bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Farmers Knowledge, Practices and Health Problems Associated with Pesticides Use in West Tripoli, Libya
Authors: Lagili Hamza S. Abdalla , Ayouz Hesham , Gunduz Serife , Williams Ndifreke Etuk , Bamisile Olusola , Kamalu Onyinyechi Jas 
Published: October 2020

Aims: This study focuses on farmers’ knowledge, practices and health problems associated with pesticide use in west Tripoli, Libya.
Study Design: This study concentrated on the farmer being above 18 years, a permanent resident in the study area and the respondent’s willingness obliged to the study protocols and complete the study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study is a cross-sectional one among 300 farmers in the West Tripoli district of the Libya which concentrated on the adult population conducted in 2017.
Methodology: The associations between pesticide-handling practices, knowledge and attitude and factors potentially influencing them were explored by means of t-test, ANOVA and descriptive statistics using the statistical software SPSS 20.0. The reliability of the construct was examined using Cronbach’s alpha which was not below 0.700 indicating excellent internal consistency.
Results: Farmers re-spray the crops with surplus pesticide mixture. They throw away surplus pesticide mixture on uncultivated land wash and reuse emptied pesticide containers to store water. Knowledge associated with pesticide use and practices associated with it was also not statistically significant related to attitudes towards educational level. Awareness of pesticide use and handling and therefore showed that there was no statistically significant difference between a male and female farmers’ awareness of pesticide use and handling. There is no significant relationship between farmer’s monthly income and knowledge regarding pesticide use and there was linear relationship practices with respect to pesticides used and symptoms experienced after exposure to pesticides. Level of education affect farmer’s knowledge and practices associated with pesticide use and the ANOVA, F = 1.489 and p =.000 (> 0.05) suggests that the test was not statistically significant, on how gender affect the awareness of pesticide use and handling the result showed that there was no statistically significant difference (t (298) = -.460, p = .664 > 0.05) between male and female farmers’ awareness of pesticide use and handling. Therefore, male and female gender do not affect the awareness of pesticide use and handling.
Conclusion: The results of farmers practices regarding the use of protective measures and hygiene practices with the potential for exposure to pesticides indicates that farmers use gloves, face mask, respirator and boots. Moreover, the farmers keep their working clothe at home and the spraying methods used are knapsack, hand- held can, and tractor and can be concluded that the danger of exposure increase when farmers disregard safety directives on the correct utilization of pesticides, PPE utilization and using sanitary practices.
Production of Ready-to-Bake Whole Grain Barley Cake Mix with Improved Quality
Authors: Khalek Mokhtar Harb Abd-El- 
Published: October 2020

Due to the busy and fast paced lifestyle in modern times, the demand for healthy and ready-to-cook foods has increased to a great extent. In the present study, ready-to-bake whole grain barley cake mix formulas were developed by the use of different additive (i.e. carboxymethyl cellulose CMC, maltodextrin and emulsifier), and were assessed with the aim of achieving nutritional benefits, shorter preparation times and improved cake quality. Results showed that incorporation of the aforementioned additives into the dry mix formulations led to the production of cakes with lower fat content and caloric value (up to 7.1%) less than the control cake, with improved physical characteristics such as higher volume and specific volume. Texture profile analysis showed an enhancement in cake textural properties such as lower hardness, springiness and chewiness. Sensory evaluation of test cakes demonstrated a general improvement in sensory attributes like cell structure, crumb grain and softer texture. Flavor of cakes in which 100% of fats was replaced by maltodextrin received significantly lower score. However, and in term of total sensory score, most of the developed cake mix formulas had significantly higher sensory scores than their control counterpart.
Towards Sustainable Development: Exploring the Knowledge of Environmental Impact Assessment among Undergraduates in a Nigerian University
Authors: Nnebue Queencallista N Sidney- , Garba Anita O. , Fadiora Gbenga E. , Etim Felicia C. , Ezenagu Amanda N. , Nnebue Chinomnso C. 
Published: October 2020

Background: Efficient project management suffices that decision makers are adequately informed on the impacts of their actions and inactions on the environment.
Objective: To explore the knowledge of environmental impact assessment (EIA) among undergraduates of the faculty of environmental sciences in a university in Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional survey of 350 undergraduates selected via multistage sampling technique. Data were obtained using self- administered semi-structured questionnaires, and analysed using statistical package for social sciences software version 22. Statistical significance were done using Chi-square test at p value < 0.05.
Results: Two hundred and eighteen (62.3%) respondents reported awareness of EIA and cited their sources of information on EIA as 111(50.6%) schools, 109 (50%) textbooks, etc. Only (12.6%) out of 350 respondents had good level of knowledge on EIA. Fifty one (14.6%) out of 350 respondents reported ever participated in EIA process, while 34 (9.7%) were participating in EIA process currently. The level of knowledge of EIA process among respondents significantly vary with [gender, p=0.002) and marital status, p= 0.032)] respectively.
Conclusions: This study found apparently poor awareness of EIA, poor knowledge of EIA and poor participation in the EIA process. The level of knowledge on EIA vary significantly with gender and marital status. We recommend comprehensive but targeted, need- based environmental education to help create awareness, impart knowledge and equip these students with EIA strategies and skills to handle environmental challenges.
Evaluation of Serum Interleukin-6 and C-Reactive Protein Levels among Women During Term Labour
Authors: James Ubongabasi A. , Imaralu John O. , Esiaba Ijeoma 
Published: October 2020

Aims: To determine the serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) as well as level of leukocytosis, as inflammatory contributory factors in women with uncomplicated term pregnancies before, during and after labour.
Study Design: This is a cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Babcock University Teaching Hospital (BUTH) and Department of Biochemistry, Babcock University, Ogun State Nigeria between June 2019 and February 2020.
Methodology: 45 venous blood samples were obtained from 34 selected women and grouped into three; prenatal (≥ 32 weeks, n = 18), labour (4 to 6 cm dilation, n = 12) and postnatal (≤ 24 hour postpartum, n = 15). Sixteen blood samples were also obtained from the umbilical cord. Levels of CRP and IL-6 were determined by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) techniques and the leukocyte count, by hematologic method. Differences in statistical mean were evaluated by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post hoc comparison. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.
Results: Concentration of serum IL-6 was significantly high during labour (1354.79 ± 189.16 pg/mL) compared to the prenatal (14.94 ± 4.86 pg/mL, P < .001) and postnatal (13.17 ± 3.06 pg/mL, P < .001) periods. The low level of CRP observed during active labour compared to the prenatal and postnatal periods did not reach significant difference. The levels of these inflammatory markers were low in the cord blood. Leukocyte counts (P = .011) as well as neutrophils (P = .014) and MID cell fractions (P = .004) were significantly higher during the postnatal period.
Conclusion: The high levels of serum IL-6 observed in this study supports human term labour as an inflammatory event not associated with increased leukocytosis.
Modeling of a Condenser in Dynamic Operation Using Comsol Multiphysics Software
Authors: Fannou Jean-Louis Comlan , Doko Kouandété Valéry , Prodjinonto Vincent , Lamarche Louis , Kajl Stanislaw , Degan Gérard , Sanya Emile A. 
Published: October 2020

This paper is about modelling in dynamic operation the heat exchanger system using as condenser in one dimension characterized by two coaxial tubes with ribbed inner tube by using the equations of mass, momentum and energy conservation. The Comsol PDE interface is used to simulate the monophasic and biphasic flows of refrigerant. Heat transfer in water and inner wall of the condenser are modeled with two Heat Transfer Interfaces (solid, fluid) in Comsol software.
The model has been validated by comparing the numerical and experimental results obtained with the direct expansion geothermal heat pump. The analysis of the comparative results shows that the obtained model adequately fits the experimental data with an average deviation of less than 5%. Therefore, it proves that it's a good model which can be used for simulation purposes. This developed numerical model was used to simulate the superheating, condensing and subcooling phases in the condenser. Vapor quality, pressure, enthalpy of the refrigerant and water temperature are also simulated.
Estudo Prospectivo do Grafeno Aplicado a Polímeros em Patentes
Authors: Lima Cintia Maria Carneiro Franco , Quintella Guilherme Da Mata , Rodrigues Lílian Maria Tosta Simplício 
Published: October 2020

<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">O grafeno, alótropo do carbono, é um material estratégico que apresenta uma diversidade de aplicações tecnológicas por causa das suas propriedades. A pesquisa das famílias de patentes foi realizada no banco internacional de dados europeu com o auxílio do <em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">software </em>Orbit, versão 2019, na classificação internacional C08F. A pesquisa foi realizada a partir dos dados de domínio tecnológico, de produção anual de patentes, de P&amp;D e dos mercados de aplicação de polímeros em grafeno, os <em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">players</em>, e, por fim, foi realizada uma análise do <em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">status</em> legal dessas patentes. Essa análise permitiu identificar tendências de contínuo desenvolvimento nessa tecnologia e constatar que os maiores <em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">players</em> e investidores atuam nos mercados chineses.</p><p> </p>
Relationship Between Gastrointestinal Transit, Medsger Gastrointestinal Severity, and University of California–Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract 2.0 Symptoms in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: McMahan Zsuzsanna H. , Tucker Ana E. , Perin Jamie , Volkmann Elizabeth R. , Kulkarni Subhash , Ziessman Harvey A. , Pasricha Pankaj J. , Wigley Fredrick M. 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveSystemic sclerosis (SSc)–associated gastrointestinal (GI) complications are attributed to a variety of factors, including diet, microbiota dysbiosis, or GI transit abnormalities. Our objective was to examine the contribution of abnormal GI transit to SSc Medsger GI severity scores and/or University of California Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract (UCLA GIT) 2.0 symptoms.MethodsPatients with SSc and GI symptoms (n = 71) and healthy controls (n = 18) underwent whole gut transit (WGT) scintigraphy to assess transit from the esophagus to the colon. The presence of delayed transit and percent emptying in each GI region were measured. We compared the WGT measurements between categories of the Medsger GI severity score (0–4) and across UCLA GIT 2.0 domains and total score (0–3).ResultsA total of 88% of patients had >1 abnormal region of the gut on WGT scintigraphy. All patients requiring total parenteral nutrition had delayed small bowel transit, compared to only approximately 11% of patients in other Medsger GI severity groups (P ≤ 0.01). Severe colonic transit delays were more likely in patients with Medsger GI scores of 3 (pseudo‐obstruction and/or malabsorption) compared to other Medsger GI groups (P = 0.02). Seventy‐percent of these patients had ≤30% colonic emptying at 72 hours. Modest associations were noted between gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and delayed esophageal (r = –0.31, P = 0.05) and gastric emptying (r = –0.32, P = 0.05).ConclusionThese data are important in providing evidence that SSc bowel disease affects transit of GI content and that delay in transit accounts in part for both bowel symptoms and Medsger GI severity. Prospective studies examining the benefit of early therapeutic intervention targeting GI transit abnormalities in patients at high risk for severe GI complications are needed.
Unlocking the Potential of Mechanochemical Coupling: Boosting the Oxygen Evolution Reaction by Mating Proton Acceptors with Electron Donors
Authors: Curcio Antonino , Wang Jian , Wang Zheng , Zhang Zhiqi , Belotti Alessio , Pepe Simona , Effat Mohammed B. , Shao Zongping , Lim Jongwoo , Ciucci Francesco 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the bottleneck of many sustainable energy conversion systems, including water splitting technologies. The kinetics of the OER is generally sluggish unless precious metal‐based catalysts are used. Perovskite oxides have shown promise as alternatives to these expensive materials. However, for several perovskites, including SrCoO3−δ, the rate‐limiting step is proton‐transfer. In this study, it is shown that such a kinetic limitation can be overcome by coupling those perovskites with MoS2 mechanochemically. By studying composites of SrMO3−δ (M = Co, Fe, Ti) and MoS2, the role that the formed heterointerfaces play in enhancing the activity is investigated. Mechanochemically mating SrCoO3−δ and MoS2 increases the mass activity toward OER by a factor of ten and led to a Tafel slope of only 37 mV dec−1. In contrast, combining MoS2 with SrFeO3−δ or SrTiO3−δ, two materials whose OER is not limited by proton‐transfer, does not result in an improvement of the performance. The experimental measurements and first‐principle calculations reveal that the MoS2 at the MoS2@SrCoO3−δ heterointerfaces is both an electron and a proton acceptor, thereby facilitating deprotonation of the perovskite and resulting in faster OER kinetics.
Effects of Braiding Parameters on Tissue Engineered Vascular Graft Development
Authors: Zbinden Jacob C. , Blum Kevin M. , Berman Alycia G. , Ramachandra Abhay B. , Szafron Jason M. , Kerr Katherine E. , Anderson Jennifer L. , Sangha Gurneet S. , Earl Conner C. , Nigh Noah R. , Mirhaidari Gabriel J. M. , Reinhardt James W. , Chang Yu‐Chun , Yi Tai , Smalley Ryan , Gabriele Peter D. , Harris Jeremy J. , Humphrey Jay D. , Goergen Craig J. , Breuer Christopher K. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) using scaffolds fabricated from braided poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) fibers coated with poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) are developed. The approach relies on in vivo tissue engineering by which neotissue forms solely within the body after a scaffold has been implanted. Herein, the impact of altering scaffold braid design and scaffold coating on neotissue formation is investigated. Several combinations of braiding parameters are manufactured and evaluated in a Beige mouse model in the infrarenal abdominal aorta. Animals are followed with 4D ultrasound analysis, and 12 week explanted vessels are evaluated for biaxial mechanical properties as well as histological composition. Results show that scaffold parameters (i.e., braiding angle, braiding density, and presence of a PGS coating) have interdependent effects on the resulting graft performance, namely, alteration of these parameters influences levels of inflammation, extracellular matrix production, graft dilation, neovessel distensibility, and overall survival. Coupling carefully designed in vivo experimentation with regression analysis, critical relationships between the scaffold design and the resulting neotissue that enable induction of favorable cellular and extracellular composition in a controlled manner are uncovered. Such an approach provides a potential for fabricating scaffolds with a broad range of features and the potential to manufacture optimized TEVGs.
Curcumol Overcomes TRAIL Resistance of Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer by Targeting NRH:Quinone Oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2)
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhou Ye , Li Nan , Liu Wan‐Ting , Liang Jun‐Ze , Sun Yue , Zhang Wei‐Xia , Fang Run‐Dong , Huang Sheng‐Ling , Sun Zheng‐Hua , Wang Yang , He Qing‐Yu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractResistance to tumor‐necrosis‐factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) of cancer cell remains a key obstacle for clinical cancer therapies. To overcome TRAIL resistance, this study identifies curcumol as a novel safe sensitizer from a food‐source compound library, which exhibits synergistic lethal effects in combination with TRAIL on non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SILAC‐based cellular thermal shift profiling identifies NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) as the key target of curcumol. Mechanistically, curcumol directly targets NQO2 to cause reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which triggers endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) death receptor (DR5) signaling, sensitizing NSCLC cell to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. Molecular docking analysis and surface plasmon resonance assay demonstrate that Phe178 in NQO2 is a critical site for curcumol binding. Mutation of Phe178 completely abolishes the function of NQO2 and augments the TRAIL sensitization. This study characterizes the functional role of NQO2 in TRAIL resistance and the sensitizing function of curcumol by directly targeting NQO2, highlighting the potential of using curcumol as an NQO2 inhibitor for clinical treatment of TRAIL‐resistant cancers.
Understanding the Design Principles of Advanced Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Battery Cathodes: From Transport Kinetics to Structural Engineering, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Yong Bo , Ma Dingtao , Wang Yanyi , Mi Hongwei , He Chuanxin , Zhang Peixin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted extensive attention and are considered to be promising energy storage devices, owing to their low cost, eco‐friendliness, and high security. However, insufficient energy density has become the bottleneck for practical applications, which is greatly influenced by their cathodes and makes the exploration of high‐performance cathodes still a great challenge. This review underscores the recent advances in the rational design of advanced cathodes for AZIBs. The review starts with a brief summary and evaluation of cathode material systems, as well as the introduction of proposed storage mechanisms. Then, fundamental problems associated with ion and electron transport behaviors inside the electrode will be pointed out and followed by potential solutions, aiming to reveal the correlation between cathode architecture design and efficient transport kinetics through structural engineering. Afterward, the structural engineering for designing advanced cathodes, including interlayer intercalation, doping effects, defect engineering, surface coatings, composite formation, and morphology control, are summarized and discussed from the view of experimental and theoretical results. Finally, the critical research challenges and future perspectives on advanced cathode materials as well as the potential developing directions of AZIBs are also given.
A Review of the Design of Advanced Binders for High‐Performance Batteries
Authors: Zou Feng , Manthiram Arumugam 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPolymer binders as a critical component in rechargeable batteries provide the electrodes with interconnected structures and mechanical strength to maintain the electronic/ionic transfer during battery cycling. The conventional binders, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), are not ideal candidates due to their relatively low adhesiveness, weak mechanical strength, and poor functionality for high‐energy‐density batteries with a thick electrode and/or a high‐capacity electrode. Nevertheless, the binder has not yet received the attention that reflects its importance in batteries. The requirements of high energy density batteries make essential the exploration of advanced polymeric binders, which possess particular functions. In this review, state‐of‐the‐art binder design strategies are sorted in terms of the challenges of various electrodes (anodes and cathodes for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and sulfur cathodes for Li–S batteries), which have been commercialized or have the potential for practical cells. A deep insight into how the polymeric binders improve the cell performance and the design principle of new binders is also provided. Finally, a perspective on the direction of future binder development for high‐energy‐density batteries with long cycle life is presented.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Barluenga‐Valdes Type Cross‐Coupling Reaction: Alkenylation of 7‐Azaindoles
Authors: Raina Gaurav , Kannaboina Prakash , Ahmed Qazi Naveed , Mondal Krishanu , Das Parthasarathi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAn efficient coupling method between sulfonylhydrazones and 7‐azaindoles using Pd(OAc)2 as catalyst and dppf as ligand providing flexible and convergent access to different vinyl 7‐azaindoles is achieved. A wide variety of olefins were obtained up to 86% yields via the coupling of numerous electronically distinct hydrazones with different 7‐azaindoles under the present catalytic conditions. The protocol was further extended to other heteroarenes such as indoles, quinolines, isoquinolines, and pyridine. The imperative feature of these protocols is its ease at the gram scale and their potential to get transformed into different valuable constructs.
Current state of drug analysis in Japanese emergency departments: a nationwide survey
Authors: Otani Norio , Hifumi Toru , Kitamoto Takeshi , Kobayashi Kentaro , Nakaya Nobuaki , Tomioka Joji 
Published: October 2020

AimIn 1999, the Japanese Society for Clinical Toxicology proposed 15 toxicants that would be useful for analysis: methanol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, bromovalerylurea, tricyclic acid, acetaminophen, salicylic acid, theophylline, organic phosphorus pesticides, carbamate pesticides, glufosinate, paraquat, arsenic, cyanide, and methamphetamine. We aimed to reveal the current state of drug analysis for acute poisoning in the emergency department of Japanese hospitals.MethodsFrom 1 April, 2017, we undertook a questionnaire survey in the emergency departments of 546 hospitals designated as educational institutions for emergency physicians.ResultsResponses were obtained from 246 hospitals (45.1%). Among drug abuse screening kits for qualitative testing, 80.9% used the Triage Drugs of Abuse Panel and 7.3% used Instant‐View M‐1. Analytical results have always been immediately obtained by 2.8% of facilities for methanol, 19.5% for barbiturates, 2.4% for benzodiazepines, 0.8% for bromovalerylurea, 1.2% for tricyclic acid, 12.2% for acetaminophen, 4.1% for salicylic acid, 44.3% for theophylline, 2.0% for organic phosphorus pesticides, 1.6% for carbamate pesticides, 1.2% for glufosinate, 2.4% for paraquat, 0.8% for arsenic, 1.2% for cyanide, and 1.2% for methamphetamine.ConclusionIn the treatment of acute poisoning, drug analysis is important for both clinical judgment and academic verification. However, many of the 15 toxicants proposed to be useful for analysis in 1999 are not yet immediately analyzed in the emergency department of Japanese hospitals. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop inexpensive testing systems and to provide insurance points for testing so that analysis can be carried out by emergency departments.