bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of Anthracnose Disease of Aloe vera in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmmed Abu Noman Faruq , Islam Md. Al-Amin , Begum Fatema , Sarker Salma 
Published: August 2021

Aims: To identify the causal organisms of anthracnose disease of Aloe vera in Bangladesh and to manage this disease in field condition.
Study Design: The experiment was designed by Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications.
Place and Duration of Study: The field experiments were conducted in Natore, Bangladesh and the laboratory experiments were carried out at the Department of Plant Pathology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January, 2017 to December, 2018.
Methodology: The causal organism Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was isolated by tissue plating method and identified based on morphological and cultural characteristics and that was confirmed by pathogenicity test. Infested farmer’s fields were selected in rainy season under natural epiphytic condition to evaluate the efficacy of eleven treatments.
Results: Among the treatments, Bordeaux mixture gave best result against this disease. Moreover, Tilt 250 EC and Folicur 25 EC and Garlic bulb extract showed better effect against the disease than the other treatments. Lime also has moderate effect against anthracnose disease of A. vera. In 2017, after 4th spray, the lowest incidence was recorded in Bordeaux mixture (58.33%) which was statistically identical with Folicur (64.58%), Tilt (64.58%) and Garlic bulb extract (66.67%). Similarly, the lowest disease severity was found in Bordeaux mixture (3.55) followed by Folicur (5.67%), Tilt (6.67%) and Garlic bulb extract (7.67%). Similar result also found in 2018. After 4th spray, the lowest incidence was recorded in Bordeaux mixture (38.58%) which was statistically identical with Lime (41.66%) and Garlic bulb extract (45.83%). Similarly, the lowest disease severity was found in Bordeaux mixture (0.20%) followed by Lime (0.25%) and Garlic bulb extract (0.36%).
Conclusion: Garlic bulb extract could be used as eco-friendly approach. Moreover, use of Bordeaux mixture is better than the traditional use of lime. From chemical pesticides, Tilt 250 EC and Folicur 25 EC could be used for controlling the disease as the last option.
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Productivity and Economics of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L)
Authors: Varma Golla Ravi , Satish P. , Hussain S. A. , Sharma S. Harish Kumar 
Published: August 2021

An experiment was carried out at College farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, in sandy loam soils during rabi 2020 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on productivity and economics of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The treatments comprised were: T1- Control (100% RDF -80:40:40 kg NPK ha-1), T2 (25% RDN through Vermicompost + 75% RDF), T3 (25% RDN through Farm Yard Manure + 75% RDF), T4 (25% RDN through Sheep manure + 75% RDF), T5 (25% RDN through Neem cake + 75% RDF),T6 (50% RDN through Vermicompost + 50% RDF), T7 (50% RDN through FYM + 50% RDF), T8 (50% RDN through Sheep manure + 50% RDF), T9 (50% RDN through Neem cake + 50% RDF). The results indicated that application of 25% RDN through farm yard manure + 75% RDF (T3) recorded significantly higher yield attributes viz., number of branches plant-1, number of siliqua plant-1, length of siliqua, number of seed siliqua -1 which was at par with T2 (25% RDN through Vermicompost + 75% RDF). Higher values of gross returns, net returns and benefit cost (B:C) ratio were obtained with application of 25% RDN through FYM + 75% RDF (T3) as the cost of cultivation of T3 was lesser compared to other treatments.
COVID-19 and Complicated Appendicitis: What is the Relationship?
Authors: Omolabake B. I. , Uko A. F. 
Published: August 2021

Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare globally and several authors have observed a change in the presentation of acute appendicitis within the period. We have observed an upsurge in the presentation of complicated appendicitis within the first 4 weeks of 2021. We aim to compare our findings with a similar period prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Study design: Observational cohort study.
Place and duration of the study: Benue State University Teaching Hospital(BSUTH), Makurdi, Nigeria.
Methodology: We identified all patients that presented with appendicitis in our facility within the first four weeks of 2021 and retrieved their folders to ascertain our observation. We then retrieved the folders of patients who presented with appendicitis a year earlier when the pandemic was inexistent in our country. We compared the data between the two periods.
Results: In the period of the pandemic, we found an increased presentation of acute appendicitis, with most patients presenting as complicated appendicitis. There was an increased length of time between symptom onset and presentation, increase in operating time, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay in the index period.
Conclusion: We conclude that there is an apparent increase in the presentation of complicated appendicitis with a resultant increase in post-operative complications and morbidity. However, these changes are likely a result of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic rather than the pathology of the SARS CoV-2 virus. We suggest that with the relaxation of movement restrictions and lockdowns in most places, and availability of COVID-19 vaccines, public enlightenment is necessary to encourage an early presentation of acute abdominal conditions with a view to decreasing morbidity.
Maternal Obesity and Its Adverse Effect on Maternal and Fetal Health
Authors: Lutfy Zahraa M. , Dawood Ayman S. , Gergawy Adel E. Al , Mustafa Mustafa Z. 
Published: August 2021

Background: The increasing prevalence of obesity worldwide has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to designate obesity as one of the most important global health threats. The epidemic is especially pronounced in women of reproductive age. Prepregnancy obesity is an independent risk factor for maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The origin of this epidemic is unhealthy lifestyle – high energy and high-fat diet and physical inactivity. During periconceptual period and pregnancy, the composition of a woman’s diet is of particular importance, as it may influence the pregnancy, the delivery and the health of the mother and the infant later on, so an excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is not recommended. The aim of our study is to clarify the complications related to excess prepregnancy body weight on maternal and fetal health.
Methods: Hundred obese pregnant women with BMI (30-40 Kg/m2) measured at first trimester were prospectively enrolled into this study. Routine blood pressures, random blood sugar measuring and ultrasonographic follow up are required during pregnancy for early detection of any complications related to maternal obesity and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG).
Results: cases statistically evaluated in these study were 100 pregnant females with mean age 27.34 years + 5 years SD and mean BMI 32.97 Kg/m2 + 2.92 Kg/m2 SD. Denoting in our study, the effect of maternal obesity om maternal and fetal health.
Conclusion: A causal relationship between the prepregnancy BMI and obstetric complications is proven. Weight management is important for every women of reproductive age. Thus, medical Practice must consider these complications by providing early detection and management to improve both maternal and neonatal outcome.
Diagnostic Value of Fetal Thymus Size in Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Authors: Elshishiny Mohamed Mosaad , Elnamoury Mohamed Mohsen , Aldorf Ayman Abd Elaziz , AboZeid Essmat Hamdy 
Published: August 2021

Background: Changes in thymus size and histopathology have been observed both in animal models of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the size of the fetal thymus by sonography in pregnancies with IUGR and to search for a possible relationship between a fetal thymus size and adverse perinatal outcomes.
Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out on 100 participants who were divided into two groups. Group A: Study group which include 50 patients with IUGR. Group B: Control group which Include 50 normal patients with appropriate gestational age. All patients were subjected to: History taking: (Personal, Obstetric History, Maternal Medical History) and trans-abdominal ultrasound.
Results: IUGR group show statistically significant decrease in the estimate of fetal weight (EFW) compared to the control group (P<0.05). Doppler study of umbilical artery shows significant increase of (pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI) and systolic/diastolic (S/D) in IUGR group when compared to control group. Doppler study of middle cerebral artery (MCA) shows significant increase in (RI, SD) in IUGR group when compared to control group while PI doesn’t show significant difference between two groups. Thymus size decrease in IUGR group when compared to the control group. IUGR group had low survival and lower APGR Score when compared to the control group. Correlation between thymus size with the studied doppler parameters and pregnancy outcome in the current study. Umbilical Doppler RI, PI and SD showed statistically significance in this study (P<0.05) and this means that the blood flow in the umbilical arterial (UA) is important for the fetus. As regard the MCA RI and SD Doppler, they show statistically significance in this study (P<0.05) while the MCA PI Doppler did not show any statistically significance in this study (P>0.05).
Conclusions: IUGR is associated with small thymus and small fetal thymus may be an early indicator of adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by IUGR.
Use of Aerial Roots of Ficus benghalensis for Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Enhanced Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Patave Tarannum Rashid , Siddiqui Aquil-Ur Rahim 
Published: August 2021

Basically, nanosubstances are developed by a variety of chemical methods which are not environmentally providential.
Aim: The present research work deals with the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the aerial root of Ficus benghalensis extract. The absolute reduction of silver ions was observed after 48 h of reaction when extact combine with aqueous solution of Silver nitrate. The visual colour changes were observed during the reduction of silver ion into the silver nanoparticles in the reaction mixture allows producing dark brown colour. The formed silver nanoparticles was purified by high speed centrifugation, collected and stored for further characterization.
Methodology: The formation of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-Visible spectroscopy, and characterised by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern, FTIR, High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Zeta potentiometry, ICP-AES.
Results: The results showed that UV peak at 437.5 nm, the silver content estimation by ICP-AES was found to be 413.06 µg/mL and images were recorded by using High resolution TEM. Synthesized AgNPs were found to be effective against micro-organisms responsible for bacterial infections like Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). Further In-vitro cytocompatibility studies showed lack of toxicity at even higher concentration.
Conclusion: Still, these Silver Nanoparticles are cytotoxic in nature and could serve as a good green method for synthesis of silver nanoparticle by using plant extract.
Passivation of the Buried Interface via Preferential Crystallization of 2D Perovskite on Metal Oxide Transport Layers
Authors: Chen Bin , Chen Hao , Hou Yi , Xu Jian , Teale Sam , Bertens Koen , Chen Haijie , Proppe Andrew , Zhou Qilin , Yu Danni , Xu Kaimin , Vafaie Maral , Liu Yuan , Dong Yitong , Jung Eui Hyuk , Zheng Chao , Zhu Tong , Ning Zhijun , Sargent Edward H. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of perovskite solar cells is limited by non‐radiative recombination at perovskite/carrier transport layer (CTL) interfaces. 2D perovskite post‐treatments offer a means to passivate the top interface; whereas, accessing and passivating the buried interface underneath the perovskite film requires new material synthesis strategies. It is posited that perovskite ink containing species that bind strongly to substrates can spontaneously form a passivating layer with the bottom CTL. The concept using organic spacer cations with rich NH2 groups is implemented, where readily available hydrogens have large binding affinity to under‐coordinated oxygens on the metal oxide substrate surface, inducing preferential crystallization of a thin 2D layer at the buried interface. The passivation effect of this 2D layer is examined using steady‐state and time‐resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy: the 2D interlayer suppresses non‐radiative recombination at the buried perovskite/CTL interface, leading to a 72% reduction in surface recombination velocity. This strategy enables a 65 mV increase in Voc for NiOx based p–i–n devices, and a 100 mV increase in Voc for SnO2‐based n–i–p devices. Inverted solar cells with 20.1% power conversion efficiency (PCE) for 1.70 eV and 22.9% PCE for 1.55 eV bandgap perovskites are demonstrated.
Synthesis of Nonaromatic Macromolecular Luminogens, DFT Studies on Photophysics, and O‐Donor Selective On−Off Sensors: Contributions of In Situ N‐(Methylol)Acrylamido Comonomers
Authors: Dutta Arnab , Mahapatra Manas , Sanfui MD Hussain , Ghosh Narendra Nath , Chattopadhyay Pijush Kanti , Singha Nayan Ranjan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe development of intrinsically luminescent multifunctional macromolecules and understanding their fluorescence characteristics are highly desirable to broaden further the scope of nontraditional macromolecular luminogens. Here, two nontraditional macromolecular luminogens, such as 2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethanol‐co‐2‐hydroxyethyl 3‐(N‐(methylol)acrylamido)‐2‐methylpropanoate‐co‐N‐(methylol)‐2‐propenamide (MAE‐co‐HENMAMMP‐co‐NMPA, ML1) and 2‐methylenesuccinic acid‐co‐2‐((N‐(methylol)acrylamido)methyl)succinic acid‐co‐N‐(methylol)‐2‐propenamide (MSA‐co‐NMAMMSA‐co‐NMPA, ML2) are synthesized via in situ inclusions of N‐(methylol)acrylamido‐ester and N‐(methylol)acrylamido‐acid comonomers by the polymerization of two synthetic monomers. These luminogens are suitable for sensing alongside exclusion of paramagnetic ions, i.e., Cu(II) and Fe(III). The structures of ML1 and ML2, in situ protruded HENMAMMP/NMAMMSA, and aggregation‐enhanced emissions (AEEs) are explored thoroughly. The through‐space electronic interactions from n/π of HENMAMMP + NMPA and NMAMMSA + MSA fragments to π* of HENMAMMP + MAE and NMAMMSA in ML1 and ML2, respectively, and hydrogen bonding among >CON− of HENMAMMP and −CONH− of NMPA in ML1 and −COOH/−COOH of MSA and −COOH/−CH2OH of NMAMMSA in ML2 collectively form clusteroluminogens, comprehended by reduced density gradient (RDG) calculations. The O‐donor selective coordinative interactions of paramagnetic Cu(II) and Fe(III) and substantial adsorption from aqueous solutions (concentrated) are analyzed through X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra and density functional theory (DFT) studies of ML1/ML2 and Cu(II)‐ML1/Fe(III)‐ML2.
Integrating the retirement income system and aged care funding in Australia: An Aged Care Levy as a social insurance option
Authors: Howe Anna L. , Spies‐Butcher Ben 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRetirement incomes and aged care have both received considerable policy attention in Australia over the last three decades, but as in other countries, the two financing systems have remained largely separate in policy and practice. The problem is located at the intersection of wider policy debates about shifts from public to private welfare and concerns over intergenerational equity. This paper aims to integrate these related debates by incorporating aged care into the “pillars” framework used to understand retirement incomes. We propose an Aged Care Superannuation Levy applied to superannuation fund earnings, winding back the large and growing public tax concessions that support this pillar of private defined contribution pensions in Australia’s retirement income system. This revenue would create a social insurance pillar for aged care to stand alongside the four other pillars of retirement incomes that interact variously with aged care financing. Interest in a social insurance pillar of aged care financing is renewed in the light of the Royal Commission into quality and safety of aged care that reported in February 2021. As the Royal Commission recommendations on financing were divided and not taken up in government policy, the way remains opens for further consideration of the alternative approach proposed here.
Insights into the Ionic Conduction Mechanism of Quasi‐Solid Polymer Electrolytes through Multispectral Characterization
Authors: He Xin , Ni Youxuan , Hou Yunpeng , Lu Yong , Jin Song , Li Haixia , Yan Zhenhua , Zhang Kai , Chen Jun 
Published: August 2021

AbstractQuasi‐solid polymer electrolytes (QPE) composed of Li salts, polymer matrix, and solvent, are beneficial for improving the security and energy density of batteries. However, the ionic conduction mechanism, existential form of solvent molecules, and interactions between different components of QPE remain unclear. Here we develop a multispectral characterization strategy combined with first‐principles calculations to unravel aforesaid mysteries. The results indicate that the existential state of solvent in QPE is quite different from that in liquid electrolyte. The Li cations in gel polymer electrolyte are fully solvated by partial solvent molecules to form a local high concentration of Li+, while the other solvent molecules are fastened by polymer matrix in QPE. As a result, the solvation structure and conduction mechanism of Li+ are similar to those in high‐concentrated liquid electrolyte. This work provides a new insight into the ionic conduction mechanism of QPE and will promote its application for safe and high‐energy batteries.
Palladium Nanoparticles for the Deuteration and Tritiation of Benzylic Positions on Complex Molecules
Authors: Pfeifer Viktor , Zeltner Thomas , Fackler Christian , Kraemer Anja , Thoma Julian , Zeller Albert , Kiesling Ralf 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPalladium nanoparticles (PdNp) were revealed as an efficient hydrogen isotope exchange catalyst for the deuterium and tritium labeling of benzylic positions of complex molecules. A practical way to obtain small palladium nanoparticles and to apply them as a catalyst for hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) is presented. Several model compounds and popular bioactive molecules were submitted to HIE reactions catalyzed by the PdNp. Benzylic positions situated far away from heteroatoms were labeled with high isotopic enrichments. The observed non‐directed HIE gave rise to regioselectivities complementary to those obtained with other methods, which typically require specific directing groups. For this reason, the successful deuteration of a broad variety of benzylic positions created a helpful tool to produce internal LC‐MS standards of complex drugs. Furthermore, this nanocatalyst paved the way for the radiolabeling of drug molecules with high specific activities by using low pressures of tritium gas.
Highly Efficient Spin‐Filtering Transport in Chiral Hybrid Copper Halides
Authors: Lu Ying , Wang Qian , He Ruilin , Zhou Foxin , Yang Xia , Wang Dong , Cao Hui , He Wanli , Pan Feng , Yang Zhou , Song Cheng 
Published: August 2021

AbstractChiral Pb(Sn)‐I hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites exhibit outstanding chiral‐induced spin selectivity (CISS) performance, but the nontoxic lead‐free hybrid materials with high stability are still greatly desired for spin filtering in spintronic applications. We synthesize chiral hybrid copper halides (R/S‐MBA)2CuX4 (MBA=methylbenzylammonium; X=Cl, Br) with characteristic 0D CuX4 tetrahedral structural motifs, combining the low toxicity of Cu2+ and air stability of halide ions (Cl− and Br−). Despite similar structural and electronic features, (R/S‐MBA)2CuBr4 shows much smaller chiroptical activity than the chloride counterpart. Magnetically conductive atomic force microscopy measurements display a typical spin‐polarized charge‐transport property with high efficiency up to 90 % for both copper halides. Our work expands the CISS effect into eco‐friendly and stable metal–organic halides, which is promising for applications in spintronics based on transition‐metal hybrid systems.
Enantioselective Lactonization by π‐Acid‐Catalyzed Allylic Substitution: A Complement to π‐Allylmetal Chemistry
Authors: Kizhakkayil Mangadan Arun Raj , Liu Ji , Aponick Aaron 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAsymmetric allylic alkylation (AAA) is a powerful method for the formation of highly useful, non‐racemic allylic compounds. Here we present a complementary enantioselective process that generates allylic lactones via π‐acid catalysis. More specifically, a catalytic enantioselective dehydrative lactonization of allylic alcohols using a novel PdII‐catalyst containing the imidazole‐basedP,N‐ligand (S)‐StackPhos is reported. The high‐yielding reactions are operationally simple to perform with enantioselectivities up to 99 %ee. This strategy facilitates the replacement of a poor leaving group with what would ostensibly be a better leaving group in the product avoiding complications arising from racemization by equilibration.
A Copper(I) Complex with Two Unpaired Electrons, Synthesised by Oxidation of a Copper(II) Complex with Two Redox‐Active Ligands
Authors: Werr Marco , Kaifer Elisabeth , Enders Markus , Asyuda Andika , Zharnikov Michael , Himmel Hans‐Jörg 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTwo homoleptic copper(II) complexes [Cu(L1)2] and [Cu(L2)2] with anionic redox‐active ligands were synthesised, one with urea azine (L1) and the other with thio‐urea azine (L2) ligands. One‐electron oxidation of the complexes initiates an unprecedented redox‐induced electron transfer process, leading to monocationic copper(I) complexes [Cu(L1)2]+ and [Cu(L2)2]+ with two oxidised ligands. While [Cu(L1)2]+ is best described as a CuI complex with two neutral radical ligands that couple antiferromagnetically, [Cu(L2)2]+ is a CuI complex with two clearly different ligand units in the solid state and with a magnetic susceptibility close to a diamagnetic compound. Further one‐electron oxidation of the complex with L1 ligands results in a dication [Cu(L1)2]2+, best described as a CuI complex with a twofold oxidised, monocationic ligand and a neutral radical ligand. The stability in at least three redox states, the accumulation of spin density at the ligands and the facile ligand‐metal electron transfer make these complexes highly attractive for a variety of applications; here the catalytic aerobic oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes is tested.