bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Cannabis sativa Leaves from Nigeria on the Antioxidants Markers in Albino Wistar Rats
Authors: Umoren E. B. , Wopara I. , Adebayo O. G. , Ezike U. A. , Obembe A. O. 
Published: November 2020

Background: Cannabis sativa is an annual herbaceous plant in the Cannabis genus. The cannabis plant is widely regarded as a potent psychoactive, medicinal plant. Reportedly used for recreation and as intoxicant. The medical uses of the plant include effective control and management of chronic health problems such as HIV/AIDs, cancer, cachexia, nausea and vomiting, asthma and hypertension. C. sativa is known to possess antioxidative properties. This study therefore investigated the effects of C. sativa on antioxidant concentrations in albino Wistar rats.
Materials and Methods: Thirty (30) rats used for this study were divided into three groups of 10 rats each. Group 1 received distilled water and served as control. Group 2 received C. sativa extract (100 ml/Kg body weight) by gavage and served as low dose group. Group 3 received C. sativa (250 ml/Kg body weight) by gavage and served as high dose group once daily for 28 days.
Results: Catalase (CAT) concentration was significantly lower (P<0.05) in the low dose group as compared with control. In the high dose group, CAT concentration was significantly lower (P<0.05) when compared with the low and control groups respectively. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the low dose group as compared with their respective control. GPx and SOD concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the high dose groups as compared to low dose and control groups respectively.
Conclusion: CAT concentration decreased dose-dependently, while GPx and SOD concentrations increased dose-dependently among treated groups. Treatment with C. sativa revealed a paradoxical effect on CAT concentration with respect to GPx and SOD concentrations. Therefore, oral ingestion of ethanolic extract of C. sativa may not have significant effect on the body’s antioxidant stores due to the balance created for CAT deficiency by increased GPx and SOD concentrations.
Influence of Integrated Weed Management and Tillage Methods on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in Maize Production
Authors: Michael G. C. , Gisilanbe S. A. , Dania S. O. , Manthy A. D. , Fagbola O. 
Published: November 2020

A two year field experiments were conducted at the College of Agriculture Teaching and Research Farm, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria, to evaluate the integrated use of 25% rates of selected herbicides mixtures (atrazine-pendimethalin (AP1) or primextra (PX1) and cover crops (a vegetable cowpea, "Akidi" (A), Melon (M) and Sweet potato (S) planted sole or mixed at 20,000 stands/ha (1) or 40,000 stands/ha (3) under manual (MT) and tractor tillage (TT) methods used primarily for weed control on soil properties and maize production. The experimental design was a split plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Tractor Tillage (TT) and Manual Tillage (MT) were the main treatments. The sub treatments included ten integrated weed management (IWM), AP1AI, AP1AS1, AP1S3, AP1MS3, AP1AMS3, PX1A1, PX1AS1, PX1S3, PX1MS3, PX1AMS3 in addition to Weeded 3+6 Weeks After Planting (WAP) (C1) and unweeded(C2) as controls. Descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance were used to analyze data and the treatment means were compared using standard error at 5%. The level of Na, organic carbon, TN, %clay and %fine sand were higher in MT than TT during the experimental period while Mg, pH, %silt and clay were higher in TT than in MT. Herbicide groups did not significantly influenced soil properties in this study. The Ca2+, K+ and A-VP in all IWM treated plots were higher than the value in C2 . Treatments having Akidi (A1, AS1, AMS3) recorded higher OC than those without (S3, MS3). Therefore, MT improves soil condition and should be used in small scale farming and where TT is used, special consideration of soil type and frequency of use should be moderated. Use of IWM ameliorates fertility losses observed, with preference for mixture with at least a leguminous component.
Correlation between Central Corneal Thickness and Degree of Myopia among Malaysian Patients Undergoing Laser Keratorefractive Surgery
Authors: Reddy Sagili Chandrasekhara , Shariff Mohd Mansor , Dasrilsyah Aina Malindri 
Published: November 2020

Purpose: To determine the central corneal thickness in myopic adult patients scheduled for laser corneal refractive surgery and to explore its correlation with degree of refractive error.
Materials and Methods: The case records of 130 myopic patients who underwent laser corneal refractive surgery in a military hospital over a period of two years were reviewed to determine the central corneal thickness. All patients had 6/6 vision with best correction, and did not have any other anterior segment or fundus diseases in both eyes. The central corneal thickness was measured with Visante Carl Zeiss anterior segment optical coherence tomography instrument.
Results: Out of 130 patients, males were more (73, 56.2%); mean age of patients was 33.8 years (range 18-60 years) and majority were Malays (110, 84.6%). The spherical power of myopia ranged from – 0.5 to – 10.00 D, and the cylindrical power ranged from – 0.25 to – 3.25 D. The mean central corneal thickness of both eyes was 528.2 µm (range 331- 615 µm); in the mild degree of myopia (- 0.50 to - 2.00 D) 527.9 µm, moderate degree (- 2.25 to -5.00 D) 529.4 µm, and high degree (-5.25 to -11.00 D) 523.9 µm.
Conclusion: The anterior segment optical coherence tomography provides noncontact, rapid, pachymetry mapping of the corneal thickness. In Malaysian patients, the mean central corneal thickness of both eyes in myopia was 528.1 µm (range 331- 615 µm). There was no correlation between the mean central corneal thickness and degree of myopia, different genders, age groups, ethnic groups and two eyes.
Societal Expectations and Well-being of Academics: Views from University Lecturers in Ghana
Authors: Ofori Dudley W. , Bell Jo 
Published: November 2020

Background: The study aimed to investigate how societal expectation on educational accomplishments can affect workplace well-being of university lecturers. University education is seen by society as the highest level of educational accomplishment in a person’s life and people with such accomplishments are often held in higher esteem by society. In Ghana, this expectation puts pressure on lecturers who are known to have attained higher educational accomplishments.
Methods: The study used a qualitative research approach to solicit views from 18 public university lecturers in Ghana. Interpretative Phenomenology Approach (IPA) for data analysis was used to interpret the opinions of lecturers about what society expects of them, how that affects their well-being at work and shifts that are needed to address those expectations.
Results: The study found that society indeed expects a lot from university lecturers (core university functions and other cultural and economic issues). Societal expectations have both positive and negative effects on the well-being of lecturers. Findings show that respect that lecturers receive from society provides leverage for positive well-being, while financial pressures placed on them tend to create emotional stresses which impact negatively on their well-being.
Conclusion: To our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to examine the experiences of well-being amongst university academics in Ghana. Results suggest that how the role of university academics is perceived by society can create pressures which affect their well-being negatively. This study highlights the importance of these findings and their impact on well-being. It shows that societal expectations are linked to sociocultural beliefs and economic factors in a developing country context. The authors recommend a mind-set shift amongst society and academics to bring expectations from both sides closer together; through education; engaging community talks on the pressures of societal expectations and demands to create awareness, and observing cultural beliefs that impact the understanding of well-being issues. These initiatives could potentially reduce the pressure of unrealistic expectations on academics and other “knowledge workers”.
‘Tuesday Morning’, the schoolboy and Mann
Authors: Finlay Nyree , Duffy Paul , Wright Dene , Maldonado Adrián , Cerón-Carrasco Ruby 
Published: November 2020

The rediscovery of human remains, correspondence and other unpublished excavation archival material in the Glasgow Museums collection of Ludovic McLellan Mann prompted the reappraisal of a short archaeological investigation undertaken in April 1931 at Holm Park, near Ballantrae, Ayrshire, by a schoolboy, Eric French and his biology teacher, William Hoyland. This article offers a re-evaluation of their fieldwork which exposed two inhumation burials, named ‘Tuesday Morning’ and ‘Tuesday Afternoon’. Eight dog whelk shells remain from an overlying diffuse shell midden spread that may reflect the remnants of a dye-processing site. The skeletons and marine shells went on temporary display at Bryanston School, Dorset. The area south of Ballantrae is well known for prehistoric flint scatter sites and the finds presented the intriguing possibility that the burials might be Mesolithic in age, the excavators believing they might even be Palaeolithic. A collection of flint cores, initially associated with the archive, now appears unrelated to this excavation for it was found with a note written by a local lithic collector, William Edgar. New osteological analysis confirmed the presence of at least two adult individuals, and one bone sample returned an early medieval radiocarbon date. This evidence contributes to national understandings of early historic burial practices in unenclosed cemeteries during the transition from Iron Age pagan to Christian burial rites, important given the paucity of 1st millennium evidence in south-west Scotland. It also offers insight into an earlier account of multiple inhumation burials, found in the general vicinity in 1879, although aspects of the precise location and relationship between the two discoveries is currently unresolved. Mann’s correspondence with French’s father, a prominent Glasgow industrialist, and with Hoyland reveals the character of archaeological social networks in western Scotland during the 1930s which have been a neglected aspect of research to date.
Canmore ID 60957
Canmore ID 60935
Canmore ID 275902
New dates for enclosed sites in north-east Scotland
Authors: Noble Gordon , O'Driscoll James , MacIver Cathy , Masson-MacLean Edouard , Sveinbjarnarson Oskar 
Published: November 2020

This article presents the results of a programme of investigation into the enclosed settlements/forts and promontory forts of north-east Scotland, undertaken as part of the Northern Picts project. Reconnaissance excavations are reported on for nine sites: Crathie Point and Durn Hill, northern Aberdeenshire (Banffshire); Barmkyn of North Keig, Hill of Keir, Hill of Christ’s Kirk and Cnoc Cailliche (Wheedlemont), central Aberdeenshire; and Doune of Relugas, Knock of Alves and Wester Tulloch, Moray. Targeted excavation was undertaken at all examples and in the majority of cases produced a basic chronology for key phases of occupation/enclosure at the sites in question. Thirty-two new radiocarbon dates are presented, with a number of sites producing Iron Age dates, but a smaller number also revealing early medieval phases of occupation and use.
Canmore ID 17947
Canmore ID 17973
Canmore ID 17701
Canmore ID 19341
Canmore ID 18141
Canmore ID 17215
Canmore ID 15755
Canmore ID 16214
Canmore ID 15766
Work Productivity and Economic Burden of Systemic Sclerosis in a Multiethnic Asian Population
Authors: Xiang Ling , Kua Sandra M. Y. , Low Andrea H. L. 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveTo assess work productivity, identify associated factors and evaluate the economic burden of systemic sclerosis (SSc) in a multiethnic Asian population.MethodsData on employment status and work productivity loss were collected. Associations between demographic and disease characteristics and unemployment status, work productivity loss, and activity impairment were examined using logistic and linear regression analyses, as appropriate. Costs of unemployment and work productivity loss were estimated using the human capital approach.ResultsOf 111 patients with a mean disease duration of 9.1 years, 33 (29.7%) were unemployed. Their mean age at unemployment was 44.2 years, equating to 22.8 years of lost employment. No demographic and disease characteristics were significantly associated with unemployment status in multivariable analysis. Of 73 employed patients, 39 (53.4%) reported work productivity loss, accounting for 45.9% of the working week. The presence of hyperlipidemia (coefficient –19.01, P = 0.03) was associated with work productivity loss in multivariable analysis. In total, 37 of 78 employed patients (47.4%) and 19 of 33 unemployed patients (57.6%) reported activity impairment, accounting for 42.2% and 50.0%, respectively, of the preceding week. The presence of hyperlipidemia (coefficient –18.56, P < 0.01) was associated with activity impairment in multivariable analysis. Annual cost of unemployment and work productivity loss were estimated to be $53,244 and $13,045 (Singapore dollar) per patient, respectively.ConclusionSSc imposes significant unemployment and work productivity loss and causes a substantial economic burden to both affected individuals and society. Modifying the identified factors associated with unemployment and work productivity loss may reduce the burden of SSc.
Functionalized Mesoporous Photonic Crystal Film for Ultrasensitive Visual Detection and Effective Removal of Mercury (II) Ions in Water
Authors: Kou Donghui , Ma Wei , Zhang Shufen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMercury ion (Hg2+) contamination is a worldwide serious environment problem; exploring smart sensing and adsorption materials are urgently demanded for Hg2+ monitoring and removal. Herein, a simple 1D photonic crystal to first ever feature capabilities of visually quantitative determination and effective adsorption toward Hg2+ is facilely constructed by integrating a specifically designed thiourea‐functionalized nanocopolymer layer with a mesoporous TiO2 layer. Based on strong chelation and porous structure, Hg2+ is easily adsorbed on the copolymer and triggers vertically volumetric shrinkage, resulting in highlighted wavelength blue‐shifts and color changes in a broad Hg2+ level scope. Utilizing the adsorption characteristic, Hg2+ existing in aqueous media can be effectively removed by the photonic film with a remarkable uptake capacity of 739.6 mg g−1. This portable nanolayered film exhibits full regeneration, facile recovery, desirable selectivity toward Hg2+, and shields interference from other metal ions, which enables future application for environmental determination and remediation. Furthermore, a novel nanopolymer‐based two‐regime Hg2+‐capturing mechanism is first revealed by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring, providing valuable references for future relevant adsorption researches.
Through‐Space CBr···π Halogen Interaction: Efficient Modulation of Reaction‐Based Photochromism and Photoluminescence at Crystalline States for Irradiation Time‐Dependent Anti‐Counterfeiting
Authors: Zhou Zhibiao , Liu Qing , Chen Xian , Xu Gaoqiang , Wang Shuodong , Tu Yujie , Zhang Jia , Zheng Xiaoyan , Xiang Jiannan , Feng Xing , Zhang Yang , Xie Sheng , Zeng Zebing , Tang Ben Zhong 
Published: November 2020

AbstractReaction‐based photo‐responsive molecular systems have been used as a reliable platform for building intelligent materials, but often suffer from high inactivity in terms of conversion efficiency and reversibility when it comes to solid‐state applications. Herein, a class of Spiro‐conjugated diphenylindene (DPI) aggregation‐induced emission materials that exhibit solid‐state photocyclization‐based photochromism and photoluminescence, achieved by manipulating through‐space CBr···π halogen interactions is reported. In the crystalline state, the Spiro bridge enables a pair of perpendicularly configured CBr···π interactions that suppress photoluminescence while activating a highly reversible (>10 000 cycles) and efficient photochromism based on photocyclization. After breaking this intermolecular CBr···π interaction, for example, by grinding, the solid‐state photochromic properties are sensitively de‐activated. In addition, this spontaneously reversible photochromism behavior gives a controllable decolorization time (from a few seconds to a few minutes), depending on the light exposure conditions, while displaying a luminescence change. In a proof‐of‐principle study, these photo‐function features demonstrate an attractive potential for novel anti‐counterfeiting applications. This work reveals the efficient regulation of CBr···π halogen interactions for spatial molecular packing, molecular electronic transitions, and chemical transformations, paving the way for the development of solid‐state intelligent materials with good reversibility.
Tailored Mesoporous Inorganic Biomaterials: Assembly, Functionalization, and Drug Delivery Engineering
Authors: Zou Yidong , Huang Biaotong , Cao Liehu , Deng Yonghui , Su Jiacan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractInfectious or immune diseases have caused serious threat to human health due to their complexity and specificity, and emerging drug delivery systems (DDSs) have evolved into the most promising therapeutic strategy for drug‐targeted therapy. Various mesoporous biomaterials are exploited and applied as efficient nanocarriers to loading drugs by virtue of their large surface area, high porosity, and prominent biocompatibility. Nanosized mesoporous nanocarriers show great potential in biomedical research, and it has become the research hotspot in the interdisciplinary field. Herein, recent progress and assembly mechanisms on mesoporous inorganic biomaterials (e.g., silica, carbon, metal oxide) are summarized systematically, and typical functionalization methods (i.e., hybridization, polymerization, and doping) for nanocarriers are also discussed in depth. Particularly, structure–activity relationship and the effect of physicochemical parameters of mesoporous biomaterials, including morphologies (e.g., hollow, core–shell), pore textures (e.g., pore size, pore volume), and surface features (e.g., roughness and hydrophilic/hydrophobic) in DDS application are overviewed and elucidated in detail. As one of the important development directions, advanced stimuli‐responsive DDSs (e.g., pH, temperature, redox, ultrasound, light, magnetic field) are highlighted. Finally, the prospect of mesoporous biomaterials in disease therapeutics is stated, and it will open a new spring for the development of mesoporous nanocarriers.
The Art of Constructing Black Phosphorus Nanosheet Based Heterostructures: From 2D to 3D
Authors: Thurakkal Shameel , Feldstein David , Perea‐Causín Raül , Malic Ermin , Zhang Xiaoyan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAssembling different kinds of 2D nanosheets into heterostructures presents a promising way of designing novel artificial materials with new and improved functionalities by combining the unique properties of each component. In the past few years, black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) have been recognized as a highly feasible 2D material with outstanding electronic properties, a tunable bandgap, and strong in‐plane anisotropy, highlighting their suitability as a material for constructing heterostructures. In this study, recent progress in the construction of BPNS‐based heterostructures ranging from 2D hybrid structures to 3D networks is discussed, emphasizing the different types of interactions (covalent or noncovalent) between individual layers. The preparation methods, optical and electronic properties, and various applications of these heterostructures—including electronic and optoelectronic devices, energy storage devices, photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, and biological applications—are discussed. Finally, critical challenges and prospective research aspects in BPNS‐based heterostructures are also highlighted.
Nanocomposite Hydrogel with Tantalum Microparticles for Rapid Endovascular Hemostasis
Authors: Albadawi Hassan , Altun Izzet , Hu Jingjie , Zhang Zefu , Panda Anshuman , Kim Han‐Jun , Khademhosseini Ali , Oklu Rahmi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractEndovascular embolization to treat vascular hemorrhage involves pushing coil‐shaped metal wires into the artery repeatedly until they are densely packed to slow the blood flow and clot. However, coil embolization is associated with high rebleeding rates, unpredictable economics and, most importantly, they rely on the patient's ability to make a clot. These issues are exacerbated when the patient is anticoagulated or coagulopathic. A novel bioengineered tantalum‐loaded nanocomposite hydrogel for gel embolic material (Ta‐GEM) that can be rapidly delivered using clinical catheters for instant hemostasis regardless of the coagulopathic state is reported. Ta‐GEM formulation is visible by most of the clinically available imaging modalities including ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and fluoroscopy without significant artifact. In addition, Ta‐GEM can be retrieved, allowing temporary vascular occlusion, and it can be used to rescue cases of failed coil embolization. Ta‐GEM occlusion of first‐order arteries such as the renal artery and iliac artery in a swine model is found to be safe and durable; by 28 days, 75% of the injected Ta‐GEM in the arterial lumen is replaced by dense connective tissue. Altogether, this study demonstrates that Ta‐GEM has many advantages over the current technologies and has potential applications in clinical practice.
Wafer‐Scale Diisopropylammonium Bromide Films for Low‐Power Lateral Organic Ferroelectric Capacitors
Authors: Jin Wei , Xu Mingsheng , Zhou Xiaojie , Wang Jiao , Cai Yichen , Jawad Husnain , Yan Mengge , Tian Bobo , Nie Qingmiao , Yan Bo , Cong Chunxiao , Qiu Zhi‐Jun , Liu Ran , Hu Laigui 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOrganic ferroelectrics, particularly the polymer polyvinylidene fluoride and its copolymer polyvinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene, have received much attention owing to their low cost, flexibility, and convenient thin film fabrication. However, development of this outstanding material for electronic applications is significantly impeded by its attributes of large coercive electric fields and poor spontaneous polarization. While the recent breakthroughs reveal that several kinds of molecular ferroelectrics (e.g., diisopropylammonium bromide (DIPAB)) can exhibit excellent properties comparable to inorganic ferroelectrics, it is still difficult to obtain high‐quality continuous thin films for ferroelectric devices with high performance. In this work, a simple solution strategy is used for the preparation of large‐area high crystallinity or even single‐crystal DIPAB films. Subsequently, planar ferroelectric capacitors are developed with large in‐plane ferroelectric polarization. These capacitors possess excellent memory function with small operating voltages (1–3 V), and a record remnant polarization of 13 µC cm−2 for organic ferroelectric devices. The findings have the potential to pave the way for the substitution of conventional ferroelectric polymers with DIPAB films for future organic ferroelectric devices.