bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proximate, Micronutrient Compositions and Shelf Life of Juice and Concentrate of Hog Plum (Spondias mombi), a Wild Fruit in Nigeria
Authors: Maji Abuh Abel , Cornelius Orishagbemi Ojo 
Published: November 2023

Aims: To process hog plum fruits (Spondias mombin L.) into juice and concentrate, study their proximate and micronutrient composition and evaluate the shelf life of these products.
Study Design: Matured and ripe fruits were processed into juice and then, concentrate. The products were analyzed for physicochemical, proximate and micronutrient compositions. Shelf life of the products was evaluated. All experiments were replicated three times and data subjected to descriptive statistics.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Ayingba, Kogi State, Nigeria, between 01/01/2022 and 30/08/2023.
Methodology: Hog plum fruits were harvested and processed into fruit juice and then, fruit concentrate by evaporation of water. Physicochemical and proximate compositions were determined using standard methods. Mineral and Vitamin C analyses were done by suitable Spectroscopy methods, while HPLC was used to determine B vitamins. Changes in physicochemical properties were studied to determine shelf life. Data were subjected to statistical analyses.
Results: Mean values of the physicochemical parameters of juice were pH, 2.43+ 0.01; TA, 0.17+0.01 and °Bx, 23.05a+ 007. °Bx of concentrate, 63.50b+ 2.12, differed significantly (P=.05) from that of the juice. Proximate analyses showed a high moisture and protein concentration (relative to other fruits) in hog plum fruit juice. Concentrate was significantly (P=.05) lower in moisture and protein content. Fruit juice contained micronutrients; Ca, 261.00+4.0; Fe, 44.97+2.1; K, 99.30+2.9; Zn, 0.88+0.1 and Vitamin C, 57.79a+0.04. Concentrations of these substances, except for K and Zn were significantly (P=.05) higher in the fruit concentrate. Fruit concentrate had a shelf life of up to six months.
Conclusion: Hog plum fruit juice and concentrate are rich in many macronutrients, especially protein, Ca, Fe, K, Zn and Vitamin C. Processing fruit juice into concentrate prolongs the shelf life of product for up to six months.
Pharmacological Studies of Hibiscus Rosa Sinesis Leaf Extract
Authors: Agrawal R. C. 
Published: November 2023

We have undertaken to study the pharmacological activities of the hydro-methanolic leaves extract of Hibiscus rosa sinesis using standard screening methods such as disc diffusion and DPPH methods. In phytochemical screening, Secondary metabolites such as phenols, saponins, and tannins were present in. Hibiscus rosa sinesis leaf extract. The dose dependent antibacterial and antioxidant activities was also observed. The present study is important because Hibiscus Rosa sinensis plant is important in traditional medicine to cure various ailments.
Effect of Copper Sulfate Induction on Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb. Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Content
Authors: Mohd Yaseer Suhaimi , Nordin Noor Ismawaty , Abidin Siti Nurzahidah Zainal , Samsudin Noor Safuraa 
Published: November 2023

Aims: Plants need an appropriate amount of nutrients such as copper for growth and development. However, excess of copper may interrupt plant development and cause stress that led to biochemical compounds being synthesized. The influence of a high copper sulfate concentration on phenolic and flavonoid content in Phyllanthus tenellus plants was investigated.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in a government compound at MARDI Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia (2° 59' 31.7292'' N 101° 41' 56.706'' E), from April 2021 to Jun 2021.
Methodology: The experiment was conducted using a vertical column planting system under a side-netted rain shelter. The plants were subjected to 0.5 M copper sulfate sprayed after 60 days of planting and harvested 0.5, 1.5, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after sprayed for further analysis. Total phenolic content was calculated as mg gallic acid equivalent and total flavonoid content was measured as quercetin equivalent.
Results: Highest total phenolic and flavonoid content was detected after 0.5 hours of copper sulfate application and started to decrease towards 24 hours after sprayed. Treated samples showed a 1.18-fold increase in total phenolic content and 1.4-fold increase in total flavonoid content compared to control untreated samples after 0.5 hours of sprayed. Control samples showed stability in both total phenolic and flavonoid content throughout the harvesting periods. Phenolic is the major secondary metabolites in Phyllanthus tenellus plants.
Conclusion: Data revealed that the application of 0.5 M copper sulfate is able to enhance total phenolic and flavonoid content in Phyllanthus tenellus plants. The study suggested that the optimum harvesting time is 0.5 hours after copper sulfate application.
The Push and Pull Factors in the Retention of Health Workers in a District in Ghana
Authors: Adomah-Afari Augustine , Ameyaw Ebenezer Arkoh 
Published: November 2023

Aim: To assess the push and pull factors associated with the retention of health workers in a district in Ghana.
Study Design: This study was an analytical cross-sectional study using quantitative methods in the collection of data.
Place and Duration of Study: Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem District of the Central Region of Ghana in October 2022.
Methodology: A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data from 282 health workers who were consecutively selected from various health facilities in the study. The data collected was cleaned and analyzed using the statistical software STATA version 15. Descriptive statistics were presented in tables and graphs. A Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. The significance of association was set at P<0.05 at a 95% confidence interval.
Results: Overall, 22.0% of the health workers intended to stay at their current organization. Logistic regression analysis predicted that age more than 35 years (AOR: 3.4, CI: 1.025 -11.283, P = .046) and sex - females (AOR: 0.56, CI: 0.016 - 0.223, P = .001) were significantly associated with retention. Institutional factors like lack of supervision of work (AOR: 0.508, CI: 0.176 – 1.472, P = .021), lack of in-service training (AOR:0.045, CI: 0.010 - 0.193, P = .001), inadequate management support (AOR: 0.288, CI: 0.109 – 0.764, P = .012), and poor career progression (AOR: 0.472, CI: 0.019 - 1.873, P = .028) significantly reduced the likelihood of staying. Community factors like the absence of family (AOR: 0.138, CI: 0.051 – 0.376, P = .001) and the absence of alternative jobs (AOR: 0.051, CI: 0.006 – 0.459, P = .008) also negatively predicted retention.
Conclusion: Only a small proportion of health workers in the district intended to stay. Factors related to retention were predominantly organizational like career progression, management support, and incentives.
Field Testing and Evaluation of a Seven-Row Inclined Plate Planter for Mustard Cultivation
Authors: Singh Vivekanand , Moses Sheen Cline , Aalam Rana Noor , D’souza Prashant M. 
Published: November 2023

Mustard seed (Brassica nigra) is a crucial oilseed crop extensively cultivated in several countries, especially in South Asia. Enhancing seed planting techniques is essential to optimize crop output and overcome the challenges faced by farmers. Traditional manual planting methods are inefficient and time-consuming, creating obstacles to overall agricultural productivity. To address this issue, a field test and evaluation of a seven-row inclined plate planter for mustard cultivation were conducted. Precision planting, which involves accurate seed placement at desired intervals, is vital for maximizing crop productivity. The study encompassed a comprehensive analysis of soil parameters, including soil type, moisture content, bulk density, and cone index. Various operational parameters such as seed spacing, row spacing, and ground wheel slip were evaluated. The economic aspects, including cost analysis, breakeven point, payback period, and benefit-cost ratio, were considered to assess the financial feasibility of the tractor-operated planter.
Calibration results revealed variations in seed rates among different rows and hopper capacities, impacting seed placement uniformity. Additionally, the study examined seed breakage under different operational parameters, emphasizing its influence on germination rates. Field performance data included soil moisture (12.61%), bulk density (1.45 g/cc), and field efficiency (82.30%), offering insights into real-world planter operation. The cost analysis determined a favorable economic outlook, with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.2, signifying the economic viability of machine harvesting compared to manual methods.
Evaluation of Phytoremediation, Physicochemical and Heavy Metal Assessment of Crude Oil Polluted Soil Using Pseudomonas and Bacillus spp, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Emmanuel Jaja, Soba 
Published: November 2023

Crude oil exploration has been beneficial to our economy but detrimental to our environment with the artisanal `refineries further compounding the challenge. This research was aimed at investigating the phytoremediation, physicochemical and heavy metal assessment of crude oil polluted soil using Peudomonas spp. and Bacillus spp. as augmenting microorganism, in Rivers state, Nigeria. This study was carried out in in south-south Nigeria (B-dere in Gokana Local government of `Rivers State). Contaminated Soil were collected and subjected to standard microbiological methods. Contaminated Soil samples were collected from two different area of Rivers state with sterilized soil auger at two depths of 0-15cm and 15-30cm. The contaminated soil sampled were analyzed for heavy metal (Cadium Chromium, Lead and Zinc) using Atomic Absorption spectrophotometric method. Microbiological analysis was carried out on the soil samples. Ten (10) treatments consisiting of contaminated soil (CS), uncontaminated soil (US), uncontaminated soil(US), Panicum subalbidum and Schoenoplectus senegalensis were setup for a period of 28 days. Physicochemical parameters were analyzed for uncontaminated soil and contaminated soil. The physicochemical parameters analyzed were pH, Temperature, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Total Hydrocarbon Content. The physiochemical parameters of the uncontaminated soil were pH (5.43), temperature (27oC), Electrical conductivity (9uS/cm), Moisture content (7.80%), Total organic carbon (0.93%), Soil organic matter (1.60%), total Nitrogen (56.695mg/kg), available phosphorus (0.621mg/kg), potassium (7.125mg/kg) and total hydrocarbon content (700mg/kg). Results revealed that the amount of hydrocarbon remediated and percentage (%) bioremediation in the soil after 28 days of monitoring from the initial THC value of (4050 mg/kg), is higher in set up with CS+PSE+SCH (3454mg/kg; 85.28%) and lowest in set up with US+SCH (434mg/kg: 62%) and the amount uptake of phytoremediation in the root after 28 days of monitoring to be higher in set up with CS+BAC+SCH (632Mg/kg; 15.6%) and lowest in set up with US+SCH (12.2mg/kg; 1.74%). The heavy metals assessed were cadium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn). This research revealed and recommend that Schoenoplectus senegalensis as a suitable plant species for phytoremediation of crude oil contaminated soil. Hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria identified in this study were; Pseudomonas and Bacilus spp.
General Solutions and Generalized Hyer-Ulam Stability in Banach Spaces: A Direct Method Approach for a System of Functional Equations
Authors: Yagachitradevi G.  , Lakshminarayanan S.  , Ravindiran P.  
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we have obtained general solutions and demonstrated the generalized Hyer-Ulam stability forthe following system of functional equations in Banach spaces using the direct method:(i) \(\mathit{h}\)(\(\mathit{u}\)1 + \(\mathit{u}\)2 + \(\mathit{u}\)3) + \(\mathit{h}\)(\(\mathit{u}\)1 + \(\mathit{u}\)2 - \(\mathit{u}\)3) + \(\mathit{h}\)(\(\mathit{u}\)1- \(\mathit{u}\)2 + \(\mathit{u}\)3) +\(\mathit{h}\)(\(\mathit{u}\)1 - \(\mathit{u}\)2 - \(\mathit{u}\)3)= 4\(\mathit{h}\)(\(\mathit{u}\)1),(ii) \(\mathit{h}\)(3\(\mathit{u}\)1 + 2\(\mathit{u}\)2 + \(\mathit{u}\)3) + \(\mathit{h}\)(3\(\mathit{u}\)1 + 2\(\mathit{u}\)2 - \(\mathit{u}\)3) + \(\mathit{h}\)(3\(\mathit{u}\)1 - 2\(\mathit{u}\)2 + \(\mathit{u}\)3) +\(\mathit{h}\) (3\(\mathit{u}\)1 - 2\(\mathit{u}\)2 - \(\mathit{u}\)3)= 12\(\mathit{h}\)(\(\mathit{u}\)1),(iii) \(\mathit{h}\)(\(\mathit{u}\)1 + 2\(\mathit{u}\)2 + 3\(\mathit{u}\)3) + \(\mathit{h}\)(\(\mathit{u}\)1 + 2\(\mathit{u}\)2 - 3\(\mathit{u}\)3) + \(\mathit{h}\)(\(\mathit{u}\)1 - 2\(\mathit{u}\)2 + 3\(\mathit{u}\)3) +\(\mathit{h}\)(\(\mathit{u}\)1 - 2\(\mathit{u}\)2 - 3\(\mathit{u}\)3)= 4\(\mathit{h}\)(\(\mathit{u}\)1).
Pharmacy Benefit Managers
Authors: Mattingly T. Joseph , Hyman David A. , Bai Ge 
Published: November 2023

ImportancePharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) play a major role in the provision of pharmacy services by acting as intermediaries between pharmacies, plan sponsors (insurance companies and employers), pharmaceutical manufacturers, and drug wholesalers. As their role and visibility have increased, PBMs have come under increased scrutiny from policymakers. However, no prior literature has systematically described the history, business practices, and policymaking of PBMs.ObjectiveTo provide an overview of the PBM industry, including its history, the evolution of services provided by PBMs, an assessment of the current policy landscape, and analysis of how proposed policies could affect PBM practices and patient care.EvidenceThis work reviews historical events; previous and current industry practices and publications; prior academic literature, existing statutes, regulations, and court cases; and recent legislative reforms and agency actions regarding PBMs.FindingsPharmacy benefit managers evolved in parallel with the pharmaceutical manufacturing and health insurance industries. The evolution of the PBM industry has been characterized by horizontal and vertical integration and market concentration. The PBM provides 5 key functions: formulary design, utilization management, price negotiation, pharmacy network formation, and mail order pharmacy services. Criticism of the PBM industry centers around the lack of competition, pricing, agency problems, and lack of transparency. Legislation to address these concerns has been introduced at the state and federal levels, but the potential for these policies to address concerns about PBMs is unknown and may be eclipsed by private sector responses.Conclusions and RelevancePharmacy benefit managers are intermediaries in the pharmaceutical supply chain and perform multiple roles in the management and distribution of pharmaceuticals to patients. When regulating PBMs, it is important to adopt policies that address market failure problems by improving PBM competition as opposed to policies designed to serve the narrow financial interests of other market participants (eg, pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufacturers) without meeting the needs of consumers.
Internal lead shielding for clinical electron treatments
Authors: McDermott Patrick N. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractElectron beams are often used to treat superficial lesions of the lip, cheek, nose, and ear. Lead is frequently used to block distal structures. It is customary to place an internal bolus of low atomic number in between the tissue and the lead to reduce electron backscatter from the lead. Space for the lead and the internal bolus is quite limited. A previous method for estimating the thickness of the lead plus internal bolus is not self‐consistent and leads to a larger than necessary thickness. A new method is described here to provide a quick, accurate, and self‐consistent estimate of the minimum necessary thickness of the internal bolus and the lead for incident electron beam energies of 4, 6, 8, 9, and 10 MeV as a function of the thickness of the overlying tissue. This method limits the dose enhancement at the tissue/bolus interface due to the underlying lead to 10%. Measurements made with gafchromic film validate this methodology.
Targeted Depletion of Individual Pathogen by Bacteria‐Templated Polymer
Authors: Qi Guobin , Liu Xianglong , Shi Leilei , Zhuang Jiahao , Liu Bin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSelective and targeted removal of individual species or strains of bacteria from complex communities can be desirable over traditional and broadly acting antibiotics in several conditions. However, strategies that can detect and ablate bacteria with high specificity are emerging in recent years. Herein, a platform is reported that uses bacteria as a template to synthesize polymers containing guanidinium groups for self‐selective depletion of specific pathogenic bacteria without disturbing microbial communities. Different from conventional antibiotics, repeated treatment of bacteria with the templated polymers does not evolve drug resistance mutants after 20 days of serial passaging. Especially, high in vivo therapeutic effectiveness of the templated polymers is achieved in E. coli‐ and P. aeruginosa‐induced microbial peritonitis. The templated polymers have shown high selectivity in in vivo antimicrobial activity, which has excellent potential as systemic antimicrobials against bacterial infections.
Architecture Prediction of 3D Composites Using Machine Learning and No‐Destructive Technique
Authors: Zhang Xiuli , Wang Ziping , Xu Chen , Side Conner , Sang Sheng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe field of composites has seen a surge in the adoption of machine learning techniques due to their ability to achieve once unattainable goals. Presently, machine learning research in composites primarily centers around predicting composite properties or optimizing microstructures to attain specific properties. This paper presents a data‐driven approach to predict the complete architecture of composites. A multi‐output machine learning model, based on conventional XGBoost algorithms, is developed to comprehend the intricate correlation between composite architecture and elastic wave propagation in them. The machine learning model uses input elastic wave signals collected at one face of the composite cube, induced by an actuator on the opposite face of the cube, as features. The composition labels are 3D matrices that represent the architectures of the composite cubes. The results show that the architecture of composites can be predicted using a short period of elastic wave travel through the composites, with up to 96% accuracy. This method can be readily adapted and implemented for any industry application requiring the determination of the architecture of unknown composites without destruction.
Effect of coupling agent on polylactic acid/polypropylene and polylactic acid/polyamide 6 foam composites
Authors: Tuna Sibel , Akkoyun Kurtlu Meral 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe main part of polymer materials generated from fossil fuels do not degrade after completing their usage life and then begin to be waste in the environment. This situation has led to the emphasis on environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and bio‐based polymers obtained from renewable sources as an alternative. In recent years, several studies are concentrated on especially lightweight and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission limitations. In this work, the goal was to investigate at the same time environmentally friendly and lightweight polymer foam composites based on polylactic acid (PLA) polymer without lowering the performances of the materials. In this aim, polymer foam composites containing polypropylene (PP), polyamide 6 (PA6) and PLA were produced (PLA/PA6 (30:70) and PLA/PP (30:70)) with a chemical blowing agent (CBA) introduced at 1.5 wt.% to the polymer mixture. To improve the interpolymer compatibility and foaming activity maleic anhydride‐grafted polylactic acid (PLA‐g‐MA) was utilized as coupling agent (CA) in different ratios (1, 3 and 5 wt.%). From the evaluation of the polymer mixtures in terms of their lightness, thermal and mechanical strength, the most appropriate CA ratios were determined as 1 wt.% for foamed PLA/PP (30:70) mixtures and 3 wt.% for foamed PLA/PA6 (30:70) mixtures.
Interphase of polyoctenamer‐single‐wall carbon nanotubes by thermogravimetric analysis in air
Authors: Chipara Mircea , Chipara Dorina , Martirosyan Karen , Adhikari Ananta , Trevino Alexandro 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNon‐isothermal thermogravimetric analysis in air, of polyoctenamer‐single wall carbon nanotubes (PO‐SWNTs), loaded by various amounts of SWNTs up to 10% wt., at different heating rates (ranging from 5 to 40°C/min) is reported. The thermal degradation in the air of PO_SWNTs is dominated by a main single sigmoidal dependence, assigned to the polymer and eventually polymer‐nanofiller interphase, over which a weaker sigmoid assigned to the thermo‐oxidative degradation of the nanofiller is superimposed at higher temperatures. The temperature at which the nanocomposite's residual mass fraction reaches x% wt. of the initial mass, Tx%, is reported (for x = 5, 50, and 85). The dependence of Tx% on the heating rate and the loading by nanotubes is analyzed. The temperature derivative of the thermograms defines new parameters (inflection residual mass fraction and inflection temperature) and (degradation) width. Their dependence on the loading by SWNTs was reported. Estimation of the interphase in polymer‐based nanocomposites is based on the postulate that the dependence of the inflection temperature on the composition of the nanocomposite obeys a Fox‐like dependence, where the bulk polymer and the polymer trapped within the interphase are considered as a blend of two miscible polymers. Complementary Raman, x‐ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry support these results.
Experimental study on robust non‐fragile control of DC‐DC buck converter
Authors: Kumar Bonela Anil , Sarkar Mrinal Kanti 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe presence of uncertainty in the converter model and controller parameters affects the system's stability and dynamic performance. This paper presents a comparative analysis of robust non‐fragile control based on (i) the Kharitonov method and (ii) the linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique so that the controller can cope with the effect of both uncertainties. The first approach based on Kharitonov theorem determines the robust performance region with guaranteed gain margin and phase margin under parametric uncertainty. The second approach (LMI technique) is based on devising a control law that can quadratically stabilize the closed‐loop system subject to uncertainties and satisfy the H∞ norm bound constraint on disturbance attenuation. Based on these two approaches, a robust non‐fragile PI controller is designed for voltage mode control of dc‐dc buck converter. The effectiveness of the control approaches is evaluated based on (i) robustness against large plant parameter perturbations and load disturbance and (ii) fragility against controller parameter perturbations. The performance of the designed controllers (using the Kharitonov method and the LMI technique) has been thoroughly evaluated and validated through simulation and experimental results.