bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Fuel Properties of Cottonseed Oil Biodiesel on the Performance of Diesel Engine
Authors: Alhassan Aliyu G , Aliyu Abubakar B 
Published: June 2020

This paper presents a study on the effect of fuel properties of cottonseed oil biodiesel on the performance of a diesel engine. The fuel properties of a biodiesel determine its effect on the performance of a diesel engine and perhaps, the degree at which it could be considered as a good alternative to the conventional diesel (petro-diesel). In this study, three biodiesel samples were produced from cottonseed oil via transesterification process using three different catalysts (NaOH, CaO, and Nano-CaO), i. e. using single catalyst per sample. The biodiesel samples (denoted by B-NaOH, B-CaO and B-Nano-CaO) were characterized and found to have some differences in their fuel properties. The biodiesel samples (100%) and petro-diesel (for comparison) were tested on a single cylinder Viking Super 165F diesel engine to determine the effects of their properties on performance of the engine. The test results showed that the biodiesel samples gave higher brake thermal efficiencies and higher brake specific fuel consumption compared to petro-diesel at virtually all loads. The results also indicate that B-NaOH biodiesel sample has the highest brake thermal efficiency and lowest brake specific fuel consumption among the biodiesel samples tested. Keywords—Biodiesel, Catalysts, Cottonseed oil, Diesel Engine, Fuel properties, Transesterification.
Impact of the Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage Technology on the Income of Cowpea Farmers in North Central Nigeria
Authors: Bolaji Michael A , Sanni Shukurat A , Damisa Mayaki A , Oladimeji Yusuf U , Kehinde Emmanuel A 
Published: June 2020

The objective of the study was to determine the potential impact of Purdue improved cowpea storage (PICS) technology on the income of users in north central states of Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure involved selection of 3 Local Government Areas (LGAs) each from 18 senatorial districts of six states, 108 villages. Thereafter 2,220 cowpea PICs stakeholders comprising 1,240 farmers and 960 traders were randomly selected by balloting technique. The study used primary data and structured questionnaire to interview users and non-users of PICS bag. Descriptive statistics, double difference estimator, propensity score matching (PSM) and logic model were used to analyze the data. The result showed a positive mean difference of ₦1,205.12 per 50 kg bag (p<0.01) in income between users and non-users before and after adoption of PICS technology. The result of logit model revealed that variables age, education status, employment status, income and quantity of cowpea used in the analysis were significant at different level of probability. The PSM adjusted with constant coefficient value of 1.000 was statistically significant at 1% level. Thus, the PICS technology was a better strategy adopted by farmers/traders to increase their income and improve their standard of living. Since majority of farmers and traders are young and educated, trainings, workshops and sensitization should be encouraged. This can be effectively done through Agricultural Development Programmes (ADP), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and attending farmer’s stakeholders meeting for sensitization. Keywords — Cowpea, impact, Propensity Score Matching (PSM), Purdue.
Assessment of Rock Aggregate for Construction Using Comminution Theory
Authors: Adigun Oluwole D , Adebayo Babatunde , Amu Olugbenga 
Published: June 2020

In this research, grinding energy of selected rock samples collected from South West Nigeria was determined using comminution theory in order to evaluate suitability of rock for aggregate production. Bond Work Index (BWi), Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) and Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV) of samples was characterized and correlated. The work index of the charnockitic rock, granite gneiss, porphyritic granite –labelled PG1 and porphyritic granite –labelled PG2 of samples was found to be 17.12 kWh/t, 13.72 kWh/t, 13.64 kWh/t and 12.76 kWh/t respectively. The ACV of the charnockitic rock, granite gneiss, porphyritic granite (PG1) and porphyritic granite (PG2) was determined to be 26.2 %, 27.3 %, 27.6 % and 27.8 % respectively; while the AIV of the samples, in same order, was 11.2 %, 13.2 %, 19.1 % and 18.4 % respectively. Following high correlation coefficient of 0.98% between BWi and ACV, hardness of rock materials are classified as ‘very difficult’, ‘difficult’, ‘medium’, ‘easy’ and ‘very easy’ for grinding energies in the range of >18 kWh/t, 14-18 kWh/t, 10-14 kWh/t, 7-10 kWh/t and 0-7 kWh/t respectively. Based on the classification, rock materials with grinding energy >10 kWh/t could be suitable for aggregate production and usable for civil construction purposes.Keywords- Aggregate, Aggregate impact value, Aggregate crushing value, Comminution, Grinding energy.
Microstructure and Mechanical Characterization of Austempered AISI 1018 Steel
Authors: Bodude Muideen , Adigun Oluwole D , Ibrahim Ahmed 
Published: June 2020

AISI 1018 mild steels are widely used for engineering applications in machine components and for structural purposes. These materials suffer mechanical damages especially when used under critical conditions of extreme load. In this study, the effect of austempering heat-treatment on the hardness, tensile strength, impact energy and the microstructure of AISI 1018 steels were evaluated. The steel specimens were subjected to austempering heat-treatment by austenitizing at a temperature of 830°C, maintained at this temperature for a period of 1 hour 30 minutes, before rapidly cooled down in a NaNO3 salt bath maintained at 300°C for isothermal transformation for a further 50 minutes before finally cooled down to room temperature. Microstructural analysis using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) shows transformation from ferrite/pearlite to bainite microstructure. The tensile strengths of the specimen increased from 400 MPa to 500 Mpa; hardness increased from an average value of 140Rc to 162Rc; while impact energy increased from 15.6 Joule to 30.6 Joule by the austempering heat-treatment. Keywords—Austempering, hardness, tensile strength, impact energy, microstructure
Studies on the Physicochemical and Physico-Mechanical Properties of Activated Palm Kernel Shell blended with Carbon Black filled NR Vulcanizates
Authors: Malomo Dosu , Olasupo Abdulhakeem D , Adesigbin Abayomi M , Egharevba Owen , Adewuyi Sulaiman O , Odubunmi Joy O , Idemmudia Lawrence 
Published: June 2020

Palm kernel shell was activated using chemical activation of H3PO4 and KOH. Various amounts of activated palm kernel shell (APKS) couple with carbon black (CB) and other conventional ingredients were used to produce natural rubber vulcanizates (NR vulcanizates). The NR vulcanizates were compounded on a two-row mill and tested for its physico-mechanical properties. The results for characterization of physicochemical properties carried out on APKS were ash content (2.06%), moisture content (8.06%), %carbon (54.41%), particle size (4.00, 3.35, 2.00, 1.18mm), bulk density (0.62g/ml) and pH (5.3).The results show significant values for all, the moisture and ash content were within the recommended standard of ASTM (3-10max) and (< or =8) respectively. The filler loading concentrations CB/APKS were labeled as mixes 1 to 7. The composition of CB/APKS filler loading ratios were 30:0, 25:5, 20:10, 15:15, 10:20, 5:25, and 0:30 samples 1,2,3,4,5,6 and 7 respectively. Results obtained showed that CB/APKS filled vulcanizates exhibited improvement in the physico-mechanical properties investigated. The results obtained for CB/APKS across the samples filler loading shows that CB composition possess higher UTS, EB and rubber fatigue test while APKS filler loading composition exhibited higher hardness and young modulus. Abrasion resistance was excellent for both CB and APKS filler loading composition.Keywords: Activated Palm Kernel Shell, filler, carbon black, Chemical Activation, Natural Rubber.
Inbreeding depression in one of the last DFTD-free wild populations of Tasmanian devils
Authors: Gooley Rebecca M. , Hogg Carolyn J. , Fox Samantha , Pemberton David , Belov Katherine , Grueber Catherine E. 
Published: June 2020

Background
Vulnerable species experiencing inbreeding depression are prone to localised extinctions because of their reduced fitness. For Tasmanian devils, the rapid spread of devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) has led to population declines and fragmentation across the species’ range. Here we show that one of the few remaining DFTD-free populations of Tasmanian devils is experiencing inbreeding depression. Moreover, this population has experienced a significant reduction in reproductive success over recent years.

Methods
We used 32 microsatellite loci to examine changes in genetic diversity and inbreeding in the wild population at Woolnorth, alongside field data on breeding success from females to test for inbreeding depression.

Results
Wefound that maternal internal relatedness has a negative impact on litter sizes. The results of this study imply that this population may be entering an extinction vortex and that to protect the population genetic rescue should be considered. This study provides conservation managers with useful information for managing wild devils and provides support for the “Wild Devil Recovery Program”, which is currently augmenting small, isolated populations.
Smoking cessation interventions on health-care workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: La Torre Giuseppe , Tiberio Generosa , Sindoni Alessandro , Dorelli Barbara , Cammalleri Vittoria 
Published: June 2020

Objective
The authors carried out a systematic review and a meta-analysis on smoking cessation interventions on health -care workers to clarify the state of the art interventions and to identify the best one.

Materials and Methods
This review was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42019130117. The databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL were searched until December 2018. Quality of all studies included in the systematic review was assessed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) on cohort or cross-sectional studies and to the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Controlled Trials. Meta-analysis and meta-regression analyses were also carried out for cohort studies (quasi-experimental or a before-after studies design) and clinical trials.

Results
Twenty–four studies have been included in the analysis: four before-after, 13 cross-sectional, three quasi-experimental studies and four clinical trials. Articles were heterogeneous (P for homogeneity <0.01), but they have all shown positive results since they reached the goal of smoking cessation among health-care workers, even if with different proportions. Meta-analysis was performed on 10 studies (six cohort studies and four clinical trials), showing a 21% of success rate from the application of smoking cessation interventions, either pharmacological or behavioral ones. The resulted pooled RR (Risk Ratio) was 1.21 (95% CI [1.06–1.38]), being 24% of success rate from clinical trials (pooled RR 1.244; 95% CI [1.099–1.407]) and 19% of success rate from cohort studies (pooled RR 1.192; 0.996–1.426). However, two studies have confidence intervals which include unity and one study has a wide confidence interval; as a consequence, the meta-analysis for its results depends heavily on one single study. Meta-regression analysis revealed that results were influenced by the number of participants.

Conclusion
Both policy and pharmaceutical interventions can obtain positive results in quitting smoking among health-care workers. However, as shown by our review, combination approaches can produce better results in terms of cessation percentages and smoking abstinence.
Chiropractic and osteopathic students' perceptions of readiness for transition to practice:The educational value of university clinic vs community and private clinics*
Authors: Haworth Navine G. , Horstmanshof Louise , Moore Keri M. 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveThe objective was to determine final-year students' self-perceptions of readiness for transition to practice, professional identity, and experiences of interprofessional clinical practice. Findings will inform the clinical education curriculum.MethodsWe used repeated measures individual case studies with a self-selecting sample from the total final-year student population at 2 chiropractic and 2 osteopathic programs offered by Australian universities. Cases were not compared. Amalgamated data are presented.ResultsThere were interviews with students in 2 chiropractic programs (n = 15) and 2 osteopathic programs (n = 13). Perceptions indicate that clinical education in university health clinics prepares them for transition to practice through scaffolded supervision of their consultations with reasonably healthy patients. Students perceived that other clinics (community clinics or private practices) prepared their readiness for transition to practice substantially better. Community clinics and private practices allowed students to consult people from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds and treat complex health care issues, and the model of supervision allows students a degree of autonomy. Students lacked a clear understanding of the behaviors that demonstrate their professionalism. Interprofessional learning activities were ad hoc and opportunistic.ConclusionUniversity health clinics, private practices, and community clinics prepare students for transition to practice in different ways. Most students feel prepared. There is a clear indication that a focused discussion related to the development of students' understanding of competencies related to professionalism and another related to interprofessional clinical education in curriculum are needed.
Transvaginal sonography and progesterone challenge for identifying endometrial pathology in postmenopausal women
Authors: Malinova M. , Pehlivanov B. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the usefulness of transvaginal sonographic (TVS) measurement of endometrial thickness combined with a progesterone challenge test (PCT) for identifying endometrial pathology in postmenopausal women. Methods: Two hundred eighty‐four postmenopausal women were examined by TVS: 130 asymptomatic women (group A) and 154 with uterine bleeding (group B). Endometrial thickness >5 mm was considered pathological. All women with abnormal endometrium from group A underwent PCT. All women from group B underwent D&C. Results: Thirty women with a positive PCT underwent D&C. There was no endometrial cancer. One hundred seven patients from group B had abnormal sonographic and histologic findings: benign (hyperplasia, polyp) or malign (endometrial cancer). There was no cancer in cases with endometrial thickness ≤ 6 mm. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of TVS for detecting endometrial pathology were 99%, 89% and 96% if the cut‐off limit of 5 mm was used. Conclusion: TVS combined with PCT is a simple, well‐tolerated, safe and reliable method for identifying endometrial pathology in postmenopausal women.
THE EFFECTS OF EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX AND OSTEOGENIC PROTEIN‐1 ON THE MORPHOLOGICAL DIFFERENTIATION OF RAT SYMPATHETIC NEURONS
Authors: Lein Pamela , Guo Xin , Hedges Ann Marie , Rueger David , Johnson Mary , Higgins Dennis 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThe growth patterns of axons and dendrites differ with respect to their number, length, branching, and spatial orientation; therefore, it is likely that these processes differ in their growth requirements. To examine this hypothesis, we have been analyzing the responses of cultured rat sympathetic neurons to three types of stimuli: large structural proteins of the extracellular matrix, matrix‐associated growth factors, and neurotrophins. Purified structural proteins such as laminin and collagen IV have been found to promote only axonal growth; whereas the matrix associated growth factor, osteogenic protein‐1, selectively stimulates dendritic growth. In contrast, nerve growth factor modulates the growth of both types of processes. These data suggest that process‐specific interactions with the extracellular environment may be critical determinants of cell shape in neurons. Perinatal rat sympathetic neurons grown in culture in the absence of serum or glial cells extend a single process which is axonal in nature. Exposure to osteogenic protein‐1 causes the formation of additional processes which express the morphological, cytoskeletal, and ultrastructural characteristics of dendrites. Consistent with observations on the regulation of dendritic growth in sympathetic neurons in situ, the dendrite‐promoting activity of osteogenic protein‐1 is independent of synaptic or electrical activity, but is modulated by nerve growth factor. In the presence of optimal concentrations of osteogenic protein‐1 and nerve growth factor, the size of the dendritic arbor extended by cultured sympathetic neurons approximates that seen in situ at comparable developmental stages. Osteogenic protein‐1 does not promote dendritic growth in cultured neurons obtained from embryonic ciliary, dorsal root, trigeminal or nodose ganglia, suggesting that its morphogenetic effects are cell selective. Since mRNA for osteogenic protein‐1 is expressed in mature as well as embryonic target tissues of the sympathetic nervous system, we also examined the effects of osteogenic protein‐1 on cultures of sympathetic neurons derived from adult rats. Consistent with results obtained with perinatal neurons, osteogenic protein‐1 selectively promoted dendritic growth in adult neurons. These data suggest that this matrix‐associated growth factor could play a role not only in the morphogenesis of the developing nervous system, but also in the maintenance and remodeling of dendritic structures in the mature animal.
Dysthymia in DSM-IV and ICD-10: nosology and diagnosis
Authors: López-Ibor JJ 
Published: July 2002

SummarySince the DSM-III, the category of dysthymia includes patients that were previously considered as neurotic, reactive, characterological, temperamental, minor or atypical depressives as opposed to a category of endogenous, autonomous, morbid, major or typical depressives. Despite certain confusion, the need for a nosological category is very important for patients suffering from years of depressive mood, with a significant impact on their life-styles and adaptation, as they can benefit enormously from modern antidepressant treatments. DSM-IV and ICD-10 describe dysthymia in a very similar way although there are significant differences. The differences are the consequence of the lack of sufficient scientific data in some points and the need to take a decision, but also to indicate areas for future research. Other differences are the consequence of major discrepancies in basic perspectives of the classifications (ie, the importance given to disablement for the diagnosis). The similarities between both classifications allow the use of either of them for most purposes. Research on the different classifications should help in better defining the concept of dysthymia and mood disorders in general (ie, the cut-off points between them) and of psychiatric nosology.
Hyperinsulinemia increases the risk of gestational hypertension
Authors: Hamasaki Tetsushi , Yasuhi Ichiro , Hirai Masanao , Masuzaki Hideaki , Ishimaru Tadayuki 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To determine whether hyperinsulinemia is related to gestational hypertension. Methods: We measured the arterial blood pressure and the level of immunoreactive insulin (IRI) during a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test in a total of 84 pregnant women. Hyperinsulinemia was defined as a fasting IRI level ≥ 9 IU/1, while gestational hypertension was defined as arterial blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg. Results: The incidence of gestational hypertension was higher in the hyperinsulinemic group (n = 29) than in the control group (n = 55) (24.1% vs. 7.3%, respectively P < 0.05). After controlling for maternal age, parity, pre‐pregnancy body mass index and the gestational age at the time of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), using a multiple regression model, the relative risk of developing gestational hypertension for a fasting insulin level was 1.19 (95% C.I., 1.03–1.38). Conclusion: Pregnant women with hyperinsulinemia are at increased risk of developing gestational hypertension.
Abdominal hysterectomy practice patterns in the United States
Authors: Sills E.S. , Saini J. , Steiner C.A. , McGee M. , Gretz H.F. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To describe nationwide practice trends for two principal techniques of abdominal hysterectomy in the United States, numbers and rates of total (TAH) and supracervical (SCH) hysterectomy were reviewed with charges for each operation. Methods: Practice patterns for all inpatient TAH and SCH discharges in the US from 1991 to 1994 were studied using HCUP‐3 NIS, a nationwide hospital discharge database. Hysterectomies performed for malignant disease, vaginally or with laparoscopic assistance were not sampled. For each year studied, the number and rate of TAH and SCH, average length of stay (LOS), and mean institutional charge were evaluated. Results: From 1991 to 1994, the US TAH rate (cases/10 000 females) decreased significantly from 25.7 to 20.5 (P = 0.02). During the same interval the SCH rate increased significantly from 0.16 to 0.41 (P = 0.04). Nevertheless, TAH accounted for >99% of all abdominal hysterectomies for each of the 4 years evaluated. The mean institutional charges for the two operations generally depicted SCH to be more costly than TAH. Conclusion: The national rates of TAH and SCH rates changed significantly in the United States from 1991 to 1994, with TAH declining and SCH increasing. This mix of cases continues to reflect a strong preference for TAH. Although hospital charges for both procedures increased during this study, these data show that SCH is more expensive than TAH. The much lower utilization of SCH renders nominal its impact on national healthcare expenditures, however. Further studies are needed to assess specific causative factors for these changes in US hysterectomy technique.