bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conceptualizing Robotic Agency. Social Robots in Elder Care in Contemporary Japan
Authors: Aronsson Anne , Holm Fynn 
Published: June 2021

Japan is a hyper-aging society, and its government is encouraging robotic solutions to address elder care labor shortage. Therefore, authorities have adopted an agenda of introducing social robots. However, increasing numbers of people in Japan are becoming emotionally attached to anthropomorphic machines, and their introduction into elder care may thus be perceived as contentious. By exploring human engagement with social robots in the care context, this paper argues that rapid technological advances in the twenty-first century will see robots achieve some level of agency, contributing to human society by carving out unique roles for themselves and by bonding with humans. Nevertheless, the questions remain of whether there should be a difference between humans attributing agency to a being and those beings having the inherent ability to produce agency and how we might understand that difference if unable to access the minds of other humans, let alone nonhumans, some of which are not even alive in the classical sense. Using the example of an interaction between an elderly woman and a social robot, we engage with these questions; discuss linguistic, attributed, and inherent agencies; and suggest that a processual type of agency might be most appropriate for understanding human-robot interaction.
Topological Indices of Some New Graph Operations and Their Possible Applications
Authors: Alameri Abdu Qaid Saif , Al-Sharafi Mohammed Saad Yahya 
Published: June 2021

A chemical graph theory is a fascinating branch of graph theory which has many applications related to chemistry. A topological index is a real number related to a graph, as its considered a structural invariant. It’s found that there is a strong correlation between the properties of chemical compounds and their topological indices. In this paper, we introduce some new graph operations for the first Zagreb index, second Zagreb index and forgotten index "F-index". Furthermore, it was found some possible applications on some new graph operations such as roperties of molecular graphs that resulted by alkanes or cyclic alkanes.
The Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Genus Hibiscus: A Review
Authors: Kapoor Manish , Kaur Gurdeep , Kaur Navneet , Sharma Chanchal , Batra Kajal , Singh Davinderpal 
Published: June 2021

The genus Hibiscus belongs to the mallow family, Malvaceae comprising of about 275 species growing in tropical and sub tropical areas. The various species of genus Hibiscus have been used as traditional medicine all over the world. There are numerous reports of their traditional medicinal uses in various countries like India, Nigeria, China, and Srilanka etc. to cure various ailments such as hypertension, cardiac diseases, stomach-ache, urine problems, skin diseases and many more. Based on the historical knowledge, various pharmacological and phytochemical studies on some species of the genus Hibiscus have been done. Nevertheless, there are no up-to-date articles published which can provide an overview of pharmacological effects of the genus Hibiscus. Therefore, the main objective of the review article is to provide a systematic comprehensive summary of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Hibiscus and to build up a correlation between its traditional ethano-botanical uses and pharmacological activities so as to find some advanced research opportunities in this field. The given information on the ethano-botanical uses, phytoconstituents and various medicinal properties of the genus Hibiscus was gathered from the online scientific databases through search in Google, Google Scholar, Science Direct, NCBI, Pubmed, Springer Link, Research Gate by using some keywords as. Besides these websites other published literature and unpublished Ph.D. thesis and M.Sc. dissertation were also consulted. Previously conducted research revealed that the genus contains good amount of phytoconstituents such as antioxidants, phytosterols, saponins, lignin, essential oils, glycosides, and anthocyanins etc. Presence of these bioactive compounds in the crude extracts of the plants make it suitable for various medicinal properties like anti inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-proliferative, anti-ulcer, hypersensitive, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and many more. Additionally, this review article showed that mainly two species of the genus i.e. H. rosa-sinensis and H. sabdariffa have been explored for their pharmacological activities. There are few reports on some other species like H. tiliaceous, H. microanthus, H. asper, H. acetosella. This review highlights the medicinal potential of the plant Hibiscus due to its unique blend of phytochemicals. These phytoconstituents can be further assessed and subjected to clinical trials for their proper validations. Although large amount of the data regarding pharmacological effects has already been added to the existing reservoir but still potential of certain species like H. radiatus, H. hirtus, H. moschetous, H. trionum and many more is not yet unveiled and can be considered as future prospects that need to be worked out.
Graphical Abstract:
Loss Assessment of Stored Maize at Different Storage Durations and Maize Weevil Densities
Authors: Jallow Mamudou , Pitan Olufemi O. R. 
Published: June 2021

Aims: The extent of stored grain losses depends on varieties and duration of storage, and most of the quantitative losses are attributed to insect pest infestations. The study was conducted to determine the damage caused by Sitophilus zeamais on maize stored at different durations.
Methodology: Sitophilus zeamais at four varying population densities (5, 10, 15, 20 adults) and four storage durations (30, 60, 90 and 120 days) reared on 200 g sample of Jeka maize variety was kept in glass jars covered with muslin cloth in a 4 x 4 factorial fitted in a completely ramdomised design with four replicates at room temperature for 120 days.
Results: Weight loss, seed damage and weight of dust caused by S. zeamais on maize seeds at 5-insect and 20-insect levels were statistically similar at 30 and 120 days but show significant difference at 60 days after storage. Sitophilus zeamais population continued to grow exponentially on maize grains after 120 days of storage, indicating that factors are not limiting, thereby causing significant losses to stored grains. Temperature and relative humidity were found to affect insect population growth positively (r = 0.73 and r = 0.70, respectively).
Conclusion: The study concluded that S. zeamais, which is a major pest in The Gambia, in the absence of control measures at any number of infestations greater than 5 weevils could result to severe damage to stored seeds.
Differences in Surgical Outcome in Near Total Thyroidectomy for Benign Nodular Goiter: A Comparison of LigaSure Vessel Sealer versus Conventional Clamp Knot Tie Technique
Authors: Shaikh Shiraz , Sushel Champa , Laghari Ahsan Ali , Laghari Qamber Ali , Laghari Zameer Hussain , Memon Aisha 
Published: June 2021

Objective: To compare the efficacy of LigaSure Vessel Sealer in Near Total Thyroidectomy versus Conventional Clamp Knot Tie Technique in terms of bleeding, operative time and postoperative drainage.
Methodology: This comparative cross sectional study was conducted at Department of Surgery, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro. Study duration was one year from November 2019 to October 2020. All patients of any age with benign multinodular goiter and either of gender were included. The study subjects were grouped into two categories by randomization (odd / even). The odd numbers were given to patients operated for ligasure and even numbers were given to patients operated with conventional clamp knot tie technique. Outcomes were observed with respect to post-operative calcium level, intra-operative bleeding, operative time, post-operative pain & post-operative hospital stay. All the data was recorded via study proforma. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20.
Results: Total 55 patients were observed. Mean age was 33.25±10.60 years in clamp knot tie procedure group and 35.16±07.96 years in ligasure technique group; without significant difference (p-0.448). Pre and post-operative calcium levels were statistically insignificant among both groups (p-0.358 and 0.163), while loss of blood, hospital stay, post-operative pain and operative duration were significantly greater in clamp knot tie technique group in comparison to ligasure technique group (p-<0.001).
Conclusion: LigaSure Vessel Sealer is a feasible and reliable surgical technique and significantly more effective as compared to conventional clamp knot tie technique in terms of post-operative bleeding, operative time, post-operative pain and post-operative hospital stay. However, calcium level was statistically insignificant.
Soil CO2 evolution is driven by forage species, soil moisture, grazing pressure, poultry litter fertilization, and seasonality in silvopastures
Authors: Adams Taylor , Ashworth Amanda J. , Sauer Thomas 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCarbon cycling is a highly complex yet critical process, especially in silvopastures, which have multiple pools with the ability to store large amounts of C. However, it is largely unknown how site‐specific variables, including edaphic factors, vegetation type, topography, and management, affect soil CO2 flux in silvopastures. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate CO2 fluxes in a silvopastoral system as affected by soil moisture (udic and aquic), forage species (C4; native grass mix and orchardgrass [C3; Dactylis glomerata L.]), fertilization (poultry litter and a control), and grazing pressure (grazed and ungrazed). Temperature and volumetric water content (VWC) were measured simultaneous with flux measurements during summer grazing in 2018 and 2019. Averaged across years, fluxes were at least 20% greater (P ≤ .05) in the native mix fertilized with poultry litter than in the unfertilized native mix and fertilized or unfertilized orchardgrass, likely owing to increased microbial diversity activity in the rhizosphere of poultry litter‐amended native grass species. Across years, CO2 flux was 7% greater (P ≤ .05) in the fertilized ungrazed areas and 7% lower (P ≤ .05) in the unfertilized ungrazed areas, respectively, compared with both fertilized grazed and unfertilized grazed areas. Carbon dioxide flux was correlated (P ≤ .05) with sampling date, soil temperature, and VWC. Study results improve the understanding of C dynamics in complex silvopasture systems and may assist producers in their selection of forage species and nutrient sources when designing silvopastoral systems for enhanced regional sustainability.
Soil health changes following transition from an annual cropping to perennial management‐intensive grazing agroecosystem
Authors: Shawver Casey J. , Ippolito James A. , Brummer Joe E. , Ahola Jason K. , Rhoades Ryan D. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractManagement‐intensive grazing (MiG) on irrigated, perennial pastures has steadily increased in the western United States due to pressure for reducing public lands grazing, overall declining land available for pasture, and decreasing commodity prices. However, there are still many unknowns regarding MiG and its environmental impact, especially with regards to soil health. Over a 2‐yr period, a study evaluating the change in soil health under a full‐scale, 82‐ha pivot‐irrigated perennial pasture system grazed with ∼230 animal units (AUs) using MiG. Soil analysis included 11 soil characteristics aggregated into the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF), which outputs results for soil biological, physical, nutrient, chemical, and overall soil health indices (SHIs). Over time, positive impacts were observed in the chemical and biological SHI due to decreases in salt content and increases in microbial and enzymatic activities. Soil organic C (SOC) remained unchanged, yet positive biological SHI changes are potential precursors to future SOC increases. The chemical and nutrient SHI increased in the soil surface due to reductions in salt content in conjunction with increased plant‐available soil P, as a result of salt leaching via irrigation and pre‐study inorganic P fertilizer application in conjunction with manure deposition due to MiG, respectively. Finally, a negative impact was also observed in the physical SHI, driven primarily by increasing bulk density due to hoof pressure from cattle grazing. If managed correctly, compaction issues can be avoided, with MiG systems having potential success in supporting grazing while promoting soil health for environmental and economic sustainability.
H2SO4‐catalyzed isobutane alkylation under low temperatures promoted by long‐alkyl‐chain surfactant additives
Authors: Zheng Weizhong , Wang Zhen , Sun Weizhen , Zhao Ling , Qian Feng 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTo deeply understand the role of surfactants on the acid/C4 hydrocarbon miscibility, the catalytic activity and molecular‐level interfacial properties of long‐alkyl‐chain cationic surfactants (hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, CATB and dihexadecyldimethylammoniumchloride, DDAB) and anionic one (sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, SDBS) were studied as additives for H2SO4 alkylation using experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. Surfactant additives are found to efficiently decrease by‐products and promote higher selectivity of trimethylpentanes (TMPs) and higher research octane number (RON), which is attributed to the improvement of acid/hydrocarbons interface, including better interfacial dispersion, higher I/O ratio, and lower interfacial tension. Surfactant additives show an interfacial intensification, quite different from intrinsic reaction intensification by low temperature. Combination of SDBS additive and lower temperature contributes to significantly higher TMP selectivity and higher RON up to 84.20 wt% and 99.07 at 269.2 K from 60.21 wt% and 94.34 at 281.2 K, respectively. The information provides good reference for the industrial H2SO4 alkylation.
Biocompatible graphene‐embedded PCL/PGS‐based nanofibrous scaffolds: A potential application for cardiac tissue regeneration
Authors: Fakhrali Aref , Nasari Mina , Poursharifi Nazanin , Semnani Dariush , Salehi Hossein , Ghane Mohammad , Mohammadi Sajjad 
Published: June 2021

AbstractResearch in the field of tissue engineering, especially heart tissue engineering, is growing rapidly. Herein, the morphological, chemical, mechanical and biological properties of poly (caprolactone) (PCL)/poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS) and PCL/PGS/graphene nanofibrous scaffolds are investigated. Initially, PGS pre‐polymer is synthesized and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies. Then, in order to use the benefits of PGS, this polymer is mixed with PCL. Blending PGS with PCL resulted in the enhancement of ultimate elongation and reduction in the elastic modulus due to the intrinsic properties of PGS. The hydrophobicity of PCL nanofibers is reduced by adding PGS as hydrophilic polymer (105 ± 3° vs. 44 ± 2°). Also, the addition of graphene to the blend nanofibers is balanced the hydrophilicity. Degradation rate of pure PCL nanofibers is very slow but it is increased in the presence of PGS. All nanofibrous scaffolds are biocompatible and non‐toxic. The highest cell adhesion (covered area = 0.916 ± 0.032) and biocompatibility (98.79 ± 1%) are related to PCL/PGS loaded with 1% wt of graphene (PCL/PGS/graphene 1). Thus, this sample can be a good candidate for further examinations of cardiac tissue engineering.
In situ sintered silver decorated 3D structure of cellulose scaffold for highly thermoconductive electromagnetic interference shielding epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Tran Thi Tuong Vi , Vo Dai‐Viet N. , Nguyen Son Thanh , Luu Son D. N. , Mofijur M. , Vu Canh Minh 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis study presents a 3‐dimensional (3D) network structure of cellulose scaffold (CS), which was in situ decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The scaffold was then infiltrated with epoxy matrix and cured at elevated temperature to sinter the AgNPs; finally, highly thermoconductive epoxy composites (Ag@CS/epoxy) was obtained. The resultant Ag@CS20/epoxy composite reached a thermal conductivity of 2.52 W·m−1·K−1 at 2.2 vol% of filler loading, which shows an enhancement of over 11‐folds in the thermal conductivity compared to the neat epoxy. The superb electrical conductivity value of over 53,691 S·m−1 of the Ag@CS20/epoxy was achieved, which led to exceptional EMI SE values of 69.1 dB. Furthermore, surface temperatures during heating and cooling were also investigated to demonstrate the superior heat dissipating capacity of the Ag@CS/epoxy composite, which can be potentially put an application as thermal dissipating material in the next generation of electronics.
Structural description of self‐reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Ries Angela 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSelf‐reinforced polypropylene composites (SR‐PP) possess an exceptional property spectrum and are predestined for use in a multitude of structural or semi‐structural applications. However, the underlying macromolecular orientation can only be transferred into the layered composites consolidated out of highly stretched fibres and tapes of semi‐finished textile products. Specific preservation of the self‐reinforcement throughout processing and beyond is necessary and creates special challenges for processing technology. Depending on the processing temperatures and pressures selected, the highly oriented fibres and tapes are influenced by their own degree of self‐reinforcement, which, in turn, affects the microstructure and remaining composite properties. In this publication, three different semi‐finished textile products are introduced as basic materials. Exemplary selected test samples, which display a low degree of compaction on the one hand and a high degree of compaction on the other, were subject to wet chemical etching to enable confocal laser scanning microscopic images to be created. These images were then used to compare the microstructures of the semi‐finished textile products that were used.
Localization of Bmi1 in osteoblast‐lineage cells during endochondral ossification
Authors: Takebe Hiroaki , Irie Kazuharu , Hosoya Akihiro 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEncoded by B cell–specific moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1, Bmi1 is part of the polycomb group of proteins localized in stem and undifferentiated cells. It regulates the expression of various differentiation genes. However, the regulatory mechanism of skeletal development by Bmi1 remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to observe Bmi1 distribution during endochondral ossification processes in rat bone development and fracture healing. Immunoreactivity of Bmi1 was detected in the mesenchymal cell aggregation area at embryonic day (E) 14 and in cells around the center of cartilage primordium at E 16. Subsequently, the calcified bone matrix was formed around the cartilage primordium, and osteoblasts expressing Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and Osterix (Osx) showed immunopositivity for Bmi1. At 4 days after bone fracture, the connective tissue around the fractured bone contained Bmi1‐positive cells. At 42 days after fracture, osteoblasts along the surface of the new bone revealed Bmi1‐, Runx2‐ and Osx‐positive reactions, but the Bmi1 immunoreactivity in osteocytes was less than the Runx2 and Osx immunoreactivities. In conclusion, Bmi1 is localized in the osteoblast‐lineage cells in their early differentiation stages, and it might regulate their differentiation during endochondral ossification.
Photodegradation‐Induced Turn‐On Luminescence of Tetraphenylethylene‐Based Trithiocarbonate Polymers†
Authors: Shen Hanchen , Wu Wenjie , Liu Shunjie , Zhang Jing , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Tang Ben Zhong 
Published: June 2021

Main observation and conclusionFluorescent intelligent materials have attracted wide attention because of their great potential applications. One major hurdle for the development and application of fluorescent intelligent materials is the aggregation‐caused quenching effect in the solid state. Herein, tetraphenylethylene‐based trithiocarbonate polymers with satisfactory molecular weights (Mw up to 24900) were synthesized through a one‐pot polymerization route under mild conditions. The polymers were non‐emissive due to the quenching effect of the trithiocarbonate group. However, upon UV irradiation, the polymers degraded and strong emission from the tetraphenylethylene unit was observed. Such a unique property endows them with great potential applications, such as photopatterning, anti‐counterfeit labels, and UV detection.
Conversion of HDPE into Value Products by Fast Pyrolysis Using FCC Spent Catalysts in a Fountain Confined Conical Spouted Bed Reactor
Authors: Orozco Santiago , Artetxe Maite , Lopez Gartzen , Suarez Mayra , Bilbao Javier , Olazar Martin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractContinuous catalytic cracking of polyethylene over a spent fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst was studied in a conical spouted bed reactor (CSBR) with fountain confiner and draft tube. The effect of temperature (475–600 °C) and space‐time (7–45 gcat min gHDPE−1) on product distribution was analyzed. The CSBR allows operating with continuous plastic feed without defluidization problems and is especially suitable for catalytic pyrolysis with high catalyst efficiency. Thus, high catalyst activity was observed, with waxes yield being negligible above 550 °C. The main product fraction obtained in the catalytic cracking was made up of C5−C11 hydrocarbons, with olefins being the main components. However, its yield decreased as temperature and residence time were increased, which was due to reactions involving cracking, hydrogen transfer, cyclization, and aromatization, leading to light hydrocarbons, paraffins, and aromatics. The proposed strategy is of great environmental relevance, as plastics are recycled using an industrial waste (spent FCC catalyst).
MiR‐221‐3p and miR‐92a‐3p enhances smoking‐induced inflammation in COPD
Authors: Shen Yahui , Lu Huiyu , Song Guixian 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundSmoking is likely to facilitate airway inflammation and finally contributes to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This investigation was intended to elucidate miRNAs that were involved in smoking‐induced COPD.MethodsAltogether 155 COPD patients and 77 healthy volunteers were recruited, and their serum levels of miR‐221‐3p and miR‐92a‐3p were determined. Besides, human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBECs) were purchased, and they were treated by varying concentrations of cigarette smoke extract (CSE). The 16HBECs were, additionally, transfected by miR‐221‐3p mimic, miR‐92a‐3p mimic, miR‐221‐3p inhibitor or miR‐92a‐3p inhibitor, and cytokines released by them, including TNF‐α, IL‐8, IL‐1β, and TGF‐β1, were monitored using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.ResultsChronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients possessed higher serum levels of miR‐221‐3p and miR‐92a‐3p than healthy volunteers (p < 0.05), and both miR‐221‐3p and miR‐92a‐3p were effective biomarkers in diagnosing stable COPD from acute exacerbation COPD. Moreover, viability of 16HBECs was undermined by CSE treatment (p < 0.05), and exposure to CSE facilitated 16HBECs’ release of TNF‐α, IL‐8, IL‐1β, and TGF‐β1 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, miR‐221‐3p/miR‐92a‐3p expression in 16HBECs was significantly suppressed after transfection of miR‐221‐3p/miR‐92a‐3p inhibitor (p < 0.05), which abated CSE‐triggered increase in cytokine production and decline in viability of 16HBECs (p < 0.05).ConclusionMiR‐221‐3p and miR‐92a‐3p were involved in CSE‐induced hyperinflammation of COPD, suggesting that they were favorable alternatives in diagnosing COPD patients with smoking history.