bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sonofragmentation Synthesis of Composition-Controlled Iron-Cobalt Nanoparticles with Enhanced Magnetic Properties
Authors: Sinha Brajalal , Tanveer Rubayet , Sarker Palash Kumar , Islam Md Nazrul 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Nowadays, developing simplistic, low-cost, and environment-friendly ways for the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) is very attractive, as reported synthesis processes with use of toxic chemicals are particularly complex. In this report, a facile and one-step approach, i.e., the sonofragmentation method, had been applied for the synthesis of FexCo1−x (x = 0.20, 0.40, and 0.80) NPs with enriched saturation magnetization and coercivity. Morphology and structure of the NPs were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) respectively. The energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis was used for the confirmation of elemental composition. The crystalline structure of NPs was confirmed from the XRD patterns, and the crystallite size obtained from the powder XRD peak using the Scherrer equation was approximately 24.5 nm. The accumulation of NPs was observed in SEM analysis. Moreover, the magnetic property was characterized using a vibrating sample magnetometer at room temperature. The saturation magnetization (Ms) value was measured from the magnetization (M)-applied field (H) curve and found to be increased from 107 to 153 emu/g (107 to 153 Am2/kg) and the coercivity (Hc) decreased from 128 to 72 Oe (10.18 to 5.53 kA/m) for increasing the iron content in iron-cobalt NPs. Furthermore, the magnetic properties (i.e., Ms and Hc) of synthesized iron-cobalt NPs were compared with those of other methods of synthesis. The overall findings suggest that the present approach is simple, cost-effective, and environmentally safe for the synthesis of NPs.
A Retrospective Analysis ofb-Value Changes Preceding Strong Earthquakes
Authors: DeSalvio Nicolas D. , Rudolph Maxwell L. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractEarthquake precursors have long been sought as a means to predict earthquakes with very limited success. Recently, it has been suggested that a decrease in the Gutenberg–Richter b-value after a magnitude 6 earthquake is predictive of an imminent mainshock of larger magnitude, and a three-level traffic-light system has been proposed. However, this method is dependent on parameters that must be chosen by an expert. We systematically explore the parameter space to find an optimal set of parameters based on the Matthews correlation coefficient. For each parameter combination, we analyze the temporal changes in the frequency–magnitude distribution for every M ≥ 6 earthquake sequence in the U.S. Geological Survey Comprehensive Earthquake Catalog for western North America. We then consider smaller events, those with a foreshock magnitude as small as 5, and repeat the analysis to assess its performance for events that modify stresses over smaller spatial regions. We analyze 25 M ≥ 6 events and 88 M 5–6 events. We find that no perfect parameter combination exists. Although the method generates correct retrodictions for some M 5 events, the predictions are dependent on the retrospectively selected parameters. About 80%–95% of magnitude 5–6 events have too little data to generate a result. Predictions are time dependent and have large uncertainties. Without a precise definition of precursory b-value changes, this and similar prediction schemes are incompatible with the IASPEI criteria for evaluating earthquake precursors. If limitations on measuring precursory changes in seismicity and relating them to the state of stress in the crust can be overcome, real-time forecasting of mainshocks could reduce the loss of lives.
The Seismogenic Structure of the 2017 Mw 6.9 Milin, Tibet, Earthquake: A Possible Newly Active Fault at the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis
Authors: Xie Chao , Zhou Bengang , Wang Ping , Li Zhengfang , Liu Tai , Pang Wei , Cao Zhongquan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractOn 18 November 2017, an Mw 6.9 earthquake occurred in Milin, Tibet, with the epicenter at the top of the Namche Barwa syntaxis. This event did not produce surface ruptures, and its seismogenic structure remains unclear or controversial. Using the locations of the Milin mainshock and aftershocks, locations of regional small earthquakes and focal mechanism solutions from 2007 to 2009, this work analyzed the causative fault and tectonic setting of the Milin earthquake and assessed the regional seismic risk. The results suggest that the seismogenic structure of the Milin earthquake was a secondary fault, the southern branch of the XiXingla fault (XXLF). Within 28 hr after the mainshock, the aftershocks of the Milin event spread northeastward to the secondary north branch fault of the XXLF and the secondary south branch fault of the Palong–Pangxin fault. Across the top of the Namche Barwa syntaxis (Namche Barwa block) and the Chayu block in the southeast, an earthquake dense belt (EDB) has developed. This EDB has similar deep structures beneath the two blocks, in which several northeast-dipping structural planes exit, and different portions of the EDB imply a unified tectonic stress field. Combining these data with the foreshock–mainshock–aftershock data for the 1950 Mw 8.6 Chayu, Tibet, earthquake, we speculate that the structural planes produced by the EDB at depth in the two blocks have already been connected or tended to connect, resulting in a new fault system trending northwest and approximately 280 km long. The 2017 Mw 6.9 Milin earthquake occurred at the northwestern end of this fault system. At present, the development stage, maturity, and fine structure of this new fault system remain unclear but should receive additional attention. Based on its maximum rupture area, this new fault system is capable of generating an Mw 7.7 earthquake in the future.
Adaptogens as anti-stress agents in reducing increased plasma cortisol level during stress
Authors: Anju  , Kumar Ghosh Ashis 
Published: October 2021

The stress response involves the activation of both the sympathetic-adrenal response and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. During times of increased stress, the adrenal gland is stimulated to produce increased levels of hormones. Cortisol, the main hormone involved in the stress response, is secreted in increased amounts within minutes of a perceived stressor. Cortisol secretion can increase as much as 20-fold and has several important physiological effects. Short-term surges in cortisol levels can suppress inflammation and at the same time suppress immune function. Though inflammation control is important, surges of sustained levels of cortisol are not healthy and ultimately lead to premature aging, degenerative disease, and increased susceptibility to cancer. Studies show that psycho-social stress activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis causing an increase in morning cortisol levels, which correlated to the subjects reports of increased fatigue and anxiety. Although this stress response is important for survival during an acute stressor, prolonged activation of the stress response may lead to adrenal exhaustion in which cortisol levels drop to insufficient levels resulting in fatigue or illness. Many herbs have been shown to impact adrenal function. Adaptogens are plants that produce a non-specific response improving the physiological resistance to stressors. These herbs are often used in the context of adrenal support formulas to balance adrenal hormone levels. It is believed that adaptogenic herbs can increase low levels of adrenal hormone or decrease levels that are elevated. Additionally, these herbs provide balancing activity on many body systems that are impacted by stress, such as the immune response and blood sugar control.In the present study, we have evaluated the efficacy of ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum 47mg/kg p.o, Withania somnifera 23 mg/kg p.o and Bacopa monnieri 23 mg/kg p.o on plasma cortisol level in mice subjected to swim endurance test and cold restraint stress. The standard group was administered water-soluble root powder of Panax ginseng 100 mg/kg p.o and the stress control group was administered distilled water orally for 7 days. It was found that mice pretreated with ethanolic extracts of Ocimum sanctum, Withania somnifera and Bacopa monnieri showed a fall in the plasma cortisol level. The standard group also showed a significant decrease in the plasma cortisol level compared to the stress and normal control groups.
A study on corneal astigmatism before and after pterygium excision
Authors: Munoli Karishma , Reddy Prajwalli 
Published: October 2021

The prevalence of pterygium shows a substantial increase for increasing age and UV irradiation. There is paucity of available literature regarding the total area of pterygium, percentage of extension of pterygium on to the cornea and its effects on corneal astigmatism. Hence this study was undertaken to evaluate the pre and post-surgical effect of the size of the pterygium on corneal astigmatism. 100 out patients aged between 22 to 50 years diagnosed with pterygium were included in the study. Slit lamp bio microscope was used to measure the length and width of pterygium in millimetres. Slit beam was used to measure the diameter of cornea. Corneal astigmatism was measured pre and postoperatively on day 1 and 1 month follow up using keratometery. In this study 2.13±1.39 was the mean preoperative astigmatism, 1.36±1.03 was the mean post-operative astigmatism on day 1 and on 1 month follow up 0.86±0.91 was the mean post-operative astigmatism which was statistically significant(p&#60;0.001)). The corneal astigmatism was directly proportional to pterygium area. As the area of pterygium increased the post-operative astigmatism significantly decreased. There was increase in corneal astigmatism with the increase in the percentage of pterygium extension onto cornea. In post-operative period the corneal astigmatism decreased with the increase in the percentage of pterygium extension onto cornea (p&#60;0.001). As per our findings we draw a conclusion that surgical removal of pterygium significantly reduces pterygium induced astigmatism and also there is an improvement in visual acuity.
Demographic study of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in tertiary eye centre in Eastern India
Authors: Ranjan Abhishek , Prasad Mukta 
Published: October 2021

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic form of ocular allergy that can potentially cause severe visual complications, affecting mainly children and young adults. The objective of this study is to evaluate the age group involved, sex predilection, occupation, seasonal variations, type of disease and prevalence of corneal involvement in cases presented to tertiary eye care centres of Eastern India.A total of 180 patients with signs and symptoms of VKC, who presented between April 2019 to March 2021 were studied. Patients who were not having any systemic or ocular illness and not received systemic or ocular medications during the four weeks, were included in the study. Most of the patients were found to be between 6 to 15 years (67.22%) age group and 70% are male. 71.66% of the patients were school going children. Majority of the patients were presented in the month of April to September (71.11%) i.e. during warm weather. Bulbar variety (42.22%) are most common type of VKC and 68.51% cases had corneal involvement at presentation.Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis is the disease of childhood, mostly during school going age and more commonly affects males. It is usually bilateral and more prevalent during hot and humid climate.
Comparative effects of partial dictation and dictogloss on listening comprehension ability of EFL learners
Authors: Abdolmajid Milad , Mowlaie Bahram , Rahimi Ali 
Published: October 2021

TEFL teachers and scholars acknowledge the unique characteristics of listening skills and the vital role it plays in language learning and communication. The present study seeks to empirically investigate if partial dictation versus dictogloss has any significant effect on listening comprehension of Iranian EFL learners. Participants include 60 male EFL learners who were selected via double sampling and after taking the listening pre-test were randomly assigned to two experimental groups (partial dictation versus dictogloss) and a control group. A thorough analysis of the data using paired sample t-test indicated that the partial dictation group slightly outperformed the dictogloss group in the listening post-test and both experimental groups significantly outperformed the control group. The results can have implications for learners, teachers and material developers.

Keywords: Dictogloss, listening comprehension, partial dictation, EFL learners, comprehension ability.
Letting students decide whether to work in pairs or individually in class
Authors: Araujo Portugal Juan Carlos 
Published: October 2021

Communicative approaches to language teaching have advocated for the benefits of pair and group work when learning foreign languages. This paper reports an example of classroom research that has been carried out with intermediate students of English, level B1+, focusing on how they prefer to work in class as regards grammar and vocabulary exercises when given the chance to choose. In order to obtain the results for this classroom research study, the students’ teacher becomes a participant observer who records the data throughout the course and collects the data on observation worksheets. Contrary to what it might be expected, the outcomes show that many of the younger students prefer working on their own and then compare and justify their answers with their partners, rather than working in pairs from the very beginning. This is recommended to establish whether this is just specific of these students, or it is something common with other students and teachers have been unaware of it.

Keywords: Classroom research, individual work, learning gains, learning preferences, pair work, personal decision.
Ratio Legis on the Right to Language in the Education System in Timor Leste
Authors: Marsal Antonino Pedro , Sukardi Sukardi 
Published: October 2021

The East Timor obtained its independence though a referendum conducted by the United Nation (UN). The constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste (RDTL) officially enacted on 20th of May 2002. The language clause with the constitution, article 13 states that the official language of East Timor is Tetun and Portuguese. Based on the language clause mention above, the government of East Timor puts a policy in place, obligated all level of educational system to only use Portuguese in their activity. This policy, however, gets fierce rejection especially from private educational institutions because of its inconsistency with the new reality According to the data from the United Nation (UN), actually, only less than 5 persent of the Timorese speaks Portuguese. in this research, there are 2 legal issues emerged. The first is about the language as a constitutional right of citizens. Secondly, use of Portuguese language in the education system in East Timor to human rights?. To analyze the legal problems, this research utilizes the qualitative and legal method. And, it can be successfully proved that the implementation of language clause of East Timor The government policy does not consider the legal principle of proportionality justice and then to be discriminative for Timorese who use Tetun and other national languages, which are important to be developed by the nation as wel. The conclusion that the use of Portuguese language violated constitutional rights and impedes the quality of education.
Potent and Selective Covalent Inhibitors of the Papain-like Protease from SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sanders Brian , Pohkrel Suman , Labbe Audrey , Mathews Irimpan , Cooper Connor , Davidson Russell , Phillips Gwyndalyn , Weiss Kevin , Zhang Qiu , O'Neill Hugh , Kaur Manat , Ferrins Lori , Schmidt Jurgen , Reichard Walter , Surendranathan Surekha , Kumaran Desigan , Andi Babak , Babnigg Gyorgy , Moriarty Nigel , Adams Paul , Joachimiak Andrzej , Jonsson Colleen , Wakatsuki Soichi , Galanie Stephanie , Head Martha , Parks Jerry 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals for the treatment of COVID-19, which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), are needed to complement vaccination efforts. The papain-like protease (PLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is essential for viral proliferation. In addition, PLpro dysregulates the host immune response by cleaving ubiquitin and interferon-stimulated gene 15 protein (ISG15) from host proteins. As a result, PLpro is a promising target for inhibition by small-molecule therapeutics. Here we have designed a series of covalent inhibitors by introducing a peptidomimetic linker and reactive electrophilic “warheads” onto analogs of the noncovalent PLpro inhibitor GRL0617. We show that the most promising PLpro inhibitor is potent and selective, with activity in cell-based antiviral assays rivaling that of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor remdesivir. An X-ray crystal structure of the most promising lead compound bound covalently to PLpro establishes the molecular basis for protease inhibition and selectivity against structurally similar human deubiquitinases. These findings present an opportunity for further development of potent and selective covalent PLpro inhibitors.
Inflammatory Burden and Persistent CT Lung Abnormalities in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Besutti Giulia , Rossi Paolo Giorgi , Ottone Marta , Spaggiari Lucia , Canovi Simone , Monelli Filippo , Bonelli Efrem , Fasano Tommaso , Sverzellati Nicola , Caruso Andrea , Facciolongo Nicola , Ghidoni Giulia , Simonazzi Anna , Iori Mauro , Nitrosi Andrea , Fugazzaro Stefania , Costi Stefania , Croci Stefania , Teopompi Elisabetta , Gallina Annalisa , Massari Marco , Dolci Giovanni , Sampaolesi Fabio , Pattacini Pierpaolo , Salvarani Carlo 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Inflammatory burden is associated with COVID-19 severity and outcomes. Residual computed tomography (CT) lung abnormalities have been reported after COVID-19. The aim was to evaluate the association between inflammatory burden during COVID-19 and residual lung CT abnormalities collected on follow-up CT scans performed 2–3 and 6–7 months after COVID-19, in severe COVID-19 pneumonia survivors. C-reactive protein (CRP) curves describing inflammatory burden during the clinical course were built, and CRP peaks, velocities of increase, and integrals were calculated. Other putative determinants were age, sex, mechanical ventilation, lowest PaO2/FiO2 ratio, D-dimer peak, and length of hospital stay (LOS). Of the 259 included patients (median age 65 years; 30.5% females), 202 (78%) and 100 (38.6%) had residual, predominantly non-fibrotic, abnormalities at 2-3 and 6-7 months, respectively. In age- and sex-adjusted models, best CRP predictors for residual abnormalities were CRP peak (odds ratio [OR] for one standard deviation [SD] increase=1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.23-2.62) at 2-3 months and CRP integral (OR for one SD increase=2.24; 95%CI=1.53-3.28) at 6-7 months. Hence, inflammation is associated with short- and medium-term lung damage in COVID-19. Other severity measures, including mechanical ventilation and LOS, but not D-dimer, were mediators of the relationship between CRP and residual abnormalities.
PECULIARITIES OF THE PYRITE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION IN THE SUPRA-ORE ZONE OF THE TASEEVSKOE GOLD-SILVER DEPOSIT (RUSSIA, TRANSBAIKALIA)
Authors:   Institute of Natural Resources, Ecology and Cryology SB RAS, Yurgenson G. 
Published: October 2021

The relevance lies in the need to have objective data to assess the belonging of pyrite outcrops to the day surface to the supra-ore zones of gold deposits of a shallow gold-silver formation based on objective data on its chemical composition and forms of crystals and their aggregates. The purpose of the study is to determine the chemical composition of pyrite, the forms of its crystals and aggregates as typomorphic signs of their belonging to the supra-ore zone of the deposit of this formation. The object of the research is pyrite of the supra-ore zone of the Taseevskoye deposit, which is unique in terms of gold content and reserves. The subject of the research is the chemical composition and forms of pyrite separation. The method and methodology are presented by optical and electron microscopy with the determination of variations in the chemical composition of pyrite and morphological features of crystals and their aggregates. Results. The determination of the chemical composition of pyrite was carried out and it was found that almost all crystals are characterized by a sulfur deficiency, the formula coefficients of which are 1.801–1.939 with a change in content from 48.39 to 52.62 %. In 70 % of the measured pyrite crystals, arsenic is present from 0.72 to 4.78 % the formula coefficients of which are 0.007 - 0.076. In 2 % of pyrite crystals, along with As, antimony was found in an amount of 0.21 - 0.71 %, formula coefficients are 0.006 - 0.007. The forms of pyrite crystals are cubic, cubopentagondodecahedral, rarely cuboctahedral and subspherical aggregates, less often lenticular and veinlet, predominate. Conclusions. For the first time, original data on the chemical composition of pyrite in the supra-ore zone of the Taseevskoe gold-silver deposit were obtained. It is shown that its feature is high arsenic content (0.72 - 4.78 %), which can be an important typochemical sign for determining the belonging of chalcedony-like quartz containing it to the supra-ore zone of a shallow gold-silver formation
Scientific Aspects of Identification Criteria for Fruit Distillates
Authors: Dubinina Elena , Krikunova Ludmila , Peschanskaya Violetta , Trishkaneva Marina 
Published: October 2021

Introduction. Beverages based on fruit distillates belong to elite alcoholic drinks. As a result, there is a high risk of counterfeit. Controlled indicators do not allow identifying distillates by the type of raw material. The research objective was to develop scientifically based identification criteria for fruit distillates.
Study objects and methods. The research featured ten fruits and their distillates. It involved three schemes of pre-distillation processing: pulp fermentation, juice fermentation, and pulp fermentation with subsequent maceration. The biochemical composition of raw materials was assessed by the HPLC analysis of mass concentration of sugars, titratable acids, pH, mono- and disaccharides, free organic acids and amino acids, as well as by the sugar-acid index. The concentration of higher alcohols in the distillates was determined using gas chromatography.
Results and discussion. The research revealed significant differences in the biochemical composition of raw materials, which made it possible to divide it into groups depending on the methods of pre-distillation processing. The groups can be identified by the ratio of the concentrations of the main higher alcohols: 1-propanol to the sum of isobutanol and isoamylol. The revealed differences were caused by the peculiarities of the ratio of organic acids and amino acids. For the distillates of Cornelian cherry, black currant, cherry-plum, plum, cherry, and apricot, the ratio of 1-propanol to the sum of isobutanol and isoamylol was within the following ranges: 0.02–0.06, 0.08–0.10, 0.30–0.35, 0.47–0.51, 0.55–0.65, and 0.69–0.92, respectively. The method of preparing raw materials for distillation did not affect the values of the identification indicator.
Conclusion. The ratio of 1-propanol to the sum of isobutanol and isoamylol could serve as an indicator for the identification of distillates of Cornelian cherries, black currant, cherry-plum, plum, cherry, and apricot. However, it proved useless for distillates of pears, raspberries, tangerines, and mulberries, since its values were within comparable limits. Therefore, the research requires a GC-MS analysis to determine the concentration and ratios of other specific volatile components in other raw materials.