bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel thin film semiconductor from plants: Application at solid state
Authors: Emetere M.E. , Afolalu S.A. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The photovoltaic (PV) modules have gained wide application and patronage in recent times. The lifespan of the PV is fifteen under normal situation. However, it has been reported by scientists that UV radiation of 47.5 W/m2 is capable of destroying the PV module. In this research, we investigated the metallic-coated plant extract (MCPE) as a protective solid-state device that can protect the PV module. The minimal UV radiation over the research site during measurement was found to be 187.3W/m2. The MCPE creates a peak-like signal that is processed in the PV module as a peak-like voltage. The bandgap of the MCPE was found to be 3.23 eV. It is recommended that further research be conducted to ascertain the amount of UV the MCPE reflects from the PV module.
Phytochemical, Proximate and Mineral Analyses of Urena lobata Stems from Imo State Nigeria
Authors: Njoku C. E. , Alaneme K. K. , Omotoyinbo J. A. , Ekeleme A. C. , Ugwu E. I. , Ikele U. S. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Urena lobata plant is a weed that wildly grows in Nigeria, especially in Imo State, the eastern part of Nigeria. The essence of this study is to analyze the phytochemical, proximate and mineral constituents of Urena lobata stems for medicinal and nutritional purposes. The analysis on the phytochemicals was done by standard methods. The proximate constituents were analyzed by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists method and other standard practices. The mineral analysis was done by Carpenter and Hendricks method. The results showed that the phytochemical analysis of Urena lobata plant depicted the presence of alkaloids, tannins, phytates, flavonoids, saponins, and cyanogenic glycoside; having quantities (mg/100g) of 4.93±0.01, 8.94 ± 0.006, 2.52 ± 0.015, 1.34 ± 0.02, 0.25 ± 0.01, and 0.22 ± 0.01 respectively. From the analysis of the proximate constituents done on the plant, the following parameters were obtained; moisture content, crude protein, fiber, crude fat/crude lipid, ash content, carbohydrate, and energy value, with values as 6.12 ± 0.74%, 4.70 ± 0.31%, 21.33 ± 0.03%, 0.56 ± 0.015%, 7.26 ± 0.084%, 59.67 ± 0.48% and 264.44 ± 0.35 Kcal/100g respectively. The minerals (mg/100g) obtained from the mineral analysis include; calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc, with magnesium having the highest value (65.32 ± 0.015) and iron the least value (3.61 ± 0.006). Based on the results obtained, the plant was established to be useful for both medicinal and nutritional purposes.
Effect of Sic Reinforcement on Mechanical And Electrical Properties of Magnesium-Aluminium (Mg-Al) Alloy Matrix Composite
Authors: Udo Mfon , Babalola Philip , Afolalu Sunday , Ongbali Samson , Apeh Friday , Olayiwola-Busari Olamilekan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Reinforcing a material with another material or composite formation has become a major technique of material formation. Reinforcement imparts new, and in many cases, improved values of properties on the material being reinforced. In this work an alloy of magnesium and aluminium (magnalium) was reinforced with different weight percentages (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 wt %) of silicon carbide (SiC) of 600 grit size, making use of stir casting method. The specimens so developed were subjected to various mechanical tests such as hardness, tensile and flexural tests as well as electrical conductivity test. The mechanical properties’ tests were conducted using TQ SM1000 Universal Testing Machine using the provision made for each test on the machine while the electrical conductivity test was carried out using an electrical circuit specially designed for the test. It was found out that the samples that were reinforced with SiC had better mechanical properties than the samples that were not reinforced but the conductance values of the reinforced samples were lower than those of samples that were not reinforced. It was also found out that the mechanical properties increased directly proportional to the weight percentage of the SiC particles present in the composite such that the specimen with 10 wt% SiC recorded the highest values of all the mechanical properties that were tested for. For the composite with this wt% reinforcement, the hardness number value was 19.72, tensile strength value, 6328.4 MPa, and flexural strength value, 500.02 MPa but its electrical conductance was 22 S lower than the value of electrical conductance for the sample that was not reinforced at all which was 27.41228 S.
Effect of intrinsic point-defect complex on elastic properties of γ′-Ni3Al phases
Authors: Chen Yi , Deng Yong He , Chen Shuang , Luo Hai Jun , Luo Ya Jun , Peng Ping 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The effect of the intrinsic point-defect complex on the elastic properties of the γ′-Ni3Al phases was investigated through first-principles calculations. The formation enthalpies show that AlNi and NiAl defects dominate in the off-stoichiometric γ′-Ni3Al phases, and the AlNi + AlNi and NiAl + NiAl point-defect complexes most likely emerge in Al-rich and Ni-rich systems, respectively. Our computational results suggest that the shear modulus G, Young’s modulus E, and melting point T
m of the Ni3Al phases increase when single anti-site defects form, but decrease when intrinsic point defects combine. With variations in the electronic structures caused by point defects, we explained the adverse effect of the intrinsic point-defect complex on the strength of the γ′-Ni3Al phases.
Safety and Persistence of Nalmefene Treatment for Alcohol Dependence. Results from Two Post-authorisation Safety Studies
Authors: Chick Jonathan , Andersohn Frank , Guillo Sylvie , Borchert Kathrin , Toussi Massoud , Braun Sebastian , Haas Jennifer S , Kuppan Kavitha , Lemming Ole M , Reines Elin Heldbo , Tubach Florence 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Aims
Two post-authorisation studies assessed the safety and persistence of patients’ use of nalmefene.

Methods
The START study (EUPAS5678) was a non-interventional, multi-country, prospective, 18-month (8 follow-up visits) cohort study including outpatients initiating nalmefene for the first time. The multi-database retrospective cohort study (MDRC, EUPAS14083) included baseline and follow-up data from German, Swedish and UK healthcare databases. Both studies permitted ‘all comers’ without explicit exclusion criteria; predefined subgroups of interest included the elderly (≥65 years) as well as patients with significant psychiatric and/or somatic comorbidities.

Results
START study: Overall, the mean duration of nalmefene treatment was 10.3 ± 7.3 months (N = 1348), with 49.0% of patients treated for ≥1 year; frequent reasons for treatment discontinuation were ‘goal reached’ and ‘drug cost’. The most frequently reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were nausea (4.7%), dizziness (3.2%) and insomnia (2.0%). ADR rates appeared higher in the elderly subpopulation (18.6% reported ≥1 ADR vs. 12.0% in the total population) but were not higher in the other predefined subgroups.
MDRC study: The database follow-up analysis followed 2892 patients over 18 months for whom the duration of nalmefene treatment was between 2 and 3 months and &lt;5% of patients used nalmefene for ≥1 year.

Conclusions
Despite the inclusion of a wider patient population (e.g. elderly patients and those with relevant co-morbidities), the safety and tolerability profile of nalmefene given in routine practice was consistent with previous clinical studies. The differing rates of persistence beyond 1 year likely reflect the different methodologies and highlight the relevance of psychosocial support at follow-up visits.
Mechanical stimulation in wheat triggers age- and dose-dependent alterations in growth, development and grain characteristics
Authors: Hindhaugh Rebecca , Bosch Maurice , Donnison Iain S 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsWheat crops are exposed to a range of mechanical stimulations in their natural environment, yet we know very little about their response to such conditions. The aim of this study was to better understand the effect of mechanical stimulation on wheat growth and development, stem mechanical properties and grain measures. We focused on the following questions: (1) Does plant age affect the response to mechanical stimulation? (2) Is there a minimum threshold for the perception of mechanical stimuli? (3) Is the effect of manual brushing different to natural wind stimulation?MethodsFor age– and dose–response experiments, wheat plants were grown under controlled glasshouse conditions with brushing treatments applied using a purpose-built rig. The results of the controlled experiments are compared with those from an outside experiment where wheat plants were exposed to natural wind, with or without additional brushing. Detailed phenotypic measurements were conducted and treatment effects on grain characteristics were determined using micro-computed tomography imaging.Key ResultsTwo-week-old wheat plants were particularly sensitive to mechanical stimulation by controlled brushing treatments. Amongst others, plants exhibited a large reduction in height and grain yield, and an increase in tillers, above-ground biomass and stiffness of stem segments. Plants responded significantly to doses as small as one daily brushstroke. Outdoor experiments by and large confirmed results from controlled environment experiments.ConclusionsThe morphological and developmental response to mechanical brushing treatment, in relation to vegetative above-ground biomass and grain yield, is dependent on plant age as well as the dose of the treatments. This study shows that mechanical stimulation of wheat impacts on a multitude of agriculturally relevant traits and provides a much needed advancement of our understanding of wheat thigmomorphogenesis and the potential applications of mechanical conditioning to control relevant traits.
Long-term outcome after resection and thermal hepatic ablation of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour liver metastases
Authors: Kjaer J , Stålberg P , Crona J , Welin S , Hellman P , Thornell A , Norlen O 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (Pan-NETs) are rare tumours that often present with or develop liver metastases. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate liver surgery and thermal hepatic ablation (THA) of Pan-NET liver metastases and to compare the outcomes with those of a control group.

Method
Patients with Pan-NET treated in Uppsala University Hospital and Sahlgrenska University Hospital from 1995–2018 were included. Patient records were scrutinized for baseline parameters, survival, treatment and complications.

Results
Some 108 patients met the criteria for inclusion; 57 patients underwent treatment with liver surgery or THA and 51 constitute the control group. Median follow-up was 3.93 years. Five-year survival in the liver surgery/THA group was 70.6 (95 per cent c.i. 0.57 to 0.84) per cent versus 42.4 (95 per cent c.i. 40.7 to 59.1) per cent in the control group (P = 0.016) and median survival was 9.1 (95 per cent c.i. 6.5 to 11.7) versus 4.3  (95 per cent c.i. 3.4–5.2) years. In a multivariable analysis, surgery or THA was associated with a decreased death-years rate (hazard ratio 0.403 (95 per cent c.i. 0.208 to 0.782, P = 0.007).

Conclusion
Liver surgery and/or THA was associated with longer overall survival in Pan-NET with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates. These treatments should thus be considered in Pan-NET patients with reasonable tumour burden in an intent to alleviate symptoms and to improve survival.
Preoperative high-dose glucocorticoids for early recovery after liver resection: randomized double-blinded trial
Authors: Steinthorsdottir K J , Awada H N , Schultz N A , Larsen P N , Hillingsø J G , Jans Ø , Kehlet H , Aasvang E K 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background
Glucocorticoids modulate the surgical stress response. Previous studies showed that high-dose preoperative glucocorticoids reduce levels of postoperative inflammatory markers and specific biomarkers of liver damage compared with placebo, and suggested a reduced complication rate and shorter hospital stay after liver surgery. However, there are no studies with a clinical primary outcome or of early recovery outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a single high dose of preoperative glucocorticoid reduces complications in the immediate postoperative phase after liver surgery.

Methods
This was a single-centre, double-blinded, parallel-group RCT investigating preoperative methylprednisolone 10 mg/kg (high dose) versus dexamethasone 8 mg (standard-dose postoperative nausea prophylaxis) in patients scheduled for open liver resection. The primary outcome was number of patients with a complication in the postanaesthesia care unit; secondary outcomes included duration of hospital stay, pain and nausea during admission, and 30-day morbidity.

Results
A total of 174 patients (88 in high-dose group, 86 in standard-dose group) were randomized and analysed (mean(s.d.) age 65(12) years, 67.2 per cent men); 31.6 per cent had no serious co-morbidities and 25.3 per cent underwent major liver resection. Complications occurred in the postanaesthesia care unit in 51 patients (58 per cent) in the high-dose group and 58 (67 per cent) in the standard-dose group (risk ratio 0.86, 95 per cent c.i. 0.68 to 1.08; P = 0.213). Median duration of hospital stay was 4 days in both groups (P = 0.160). Thirty-day morbidity and mortality rates were similar in the two groups.

Conclusion
A high dose of preoperative glucocorticoids did not reduce acute postoperative complications after open liver resection compared with a standard dose. Registration number: NCT03403517 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov); EudraCT 2017–002652-81 (https://eudract.ema.europa.eu/).
Hyper-Local Digital News Platforms in Eastern India: A Dynamic Space for Regional Language Media Culture
Authors: Chatterjee Mrinal , Pal Sambit 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
“Jumbos are on the road! Before you go out, follow our updates!” No mainstream media outlet would carry such news pertaining to a remote town in Eastern India. However, a hyperlocal news website did. This essay maps the growth of such digital media platforms,whether in the form of websites, YouTube channels or Facebook pages that cater to smalltowns and districts in eastern India. We show how both local journalists and citizens are changing the hyperlocal news culture across Eastern India.
Energy, economic and environmental performance assessment of a grid-tied rooftop system in different cities of India based on 3E analysis
Authors: Saxena Anupama Khare , Saxena Seema , Sudhakar K 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
India is very rich in solar energy, with a total of 3000 sunshine hours annually in most places. The installation of on-grid rooftop electricity-generation photovoltaic (PV) systems is currently undergoing substantial growth and extension as an alternate source of energy that contributes to Indian buildings. This paper analyses the viability of mounting solar PV plants in distinct cities of India in various locations with different climate conditions such as Delhi, Bhopal, Udaipur, Ahmadabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Pune and Madurai. The technical feasibility of installing a 100-kWp system is evaluated using PVsyst software under local climatic conditions. The performance ratio is between 70% and 80%, with a capacity utilization factor of 19–21% and estimated energy output of 170 MWh annually at all sites. The system produces 400–500 kWh of energy daily at a per-unit cost of INR 6–7 (Indian rupees) in all locations. The lifespan of the system is ~25–30 years, reducing about 150–170 tons of carbon-dioxide emission to the atmosphere every year. The payback period of the system is ~5–6 years, which defines its feasibility. This information would encourage organizations and individuals to install such PV plants on the rooftops of buildings to use solar electricity for meeting the energy demands of the country.
Determination of Phthalates in Marine Sediments Using Ultrasonic Extraction Followed by Dispersive Solid-Phase Extraction and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hu Hongmei , Li Tiejun , Bao Jingjiao , Zhang Xiaoning , Sun Xiumei , Xu Kaida , Liu Qin , Guo Yuanming 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
A simple, rapid and novel method has been developed and validated for determination of 16 phthalates in marine sediment samples by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Freeze dried samples were first ultrasonic extraction by n-hexane:methylene chloride (1:1, v/v) and n-hexane:ethyl acetate (1:1, v/v) and followed by dispersive solid-phase extraction cleanup. The linearity of this method ranged from 1 to 1,000 μg/L, with regression coefficients ranging between 0.9993 and 0.9999. The limits of detection were in ng/g level, ranging between 0.1 and 0.25 ng/g (dry weight). The concentration of the total phthalates in marine sediment samples from Waters of Dongji (Zhoushan, China), Yueqing Bay (Wenzhou, China) and Coastal Waters of Yuhuan (Taizhou, China) ranged from 235.4 to 608.7 μg/kg with diisobutyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate being the major species, which constitutes of 94.6 and 98.1% of the total phthalates. The recoveries of spiked 16 phthalates at different concentration levels in sediment sample 3 of Waters of Dongji (Zhoushan, China) and sediment sample 3 of Yueqing bay (Wenzhou, China) were in the range of 78–117% and 83–114%, respectively, with relative standard deviations of 2.4–6.8% and 3.4–7.5% (n = 5), respectively. The performance of the proposed method was also compared with traditional Soxhlet extraction and column chromatography cleanup on the same genuine sediment samples and comparable efficiencies were obtained. It is concluded that this method can be successfully applied for the determination of phthalates in different marine sediment samples.
Aortic enlargement and coronary artery calcification in a general population cohort
Authors: Ballegaard Christian R , Pham Michael H C , Sigvardsen Per E , Kühl J Tobias , Sørgaard Mathias , Taudorf Mikkel , Fuchs Andreas , Nordestgaard Børge G , Køber Lars V , Kofoed Klaus F 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Aims
The role of atherosclerosis in the pathogenesis of aortic enlargement is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the diameters of the ascending, descending and abdominal aorta, and coronary artery calcification.

Methods and results
Individuals in the Copenhagen General Population Study underwent thoracic and abdominal computed tomography. Maximal aortic diameters were measured in each aortic segment and coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) were calculated. Participants were stratified into five predefined groups according to CACSs and compared to aortic dimensions. The relation between aortic diameter and CACS was adjusted for risk factors for aortic dilatation in a multivariable model. A total of 2678 eligible individuals were included. In all segments of the aorta, aortic diameter was associated to CACSs, with mean increases in aortic diameters ranging from 0.7 to 3.5 mm in individuals with calcified coronary arteries compared to non-calcified subjects (P-value &lt; 0.001). After correction for risk factors, individuals with CACS above 400 had larger ascending, descending and abdominal aortic diameter than the non-calcified reference group (P-value &lt; 0.01).

Conclusion
Enlarged thoracic and abdominal aortic vascular segments are associated with co-existing coronary artery calcification in the general population.
The National Health Insurance System of Indonesia and primary care physicians’ job satisfaction: a prospective qualitative study
Authors: Maharani Chatila , Rahayu Sri Ratna , Marx Michael , Loukanova Svetla 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background
The implementation of the National Health Insurance System (NHIS) in Indonesia has been changing the primary care physician (PCP) work condition and their job satisfaction.

Objective
This research aimed to explore the reasons behind PCPs’ satisfaction and dissatisfaction with job satisfaction’s aspect under the NHIS reform.

Methods
We conducted an exploratory qualitative study within two areas in Central Java, Indonesia, using semi-structured in-depth interviews with 34 PCPs and 19 triangulation sources. We conducted both inductive and deductive analyses by the NVivo 11.

Results
Most PCPs felt dissatisfied with the following aspects of the NHIS: referral system, NHIS health services standard, NHIS programmes, performance evaluation and pay-for-performance, relationship with patient and workloads. PCPs felt constrained with the referral regulation and non-specialist diagnoses, which led to dissatisfaction with performance evaluation and the pay-for-performance implementation. Furthermore, an increase in workload and conflict with patients resulted from patients’ misunderstanding the NHIS health service procedures. However, PCPs felt satisfied with the chronic disease management programme and patients’ appreciation.

Conclusions
This study presents the reasons behind PCPs’ satisfaction and dissatisfaction with job satisfaction’s aspect under the NHIS reform. There is a need for additional discussion among all stakeholders (Ministry of Health, Social Security Agency for Health/SSAH, primary health care and physician’s professional organizations about the non-specialist diagnoses list, performance evaluation and pay-for-performance). The government and SSAH need to improve the communication and socialization of the NHIS procedures/regulations.
Population dynamics of GC-changing mutations in humans and great apes
Authors: Bergman Juraj , Heide Schierup Mikkel 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The nucleotide composition of the genome is a balance between the origin and fixation rates of different mutations. For example, it is well-known that transitions occur more frequently than transversions, particularly at CpG sites. Differences in fixation rates of mutation types are less explored. Specifically, recombination-associated GC-biased gene conversion (gBGC) may differentially impact GC-changing mutations, due to differences in their genomic distributions and efficiency of mismatch repair mechanisms. Given that recombination evolves rapidly across species, we explore gBGC of different mutation types across human populations and great ape species. We report a stronger correlation between segregating GC frequency and recombination for transitions than for transversions. Notably, CpG transitions are most strongly affected by gBGC in humans and chimpanzees. We show that the overall strength of gBGC is generally correlated with effective population sizes in humans, with some notable exceptions, such as a stronger effect of gBGC on non-CpG transitions in populations of European descent. Furthermore, species of the Gorilla and Pongo genus have a greatly reduced gBGC effect on CpG sites. We also study the dependence of gBGC dynamics on flanking nucleotides and show that some mutation types evolve in opposition to the gBGC expectation, likely due to the hypermutability of specific nucleotide contexts. Our results highlight the importance of different gBGC dynamics experienced by GC-changing mutations and their impact on nucleotide composition evolution.