bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of Assessment of Learning Teaching Strategy among Basic School Teachers in Ghana
Authors: Senyefia Bosson-Amedenu , Eunice Osei-Asibey , Neebo Wiah Eric 
Published: May 2020

Ghana’s new curriculum for the basic level places much emphasis on the need for teachers to evaluate the learner’s cumulative progress and achievement. This requirement makes it imperative to measure the competency of the teachers on the use of Assessment of Learning strategy. The study adopted a survey research approach and the features, strategies and principles under pinning Assessment of Learning strategy formed the basis of the construction of 12-itemlikert scale with a reliability coefficient of 0.98. A sample size of 100 was computed at 95% confidence interval and randomly selected from the population. With respect to this learning strategy, significant differences were found for teaching division and teaching experience. The findings indicated that with respect to providing processes that make it possible for students to demonstrate their competence and skill, the expertise of class teachers were significantly different ( from subject teachers . The mean difference of 1.256 shows that class teachers exhibited greater expertise in providing processes that make it possible for students to demonstrate their competence and skill than their subject teacher counterparts. Also, with regards to reporting students’ learning based on evidence obtained from variety of contexts and applications, the expertise of class teachers were significantly different ( from subject teachers with a mean difference of 1.710.In terms of providing range of alternative mechanisms for assessing the same outcomes, a significant difference ( was found between teachers with teaching experience of at least 4 years and those with less experience .The absolute mean difference of 1.444 is an indication that the former performed better than the latter. The findings provide the basis for Ghana Education Service to organize in-service professional learning training aimed at enhancing teachers’ knowledge of summative assessment with the ultimate goal of enhancing students’ learning and achievement. The study recommends in-service training and continuous professional development sessions for subject teachers to build their capacity in the use of Assessment of Learning strategies.
Estimation of Urinary Delta Aminolevulinic Acid (δ-ALA) Levels in Students of Age Group 15 to 25 Years as an Index of Lead Exposure
Authors: Patharkar Sachin A. , Jain Suraj H. , Nerurkar Alka V. , Patil Neelam J. , Surve Pradeep N. 
Published: May 2020

Background: Lead poisoning is a serious and sometimes fatal condition. It occurs when lead builds up in the body. Students exposed to lead by eating junk foods wrapped in newspaper, the licking of fingers for turning the photocopies, book pages, printout etc. and use of same fingers for eating purpose. Additionally young population get exposed to lead by use of Kohl or Kajal eyeliners, some traditional ethnic medicines, time spent at firing ranges and some hobbies like wall paintings or jobs related to plumbing and soldering. Damage caused by lead poisoning cannot be reversed. Lead inhibits necessary enzymes required for heme synthesis, and this result in increased levels of delta-aminolevulinic acid (δ-ALA) excretion through urine.
Aim: To Estimate the urinary δ-ALA levels in the students of age group 15 to 25 years as an index of lead exposure.
Study Design: This is a cross-sectional study in Mumbai from a suburban locality.
Methodology: The study was done on 70 students of age group between 15 years and 25 years with their brief history related to lead exposure. Their urine samples were analyzed for δ-ALA by using Ehrlich reagent.
Results: According to our observation, out of 70 students 46 student’s (65.71%)urine samples shown δ-ALA level above reference level and remaining 24 (34.28%) were considered as below reference level.
Conclusion: The prevalence of lead exposure among our study population is 65.71%.
Clinical Significance: We conclude that there is high prevalence of lead exposure in students of age group 15 to 25 years in Mumbai and necessary precautions need to be taken to avoid detrimental effects of lead poisoning.
Toxicological Effects of Petroleum Refinery Sludge on the Terrestial Environment Using Bacteria and Earthworm as Bio Indicators
Authors: Laurelta Tudararo-Aherobo , Ernest Atuayan 
Published: May 2020

Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the sublethal (chronic) Ecotoxicological effects ofpetroleum refinery sludge pollution on the biota of the terrestrial environment using the effects on bacteria nitrogen transformation activity and growth rate of the soil fauna, Earthworm (Aporrectodea longa) as bioindicators.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, between 2017 and 2018.
Methodology: The OECD TG 216 (2000) test method was used to determine the chronic effects (% inhibition and EC50) of the petroleum sludge on the nitrogen transformation activity of Nitrobacter sp. in the soil, while the methods of Sandoval et al. [13] and OECD, 207 was used for the chronic effects of the sludge on the growth rate of the earthworms. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) of the sludge in the earthworms was also determined. Both tests were conducted for 28 days. Results from the test with multiple concentrations were analyzed using a regression model (ANOVA). EC5O was also determined using the Probit analytical software. Analyses weredone using ASTM methods.
Results: Analysis of the Nigerian petroleum refinery sludge used for this research indicated that the sludge wasacidic with a pH value of 5.91and had a high TPH content of 340,000 mg/kg made mainly of between 10-40 carbon unit compounds. There was a progressive increase in the percentage (%) inhibition of the nitrogen transformation activitiesof the bacteria, from 18.0% (3125 mg/kg) to 79.30% (5000mg/kg) with increase in concentration and time. The effective concentration that decreased 50% (EC50) of the nitrogen transformation activity was 13761.059 mg/kg. The growth rate of the test earthworms decreased from 9.19x103 g/day (375 mg/kg) to 3.55x103 g/day (3000 mg/kg) for the test period. The BCF decreased from 5.168 (375 mg/kg) to 1.22 (3000 mg/kg) in the earthworms, while the EC50for the earthworms was 825.02mg/kg as the concentration of the sludge increased with time.
Conclusion: The sludge inhibited the nitrogen transformation activity of Nitrobacter sp. because it exceeded the 25% inhibition limit for chemicals with the potential to cause chronic effects on soil microbial activities as specified in OECD TG 216. Similarly, the sludge reduced the growth rate of the earthworm progressively as the sludge concentration increased in relation to the control. Bioaccumulation factor also increased with increasing sludge concentration and time.
A Modified Clinicopathological Conference as a Potential Learning Teaching Activity for Civilian and Army Medical Students and House Officers
Authors: Kutty Prameela Kannan , Bakar Muhamad Abu , Reddy Sagili Chandrasekhara 
Published: May 2020

The clinicopathological conference (CPC), a novel learning teaching activity, consciously integrates by clinical reasoning, to arrive at the final diagnosis of a selected case. This process traditionally involves case selection, presentation of the history and the clinical findings, interpretation of investigations, discussion of differential diagnoses with final diagnosis, followed by an energetic discussion of relevant aspects of the case and its management.
This article discusses a modified CPC, a potential educational activity for undergraduate medical students and house officers in general, with its conceptual ideas based on our pilot activity, contributing to the literature of the CPC because it highlights novel aspects of discussion used and indeed plausible, in our medical school that trains both civilian and army doctors. This academic exercise, involving preclinical and clinical specialists in a multidisciplinary environment uniquely incorporates other bodies that work together for patient care in a military hospital. The discussion embraces some views from personnel in charge of social work and administrators which could be furthered, enriching the holistic learning teaching experience of all attendees.
As the learning and teaching of medicine adapts to contemporary demands, sustained efforts and commitment from organizers and participants of such a discussion contributes constructively towards the advancement of medical education. The modified CPC as presented here is an innovative platform possibly emulated for flexibility of approach, content and delivery and for its potentials in the learning and teaching of young doctors and trainees.
Effect of Oral Administration of Ibuprofen on Prothrombin Time, Activated Partial Thromboplastin and Platelet Count in Wistar Albino Rats
Authors: Esima Jonathan , Zorte Abraham , Donatus O. Onwuli, , Anthony Waribo, Helen 
Published: May 2020

Aim: Ibuprofen is analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drug, which is widely used as a cheap over- the counter drug (OTC); however, this drug accompanies anti coagulation/anti platelets effects which sometimes might illicit adverse effects. In this study, we investigated effect of ibuprofen on prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and platelet count using wistar albino rats.
Methods: A total of 21 rats grouped into 3(control, acute and chronic exposure groups, with all consisting of 7 rats each) was used. The acute and chronic exposure group were given 0.7 mg of ibuprofen orally for 1 and 21 days, respectively. Blood sample was collected via cardiac puncture then analyzed.
Results: PT was significantly higher in both group 2 and 3 (acute and chronic exposure, respectively) than that of the control. Acute exposure group showed the highest PT rise. A PTT was not significantly different between group 2 and 3 versus the control group. Platelet count was significantly lower in both group 2 and 3than that in the control group (p<0.05). Group 3 (chronic exposure) showed the lowest platelet count.
Conclusion: Oral administration of ibuprofen affected coagulation parameters and a longer exposure reduce platelets count. A strictly prescription for this drug may be needed to prevent its indiscriminate use.
Photobiomodulation of human osteoblast‐like cells in vitro by low‐intensity‐pulsed LED light
Authors: Rosenberg Nahum , Gendelman Raya , Noofi Nesreen 
Published: May 2020

Visible light irradiation is an emerging area in regenerative medicine research. We hypothesized that low‐intensity‐pulsed LED light irradiance may exert photobiomodulatory effects on cultured osteoblast‐like cells. To test this hypothesis, we investigated cell proliferation and markers of cell maturation and metabolic activity following pulsed LED irradiance. Monolayer explant cultures of human osteoblast‐like cells were exposed four times in 24‐h intervals to 2 min of pulsed white LED irradiance of 2.4–2.5 mW·cm−2 and its different spectra of 0.2–0.5 mW·cm−2 (frequency range of 10–40 Hz). Cell proliferation was estimated from microscopic cell counting and cell death by lactate dehydrogenase activity in culture media (measured by a colorimetric method). The early markers of osteoblast maturation and metabolic activity, that is, cellular alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin content, were measured using a colorimetric method and ELISA, respectively. Irradiance of 40 Hz caused the highest increase in cell number (P < 0.01). Osteocalcin content in cells decreased following 40 Hz and 10 Hz irradiance (P < 0.05). The 40 Hz blue range irradiance (diffuse transmittance 420–580 nm, maximal cell irradiance 0.5 mW·cm−2) caused a decrease in alkaline phosphatase cellular activity (P < 0.001) and an increase in media osteocalcin content (P < 0.05). The 40 Hz green range (diffuse transmittance 560–650 nm, maximal cell irradiance 0.4 mW·cm−2) irradiance caused an increase in the number of cells and in cell death. In summary, pulsed (40 Hz) white light irradiance has photomodulatory effects, with its green range spectrum affecting cell proliferation and cell death, and its blue range spectrum affecting cellular maturation and metabolism. The results indicate a low‐intensity threshold of photobiomodulation of osteoblast‐like cells in vitro.
3D Printed Stackable Titer Plate Inserts Supporting Three Interconnected Tissue Models for Drug Transport Studies
Authors: Leth Jepsen Morten , Willumsen Andreas , Mazzoni Chiara , Boisen Anja , Hagner Nielsen Line , Dufva Martin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCurrent in vitro drug screening methods often rely on single‐cell models and are therefore imprecise in predicting drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity. This study presents a method to fabricate 3D printed inserts that are compatible with commercially available titer plates. Hydrogels can be casted into the inserts and cells can be cultured either in or on the hydrogels. Once individual cell cultures are fully differentiated, the three different cell cultures are stacked on top of each other for biological experiments. To show the possibilities of this approach, three tissue models representing the first pass metabolism is used. The three tissue models are based on gelatin hydrogels and Caco‐2, HUVEC, and HepG2 cells to simulate the small intestine, vascular endothelium, and liver, respectively. The device is simple to fabricate, user friendly, and an alternative to microfluidic‐based organ on a chip systems. The presented first pass metabolism study allows for gaining information on drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and, in the future, excretion in one compact device complying the micro titer plate format.
Investigating TNS4 in the Colorectal Tumor Microenvironment Using 3D Spheroid Models of Invasion
Authors: Raposo Teresa P. , Susanti Susanti , Ilyas Mohammad 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTNS4 (Tensin 4 or Cten) is a putative oncogene in colorectal cancer (CRC) with a role in regulating cell adhesion, motility, invasion, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). The objective is to study the role of TNS4 in CRC using more realistic models of the tumor microenvironment. CRC cells expressing TdTomato protein and shTNS4/shLUC hairpin oligos are grown in 3D spheroids with and without cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Adhesiveness to collagen I and CAFs is assessed in 2D and cell proliferation, volume, and invasion are assessed in 3D conditions. The role of TNS4 knockdown in gefitinib chemosensitivity and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Ras protein levels are also tested. In general, TNS4 knockdown increases cell proliferation in cell lines producing compact spheroids. The addition of CAFs in spheroids supports CRC cell proliferation, whereas CAFs themselves do not proliferate, but increases ECM degradation. TNS4 knockdown reduces adhesiveness and 3D invasion and disrupts EGFR signaling which results in increased sensitivity to Gefitinib. In conclusion, in a 3D spheroid model, TNS4 inhibits cell proliferation and promotes cell invasion into the ECM, possibly by adhesion to the ECM and stromal cells. TNS4 knockdown enhances sensitivity to the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib and may be helpful for Kirsten ras oncogene homolog mutant CRC patients.
High‐Performance Overall CO2 Splitting on Hierarchical Structured Cobalt Disulfide with Partially Removed Sulfur Edges
Authors: Han Zhen , Hu Qi , Cheng Zhong , Li Guomin , Huang Xiaowan , Wang Ziyu , Yang Hengpan , Ren Xiangzhong , Zhang Qianling , Liu Jianhong , He Chuanxin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe ability to develop bifunctional electrocatalysts for concurrent CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the key to the practical application of CO2 splitting to produce CO. However, this remains a grand challenge. Herein, a robust strategy to rationally craft hierarchical structured bifunctional electrocatalysts composed of 3D CoS2 nanocages interconnected on 2D CoS2 nanosheet arrays (denoted hierarchical CoS2 nanocages) for high‐performance CO2 splitting is developed. The subsequent calcination removes the partial S edges of CoS2, thereby strongly suppressing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of CoS2. By combining theoretic and experimental results, for the first time, it is discovered that the plane S of CoS2, instead of S edges, are highly active for CO2RR but inactive for HER, rendering the plane S as ideal active sites for CO2RR. Intriguingly, the composition tuning via calcination and the presence of a hierarchical architecture confer hierarchical CoS2 nanocages respective outstanding CO2RR and OER performance. Notably, the hierarchical CoS2 nanocages can be exploited as bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall CO2 splitting to yield the current density of 1 mA cm−2 at a small cell voltage of 1.92 V, much lower than the widely reported values (>2.5 V).
A Battery‐ and Leadless Heart‐Worn Pacemaker Strategy
Authors: Yi Zhiran , Xie Feng , Tian Yingwei , Li Ning , Dong Xiaoxue , Ma Ye , Huang Yue , Hu Yili , Xu Xiaobin , Qu Dan , Lang Xilong , Xu Zhiyun , Liu Jingquan , Zhang Hao , Yang Bin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOver the past half‐century, cardiac pacing technology has adhered to one basic system. However, many pacemaker‐related complications are related to this system, particularly in terms of the power supply and leads. Here, for the first time a heart‐worn pacemaker strategy is presented, which allows batteryless powering and leadless pacing. The batteryless feature is attained via heart‐extrusion energy scavenging through a micromachined piezoelectric thick film transducer. A record in vivo output current of 30 µA is obtained in an adult swine by the implanted piezoelectric transducer, which can effectively drive a commercial cardiac pacemaker. The exocardial pacing method is demonstrated by this batteryless pacemaker functions without a device or leads placed within the cardiac chambers. Lead‐ or batteryless options are being explored as new basic features of cardiac pacemakers. The presented heart‐worn pacemaker strategy may be useful in future pacing technology.
A Nitric Oxide (NO) Nanoreporter for Noninvasive Real‐Time Imaging of Macrophage Immunotherapy
Authors: Ramesh Anujan , Kumar Sahana , Brouillard Anthony , Nandi Dipika , Kulkarni Ashish 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMacrophage‐centered therapeutic approaches that rely on immune modulation of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) from a pro‐tumorigenic phenotype (M2) to an anti‐tumorigenic phenotype (M1) have facilitated a paradigm shift in macrophage immunotherapy. However, limited clinical success has been achieved due to the low response rates observed in different types of cancers. The ability to measure immune response in real time is critical in order to differentiate responders from non‐responders; however, there are currently no platforms to monitor real‐time macrophage immunotherapy response. Hence, there is an immediate need to develop imaging techniques that can longitudinally monitor macrophage immunotherapy response. Nitric oxide (NO) produced as a result of activation of macrophages to an anti‐tumorigenic state is considered as a hallmark of M1 and can be a direct indication of response. In this study, a NO nanoreporter (NO‐NR) is reported that enables real‐time monitoring of macrophage immunotherapy drugs in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, it is observed that sustained inhibition of colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) using a CSF1R inhibitor–NO‐NR system leads to enhanced efficacy and better imaging signal. In conclusion, a first‐of‐its‐kind NO nanoreporter tool is reported that can be used as an activatable imaging agent to monitor macrophage immunotherapy response in real time.
Surface Plasmon Resonance Effect Enhanced CsPbBr3 Inverse Opals for High‐Performance Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Hui , Zhou Shujie , Yin Longwei 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAlthough all‐inorganic CsPbBr3 are considered an ideal candidate for inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) owing to their outstanding thermal‐ and moisture‐resistance, it still suffers from unfavorable charge transfer process and limited light harvesting ability. Herein, CsPbBr3 inverse opal (IO) films coupled with Au nanoparticles (NPs) are rationally designed, and PSCs based on Au‐CsPbBr3 IO achieve a stabilized photoelectric conversion efficiency up to 8.08%. By selectively tuning IO pore diameter, the slow photon region of CsPbBr3 IO and localized surface plasmon resonance (SPR) region from Au NPs can be modulated to be overlapped to enhance the performance of inorganic CsPbBr3 PSCs. The synergetic effect devotes to light utilization and charge transfer process, resulting in an enhanced light absorption capability and suppressed recombination rate of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. The introduction of Au not only triggers SPR effect, but also enhances efficient separation/injection of charge carriers owing to the Schottky barriers. Furthermore, it is revealed that simultaneous effect from SPR and IO photon effect are conducive to reduce exciton binding energy, enhancing exciton dissociation efficiency and leading to significant increase in free carrier density. This work provides a rational strategy for plasmonic metal/semiconductor composite light‐absorber for high‐performance inorganic PSCs.
Ionic Liquid‐Assisted Anchoring SnO2 Nanoparticles on Carbon Nanotubes as Highly Cyclable Anode of Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Kuiming , Zhu Shengming , Dong Xufeng , Huang Hao , Qi Min 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe commercialization of SnO2‐based anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) has been hindered by the huge volume change and fast capacity fading. Ionic liquid (IL)‐assisted strategy for the synthesis of SnO2@IL‐modified carbon nanotubes (SnO2@IL–carbon nanotubes (CNTs)) hybrid nanostructure is proposed with the SnO2 nanoparticles uniformly and strongly grafting on the CNTs. With low surface tension, IL as the solvent is beneficial to the dispersion of CNTs and the formation of small SnO2 nanoparticles, thus improving the interface contact between SnO2 and CNTs. Furthermore, the interface interaction can be also strengthened by IL‐assisted interface modification, substantially facilitating the electron/ion transport in SnO2 and meanwhile preventing its continuous volume change during lithiation. When used as the anode for LIBs, SnO2@IL–CNTs achieve a high reversible capacity of 1438.1 mA h g−1 with an excellent cycling stability (800 cycles).
Intrinsic Silicon Buffer Layer Improves Hole‐Collecting Poly‐Si Passivating Contact
Authors: Kang Jingxuan , Liu Wenzhu , Allen Thomas , De Bastiani Michele , Yang Xinbo , De Wolf Stefaan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPassivating contacts consisting of doped polycrystalline silicon (poly‐Si) on a thin tunnel‐oxide enable excellent operating voltages for crystalline silicon solar cells. However, hole‐collecting contacts based on boron‐doped poly‐Si do not yet reach their full surface‐passivation potential, likely due to boron diffusion during annealing. In this work, the authors show how the insertion of a thin intrinsic silicon buffer layer between the silicon oxide and poly‐Si is effective in improving the contact passivation. By tailoring the microstructure of the buffer layer, the chemical passivation and contact resistivity are simultaneously significantly improved. On device level, the buffer layer enables a ≈30 mV open‐circuit voltage enhancement and 1.4% absolute gain in power conversion efficiency.