance is a serious health concern with significant economic and clinical sequelae. Antimicrobial stewardship programs are increasingly being promoted and mandated in order to rationalize and reduce the use of antimicrobials in healthcare institutions and as a result decrease antimicrobial resistance. Several interventions could be used to improve antibiotic use that includes broad, pharmacy driven and infection and syndrome specific interventions. Each hospital should prioritize interventions based on its needs as well as based on the availability of resources and content expertise.
Features of Anesthesia in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Authors: Didiev Muslim Khamidovich , Edilsultanova Khava Abdullaevna , Rakitin Timofei Alekseyevich , Matveichev Ivan Sergeevich , Kleimenov Oleg Vladimirovich , Goncharov Vitaly V.
Published: April 2021

Minimally invasive surgery is usually performed due to various benefits, such as reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery, and reduced postoperative pulmonary complications. Combining different surgical interventions into one group on the principle of technological generality, and not depending on the etiopathogenesis of the patient or the operated organ from the point of view of the anesthesiologist is quite justified, since it allows us to develop a single methodological approach to intraoperative protection of the patient. This approach is formed on the basis of taking into account both general anaesthetic and specific requirements for this type of operation. At the same time, the procedure should be painless and comfortably tolerated by the patient, as well as anesthesia should contribute to the fastest possible rehabilitation of the patient and his social rehabilitation.

Naturally, the implementation of the above requirements should not be at the expense of the effectiveness, safety and reliability of anesthetic during the perioperative period.

The purpose of the work is to consider the features of anesthesia in minimally invasive surgery.
Isolation and Identification of Uropathogenic E. coli and its Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern with Special Reference to Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (Esbl)
Authors: Kumar V. Naveen , Saikumar Chitralekha
Published: April 2021

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are the most common bacterial infection among the humans. One of the most important factors impacting the management of UTI over the past decade is emergence of anti-microbial resistance among uropathogens. ESBL production is one of the most common mechanisms of anti-microbial resistance, the other being Amp C β-lactamases in gram negative bacteria. This study was undertaken to establish the prevalence of ESBL producing strains and their anti-microbial susceptibility pattern to newer agents to guide therapy for urinary tract infection. The present studies isolates and identify Uropathogenic Escherichia coli and its antibiotic susceptibility pattern with special reference to ESBL. The emergence of β-lactamase is a Metter of serious concern .The drug resistance in gram negative bacilli is due to production of β-lactamases, AmpC lactamases, Efflux mechanisms and Porin deficiency. Out of the total 3580 urine samples, 987 samples (27.56%) showed No growth, 1786 (49.88%) showed the presence of Gram negative bacteria. Totally, 1081 E. coli species were isolated and < 30% of them were found to be ESBL positive. Uropathogenic E. coli   isolates are highly susceptible towards Meropenem and Imipenem antibiotics and highly resistant towards β-lactam and Cephalosporins antibiotics. Hence, the present study urged to implement the management plan for using those antibiotics in patients for preventing the antibiotic resistance.
murA, uhpT, glpT and fosA Genes of Fosfomycin Resistance in Multi-drug Resistant E. coli Isolated from Hematological Malignancies' Patients with Blood Stream Infection
Authors: Nabiel Yasmin , Barakat Ghada
Published: April 2021

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of murA, uhpT, glpT and fosA resistance genes of fosfomycin in multidrug resistant Escherichia coli isolated from patients suffering from hematological malignancies with on top blood stream infection together with correlating this distribution to the rate of expression of AmpC, ESBLs and MBLs in such isolates.

Methods: 205 blood samples collected from patients with underlying hematological malignancies were cultured to isolate E. coli strains. Multidrug resistance was detected. PCR was done to determine fosfomycin resistance genes; murA, uhpT, glpT and fosA.

Results: A total of 83 (40.5%) E. coli strains were isolated from blood samples. 58 (69.9%) were found to be multidrug resistant. AmpC beta-lactamase production was deduced in 15 (25.8%) isolates. 43 (74.1%) isolates were ESBLs producers whereas 9 (15.5%) were MBL class A carbapene-mases producers. Depending on PCR results, murA gene was detected in one isolate (1.7%), uhpT gene in 3 (5.2%), glpT gene in 4 (6.9%) whereas fosA gene was found in 7 E. coli strains (12.1%).

Conclusion: Fosfomycin is a promising antibiotic with limited degree of prevalence of its resistant genes; however disseminating resistance might increase in multidrug resistant E. coli
Assessment of Microplastic Degrading Potential of Fungal Isolates from an Estuary in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Williams Janet Olufunmilayo , Osahon Nosayame Thomas
Published: April 2021

The potential of fungi as bio degraders of micro plastic particles was assessed using standard microbiological and Fourier transformed Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis methods. The highest mean Total Heterotrophic fungal (THF) count of 4.24x104 cfu/ml was obtained with the least THF (2.72x104 cfu/ml) recorded during the dry season. Mean hydrocarbon Utilizing Fungal (HUF) count was highest (1.78x104 cfu/ml) during the wet period while the least HUF count (1.46x104 cfu/ml) was recorded during the dry period. Spectra of FTIR showed that the water contained microplastic particles in these proportions; polyethylene of low density (LDPE) 0.01%, 0.11% protein, 0.15% polystyrene, 0.37% polyamide, 1.14% cellulose, 1.21% polyurethane, 1.90% polyvinyl chloride, 3.11% polyester and 92% polypropylene, respectively. Species of fungi identified were Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp., Mucor spp., Aspergillus nidulans, Fusarium spp., Microsporum canis, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Among the fungal isolates, A. niger and A. fumigatus were most active in degrading the micro plastic (polypropylene) with mean % weight loss of 71.09% and 53.09%, respectively while the least active was Penicillium spp. with a mean % weight loss of 28.64% during the study period. The order of degradation was Aspergillus niger > A. fumigatus > A. nidulans > Fusarium spp. > Rhizopus spp. > Microsporum canis > Mucor spp. > Penicillium spp. The potential to degrade micro plastic particles by these fungi can be harnessed. The foremost active fungi degrading potentials are as follows: A. niger (71.1%) and A. fumigatus (53.1%). The study has shown that isolates of fungi from Ohiakwu River in Nigeria possess the ability to degrade micro plastic (polypropylene) particles. Therefore, this research is of tremendous importance for industrial development and additionally for future research purposes.
Dynamic Linkage between Monetary Policy and Stock Performance in Nigeria: Cointegration and ECM Techniques
Authors: Ojiako Ifeanyi A.
Published: April 2021

Aims: To explore the dynamic relationship between stock performance and the monetary policy instruments that influence Nigeria’s stock market activities.

Study Design: It uses secondary data collected from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin. The annual time series data cover a period of 38 years, from 1981-2018.

Methodology: The Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit roots' test technique was used to verify the variables' time-series properties while the Johansen procedure was applied to confirm cointegration among variables. The short- and long-run relationships were analyzed after estimating the vector error correction model. Common diagnostic tests were conducted to validate the robustness of the model estimates.

Results: The results of tests of unit roots reveal all included variables as integrated of order one, I(1). The Trace-statistics showed that at least one cointegrating relationship exited among the time series, and the ECM was estimated. The emerging error correction term equation revealed the stock market performance as inversely related to both the credit to the private sector and the lending rate, but positively related to the money supply. Each variable was statistically significant (P<0.01). Also, the error correction term was well-behaved, being statistically significant (t=-3.17; P<0.01) and the desired negative sign, implying that previous periods' errors are correctable by adjustments in the subsequent periods, and to attain convergence. The error term had an adjustment speed of 44.19%. Granger-Causality analysis revealed a unidirectional causality relationship between the stock performance and the lending rate, with causality running from lending rate to stock performance, without a boomerang. The implication of the findings are threefold: the subsisting restrictive interest rate policy is unfavorable to long-term investment from the investors' perspective; the existing terms and conditions of the commercial credit packages had proven to be disadvantageous to long-term investment in Nigeria; and money supply as a monetary policy instrument in Nigeria had been used to boost investment and stock market performance. It is recommended that boosting investment and performance of the stock market in Nigeria would require the use of a more investment-friendly commercial lending rate, and relaxation of the stringent terms and conditions attached to the commercial private sector credit and loan packages. These measures would guarantee better access to fund and enhance ease-of-doing-business for investors.
Educational technology about living better with cardiac insufficiency: validation study / Tecnologia educacional sobre viver melhor com insuficiência cardíaca: estudo de validação
Authors: PAZ Josiane Martins Bechtlufft
Published: April 2021

Objetivo: Construir e validar uma tecnologia educacional para mediar o agir educativo do enfermeiro com pacientes e familiares na alta hospitalar. Método: Pesquisa de desenvolvimento metodológico, com validação de conteúdo. Dados coletados de junho a agosto de 2017. A pesquisa desenvolvida em três fases: produção, avaliação, adequação. A população foi de 24 juízes entre profissionais da saúde e de outras áreas. Os juízes responderam um questionário com 3 blocos de itens avaliativos. Resultados: Dos 22 itens do questionário dos juízes da área da saúde apenas dois obtiveram escore I (inadequado). Considerou-se a tecnologia validada, pois segundo a literatura deve-se obter um índice de validação de conteúdo mínimo de 70%, e o índice obtido foi de 91,1 %. Com base nas sugestões realizou-se a adequação da tecnologia. Conclusão: A tecnologia produzida foi validada e com a adequação se constituir um dispositivo adequado para mediar o agir educativo do enfermeiro.
Nursing and palliative care in primary health care / A enfermagem e os cuidados paliativos na atenção primária à saúde
Authors: Milani Larissa , Silva Marcelle Miranda da
Published: April 2021

Objetivo: identificar as produções que abordem implicações à prática da enfermagem nos Cuidados Paliativos (CP) no âmbito da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS). Métodos: trata-se de uma revisão integrativa realizada nas bases de dados CINAHL, LILACS, MEDLINE e SCIELO, no período de julho a agosto de 2017 . Resultados: emergiram quatro categorias: O papel do enfermeiro nos Cuidados Paliativos na Atenção Primária à Saúde; A equipe multidisciplinar e suas inferências à enfermagem; Conflitos éticos da enfermagem na prestação de cuidados paliativos na atenção primária; Instrumentos úteis à avaliação da enfermagem. Conclusão: as barreiras e os desafios à implementação dos CP na APS perpassam as esferas governamentais e atingem a prática da enfermagem, seja pelas dificuldades nas relações com a equipe interdisciplinar, pelos conflitos éticos ou pelo déficit de conhecimento sobre a temática. Os instrumentos podem auxiliar na execução e avaliação dos CP.
Use and effectiveness of topical therapies for treating radiodermatitis: an integrative literature review / Uso e efetividade de terapias tópicas no tratamento de radiodermatites: revisão integrativa
Authors: Viana Lucian da Silva , Viana Aila Ferreira Vizeu , Mello Fernanda Pereira de , Soeiro Vanessa Moreira da Silva
Published: April 2021

Objetivo: descrever, a luz da pesquisa bibliográfica, o uso das terapias tópicas no tratamento de radiodermatites. Método: revisão integrativa de ensaios clínicos randomizados nas bases de dados: MEDLINE, LILACS, biblioteca COCHRANE, CINAHL e EMBASE. Após observância dos critérios de inclusão, encontrou-se 1.289 estudos, dos quais, após etapas de exclusão resultaram em 10 estudos. Resultados: Foram expostos em categorias num quadro síntese incluindo: dados do estudo, participantes da pesquisa, tipo de terapia tópica utilizada; indicações, contraindicações e resultados. Conclusão: Encontraram-se lacunas nos estudos e estas necessitam de investigação. Sugerem-se novos ensaios experimentais a fim de trazer respostas quanto aos tipos de terapias tópicas mais efetivas em radiodermatites, o que trará melhores condições de tratamento e assegurará ao enfermeiro uma assistência de qualidade e ao cliente oncológico uma melhor qualidade de vida.
High‐Resolution, Flexible, and Full‐Color Perovskite Image Photodetector via Electrohydrodynamic Printing of Ionic‐Liquid‐Based Ink
Authors: Wang Qilu , Zhang Guannan , Zhang Hanyuan , Duan Yongqing , Yin Zhouping , Huang YongAn
Published: April 2021

Direct full‐color image photodetectors without dichroic prisms or sophisticated color filters have considerable advantages in target recognition and information acquisition for electronic eyes and wearable sensors. However, the ability to combine various multispectral semiconductors in a high‐resolution and cost‐effective manner is still challenging. Here, high‐resolution electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing, together with ionic liquid methylammonium acetate (MAAc) as the solvent, is first introduced to directly integrate various spectral‐response perovskite films into a pixelized full‐color photodetector. EHD printing enables micro/nanopatterning by using high electrical force to induce jetting, and MAAc improves film quality with scant pinholes and large‐size grains by decreasing the perovskite growth rate. By optimizing the printing process and crystallization condition, 1 µm perovskite dot arrays are EHD printed; this is, to the best of knowledge, the smallest printed feature size of perovskite application. And the photodetector still achieves high R and D* values of 14.97 A W‐1 and 1.41 × 1012 Jones, respectively. Finally, an integrated flexible full‐color image photodetector is constructed, which successfully realizes light signal detection and color recognition, paving a versatile and competitive approach for future full‐color image sensors and artificial vision systems.
Liquid‐Metal‐Based Dynamic Thermoregulating and Self‐Powered Electronic Skin
Authors: Xiang Shengxin , Liu Dongjuan , Jiang Chenchao , Zhou Wenmin , Ling Dan , Zheng Wentao , Sun Xiupeng , Li Xing , Mao Yanchao , Shan Chongxin
Published: April 2021

Electronic skin (E‐skin) is an emerging and promising human‐machine interface. Besides skin‐like functions of tactile perception and stretchability, skin‐like comfortabilities, including breathability, moisture permeability, softness, and thermoregulating ability are, also crucial factors for E‐skins. Thermoregulation is one of the most important roles of human skin. People can feel comfortable when their skins are regulated at a certain range of temperature. Moreover, it is a dynamic process according to the surrounding temperature. Current E‐skins do not have the function of dynamically regulating their temperature. Here, a thermoregulating E‐skin (TE‐skin) based on liquid metal as a phase change material with its melting point in the comfortable temperature range of human skin is reported. Compared with conventional E‐skins, the TE‐skin can dynamically termoregulate according to the surrounding temperature through a phase change. Combining with the principle of triboelectric nanogenerator, the TE‐skin is also able to act as a self‐powered sensor. Based on the self‐powered TE‐skin, an intelligent dialing communications system is further developed, which can be used to call a cellphone on human skin. For the first time, this study introduces the dynamic thermoregulating concept to E‐skins and could open up new opportunities for E‐skin developments.
Hybrid Perovskite Quantum Dot/Non‐Fullerene Molecule Solar Cells with Efficiency Over 15%
Authors: Yuan Jiabei , Zhang Xuliang , Sun Jianguo , Patterson Robert , Yao Huifeng , Xue Di , Wang Yao , Ji Kang , Hu Long , Huang Shujuan , Chu Dewei , Wu Tom , Hou Jianhui , Yuan Jianyu
Published: April 2021

Organic‐inorganic hybrid film using conjugated materials and quantum dots (QDs) are of great interest for solution‐processed optoelectronic devices, including photovoltaics (PVs). However, it is still challenging to fabricate conductive hybrid films to maximize their PV performance. Herein, for the first time, superior PV performance of hybrid solar cells consisting of CsPbI3 perovskite QDs and Y6 series non‐fullerene molecules is demonstrated and further highlights their importance on hybrid device design. In specific, a hybrid active layer is developed using CsPbI3 QDs and non‐fullerene molecules, enabling a type‐II energy alignment for efficient charge transfer and extraction. Additionally, the non‐fullerene molecules can well passivate the QDs, reducing surface defects and energetic disorder. The champion CsPbI3 QD/Y6‐F hybrid device has a record‐high efficiency of 15.05% for QD/organic hybrid PV devices, paving a new way to construct solution‐processable hybrid film for efficient optoelectronic devices.
Conformational Transition‐Triggered Disassembly of Therapeutic Peptide Nanomedicine for Tumor Therapy
Authors: Wang Guo‐Qiao , Yang Jia , Hou Da‐Yong , Zheng Rui , Mamuti Muhetaerjiang , Guo Min‐Jie , Fan Zhi , An Hong‐Wei , Wang Hao
Published: April 2021

Cationic therapeutic peptides have received widespread attention due to their excellent antibacterial and antitumor properties. However, most of these peptides have undesirable delivery efficiency and high hemolytic toxicity due to the positively charged α‐helix structure containing many lysine and arginine, which may restrict its in vivo applications. Herein, a conformationally transformed therapeutic peptide Pep‐HCO3 modified with bicarbonates on guanidine groups is designed. Such a design allows Pep‐HCO3 ((nap‐RAGLQFPVGRLLRRLLRRLLR) nHCO3) to self‐assemble into nanoparticles (NP‐Pep) due to disrupting helix folding and the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonding between bicarbonates and guanidine groups. When pH is from 7.4 to 6.5 at the tumor sites, guanidine bicarbonate can be hydrolyzed to form CO2 and guanidine groups, resulting in the disassembling of the NP‐Pep into monomers α‐Pep with a positively charged α‐helix structure. In vivo, NP‐Pep not only inhibits the tumor growth of xenografted mice with a twofold enhanced inhibition rate compared with α‐Pep treatment group, but also significantly reduces the hemolytic toxicity by responding to the pH of tumor microenvironment. Therefore, the strategy of conformational transition‐triggered disassembly of nanoparticles allows efficient delivery of cationic therapeutic peptides and lowering the hemolytic toxicity, which may provide an avenue for developing high‐performance cationic peptide in vivo applications.
Photo‐Induced Self‐Cleaning and Wettability in TiO2 Nanocolumn Arrays Obtained by Glancing‐Angle Deposition with Sputtering
Authors: Fresno Fernando , González María U. , Martínez Lidia , Fernández‐Castro Marcial , Barawi Mariam , Villar‐García Ignacio J. , Soler‐Morala Jimena , Reñones Patricia , Luna Mónica , Huttel Yves , de la Peña O'Shea Víctor A. , García‐Martín José M.
Published: April 2021

In this work, the preparation of regular nanosized columnar structures of titanium dioxide by means of glancing angle deposition with magnetron sputtering (MS‐GLAD) followed by thermal annealing is reported. MS‐GLAD gives rise to metallic titanium columnar structures with regular width and length that after thermal treatment are fully oxidized to form TiO2 nanocolumns that maintain the morphological features of the original metallic ones. Further functionalization with gold by means of multiple ion cluster source results in well‐dispersed Au nanoparticles across the nanocolumns’ surface with a narrow size distribution centered at ca. 8.5 nm. The obtained nanostructures show photocatalytic self‐cleaning activity as shown by the elimination of an organic layer deposited on their surface and the detection of hydroxyl radicals. Photoelectrochemical measurements show a better charge separation at the Au/TiO2 interface. In addition, wettability studies show that the degree of hydrophobicity of the surface is increased by the presence of nanocolumns, both in the dark and under UV illumination. This behavior is not modified by the presence of Au nanoparticles on the surface. The obtained results open up interesting implications in the tunability of the properties of nanostructured thin films for this kind of photo‐activated application.
Irreversible Resistive State Switching in Devices with a Homoleptic Cobalt(II) Complex Active Layer
Authors: Barman Biswajit K. , Khatua Manas , Goswami Bappaditya , Samanta Subhas , Vijayaraghavan Ratheesh K.
Published: April 2021

Molecules with bi‐stable electronic transport behaviour have been in upfront research topics of the molecular semiconductor devices in the past few decades due to the use of such materials in resistive data storage devices. Transition metal complexes (TMC) are expected to be potential candidates in regard to the tunable and manifold redox behaviour expecting multiple bulk transport states. Finding alternate mechanisms in such devices with TMC as the active layer materials would revoke the multifaceted approach to the functional gain. We have succeeded in demonstrating write once‐read many (WORM) type of resistive memory device using a homoleptic Cobalt(II) (Co(II)) complex with large on/off current ratio ensuring the easy readout process at lower voltage. The advantage of this device was the turn on voltage was found to be the low (<2.7 V) operational voltage and the success ratio of the devices were more than 83%. The durability of the stored data was found to be more than 35,000 seconds which ensures the stability of the bistable state in the fabricated devices. Such ambient stable, solution processable devices are important for the large‐scale printable devices. The manuscript describes the preparation, optical and electrochemical characterisation of the metal complex used along with a detailed mechanistic investigations and electrical characterisation of memory device obtained from a stable cobalt complex.
Sulfoquinovosylglyceryl ether, a new group of ether lipids from lake ball‐forming green alga Aegagropilopsis moravica (family Pithophoraceae)
Authors: Oku Naoya , Hasada Atsumi , Kimura Kenji , Honoki Hideharu , Katsuta Ryo , Yajima Arata , Nukada Tomoo , Ishigami Ken , Igarashi Yasuhiro
Published: April 2021

Ether lipids are a minor group of glycerolipids but widespread in nature, playing a vital function as membrane lipids, signalling molecules, or buoyant material. We have discovered sulfoquinovosylchimyl alcohol (1), a sulfonate‐substituted glyceroglycolipid, from a lake ball‐forming green alga Aegagropilopsis moravica (family Pithophoraceae), with the guidance of antimicrobial activity. The structure of 1, including absolute configurations of all sterogenic centers, was established by extensive NMR analysis, chemical degradation studies, and finally by total synthesis. Lipid 1 is an ether variant of a lyso‐form of sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol, a chloroplast‐specific membrane lipid, and thus represents a new lipid class, sulfoquinovosylglyceryl ether. A high occurrence of mobile life form in the family Pithophoraceae and a unique behaviour of chloroplasts reported in closely related Aegagropila linnaei, the famous lake‐ball alga, implies a possible role of lipid 1 or its acyl derivatives in ecological adaptation to dysphotic niches.
Differential effects by sex with Kmt5b loss
Authors: Wickramasekara Rochelle N. , Robertson Brynn , Hulen Jason , Hallgren Jodi , Stessman Holly A. F.
Published: April 2021

Lysine methyl transferase 5B (KMT5B) has been recently highlighted as a risk gene in genetic studies of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), specifically, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID); yet, its role in the brain is not known. The goal of this work was to neurodevelopmentally characterize the effect(s) of KMT5B haploinsufficiency using a mouse model. A Kmt5b gene‐trap mouse line was obtained from the Knockout Mouse Project. Wild type (WT) and heterozygous (HET) mice were subjected to a comprehensive neurodevelopmental test battery to assess reflexes, motor behavior, learning/memory, social behavior, repetitive movement, and common ASD comorbidities (obsessive compulsion, depression, and anxiety). Given the strong sex bias observed in the ASD patient population, we tested both a male and female cohort of animals and compared differences between genotypes and sexes. HET mice were significantly smaller than WT littermates starting at postnatal day 10 through young adulthood which was correlated with smaller brain size (i.e., microcephaly). This was more severe in males than females. HET male neonates also had delayed eye opening and significantly weaker reflexes than WT littermates. In young adults, significant differences between genotypes relative to anxiety, depression, fear, and extinction learning were observed. Interestingly, several sexually dimorphic differences were noted including increased repetitive grooming behavior in HET females and an increased latency to hot plate response in HET females versus a decreased latency in HET males.

Lay Summary

Lysine methyl transferase 5B (KMT5B) has been recently highlighted as a risk gene in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), specifically, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID); yet its role in the brain is not known. Our study indicates that mice lacking one genomic copy of Kmt5b show deficits in neonatal reflexes, sociability, repetitive stress‐induced grooming, changes in thermal pain sensing, decreased depression and anxiety, increased fear, slower extinction learning, and lower body weight, length, and brain size. Furthermore, several outcomes differed by sex, perhaps mirroring the sex bias in ASD.