bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online Training for Parents of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ali Samadi Sayyed
Published: April 2022

Caregiving for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) during COVID-19 lockdown was a challenge for parents. Daycare centers were closed, and parents had to provide 24-hour caregiving. Parents and children spent more time together during the pandemic. This study aimed to understand the impacts of online systems as parental support and to comprehend the parental perception regarding this type of service. Eight weeks of training were provided for the volunteer daycare centers. The centers covered a sizable group of parents of children with ASD in different age levels. A mixed-method approach for data collection was considered to understand the impacting factors. Telecommunication facilities enable daycare service providers to continue their support from a distance by enabling parents to provide care for a longer period and in a wider range during the pandemic. Parental feedback after the training course was collected. A low dropout rate was reported. Parents, in general, were satisfied with the course. Different contributing factors contributed to this satisfaction. Results also indicate that the use of online parental support is a good choice for parents in emergencies and times of lockdown. To understand the advantage and shortcomings of online parents’ training services, further studies are needed.
The Molecular Mechanisms of Trabecular Meshwork Damage in POAG and Treatment Advances
Authors: Tang Li , Tang Chao , Wang Ying , Shi Xiaolong
Published: April 2022

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness affecting over 60 million people worldwide. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) due to dysfunction of trabecular meshwork (TM) is the most significant and the only known modifiable risk factor for POAG. Although, glaucomatous TM damage is known to be mainly responsible for IOP elevation, none of the current treatments target TM pathology. This is partly due to an incomplete understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of TM damage. In this review, we summarized pathological changes of TM damage in POAG and our current knowledge of the mechanisms of glaucomatous TM damage, particularly focusing on linking the genetic factors of POAG (e.g., mutations and variants in POAG risk genes, risk loci, dysregulation of gene expression) to molecular pathways of pathogenesis in TM. In terms of treatment, reduction of IOP is the mainstream strategy that can be achieved by medical, laser or surgical treatment. IOP lowering drugs, laser or surgery can lower IOP, but do not reverse or restore the oxidative stress or other TM damage in POAG. Additionally, antioxidants, ginkgo biloba extract and nutrients could be a promising treatment for POAG.
Comparing the Effect of Classical and Modified Thoracolumbar Interfascial Plane Block on Postoperative Pain and IL-6 Level in Posterior Lumbar Decompression and Stabilization Surgery
Authors: Tantri Aida Rosita , Sukmono Raden Besthadi , Lumban Tobing Singkat Dohar Apul , Natali Christella
Published: April 2022

Background: Ultrasound (US)-guided classical and modified thoracolumbar interfascial plane (TLIP) blocks are often used to provide adequate analgesia after lumbar spinal surgery. Postoperative pro-inflammatory interleukin 6 (IL-6) blood concentrations after lumbar spine surgery are related to postoperative pain and inflammation. Objectives: The purpose of this prospective randomized parallel controlled study was to assess postoperative pain and serum levels of pro-inflammatory IL-6 after posterior lumbar decompression and stabilization surgery with a classical and modified technique of TLIP block. Methods: This prospective randomized, single-blinded controlled pilot study was conducted on eight patients who will undergo posterior lumbar decompression and stabilization surgery. After obtaining the ethical approval and an informed consent, all subjects were randomly allocated into the classic TLIP group and the modified TLIP group. Following general anesthesia induction, 20 mL bupivacaine 0.25% was injected on each side in interfascialis plane between m. longissimus and m. iliocostalis in modified TLIP group and between m. multifidus and m. longissimus in classical TLIP group. Intraoperative hemodynamic (blood pressure and heart rate) and noxious stimulation response level (qNOX), postoperative IL-6 level, 24-hour morphine consumption, and numerical rating score were recorded and analyzed. Results: The median of IL-6 level was found to be lower in the modified TLIP group 12 hours postoperatively compared to classic TLIP (29.91 (8.56 – 87.61) vs. 46.87 (2.87 – 92.35)). The mean Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) in the modified TLIP block was comparable with the classic TLIP group, although it was lower than the classic TLIP group (2.75 ± 1.5 vs. 3.75 ± 1.7 at 6 hours and 3.5 ± 1.3 vs. 4 ± 1.6 12 hours postoperatively). However, there was no difference in intraoperative hemodynamic, Qnox value, and total postoperative morphine consumption between the two groups. Conclusions: Our study showed that modified TLIP block resulted in lower IL-6 level and NRS 12 hours postoperatively compared to classical TLIP block. However, there were no differences in total postoperative morphine consumption between the two groups.
Prediction of Coronavirus Anxiety based on Attachment Styles, Resilience, and Life Expectancy in Drug Users
Authors: Khorrami Mohammad , Pordelan Nooshin , Vakili Samira , Taghian Farzaneh
Published: April 2022

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had unsolvable psychosocial effects on human beings. The marginalized community, especially drug users, probably suffer from greater psychosocial burden. Objectives: The current study aimed to predict COVID-19-induced anxiety based on attachment styles, resilience, and life expectancy in drug users. Methods: The present study is correlational descriptive-analytical research. The statistical population of this study included all drug users in 2021 who were in the process of abstaining from substance use and attended narcotics anonymous (NA) sessions in Bojnurd. In total, 134 addicts were selected based on the available sampling method. For data collection, the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS) by Alipour et al., Attachment Styles Questionnaire (AAQ) by Hazen and Shaver, Resilience Scale by Davidson, and Miller Hope Scale (MHS) were used. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and stepwise regression using SPSS 18. Results: As hypothesized, COVID-19-induced anxiety was predicted based on attachment styles, resilience, and life expectancy. Multiple correlation coefficient (0.87) was found between independent variables (attachment styles, resilience, and life expectancy) and COVID-19-induced variable, and attachment styles, resilience, and life expectancy could predict 76% (R2) of COVID-19-induced anxiety changes. Conclusions: COVID-19 and addiction are two epidemic and overlapping diseases and cause a serious threat to public health. According to the findings of this study, in order to prevent COVID-19-induced anxiety in drug users, it is necessary to consider their attachment styles, resilience, and life expectancy.
Successful Treatment of Pregnant Women with Coronavirus Disease While Maintaining Fetal Health: A Case Report
Authors: Rahmani Bilandi Roghaieh , Asgharpour Mahram , Hadizadeh- Talasaz Fatemeh
Published: April 2022

: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging and potentially dangerous disease. Pregnancy is accompanied by partial suppression of the immune system, making pregnant women vulnerable to viral infections. This study aimed to report a pregnant woman with coronavirus. A 30-year-old female patient, third pregnancy, parity two, 18 weeks pregnant, who complained of mild cough, was referred to the health center. Diphenhydramine was prescribed by the visiting doctor. However, the next day, the coughs intensified, and she developed a fever of 38 degrees, shortness of breath, and high blood pressure of 140/90. She went to the emergency department of Imam Ali Hospital in Amol, Iran, and received oxygen therapy and serum therapy. Complete blood count, differential count, fasting blood sugar, and computerized tomography of lungs were requested. She received B complex seroflo spray and three doses of immunoglobulin. On the seventh day, the patient's coughs and fever stopped. Moreover, the shortness of breath improved. The patient was quarantined at home for two weeks and used cefixime, diphenhydramine syrup, pantoprazole capsules, and seroflo spray for ten days at home. Approximately three months after COVID-19 treatment, the general condition of the patient was good, and she was monitored only for blood pressure daily.
Mechanical behavior of graphene magnesium matrix composites based on molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Ming Zhi-Fei , Song Hai-Yang , An Min-Rong ,   College of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi’an Shiyou University, Xi’an 710065, China
Published: April 2022

Magnesium alloy is regarded as a lightest engineering structural metal material due to its low density, but its wide application is limited due to poor plastic deformation behavior. Therefore, the comprehensive mechanical properties of enhanced magnesium alloy have become a research focus in the material science. Here, the effect of graphene on the deformation behavior and that on the mechanical properties of magnesium under tensile loading are studied by molecular dynamics simulation. The results show that the introduction of graphene can significantly improve the mechanical properties of pure magnesium. Comparing with pure magnesium, the Young's modulus and the first peak stress of the graphene magnesium matrix (GR/Mg) composites are increased by about 27.5% and 36.5% respectively, which is mainly due to the excellent mechanical properties of graphene. The results also indicate that the embedded position of graphene has little effect on the Young's modulus or peak stress of the GR/Mg composites, but it will significantly affect the plastic deformation behavior of the GR/Mg composites after the second peak stress. With the increase of the embedded height of graphene, the average flow stress of the GR/Mg composites first increases in the later stage of plastic deformation. When the embedded height reaches 0.4L, the average flow stress of the GR/Mg composites reaches a maximum value, and then decreases. This phenomenon of the Gr/Mg composites can be explained by the plastic deformation behavior of the magnesium matrix above and below graphene. The embedded position of graphene has a great influence on the plastic deformation behavior of the upper and lower magnesium matrix of the GR/Mg composites. When the embedded height of graphene is small, the plastic deformation capability of magnesium matrix under graphene is strong and dislocation slip is easy to occur. And when the embedded height of graphene is large, the plastic deformation capabilities of the two parts of magnesium matrix above and below graphene are equal, and their plastic deformation behavior tends to be synchronous. The results show that the plastic deformation behavior of the GR/Mg composite is the same as that of pure magnesium, and the phase transition from HCP to BCC and then to HCP occurs in the process of the plastic deformation. The phase transition mechanism of magnesium matrix is also analyzed in detail. The results of this study have certain theoretical guiding significance in designing the high performance graphene metal matrix composites.
The Digital Closet
Authors: Monea Alexander
Published: April 2022

An exploration of how heteronormative bias is deeply embedded in the internet, hidden in algorithms, keywords, content moderation, and more. A Next Big Idea Club nominee.

In The Digital Closet, Alexander Monea argues provocatively that the internet became straight by suppressing everything that is not, forcing LGBTQIA+ content into increasingly narrow channels—rendering it invisible through opaque algorithms, automated and human content moderation, warped keywords, and other strategies of digital overreach. Monea explains how the United States' thirty-year “war on porn” has brought about the over-regulation of sexual content, which, in turn, has resulted in the censorship of much nonpornographic content—including material on sex education and LGBTQ+ activism. In this wide-ranging, enlightening account, Monea examines the cultural, technological, and political conditions that put LGBTQ+ content into the closet.

Monea looks at the anti-porn activism of the alt-right, Christian conservatives, and anti-porn feminists, who became strange bedfellows in the politics of pornography; investigates the coders, code, and moderators whose work serves to reify heteronormativity; and explores the collateral damage in the ongoing war on porn—the censorship of LGBTQIA+ community resources, sex education materials, art, literature, and other content that engages with sexuality but would rarely be categorized as pornography by today's community standards. Finally, he examines the internet architectures responsible for the heteronormalization of porn: Google Safe Search and the data structures of tube sites and other porn platforms.

Monea reveals the porn industry's deepest, darkest secret: porn is boring. Mainstream porn is stuck in a heteronormative filter bubble, limited to the same heteronormative tropes, tagged by the same heteronormative keywords. This heteronormativity is mirrored by the algorithms meant to filter pornographic content, increasingly filtering out all LGBTQIA+ content. Everyone suffers from this forced heteronormativity of the internet—suffering, Monea suggests, that could be alleviated by queering straightness and introducing feminism to dissipate the misogyny.
The Most Human Right
Authors: Heinze Eric
Published: April 2022

A bold, groundbreaking argument by a world-renowned expert that unless we treat free speech as the fundamental human right, there can be no others.

What are human rights? Are they laid out definitively in the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights or the US Bill of Rights? Are they items on a checklist—dignity, justice, progress, standard of living, health care, housing? In The Most Human Right, Eric Heinze explains why global human rights systems have failed. International organizations constantly report on how governments manage human goods, such as fair trials, humane conditions of detention, healthcare, or housing. But to appease autocratic regimes, experts have ignored the primacy of free speech. Heinze argues that goods become rights only when citizens can claim them publicly and fearlessly: free speech is the fundamental right, without which the very concept of a “right” makes no sense.

Heinze argues that throughout history countless systems of justice have promised human goods. What, then, makes human rights different? What must human rights have that other systems have lacked? Heinze revisits the origins of the concept, exploring what it means for a nation to protect human rights, and what a citizen needs in order to pursue them. He explains how free speech distinguishes human rights from other ideas about justice, past and present.
Sleep health of Australian community tennis players during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Beranek Philipp , Cruickshank Travis , Girard Olivier , Nosaka Kazunori , Bartlett Danielle , Turner Mitchell
Published: April 2022

Background

Poorer sleep health outcomes have been documented in the general population during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on sleep health outcomes in specific population groups, including the sporting community, has not been extensively investigated. This study evaluated sleep health outcomes and their relationship with lifestyle behaviours during the initial COVID-19 lockdown period in Australian community tennis players.

Methods

This cross-sectional study evaluated sleep health outcomes and lifestyle behaviours using an online survey. The survey was disseminated online between the 24th of April and the 6th of June 2020 and comprised the Sleep Health Index, Sleep Satisfaction Tool and questions regarding weekly hours of tennis play, general physical activity, training location and alcohol consumption. Two-hundred and eighty-five individuals completed the survey.

Results

Compared to normative data, respondents displayed positive sleep health values during the initial COVID-19 lockdown period, with median values (IQR) of 85.3 (73.4, 91.7) and 64.8 (54.4, 73.4) for the Sleep Health Index and Sleep Satisfaction Tool, respectively. Sleep health outcomes were not significantly correlated (p > 0.05) with tennis play (Tb = 0.054–0.077), physical activity (Tb = −0.008 to 0.036), training location (Tb = −0.012 to −0.005) or alcohol consumption (Tb = −0.079 to −0.018).

Conclusion

Positive sleep health values were observed in Australian community-level tennis players during the initial COVID-19 pandemic. Sleep health values were not associated with lifestyle behaviours. Other unexplored factors may have influenced sleep health outcomes, including personal finances and socialisation, however these factors need to be investigated in future studies.
Phylogeny, distribution and potential metabolism of candidate bacterial phylum KSB1
Authors: Li Qingmei , Zhou Yingli , Lu Rui , Zheng Pengfei , Wang Yong
Published: April 2022

Candidate phylum KSB1 is composed of uncultured bacteria and has been reported across various environments. However, the phylogeny and metabolic potential of KSB1 have not been studied comprehensively. In this study, phylogenomic analysis of KSB1 genomes from public databases and eleven metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from marine and hydrothermal sediments revealed that those genomes were clustered into four clades. Isolation source and relative abundance of KSB1 genomes showed that clade I was particularly abundant in bioreactor sludge. Genes related to dissimilatory reduction of nitrate to ammonia (DNRA), the last step of denitrification converting nitrous oxide to nitrogen and assimilatory sulfur reduction were observed in the expanded genomes of clade I, which may due to horizontal gene transfer that frequently occurred in bioreactor. Annotation and metabolic reconstruction of clades II and IV showed flagellum assembly and chemotaxis genes in the genomes, which may indicate that exploration and sensing for nutrients and chemical gradients are critical for the two clades in deep-sea and hydrothermal sediment. Metabolic potentials of fatty acids and short-chain hydrocarbons utilization were predicted in clades I and IV of KSB1. Collectively, phylogenomic and metabolic analyses of KSB1 clades provide insight into their anaerobic heterotrophic lifestyle and differentiation in potential ecological roles.
Vocabulary Teaching With Interactive Word Wall In Teaching Turkish As Foreign Language
Authors: BALKAN Hande , ÖZDEMİR Banu
Published: April 2022

Hızla gelişen teknolojiyle ülkeler arası ticari, siyasi ve kültürel alanlardaki etkileşim artmaktadır. Bu gelişme ülkeler arasındaki etkili iletişimi zorunlu kılmaktadır. İletişimin temel anahtarı dil olduğuna göre yabancı dil öğrenmek
de bu gelişmeler ölçütünde ihtiyaç haline gelmiştir. Yabancı dil öğretiminde en temel amaç hedef dilde etkili iletişim kurabilmektir. Sözlü ve yazılı iletişim için gerekli olan anlama ve anlatma becerilerinin gelişmesinde kelimeler
büyük önem taşımaktadır. Dil öğrenme sürecinin bütün aşamalarında yer alan kelimelerin öğretiminde etkili, kalıcı ve aktif öğrenmeyi sağlayan yöntem ve teknikler tercih edilmelidir. Yabancı dil öğretiminde ve yabancı dile ilişikin
kelime öğretiminde geçmişten bu yana birden çok yöntem, teknik ve öğretim aracı kullanılmış ve kullanılmaktadır. Etkileşimli kelime duvarı (EKD), kelime öğretiminde aktif katılıma, etkileşime ve bol etkinlik kullanımına imkân sağlayan
bir kelime öğretim aracıdır. Etkileşimli kelime duvarı eğlenceli ve anlamlı öğrenime olanak vermekte, kelime zenginliği sunmakta ve sosyal öğrenme imkânları oluşturmaktadır. Çalışmada Etkileşimli kelime duvarları kapsamlı ve detaylı
bir şekilde anlatılmıştır. Ayrıca etkileşimli kelime duvarı etkinliklerini somutlaştırmak adına tablolar ve görseller oluşturulmuş ve etkinlikler örneklerle desteklenmiştir. Bu çalışmanın amacı yabancı dil olarak Türkçe öğretiminde
etkileşimli kelime duvarı hakkında bilgi vermek ve bu araç ile kelime öğretimi uygulamasına yönelik etkinlikler sunarak öğreticilere ışık tutmaktır. Ek olarak etkileşimli kelime duvarına ilişkin sayıca az çalışma içeren ulusal
alanyazına katkı sağlamaktır.
A Brief Overview on Development Feature of Translation Studies Through New Orientations and Interdisciplinarity
Authors: YİĞİT Gül
Published: April 2022

Dışarıdan bakılınca “karmaşık”, “disiplinlerarası” veya “ara-disiplin” olarak tanımlanan çeviribilim alanında birçok araştırma eğilimi ve bu araştırma eğilimlerine paralel olarak birçok araştırma konusu olabilecek sorunsalların çeviri
olgusu etrafında kümelenmesi ve hatta yığılması yadsınamaz bir gerçeklik olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır.Yaklaşık altmış yıldır bilimselleşme çabası içinde olan çeviri araştırmaları alanında birçok bilim insanının çeviriyi çeşitli
bakış açılarına göre, özellikle çeviri eyleminden yola çıkarak tanımladığı görülmektedir.Bu eğilime bağlı olarak alanda çalışanların alanın araştırma nesnesine yani çeviriye nasıl baktığı sorunsalı güncelliğini hâlâ korumaktadır.
Mary-Snell Hornby’nin alanın gidişatına ilişkin “gerçekten çok geniş bir alan” (ein wahrhaft weites Feld) (Snell-Hornby, 1999/2006, s. önsöz) göndermesine benzer olarak çevirinin disiplin dışı ve farklı bakış açılarına göre araştırılmasına
devam edilmesi sonucu alanın sınırlarının genişlediğine ilişkin ifadeler giderek artan bir sıklıkta karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Çevirinin disiplin dışı araştırılma eğilimine bağlı olarak çeviribilim alanının dönüşümler geçirdiği, bu
dönüşümlerin dahi “kültür”, “biliş” gibi “ithal kavramlar” üzerine odaklanılarak adlandırıldığı belirtilmektedir (Zwischenberger, 2019, s. 258). Ayrıca çeviribilim alanında “yeni yönelimler” ile anılan bu eğilimler ile yine çeviribilim
alanında kimi zaman bir sorunsal olarak tezahür ettiği düşünülen “disiplinlerarasılık” gerçeğinin karşılıklı olarak birbirini etkilediği, bu etkileşimden çift katmanlı bir sorun yumağının ortaya çıktığı görülmektedir. Bu çalışmanın
amacı çeviribilimde artık geniş bir çevre tarafından kabul edilen çeviribilimde “nesne – tanımsal sorun”’a bağlı olarak alanda sık sık karşımıza çıkan “yeni yönelimlerin”, “dönüşlerin” “paradigmaların” gelişim özelliği üzerinden
çeviribilim alanında bilim-kuramsal bir gelişimden söz edilip edilemeyeceği üzerinde durmayı amaçlayarak alanın gidişatına ilişkin eleştirel bir bakış açısı sunmaktır.
The Readability Levels of the Texts in the Turkish Activity Book of Training Program in Primary Schools (İYEP)
Authors: GÖKÇEK Şükrü , BAŞTUĞ Çiğdem YALI , ATMIŞ Akın
Published: April 2022

Bu araştırma, İlkokullarda Yetiştirme Programı (İYEP)’in Türkçe Etkinlik Kitabı modül 3’te yer alan metinlerin okunabilirlik düzeylerinin tespit edilmesi ve metinlerin öğrenci seviyesine uygun olup olmadığının incelenmesi amacıyla
yapılmıştır. İYEP ilk olarak 2018-2019 eğitim öğretim yılında ilkokul 3. sınıfa devam eden öğrenciler için uygulanmaya başlayan, önceki eğitim-öğretim dönemlerinde farklı nedenlerle Türkçe ve matematik dersi öğretim programlarındaki
temel becerileri ve kazanımları yeterli düzeyde edinemeyen öğrencilerin eksik öğrenmelerinin giderilmesini, psikososyal alanda da desteklenmesini amaçlayan bir programdır. Okunabilirlik kavramı ise okuyucu tarafından metinlerin
ne kadar kolay ya da güç anlaşılır olduğunu belirten bir kavaramdır. Dil öğretiminde de okunabilirlik kavramı oldukça önemlidir. Metinde yer alan cümleler ve sözcükler ne kadar uzunsa, okumayı ve anlamlandırmayı o kadar güçleştirmektedir.
Bu araştırmada İYEP Türkçe Etkinlik Kitabı Modül 3’te bulunan okuma parçalarından 7 metin incelemeye alınmıştır. Araştırmada şiirler dikkate alınmamıştır. Bu araştırmada doküman incelemesini esas alan betimsel niteliklere dayalı
tarama modeli kullanışmıştır. Metinlerin incelenmesi için ilkokul düzeyi için en uygun formül olan Ateşman’ın 1997 yılında Flesch’i temel alarak Türkçe’ye uyarlamış olduğu okunabilirlik formülü esas alınmıştır. Kullanılan bu formül
neticesinde İYEP Türkçe Etkinlik Kitabı modül 3’te yer alan yedi adet metinden birinin orta güçlükte, dördünün kolay ve iki tanesinin de çok kolay metin düzeyinde olduğu anlaşılmıştır. Buna göre İYEP Türkçe Etkinlik Kitabı modül
3’te yer alan metinlerin öğrencilerin seviyelerine uygun olduğu anlaşılmıştır.
Response of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Plants to Vermi Tea as Organic Fertilizer Supplementation
Authors: Mae Z. Dela Cerna Gleza , C. Radores Leo
Published: April 2022

Aims: To determine the performance of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) as applied with vermi tea as organic fertilizer

Study design: The experimental design was a completely randomized block design.

Place and Duration of Study: Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) Institute of Agricultural Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies (IATES) Buhangin, Malita, Davao Occidental from October 2019 to January 2020.

Methodology: Randomized Complete Block Design with five treatments and replicated three times as follows: Treatment 1 (Control), Treatment 2 (150 ml of vermin-tea/liter of water), Treatment 3 (200 ml of vermin-tea/liter of water), Treatment 4 (250 ml of vermin-tea/liter of water) and Treatment 5 (300 ml of vermin-tea/liter of water).

Results: Results showed that there was a significant effect of vermi tea as organic fertilizer application of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in terms of weight of fruits harvested while there was no significant effect on the number of days to emergence, number of flowers per plant, length of fruits, the diameter of fruits, and number of fruits harvested was no significant effect.

Conclusion: Based on the results, the application of vermi tea as organic fertilizer gives the best result only on the weight of fruit harvested where vermi tea as a source of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and potassium has helped to develop cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) fruits.
A Study on Adoption of Assam Agricultural University’s Major Rice Varieties in Dhubri District of Assam
Authors: Kanta Sarma Ghana , Ahmed F. U. A. , Saud R. K. , Pathak P.K.
Published: April 2022

Rice is the staple food in India. The varieties of rice used for cultivation vary with land situation. A study was conducted to know the adoption of Assam Agricultural University (AAU)’s rice varieties by the farmers in Dhubri district of the state of Assam. To conduct the study, on adoption of the said improved rice varieties, a total of 120 numbers of farmers from three Agricultural Development Officer (ADO) circles were selected. The study was conducted from July, 2021 to February 2022. Multiple regression analysis was done to determine the factors responsible for the adoption of AAU rice varieties. The study revealed that the AAU developed varieties like Ranjit sub1, Bahadur Sub 1, Prafulla, Gitesh, Swarna Sub 1 were adopted by farmers for flood affected situation. For flood free situation, the AAU developed varieties like Ranjit, Bahadur, Mahsuri were adopted. Out of the different varieties, Ranjit and Ranjit sub 1 variety was adopted by the highest numbers of farmers. The factor availability of seeds is significant at 0.01 level and educational qualification of farmers and occurrence of flood was significant at 0.05 level.
Radiological Health Risk from Gamma Radiation of Coastal Communities in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: S. A. Sokari , C. P. Ononugbo , O. L. Gbarato
Published: April 2022

In-situ measurement of background ionization radiation was carried out in coastal communities of Okrika Local Government Area. This field work was achieved with the use of Digilert 200 to record the background ionization radiation and global positioning system in taking the coordinates of the sampled Locations. The exposure rate ranged from 0.010  to 0.017 with a mean value of 0.0122+ 0.03, which is quite lower than the acceptable limit of 0.0133 . The absorbed dose varied from 85.70 nGy/h to 140.9 nGy/h with a mean value of 108.3+23.34 nGy/h. The mean value was a little higher than the world average of 89.0 nGy/h. The annual effective dose ranged from 0.13 mSv/y to 0.23 mSv/y with an overall mean of 0.1611+0.04 mSv/y. The overall mean value obtained was found to be lesser that the acceptable limit of 1.0 ms/y . The excess life cancer risk ranged from 0.47 x  to 0.79 x   with overall mean of 0.57+ 0.12 which is higher than the world average of 0.29 x . The study area is free from radiological hazards, even though there is no visible adverse effect on the populace, it is strongly recommended that companies and oil activities within the study area should be properly monitored to ensure that the populace and environment are free from radiological hazards, by ensuring that all forms of radiation exposure to both man and the environment should be kept as low as reasonably achievable.
Interaction Effect of Organic Manures and Alkali Water on Yield of Wheat
Authors: Yadav Poonam Kumari , Dadhich S. K. , Yadav Santosh
Published: April 2022

Field experiment were carried out to investigate “Interactive effect of organic manures and residual sodium carbonate (RSC) water on yield of wheat” in rabi season (November-April) 2019-20 and 2020-21 in the Field of  Agronomy, SKN Agricultural University, Jobner, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India using Split Plot Design. The treatment consists three levels of alkali water (2, 6,10 RSC mmol L-1), three organic manures (Control, FYM @15 t ha-1 and vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1) in main plot and four levels of iron (Control, 50 kg, 100 kg and 150 kg FeSO4.7H2O ha-1) in sub plot were tested with three replications. Result showed that the irrigation with 10 mmol L-1 residual sodium carbonate (RSC) water significantly decreased grain (26.02 q ha-1) and straw yield (38.15 q ha-1) of wheat in comparison to lower levels of RSC in water in wheat crop. Application of organic manures significantly increased grain yield of wheat during both the years and in pooled analysis. The highest grain (34.06 q ha-1) and straw yield (51.60 q ha-1) were obtained under vermicompost application and the effect of vermicompost (M2) and FYM (M1) application remained statistically at par with each other Interactive effect of RSC water and organic manure application on grain and straw yields of wheat was found significant and maximum being with W2 (2 mmol L-1 RSC), M2 (vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1) treatment combination indicating the magnitude of reduction in yields (grain and straw) being less with vermicompost and FYM at all the levels of RSC water.
Studies on Component Characters Association with Flower Yield of Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis L.) Genotypes
Authors: Narayana Hegde Bhagyashree , Shirol A. M. , Harshavardhan M. , Kumar P. Pavan
Published: April 2022

Thirty five genotypes of dahlia (Dahlia variabilis L.) were studied for fifteen different growth, flowering, quality and yield traits for the association of different characters with flower yield per plant (g). The results indicated a significant and desirable correlation between flower yield per plant with the characters like number of secondary branches per plant, number of leaves, leaf area, duration of the crop, flower diameter, number of petals per flower, stalk length, individual flower weight, number of flowers per plant, number of tubers per plant at genotypic and phenotypic level respectively.. This provides a knowledge regarding association of various characters among themselves and to estimate the inherent association between genes.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Hand Hygiene among Medical and Nursing Students
Authors: Abiodun Ifeoluwa Silvanus , Monday Esther Olufunke , Aneke Chizoba Jessica , Akinola-Oloyede Rukayat , Olatunji Olawale Omotayo , Oyindamola Abiola Abigael
Published: April 2022

Aims: This study aims to determine and compare the levels of handwashing knowledge, attitude and practice among medical and nursing students of All Saints University School of Medicine, Dominica.

Study Design: This was a quantitative, cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: All Saints University School of Medicine, Dominica between May and August, 2021.

Methodology: A total of 73 students (26 MD students, 18 Clinical students, 22 Nursing students and 7 Pre-med students) of All Saints University Dominica participated in the study, after their informed consent was obtained. The study data was collected from registered medical and nursing students of All Saints University, Dominica. This involved the use of a self-designed, structured questionnaire that was electronically distributed to students and analyzed electronically using SPSS version 21.

Results: Though all participants admitted having heard of hand hygiene practices, all nursing students (100%) affirmed having sufficient knowledge about hand hygiene while 28.6% of the pre-med students participating did not feel they had sufficient knowledge (P<0.05). Also, a large percentage of the respondents that were nursing students (90.9) claimed to have had a formal training in hand hygiene. This was closely followed by clinical students (72.2%) while MD and pre-med students only had 38.5% and 28.6% respectively.

Conclusion: Although there seem to be a high level of awareness of hand hygiene among the participants, certain gaps in knowledge still exist which may be due to lack of proper training. There seem to be a better level of practice of hand hygiene among the nursing students and those in clinicals, compared to other medical students which draws the need to re-introduce formal training on hand hygiene into medical schools especially from early years of training.
PENGARUH EKUITAS MEREK TERHADAP KEPUASAN KONSUMEN DAN LOYALITAS MEREK COFFEE SHOP DI SURABAYA
Authors: Christiawan Calvin , Chang Chang , Chandra Michael Lucky , Aprilia Adriana
Published: April 2022

This study aims to observe the effect of physical quality, staff behavior, ideal self-congruence, brand identification, and lifestyle congruence on consumer satisfaction and consumer satisfaction on brand loyalty. The research was conducted by distributing questionnaires. The objects studied were consumers from local coffee shops (Caturra, Caliber, Monopole, and Volks). The respondent obtained were 130 and 109 data were processed using the PLS technique with the help of the SmartPLS application. The results showed that physical quality and staff behavior had a significant effect on consumer satisfaction, while ideal self-congruence, brand identification, and lifestyle congruence had an effect but not significant on consumer satisfaction. In this study it was also found that consumer satisfaction has an effect on brand loyalty.

Abstrak

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengukur pengaruh kualitas fisik, perilaku karyawan, kesesuaian diri, identifikasi merek, dan kesesuaian gaya hidup terhadap kepuasan konsumen dan kepuasan konsumen terhadap loyalitas merek. Penelitian dilakukan dengan penyebaran kuesioner. Obyek yang diteliti adalah konsumen dari coffee shop lokal (Caturra, Calibre, Monopole, dan Volks). Responden yang diperoleh sebanyak 130 dan sebanyak 109 data diolah menggunakan teknik PLS dengan bantuan aplikasi SmartPLS. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kualitas fisik dan perilaku karyawan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kepuasan kon­sumen, sedangkan kesesuaian diri, identifikasi merek, dan kesesuaian gaya hidup berpengaruh namun tidak signifikan terhadap kepuasan konsumen. Dalam penelitian ini juga didapati bahwa kepuasan konsumen berpengaruh terhadap loyalitas merek.
A Perspective on Digital Knowledge Representation in Materials Science and Engineering
Authors: Bayerlein Bernd , Hanke Thomas , Muth Thilo , Riedel Jens , Schilling Markus , Schweizer Christoph , Skrotzki Birgit , Todor Alexandru , Moreno Torres Benjami , Unger Jörg F. , Völker Christoph , Olbricht Jürgen
Published: April 2022

The amount of data generated worldwide is constantly increasing. These data come from a wide variety of sources and systems, are processed differently, have a multitude of formats, and are stored in an untraceable and unstructured manner, predominantly in natural language in data silos. This problem can be equally applied to the heterogeneous research data from materials science and engineering. In this domain, ways and solutions are increasingly being generated to smartly link material data together with their contextual information in a uniform and well‐structured manner on platforms, thus making them discoverable, retrievable, and reusable for research and industry. Ontologies play a key role in this context. They enable the sustainable representation of expert knowledge and the semantically structured filling of databases with computer‐processable data triples.
Effect of Additives on the Reactive Sintering of Ti–B4C Composites Consolidated by Hot Pressing and Pressureless Sintering
Authors: Kozień Dawid , Czekaj Izabella , Ziąbka Magdalena , Bik Maciej , Pasiut Katarzyna , Zientara Dariusz , Pędzich Zbigniew
Published: April 2022

Composites based on boron carbide (B4C) have drawn attention due to their outstanding physical and chemical properties. Herein, the effect of adding boron, titanium, and both titanium and boron, on the B4C‐based material, is investigated. In addition, the additives’ influence on the temperature of composite synthesis and the whole sintering process is evaluated. The Ti–B4C composites are prepared by two different methods: pressureless sintering and hot pressing. The presence of Ti, B, and C as dominant additives in the sintered composites is confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM examination reveals that TiB2 particles formed during the composite process synthesis are distributed homogeneously in the B4C matrix. Mechanical properties, such as hardness, Young's modulus, and fracture toughness are tested, along with the composites’ density and porosity. All the sintered samples, regardless of the incorporated additives, are characterized by high mechanical properties, reaching outstanding values in a few cases. The obtained results allow us to state that the usage of a boron and titanium mixture significantly improves the sintering process of composites due to the reactive sintering phenomenon occurring during the composites’ preparation. The Ti–B4C composites are classified as ultrahigh‐temperature ceramics materials.
Bottom, Top, or in Between: Combining Plasmonic Nanohole Arrays and Hydrogel Microgels for Optical Fiber Sensor Applications
Authors: Polley Nabarun , Werner Peter , Balderas‐Valadez Ruth F. , Pacholski Claudia
Published: April 2022

Attractive label‐free plasmonic optical fiber sensors can be developed by cleverly choosing the arrangement of plasmonic nanostructures and other building blocks. Here, the final response depends very much on the alignment and position (stacking) of the individual elements. In this work, three different types of fiber optic sensing geometries fabricated by simple layer‐by‐layer stacking are presented, consisting of stimulus‐sensitive poly‐N‐isopropylacrylamide (polyNIPAM) microgel arrays and plasmonic nanohole arrays (NHAs), namely NHA/polyNIPAM, polyNIPAM/NHA, polyNIPAM/NHA/polyNIPAM. Their optical response to a representative stimulus, namely temperature, is investigated. NHA/polyNIPAM monitors the volume phase transition of polyNIPAM microgels through changes in the spectral position and the amplitude of the reflection minimum of plasmonic NHA. In contrast, polyNIPAM/NHA shows a more complex response to the swelling and collapse of polyNIPAM microgels in their reflectance spectra. The most pronounced changes in optical response are observed by monitoring the amplitude of the reflectance minimum of this sensor during heating/cooling cycles. Finally, the triple stack of polyNIPAM/NHA/polyNIPAM at the end of a optical fiber tip combines the advantages of the NHA/polyNIPAM, polyNIPAM/NHA double stacks for optical sensing. The unique layer‐by‐layer stacking of microgel and nanostructure is customizable and can be easily adopted for other applications.
A Three‐Terminal Hybrid Thermionic‐Photovoltaic Energy Converter
Authors: Bellucci Alessandro , García‐Linares Pablo , Martí Antonio , Trucchi Daniele Maria , Datas Alejandro
Published: April 2022

Hybrid thermionic‐photovoltaics (TIPV) are solid‐state thermal‐to‐electric energy converters that rely on the non‐isothermal transport of photons and electrons through a vacuum gap. In contrast to pure thermionic converters, the absorption of photons in a photovoltaic anode produces an electrochemical potential that can be delivered as electricity, ultimately boosting the power generation capacity of the device. In this work, the proof of concept of a three‐terminal TIPV converter where thermionic and photogenerated currents are collected independently is reported. Thermionic electrons are injected in the conduction band of a semiconducting anode (n‐type InP), from where they are directly extracted. Photogenerated electrons are also extracted from the conduction band of the anode, but they are then reinjected in the valence band through an independent hole‐selective contact (p‐type InGaAs). By using a low workfunction engineered anode (BaFx/InP) and cathode (ScxOy/W) a maximum power generation capacity of 125.6 and 0.35 mW cm−2 for PV and thermionic sub‐devices, respectively, is demonstrated, operating at 1400 °C. This proof of concept paves the way for the development of efficient hybrid thermionic and photovoltaic converters for the direct conversion of heat into electricity, and subsequently contributes to finding an efficient alternative to thermoelectric generators.
8.5 µm‐Thick Flexible‐Rigid Hybrid Solid–Electrolyte/Lithium Integration for Air‐Stable and Interface‐Compatible All‐Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhang Kun , Wu Feng , Wang Xinran , Weng Suting , Yang Xiaoyu , Zhao Huichun , Guo Ruiqi , Sun Yuheng , Zhao Wenbin , Song Tinglu , Wang Xuefeng , Bai Ying , Wu Chuan
Published: April 2022

All‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs), as the next‐generation energy storage system, potentially bridge the gap between high energy density and operational safety. However, the application of ASSLBs is technically handicapped by the extremely weak interfacial contact and dendrite growth that is prone to unstabilize solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with limited electrochemical performance. In this contribution, air‐stable and interface‐compatible solid electrolyte/lithium integration is proposed by in situ copolymerization of poly(ethylene glycol methacrylate)‐Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3‐lithium (PEGMA‐LAGP‐Li). The first‐of‐this‐kind hierarchy provides a promising synergy of flexibility‐rigidity (Young's modulus 3 GPa), high ionic conductivity (2.37 × 10−4 S cm−1), high lithium‐ion transfer number (tLi+ = 0.87), and LiF‐rich SEI, all contributing to homogenized lithium‐ion flux, significantly prolonged cycle stability (>3500 h) and obvious dendrite suppression for high‐performance ASSLBs. Furthermore, the integration protects lithium from air corrosion, providing insights into a novel interface‐enhancement paradigm and realizing the first ASSLBs assembly in ambient conditions without any loss of specific capacity.
Cover crops and landscape positions mediate corn–soybean production
Authors: Singh Gurbir , Dhakal Madhav , Kaur Gurpreet , Schoonover Jon E. , Williard Karl W. J.
Published: April 2022

Ecosystem services and cash crop benefits provided by cover crops (CCs) can be affected by temporal and spatial variability of CC performances as influenced by topographic position of the field. A watershed‐scale study was initiated in 2015 to assess the influence of crop rotations [cereal rye (Secale cereale L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]–hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.)–corn (Zea mays L.) (CC) and winter‐fallow soybean–winter‐fallow corn (NoCC)] and topography (i.e., shoulder, backslope, and footslope) on corn and soybean productivity in southern Illinois. Cereal rye increased soybean yield by 0.29 Mg ha‐1 at the shoulder position, but it reduced yield by 0.44 Mg ha‐1 at the footslope position when compared with the NoCC treatments. At the footslope position, every 1 Mg ha‐1 increase in cereal rye biomass increased soybean yield by 0.87 Mg ha‐1. Soybean yield was negatively related to the cereal rye biomass at the shoulder and backslope positions. Within the CC rotation, corn yield was greater at the shoulder and backslope positions than at the footslope. Hairy vetch biomass affected corn yield positively within each landscape position. Cover cropping did not improve soybean and corn yield at the footslope position. Site‐specific CC management is critical if the landscape has significant variability in soil characteristics.
A Swinging Rod in Brans‐Dicke Theory
Authors: Verma Paritosh
Published: April 2022

This article presents the calculation of gravitational radiation from an oscillating rod in Brans–Dicke (BD) theory. Here only the selected formulae is shown and is applied to a toy problem without any rigorous derivation. First, the explicit expressions for the polarizations are calculated and then the power radiated away in gravitational waves (GWs) is obtained. This problem is motivated by the famous Eddington's spinning rod.
Repeatedly Regenerating Mechanically Robust Polymer Brushes from Persistent Initiator Coating (PIC)
Authors: Liu Yizhe , Li Renjie , Xu Rongnian , Liu Yubo , Wu Yang , Ma Shuanhong , Ma Zhengfeng , Pei Xiaowei , Zhou Feng
Published: April 2022

In this study, a novel surface initiated polymerization (SIP) method was developed from organic‐inorganic hybrid persistent initiator coating (PIC) that embeds initiator molecules into inorganic silica sol‐gel layer. Comparing with traditional silane initiator surface that prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, the PIC can effectively improve the mechanical stability of initiator that was able to endure ten‐thousand times of friction cycles. Besides, it allows polymer grafting from sub‐surface and so the grafted brushes, poly 3‐sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium salt (pSPMA) on the PIC were also much more wear‐resisting than those prepared by the traditional ways. More importantly, the PIC could still trigger new polymerization reaction when the grafted brushes were worn off. In addition, the PIC is universal and can be covered on different substrates including glass, metals and plastics, etc. to realize functionalization of these materials. The approach may pave technological way for the application of surface grafted polymer brushes.
Preparation and properties of electrospun NaYF4: Yb3+, Er3+‐PLGA‐gelatin nanofibers
Authors: Deng Zhaoxue , Wu Hongjian , Mu Huaijin , Jiang Lipeng , Xi Weiyan , Xu Xiaoxue , Zheng Wei
Published: April 2022

The synthesis of composite nanofiber often requires complex reaction conditions and the dimensions of the synthesized composite nanofiber are difficult to control. Electrospinning technique could tackle the issue. In this work, we firstly prepare the NaYF4 up‐conversion material composed of double doped rare earth ions of Er3+ and Yb3+. Then, the up‐conversion luminescent NaYF4: Yb3+, Er3+ nanoparticles (NaYF4 NPs) are encapsulated into poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide)‐gelatin (NaYF4‐PLGA‐gelatin) using one‐step electrospinning process. The effect of NaYF4 NPs on morphology, up‐conversion emission spectra, hydrophilicity, mechanical property and degradation of the electrospun NaYF4‐PLGA‐gelatin nanofiber are studied in detail. The highest luminescent intensity of the electrospun NaYF4‐PLGA‐gelatin nanofiber is achieved when the encapsulated content of NaYF4 NPs is 5 mg/ml. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties of the nanofibers with this encapsulated content are also averagely higher than that of the nanofibers with other concentrations. In addition, the electrospun NaYF4‐PLGA‐gelatin nanofibers with a variety of NaYF4 NPs contents present great hydrophilicity and degradation rates. Therefore, this work provides an effective approach for the design of up‐conversion composite nanofibers and can further exploit the applications in in vivo biological imaging and tissue engineering.