bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Model for the Genesis of Carboniferous Mn Ores, Longtou Deposit, South China Block
Authors: Chen Fangge , Pufahl Peir K. , Wang Qingfei , Matheson Edward J. , Shabaga Brandi M. , Zhang Qizuan , Zeng Yushan , Le Xingwen , Ruan Di , Zhao Yuting 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe lower Carboniferous Luzhai and Baping Formations (ca. 359 Ma) of the South China block, Guangxi Province, comprise an ca. 170-m-thick clastic-carbonate succession capped by Mn ore horizons near the town of Longtou. Excellent exposure of the stratigraphic succession provides an unparalleled opportunity to investigate the origin of carbonate-hosted Mn deposits, which are generally understudied. Lithofacies associations suggest inner and middle shelf clastic rocks accumulated with deposition of carbonates on a mesotrophic middle to outer shelf. In the Longtou region, carbonate deposition during marine transgression culminated with the precipitation of high-grade Mn deposits during maximum flooding. Mn ore horizons are composed of amalgamated alabandite-bearing rhodochrosite, Mn calcite, and braunite laminae. Mn carbonates have been largely interpreted as forming in oxic water columns via reduction of Mn oxides by organic matter. However, paragenetic relationships and δ13C values (similar to those of seawater) indicate the Mn carbonates of Longtou were formed during authigenesis by the emplacement of anoxic, Mn-rich water masses on the distal to middle shelf. Such anoxia is interpreted to have shut down the carbonate factory and diminished sedimentation, a prerequisite for the concentration and precipitation of Mn carbonates in pore water. This research supports the notion that areas of the Paleozoic deep ocean were persistently anoxic and periodically tapped by coastal upwelling to produce Mn- and Fe-rich deposits. Application of this emerging ore deposit model to other economically important carbonate-hosted Mn deposits may improve resource exploration.
The Smicridea (Smicridea) fasciatella species group (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) in Brazil: six new species and new distributional records
Authors: Desiderio Gleison Robson , Pes Ana Maria , Andrade-Souza Vanderly , Hamada Neusa 
Published: May 2021

The Smicridea (Smicridea) fasciatella species group occurs from the southwestern USA, throughout Central America, the Greater Antilles islands, and most of South America, except for the Chilean subregion. It is characterized by the phallic apparatus being a simple tube with eversible internal sclerites at the apex. The fasciatella group is composed of 61 species, of which only 11 occur in Brazil, mainly in the Atlantic Forest biome in the southeastern region. In order to reduce the Linnean and Wallacean shortfalls for the Smicridea Brazilian fauna, we diagnose, describe, and illustrate males of six new species in the fasciatella group: Smicridea (Smicridea) blahniki Desiderio, Pes & Hamada sp. nov., S. (Smicridea) brevitruncata Desiderio, Pes & Hamada sp. nov., S. (Smicridea) caaguara Desiderio, Pes & Hamada sp. nov., S. (Smicridea) ipiranga Desiderio, Pes & Hamada sp. nov., S. (Smicridea) jeaneae Desiderio, Pes & Hamada sp. nov., and S. (Smicridea) polyacantha Desiderio, Pes &; Hamada sp. nov. Additionally, we provide distributional data for S. (Smicridea) albosignata Ulmer, 1907, S. (Smicridea) bivittata (Hagen, 1861), S. (Smicridea) erecta Flint, 1974, S. (Smicridea) obliqua Flint, 1974, S. (Smicridea) paranensis Flint, 1983, and S. (Smicridea) sattleri Denning & Sykora, 1968. The number of S. (Smicridea) species in Brazil increases from 21 to 27 and Smicridea is recorded from the states of Acre, Amapá, and Sergipe for the first time.
The Delft Systematic Yacht Hull (Series II) Experiments
Authors: Onnink R. , Gerritsma J. , Keuning J. A. 
Published: May 2021

The Delft systematic Yacht Hull Series (series I) has been extended with six hull forms which cover a range of medium to very light displacements. Upright and heeled resistance, as well as side force and stability have been measured for a large range of forward speeds.
Polynomial expressions for the upright resistance, based on the combined Series I and II, are given for Froude numbers up to Fn = 0.60.
The measured side force and induced resistance are analysed, and velocity predictions using Series I and II results are discussed.
Model Test Techniques Developed to Investigate the Wind Heeling Characteristics of Sailing Vessels and Their Response to Gusts
Authors: Deakin Barry 
Published: May 2021

During the development of new stability regulations for the U.K. Department of Transport, doubt was cast over many of the assumptions made when assessing the stability of sailing vessels. In order to investigate the traditional methods a programme of work was undertaken including wind tunnel tests and full scale data acquisition. The work resulted in a much improved understanding of the behaviour of sailing vessels and indeed indicated that the conventional methods of stability assessment are invalid, the rules now applied in the U.K. being very different to those in use elsewhere.
The paper concentrates on the model test techniques which were developed specifically for this project but which will have implications to other vessel types. The tests were of two kinds: measurement of the wind forces and moments on a sailing vessel; and investigation of the response of sailing vessels to gusts of wind.
For the force and moment measurements models were mounted in a tank of water on a six component balance and tested in a large boundary layer wind tunnel. Previous tests in wind tunnels have always concentrated on performance and the heeling moments have not normally been measured correctly. As the measurements of heeling moment at a range of heel angles was of prime importance a new balance and mounting system was developed which enabled the above water part of the vessel to be modelled correctly, the underwater part to be unaffected by the wind, and the interface to be correctly represented without interference. Various effects were investigated including rig type, sheeting, heading, heel angle and wind gradient.
The gust response tests were conducted with Froude scaled models floating in a pond set in the wind tunnel floor. A mechanism was installed in the tunnel which enabled gusts of various characteristics to be generated, and the roll response of the models was measured with a gyroscope. These tests provided information on the effects of inertia, damping, rolling and the characteristics of the gust.
Sample results are presented to illustrate the uses to which these techniques have been put.
The Nigerian Diaspora’s Contributions to the Development of Higher Education
Authors: Wapmuk Sharkdam 
Published: May 2021

While engagement with the Nigerian diaspora has focused on attractinginvestment and remittances, recently, attention has also shifted to its contributionto the development of higher education. The descriptive andqualitative study on which this article is based drew on secondary datathat was analysed through content analysis. The findings revealed that acombination of factors motivated Nigerians, including intellectuals, toemigrate, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s. This compounded existingproblems in Nigeria’s higher education sector. Since 1999, successive governmentshave engaged the diaspora in national development, includinghigher education. The study found that through the Linkages with Expertsand Academics in the Diaspora Scheme, the United Nations DevelopmentProgramme’s Transfer of Knowledge Through Expatriate Nationals, andthe World Bank assisted Nelson Mandela Institution, known as the AfricanUniversity of Science and Technology, as well as alumni associations inthe diaspora, Nigerian diaspora academics have been returning home totransfer knowledge in universities. Other contributions include projects,donations, and programmes. However, several challenges constrain thetapping of their full potential. The article recommends that the Nigeriangovernment should create an enabling environment, ensure clarity ofexpectations, provide adequate funding and adopt long-term approaches toengage with the Nigerian academic diaspora.
Key Words: Nigerian diaspora, higher education, brain-drain, brain-gain,knowledge transfer
Comparative Study of the Effect of Five Drying Methods on Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Potential and Organoleptic Properties of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) Rhizome
Authors: Tientcheu Yves M. T. , Dibacto Ruth E. K. , Edoun Ferdinand L. E. , Matueno Elsa F. K. , Tchuenchieu Alex D. K. , Germaine Yadang , Medoua Gabriel N. 
Published: May 2021

Aims: Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the most popular and widely used spice, known for its health benefits. This study aimed at assessing the potential impact of a Handcrafted dryer (HCD) on the quality of ginger in comparison to the most common drying methods.
Methodology: Fresh ginger originating from 2 regions were dried using the following techniques: HCD; Air Drying (AD); Ventilator Oven (VO) at 50°C, 60°C and 80°C; Freeze Drying (FD) and Microwave drying (MD) at 700 and 900 W) methods. Dried products were ground and infused in hot water and the total flavonoid contents, and antioxidant potential through different mechanisms (DPPH radical, FRAP and TAC assays) as well as the sensory properties of the infusions were assessed.
Results: TFC of the samples significantly varied with regard to the origin of the Ginger. Infusions deriving from the dried ginger from HCD and VO at 80°C exhibited the highest TPC, TFC and antioxidant activities. While the rise of temperature with VO led to an increase of TPC, it was rather a decrease that was observed with the rise of microwave power level but which did not have a significative effect on the antioxidant potential. No significant difference was noticed in the acceptance of infusions by consumers except MD samples, which received the lowest score by panelists.
Conclusion: Heat-based processes appears to be useful in the optimization of the nutritional value of dried ginger, and HCD appropriate for farmers as it is easy and not expensive to put into practice.
Awareness, Ownership and Utilization of Insecticide Treated Nets against Malaria Vectors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Awka Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Onyebueke Anthony Chibuike , Umeobieri Ancilla Kate , Irikannu Kindness Chidi 
Published: May 2021

Aim: To determine the level, sources of awareness, ownership and utilization of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) by pregnant women, according to age, parity, trimester, occupation and hospital attended.
Study Design: The study was a cross sectional survey of 577 randomly selected pregnant women who were attending antenatal clinic in different hospitals in Awka Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Duration of Study: The study was conducted in February 2016.
Materials and Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from the study participants.
Results: Of a total of 577 respondents, 566(98.1%) had previous knowledge of ITNs while only 11(1.9%) had no prior knowledge. Also, 218(38.5%) had heard about ITNs from Radio, 184(32.5%) from Television, while 374(66.1%) from Antenatal clinics. A total of 217(46.2%) obtained at least one net at antenatal clinic, 39(8.3%) purchased at least one of the ITNs owned, 49(10.4%) received the net at their Local Government Headquarters while 263(66.9%) received at least one by free distribution at other locations. Respondents from government owned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) had the highest ownership rate of 92.7%, while least 65.0% was observed at the privately owned Divine Hospital and Maternity. The ownership of ITNs was dependent on the hospital as there was a significant difference (X2=56.374, df=2, p < .05). Age group 25–34 years had the highest ownership rate of 87.1% while the least 72.8% was in age group 15–24 years. Women in age group 35–44 years had the highest utilization rate of 52.3% while least usage rate was in age group 15-24 years and there was a significant difference (X2=7.042, df=2, p < .05).
Conclusion: Public health educators, Doctors and Antenatal heads need to do more in sensitization on the importance of utilization of ITNs during pregnancy for protection against malaria vectors.
Effect of Beverages on Release of Paracetamol Tablet by In-vitro Dissolution Method Using Modified Media
Authors: Akshay Baheti , Abhijit Gothoskar , Kanchan Palkar , Manish Wani , Satish Polshettiwar , Amol Tagalpallewar , Ashlesha Pandit 
Published: May 2021

Oral route of drug delivery is one of the most preferred route of drug administration. People often consume oral solids, especially OTC drugs, at any time before or after breakfast with water or any other available hot or cold beverages. Crocin is one of the popular OTC brands of paracetamol, which is preferred in large number. Patient consumes this OTC tablet with available beverages which may be hot or cold. However, beverages interact with paracetamol, affecting the release of drug. In view of this, work was focused on study of the effect of various beverages such as coffee, tea, milk, carbonated drink and buttermilk on release of paracetamol (Crocin tablet) tablet using USP type II dissolution apparatus. Dissolution media used was modified phosphate buffer (pH 5.8) which was further added with beverages and was analyzed by UV spectrophotometrically. Dissolution profile revealed the maximum drug release 97.03 ± 1.29% in plain water was while minimum with tea 23.64 ± 2.00%. In conclusion, beverages consumed while administering with paracetamol tablet affects the release of drug and therefore should be cautiously used or avoided with dosage forms.
Oxidation State Modulation of Bismuth for Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Wan Yuchi , Zhou Hongjiang , Zheng Muyun , Huang Zheng‐Hong , Kang Feiyu , Li Jia , Lv Ruitao 
Published: May 2021

AbstractElectrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a promising strategy for ammonia (NH3) production under ambient conditions. However, it is severely impeded by the challenging activation of the NN bond and the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which makes it crucial to design electrocatalysts rationally for efficient NRR. Herein, the rational design of bismuth (Bi) nanoparticles with different oxidation states embedded in carbon nanosheets (Bi@C) as efficient NRR electrocatalysts is reported. The NRR performance of Bi@C improves with the increase of Bi0/Bi3+ atomic ratios, indicating that the oxidation state of Bi plays a significant role in electrochemical ammonia synthesis. As a result, the Bi@C nanosheets annealed at 900 °C with the optimal oxidation state of Bi demonstrate the best NRR performance with a high NH3 yield rate and remarkable Faradaic efficiency of 15.10 ± 0.43% at −0.4 V versus RHE. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the effective modulation of the oxidation state of Bi can tune the p‐filling of active Bi sites and strengthen adsorption of *NNH, which boost the potential‐determining step and facilitate the electrocatalytic NRR under ambient conditions. This work may offer valuable insights into the rational material design by modulating oxidation states for efficient electrocatalysis.
Zinc Oxide Nano‐Spicules on Polylactic Acid for Super‐Hydrophilic and Bactericidal Surfaces
Authors: Park Bum Chul , Byun Sang Won , Ju Youngjun , Lee Dae Beom , Shin Ji Beom , Yeon Kyung‐Min , Kim Yu Jin , Sharma Prashant , Cho Nam‐Hyuk , Kim Jungbae , Kim Young Keun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe artificial construction of nature‐mimic inorganic–organic heterostructures is an emerging technological interest for protective surface applications. Mimicking the spikiness of sea urchin spicules for their protective function, here, the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanometer‐scale spicules grown from micrometer‐scale polylactic acid (PLA) beads and fibers as super‐hydrophilic and bactericidal surfaces is reported. The thermodynamic mechanism behind the interfacial assembly of pre‐entrapped ZnO nanoparticles right at the PLA–water interfaces above the glass transition temperature of PLA, allowing for the follow‐up growth of nano‐spicules on the PLA templates is uncovered. This sea urchin‐like topography of ZnO nano‐spicules induces super‐hydrophilicity while generating reactive oxygen species as well as allowing the stabbing action of nano‐spicules. All of the above help enhance the bactericidal activity against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria in an unprecedentedly effective way. The findings conceptualize a new strategy to spontaneously assemble nanoparticles at the polymer–liquid interfaces, enabling various heterostructures with topography‐induced functions.
Electrode Materials for Chronic Electrical Microstimulation
Authors: Zheng Xin Sally , Tan Chao , Castagnola Elisa , Cui Xinyan Tracy 
Published: May 2021

AbstractElectrical microstimulation has enabled partial restoration of vision, hearing, movement, somatosensation, as well as improving organ functions by electrically modulating neural activities. However, chronic microstimulation is faced with numerous challenges. The implantation of an electrode array into the neural tissue triggers an inflammatory response, which can be exacerbated by the delivery of electrical currents. Meanwhile, prolonged stimulation may lead to electrode material degradation., which can be accelerated by the hostile inflammatory environment. Both material degradation and adverse tissue reactions can compromise stimulation performance over time. For stable chronic electrical stimulation, an ideal microelectrode must present 1) high charge injection limit, to efficiently deliver charge without exceeding safety limits for both tissue and electrodes, 2) small size, to gain high spatial selectivity, 3) excellent biocompatibility that ensures tissue health immediately next to the device, and 4) stable in vivo electrochemical properties over the application period. In this review, the challenges in chronic microstimulation are described in detail. To aid material scientists interested in neural stimulation research, the in vitro and in vivo testing methods are introduced for assessing stimulation functionality and longevity and a detailed overview of recent advances in electrode material research and device fabrication for improving chronic microstimulation performance is provided.
Tuning Microbial Activity via Programmatic Alteration of Cell/Substrate Interfaces
Authors: Gulyuk Alexey V. , LaJeunesse Dennis R. , Collazo Ramon , Ivanisevic Albena 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA wide portfolio of advanced programmable materials and structures has been developed for biological applications in the last two decades. Particularly, due to their unique properties, semiconducting materials have been utilized in areas of biocomputing, implantable electronics, and healthcare. As a new concept of such programmable material design, biointerfaces based on inorganic semiconducting materials as substrates introduce unconventional paths for bioinformatics and biosensing. In particular, understanding how the properties of a substrate can alter microbial biofilm behavior enables researchers to better characterize and thus create programmable biointerfaces with necessary characteristics on demand. Herein, the current status of advanced microorganism–inorganic biointerfaces is summarized along with types of responses that can be observed in such hybrid systems. This work identifies promising inorganic material types along with target microorganisms that will be critical for future research on programmable biointerfacial structures.
Lead‐Free Perovskite Photodetectors: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Zhang Yiqi , Ma Yao , Wang Yaxi , Zhang Xindong , Zuo Chuantian , Shen Liang , Ding Liming 
Published: May 2021

AbstractState‐of‐the‐art photodetectors which apply hybrid perovskite materials have emerged as powerful candidates for next‐generation light sensing. Among them, lead‐based ones are the most popular beyond doubt on account of their unique and superior optoelectronic properties. Nevertheless, trade‐off toward commercialization exists between nontoxicity and high performance, with the poor stability of lead‐based perovskites, indicating that it is indispensable to substitute lead with nontoxic element meanwhile bringing about a comparable figure of merit of photodetectors and relatively long‐term stability. Herein, recent advances in lead‐free perovskite photodetectors are reviewed, analyzing the principle while designing new materials and highlighting some remarkable progress, which are comparable, even superior, to lead‐based photodetectors. Furthermore, their potential strategy in optical communication, image sensing, narrowband photodetection, etc., is examined and a perspective on developing new materials and photodetectors with superior properties for more practical applications is provided.
Abrasion Resistant/Waterproof Stretchable Triboelectric Yarns Based on Fermat Spirals
Authors: Zhang Dewei , Yang Weifeng , Gong Wei , Ma Wanwan , Hou Chengyi , Li Yaogang , Zhang Qinghong , Wang Hongzhi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEmerging energy harvesting yarns, via triboelectric effects, have wide application prospects in new‐generation wearable electronics. However, few studies have been carried out regarding simultaneously achieving high electrical performance, mechanical robustness, and comfortability in industrial‐scalable yarn. Here, an electronic yarn twisted into Fermat spiral, which has outstanding dynamic structure stability, is reported. The Fermat‐spiral‐based energy yarns (FSBEY) can simultaneously realize ultrahigh abrasion resistance (over 5000 Martindale standard abrasion cycles), stable reversible strain (100%), and excellent electrical output. Considerably high output (105 V, ≈1.2 µA under 2 Hz) can be attained upon contacting a single yarn (30 cm) with latex material, which is superior to most state‐of‐the‐art stretchable triboelectric yarns. The application of these FSBEY in wireless gesture recognition, smart screen information protection, and harvesting of energy from water dropletsis demonstrated. Moreover, textiles knitted from the FSBEY have distinguished waterproof nature and are breathable. This work shows a feasible proposal for building future “energy garments”.
Electron‐Selective ‍Lithium Contacts for Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Kang Jingxuan , Yang Xinbo , Liu Wenzhu , Liu Jiang , Xu Hang , Allen Thomas , De Wolf Stefaan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSeparating photogenerated charge carriers by carrier‐selective heterostructure contacts rather than by doped homojunctions is a promising pathway to approach the theoretical power conversion efficiency (PCE) limit of crystalline silicon (c‐Si) solar cells. An electron‐selective, hole‐blocking lithium contact for c‐Si solar cells is presented by simple thermal evaporation of air‐stable Li3N powder. It is found that this lithium contact introduces only a minimal Schottky‐barrier height for electron transport at its interface with lightly doped n‐type c‐Si surfaces, resulting in a low contact resistivity of 12.8 mΩ cm2. By implementing a full‐area electron‐selective lithium contact, an n‐type c‐Si solar cell with a PCE of 19% is achieved, representing a 4% absolute PCE improvement over reference devices with an aluminum contact. The choices of electron‐selective contact materials for photovoltaic devices, using simple, scalable fabrication methods are extended.