bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stabilizing Ag Nanoparticles Using Anatase TiO2 and Cu on Al Surface
Authors: Kaneko Masayoshi 
Published: November 2020

Chemical adsorption of anatase TiO2, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), and Cu particles (Cu Ps) on aluminum (Al) surface yielded an active surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. TiO2 is known to reduce both silver (Ag) and copper (Cu). In an oxidizing environment, Ag NPs remain unoxidized since Cu has a more negative redox potential than Ag. Ag is therefore protected by Cu from getting oxidized. Although Ag NPs exhibit better SERS activity than Au NPs, Ag is relatively easier to oxidize, limiting the development of Ag-based nanomaterials. Therefore, despite the poor SERS activity of Au nanoparticles than that of Ag nanoparticles, Au nanoparticles have been widely used. Herein, the stabilization of Ag nanoparticles by incorporating a reductive process using anatase TiO2 is reported. The fabricated substrates bearing anatase, Ag NPs, and Cu Ps were stable, as seen by Raman spectra, and remained unchanged for more than 2 months.
Changes in Some Biochemical Parameters and Body Weights of Healthy Albino Rats Following Palm-wine Administration
Authors: Haruna G. S. , Nwaikuku O. B. , James B. A. , Musa N. , Valentine R. 
Published: November 2020

Aims: To evaluate the effect of palm-wine administration on liver function, antioxidant parameters and body weights in albino rats.
Study Design: Randomized block design.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria between June and August, 2019.
Methodology: Twenty adult male albino rats were divided in to five groups of four rats each, group 1 was the control. The experimental groups were administered fresh and prolonged-fermented palm-wine thus; Group 2: 15ml/ of fresh palm wine, Group 3; 15ml/ kg of prolonged fermented palm wine, Group 4; 30ml/ kg of fresh palm wine, Group 5; 30 ml/ kg of prolonged fermented palm wine, for 28 days.
Results: AST activity decreased significantly (P<0.05) in groups 3 (9.615±0.225), 4 (9.860±0.162) and 5 (9.390±0.624) when compared to the control (10.505±0.121). ALT activity was observed to decrease significantly (P<0.05) in group 5 (7.415±0.548) when compared to control. ALP decreased significantly (P<0.05) in group 3 (7.395±0.710) when compared to control (8.250±0.577). Total Bilirubin, was significantly (P<0.05) lower in groups 3 (0.120±0.041) and 5 (0.170±0.012) compared to control (0.650±0.012). MDA decreased significantly (P< 0.05) in groups 2, 3 and 5 compared to control. SOD decreased significantly (P<0.05) in group 2 (2.735±0.110) compared to control (2.990±0.012). Groups 4 (2.700±0.046) and 5 (2.710±0.346) showed significant (P< 0.05) decrease in GPX when compared to control. GSH was significantly (P< 0.05) higher in groups 4 (5.950±0.058) and 5 (5.925±0.064) compared to control (3.110±0.035). By the third week, the mean body weights of the rats significantly (P<0.05) decreased in all the groups compared to week 2.
Conclusion: Palm-wine did not exert remarkable toxic effect on the liver biomarkers and may not have induced oxidative stress but reduced body weights of the rats in the third week of administration.
Social Media Use in Libraries and Information Services in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions
Authors: Danbaki C. A. , Mohammed G. S. , Gado D. S. M. , Ikegwuiro P. U. 
Published: November 2020

The study was carried out to review the use of social media in Nigeria libraries and information services. The review dealt extensively with the dynamics social media brought into library services in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The technological advancement of the 21st century brought by advent of social media has great impacts on library and information services in Nigeria just like any other place across the globe. There is need for the professionals in library science or services to change their service delivery to end users along the line of social media usage with emergence of social sites such as Facebook, Myspace, Flickr, YouTube, Library Thing, Ning in which information can be easily sourced from by users Libraries in Nigeria are therefore facing challenges regarding the ability to provide proactive and more value added services to meet the ever changing needs of the end users. The reviewed article therefore made an attempt to examine the present scenario in library services delivery in Nigeria tertiary institution with these new and emerging social media technologies as well as looking at challenges facing Nigerian tertiary institution libraries in the use of these social media and to identify possible solutions to these challenges. The study concluded that to some extent social media utilization has been introduced by librarians in tertiary institutions libraries in Nigeria and that usage of social media by librarians in promoting library and information resources and services cannot be overemphasized. The study also discovered that lack or inadequate finance, poor power supply, lack of training of library staff on social media usage and limited bandwidth in the institution as the major challenges facing the usage of social media in Nigerian tertiary institution libraries. The study therefore, recommends that adequate finance should be promptly provided by the parent institutions to the libraries to enhances the use of social media to promote library and information resources and services in Nigerian tertiary institution libraries.
Existence of Nonoscillation Solutions of Higher-Order Nonlinear Neutral Differential Equations
Authors: Ping Zhao Yu- , Hua Fu 
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we consider the following higher-order nonlinear neutral differential equations: dn dtn [x(t) + cx(t - τ)] + (-1)n+1[P(t)f1 (x(t - σ)) - Q(t)f2 (x(t - δ))] = 0; t ≥ t0 where τ; σ; δ ∈ R+, c ∈ R; c ̸= ±1, and P(t); Q(t) ∈ C([t0; ∞); R+), fi(u) ∈ C(R; R), ufi(u) > 0. we obtain the results which are some sufficient conditions for existence of nonoscillation solutions, special case of the equation has also been studied.
Identification of Economically Viable Cropping Systems for Vertisols of Northern Telangana Zone
Authors: Shahana Firdoz , Goverdhan M. , Sridevi S. , Joseph B. 
Published: November 2020

A field experiment was conducted during 2016-17 at AICRP on Integrated Farming Systems, Regional Sugarcane and Rice Research Station, Rudrur to diversify existing rice-rice cropping system with less water requiring crops under irrigated dry conditions for vertisols of Northern Telangana Zone. The experiment was laid out with twelve cropping systems as treatments in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The twelve combinations of cropping systems tested during kharif and rabi seasons were rice – rice (check), maize + soybean (2:4) – tomato, maize + soybean (2:4) - rice, maize - sunflower + chickpea (2:4), maize - chickpea, Bt cotton + soybean (1:2) on broadbed – sesame + groundnut (2:4), Bt cotton - sesame + blackgram (2:4), soybean – wheat, soybean – sunflower + chickpea (2:4), turmeric – sesame, turmeric + soybean (1:2) on flat bed – bajra and turmeric + soybean (1:2) on broadbed – sesame + blackgram (2:4).
On system basis, significantly higher productivity in terms of rice equivalent yield (REY) of 23830 kg ha-1 was recorded with turmeric+soybean (1:2) BBF– sesame+blackgram (2:4) turmeric – sesame cropping sequence. However it was on par with turmeric – sesame and turmeric + soybean (1:2) on flat bed – bajra crop sequence with productivity of 23332 kg ha-1 and 21389 kg ha-1 respectively. Lower productivity was recorded with rice-rice cropping system (10725 kg ha-1). Significantly higher system net returns were recorded with Bt. cotton – sesame + black gram (2:4) on BBF (Rs222838 ha-1) closely followed by Bt Cotton + Soybean (1:2) (BBF) - Sesamum + Groundnut (2:4) (Rs221160 ha-1) and Maize+soybean (2:4)–tomato (Rs212909 ha-1). Lower system net returns were recorded in conventional rice-rice system (Rs88179 ha-1). Bt. cotton – sesame + black gram (2:4) and Bt Cotton + Soybean (1:2) (BBF)- Sesamum + Groundnut ((2:4) and Maize+soybean (2:4)–tomato were economically superior with REE of 152.71%, 150.81% and 141.45%. Rice- Rice cropping adopted by majority of farmers is less productive and economically inferior indicating wider scope of diversifying existing rice- rice cropping system with high productive, economically viable cropping systems in vertisols of Northern Telangana Zone.
Occupational Health and Safety Management in Selected Stone Quarries in Akamkpa, Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Ekong Akaninyene Edet , Ezeokoro Chikere , Nwaichi Eucharia Oluchi , Obele Realman Evans 
Published: November 2020

This research aims to study the management of and implementation of occupational health and safety issues associated with stone quarry work in selected quarries in Akamkpa, Cross River State Nigeria. The research objectives include to determine the types of quarrying activities carried out; to assess the occupational health and safety hazards associated with stone-quarry work; to evaluate the awareness of Quarry workers on potential health and safety hazards associated with their work; establish the level of compliance to the use of Personal Protective Equipment by the workers, and to verify the type of health care provision available to the workers. With a target population of four hundred and thirty-five (435) staff of twelve (12) quarries, A sample of two hundred and five (205) respondents was drawn from the target population through simple random sampling procedure. Questionnaires were the major instrument used for data collection and designed in a 4-point modified Likert scale based on the objectives of the study and validated to be in conformance with ISO 45001:2018 checklist. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings were that 61.7% of respondents are aware that quarry work is highly hazardous, 84.6% do not make use of Personal Protective Equipment. 93.5% inhale particulate materials, 60% have trouble in breathing, 63% experience back and waist pain, 67.2% experience catarrh and 66.7% experience cough at work. 91.5% of workers responded that there were no emergency provisions at site while 96.5% respondents do not have any health insurance, a large percent (85.1%) self-medicates. The totality of evidence from this research supports the conclusions that stone-quarry workers are highly exposed to health and safety hazards, they have no PPE or access to medical care. It is recommended that the Federal and State Government should establish laws and establish an agency to regulate, enforce and monitor compliance to health and safety in Quarries.
C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio Versus Coronary Artery Ectasia as Predictors of No-reflow After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Patients Presenting with ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Shousha Mohamed , Elbarbary Yasser , Khalfallah Mohamed , Eldin Samia Sharaf 
Published: November 2020

Aims: to assess and compare the significance of C-reactive protein Albumin ratio (CAR) versus coronary artery ectasia (CAE) as predictors of no-reflow phenomenon.
Methods: This study was conducted on 90 ST segment elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) within 24 hours of presentation at cardiovascular medicine department Tanta university hospitals in Gharbia Governorate, Egypt. This is a prospective study and data collection was done within 12 months started from June 2018. Patients were divided into two groups according to the post primary PCI thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow score. Group I (Case group), patients with no-reflow phenomenon TIMI 0-1 flow post primary PCI. Group II (Control group) with TIMI flow ≥ 2 after primary PCI. They were subjected to full clinical examination, laboratory investigation including CRP and serum albumin, 12 leads surface ECG, echocardiography and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Results: There was significant statistical difference between both groups as regard age <) 60 years, 96.7% vs 20%, P < 0.001), gender (male, 93.3% vs 63.3%, P = 0.002), ischemia time ) < 6 hours, 100% vs 33.3%, P > 0.001), CRP level (64 ± 32.6 mg/L vs 26.27 ± 21.5 mg/L, P > 0.001), serum albumin (3.22 ± 0.23 g/dL vs 3.55 ± 0.20 g/dL, P > 0.001), CRP albumin ratio (CAR) (0.0204 ± 0.011 vs 0.0076 ± 0.0064, P > 0.001), coronary artery ectasia (30% vs 6.7%, P = 0.003), thrombus grade score )≥ 4, 100% vs 10%, P > 0.001). However, there was no significant statistical difference between both groups as regard smoking, dyslipidemia and revascularization method.
Conclusion: Compared to CAE, CAR is more significant and more reliable to predict no reflow in acute STEMI patients managed by primary PCI within 24 hours of presentation.
Spatial Analysis of the Mode of Management and Conflicts of Use of Water Resources in the Watershed of the Lobo River in Nibehibe (Central-Western Côte d'Ivoire)
Authors: Fabrice Toure Fanraban , Brice Konan-Waidhet Arthur , Ali Diarra , Berthe Yao Affoue , Jacques Koua Tano Jean , Mahamadou Koita 
Published: November 2020

Water is an indispensable resource for all activities developed by man. Water resources are indispensable for the survival of the populations of the Lobo watershed in Nibéhibé. They offer many multidimensional services. Around these important resources, social actors have different ways of perceiving them. This is why their management comes up against a difference in logic and action on the part of the different stakeholders. Thus, it must be noted that there is a crystallization of social relations between the different groups of actors involved and this is based on conflicts of use and the intensity of water scarcity. The objective of this study is to show the relationship between management mode and conflicts of use of water resources in the Lobo watershed in Nibéhibé. To achieve this objective, the methodology was based on the triptych documentary research, interview and questionnaire survey. The documentary research consisted in defining the contours of the subject in order to better understand it. Then, the interviews carried out with the actors of the water sector in the Lobo basin made it possible to collect information on the perception and the mode of management of the water resources in the basin. Finally, using the simple random selection method without discount and the use of a statistical equation, a sample of 384 households spread over the entire catchment area served as the basis for our surveys. Population surveys, combined with spatially referenced data under a GIS, have made it possible to map the spatial distribution of water supply sites on the one hand, and the spatial distribution of water-related conflict types on the other. The results show that the population has a wide variety of water supply sources. Moreover, the current management mode is either liberal (or private) or participatory (or community-based) depending on the type of water resource (surface or groundwater) and on the perception of the actors with regard to water. Thus, the different uses generate conflicts that are perceived between cultural actors (indigenous) and economic actors such as SODECI (Water Distribution Company in Côte d'Ivoire) and fishermen (non-indigenous). There are also conflicts between women, which can be summarized as disputes over water points and distrust between different communities. An integrated management of water resources in this watershed would therefore be beneficial to all stakeholders.
Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract Extends Lifespan and Ameliorate HAART Drug-Induced Locomotor, Reproductive, and Antioxidant Deficits in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Iorjiim Walter Mdekera , Omale Simeon , Bagu Great David , Gyang Steven Samuel , Alemika Emmanuel Taiwo 
Published: November 2020

Aim: To evaluate the longevity and ameliorative activities of Moringa oleifera leaf (MOL) extract against some HAART drug-induced toxicities in Drosophila melanogaster.
Materials and Methods: The research was conducted at the Drosophila laboratory, Africa Centre of Excellence in phytomedicine Research and Development (ACEPRD), University of Jos-Nigeria, between August 2019 - March 2020. D. melanogaster (1-3 day) were first exposed for life to different concentrations of MOL (50 – 500 mg) or 25 mM Ascorbic acid or 1000 µL distilled water to determine longevity. Secondly, flies were fed on 46.56 mg of HAART drugs (Efavirenz-based or Dolutegravir-based) alone or supplemented with MOL 250 mg or 500 mg per 10 g fly food in five replicates for seven days. Afterward, longevity, fecundity, and negative geotaxis were evaluated. Also, activities of Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, as well as Malondialdehyde content as biomarkers of oxidative stress were evaluated using whole fly homogenate. Statistical significance was taken at P<0.05 or (P<0.006) (Bonferroni adjusted P-value for multiple curve comparisons.
Results: The MOL extract significantly (P<0.001) increased fly longevity compared to control groups. Similarly, supplementation with 500 mg MOL extracts significantly (P<0.05) ameliorate HAART drug-induced deficits in climbing ability, fecundity, SOD, and CAT activities as well as MDA content compared to groups exposed to HAART drugs alone respectively.
Conclusion: The results suggest that M. oleifera leaf extract extends lifespan and ameliorate HAART drug-induced toxicities via its antioxidant activities. This was supported by improved locomotor and reproductive decline, and restoration of the deficits in the biomarkers of oxidative stress (SOD, CAT, and MDA) in D. melanogaster.
Hybrid Spintronic Materials from Conducting Polymers with Molecular Quantum Bits
Authors: Kern Michal , Tesi Lorenzo , Neusser David , Rußegger Nadine , Winkler Mario , Allgaier Alexander , Gross Yannic M. , Bechler Stefan , Funk Hannes S. , Chang Li‐Te , Schulze Jörg , Ludwigs Sabine , van Slageren Joris 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHybrid materials consisting of organic semiconductors and molecular quantum bits promise to provide a novel platform for quantum spintronic applications. However, investigations of such materials, elucidating both the electrical and quantum dynamical properties of the same material have never been reported. Here the preparation of hybrid materials consisting of conducting polymers and molecular quantum bits is reported. Organic field‐effect transistor measurements demonstrate that the favorable electrical properties are preserved in the presence of the qubits. Chemical doping introduces charge carriers into the material, and variable‐temperature charge transport measurements reveal the existence of mobile charge carriers at temperatures as low as 15 K. Importantly, quantum coherence of the qubit is shown to be preserved up to temperatures of at least 30 K, that is, in the presence of mobile charge carriers. These results pave the way for employing such hybrid materials in novel molecular quantum spintronic architectures.
Black Phosphorus@Laser‐Engraved Graphene Heterostructure‐Based Temperature–Strain Hybridized Sensor for Electronic‐Skin Applications
Authors: Chhetry Ashok , Sharma Sudeep , Barman Sharat Chandra , Yoon Hyosang , Ko Seokgyu , Park Chani , Yoon Sanghyuk , Kim Hyunsik , Park Jae Yeong 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSmart electronic skin (e‐skin) requires the easy incorporation of multifunctional sensors capable of mimicking skin‐like perception in response to external stimuli. However, efficient and reliable measurement of multiple parameters in a single functional device is limited by the sensor layout and choice of functional materials. The outstanding electrical properties of black phosphorus and laser‐engraved graphene (BP@LEG) demonstrates a new paradigm for a highly sensitive dual‐modal temperature and strain sensor platform to modulate e‐skin sensing functionality. Moreover, the unique hybridized sensor design enables efficient and accurate determination of each parameter without interfering with each other. The cationic polymer passivated BP@LEG composite material on polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene‐ran‐butylene)‐block‐polystyrene (SEBS) substrate outperforms as a positive temperature coefficient material, exhibiting a high thermal index of 8106 K (25–50 °C) with high strain sensitivity (i.e., gauge factor, GF) of up to 2765 (>19.2%), ultralow strain resolution of 0.023%, and longer durability (>18 400 cycles), satisfying the e‐skin requirements. Looking forward, this technique provides unique opportunities for broader applications, such as e‐skin, robotic appendages, and health monitoring technologies.
Hierarchical Surface Patterns via Global Wrinkling on Curved Substrate for Fluid Drag Control
Authors: Lin Gaojian , Li Jiaqi , Xu Zhao , Ge Dengteng , Sun Weifu , Chen Pengwan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this paper, the results of an investigation on the global wrinkling of stiff coatings resting on curved compliant substrates are presented. It is found that the overall stiffness of the corrugated coatings can dominate the deformation mode and induce the global wrinkling when the coating thickness exceeds certain critical value. It is demonstrated that hierarchical wrinkling patterns with small wrinkles superposing on large wrinkles, either parallel or perpendicularly, can be generated via the global wrinkling processes. Through a combination of theoretical model, experimental studies, and numerical simulations, the formation mechanism and controlling parameters of the hierarchical wrinkling patterns are systematically investigated. The quantitative expression of the critical loading strain, critical wavelength, and critical coating thickness of the global wrinkling as a function of the initial substrate curvatures and loading conditions are revealed. Inspired by the resemblance between the hierarchical surface patterns and the surface riblets on sharks and dolphins, the potential application of utilizing the hierarchical wrinkling patterns to reduce fluid drag through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies is further investigated. Reduced drag resistance is observed on the hierarchical wrinkled surface with small wrinkles and large wrinkles perpendicular to each other.
Stabilization of Metal Single Atoms on Carbon and TiO2 Supports for CO2 Hydrogenation: The Importance of Regulating Charge Transfer
Authors: Rivera‐Cárcamo Camila , Scarfiello Canio , García Ana B. , Tison Yann , Martinez Hervé , Baaziz Walid , Ersen Ovidiu , Le Berre Carole , Serp Philippe 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSupported single atoms constitute excellent models for understanding heterogenous catalysis and have achieved breakthroughs during the past years. How to prevent the aggregation and modulate activity of these species via metal‐support interaction should be considered for practical applications. This work presents simple methods involving the creation of carbon‐ (on carbon nanotube (CNT)) or oxygen‐vacancies (on TiO2) to stabilize nickel and ruthenium single atoms. The defective supports and the resulting catalysts are characterized by a large variety of techniques. These analyses show that this strategy is efficient for the preparation of ultra‐dispersed catalysts. Comparison of the catalytic performances of these catalysts for the CO2 hydrogenation reaction is also reported. Catalysts supported on TiO2 are more active and sometimes more stable than those deposited on CNT. Nickel catalysts are very selective for the production of CO, and ruthenium catalysts are more selective for the production of methane. Most importantly, it is shown that, in the case of Ru, a direct correlation exists between the electronic density on the metal and the selectivity; electron‐rich species produce selectively methane, while electron‐deficient species orientate the selectivity toward CO. This work may figure a new way for the synthesis of ultra‐dispersed catalysts for various applications.