bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-hyperglycaemic Effects of the Ashes of Some Nigerian Anti-diabetic Ethnomedicinal Plants
Authors: Abdullahi Abdulrasheed Ajao , Adebajo Adeleke Clement , Ayoola Marcus Durojaye , Odediran Samuel Akintunde , Kolawole Babatope Ayodeji
Published: May 2022

Aims: To evaluate blood glucose-lowering ability of leaf ashes and compare anti-hyperglycaemic activities of Annona muricata leaf extract and ash.

Study Design: Ashes and extract of medicinal plants were assayed using glucose-loaded rats model.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacognosy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between March 2017 and February 2020.

Methodology: Adequately prepared ashes of seven plants and A. muricata methanol extract were assayed for anti-hyperglycaemic potentials, using glucose-loaded (10 g/kg, p.o.) Wistar rats that were hyperglycaemic [blood glucose levels ≥ 7.0 mmol/L] thirty minutes thereafter (T0.0). Groups of 5 rats each, were administered 100, 150, 200 mg/kg of different ashes and A. muricata extract (200 mg/kg). Normal saline and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) were negative and positive controls, respectively. Their blood glucose levels were determined at 0-4 hours post-extract/ash/drug administration; results analysed using ANOVA followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls’ and Dunnett post-hoc tests. P ˂ .05 was considered significantly different.

Results: 100 mg/kg of Momordica charantia, Azadirachta indica and Eugenia malaccensis leaf ashes was their most active dose, indicating significantly higher extrapancreatic activity. 32, 37, 54, 59 and 36, 43, 50, 48 % reductions elicited by Chromolaena odorata (COLA) and A. muricata (AMLA) ashes (200 mg/kg) at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 hours, respectively made them the most active ashes. Also, blood glucose levels in glibenclamide (5 mg/kg)-, COLA-, AMLA- and its extract (200 mg/kg)-treated rats were comparable (P > .05) and their anti-hyperglycaemic activity was suggested to be due to the pancreatic (insulinotropic) and extra-pancreatic actions of their constituents.

Conclusion: Study justified anti-diabetic ethnomedicinal use of plant-ashes in Nigeria, while doses were recommended for the optimum folkloric usage of these leaf ashes in managing diabetes in the rural areas of Nigeria. The leaf ashes may contain elements with glucose postprandial tolerance factor and insulin stimulating properties.
Assessment and Mapping of Groundwater Quality for Irrigation in and Around Areas of Paper Board Industry
Authors: Murali S. , Jawahar D. , Balasubramaniam P. , Maheswari M. , Ejilane J. , Pazhanivelan S.
Published: May 2022

Water has become a scarce commodity due to its over exploitation as well as its pollution due to different reasons. For many important agricultural areas groundwater is the ultimate source of fresh water as surface water sources have been depleted. The quality of groundwater is important because it determines the suitability of water for drinking, and domestic and irrigation purposes. A survey was undertaken during the year 2020 to assess the quality of groundwater for irrigation in Mondipatti region of Tiruchirapalli district of Tamil Nadu. A totally 18 samples were collected from bench mark wells of (W1-W18) in and around the paper board industry and GPS locations of sampling points were recorded. The water samples were analyzed for various chemical properties viz., pH, EC, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+; CO32-, HCO3-, Cl- and SO42-. The pH, EC, SAR and RSC in groundwater ranged from 7.6-8.4, 0.68-5.12 (dS m-1), 0.69-12.9 and -8.1 to 5.3 (meq L-1), respectively. The concentration of cations viz., Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and Na+ varied from 1.7 to 10.8, 0.7 to 14.3, 0.009 to 0.931 and 2.8 to 39.2 meq L-1 with average of 5.4, 4.51, 0.190 and 9.24 meq L-1, respectively. The concentration of anions viz., carbonate, bicarbonates, chloride and sulphate varied from nil to 3.2, 3.2 to 9.6, 2.8 to 39.2 and 0.25 to 4.52 meq L-1 with average values of 0.64, 6.72, 11.88 and 1.31 meq L-1, respectively. The relative abundance of ions for most of the water samples were Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ for cations and Cl- > HCO3-> SO42- > CO3- for anions. According to CSSRI water quality classification, 44.5, 44.5, 5.5 and 5.5 per cent of good, marginally saline, High SAR saline and Alkaline, respectively. Spatial variability maps of pH, EC, SAR and RSC of groundwater used for irrigation in and surrounding areas of paper board industry were also generated. As a result, it's critical to analyse groundwater quality not only for current use, but also as a future water source. Assessment and mapping of quality of groundwater may help the farmers in choice of crops and other agronomic management practices for getting profitable yields without affecting the soil health.
Influence of Phosphorus and Sulphur on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Akram Shaik Wasim , Singh Rajesh , Tripathi Pratyasha
Published: May 2022

Background: Wheat is grown on more land area than any other food crop, World trade in wheat is greater than for all other crops combined. world production of wheat and other grain crops has tripled and is expected to grow further through the middle of the 21st century. In 2020, making it the second most-produced cereal after maize Since 1960.

Objectives: Effect of phosphorus and sulphur on growth parameters and yield of wheat.

Methods: With the goal of studying the effect of phosphorus and sulphur on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Var. DBW-187 under a Randomized block design with 9 treatments (T1-T9) The experimental results revealed that 80 kg p/ha + 40 kg s/ha produced maximum plant height (96.47), Tillers/hill (10.47), plant dry weight (18.54) and yield parameters Grains/spike (47.36), Test weight (38.59), Grain yield (6.25t/ha), straw yield (9.54t/ha), Harvest index (39.58%).

Conclusion: On the basis of one season experim  it can be concluded that with the application of Phosphorus 80 kg/ha + Sulphur 40 kg/ha was found significantly superior in plant height (96.47cm), tillers/hill (10.47), dry weight (18.54 g/plant), grains/spike (47.36), Test weight (38.59 g), Grain yield (6.25 t/ha), Stover yield (9.54t/ha) and harvest index (39.58 %). Because the findings are based on research conducted during one single season, they may be repeated for further confirmation.
Effect of City-Compost on Plant Growth, Fruit Yield and Quality of Strawberry cv. Festival in Nagaland
Authors: Marak C. R. , Kumar Kuruba Ajay , Mounika Kosgi , Maiti C. S.
Published: May 2022

The present study on effect of different doses of city-compost were conducted including the dose of Nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium through chemical fertilizer as control (T1= NPK @ 100:60:150 Kg ha -1) and it comprises of eight treatments as a total (T2= City-compost @1. 25 t ha-1, T3= City-compost @ 2.5 t ha-1, T4= City-compost @ 3.5 t ha-1, T5= City-compost @ 4 t ha-1, T6= City-compost @ 5t ha-1, T7= City-compost @ 5.5t ha-1, T8= City-compost @ 6 t ha-1). Under growth parameters T1   gave the maximum plant spread, leaf area, number of runners and number of fruits per plant (6.33). Under yield parameters fruit size in terms of length was obtained highest in T4 (4.15 cm) and in diameters T1 gave the maximum size (2.81 cm). Maximum yield were found under T1 (81.43 g plant-1). Under quality parameters, total soluble solids (TSS) (8.03 °Brix), non-reducing sugar (2.87 %), total sugar (5.20 %) and vitamin C (41.67 mg/l00ml) were recorded maximum in T4 as compared to other treatments.
Effect of Seed Pelleting with Rhizobium and Nutrition Management on Growth Parameters of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]
Authors: Singh Nirmal , Thakur Ashok K. , Malik Anurag , Kumar Pramod , Sourabh .
Published: May 2022

An experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (Factorial) with different pelleting material i.e. no pelleting (P1), Rhizobium liquid (P2), Rhizobium powder (P3) and Rhizobium liquid with jaggery (P4) and 5 levels of nitrogen application i.e. 0% N of RDF(F1), 40% N of RDF (F2), 60% N of RDF (F3), 80% N of RDF (F4) and 100% N of RDF (F5), altogether 20 treatment combinations of seed pelleting and nitrogen replicated thrice to find out effect on growth parameters i.e. emergence %, days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod of cowpea cv. Himachal Lobia-1. Among different pelleting treatments, seed pelleting with Rhizobium liquid exhibited better results over other treatments and all growth parameters affect significantly by pelleting treatments. Different level of nitrogen application also had significant effect on growth parameters. 80% N of recommended dose of fertilizer was best treatment over other treatments. Interaction effect of seed pelleting and nitrogen application was non-significant on growth parameters except number of branches per plant. Maximum number of branches was found in P2F4 (Rhizobium liquid + 80% N of RDF) treatment.
The Application of Poultry and Cattle Manures under Different Housing and Packaging Systems on Yield and Yield Attributes of Telfairia occidentalis (Hook F.)
Authors: Odulate L. O. , Olowokere F. A. , Adejuyigbe C. O. , Bodunde J. G.
Published: May 2022

Handling of animal manure before the application to the field is one of the main issues influencing its nutrient content. The experiment was carried out to evaluate the yield and yield attributes of Telfairia occidentalis as influenced by poultry and cattle manures under different housing and packaging methods in the year 2017 and 2018 at the Organic Agricultural Research Farm of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Amendment include: bagged poultry manure in Zinc House at 5.6 tha-1 (ZPB) and unbagged at 6.0 tha-1 (ZPU), bagged poultry manure in open space at 5.5 tha-1 (OPB) and unbagged at 6.8 tha-1 (OPU), bagged poultry manure  in palm fronds house at 5.4 tha-1  (PPB) and unbagged at 6.9 tha-1 (PPU), bagged cattle manure in Zinc House at 6.5 tha-1 (ZCB) and unbagged at 5.6 tha-1 (ZCU), bagged cattle manure in open space at 5.3 tha-1 (OCB) and unbagged at 5.9 tha-1 (OCU), bagged cattle manure in palm fronds house at 5.1 tha-1 (PCB) and unbagged at 5.5 tha-1 (PCU), and control The trial was a 3 X 2 X 2 factorial fitted into Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD). Data collected were dry matter yield, number of seeds/pod, number of secondary vines, number of days to podding/fruiting, the shelf-life, and yield. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. It was observed that all amendment contributed significantly to dry matter yield, number of seeds/pod, number of secondary vines, reduced the number of days to podding/fruiting, prolong the shelf-life, and increase the yield of T. occidentalis above control while the application of PCU at 5.5 t/ha  and PPB at 5.4tha-1 resulted in the highest. Finding, therefore recommends that, for better yield and yield attributes of T. occidentalis in the study area, it must be supplemented with PCU at 5.5tha-1 or PPB at 5.4tha-1.
The Most Common Heart Diseases and Their Influence on Human Life: A Mini-review
Authors: Mijwil Maad M. , Shukur Ban Salman , Mahmood Enas Sh.
Published: May 2022

According to the World Health Organization, many people suffer from heart disease and blockage of blood vessels, which are the most common diseases of death worldwide. The heart is one of the human body organs located between the lungs in the middle of the chest behind the sternum muscle. In this article, the authors decided to highlight the types of heart disease that affect humans and the signs and causes. This article outlined that these diseases are dangerous, and care should be taken to review the specialists early and take the appropriate treatment in order not to cause sudden death.
Urinary CD80 and Serum Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor (SuPAR) as Novel Diagnostic Biomarkers in Pediatric Patients with Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Elghoul Sara Mabrouk , Saad Amal Said El-Bendary , Abdel-Hafez Maher Ahmed , El-Hana Nagi Mohammed Abu
Published: May 2022

Background: This study aimed to evaluate urinary CD80 and serum SuPAR in patients with primary nephrotic syndrome as a non-invasive diagnostic biomarker to predict steroid responsiveness in those patients.

Methods: This prospective cohort study was carried out on total 60 children and adolescents with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) at initial presentation and 30 healthy matched controls. Urinary CD80 and serum SuPAR were measured for all subjects. Patients were divided on follow up into two groups: group A: patients proved to be steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (n=30), group B: patients proved to be steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome or proved by biopsy to be focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (n=30).

Results: Urinary CD80 levels were significantly higher in group A than group B and C (P <0.001). SuPAR was significantly higher in group B than group A and C (P <0.001). Both urinary CD80 and serum SuPAR were positively correlated to 24h urinary protein, protein/ creatinine ratio and serum cholesterol (P = 0.001, 0.003, <0.001, <0.001 and <0.001 respectively). Also both urinary CD80 and SuPAR were negatively correlated to albumin (P <0.001 and <0.001 respectively). By ROC curve, urinary CD80 can predict steroid sensitivity with 80% sensitivity, 96.67% specificity and accuracy 95% and serum SuPAR can predict steroid resistance with 76.67% sensitivity, 88.33% specificity and accuracy 86%.

Conclusions: Urinary CD80 and serum SuPAR can be useful in predicting renal pathology or steroid responsiveness in patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome especially if renal biopsy is contraindicated.
Comparative Study on Hair Transplantation with or without Platelets Rich Plasma Effect in Treatment of Cicatricial Alopecia
Authors: Eleneen Ahmed Youssef Abo , Shoukr Tarek Gamal , Nofal Ahmed Hassan , Elrazik El Sayed Mohamed Abd
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim: Scarring is an important clinical problem that occurs because of skin damage. Each year, around 100 million individuals in the Western world develop new scars, some of which pose substantial issues for those who are affected. The purpose of this work was to compare the effect of platelets rich plasma (PRP) on hair transplantation in treatment of cicatricial alopecia

Methods: This randomized control study was performed on 45 cases with 2ry cicatricial alopecia. The alopecic area of each patient was divided into two halves: 1st half (A) [hair transplantation without PRP injection] and 2nd half (B) [hair transplantation after intradermal injection of autologous PRP in recipient site intra-operative and two weeks postoperative]. Each patient was submitted to general examination, local examination of the donor and recipient sites, and laboratory investigations.

Results: Our study suggests that it after hair transplantation is an effective treatment for cicatricial alopecia (CA).

Conclusion: PRP has a high concentration of growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and epidermal growth factor. Our study suggests that PRP is an effective treatment for CA.
Epidemiological Transition in Indonesia and Its Prevention: A Narrative Review
Authors: Siswati Tri , Paramashanti Bunga Astria , Rialihanto Muhammad Primiaji , Waris Lukman
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Indonesia is undergoing an epidemiological transition, changing from a public health problem with the prevalence of a dominant infectious disease to a non-communicable disease. Some of the causes of this transition include technological advances, economy, modern transportation, lifestyle, changes in food consumption and others

Objective: This paper aims to describe epidemiological transition and its prevention in Indonesia.

Methods: A narrative review was conducted by searching in databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar search engine from 2001 to 2020 with the following search terms: nutrition transition, dietary transition, shifting epidemiology, epidemiological transition.

Results: Indonesia has experienced the epidemiological transition from infections to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). All types of NCDs have increased in the last three decades. NCDs also occur among the younger population despite preventability. The promotion of healthy lives and well-being to decrease NCDs in Indonesia delivered through early detection of their risk factors through Integrated Guidance Post (Posbindu)

Conclusion: An epidemiological shift has occurred in Indonesia. In the 1990s, infectious diseases outnumbered but however, noncommunicable diseases will be the most common, by the 2020s. Early detection is required to prevent their development.
Sociodemographic and Clinical Pattern of Thyroid Nodules in Sindh, Pakistan: A Prospective Analysis from a Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: . Ghansham , Ullah Najeeb , Patoli Saba , Kumar Vijay , Burki Hazrat Bilal , Ullah Al Farah Rehmat
Published: May 2022

Objectives: To study the sociodemographic and clinical patterns of thyroid lesions in Sindh, Pakistan.

Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted at the department of Surgery, Ward - 26, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi between March 2018 to 2020. All patients presenting with complaints of thyroid nodule as diagnosed clinically and by ultrasound imaging were included in the study. Patients with deranged thyroid hormone levels were excluded. Sociodemographic, clinical, and pathological parameters were recorded in a predefined pro forma. Statistical Package of Social Sciences v.26 (SPSS) was used for data analysis.

Results: A total of 330 patients were evaluated for thyroid lesions. Out of these, only 81 patients were diagnosed with thyroid nodules. Mean age was 35.14 ± 12.28 years. We had 37 patients (11.2%) with a diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma. This included papillary and follicular carcinoma majorly. Among patients diagnosed with carcinoma, 31 (83.8%) were females.

Conclusion: We presented a significantly higher rate of thyroid carcinoma on histopathology in our centre as compared to previous studies. The majority of the lesions were diagnosed among females. This highlights the increasing incidence of thyroid carcinoma in our population.
Regulations for Testing and Licensing of Vaccines in United Kingdom
Authors: Ranjitha M. , Arjun H. R. , Venkatesh M. P.
Published: May 2022

Vaccines are one of the most significant achievements of science and public health for prevention of infectious disease. Overall vaccination policies for HCP in should be periodically revaluated in order to provide optimal protection against vaccine preventable diseases and infection control with in healthcare. The guidelines address ethical issues that arise during a vaccine study. A network of Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) monitoring centre alone with adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) provide the machinery for vaccine pharmacovigilance.
In vitro Antisalmonella and Antioxidant Activity of Hydroethanolic and Aqueous Extracts of Bauhinia rufescens Leaf and Stem Bark Extracts
Authors: Djenguemtar J. , Konack E. Yamako , Sokoudjou J. B. , Kamsu G. T. , Feudjio H. B. L. , Kodjio N. , Gatsing D.
Published: May 2022

In Chad, enteric fever remains a major public health problem where it is still endemic due to the precariousness of life hygiene combined with the abusive and inappropriate use of antibiotics. Objective: The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vitro antisalmonella and antioxidant activity of extracts from the leaves and stem bark of B. rufescens.

Methods: Phytochemical screening of these extracts was performed by standard methods to justify the observed activities. The antisalmonella activity was evaluated using the liquid microdilution method. Antioxidant activity of these extracts was determined by investigating their 1, 1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH●) antiradical and iron reducing capacities.

Results: The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) were varied from 256 to 1024 µg/ml. The 95% hydroethanolic extract of the leaves exhibited higher DPPH● antiradical activity than all extracts and IC50s ≤ 20 μg/ml for all extracts tested.

Conclusion: These results showed that the 95% hydroethanolic extract of B. rufescens leaves possess in vitro antisalmonella and antioxidant activities and could be used for in vivo antisalmonella and antioxidant studies.
Ecotoxicological Evaluatation of Artisanal Effluents on Bacillus, Enterobacter, Amorphotheca, Cladosporium and Penicillium Species in Brackish Water
Authors: Wemedo Samuel A. , Williams Janet O. , Nrior Renner R. , Bagshaw Deinbo G.
Published: May 2022

Aim: To assess the effect of the hydrocarbon discharges from the artisanal refineries on the community structure of microbial mats in an aquatic environment

Study Design: The study employs experimental design, statistical analysis of the data and interpretation.

Place and Duration of Study: The microbial mats, surface water and sediments samples were collected from four hydrocarbon polluted stations (A, B, C and D) and a control sampling station in Yellow island (Iyalla kiri) in Degema Local Government Area, in Rivers state Nigeria. The samples were immediately transported with ice packs to the Microbiology Laboratory of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. The study lasted from March 2020 to February 2021, covering both wet and dry seasons.

Methodology: Different concentrations of fresh effluent (0, 1.625, 3.25, 6.5, 12.5, 25, 50 and 75%) were prepared in test tubes to final volume of 10ml. Each of the test tubes was inoculated with one milliliter (1ml) of the test organism. Five sets of concentrations were prepared for the five test organisms (Bacillus subtillis MW808817, Enterobacter ludwigiiMW767009, Amorphotheca resinae EU040230, Cladosporium cladosporioides MW793722 and Penicillium chrysogenum MN184857). The organisms were exposed to the pollutant for duration of 0, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours and plated out using spread plate technique. The cultures were incubated for 24 hours for bacteria and five days for fungi. Median lethal concentration (LC50) was determined using SPSS version 20.

Results: The results showed that the percentage logarithm survival of the test organisms decreased with increase in exposure time and concentration. The LC50 of Bacillus subtillis MW808817 was 30.93%, Enterobacter ludwigii MW767009 was 29.74%, Amorphotheca resinae EU040230 was 19.65%,Cladosporium cladosporioides MW793722 was 20.08% and Penicillium chrysogenum MN184857 was 17.77%, (noting; the lower the LC50 the more toxic the pollutant).

Conclusion: The effluent discharge was more toxic on Penicillium chrysogenum MN184857 than the other test organisms. Also, the ecotoxicological evaluation of the effluents on the test organisms isolated from the study area showed that LC50 of the effluent was slightly toxic on the microbial population when the results obtained were compared to GESAMP Standard for Toxicity Ranking of Chemicals/Effluents in Marine Environment.
Evolution of the Average Temperature of the Interior Atmosphere of a Habitable Cell Made of Foamed Concrete in Burkina Faso
Authors: Ouédraogo Adelaïde Lareba , Malbila Etienne , Dabilgou Dieudonné , Amadou Fati Oumarou , Ouédraogo Souleymane , Ouédraogo Salifou , Messan Adamah , Kam Sié , Bathiebo Dieudonné Joseph , Kiéno Florent Pèlèga , Blanchart Philippe
Published: May 2022

Aims: The energy domain is responsible for the production of many gaseous, liquid and solid pollutants, strongly contributing to climate change. The provision of bioclimatic habitats to households is therefore necessary since it will contribute to the reduction of energy consumption. This work consists in making a study of the thermal behavior of a habitat designed with foamed concrete (FC) in order to evaluate its thermal performance for the improvement of its thermal comfort and to compare its average internal temperature with those of other materials.

Study Design: A calculation model developed under the COMSOL Multiphysics 5.3a software was used to simulate the thermal behavior of a foamed concrete habitat. The meteorological data used are those of Ouagadougou in the month of April (hottest month in Burkina Faso) on April 15, 2019 (with April 15, the hottest day of the year 2019)

Methodology: The temperatures of each side of the walls were determined. Moreover, the study of the influence of the thickness of the walls on the average internal temperature made it possible to determine an optimal thickness. Then, the thermal phase shift, the thermal amplitude reduction and the damping factor were carried out.

Results: The results obtained in the weather conditions of April in Ouagadougou, lead to an average internal temperature of the building of about 304 K, for a wall thickness of 17.5 cm. There is a thermal phase shift of 8 hours, and a reduction in thermal amplitude of 9°C or a damping factor of 8.6%. The maximum average internal temperature of the foamed concrete was compared with those of the cement block, the CEB, the adobe, the CLB which present respectively 311 K; 309.2K; 309K; 308.5K.

Conclusion: A building constructed with foamed concrete has a low average internal temperature compared to cinderblock, CEB, adobe and CLB. Thus, this material makes it possible to provide more thermal comfort and can be used for the construction of habitats with good energy efficiency.
Relationship between insomnia and rest time between shifts among shift workers: A multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Sim Juho , Yun Byungyoon , Yoon Jin-Ha , Lee Jiho , Oh Juyeon , Cho Ara , Kim Sung-Kyung
Published: May 2022

Objectives

A rest time of less than 11 h taken by a shift worker between shifts is defined as quick return (QR). QR is shown to decrease sleep time by virtue of decreasing rest time, diminishing sleepiness and exhaustion, and increasing the number of sick days taken by employees. Therefore, in this multicenter retrospective study, the association between QR and the incidence of insomnia was established using the night-shift questionnaire from the Korean Workers Health Examination-Common Data Model.

Methods

Three hospitals collected the night-shift profiles and baseline demographic data of 33 669 workers between January 2015 and December 2017. The most recent date of examination was used for participants who had been examined multiple times at the same institution. We used multiple logistic regression to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The pooled ORs were estimated using combined results from the three institutions.

Results

The proportion of men was higher than that of women in the QR group at each institution. The pooled ORs were computed using combined data from the three institutions. Workers who reported a QR had the highest risk of sleeplessness (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.12–1.31) compared to those workers who reported a slow return, after adjusting for possible confounders.

Conclusions

A substantial correlation was established between QR and insomnia using the CDM approach and data from multiple centers. This study may serve as a foundation for developing guidelines to enhance the health of shift workers and prevent occupational accidents.
Mental Health Care Use and Associated Factors in Systemic Sclerosis: A Scleroderma Patient‐Centered Intervention Network Cohort Study
Authors: Becetti Karima , Nguyen Joseph T. , Kwakkenbos Linda , Carrier Marie‐Eve , Tao Lydia , Gordon Jessica K. , Mancuso Carol A. , Welling Joep , Mouthon Luc , Bartlett Susan J. , Malcarne Vanessa L. , Thombs Brett D. , Spiera Robert F. ,   Scleroderma Patient‐Centered Intervention Network Investigators
Published: May 2022

Objective

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) has significant psychosocial implications. We aimed to evaluate the proportion of participants in a large international SSc cohort who used mental health services in a 3‐month period and to evaluate demographic, psychological, and disease‐specific factors associated with use.

Methods

Baseline data of participants enrolled in the Scleroderma Patient‐Centered Intervention Network Cohort were analyzed. We determined the proportion that used mental health services and the source of services in the 3 months prior to enrollment. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with service use.

Results

Of the 2319 participants included in the analysis, 417 (18%) used mental health services in the 3 months prior to enrollment. General practitioners were the most common mental health service providers (59%), followed by psychologists (25%) and psychiatrists (19%). In multivariable analysis, mental health service use was independently associated with higher education (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03‐1.11), smoking (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02‐1.11), being retired (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.38‐0.93), having limited SSc (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.02‐1.89), and having higher anxiety symptom scores (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03‐1.06) and lower self‐efficacy scores (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83‐0.97). Variables not significantly associated included age, race, disease manifestations, depression symptom scores, and body image distress.

Conclusion

About 18% of participants in a large international cohort received mental health services in a 3‐month period, of whom the majority received these services from a general practitioner.
Jigsaw‐Inspired Modular Architected Materials with Tailorable Stiffness and Programmable Reconfiguration for Adaptive Flow Regulations
Authors: Liu Pan , Mao Weining , Yin Yiwei , Gan Zhantu , Zhao Dongdong , Hu Nan
Published: May 2022

The emergence of reconfigurable materials provides new avenues to design functional devices and structures at various length scales, but their post‐fabricated geometries usually remain unchangeable, showing low reconfigurability and poor adaptability toward multiple functionalities. Herein, a new class of modular architected materials is introduced. Inspired by the game of jigsaw puzzle, modular building blocks are designed and fabricated. Their versatility is demonstrated by an easy‐to‐assemble routine to form geometric designs with desirable properties for a specific function. Guided by numerical simulations and experimental tests, the merit of the modular architected material is exemplified by designing adaptive flow regulators. By strategically arranging units and joints, the designed structures exhibit tunable stiffness and programmable reconfigurations, resulting in an adaptive flow regulation compared to their rigid counterpart. Overall, the integrated approach allows customized structural designs with less material waste, enriching the versatility of architected materials for multifunctional devices.
Finely‐Dispersed Ni2Co Nanoalloys on Flower‐Like Graphene Microassembly Empowering a Bi‐Service Matrix for Superior Lithium–Sulfur Electrochemistry
Authors: Li Gaoran , Qiu Weilong , Gao Wanjie , Zhu Yaojie , Zhang Xiaomin , Li Hongyang , Zhang Yongguang , Wang Xin , Chen Zhongwei
Published: May 2022

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries present a promising solution to high‐energy and low‐cost energy storage. However, the conversion‐type redox mechanism determines the poor fulfillment of battery chemistry in terms of reversibility and kinetics. Herein, a flower‐like graphene microassembly decorated with finely‐dispersed Ni2Co nanoalloy (Ni2Co@rGO) is developed as advanced host matrix for Li–S batteries. Combining computational, physicochemical, and electrochemical studies, Ni2Co nanoalloys are unveiled synergizing strong adsorbability against polysulfide shuttling and excellent catalytic activity for sulfur conversions. Meanwhile, the sophisticated architecture renders facile electron/ion transport and highly‐exposed active interfaces. These virtues collaboratively contribute to fast and durable sulfur electrochemistry with a minimum capacity degradation of 0.034% per cycle over 500 cycles and a rate capability up to 5 C. Besides, the implementation of Ni2Co@rGO as the anode matrix tames the Li redox behavior benefiting from the enhanced lithiophilicity and reduced local current density. As such, the full cell configuration pairing S‐Ni2Co@rGO cathode and Li‐Ni2Co@rGO anode realizes a favorable areal capacity of 4.53 mAh cm−2 under high sulfur loading (4.0 mg cm−2) and limited electrolyte (E/S = 6.0 mL g−1). This work offers an elaborate bi‐service matrix engineering to simultaneously improve the conversion reversibility and kinetics for superior Li–S batteries.
Non‐Covalent Interaction of Atomically Dispersed Cu and Zn Pair Sites for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Deng Daijie , Qian Junchao , Liu Xiaozhi , Li Hongping , Su Dong , Li Henan , Li Huaming , Xu Li
Published: May 2022

Dual–single‐atom catalysts with synergistic effect of adjacent atomic metal sites show a great potential for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, a dynamical synthetic strategy is demonstrated for the rational design of dual‐atom catalyst ((Zn, Cu)−NC) with non‐covalent Cu and Zn sites as nitrogen‐doped carbon as support. Owing to the non‐covalent interaction of Zn and Cu atomic pair sites, (Zn, Cu)−NC exhibits significant performances for ORR, surpassing the catalysts with individual Zn or Cu site. The theoretical calculations reveal that (Zn, Cu)−NC can highly activate the linear O2 molecule via the non‐covalent interaction between Zn and Cu pairs, providing the more effective overlap between the metal 3d orbitals and O 2p orbital. Therefore, the ORR activity is optimized with the improvement of the adsorption configuration and adsorption energy of O2. Further, both liquid and quasi‐solid zinc−air batteries with (Zn, Cu)−NC as air cathodes achieve remarkable energy density and stability. This research proposes a facile synthetic strategy to construct single‐atom catalysts and presents an insightful understanding of the non‐covalent interplay between heteronuclear metal atoms in dual‐atom catalysts.
Asymmetric Substitution of End‐Groups Triggers 16.34% Efficiency for All‐Small‐Molecule Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Ge Jinfeng , Hong Ling , Ma Houying , Ye Qinrui , Chen Yanwei , Xie Lin , Song Wei , Li Dandan , Chen Zhenyu , Yu Kuibao , Zhang Jianqi , Wei Zhixiang , Huang Fei , Ge Ziyi
Published: May 2022

Asymmetric substitution of end‐groups is first applied in molecular donors. Three commonly used end‐groups of 2‐ethylhexyl cyanoacetate (CA), 2‐ethylhexyl rhodanine (Reh), and 1H‐indene‐1,3(2H)‐dione (ID) are combined to construct a series of symmetric and asymmetric donors. Correspondingly, the asymmetric donors SM‐CA‐Reh and SM‐CA‐ID show largely increased dipole moments (2.14 and 3.39 D, respectively) and enhanced aggregation propensity, as compared to those of symmetric donors of SM‐CA, SM‐Reh, and SM‐ID. Using N3 as acceptor, interestingly, SM‐CA‐Reh integrates the photovoltaic characteristics of high fill factor (FF) for SM‐CA and high short‐circuit current density for SM‐Reh, and delivers a record power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.34% with a high FF of 77.5%, which is much higher than 15.41% for SM‐CA and 14.76% for SM‐Reh. However, SM‐CA‐ID and SM‐ID give the lower PCE of 8.20% and 2.76%. Characterization results suggest that the π–π interaction mainly dictates the packing morphology of blend films instead of dipole effect or crystallinity. Mono‐substitution of Reh facilitates the molecular demixing appropriately but keeps the characteristic of the fine bicontinuous network of SM‐CA:N3. SM‐CA‐Reh:N3 shows more efficient exciton extraction, higher hole transport, and better miscibility. These results well explain the merits integration and improved photovoltaic performance.
Dimensionality‐Controlled Evolution of Charge‐Transfer Energy in Digital Nickelates Superlattices
Authors: Lu Xiangle , Liu Jishan , Zhang Nian , Xie Binping , Yang Shuai , Liu Wanling , Jiang Zhicheng , Huang Zhe , Yang Yichen , Miao Jin , Li Wei , Cho Soohyun , Liu Zhengtai , Liu Zhonghao , Shen Dawei
Published: May 2022

Fundamental understanding and control of the electronic structure evolution in rare‐earth nickelates is a fascinating and meaningful issue, as well as being helpful to understand the mechanism of recently discovered superconductivity. Here the dimensionality effect on the ground electronic state in high‐quality (NdNiO3) m/(SrTiO3)1 superlattices is systematically studied through transport and soft X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. The metal‐to‐insulator transition temperature decreases with the thickness of the NdNiO3 slab decreasing from bulk to 7 unit cells, then increases gradually as m further reduces to 1 unit cell. Spectral evidence demonstrates that the stabilization of insulating phase can be attributed to the increase of the charge‐transfer energy between O 2p and Ni 3d bands. The prominent multiplet feature on the Ni L3 edge develops with the decrease of NdNiO3 slab thickness, suggesting the strengthening of the charge disproportionate state under the dimensional confinement. This work provides convincing evidence that dimensionality is an effective knob to modulate the charge‐transfer energy and thus the collective ground state in nickelates.
Low viscous aminoalkyl‐phenyl‐silane with π–π interaction and its optimal SO2 capture condition
Authors: Hao Bo , Zhao Wenbo , Tong Xiangxin , Shan Shaoyun , Chen Yuan
Published: May 2022

The high viscosity of ionic liquids (ILs) limits their practical application in SO2 capture. In this work, the low viscous aminoalkyl‐phenyl‐silanes were synthesized to capture SO2. The π–π interaction between phenyl groups reduced the volatility of aminoalkyl‐phenyl‐silanes greatly, but it did not increase their viscosity significantly. Among them, N‐[(dimethylphenylsilyl)methyl]‐N‐methylbenzenemethanamine (DPSA) containing two phenyl groups exhibited the strongest π–π interaction. Therefore, the thermal decomposition temperature reached 150°C, while its viscosity was only 8.45 mPa·s at 25°C, which is much lower than that of ILs. The absorption enthalpy and entropy change of DPSA absorption reaction were −79.284 kJ/mol and −224 J/mol/K, respectively. These values are more negative than those of SO2 capture reaction with ILs. An objective function was proposed to obtain the optimal absorption and desorption temperature. Furthermore, five cycles of regeneration experiments indicated that DPSA possessed good regeneration ability.
Tolerating Noise Effects in Processing‐in‐Memory Systems for Neural Networks: A Hardware–Software Codesign Perspective
Authors: Yang Xiaoxuan , Wu Changming , Li Mo , Chen Yiran
Published: May 2022

Neural networks have been widely used for advanced tasks from image recognition to natural language processing. Many recent works focus on improving the efficiency of executing neural networks in diverse applications. Researchers have advocated processing‐in‐memory (PIM) architecture as a promising candidate for training and testing neural networks because PIM design can reduce the communication cost between storage and computing units. However, there exist noises in the PIM system generated from the intrinsic physical properties of both memory devices and the peripheral circuits. The noises introduce challenges in stably training the systems and achieving high test performance, e.g., accuracy in classification tasks. This review discusses the current approaches to tolerating noise effects for both training and inference in PIM systems and provides an analysis from a hardware–software codesign perspective. Noise‐tolerant strategies for PIM systems based on resistive random‐access memory (ReRAM), including circuit‐level, algorithm‐level, and system‐level solutions are explained. In addition, we also present some selected noise‐tolerate cases in PIM systems for generative adversarial networks and physical neural networks.
Smart connected worker edge platform for smart manufacturing: Part 2—Implementation and on‐site deployment case study
Authors: Donovan Richard P. , Kim Yoon G. , Manzo Anthony , Ren Yutian , Bian Shijie , Wu Tongzi , Purawat Shweta , Helvajian Henry , Wheaton Marilee , Li Bingbing , Li Guann‐Pyng
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we describe specific deployments of the Smart Connected Worker (SCW) Edge Platform for Smart Manufacturing through implementation of four instructive real‐world use cases that illustrate the role of people in a Smart Manufacturing paradigm through which affordable, scalable, accessible, and portable (ASAP) information technology (IT) acquires and contextualizes data into information for transmission to operation technologies (OT). For case one, the platform captures the relationships between energy consumption and human workflows for improved energy productivity while workers interact with machines during semiconductor manufacturing. The platform utilizes human cognition to identify anomalous machine behavior for root cause analysis of system faults via neural network (NN) that recognize alarm postures of workers with cameras. For case two, a smart assembly line is demonstrated for state monitoring and fault detection. Machine learning (ML) models are used to recognize system states and identify fault scenarios with human intervention. For case three, the platform monitors human–machine interactions to classify manufacturing machine states for proper operations and energy productivity. Internal energy states of individual or collections of manufacturing equipment are determined via NN based algorithms that disaggregate signals associated with smart metering typically deployed at manufacturing facilities. These methods predict the real time energy profile of each machine from the total energy profile of a manufacturing site. For case four, a software defined sensor system built with scientific workflow engines is demonstrated for contextualizing data from laser surface refraction for characterization, and diagnostics in the processing of additively manufactured titanium alloy.
Preparation, characterization, and application of hollow nano‐TiO2@modified graphene/fluorinated copolymer nanocomposite leather finishing agents
Authors: Pan Hui , Yang Lin , Liu Guoxing , Wang Xiaodong
Published: May 2022

A novel nanocomposite leather‐finishing agent (denoted as H‐TiO2@SDS‐rGO/F‐PBMA) composed of fluorinated copolymer (denoted as F‐PBMA) matrix using methyl methacrylate (abbreviated as MMA), butyl acrylate (abbreviated as BA) as well as acrylic acid (abbreviated as AA) as monomers and H‐TiO2@SDS‐rGO composite nanoparticles as nano‐additives were successfully fabricated by aqueous emulsion polymerization in this paper. The hollow TiO2 nanoparticles (denoted as H‐TiO2) were firstly prepared with tetrabutyl titanate as titanium source wall and tetraethyl silicate as silicon source core through an alkali etching method, and then they were compounded with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) modified by sodium dodecyl sulfate (denoted as SDS‐rGO) for obtaining H‐TiO2@SDS‐rGO composite nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectra, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were used to characterize the structure and morphology of different samples. The experimental results reveal that the nanocomposite leather‐finishing agent not only has excellent transparency, but also endows sheepskin better weather resistance, thermal stability, hydrophobicity and mechanical properties compared with traditional leather finishing agents.
Electroantennographic activity of 21 aliphatic compounds that bind well to a locust odorant‐binding protein
Authors: Li Jia , Zhang Long
Published: May 2022

Odorants that bind well to odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs) often trigger olfactory responses and have important biological significance. The locust Locusta migratoria (Meyen) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) is a serious agricultural pest. Twenty‐one saturated aliphatic compounds with carbon–oxygen bonds and straight chains of 10–17 carbon atoms bind well to an L. migratoria OBP. In this study, olfactory activities of these aliphatic compounds on L. migratoria adult males were tested by electroantennography (EAG) and comparatively analyzed. Four alcohols (undecanol, dodecanol, tridecanol, and tetradecanol), two ketones (2‐dodecanone and 2‐tridecanone), and two esters (ethyl octanoate and ethyl nonanoate) triggered strong EAG responses, and there was no significant difference between them. The results suggest that the eight compounds are more likely to have important biological significance than the other compounds. Moreover, we found that there is not necessarily a positive correlation between the olfactory activity of odorants and their binding ability with OBP. The study contributes to understanding the odorants with biological significance for L. migratoria and the molecular mechanism of the locust's olfaction.
Comparative study of pomelo‐peel‐derived hydrochar and torrefied poultry‐litter on coal fuel blends: Combustibility, synergy factor, and ash analysis
Authors: Xue Tianjiao , Fakudze Sandile , Ma Ru , Han Jiangang , Chu Qiulu , Zhou Peiguo , Chen Jianqiang
Published: May 2022

Co‐firing is considered to be a promising approach for the reduction of CO2 emissions from coal‐fired plants. However, the utilization of fruit‐waste‐based feedstocks is less common than the use of animal‐waste feedstocks, which are usually accompanied by high toxic ash content and low combustibility. In this work, pomelo‐peel‐derived hydrochar (PPHC), characterized by excellent fuel properties and combustibility, was systematically compared with torrefied poultry litter (PLBC), to promote its use as an eco‐friendly solid fuel. The two bio‐based solid fuels were prepared using hydrothermal carbonization (180–240 °C) and torrefaction (220–310 °C), respectively. Elemental analysis, proximate analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to study the physicochemical and structural properties of the prepared chars. The combustion behavior and post‐combustion ash content of PPHC/coal and PLBC/coal blends were assessed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF). Fuel blends of PPHC and coal showed superior combustibility (S = 5.77–14.79 × 10−12), stronger synergistic effects (1.48–3.19°C−3 min−1/2), and lower activation energy requirements (28.5–31.6 kJ mol−1), in comparison with PLBC/coal blends. Comparative analysis of heavy metal content revealed that PPHC/coal blends were characterized by less toxicity, with lower concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, As, and Co. Hence, the results demonstrated that pomelo peel hydrochar, with excellent combustibility and environmental friendliness, could serve as a better alternative for co‐firing with coal. Meanwhile, torrefied poultry litter showed undesirable ash properties, suggesting an urgent need for the development of alternative methods for its treatment. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.