bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Study on Perception and Adaptation of the Farmers toward Climate Change in the Western Region of Nepal
Authors: Poudel Parmita , Thapa Sittal , Ghimire Sarthak , Sen Elina 
Published: February 2020

Aims: This study was undertaken to identify the perception of farmers towards climate change and their adaptation towards the change. The study also identified the sources of climate change information at the local level and their expectation from concerned authorities regarding the agriculture-related issues pertaining to climate change.
Study Design: The study was conducted in two different geographical region Arghakhanchi (hilly) and Kapilvastu (terai) to represent the major farming region of the country.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in two districts which are Arghakhanchi and Kapilvastu, of western Nepal. A total of 120 samples such that 60 samples each were taken from both districts in the month of September and October of 2018.
Methodology: A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to collect data from participants.
Results: The study has revealed that the majority of the farmers have perceived an increase in temperature, a decrease in rainfall and late on-set of the rainy season. Similarly, radio was found to be the primary source of climate change information, followed by television. Change in planting season and decrease in the farm size under cultivation were found to be the most adapted practices among farmers against climate change. Furthermore, it was found that majority of the farmers expect to have crop insurance and availability of improved variety seeds as support from government and concerned authorities.
Conclusion: Most of the respondents made the accurate assumptions regarding climate change. Understanding the relationship between the climate change and agriculture and perception of people towards those changes is essential. It helps to evaluate possible impacts that may result from further changes in climate and plan suitable adaptation practices. Knowledge about these findings can be useful for making various plans and policies for mitigating the impacts of climate change on agriculture in the studied area.
Tetanus Toxoid Status and Determinants of Uptake among Women in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria: A Community Based Study
Authors: Gabriel-Job N. , E. Yaguo Ide L. 
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Nigeria is one of the countries where maternal and neonatal tetanus is still prevalent and as such a public health issue. In spite of campaign on maternal tetanus immunization, its safety and protection against tetanus, uptake has remained poor.
Aim: This study is aimed to determine the level of Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine uptake among women of child bearing age in Rivers State Nigeria.
Methods: Using a cluster sampling method, a descriptive cross-sectional community based study was carried out. The study was carried out in Opiro community in Igbo Agwuru-Asa Clan in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Results: Of the 555 women studied 108(19.5%) of them had received 5 doses of TT while 206 (37.1%) had received at least two doses of TT, giving an overall prevalence of TT utilization among women of childbearing age of 31.7%. Eighty four (31.2%) of women who were ≤ 30 years compared to the 122(42.7%) of the older women had received at least 2 doses of TT vaccine. This was statistically significant (P=0.005, OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.16-2.32), educational level, marital status and occupation also significantly affected Tetanus Toxoid vaccine uptake among the women.
Conclusion: This study concludes that utilization of TT immunization among women is low, that younger age, marital status, level of education and occupation of the women can significantly affect the level of TT uptake among women. There is need to strengthen immunization in this community and to create awareness on the need to get optimal Tetanus Toxoid immunization.
Comparative Evaluation of Puddling Techniques in Sandy Loam Soil
Authors: Prasanthkumar K. , Saravanakumar M. , Gunasekar J. John , S. Sivakumar S. , Masilamani P. 
Published: February 2020

Aims: Puddling is a distinct operation to provide standing water condition for paddy cultivation. There are various puddling techniques conventionally adopted by the farmers. In order to scientifically establish the performance of various puddling techniques in terms of puddling quality, they were evaluated and compared.
Study Design: The results were analyzed statistically using factorial experiment.
Place: The study was carried out in the experimental field of Agricultural Engineering College & Research Institute, Kumulur, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India. The texture of the soil is sandy loam (Clay = 12.5%, silt = 15.6% and sand = 71.9%).
Methodology: The conventionally used puddling techniques (viz., cage wheel, rotavator and power tiller operated rotary tool) were evaluated in terms of puddling index and infiltration rate. The evaluation parameters were determined using standard procedure.
Results: The puddling quality was not significantly affected by increasing number of pass from single to double. The power tiller operated rotary tool registered the highest puddling index of 61.18% and the lowest infiltration rate of 17.00 mm d-1 and the rotavator registered the second highest of 58.29% puddling index and 21.00 mm d-1 of infiltration rate. Area coverage was superior in the case of puddling with rotavator due to the larger width.
Conclusion: The overall performance of the rotavator was concluded to be the best among the various puddling techniques compared in this study.
Isolation and Antibiotic Resistance of Achromobacter xylosoxidans from Non-respiratory Tract Clinical Samples: A 10-year Retrospective Study in a Tertiary-care Hospital in Hungary
Authors: Gajdács Márió 
Published: February 2020

Aims: To assess the prevalence of A. xylosoxidans isolated from non-respiratory tract samples from adult inpatients and outpatients and the antibiotic resistance levels at a tertiary-care teaching hospital in Szeged, Hungary retrospectively, during a 10-year study period.
Study Design: Retrospective microbiological study.
Place and Duration of Study: 1st of January 2008 - 31st of December 2017 at the University of Szeged, which is affiliated with the Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, a primary- and tertiary-care teaching hospital in the Southern Great Plain of Hungary.
Methodology: Data collection was performed electronically. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using disk diffusion method and when appropriate, E-tests on Mueller–Hinton agar plates.
Results: During the 10-year study period, a total of 68 individual A. xylosoxidans isolates were identified (6.8±3.6/year, range: 0-11 isolates). The frequency of isolation in the first half of the study period (2008-2017) was n=22, while in 2013-2017, this number was n=46. The majority of isolates (51 out of 68) were from inpatient departments. 32 out of 68 patients were female (female-to-male ratio: 0.89). The susceptibilities of the respective A. xylosoxidans isolates (n=68) were the following: high levels of susceptibility for imipenem and meropenem (n=63; 92.6%), and moxifloxacin (n=55; 80.9%), while higher rates of resistance were detected for sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (susceptible: n=36; 52.9%), ciprofloxacin (susceptible: n=40; 58.8%) and almost all isolates were resistant to ceftazidime (susceptible: n=3; 4.4%) and cefepime (n=2; 2.9%).
Conclusion: The existing literature on Achromobacter infections in the context of non-respiratory human infections is scarce, as the incidence of these pathogens in clinically-relevant syndromes in low. The developments in diagnostic technologies in routine clinical microbiology will probably lead to a shift in the isolation frequency of these bacteria in the future.
Promotion of Low-cost Package of Technologies for Drudgery Mitigation in Turmeric Production System
Authors: Zend J. P. , Revanwar M. S. , Gaikwad S. S. 
Published: February 2020

Major role of farm women in the turmeric production system in Marathwada region was found to be in planting rhizomes, weeding, harvesting and cleaning activities. Ploughing, forming ridges, irrigation are performed solely by male farmers. Whereas participation of farm women in earthing up activity was 85 per cent, it was followed by fertilizer application (83%). Majority of the activities such as planting, earthing up, harvesting in turmeric production system were performed manually. Data on time spent by the female workers in performing different activities in turmeric production system indicated that maximum time-consuming activity was hand weeding (84 man-days/ season) followed by earthing up (63 man-days/ season) and cutting, sorting and cleaning roots (56 days/ season). As per the work demand score, all the activities performed in turmeric production system were very time demanding and very exhaustive as per the psychological feeling of the farm women. Earthing up is an important intercultural operation which is normally carried out twice or thrice during the crop season, accompanied by weeding and side dressing the crop with fertilizers. No tool or implement is used by farmers for earthing up activity. All the farmers were unaware of the hand-operated machines available for earthing up activity. After performing these activities continuously for 6 h, major health problems of the farm women reported were burning sensation to the skin, skin peeling and allergy. Hence, earthing up tool (Sawdi) small digging tool (Ukari), set of five finger guards (Nakhalya) for planting rhizomes, drying tool (wooden rake) (for making upside down while drying turmeric fingers), sulbha bag for fertilizer application, mittens for cleaning and sorting and new khurpi for weeding were developed and tested. The ergonomic assessment revealed that the physiological cost of selected activities performed by farm women in existing and improved method was same but the perception of workload was found to be reduced (13-32%) in an improved method. All the developed technologies used by farm women in the turmeric production system for planting, earthing up, fertilizer application and drying were successful in increasing space of work. In all these activities, the output was significantly increased by 10-26 per cent due to the use of developed technologies.
Shelf Life of Millet Based Diabetic Mix
Authors: Geetha K. , Yankanchi Geetha M. , Veena B. M. , Hiremath Netravati 
Published: February 2020

Millets are good source of nutrients such as fiber, minerals and b-complex vitamins and their regular consumption helps in reducing non communicable diseases. Hence, millets were used in the preparation of diabetic mix and a study was conducted to evaluate the shelf life of millet based diabetic mix. Parameters such as moisture, free fatty acid, peroxide value and microbial load were assessed for a period of 90 days. Significant increase in moisture, free fatty acid and peroxide value was observed at different storage period, however free fatty acid and peroxide values were in the acceptable range. Bacterial count throughout the storage period was within the safe level, whereas presence of mold and E-coli was not detected during storage period. Above findings revealed that the developed diabetic mix can be stored up to 90 days.
H∞ filtering of discrete‐time switched singular systems with time‐varying delays
Authors: Charqi Mohammed , Chaibi Noreddine , Houssaine Tissir El 
Published: February 2020

SummaryIn this article, the analysis and design problems of H∞ filtering for a class of discrete‐time switched singular systems with time‐varying delay under an arbitrary switching signal are investigated. The main attention is focused on the design of a linear mode‐dependent filter guaranteeing the regularity, causality, and asymptotic stability of the resulting filtering error system with a prescribed H∞ performance bound. By using a multiple Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional, and utilizing the linearization technique, novel sufficient conditions for the solvability of H∞ problem are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Solving that, the desired filter gains can be determined. Any model transformation of system, which often leads the large computational burden is involved. The free weighting matrix technique is introduced to provide additional degree of freedom, which improves the conservativeness of the developed method. Finally, numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness and the merit of the proposed approach and to compare the obtained results with some previous works in the literature.
Circumventing Wear and Tear of Adaptive Porous Materials
Authors: Canossa Stefano , Ji Zhe , Wuttke Stefan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe assessment of the architectural stability of molecular porous materials is not yet a common practice, but critical to their understanding and development. The conformational adaptation of porous materials to guest binding and other chemical dynamics poses a risk of architectural damage, leading to performance deterioration during their prolonged usage. The deformation of the framework backbone and the disconnection of building units are driven by chemical, mechanical, and thermal perturbations, and can be quantitatively described by the term connection completeness. Analytical means that can be used to measure this parameter are presented in order to provide a standard, practical protocol for evaluating architectural damage made to framework materials. Preventive and remedial strategies are proposed for enhancing the architectural integrity of frameworks without compromising their functional mechanisms, paving the way to the design of robust yet adaptive materials. In this way, the discussion on architectural stability is initiated, and readers are encouraged to carefully characterize molecular porous materials for a better understanding of their structure‐property relationship.
Ultrathin Amorphous Silica Membrane Enhances Proton Transfer across Solid‐to‐Solid Interfaces of Stacked Metal Oxide Nanolayers while Blocking Oxygen
Authors: Jo Won Jun , Katsoukis Georgios , Frei Heinz 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA large jump of proton transfer rates across solid‐to‐solid interfaces by inserting an ultrathin amorphous silica layer into stacked metal oxide nanolayers is discovered using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (FT‐IRRAS). The triple stacked nanolayers of Co3O4, SiO2, and TiO2 prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) enable a proton flux of 2400 ± 60 s−1 nm−2 (pH 4, room temperature), while a single TiO2 (5 nm) layer exhibits a threefold lower flux of 830 s−1 nm−2. Based on FT‐IRRAS measurements, this remarkable enhancement is proposed to originate from the sandwiched silica layer forming interfacial SiOTi and SiOCo linkages to TiO2 and Co3O4 nanolayers, respectively, with the O bridges providing fast H+ hopping pathways across the solid‐to‐solid interfaces. Together with the complete O2 impermeability of a 2 nm ALD‐grown SiO2 layer, the high flux for proton transport across multi‐stack metal oxide layers opens up the integration of incompatible catalytic environments to form functional nanoscale assemblies such as artificial photosystems for CO2 reduction by H2O.
A Novel Moisture‐Insensitive and Low‐Corrosivity Ionic Liquid Electrolyte for Rechargeable Aluminum Batteries
Authors: Li Chi , Patra Jagabandhu , Li Ju , Rath Purna Chandra , Lin Ming‐Hsien , Chang Jeng‐Kuei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractRechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) are extensively developed due to their cost‐effectiveness, eco‐friendliness, and low flammability and the earth abundance of their electrode materials. However, the commonly used RAB ionic liquid (IL) electrolyte is highly moisture‐sensitive and corrosive. To address these problems, a 4‐ethylpyridine/AlCl3 IL is proposed. The effects of the AlCl3 to 4‐ethylpyridine molar ratio on the electrode charge–discharge properties are systematically examined. A maximum graphite capacity of 95 mAh g−1 is obtained at 25 mA g−1. After 1000 charge–discharge cycles, ≈85% of the initial capacity can be retained. In situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction is employed to examine the electrode reaction mechanism. In addition, low corrosion rates of Al, Cu, Ni, and carbon‐fiber paper electrodes are confirmed in the 4‐ethylpyridine/AlCl3 IL. When opened to the ambient atmosphere, the measured capacity of the graphite cathode is only slightly lower than that found in a N2‐filled glove box; moreover, the capacity retention upon 100 cycles is as high as 75%. The results clearly indicate the great potential of this electrolyte for practical RAB applications.
Synthesis of Co‐Doped MoS2 Monolayers with Enhanced Valley Splitting
Authors: Zhou Jiadong , Lin Junhao , Sims Hunter , Jiang Chongyun , Cong Chunxiao , Brehm John A. , Zhang Zhaowei , Niu Lin , Chen Yu , Zhou Yao , Wang Yanlong , Liu Fucai , Zhu Chao , Yu Ting , Suenaga Kazu , Mishra Rohan , Pantelides Sokrates T. , Zhu Zhen‐Gang , Gao Weibo , Liu Zheng , Zhou Wu 
Published: February 2020

AbstractInternal magnetic moments induced by magnetic dopants in MoS2 monolayers are shown to serve as a new means to engineer valley Zeeman splitting (VZS). Specifically, successful synthesis of monolayer MoS2 doped with the magnetic element Co is reported, and the magnitude of the valley splitting is engineered by manipulating the dopant concentration. Valley splittings of 3.9, 5.2, and 6.15 meV at 7 T in Co‐doped MoS2 with Co concentrations of 0.8%, 1.7%, and 2.5%, respectively, are achieved as revealed by polarization‐resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Atomic‐resolution electron microscopy studies clearly identify the magnetic sites of Co substitution in the MoS2 lattice, forming two distinct types of configurations, namely isolated single dopants and tridopant clusters. Density functional theory (DFT) and model calculations reveal that the observed enhanced VZS arises from an internal magnetic field induced by the tridopant clusters, which couples to the spin, atomic orbital, and valley magnetic moment of carriers from the conduction and valence bands. The present study demonstrates a new method to control the valley pseudospin via magnetic dopants in layered semiconducting materials, paving the way toward magneto‐optical and spintronic devices.
Uncertainty, Learning, and Technology Adoption in Agriculture
Authors: Chavas Jean‐Paul , Nauges Céline 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAdoption of agricultural innovations has been an important factor affecting the welfare of farmers, the productivity of agriculture and the economics of the food sector. This paper reviews the literature on technology adoption in agriculture with a focus on the role of uncertainty and learning. It examines the factors affecting adoption benefits for farmers and their linkages with the innovation process. It also discusses the welfare implications of innovation and adoption for farmers and consumers.
Marketing and Technology Adoption and Diffusion
Authors: Heiman Amir , Ferguson Joel , Zilberman David 
Published: February 2020

AbstractApplied economists have investigated individual adoption choices as well as diffusion (aggregate adoption). The emphasis, however, has been on adopters' behavior and risk associated with production and markets. Marketing also considers broader aspects and marketers develop tools to address risk related to the fit of a product, its performance, and its reliability. This paper expands the economic literature on adoption by analyzing and assessing the implications of the choice of marketing tools, like money‐back guarantees, demonstrations, and others, by marketers. The analysis is based on the threshold model of diffusion, which recognizes heterogeneity and dynamics. We provide evidence and examples from agriculture.
Effect of dispersed phase feed time on the droplet size of Pickering emulsions produced in a stirred tank
Authors: Donmez Dila , Ayranci Inci 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of feed time of the oil phase on the average droplet size of Pickering emulsions produced in stirred tanks. Three types of impellers were tested: RT, up‐pumping PBT (PBTU), and down‐pumping PBT (PBTD). All the impellers were tested at two sizes, T/3 and T/2. All configurations were compared at constant tip speed, power per mass, and impeller Reynolds number. The droplet diameters were measured in Mastersizer® 3,000 (Malvern). The results showed that an increase in feed time causes a reduction in the average droplet size. At lower impeller speeds and higher feed times, the effect is more pronounced. It was found that some other geometric parameters also have an impact on the average droplet size.
Influence of parental perceived environment on physical activity, TV viewing, active play and Body Mass Index among Portuguese children: A mediation analysis
Authors: do Carmo Ariene S. , Rodrigues Daniela , Nogueira Helena , Mendes Larissa L. , dos Santos Luana C. , Gama Augusta , Machado‐Rodrigues Aristides M. , Silva Maria‐Raquel G. , Rosado‐Marques Vítor , Padez Cristina 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe environment is believed to be key in obesity prevention, yet it is unclear how factors in the neighborhood influence weight‐related behaviors. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of parental perceived environment on physical activity (PA), television (TV) time, active play and Body Mass Index (BMI) z score, and the mediating role of these weight‐related behaviors on the relationship between neighborhood characteristics and children's BMI.MethodsData of 8472 Portuguese preschool (aged 3‐6, n = 3819) and school‐aged children (aged 7‐11 years, n = 4653) were collected during 2016/2017. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the associations between parents perceived neighborhood characteristics (latent variables: unsafety and built/physical environment) and child's BMI z score, PA and TV time.ResultsAmong preschoolers, the latent variables of the perceived environment were not associated with the BMI, TV time, extracurricular PA, and active play. Among schoolchildren, the unsafety environment was positively associated with both the BMI (SC = 0.050, P = .008) and the time spent watching TV (SC = 0.052, P = .031) and negatively associated with extracurricular PA (SC = −0.125, P < .001). The latent variable Favorable Built Environment for PA (ie, environmental facilitating elements) was positively associated with active play (SC = 0.041, P = .031). Moreover, the TV time was a marginally significant mediator of the relationship between the perceived unsafe environment and the BMI of school‐aged children (B = 0.002, P = .096).ConclusionsIn conclusion, changes in the environment to targeting parental perception of neighborhood safety could have positive effects on the promotion of healthy weight and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle in school‐aged children.