bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Heat Index (HI) and Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) Index at Mumbai and Pune Cities, India
Authors: DESAI MANASI , NAVALE ASHISH , DHORDE AMIT G. 
Published: November 2021

In the present study, trends in heat stress during summer and monsoon season months were assessed for two cities, Pune and Mumbai, for the period of 47 years from 1969 to2015 with the application of empirically derived Heat Index (HI) and rational heat balance based Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) index. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was applied to determine contributing meteorological parameters responsible for changes in heat stress incidences. The study reveals a considerable increase in heat stress during the summer months over Mumbai compared to Pune city. Similarly, during the end months of monsoon season, thermal discomfort conditions aggravate over both the cities, with statistically significant rising trends. The actual identification and categorization of thermally discomfortable days during the study period in accordance with the Heat Index were moderate. They remained consistent in Pune during summer, however, in monsoon, heat stress incidences were meager. While at Mumbai days with 'High' and 'Very High,' heat stress have increased towards recent years. Categorization according to PET index depicted conspicuous presence of 'Strong' and 'Extreme heat stress' at Pune, while at Mumbai, 'Warm' and 'Hot' days portrayeda slight increase. The assessment of meteorological parameters depicted that increased humidity and temperature were the main concern for the increase in heat stress over Mumbai. In contrast, mean radiant temperature, ambient air temperature with restricted wind speed leading to high sensible heat may be responsible for the significant increasing trend in PET. The study infers that both the cities are vulnerable to escalating heat stress and may have adverse implications on the health of city dwellers.
Diversity of Tree Species in Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Nnadi P. C. , Otene B. B. , David-Sarogoro Nwiisator 
Published: November 2021

This study was carried out to examine the distribution of plant species in Rivers State University campus at different locations at the Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt Nigeria. The general objective of this study was to examine the Ecological distribution of plant species in Rivers State University campus at different locations. The specific objective was to determine the species abundance of various plants in the study area and also to examine the ecological diversity of tree species in the various groups. The study area was divided into three groups (stations) with the various plants species identified and recorded. Data gotten from the field was analyzed using descriptive statistic and some ecological indices such as Margalef, Mehinick, Shannon diversity, Shannon Wiener, Evenness/Equitability and Simpson dominance. A total of one thousand Sixty-nine (1069) individual plant were identified with 16, 17 and 12 species in stations 1-3 respectively. The highest individual plants (561) were observed in station 1 while the least (87) were observed in station 3. The mean values of stations 1 and 2 were significantly and statistically different from site 3 at p<0.05. The results obtained showed some dominant species to include Elaeis guincensis, Polyaithia longifolia, Pinus spp, Gmelina arborea, Wodyetia bifareata, Citrus sinensis, Cocos nuciferia while others were the least dominant species found in the study area. The Margalef, Mehinicks and Shannon Wiener values were consistently highest in station 2 but lowest in station 3. Human disturbances had negative impact on tree species abundance especially in site 3. It is therefore recommended that management interventions are necessary in other to stop indiscriminate felling of the various trees species that made up the different groups.
Bermudagrass Control in Sugarcane in Brazil
Authors: Cirilo Lucas Carvalho , Cerdeira Antonio Luiz , Mathias Azania Andrea Aparecida De Padua , Beluci Lucas Ribeiro , Brandão Boneti João Eduardo , Bidóia Vitor Simionato , Mathias Azania Carlos Alberto 
Published: November 2021

Aims: Evaluation of the chemicals in controlling bermudagrass weed and effects on sugarcane selectivity.
Study Design: Chamber growth studies: completely randomized design with nine treatments with five replicates. Field studies: Randomized block design with nine treatments with five replicates
Place and Duration of Study: Instituto Agronômico, Centro de Cana, São Paulo State, Brazil, between February/2018 and December/2019.
Methodology: Bermudagrass chemical control was studied in growth chamber in pots. In the first stage, imazapyr, clomazone, indaziflam, sulfentrazone and the control treatment were studied. In the second stage, imazapyr, clomazone, indaziflam were applied and a treatment with no herbicides was maintained. After 75 days of imazapyr application and 38 days of clomazone and indaziflam, clomazone + indaziflam and clomazone + sulfentrazone were applied, in addition to the control treatment. Sugar cane selectivity study was carried out in the field. Before sugarcane planting, imazapyr, clomazone, indaziflam were applied. After planting, clomazone + indaziflam and clomazone + sulfentrazone were applied, in addition to the control treatment.
Results: Clomazone at 1050.0 g ha-1 applied as pre plant at 38 days before planting followed by clomazone at 1050.0 g ha-1 plus sulfentrazone at 650.0 g ha-1 applied 2 days after sugar cane planting was the best treatment for bermudagrass control and yield of the crop. Other viable options for control involved clomazone plus sulfentrazone used after imazapyr or indaziflam.
Comparative In vitro Antibacterial Properties of Methanol Extracts and Fractions of Myristica fragrans Seed and Thymus vulgaris Leaf
Authors: A. Umoh Romanus , C. Essien Affiong , I. Johnny Imoh , A. Andy Nsima , E. Udoh Anwanabasi , T. Umoh Omodot 
Published: November 2021

The aim of this work was to compare the antibacterial properties of methanol extracts and fractions of Myristica fragrans seed and Thymus vulgaris leaf on the gram positive and negative bacteria. The Myristica fragrans seeds were crushed, defatted and air-dried. The defatted seed and leaf powders were separately macerated in absolute methanol for 72 hours. The methanol extracts and fractions were reconstituted at different concentrations of 100mg/mL, 80mg/mL, 60mg/mL, 40mg/mL and 20mg/mL for the antibacterial assay by agar diffusion method with activated cultured Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli , incubated at 37oC for 24 hours . The results showed that these plants possess antibacterial activity on the basis of their zones of inhibition. Methanol extract of M. fragrans had a higher activity of 8-19mm on S. aureus than E. coli with 5-14mm range respectively. Ethylacetate fraction had the highest activity with 9-25mm on S. aureus, while chloroform fraction had the highest activity on E. coli with 8-18mm. For T. vulgaris, the methanol extract had a higher activity of 6-18mm on E. coli than S. aureus of 4-17mm and for the fractions, n-hexane fraction had the highest activity of 7-20mm on S. aureus , while aqueous fraction had the highest activity of 5-18mm on E. coli, compared with zones of inhibition of 18mm against S. aureus and 28mm against E. coli for gentamycin of 2mg/mL which was the reference drug. Methanol extracts and fractions of M. fragrans seed and T. vulgaris leaf showed excellent activities on the gram positive and gram negative bacteria but the M. fragrans had a better activity than T. vulgaris.
Quality of Life and Psychological Distress during Cancer: A Prospective Observational Study Involving Liver Cancer Patients
Authors: Malik Madeeha , Kiyani Iqra Parveen , Rana Shazana , Hussain Azhar , Zahid Muhammad Bin Aslam 
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Liver Cancer is aggressive cancer and patients are mostly screened and diagnosed when they become symptomatic at advanced. Disease severity, depression, fatigue, joint pain, and poor appetite have been reported as strong determinants of quality of life (QoL) among liver cancer patients.
Aims: The objective of the study was to assess the quality of life and depression among liver cancer patients in Pakistan.
Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in healthcare facilities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan between June 2020-December 2020.
Methodology: Two pre-validated questionnaires i.e. EORTC QLQ-C30 and HADS were self-administered to a sample of 100 liver cancer patients selected using a convenience sampling technique for measuring QoL and depression, respectively. After data collection, data was cleaned, coded, and entered in SPSS.
Results: The results highlighted that the lowest scores observed in the domain of symptom scale were: Nausea and Vomiting (23.72, ± 28.238), Dyspnea (25.27, ± 26.90), Constipation (26.03, ± 34.75) followed by Diarrhea (22.63, ± 28.42), whereas highest scores in the symptom scale were observed in the domain of fatigue (37.69, ± 20.06), pain (40.37, ± 18.44), insomnia (41.65, ± 32.37) and financial difficulties (60.33, ± 33.830). On the other hand, highest score on the functional scale was observed for physical functioning (64, ± 21.76) and the lowest score was observed in social functioning (53.19, ± 20.66).
Conclusion: The present study concluded that liver cancer had a negative impact on risk factors/past medical history, co-morbidities, and poor socio-economic of life across all domains along with moderate depression in liver cancer patients. Illiteracy, advanced liver cancer stage, risk factors/past medical history, co-morbidities and poor socio-economic status negatively affected functional and symptom scale. Appropriate health educational and psychological interventional programs targeting patients should be initiated to improve awareness and reduce depression among liver cancer patients.
Multistep Crystallization Pathways in the Ambient‐Temperature Synthesis of a New Alkali‐Activated Binder
Authors: Maslyk Marcel , Gäb Tobias , Matveeva Galina , Opitz Phil , Mondeshki Mihail , Krysiak Yasar , Kolb Ute , Tremel Wolfgang 
Published: November 2021

AbstractConcrete is the most prevalent manufactured material that has shaped the built environment, but the high‐temperature production of cement, the main component of concrete, has a massive carbon footprint. It is shown that CO2 emissions during clinker production of cement can be circumvented by a metathesis reaction at room temperature in ball‐mills, where the cement clinker is replaced by non‐calcined limestone and alkali‐activated binders/geopolymers. An amorphous intermediate (aNaSiCC) containing a random mixture of the ionic constituents in “molecular” dispersion is formed by mechanochemical activation of CaCO3 and Na2SiO3. This allows molecular transport during crystallization and low activated reactions, as precipitation of solids from liquids (nucleation limited and kinetically controlled) and solid‐state transformations (diffusion‐limited and thermodynamically controlled) have equal weight. Several steps of the hydration reaction could be resolved. Activating the amorphous aNaSiCC precursor with NaOH leads to a CSH‐like phase with a C/S ratio of ≈1 containing some sodium. The carbonate components pass through a multistep crystallization from aNaSiCC via pirssonite and gaylussite to monohydrocalcite. The findings help unravel the interplay between thermodynamics and kinetics in complex reactions of alkali‐activated binders and for CaCO3 crystallization in industrial and geochemical settings, where dissolved silicate is always involved.
3D Printed Dual‐Porosity Scaffolds: The Combined Effect of Stiffness and Porosity in the Modulation of Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Camarero‐Espinosa Sandra , Carlos‐Oliveira Maria , Liu Hong , Mano João F. , Bouvy Nicole , Moroni Lorenzo 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTissue regeneration evolves toward the biofabrication of sophisticated 3D scaffolds. However, the success of these will be contingent to their capability to integrate within the host. The control of the mechanical or topographical properties of the implant appears as an ideal method to modulate the immune response. However, the interplay between these properties is yet not clear. Dual‐porosity scaffolds with varying mechanical and topographical features are created, and their immunomodulatory properties in rat alveolar macrophages in vitro and in vivo in a rat subcutaneous model are evaluated. Scaffolds are fabricated via additive manufacturing and thermally induced phase separation methods from two copolymers with virtually identical chemistries, but different stiffness. The introduction of porosity enables the modulation of macrophages toward anti‐inflammatory phenotypes, with secretion of IL‐10 and TGF‐β. Soft scaffolds (<5 kPa) result in a pro‐inflammatory phenotype in contrast to stiffer (>40 kPa) scaffolds of comparable porosities supporting a pro‐healing phenotype, which appears to be related to the surface spread area of cells. In vivo, stiff scaffolds integrate, while softer scaffolds appear encapsulated after three weeks of implantation, resulting in chronic inflammation after six weeks. The results demonstrate the importance of evaluating the interplay between topography and stiffness of candidate scaffolds.
Revisiting the Ethylene Carbonate–Propylene Carbonate Mystery with Operando Characterization
Authors: Melin Tim , Lundström Robin , Berg Erik J. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe “ethylene carbonate (EC)–propylene carbonate (PC) mystery” has puzzled electrochemists for decades. Surprisingly, the minor structural difference between PC and EC, a methyl vis‐à‐vis a proton, prevents PC unlike EC to form a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on carbon (C), which along with the popularity of PC has impeded the development of Li‐ion batteries with many years. Despite several hypotheses, the fundamental reason remains debated largely due to the lack of sufficient experimental evidence. Herein, SEI formed as a result of EC and PC reductions are analyzed by two state‐of‐the‐art operando techniques, online electrochemical mass spectrometry and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring. Although both EC‐ and PC‐based electrolytes appear to have virtually identical reaction pathways, PC is reduced much more extensively than EC and forms a much thicker SEI. However, while the SEI derived from EC remains on the electrode, PC reduction products redissolve in the electrolyte leaving the bare C electrode behind. The presented study illustrates the complex scheme of competing electro‐/chemical reactions behind SEI formation and provides further scientific details needed to eventually form a consensus of the processes governing electrode/electrolyte interphases in Li‐ion batteries.
Spatial Dissection of Invasive Front from Tumor Mass Enables Discovery of Novel microRNA Drivers of Glioblastoma Invasion
Authors: Huang Yulun , Qi Lin , Kogiso Mari , Du Yuchen , Braun Frank K. , Zhang Huiyuan , Huang L. Frank , Xiao Sophie , Teo Wan‐Yee , Lindsay Holly , Zhao Sibo , Baxter Patricia , Su Jack M. F. , Adesina Adekunle , Yang Jianhua , Brabetz Sebastian , Kool Marcel , Pfister Stefan M. , Chintagumpala Murali , Perlaky Laszlo , Wang Zhong , Zhou Youxin , Man Tsz‐Kwong , Li Xiao‐Nan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDiffuse invasion is the primary cause of treatment failure of glioblastoma (GBM). Previous studies on GBM invasion have long been forced to use the resected tumor mass cells. Here, a strategy to reliably isolate matching pairs of invasive (GBMINV) and tumor core (GBMTC) cells from the brains of 6 highly invasive patient‐derived orthotopic models is described. Direct comparison of these GBMINV and GBMTC cells reveals a significantly elevated invasion capacity in GBMINV cells, detects 23/768 miRNAs over‐expressed in the GBMINV cells (miRNAINV) and 22/768 in the GBMTC cells (miRNATC), respectively. Silencing the top 3 miRNAsINV (miR‐126, miR‐369‐5p, miR‐487b) successfully blocks invasion of GBMINV cells in vitro and in mouse brains. Integrated analysis with mRNA expression identifies miRNAINV target genes and discovers KCNA1 as the sole common computational target gene of which 3 inhibitors significantly suppress invasion in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo treatment with 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) effectively eliminates GBM invasion and significantly prolongs animal survival times (P = 0.035). The results highlight the power of spatial dissection of functionally accurate GBMINV and GBMTC cells in identifying novel drivers of GBM invasion and provide strong rationale to support the use of biologically accurate starting materials in understanding cancer invasion and metastasis.
Injectable Nanocomposite Implants Reduce ROS Accumulation and Improve Heart Function after Infarction
Authors: Shilo Malka , Oved Hadas , Wertheim Lior , Gal Idan , Noor Nadav , Green Ori , Baruch Ester‐Sapir , Shabat Doron , Shapira Assaf , Dvir Tal 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn a myocardial infarction, blood supply to the left ventricle is abrogated due to blockage of one of the coronary arteries, leading to ischemia, which further triggers the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These sequential processes eventually lead to the death of contractile cells and affect the integrity of blood vessels, resulting in the formation of scar tissue. A new heart therapy comprised of cardiac implants encapsulated within an injectable extracellular matrix‐gold nanoparticle composite hydrogel is reported. The particles on the collagenous fibers within the hydrogel promote fast transfer of electrical signal between cardiac cells, leading to the functional assembly of the cardiac implants. The composite hydrogel is shown to absorb reactive oxygen species in vitro and in vivo in mice ischemia reperfusion model. The reduction in ROS levels preserve cardiac tissue morphology and blood vessel integrity, reduce the scar size and the inflammatory response, and significantly prevent the deterioration of heart function.
Thermoset Shape Memory Polymer Variable Stiffness 4D Robotic Catheters
Authors: Mattmann Michael , De Marco Carmela , Briatico Francesco , Tagliabue Stefano , Colusso Aron , Chen Xiang‐Zhong , Lussi Jonas , Chautems Christophe , Pané Salvador , Nelson Bradley 
Published: November 2021

AbstractVariable stiffness catheters are typically composed of an encapsulated core. The core is usually composed of a low melting point alloy (LMPA) or a thermoplastic polymer (TP). In both cases, there is a need to encapsulate the core with an elastic material. This imposes a limit to the volume of variable stiffness (VS) material and limits miniaturization. This paper proposes a new approach that relies on the use of thermosetting materials. The variable stiffness catheter (VSC) proposed in this work eliminates the necessity for an encapsulation layer and is made of a unique biocompatible thermoset polymer with an embedded heating system. This significantly reduces the final diameter, improves manufacturability, and increases safety in the event of complications. The device can be scaled to sub‐millimeter dimensions, while maintaining a high stiffness change. In addition, integration into a magnetic actuation system allows for precise actuation of one or multiple tools.
High‐Entropy Energy Materials in the Age of Big Data: A Critical Guide to Next‐Generation Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Wang Qingsong , Velasco Leonardo , Breitung Ben , Presser Volker 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHigh‐entropy materials (HEMs) with promising energy storage and conversion properties have recently attracted worldwide increasing research interest. Nevertheless, most research on the synthesis of HEMs focuses on a “trial and error” method without any guidance, which is very laborious and time‐consuming. This review aims to provide an instructive approach to searching and developing new high‐entropy energy materials in a much more efficient way. Toward materials design for future technologies, a fundamental understanding of the process/structure/property/performance linkage on an atomistic level will promote prescreening and selection of material candidates. With the help of computational material science, in which the fast development of computational capabilities that have a rapidly growing impact on new materials design, this fundamental understanding can be approached. Furthermore, high‐throughput experimental methods, enabled by the advances in instrumentation and electronics, will accelerate the production of large quantities of results and stimulate the identification of the target products, adding knowledge in computational design. This review shows that combining computational preselection and verification by high‐throughput can be an efficient approach to unveil the complexities of HEMs and design novel HEMs with enhanced properties for energy‐related applications.
Self‐Healing: An Emerging Technology for Next‐Generation Smart Batteries
Authors: Narayan Rekha , Laberty‐Robert Christel , Pelta Juan , Tarascon Jean‐Marie , Dominko Robert 
Published: November 2021

AbstractComplex battery degradation is an interplay of different processes correlated to the thermodynamic, chemical, and mechanical instability of materials. Their degradation kinetics and mechanisms are functions of several intrinsic and environmental conditions. The degradation of the battery cell can be minimized by using preventive steps, like artificial interphases, coatings, additives, or materials that operate within the thermodynamic stability voltage window. Like in most systems/applications degradation processes/aging cannot be avoided since battery cells operate in different environments. Self‐healing functionalities have been proved in different areas of material science and they can significantly improve the performance of battery cells. Some of them have been demonstrated on the laboratory scale, while other degradation processes have been tackled only by the development of preventive approaches. Since self‐healing functionalities add additional weight and cost to the battery cell, directions of development should be focused on modification of nonactive materials, preferably based on biosourced materials to lower environmental impact. Important issues include detection of degradation using sensors and the vectorization of self‐healing components and their controlled release. In addition to this, a triggering process of extrinsic self‐healing components together with manufacturability and recyclability should be considered from the early stages of the development phase.