bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Organic Manures and Its Effect on Physical Properties of Soil in Pearl Millet
Authors: Yadav Bharti , Naga S. R. , Yadav B. L. , Yadav Santosh , Meena Shalu Kumari , Pandey Astha , Sharma Sachin 
Published: July 2023

Organic manures are rich source of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, which are essential for plants. It also contains organic matter that improves soil structure, water-holding capacity, and aeration. The study focused on evaluating two types of organic manures, i.e. Farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost. Results showed that vermicompost had higher nutrient content them FYM. A field experiment was conducted during kharif season 2018 at Agronomy farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture Jobner (Rajasthan). The design of experiment was factorial randomized block design with three replications. The experiment comprised five treatments of organic manures (Control, vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1, vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1, FYM @ 5 t ha-1 and FYM @ 10 t ha-1) and four treatments of fertility levels (Control, 50 per cent RDF (recommended dose of fertilizer), 75 per cent RDF and 100 per cent RDF). The variety used for experiment was RHB-173 of pearl millet. Results showed that the application of FYM @ 10 t ha -1 significantly decreased the bulk density and increased the saturated hydraulic conductivity over control. The maximum water retention of soil (12.86 per cent and 3.28 per cent) at 33kPa and 1500 kPa were recorded under the treatment vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 being at par with FYM @ 10 t ha -1. Thus, addition of FYM @ 10 t ha -1 improves the physical soil properties.
Comparative Study on Pasting and Functional Properties of Composite flour Produced from Acha (Digitaria exilis) Starch, Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Flour Blends
Authors: Olaleye H. T. , Oresanya T. O. , Akinwande F. F. 
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Composite flour can relatively be any wheat flour composition with a particular substitution percentage of any type of flour produced from any other raw material. This is done to increase the nutritional profile, functional properties or further utilization of the said raw materials.
Objective: The functional properties of flour blends play an important part in the processing of food products. Functional properties determine the usability of the blends in bakery products where hydration aid handling in products such as ground meat, baked foods and pancakes where oil and absorption properties is of upmost importance. Functional properties plays significant role in the physicochemical properties in determining the complex interaction between the composition, structure, and molecular conformation, therefore the objective of the study was to produce composite flour from blends of acha starch, chickpea and wheat flour and determine the pasting and functional properties of the blends for food uses.
Methodology: Composite flour was produced in different blends using D-Optimal experimental runs. Pasting and functional characteristics is essential in estimating the properties of food paste and products during and after it is cooked.
Results: The pasting properties of the blends of the flour, the peak 1(RVU), trough 1(RVU), breakdown(RVU), final viscosity(RVU), set back(RVU), peak time(min) and pasting temperature(0C) ranged between 1722.50 and 2483.5, 931.0 and 1723.00, 659.00 and 824.50, 1949.5.00 and 3267.0, 1095.50 and 1544.00, 5.44 and 6.00,76.28 and 88.83 respectively unit. Results for functional analysis of the flours blends, water absorption capacity(g/ml), oil absorption capacity(g/ml), bulk density(g/ml), swelling power(%), solubility index ranged between 175 and 258, 186 and 232, 0.5588and 0.68, 4.52 and 6.08, 3.50% and 7.50% respectively.
Conclusion: The flour blends of Acha starch, chickpea flour and wheat flour showed that it can be good raw materials for food that requires high water and oil absorption properties, bulk density, swelling power, set viscosity and final viscosity. The best sample blend was sample (wheat flour 52.50%, acha flour 42.50% and 5% chickpea flour).
Anti-microbial Activity of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) Extracts from Semi-arid Eastern Parts of Kenya
Authors: Kidaha Mercy Liharaka , Mungai Grace Wacheke , Wanzala Fredah Rimberia 
Published: July 2023

Natural products are alternatively used in the control of pests and diseases because they are highly available, cheap and environmentally friendly. Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) belongs to the Leguminosae family and subfamily Fabaceae. Its native to Africa, Asia and S, America. Tamarind tree produces pod like edible fruits that are widely used in cuisines globally. The fruits have been reported to be therapeutic in several pharmacopoeias. The seeds have been explored in the treatment of diabetes, fevers, intestinal infections and diarrhea. In Kenya, tamarind is present in the arid and semi-arid areas and there is limited information on its antimicrobial activity. This study aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial activity of leaf and fruit extracts from tamarind trees growing in semi-arid Eastern Kenya. Fruits and leaves of tamarind were sequentially extracted using methanol and water and evaporated using a rotary evaporator at 40°C. The extracts were then reconstituted using the solvent and stored at 4°C. The pathogenic bacteria were cultured on 28 g/l of nutrient agar and the extract-impregnated discs were inoculated on the plates and cultured at 37 °C for 24 hrs. Sub-culturing was done to obtain pure isolates of the pathogens. The extracts were tested for their activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Data on bacterial inhibition zones were recorded after 24 hrs. The results revealed that there was no significant difference in inhibition between the leaf and fruit extracts. However, there was a significant inhibition difference between the five study regions and in extraction solvents against B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa. Tamarind extracts were not effective against S. aureus and E. coli. When compared to common antibiotics Ampicillin, Methanol leaf extracts from accessions KT007, E017 and E020 had a higher inhibition than B. subtilis; also, water fruit extracts from accessions E008 and E014 had a higher inhibition than B. subtilis. Methanol leaf extracts from accessions KT012, E001, KB008 and KB011 had higher inhibition against P. aeruginosa compared to Streptomycin, Kanamycin, and Co-trimoxazole. Water fruit extracts from the accession of KT012 had a higher inhibition of P. aeruginosa compared to Streptomycin, Kanamycin, and Co-trimoxazole. Water leaf extracts from accessions of KT001, KB004, KB005, KB011, KB012, KB014 and KB016 had a higher inhibition of P. aeruginosa compared to kanamycin, gentamycin, streptomycin, ampicillin, and co-trimoxazole. Tamarind extracts did not inhibit S. aureus and E. coli. In conclusion, Eastern Kenyan tamarind had limited potential against B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa.
A Descriptive Analysis of Paediatricians’ Involvement in Community Child Health in Nigeria: So Far How Far?
Authors: Arodiwe I. O. , Ubesie A. C. , Ikefuna A. N. 
Published: July 2023

Background: Community child health activities are considered an important professional role of Pediatricians as a child advocate. However practice constraints and personal factors may limit involvement.
Objective: The objective was to analyze community involvement of paediatricians in 2017 and factors associated with participation.
Methods: A self-administered questionnaire of all Paediatrician at the annual conference of Paediatrics Association of Nigeria (Panconf) 2017 at Zaria, in Nigeria was the tool. Questions on community child health outside of their clinical practice were elucidated. This includes questions on school health programme. Their willingness to volunteer and the timing of formal training were sought. We used Chi square statistics to measure associations of personal and practice characteristics. Logistic regression assessed independent contributions.
Results: Analysis showed there were total of n = 260 in attendance. Fewer paediatricians were into community child health in 2017 (35.1%) outside their routine work, with a higher percentage participating as volunteers (79.5%). Most reported formal training at residency (80.2%). The older age, having children older than 5 years, urban settings and formal training were significant. In adjusted models, older age and formal training were associated with involvement (P < .05).
Conclusions: Formal training during residency and older paediatricians are associated with community child health activities. Therefore, intensification of advocacy competencies and other community child health activities for all residents and retraining of paediatricians for refreshing of experiences and related skills are advocated.
Plasmid-encoded Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria of Surgical Wound Isolates from Three Hospitals in Akoko Land
Authors: Iroha Glory O. , Adejumo Timothy O. , Osuntokun Oludare T. , Coker Morenike E. 
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The study evaluates a rapid and dependable method of identifying plasmid-encoded antibiotic resistant bacteria isolated from surgical wound samples of twenty-nine patients from three General hospitals in Akoko South West (Iwaro Oka), Akoko North East (Ikare), and Akoko North West (Irun),Ondo State, Nigeria, using standard microbiological techniques.
Materials and Methods: Antibiotic sensitivity test (AST) was carried out, plasmid-encoded antibiotic resistant bacteria were determinedand plasmids were cured.
Results: Seven bacteria were isolated, two (2) were Gram-positive: Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus viridians, and five (5) Gram-negative Enterobacter agglomerans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Morganella morganii biogrp 1 and Serratia liquefaciens. The total bacterial counts ranged from 4.3 x 104 to 9.9 x 104cfu/ml. The highest colony count (9.9 x 104 cfu/ml) was obtained from General Hospital, Iwaro-Oka, while the least (4.3 x 104 cfu/ml) was obtained from Irun General Hospital. The AST result showed that most isolates were sensitive to some of the antibiotics within the range of 7 mm to 25 mm zones of inhibition, while only strains of Pseudomonas.fluorescens were resistant to ciprofloxacin, pefloxacin, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, amoxicillin, gentamicin, augmentin, sparfloxacin, tarivid, and septrin. Four out of the five resistant Pseudomonas. fluorescens strains had plasmid bands ranging from 2.27 kbp to 23.13 kbp molecular weight with thick bands.
Discussion: the plasmid-encoded antibiotic resistance bacteria were sensitive to the same antibiotics which were initially resistant. It was recommended that increased attention be paid to stricter infection control practices across the three local government areas.
Conclusion: Health authorities should include profile epidemiology in infection control policies to detect the resistance level of isolates and adopt effective methods of administration of antibiotics before widespread infection.
Development and Performance Evaluation of a Groundnut Mixing Machine
Authors: Olajide O. G. , Agbetoye L. A. S. , Olabinjo O. O. , Lawson O. S. 
Published: July 2023

Studies that investigated the effectiveness of groundnut mixing as a function of mixing speed and time are scarcely reported. Therefore, the objective of the study is to investigate the main and interaction effects between mixing mixtures and mixing speed on the mixing evaluation parameters, with respect to different mixing proportions of ginger, wheat flour and pepper. The mixing evaluation parameters considered are; final and losses after mixing. Also, the coefficient of variation (CV), Degree of mixing, Percentage loss and mixing efficiency. The components of the mixer consist of frame, the U shaped trough, a central shaft and a helical ribbon agitator. The coating units consists of coating trough, drive shaft and electric motor. The lowest value of CV recorded was 8.94%, while the highest values of the degree of mixing and mixing efficiency recorded were 92.23 and 99.75%, respectively. The effectiveness and efficacy of mixing increases as mixing time increases. Similarly, increased performance in mixing was observed as the mixing speed increases. The main and interaction effects between the mixtures and speed were insignificant (P > 0.05). The highest speed of 60 rpm and mixing time of 15 mins produced the highest mixing efficiency. Therefore, further studies should be carried to determine the optimum speed and mixing time for improved thoroughness in mixing.
Function and Teleology
Authors: Garson Justin 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTeleology is the study of purposes and goals. While humans and other intelligent creatures can act on purposes, are there purposes in nature, too? Biologists often explain the development of organisms, the behavior of plants and animals, and the working of body parts and processes, in terms of their ‘purposes’, ‘goals’, or ‘functions’. This gives rise to a philosophical problem: how can we make sense of teleological language in the life sciences? Important philosophical definitions of ‘biological function’ include the selected effects theory, the goal‐contribution theory, and the causal role theory, among others. A related problem is understanding the concept of ‘goal directedness’.Key ConceptsTeleology is the study of goals and purposes.Teleological language such as ‘function,’ ‘goal’, and ‘purpose’ is prevalent in the life sciences.Philosophers and scientists disagree about whether teleological language is consistent with modern science and its avoidance of supernatural explanations.Philosophers debate the correct definition of ‘biological function.’The ‘selected effects theory’ holds that the function of a trait depends on what it was selected for, by natural selection.The ‘goal‐contribution theory’ holds that a function of a trait depends on its contribution to survival or reproduction.The ‘causal role theory’ holds that a trait's function depends on its contribution to some interesting system capacity.It's possible that biologists use ‘function’ in multiple senses.There are philosophical problems surrounding the concept of goal directedness as well.
Bringing Reproductive Health Guidelines Into Fellowship Training: A National Survey of Adult and Pediatric Rheumatology Fellows and Program Directors
Authors: Rubino Selene , Battistone Michael J. , Ardoin Stacy P. , Berlan Elise D. , Carandang Kristine , Chiseri Kate , Kavanaugh Arthur , White Whitney , Wise Kelly A. , Wong Andrew L. , Marston Bethany , Clowse Megan E. B. 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveThis study seeks to assess rheumatology fellows’ (RFs’) and program directors’ (PDs’) interests in different educational tools and methods and to facilitate curriculum development for reproductive health related to rheumatic disease.MethodsConstructs were conceptualized in four dimensions: 1) RF and PD confidence in their current curriculum relating to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Reproductive Health Guidelines (RHGs), 2) personal interest in this topic, 3) opinions of the importance of this topic, and 4) interest in a range of learning materials and educational experiences. The final survey was distributed to 753 RFs and 179 PDs in the United States using the ACR Committee on Training and Workforce email list.ResultsResponse rates were 13% (n = 98) for RFs and 25% (n = 44) for PDs. Both groups indicated more interest in the topic than confidence in their curriculum and rated summary sheets, question banks, didactics, and online modules higher than nine other educational tools or methods. Despite interest in the topic, 38% of RF respondents and 24% of PD respondents were unaware of the recently published ACR RHGs.ConclusionRFs and PDs consider reproductive health very important and report high personal interest in this topic. In contrast, both groups indicated lower confidence in current curricula, and substantial proportions of both groups were unaware of recently published guidelines. RFs’ and PDs’ interests in specific educational modalities are aligned. Curriculum development efforts should prioritize summary sheets, question banks, didactics, and online modules. Efforts are needed to address the educational needs of practicing rheumatologists and other professionals caring for patients with rheumatic disease.
An Integrated Therapeutic and Preventive Nanozyme‐Based Microneedle for Biofilm‐Infected Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Sun Caixia , Zhou Xinyu , Liu Cong , Deng Shuyue , Song Yuhan , Yang Jun , Dai Jianjun , Ju Yanmin 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe healing of biofilm‐infected diabetic wounds characterized by a deteriorative tissue microenvironment represents a substantial clinical challenge. Current treatments remain unsatisfactory due to the limited antibiofilm efficacy caused by weak tissue and biofilm permeability of drugs and the risk of reinfection during the healing process. To address these issues, an integrated therapeutic and preventive nanozyme‐based microneedle (denoted as Fe2C/GOx@MNs) is engineered. The dissolvable tips with enough mechanical strength can deliver and rapidly release Fe2C nanoparticles (NPs)/glucose oxidase (GOx) in the biofilm active regions, enhancing tissue and biofilm permeability of Fe2C NPs/GOx, ultimately achieving highly efficient biofilm elimination. Meanwhile, the chitosan backing layer can not only act as an excellent physical barrier between the wound bed and the external environment, but also prevent the bacterial reinvasion during wound healing with its superior antibacterial property. Significantly, the biofilm elimination and reinfection prevention abilities of Fe2C/GOx@MNs on wound healing are proved on methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus‐biofilm‐infected diabetic mouse model with full‐thickness wound. Together, these results demonstrate the promising clinical application of Fe2C/GOx@MNs in biofilm‐infected wound healing.
A New Strategy to Elevate Absorptivity of AIEgens for Intensified NIR‐II Emission and Synergized Multimodality Therapy
Authors: Zhang Jing , Liu Wenjing , Liu Yangjing , Zhang Jianyu , Gao Pengfei , Zheng Lei , Xu Feng , Jin Guorui , Tang Ben Zhong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHigh‐efficiency absorptivity is crucial for the construction of high‐performance luminescent materials, especially the long‐wavelength near‐infrared II (NIR‐II) materials; thus seeking an efficient and universal strategy to elevate the absorptivity is extremely important but is still an intractable challenge. In this work, a simple but efficient design strategy is discovered, involving the introduction of gold(I) unit that could effectively elevate the absorptivity of aggregation‐induced‐emission luminogens (AIEgens). As a result of the efficient elevation of absorptivity, the representative AIE‐active TBTP‐Au shows more superior NIR‐II (1220 nm) luminescence, much higher photothermal conversion efficiency, and unique intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating ability compared with that of the TBTP ligand. Taking advantage of these improvements, the fabricated tumor‐targeting TBTP‐Au‐cRGD nanoparticles achieve specific NIR‐II tumorous imaging in vivo and exert high‐efficiency cancer therapy via the synergistic chemotherapy and photothermal therapy. Thus, this work provides a new and efficient strategy to construct high‐absorption luminescent materials and demonstrates the great potential of gold(I)‐based AIEgens as multifunctional theranostic agents.
Interplay of Precursor and Plasma for The Deposition of HfO2 via PEALD: Film Growth and Dielectric Properties
Authors: Preischel Florian , Zanders David , Berning Thomas , Kostka Aleksander , Rogalla Detlef , Bock Claudia , Devi Anjana 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHfO2 thin films are appealing for microelectronic applications such as high‐κ dielectric layers, memristors, and ferroelectric memory devices. To fulfill the different requirements of each application, the properties of the deposited material need to be tuned accordingly. In this context, plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) is a powerful processing route to tailor the properties of HfO2 thin films, especially at low temperatures. Herein, a comprehensive bottom‐up approach is presented, ranging from the synthesis of molecularly engineered Hf precursors to the development of a HfO2 PEALD process and a detailed evaluation where plasma can be exploited to tune the dielectric properties. With the example of the newly synthesized bis‐(dialkylamido)‐bis‐(formamidinato) Hf(IV) precursor, [Hf{η2‐(iPrN)2CH}2(NMe2)2] which is reactive, thermally robust and volatile, successful implementation in a PEALD process for HfO2 at low temperatures is demonstrated. The typical atomic layer deposition (ALD) characteristics of precursor saturation, linearity, and ALD temperature window are demonstrated with constant growth of 0.7 Å per cycle from 125 to 200 °C, yielding high‐purity layers. The effect of plasma pulse duration on the chemical composition alongside structural, topographical, as well as dielectric properties of the films is investigated. For the latter, the films are incorporated in metal‐insulator semiconductor (MIS) structures.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Phthalimidine‐d2 with Heavy Water as Deuterium Source
Authors: Qiu Aoqian , Li Jun , Zhang Xiaofeng , Ran Pan , Ding Weijie , Cheng Xu , Ding Mengning 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPhthalimidine finds wide pharmaceutical applications and its deuterated derivative is supposed to exhibit enhanced stability towards metabolism. In this work, an electrochemically reductive deuteration strategy from phthalimide to phthalimidine‐d2 was achieved with D2O as a deuterium source at the reagent level in common solvents. This approach showed broad compatibility with a variety of functional groups. Mechanistic investigations assisted by electrochemical analysis revealed a 4‐electron reduction pathway, and the coupled anodic oxygen evolution collectively maintains a neutral to mild basic conditions for the ongoing electrochemical reaction.
Photoinduced Copper(II) Catalyzed Decarboxylative Homocoupling of Arylpropiolic Acids: A Facile Access to the Symmetrical 1,3‐Diynes
Authors: Pathania Vishali , Roy Sudipta Raha 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe have developed an efficient visible light induced copper‐mediated protocol to synthesize conjugated 1,3‐diynes via decarboxylative homocoupling of arylpropiolic acids. A variety of electron‐rich and electron‐deficient acids worked well in this methodology providing desired product upto 99% yield. Detailed mechanistic investigations including UV‐Vis spectroscopy and in‐situ IR experiments have been carried out to elucidate the plausible reaction mechanism. Compared to previously reported thermal strategies, this new pathway occurs at room temperature, employs greener solvent and aerial oxygen as an oxidant.