bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and Its Influence on Cotton Farming in India
Authors: Geetha R. S. , Mahesh V. 
Published: March 2019

The present study assessed the relationship of MSP and production of cotton and farmers’ awareness regarding MSP of cotton. Secondary data of National Sample Survey Office, Ministry of Agriculture and other sources were used for the study. The results showed that only 20.4 and 22.6 per cent of farmers in India are aware of MSP of cotton grown by them in kharif and post-kharif season, respectively. Thus, there is need to facilitate the awareness among the cotton growing farmers in all cotton growing states to avoid distress sale of their produce and assure better income. The growth in area and production and MSP of cotton was higher in period II (2005-06 to 2016-17) indicating the positive relationship. The announced MSP of cotton in the year 2017-18 kharif was lesser than projected C2 and C3 costs with negative managerial profit. Thus, there is need to revise of the cost concept considered for fixing of MSP. The key reason given by farmers for not selling the produce to procurement agency is that no procurement agency or local purchaser is available to procure and there is delay in payments. Thus, there is need to set up additional procurement centres in major cotton growing areas with better infrastructure and finance facilities.
Impact of Aluminum Oxide and Silica Oxide Nanocomposite on Foodborne Pathogens in Chicken Fillets
Authors: Osman Alaa G. , El-Desouky Ahmed I. , Morsy Mohamed K. , Aboud Ahmed A. , Mohamed Mahmoud H. 
Published: March 2019

Nanotechnology is an innovative technology for improving food quality and safety.
Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) films containing nanoparticles against three foodborne pathogens.
Design of the Study: *This study was designed using two nanoparticles i.e. (Al2O3-NPs and SiO2-NPs), edible film (HPMC), and three foodborne pathogens i.e. Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella Typhimurium. Both nanoparticles were evaluated against foodborne pathogens as well applied in chicken fillets.
Place and Duration: All experiments were done in the Food Technology Department, Benha University, Egypt; Nanomaterial Laboratory, Beni-Suef University, Egypt; and Agricultural Research Center, Egypt and were done within three months.
Methodology: The preparation of edible films, the antimicrobial activity, mode of antimicrobial action, challenge study, and scanning electron microscopy had been carried out in different laboratories. As well the mechanical properties of the HPMC films were evaluated.
Results: The results obtained from this study showed that the nanoparticles (~80 nm) at 80 ppm were active against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella Typhimurium compared with 20 and 40 ppm. The HPMC films including Al2O3-NPs were active against B. cereus than S. aureus and S. typhimurium, while the SiO2-NPs were more effective against S. typhimurium and B. cereus compared with S. aureus. In challenge studies, HPMC films including Al2O3-NPs and SiO2-NPs at 80 ppm decreased the viability of the three-foodborne pathogens associated with chicken fillets stored at 4±1°C for 15 days, as compared with the control sample. HPMC films incorporated with nanoparticles inhibited the microbial population ~ 2-3 log10 CFU/cm2 over the chicken fillets during storage period.
Conclusion: This work indicated that, HPMC films incorporated with Al2O3-NPs and SiO2-NPs (~80 nm) at 80 ppm could be reduce the microbiological loads of the refrigerated chicken fillets.
Prevalence and Correlates of Postpartum Depression in Osogbo, Nigeria
Authors: Deborah Abiodun Adejoke , Benjamin Abiodun Afolabi , Adesanmi Akinsulore 
Published: March 2019

Background: Postpartum depression is the most prevalent postpartum mental health problem. It is associated with subsequent low adherence to child healthcare. In severe depression, especially in the presence of psychotic symptoms, there is a substantial risk of suicide and of infanticide.
Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, pattern and correlates of postpartum depression among women attending postnatal and infant welfare clinics at a teaching hospital in Nigeria.
Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study.
Place and duration of Study: This study was conducted at LTH, Osogbo Nigeria between September and November 2015.
Methodology: Data were obtained from 220 consenting postpartum women using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and a socio-demographic questionnaire. All respondents found to be EPDS positive for depression as well as 10% of those negative for depression were further assessed with the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) (depression subscale). Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. The level of statistical significance was set at a p-value of less than 0.05.
Results: Prevalence of postpartum depression was 9.5% using the MINI. Postpartum depression was significantly associated with age (χ2=4.767, p=0.035), suicidal ideation (χ2=17.292, p < 0.01), support from respondent’s partner during pregnancy (χ2= 6.593, p= 0.010), support from partner’s relatives (χ2= 4.403, p=0.036) and number of children (χ2=4.247, p=0.039). Unemployed mothers had significantly higher EPDS scores than those who were employed (F=3.020, p< 0.05).
Conclusion: The prevalence of postpartum depression is high. An increased media campaign about postpartum depression and preventive measures is urgently needed. Screening for depression throughout the perinatal period is important for early diagnosis and prompt intervention in order to improve clinical outcome.
Modulating Targeting of Poly(ethylene glycol) Particles to Tumor Cells Using Bispecific Antibodies
Authors: Cui Jiwei , Ju Yi , Houston Zachary H. , Glass Joshua J. , Fletcher Nicholas L. , Alcantara Sheilajen , Dai Qiong , Howard Christopher B. , Mahler Stephen M. , Wheatley Adam K. , De Rose Robert , Brannon Paul T. , Paterson Brett M. , Donnelly Paul S. , Thurecht Kristofer J. , Caruso Frank , Kent Stephen J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractLow‐fouling or “stealth” particles composed of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) display a striking ability to evade phagocytic cell uptake. However, functionalizing them for specific targeting is challenging. To address this challenge, stealth PEG particles prepared by a mesoporous silica templating method are functionalized with bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) to obtain PEG–BsAb particles via a one‐step binding strategy for cell and tumor targeting. The dual specificity of the BsAbs—one arm binds to the PEG particles while the other targets a cell antigen (epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR)—is exploited to modulate the number of targeting ligands per particle. Increasing the BsAb incubation concentration increases the amount of BsAb tethered to the PEG particles and enhances targeting and internalization into breast cancer cells overexpressing EGFR. The degree of BsAb functionalization does not significantly reduce the stealth properties of the PEG particles ex vivo, as assessed by their interactions with primary human blood granulocytes and monocytes. Although increasing the BsAb amount on PEG particles does not lead to the expected improvement in tumor accumulation in vivo, BsAb functionalization facilitates tumor cell uptake of PEG particles. This work highlights strategies to balance evading nonspecific clearance pathways, while improving tumor targeting and accumulation.
Silver Iodide Induced Resistive Switching in CsPbI3 Perovskite‐Based Memory Device
Authors: Ge Shuaipeng , Huang Yunxia , Chen Xiaojuan , Zhang Xinran , Xiang Zhongcheng , Zhang Ruoxuan , Li Wenping , Cui Yimin 
Published: March 2019

AbstractLead halide perovskites‐based memory devices have attracted considerable interest due to their unique current–voltage (I–V) hysteresis. Herein, all‐inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite film surviving 30 d of air storage is prepared by using a poly‐vinylpyrrolidone‐assisted passivation method under fully open‐air condition. Afterwards, a memory device with a sandwich structure of Ag/CsPbI3/indium tin oxide is manufactured. From I–V characteristics of pristine device, a spontaneous reaction between the active Ag electrode and I− ions under air exposure is suggested. Furthermore, complete degradation of Ag electrode and formation of AgIx are verified, which also accompanies with generation of more iodine vacancies (VI) in perovskite film. The memory device with AgIx layer shows a bipolar resistive switching behavior, ultrahigh ON/OFF ratio (above 106), nonvolatile, reliable, and reproducible switching performance. Cell area and temperature dependent characteristics propose that the resistive switching is dominated by VI filament in low‐resistance state and thermally assisted hopping in high‐resistance state. This study provides a new insight to understand switching behavior from the way of electrode degradation and metal iodide formation in lead iodide perovskites‐based memory devices and also suggests a potential application for AgIx‐induced resistive switching in CsPbI3‐based memory device.
Bacillus Licheniformis CotA Laccase Mutant: ElectrocatalyticReduction of O2 from 0.6 V (SHE) at pH 8 and in Seawater
Authors: Lopes Paula , Koschorreck Katja , Nedergaard Pedersen Jannik , Ferapontov Alexey , Lörcher Samuel , Skov Pedersen Jan , Urlacher Vlada B. , Ferapontova Elena E. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractEnzymes operating in environmental media are of immense biotechnological interest, in particular, for sustainable energy production. Here, we show that the K316 N/D500G mutant of CotA laccase from Bacillus licheniformis operates in basic media and seawater, electrocatalyzing O2 reduction from 0.59 V, pH 8. CotA mutant's T1Cu center exhibits a formal potential of 0.56 V, consistent with an onset of bioelectrocatalytic reduction of O2. A photoelectrochemical cell recycling H2O/O2 by a semiconductor photoanode and CotA mutant biocathode produced 41 and 11 μW cm2, in buffer and seawater, respectively, at pH 8, (electricity production being limited solely by the photoanode performance, reaching 240 and 220 μW cm−2 in a Zn‐biobattery design), suggesting a prospective enzyme application for clean and sustainable production of electricity from seawater and oxygen.
Anomalous proton spin‐lattice relaxation in organic compounds containing methyl groups
Authors: Latanowicz Lidia , Timoszyk Anna , Kozioł Jacek 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTemperature measurements of proton spin‐lattice relaxation time performed for acetates ((CH3COO)2Ba, (CH3COO)2Cd, and (CH3COO)2Ca) and acetyl halides ((CH3CO)2O, CH3COBr and CH3COCl) are fitted to a Haupt equation. It is impossible to fit the temperature dependence of T1 protons using the BPP equation. Of importance is the assumption that complex C3 molecular motion of methyl protons takes place. An understanding of the correlation functions of complex C3 reorientation allow for the calculation of the relaxation time, T1, and the second moment of the NMR resonance. The spectral densities are calculated applying Woessner theory of complex motion and assuming a tunneling correlation time implemented from solving the Schrödinger equation. The acceptance of the tunneling correlation time resulting from the Schrödinger equation elucidates the reduction in the second moment at 0 K. The fitting leads to an excellent agreement between the experimental results of T1 temperature dependences and theoretical equations. From this, the tunneling splitting and motional parameters of methyl groups were estimated. The highest value of T1 minimum in the temperature dependence for (CH3COO)2Ba indicates the highest value of tunneling splitting. The smallest value, which is close to the T1 minimum value predicted by the BPP theory for CH3COCl, shows a lack or significantly reduced tunneling splitting. The tunneling jumps disappear at Ttun temperature, which was estimated for all studied compounds. The limitations on the use of Haupt's equation are presented. The presented approach differs from the other theoretical approaches and these differences are evaluated.
Compact in‐memory representation of large graph databases for efficient mining of maximal frequent sub graphs
Authors: Lakshmi K , Meyyappan T 
Published: March 2019

SummaryComplex networks have been used in many scientific disciplines like sociology, microbiology, and telecommunication to represent the interactions among them. Graphs are generally used for representing such complex networks. Mining significant frequent patterns from graph databases has been a challenging area of research. A number of sub graph mining algorithms have been proposed for finding frequent fragments in molecular databases. A very few algorithms have been proposed for mining frequent patterns from large communication networks. All these algorithms perform well on medium size networks and fail on very large graphs. The scalability of these algorithms has been an issue because of the enormous memory requirements and also due to the exponential number of frequent sub graphs possible. In this paper, we propose a compact way of representing graph databases and also use it in a maximal frequent sub graph mining algorithm. The algorithm is found to be efficient and scalable to very large graph databases.
Forest fragmentation modulates effects of tree species richness and composition on ecosystem multifunctionality
Authors: Hertzog Lionel R. , Boonyarittichaikij Roschong , Dekeukeleire Daan , de Groote Stefanie R. E. , van Schrojenstein Lantman Irene M. , Sercu Bram K. , Smith Hannah Keely , de la Peña Eduardo , Vandegehuchte Martijn L. , Bonte Dries , Martel An , Verheyen Kris , Lens Luc , Baeten Lander 
Published: March 2019

AbstractForest fragments in highly disturbed landscapes provide important ecosystem services ranging from acting as biodiversity reservoir to providing timber or regulating hydrology. Managing the tree species richness and composition of these fragments to optimize their functioning and the deliverance of multiple ecosystem services is of great practical relevance. However, both the strength and direction of tree species richness and tree species composition effects on forest ecosystem multifunctionality may depend on the landscape context in which these forest remnants are embedded. Taking advantage of an observatory network of 53 temperate forest plots varying in tree species richness, tree species composition, and fragmentation intensity we measured 24 ecosystem functions spanning multiple trophic levels and analyzed how tree species diversity–multifunctionality relationships changed with fragmentation intensity. Our results show that fragmentation generally increases multifunctionality and strengthens its positive relationship with diversity, possibly due to edge effects. In addition, different tree species combinations optimize functioning under different fragmentation levels. We conclude that management and restoration of forest fragments aimed at maximizing ecosystem multifunctionality should be tailored to the specific landscape context. As forest fragmentation will continue, tree diversity will become increasingly important to maintain forest functioning.
A novel LED‐based 2D‐fluorescence spectroscopy system for in‐line monitoring of Chinese hamster ovary cell cultivations – Part I
Authors: Graf Alexander , Claßen Jens , Solle Dörte , Hitzmann Bernd , Rebner Karsten , Hoehse Marek 
Published: March 2019

AbstractA new two‐dimensional fluorescence sensor system was developed for in‐line monitoring of mammalian cell cultures. Fluorescence spectroscopy allows for the detection and quantification of naturally occurring intra‐ and extracellular fluorophores in the cell broth. The fluorescence signals correlate to the cells’ current redox state and other relevant process parameters. Cell culture pretests with twelve different excitation wavelengths showed that only three wavelengths account for a vast majority of spectral variation. Accordingly, the newly developed device utilizes three high‐power LEDs as excitation sources in combination with a back‐thinned CCD‐spectrometer for fluorescence detection. This setup was first tested in a lab design of experiments study with process relevant fluorophores proving its suitability for cell culture monitoring with LOD in the μg/L range. The sensor was then integrated into a CHO‐K1 cell culture process. The acquired fluorescence spectra of several batches were evaluated using multivariate methods. The resulting batch evolution models were challenged in deviating and “golden batch” validation runs. These first tests showed that the new sensor can trace the cells’ metabolic state in a fast and reliable manner. Cellular distress is quickly detected as a deviation from the “golden batch”.
Snowfall interception in a deciduousNothofagusforest and implications for spatial snowpack distribution
Authors: Huerta Marlene L. , Molotch Noah P. , McPhee James 
Published: March 2019

AbstractNative Nothofagus forests in the midlatitude region of the Andes Cordillera are notorious biodiversity hot spots, uniquely situated in the Southern Hemisphere such that they develop in snow‐dominated reaches of this mountain range. Spanning a smaller surface area than similar ecosystems, where forests and snow coexist in the Northern Hemisphere, the interaction between vegetation and snow processes in this ecotone has received lesser attention. We present the first systematic study of snow–vegetation interactions in the Nothofagus forests of the Southern Andes, focusing on how the interplay between interception and climate determines patterns of snow water equivalent (SWE) variability. The Valle Hermoso experimental catchment, located in the Nevados de Chillán vicinity, was fitted with eight snow depth sensors that provided continuous measurements at varying elevations, aspect, and forest cover. Also, manual measurements of snow properties were obtained during snow surveys conducted during end of winter and spring seasons for 3 years, between 2015 and 2017. Each year was characterized by distinct climatological conditions, with 2016 representing one of the driest winters on record in this region. Distance to canopy, leaf area index, and total gap area were measured at each observational site. A regression model was built on the basis of statistical analysis of local parameters to model snow interception in this kind of forest. We find that interception implied a 23.2% reduction in snow accumulation in forested sites compared with clearings. The interception in these deciduous trees represents, on average, 23.6% of total annual snowfall, reaching a maximum measured interception value of 13.8‐mm SWE for all snowfall events analysed in this research.
Electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness and skin depth of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/particulate nano‐carbon filler composites: prediction of electrical conductivity and percolation threshold
Authors: Ram Ranvijai , Khastgir Dipak , Rahaman Mostafizur 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe addition of various particulate nano‐carbon (PNC) fillers to heat‐resistant poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) was carried out to prepare conductive composites for use in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding application. Three different PNC fillers, namely N472 (Vulcan XC‐72), N550 (Fast Extruding Furnace) and N774 (Semi‐Reinforcing Furnace), were used in various concentrations to prepare composite systems PVDF/N472, PVDF/N550 and PVDF/N774 by solution casting followed by a moulding technique. These PNC fillers have a particle size at the nanometre level, but they have an aggregating tendency; both these characteristics influence the properties of composites to which such fillers are added. The percolation threshold of the PVDF/PNC composites was theoretically determined using the sigmoidal Boltzmann model and classical theory and compared. Theoretical models were also used to predict composition‐dependent electrical conductivity. The electrical conductivity is correlated to that of EMI shielding effectiveness at ambient temperature. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Neuroadaptive containment control of nonlinear multiagent systems with input saturations
Authors: Zhao Lin , Yu Jinpeng , Yu Haisheng , Lin Chong 
Published: March 2019

SummaryThis paper investigates the output containment tracking problem of nonlinear multiagent systems with mismatched uncertain dynamics and input saturations. A neural network–based distributed adaptive command filtered backstepping (CFB) scheme is given, which can guarantee that the containment tracking errors reach to the desired neighborhood of origin and all signals in the closed‐loop system are bounded. Note that error compensation system and virtual control laws established in CFB only use local information, so the given scheme is completely distributed. Moreover, the applied sliding mode differentiator (SMD) can make the outputs of SMD fast approximate the virtual signal and its derivative at each step of backstepping, which can further improve the control quality. Finally, a simulation example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
The peridynamic stress tensors and the non‐local to local passage
Authors: Pelech Petr 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMotivated by earlier works by S.A. Silling and R.B. Lehoucq, we re‐examine the notion of stress and force flux in peridynamics ‐ a useful connection to measurable quantities and classical view of continuum mechanics. Based on the idea of traction we define two new peridynamic stress tensors and which stand, respectively, for analogues of the Cauchy and 1st Piola‐Kirchhoff stress tensors from classical elasticity. We show that the tensor differs from the earlier defined peridynamic stress tensor ; though their divergence is equal. We address the question of symmetry of the tensor which proves to be symmetric in case of bond‐based peridynamics; as opposed to the inverse Piola transform of (corresponding to the analogue of Cauchy stress tensor) which fails to be symmetric in general. We also derive a general formula of the force‐flux in peridynamics and compute the limit of for vanishing non‐locality, denoted by . For the sake of brevity we stick to bond‐based peridynamic in our calculations. We show that this tensor surprisingly coincides with the collapsed tensor , the limit of the original tensor . At the end, using this flux‐formula, we suggest an explanation why the collapsed tensor (and hence ) can be indeed identified with the 1st Piola‐Kirchhoff stress tensor. Throughout the whole paper we suppose that the deformation is sufficiently regular.