bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training Needs of Rural Youth: An Analysis in Lucknow District of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Verma Anjali , Kumar Sunil , Singh Akanksha , Singh Ashish , Pal Ankit
Published: August 2023

India's population is predominantly rural, with approximately 68.9% residing in villages. Therefore, rural India truly represents the essence of our country. It is crucial to empower the rural youth by offering them opportunities for growth and well-being that align with their aspirations. However, the modern world demands skilled workers, and industries are increasingly reliant on technological advancements, particularly in information and communication technology (ICT). This rapid pace of technological change necessitates individuals to possess diverse cognitive skills. Consequently, it is imperative to address these challenges and equip India's rural youth with the appropriate education and skills they need to navigate the demanding global landscape. While the government has implemented various programs for rural development, their effectiveness relies heavily on proper execution and implementation. Considering the above facts the present study was conducted with the objective to study the training needs of Rural youth and Suggestions of rural youth to promote their participation in agricultural activities. The study was conducted in the year 2020-2021 for which Lucknow district of Uttar Pradesh of India was selected. Exploratory Research Design was used for the study There are four Tehsils in Lucknow namely Bakshi Ka Talab, Lucknow, Malihabad and Mohanlalganj. Out of these four Tehsils Mohanlalganj Block was selected for the study. For present study 5 villages were selected namely Atrauli, Daudnagar, Bhadesuwa, Hasanpur Kaneri and Barvaliya. From each villages 21 respondents were selected for the study and information were collected regarding their agricultural activities. A total number of 105 respondents were selected through random sampling from eight sample village panchayats. Data was collected through personal interview with a semi-structured schedule from farming and non-farming youth. Percentage, cumulative frequency and rank were used for calculation and drawing the inferences. The results revealed that majority (62.86 per cent) of rural youth need training in cashew and mango production, followed by identification of pest and diseases (58.09 per cent) and post harvest technology (56.19 per cent). Also majority (60.95 per cent) of the respondents suggested local market yard facility should be provided to promote participation of youth in agricultural activities
Knowledge and Awareness towards Emergency Response Preparedness among Large Worship Centres in South-South Region of Nigeria
Authors: Yemi-Jonathan O. I. T. , Obafemi A. A. , Eludoyin O. S.
Published: August 2023

Appropriate knowledge and awareness are vital in disaster preparation and mitigation practices to ensure their effectiveness. The study assessed the knowledge and awareness towards emergency response preparedness among large worship centres in the South-South region of Nigeria. Churches with large seating capacity (>1500), indicating large weekend attendance of no less than (1000) congregants that cut across Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa and Edo states, were selected for the study. With the aid of a questionnaire and descriptive statistics, we collected and analysed the data for the study respectively. The outcome showed that 72.7% of the respondents agreed, “Emergency preparedness and disaster response involve an adequate plan to prevent an occurrence". The worship centres indicated they were well prepared (60.1%) for emergency events with adequate knowledge about various emergencies (60.1%). The findings revealed that worship centres had not witnessed hazardous events recently (58.5%) and perceived electrical damage (53.5%) as the most common emergency at the centres. Mechanical failure (49.1%) was indicated as the primary cause of emergency at the centres, and most respondents to emergencies are volunteers. Overall, there was adequate knowledge and awareness about emergency response preparedness practices among the worship centres. The study recommended the need for worship centres to develop a common, efficient, coordinated multi-sectoral approach comprising all-hazard and hazard-specific measures to ensure preparedness for all types of emergencies.
Policy Implementation of Recognition and Protection of Ulaya Rights in Indigenous communities in the West Papua Region
Authors: Wachid Choiruddin , Juharni  , Sumandiyar Adi , Bahri Syamsul
Published: August 2023

Ulayat rights are rights attached to indigenous peoples in West Papua, and are recognized and protected by national and international law. This right refers to the traditional rights held by indigenous peoples to the land, territories and natural resources in the areas they inhabit and manage for generations. This study focuses on identifying the government's recognition and protection of customary rights as the rights of indigenous peoples in West Papua. The research method used is qualitative with a qualitative descriptive approach, aiming to reveal events or facts, circumstances, phenomena, variables and circumstances that occur during the research by presenting what actually happened. Data collection techniques were carried out through observation, interviews and document and literature studies. At the data analysis stage, the inductive reasoning model was carried out. The results of the study show that the government's policy of recognizing and protecting ulayat rights as the rights of indigenous peoples in West Papua is due to the low knowledge, low public awareness, community culture, facilities and facilities that are still limited, so that the carrying capacity of the government's recognition and protection for the community is not yet optimal. The policy of recognizing and protecting customary rights in indigenous communities in the West Papua region requires a collaborative, participatory and sensitive approach to cultural diversity and the aspirations of indigenous peoples.
Effect of Particle Sizes on the Physio-Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Particleboard
Authors: Ndulue N. B. , Esiere N. E. , Omole A. O. , Ndulaka P. C.
Published: August 2023

The focus on timber species as the main source of raw material for wood based panel is alarming. This research work evaluated the effect of particle sizes on bamboo particleboard. The study was carried out in the Scientific Equipment Development Institution, Awkuke Enugu State. Laboratory tests were conducted both for physical and mechanical properties of the board at the Fredrick Research Centre, Agbani in Enugu state. Board density, moisture content and weight were variables measured for physical properties while internal bond, Modulus of elasticity (MOE), Modulus of rupture (MOR) were measured for mechanical properties using Shimadzu Universal Testing Machine. Data collected were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant means separated with Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. Results recorded that T1 (fine particle) at 1.0 mm had higher values of MOR, MOE and internal bonding at 29.57, 1958.10 and 1.54 respectively followed by T3 (mixture of fine and coarse) and T2 (coarse particles). T2 had the highest moisture content of 8.22%, followed by T3 8.05% and T1 7.91% while T1 had the highest density (0.364g/cm3) and weight of 1.13 kg respectively. This study showed that particleboard made of fine particles (T1) of bamboo at 1.0 mm had better properties than T2and T3 in terms of their mechanical properties and physical properties with the exception of moisture content. It could be proposed that the finer the particles, the higher the strength of the board, thus recommends that smaller particles sizes like 0.5mm, 0.1mm and 0.3mm be used to increase the board strength.
A Review on Nutritional, Medicinal and Bio-active Compound of Dragon Fruit Hylocereus polyrhizus (F.A.C. Weber) Britton & Rose
Authors: Singh Sanampreet , Kumar Sandeep
Published: August 2023

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus F.A.C.Weber) is a popular fruit crop known for its enormous medicinal potential that has drawn the attention of numerous researchers in recent years. It is a rare tropical fruit that has many favorable impacts on human health because it has powerful natural antioxidants and bioactive components, which have a great nutritional value. It contains a lot of nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin C. Improved digestion is one of dragon fruit's most well-known health advantages. It has a lot of fiber, which can aid in controlling bowel motions and avoiding constipation. Dragon fruit also has natural digestive enzymes that can aid in food digestion and nutrient absorption. Higher medicinal benefits include lowering diabetes and hypertension. Bioactive compounds found in these parts have a variety of beneficial biological effects, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer capabilities. These include steroids, saponins, betalains, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, polyphenols, terpenoids, and carotenoids, all of which have been shown to be more effective than synthetic drugs in the treatment and prevention of a variety of diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, and hyperlipidemia, as well as pathogenic organisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Furthermore, it demonstrates resilience to numerous abiotic stressors and needs relatively little water for growth and development. Therefore, it might be a fruit crop that is both healthy and profitable for sections of the country that are rainfed as well as degraded lands with good resources and abiotic stress. Due to its ecological qualities, advantages to commercial value and human health the dragon fruit has developed into a productive product for the economy and a catalyst for the sustainable development of the country, particularly in the promotion of sustainable use of ecosystem and biodiversity. The current study focuses on the nutritional and medicinal benefits of the dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus F.A.C.Weber).
Assessment of Shelf life of Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema x grandiflora Tzelev.) var. Marigold Flowers as Influenced by Phenophase Based Irrigation and Nutrition Schedule
Authors: Vijayakumar S. , Nair Sujatha A. , Kumar Rajiv , Bharathi T. Usha
Published: August 2023

The present investigation was conducted in the Division of Flower and Medicinal Crops at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, to evaluate the influence of phenophase based irrigation and fertigation schedules on shelf life of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema x grandiflora Tzelev.) var. Marigold. The experiment comprised of three main plots (irrigation regimes) and five sub plots (nutrient regimes) and was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Irrigation regime at  0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 ER at vegetative, bud and flowering phases, respectively along with weekly fertigation of  NPK  @ 75:112.5:75 kg /ha (75% RDF) in three split doses of 40:20:20 % NPK  during vegetative phase, 30:40:40 % NPK during bud phase and 30:40:40% NPK during flowering phase, recorded the maximum shelf life of flowers (12.15 days) whereas, the minimum shelf life (7.60 days) was observed in the irrigation regime at 0.6,0.8 and 1.0 ER at vegetative, bud and flowering phases, respectively along with conventional method soil application of recommended dose of fertilizer (100:150:100 Kg NPK/ha).The shelf life of flowers had significantly high positive association with the physiological parameters of the plant viz., relative water content (0.728), transpiration rate  (0.201), single flower weight (0.559) and stomatal conductance rate (0.492). Whereas, the photosynthetic rate (0.214), diameter of the flower head (0.269) and estimated flower yield (0.047) were significantly and positively correlated with shelf life of flowers. However, the days taken for bud appearance (-0.250) was negatively associated with shelf life of flowers.
Influence of Row Ratio on Assessment of Yield and Economics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Mustard (Brassica nigra) Intercropping System
Authors: Roy Shreya , Singh Rajesh , Choudhary Dilip , Pradhan Akankhya , Avantika  , Anand Shreyash , Singh Paritosh
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was carried out during Rabi 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) on the topic “Influence of Row Ratio on Assessment of Yield and Economics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Mustard (Brassica nigra) Intercropping System”. to study treatments consisting with row Proportions with wheat and mustard intercropping. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 8.0), low in organic carbon (0.28%), available N (225 kg/ha), available P (19.50 kg/ha) and available K (92 kg/ha). There were 8 treatments each being replicated thrice and laid out in Randomized Block Design. The findings discovered  that treatment 1 (Sole wheat cropping) recorded significant andmaximum number of effective tillers/m2 (634.01), number of grains/spike (52.80), seed yield (4.02 t/ha), straw yield (6.73 t/ha) and Harvest index (37.39%) of wheat and treatment 2 (Sole mustard cropping) recorded significant and maximum number of siliqua/plant (210.47), number of seeds/siliqua (22.90), test weight (3.66 g), seed yield (1.27 t/ha), straw yield (2.65 t/ha) and Harvest index (32.33%) in mustard.However, Inter-cropping with wheat-mustard (4:1) rows recorded significant and higher Land Equivalent Ratio (1.11), Wheat equivalent yield (5,046 kg/ha).
Bio-efficacy of Sulfentrazone 39.6% SC against Weed Flora of Soybean
Authors: Yadahalli G. S. , Jadhav R. L. , Yadahalli Vidyavathi G.
Published: August 2023

Inadequate weed control is one of the primary causes of a decrease in soybean production. Weeds compete for resources with crops (water, light and nutrients). This competition is especially important during the early stages of crop development, when production losses of up to 80 per cent are possible, and in extreme cases, harvest operations are hampered. As a result, the current study sought to identify an effective weed control practice in soybean.To assess the bio-efficacy of Sulfentrazone 39.6% SC as a post-emergent (PRE) herbicide for weed control in soybean. The experiment was laid in RCBD (Randomized complete Block Design). A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Bidar, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka, India  during kharif seasons of 2019 and 2020. The study consisted seven treatments with three levels of Sulfentrazone as PRE (240, 360, and 480 g a.i ha-1), two check herbicides (Authority XL @ 360 g a.i. ha-1 and Pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i ha-1as PRE), hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 days after sowing, and a weedy check replicated three times. Application of sulfentrazone 39.6%SC premergent herbicide significantly reduced weed density and dry biomass a during the critical period of crop-weed competition. Sulfentrazone 39.6% SC @ 360 g a.i. ha-1 (PRE) application resulted in significantly higher weed control efficiency (WCE), yield, and economics in soybean, which was comparable to Sulfentrazone 39.6% SC @ 480 g a.i. ha-1 (PRE) application.  Hence, Application of sulfentrazone 39.6% SC @ 360 g a.i. ha-1 as pre emergent herbicide is advocated to the farmers in effective control of weeds.
Unleashing the Potential of Millets Promoting Nutritious Grains as Vital Cereal Staples during the International Year of Millets: A Review
Authors: Srivastava Priya , Sangeetha C. , Baskar P. , Mondal Kabita , Bharti Shankar Dayal , Singh Bal Veer , Agnihotri Nikhil
Published: August 2023

This comprehensive review highlights the multifaceted potential of millets as a nutritional powerhouse, a sustainable agricultural choice, and a means to tackle global nutritional challenges. Coinciding with the International Year of Millets, the paper focuses on the significance of millets as highly nutritious and resilient cereal staples that can address both food security and malnutrition issues, while enhancing agricultural sustainability. A comparative analysis of the nutritional composition of various millet types against major cereal crops reveals their superior micronutrient profile, protein content, and health benefits. Their role in combating micronutrient deficiencies such as iron, zinc, and vitamin A, as well as non-communicable diseases like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases is underlined. Moreover, their immune-supporting properties are discussed. The climate resilience of millets and their potential to diversify agricultural systems while enhancing farmers' incomes are considered. The review also addresses challenges in promoting millet consumption and production, including perception issues, supply chain barriers, and policy constraints. Strategies to maximize millet potential, like enhancing value chains, promoting dietary diversification, incorporating millets into school feeding programs, and utilizing technological advancements for improved varieties are proposed. Policy recommendations emphasize the need for institutional support for millet farmers, raising consumer awareness, and strengthening research and development in millet agriculture. This paper serves as a call to action for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to promote millets as a key component in our food systems to tackle nutritional challenges and enhance agricultural sustainability.
Micromorphological and Pharmacognostic Studies of Mussaenda philippica L. Flower
Authors: Umoh Romanus A. , Johnny Imoh I. , Andy Nsima A. , Udoh Anwanabasi E. , Ekpo Trust E. , Ashibeshi Gabriel U.
Published: August 2023

Mussaenda philippica Linn. belongs to the sub-family Ixoroideae which belongs to the family Rubiaceae. The aim of this study was to employ the quality control parameters in the evaluation of flowers of M. philippica L. The flowers were collected, identified, air dried and pulverized. Standard procedures were carried out to obtain microscopic features of the fresh and powdered samples, micromeritic, chemomicroscopy, flourescence properties, soluble-extractive values, moisture content and ash values. The results of the microscopic studies using the fresh and powdered flower revealed the presence of paracytic and anomocytic stomata on the abaxial surface of the flower (hypostomatic) and none on the adaxial. The abaxial surface also had a stomatal number of 13.6, stomatal index of 4.97% and epidermal number of 260.8 while the adaxial surface had an epidermal number of 304.4. The plant samples of the flower also possessed unicellular trichomes. Results of the micromeritic properties of the samples were bulk volume of 67.16±0.16, tapped volume of 48.00±0.57, bulk density of 0.14±0.00, tapped density of 0.20±0.00, angle of repose of 38.5°, Carr’s Index of 28.50±0.81 and Hausner’s ratio of 1.39±0.01. Chemomicroscopy study showed cellulose, mucilage and protein. The moisture content values obtained was13%w/w. Results for the total ash, acid-insoluble ash and water-soluble ash values were 7.7%w/w, 1.3%w/w and 4%w/w and for the ethanol-soluble, methanol-soluble and water-soluble extractive values were 33%w/w, 33%w/w and 36%w/w. The above results could be used to establish pharmacopoeial standards for both fresh and powdered flower of M. philippica.
Collaboration between local Indigenous and visiting non‐Indigenous researchers: Practical challenges and insights from a long‐term environmental monitoring program in the Canadian Arctic
Authors: Richard Samuel , Gilchrist H. Grant , Hennin Holly L. , Nguyen Vivian M.
Published: August 2023

There is a growing appreciation for the value of collaborative research projects involving local Indigenous and visiting non‐Indigenous researchers. Examples of such partnerships are now numerous and diverse, and best practices and respectful approaches have been well presented, including the five priorities of the National Inuit Strategy on Research (NISR) defined by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami in Canada. However, the application of best practices remains challenging, and examples of ‘on‐the‐ground’ implementation remain scarce in the literature.

We present a practical case study in which scientists from the Federal Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada and Inuit have co‐delivered a multidecade‐long monitoring program of nesting common eider ducks Somateria mollissima in the Arctic. We review our experience as southern‐based government researchers in this collaboration. We reflect on successes and, more importantly, on the practical challenges that prevent the full implementation of best practices in our program.

First, we highlight challenges to co‐designing a data collection protocol that combines both Indigenous and Western scientific methods. We show how combining the strengths of Inuit Knowledge and rigorous random sampling design has led to a more powerful approach to eider population monitoring.

Second, we review how the federal government's administrative approaches are poorly suited for employing seasonal Indigenous workers living in remote communities, particularly in Canada. We argue that to deliver respectful employment and payment practices, the financial and hiring administration of collaborative projects must be based at the community level.

Finally, we show how sociocultural factors have made it challenging to ensure the safety of all field workers consistently. To increase their perceived value and uptake, we suggest that safety guidelines must be co‐designed by visiting researchers and local partners for each project to ensure that they are appropriate to the local culture, field conditions, and the nature of the fieldwork.

Based on our experience, we draw attention to gaps that still exist between the best practices of collaborative research and factors that hamper their practical implementation. We invite other research teams to do the same so that, collectively, we can improve collaborative approaches nationally and internationally.
Civicbase: An open‐source platform for deploying Quadratic Voting for Survey Research
Authors: Bassetti Madeline E. , Dias Gustavo , Chen Daniel L. , Mortoni Alan , Das Ritesh
Published: August 2023

Civic engagement is increasingly becoming digital. The ubiquity of computing increases our technologically mediated interactions. Governments have instated various digitization efforts to harness these new facets of virtual life. What remains to be seen is if citizen political opinion, which can inform the inception and effectiveness of public policy, is being accurately captured. Civicbase is an open‐source online platform that supports the application of Quadratic Voting Survey for Research (QVSR), a novel survey method. In this paper, we explore QVSR as an effective method for eliciting policy preferences, optimal survey design for prediction, Civicbase's functionalities and technology stack, and Personal AI, an emerging domain, and its relevance to modeling individual political preferences.
Ultra‐Selective and Efficient Static/Dynamic Palladium Capture from Highly Acidic Solution with Robust Macrocycle‐Based Polymers
Authors: Wang Ying , Wu Yijie , Li Jihong , Li Qing , Yang Pinghua , Conradson Steven D. , Cai Yimin , Feng Wen , Yuan Lihua
Published: August 2023

The capture of palladium from spent nuclear fuel is crucial for the sustainable development of nuclear energy and resource recovery. One of the most challenging issues in this direction is the survival of adsorbents under extreme reprocessing conditions such as strongly acidic media and high radiation fields while still maintaining high extraction ability and selectivity. Herein, an approach to addressing this issue is reported by incorporating macrocycle into nitrogen‐rich covalent organic polymers (COPs). Dramatically outperforming current adsorbing materials, pillar[5]arene‐based COPs with pyridyl and triazolyl functionalities display record adsorption capacity for Pd(II) at 3 M HNO3 (403 mg g−1), extraordinary stability under 500 kGy gamma irradiation, and ultra‐high selectivity toward Pd(II) over both 17 coexisting cations and six anions. In particular, the material P5COP‐m‐BPT with the best performance also shows remarkable dynamic adsorption efficiency for Pd(II). This study not only provides a strategy to enhance all‐sided adsorption performance in palladium separation with nitrogen‐rich COPs materials but also demonstrates the superiority of customizing advanced materials with macrocycles.
Remote Asymmetric Bisvinylogous [4+2] Cycloaddition Reaction to Synthesize Spirocyclic Frameworks
Authors: Hidalgo‐León Raquel , Alberro Nerea , Cossío Fernando P. , Miguel Sansano José , de Gracia Retamosa María
Published: August 2023

The highly enantioselective organocatalytic synthesis of spirocyclic compounds by Diels‐Alder reactions via trienamine using cyclic 2,5‐dienones as bisvinylogous precursors and different nitroalkenes as dienophiles is described. The use of cinchonidine‐based primary amine as catalyst and benzoic acid as co‐catalyst has allowed the construction of a wide variety of spiro compounds containing three stereogenic centres in good yields and excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities. Additionally, other dienophiles have been evaluated exhibiting different behaviour depending on the electron withdrawing group nature. Subsequent transformations have yielded complex structures with up to five stereocentres. The plausible reaction mechanism has been investigated by computational methods.
Genome‐material costs and functional trade‐offs in the autopolyploid Solidago gigantea (giant goldenrod) series
Authors: Walczyk Angela M. , Hersch‐Green Erika I.
Published: August 2023

Premise

Increased genome‐material costs of N and P atoms inherent to organisms with larger genomes have been proposed to limit growth under nutrient scarcities and to promote growth under nutrient enrichments. Such responsiveness may reflect a nutrient‐dependent diploid versus polyploid advantage that could have vast ecological and evolutionary implications, but direct evidence that material costs increase with ploidy level and/or influence cytotype‐dependent growth, metabolic, and/or resource‐use trade‐offs is limited.

Methods

We grew diploid, autotetraploid, and autohexaploid Solidago gigantea plants with one of four ambient or enriched N:P ratios and measured traits related to material costs, primary and secondary metabolism, and resource‐use.

Results

Relative to diploids, polyploids invested more N and P into cells, and tetraploids grew more with N enrichments, suggesting that material costs increase with ploidy level. Polyploids also generally exhibited strategies that could minimize material‐cost constraints over both long (reduced monoploid genome size) and short (more extreme transcriptome downsizing, reduced photosynthesis rates and terpene concentrations, enhanced N‐use efficiencies) evolutionary time periods. Furthermore, polyploids had lower transpiration rates but higher water‐use efficiencies than diploids, both of which were more pronounced under nutrient‐limiting conditions.

Conclusions

N and P material costs increase with ploidy level, but material‐cost constraints might be lessened by resource allocation/investment mechanisms that can also alter ecological dynamics and selection. Our results enhance mechanistic understanding of how global increases in nutrients might provide a release from material‐cost constraints in polyploids that could impact ploidy (or genome‐size)‐specific performances, cytogeographic patterning, and multispecies community structuring.
Herbarium specimens reveal century‐long trait shifts in poison ivy due to anthropogenic CO2 emissions
Authors: Ng Molly , McCormick Alyssa , Utz Ryan M. , Heberling J. Mason
Published: August 2023

Premise

Previous experimental studies have shown that poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans; Anacardicaceae) responds to elevated CO2 with increased leaf production, water‐use efficiency, and toxicity (allergenic urushiol). However, long‐term field data suggest no increase in poison ivy abundance over time. Using herbarium specimens, we examined whether poison ivy and other species shifted leaf traits under natural conditions with increasing atmospheric CO2 (pCO2) over the past century.

Methods

We measured stomatal density, leaf area, leaf N, leaf C:N, leaf carbon isotope discrimination (Δleaf), and intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE) from 327 specimens collected from 1838 to 2020 across Pennsylvania. We compared poison ivy's responses to two evolutionarily related tree species, Toxicodendron vernix and Rhus typhina (Anacardiacae) and one ecological analog, Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Vitaceae), a common co‐occurring liana.

Results

Stomatal density significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in poison ivy and the ecologically similar liana P. quinquefolia over the past century, but did not change in the related trees T. vernix and R. typhina. None of these species showed significant trends in changes in leaf N or C:N. Surprisingly, in poison ivy, but not the other species, Δleaf increased with increased pCO2, corresponding to significant declines in iWUE over time.

Conclusions

In contrast to the results of short‐term experimental studies, iWUE decreased in poison ivy over the last century. Trait responses to pCO2 varied by species. Herbarium specimens suggest that realized long‐term plant physiological responses to increased CO2 may not be reflected in short‐term experimental growth studies, highlighting the value of collections.
High Valence State Sites as Favorable Reductive Centers for High‐Current‐Density Water Splitting
Authors: Li Shuo , Liu Yunxia , Feng Kun , Li Chengyu , Xu Jiabin , Lu Cheng , Lin Haiping , Feng Yong , Ma Ding , Zhong Jun
Published: August 2023

Electrochemical water splitting is a promising approach for producing sustainable and clean hydrogen. Typically, high valence state sites are favorable for oxidation evolution reaction (OER), while low valence states can facilitate hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, here we proposed a high valence state of Co3+ in Ni9.5Co0.5−S−FeOx hybrid as the favorable center for efficient and stable HER, while structural analogues with low chemical states showed much worse performance. As a result, the Ni9.5Co0.5−S−FeOx catalyst could drive alkaline HER with an ultra‐low overpotential of 22 mV for 10 mA cm−2, and 175 mV for 1000 mA cm−2 at the industrial temperature of 60 °C, with an excellent stability over 300 h. Moreover, this material could work for both OER and HER, with a low cell voltage being 1.730 V to achieve 1000 mA cm−2 for overall water splitting at 60 °C. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) clearly identified the high valence Co3+ sites, while in situ XAS during HER and theoretical calculations revealed the favorable electron capture at Co3+ and suitable H adsorption/desorption energy around Co3+, which could accelerate the HER. The understanding of high valence states to drive reductive reactions may pave the way for the rational design of energy‐related catalysts.
Turning on Asymmetric Catalysis of Achiral Metal‐Organic Frameworks by Imparting Chiral Microenvironment
Authors: Yang Ge , Shi Wenwen , Qian Yunyang , Zheng Xiao , Meng Zheng , Jiang Hai‐Long
Published: August 2023

The development of heterogeneous asymmetric catalysts has attracted increasing interest in synthetic chemistry but mostly relies on the immobilization of homogeneous chiral catalysts. Herein, a series of chiral metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been fabricated by anchoring similar chiral hydroxylated molecules (catalytically inactive) with different lengths onto Zr‐oxo clusters in achiral PCN‐222(Cu). The resulting chiral MOFs exhibit regulated enantioselectivity up to 83 % ee in the asymmetric ring‐opening of cyclohexene oxide. The chiral molecules furnished onto the catalytic Lewis sites in the MOF create multilevel microenvironment, including the hydrogen interaction between the substrate and the chiral −OH group, the steric hindrance endowed by the benzene ring on the chiral molecules, and the proximity between the catalytic sites and chiral molecules confined in the MOF pores, which play crucial roles and synergistically promote chiral catalysis. This work nicely achieves heterogeneous enantioselective catalysis by chiral microenvironment modulation around Lewis acid sites.
Application of Nanozymes in Biomedical Imaging
Authors: Yuan Guotao , Mai Yiyin , Chen Jieyao , Nie Yichu , Wang Chong , Liu Qinghua , Tian Xin , Pan Yue
Published: August 2023

Nanozymes are a type of artificial enzyme that possess both the unique properties and catalytic activities of nanomaterials. With the rapid development of nanotechnology and biomedicine, nanozymes provide potential opportunities for biomedical applications. In particular, nanozymes, combined with their unique physicochemical performance and enzymatic activity, have been extensively used for in vitro sensing and in vivo imaging. In this review, we systematically summarized the progress of nanozymes and their applications in in vivo imaging and finally proposed the challenges and prospects in the development of nanozymes in biomedical imaging.
Synergistic flame‐retardancy of lamellar cerium phenylphosphonate and aluminum diethylphosphinate towards suppressing “candlewick effect” of polyamide 6/carbon fiber composites
Authors: Chai Juan , Feng Wei , Yan Hongqiang , Xia Yan , Yang Yong , Wang Bingtao , Li Juan , Fang Zhengping , Guo Zhenghong
Published: August 2023

In order to improve the flame retardancy of carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6/CF) composites and eliminate the “candlewick effect” caused by CFs, a lamellar cerium phenylphosphonate (CeHPP) was synthetized through reflux method and combined with aluminum diethylphosphinate (ADP) to prepare flame retardant carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6/CF) composites. Transmission electron micrographs (TEM) showed that both CeHPPs and ADPs dispersed homogenously in PA6 matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that CeHPPs had excellent thermal stability and abundant char residues. Compared to PA6/CF, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of PA6/CF‐10ADP increased from 27.5% to 36.4%, with no melt droplets during burning. After replacing 2 wt% ADPs to CeHPPs, PA6/CF‐8ADP‐2CeHPP reached to UL‐94 V‐0 rating with a LOI of 35.6% and the total heat release (THR) decreased by 37.2% in cone calorimeter test. CeHPPs had good synergistic effect with ADPs, and CeHPPs could form a continuous and compact char layer in PA6/CF composites to block the combustible gas spillage and heat transfer along the CFs, thus significantly attenuating the “candlewick effect” and improving the flame retardancy of PA6/CF composites.
Ultrasonographic visualization of anatomical variations of the supraclavicular nerves
Authors: Bridgwater Hannah , Hector Lauren R. , Xiang Peter , Sardesai Neil , Brassett Cecilia , Sardesai Anand
Published: August 2023

Typical anatomy of the supraclavicular nerve (SCN) is described as originating from the cervical plexus and dividing into medial, intermediate, and lateral branches. The SCN is vulnerable to injury during clavicular surgery, leading to altered sensation post‐operatively. There is also increasing interest in anesthetizing the SCN in shoulder or clavicular surgery. Utilizing a high‐frequency (20 MHz) ultrasound probe, 20 healthy volunteers were scanned, giving data for 40 SCNs. For each nerve, anatomical course and branches were graphically plotted using a custom Python 3.8.12 program and Microsoft Excel. Of 40 nerves, only 19 (47.5%) demonstrated a typical course, with the rest showing considerable variability of branching patterns. Crossing branches (CBs) were found in 24 (60%) with a total of 54. Just over half (29, 54.7%) of these crossed the clavicle lateral to its midpoint, with 32 (59.6%) CBs having a diameter of ≥25% compared to that of the SCN main trunk. The distance from the mid‐clavicular point at which the branches crossed the clavicle was recorded. This study demonstrated that over half the SCNs had atypical branching patterns with intra‐volunteer variability. Preoperative mapping may be useful in preventing injury and subsequent numbness.
The expanded mesh free gingival graft: A novel approach to increase the width of keratinized mucosa
Authors: De Greef Alexander , Carcuac Olivier , De Mars Greet , Stankov Ventseslav , Cortasse Benjamin , Giordani Gustavo , Van Dooren Eric
Published: August 2023

Background

The importance of an adequate amount of peri‐implant keratinized tissue and attached mucosa has recently been emphasized. This manuscript presents preliminary findings of a novel approach for increasing the width of keratinized mucosa (KM) around dental implants using a mesh free gingival graft (mesh‐FGG).

Methods

Two healthy adults were treated as part of this study. After implant placement, a large edentulous alveolar ridge with shallow vestibule and minimal amount of KM was treated in both subjects (one in the posterior mandible and the other in the anterior mandible) with the combination of an apically positioned flap and a mesh‐FGG. Clinical, esthetic and patient‐reported outcomes were observed at approximately 4‐month time points.

Results

All sites healed uneventfully after the treatments. In both cases, increased vestibule depth, soft‐tissue thickness, and width of peri‐implant KM were obtained. The patients did not report any accessory discomfort. Four months following the grafting procedure, good overall esthetic outcome was observed with minimal color disparity and graft demarcation.

Conclusions

Width of KM around dental implants can be increased using a mesh‐FGG. Randomized controlled clinical studies comparing mesh‐FGG to conventional FGG and other commonly applied techniques are required to assess the long‐term efficacy of this novel technique in terms of soft‐tissue thickness, width of peri‐implant KM, and patient‐reported outcomes.

Key points

Principal Findings:

Meshed‐FGG allowed an expansion of the length of the harvested graft. This results in coverage of large recipient sites, increase in height of KM and good aesthetic integration of the graft.
Incorporating chickpea flour can enhance mixing tolerance and dough strength of wheat flour
Authors: Nkurikiye Eric , Chen Gengjun , Tilley Michael , Wu Xiaorong , Zhang Guorong , Fritz Allan , Li Yonghui
Published: August 2023

Background and Objective

Dough mixing properties are crucial in determining the usability of wheat flour. Currently, many industrial sourced chemicals are used as additives to improve the mixing stability of dough. This study aims to evaluate the effect of adding chickpea flour on mixing tolerance and dough strength improvement based on 20 different wheat genotypes. The effects of different types (i.e., kabuli and desi) and amounts (1.5%, 3.75%, 7.5%, 15%, and 30%, w/w) of chickpea flours and kabuli chickpea fractions (7.5%) were further studied. Mixograph, dough strength and extensibility, and baking test of selected treatments were performed.

Findings

Incorporating chickpea flour at a level of 7.5% (w/w flour basis) or lower significantly improved (p < .05) the mixing stability and dough strength of different wheat flours. Adding the insoluble fraction of the chickpea flour resulted in better stability and dough strength compared to other fractions, while adding the soluble fraction of chickpea flour weakened the dough. At the optimum incorporation level (7.5%) or lower, the inclusion of chickpea flour did not negatively alter the physical (bread volume), texture (hardness), or taste attributes of the bread.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that adding chickpea flour can improve dough mixing properties, particularly for weak/normal wheat flour, without compromising the quality of bread. The optimal chickpea flour incorporation level in refined wheat flour is 7.5%. Chickpea flour incorporation could also assist bakers in case of overmixing the dough.

Significance and Novelty

This study portrays the use of natural ingredients to improve dough mixing properties, providing bakers and scientific community with natural alternatives to enhance wheat flour mixing properties while improving the quality and nutrition of the flour as chickpea is a protein‐rich legume.
Tailoring local structures of atomically dispersed copper sites for highly selective CO2 electroreduction
Authors: Noh Kyung‐Jong , Park Byoung Joon , Wang Ying , Choi Yejung , You Sang‐Hoon , Kim Yong‐Tae , Lee Kug‐Seung , Han Jeong Woo
Published: August 2023

Atomically‐dispersed copper sites coordinated with nitrogen‐doped carbon (Cu–N–C) can provide novel possibilities to enable highly selective and active electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions. However, the construction of optimal local electronic structures for nitrogen‐coordinated Cu sites (Cu–N4) on carbon remains challenging. Here, we synthesized the Cu–N–C catalysts with atomically‐dispersed edge‐hosted Cu–N4 sites (Cu–N4C8) located in a micropore between two graphitic sheets via a facile method to control the concentration of metal precursor. Edge‐hosted Cu–N4C8 catalysts outperformed the previously reported M–N–C catalysts for CO2‐to‐CO conversion, achieving a maximum CO Faradaic efficiency (FECO) of 96%, a CO current density of –8.97 mA cm–2 at –0.8 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), and over FECO of 90% from –0.6 to –1.0 V versus RHE. Computational studies revealed that the micropore of the graphitic layer in edge‐hosted Cu–N4C8 sites causes the d‐orbital energy level of the Cu atom to shift upward, which in return decreases the occupancy of antibonding states in the *COOH binding. This research suggests new insights into tailoring the locally coordinated structure of the electrocatalyst at the atomic scale to achieve highly selective electrocatalytic reactions.
From photographic images to hierarchical networks―Color associations of a traditional Chinese garden
Authors: Ding Meichen , Zhang Jinpeng , Shen Guoqiang , Zheng Qiyang , Yuan Hao
Published: August 2023

The complexity of the environment and the richness of landscape color make it difficult to objectively measure color in gardens. However, with the use of machine vision and image processing algorithms, it is now possible to accurately quantify the colors of the built environment through photo recognition, classification, enhancement, and segmentation. This approach can produce correlation intensity charts and hierarchical networks that illustrate theme colors and their associations. To explore this methodology, we have selected Beijing Xiangshan Temple―a traditional Chinese garden and temple with rich landscape colors―as the research object. Using a combination of machine vision image processing technology and color clustering algorithms, we aim to establish a landscape color analysis model based on the Munsell color system and color harmony theory. Ultimately, this will provide a quantifiable and objective reference basis for the design and repair of temple garden colors, with a view to achieving the inheritance and development of classical gardens.
A novel and provably secure mutual authentication protocol for cloud environment using elliptic curve cryptography and fuzzy verifier
Authors: Patel Khushboo A. , Shukla Shivangi , Patel Sankita J.
Published: August 2023

Cloud computing is an emerging paradigm that enables on‐demand data storage without considering the local infrastructure limitations of end‐users. The extensive growth in number of servers, resources, and networks intensifies security and privacy concerns in clouds. This necessitates secure mutual authentication and key agreement mechanism to verify the legitimacy of participating entities. In accordance, several authentication protocols have been designed to authenticate end‐users over insecure channels. This article presents security analysis of recent protocols that claim to render security and privacy features. We demonstrate that Kaur et al.'s protocol is vulnerable to replay attack, Dharminder et al.'s protocol is prone to user traceability and known session‐specific temporary information (KSSTI) attacks, and Bouchaala et al.'s protocol is prone to replay and KSSTI attacks. To withstand the aforementioned attacks, we propose an enhanced protocol based on fuzzy verifier and elliptic curve cryptography for clouds. Our protocol safeguards against security attacks while providing privacy functionalities. The security analysis is illustrated under real‐or‐random model, and correctness is verified under the Scyther security verification tool. Finally, comparative analysis with existing protocols shows that our protocol delivers robust security with reasonable computational and communication overheads than state‐of‐the‐art protocols.
The Effect of Mn, Al Doping on the CO2 Hydrogenation Performance of CaCO3‐Supported Fe‐Based Catalysts
Authors: Cai Zhenyu , Zhang Fenglei , Cao Xinjie , Huang Yifei , Wang Danlei , Zhang Lei , Huang Kai
Published: August 2023

With increasingly serious environmental problems caused by the greenhouse effect, it has also become essential to reduce the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. In this paper, CaCO3‐supported Fe‐based catalysts doped with Mn, Al, and K are prepared by a straightforward method and used for CO2 hydrogenation. The fresh and spent catalysts were characterized by SEM‐EDS, BET, TG, CO2‐TPD, XRD, and XPS. The experimental results show that the highest CO2 conversion rate of Fe10Mn2Al10Ca is 35.99 %, the maximum FTY value is 293.98 μmolCO2 ⋅ 
 ⋅ s−1, the maximum O/P value is 6.61, and the lowest CO selectivity is 32.21 %. At the same time, according to the characterization results, the doping of Mn and Al increased the Fe3O4/FeCx ratio. As the Fe3O4/FeCx ratio increases, the proportion of short‐chain hydrocarbons (CH4, C2–4) in the products increases, and the proportion of long‐chain hydrocarbons (C5+) decrease. Therefore, the co‐doping of Mn and Al promotes the conversion of CO and reduces its selectivity, and promotes the formation of light olefins. Finally, it is hoped that this study can provide a reference for further research on CaCO3‐supported Fe catalysts.
Impact of Mercaptopurine Metabolites on Disease Outcome in the AIEOP‐BFM ALL 2009 Protocol for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Franca Raffaella , Stocco Gabriele , Kiren Valentina , Tessitore Antimo , Fagioli Franca , Quarello Paola , Bertorello Nicoletta , Rizzari Carmelo , Colombini Antonella , Bettini Laura Rachele , Locatelli Franco , Vinti Luciana , Girardi Katia , Silvestri Daniela , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Decorti Giuliana , Rabusin Marco
Published: August 2023

In the maintenance phase of Associazione Italiana di Ematologia e Oncologia Pediatrica (AIEOP)‐ Berlin‐Frankfurt‐Muenster (BFM) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) 2009 protocol, mercaptopurine (MP) is given at the planned dose of 50 mg/m2/day; however, dose adjustments are routinely performed to target patients' white blood cells to the optimal range of 2,000–3,000 cells/μL. Pediatric patients with ALL (n = 290, age: median (1st–3rd quartile): 4.8 (3.0–8.1) years; boys: 56.9%) were enrolled mainly in 4 medium‐large Italian pediatric hospitals; 14.1% of patients relapsed after a median (1st–3rd quartile) follow‐up time of 4.43 (3.82–5.46) years from maintenance beginning. MP metabolites (thionucleotide (TGN) and methyl‐derivatives (MMPN)) were measured in the erythrocytes of 387 blood samples of 200 patients by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; (rs1800462, rs1800460, and rs1142345 in TPMT gene, rs116855232 in NUDT15, rs1127354, rs7270101, rs6051702 in ITPA, and rs2413739 in PACSIN2) were characterized by Taqman SNP genotyping assays. Cox proportional hazard models did not show an impact of TGN levels and variability on relapse. In contrast, after multivariate analysis, relapse hazard ratio (HR) increased in children with ALL of the intermediate risk arm compared with those in standard risk arm (3.44, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.31–9.05, P = 0.012), and in carriers of the PACSIN2 rs2413739 T allele compared with those with the CC genotype (heterozygotes CT: HR, 2.32, 95% CI, 0.90–5.97, P = 0.081; and homozygous TT: HR, 4.14, 95% CI, 1.54–11.11, P = 0.005). Future studies are needed to confirm the lack of impact of TGN levels and variability on relapse in the AIEOP‐BFM ALL trials, and to clarify the mechanism of PACSIN2 rs2413739 on outcome.