bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COSTS AND RETURNS OF YAM PRODUCTION IN SOUTHERN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Noseh Gambo Daniel  , Monisola Olukemi Akintunde  
Published: April 2023

The study analyzed the costs and returns of yam production in southern Taraba State; specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of yam farmers, determined the cost and returns of yam production and described the constraints faced by yam farmers in the study area. A multi-stage purposive and simple random sampling were employed in the study. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and net farm income were used in analyzing the data. The result of the analysis showed that the respondents have a mean age of 49 years and 83% of them were male. Majority (73%) of the farmers were literate and have a mean household size of 12. About 69.8 % of the farmers did not participate in any cooperative association. Majority (85%) of the farmers had no access to extension service, 61% of them had no access to credit. The average hectare of land cultivated was 3 ha. Majority (57.2%) had 10 years and above farming experience. Yam farming was profitable with a return per naira investment of 1.30 and a net farm income of ₦365,367.5k. Insecurity, inadequate fund or access to credit, high cost of labour, lack of extension service and lack of improved yam sett were the major constraints faced by the farmers in the study area. It was recommended that farmers should embrace cooperative association so they can take advantage of economies of scale purchase to reduce production cost. Also, extension services should be revived in the State.
TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF SOLE COWPEA PRODUCTION IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Jonathan, S.  , Joseph, M.  , Idenyi, E. S.  , Hamidu, K.  
Published: April 2023

The study determined the technical efficiency of sole cowpea production in Northern Agricultural Zone of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 180 sole cowpea producers selected by a multi-stage random sampling procedure, using structured questionnaire. The Data was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that, males dominated (81.11%) cowpea production in the area. The average age of the respondents was 46.52 and are mostly married with average family size of 8 persons. Also 88.33% used their personal savings to finance cowpea production and about. Farm size, family labour, hired labour and agro-chemicals were significantly related with cowpea output at 1% and 5% levels. Farming experience, extension contact, family size and credit availability enhance the efficiency of the respondents. Substantial variation existed in the TE indices of farmers with mean technical efficiency (TE) of 0.80 and minimum and maximum indices of 0.43 and 0.97, respectively. Farmers in the study area were relatively efficient in the production of sole cowpea. Inputs such as agrochemicals, farm land, improved seeds, labour as well as credit should be made available to farmers timely and at subsidized rates by government and non-governmental organizations.
DETERMINANTS OF FARMERS’ WILLINGNESS-TO-ACCEPT SEED PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND THEIR POTENTIAL CAPACITY FOR RICE SEED PRODUCTION IN FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, NIGERIA
Authors: Moradeyo Adebanjo Otitoju  , Gabriel Odewumi Olaifa  , Yinka Mercy Obasanya  
Published: April 2023

The study examined the determinants of farmers’ willingness-to-accept rice seed production technology and their potential capacity for seed production in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria using primary data collected from 220 rice farming households. Heckman two-stage selection model analysis revealed that willingness-to-accept rice production technology and the potential capacity to produce rice seeds were influenced by certain factors, the results showed that age of the household heads (z = -1.80), dependency ratio (z = -1.77), farming experience (z = 2.68) at 1%, rice farming experience (z = -3.02), income (z = 5.62), land ownership (z = 3.66), family labour (z = 2.28), hired labour (z = -3.11), training in rice farming/production (z = 2.71) and training in rice seed production (z = -2.76) were statistically significant and influenced rice production potential capacity among the rice farming households at in the study area. The study then recommends that proactive land tenure policies and training in agronomic practices are needed to enhance rice seed production capacity of the rice farming households in the Federal Capacity Territory, Nigeria.
ESTIMATION OF COSTS AND RETURN OF SWEET POTATO PRODUCTION IN OFFA LGA, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Adewumi, S. O.  , Mahmud, H. U.  
Published: April 2023

Offa is the second largest town in Kwara State, located in central Nigeria with geographic coordinates 8'9N 4'43E. With a population of about 120,100 inhabitants. Located in a savanna vegetation region, Offa is well known for cultivation of sweet potatoes and maize. Offa LGA was purposively selected as it is the major sweet potato producing areas in the State. A two-stage sampling procedure was used in random selection of 120 sweet potato farmers for the study. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and budgetary technique. The results showed that the estimated costs and return for one hectare of sweet potatoes enterprises were ₦64,100.00 and ₦121,700.00, respectively, with the labour cost having the highest share of 39.78% of total cost followed by seed cost (11.7%) and fertilizer cost (10.06%). The profit margin percentage of 47.3% and return per capital outlay of 0.9 was noted, impliedly that for every ₦1 invested in sweet potato production enterprise there is a return of ₦0.90k to the enterprise. An operating cash expenses ratio of 39.5% was obtained along with benefit cost ratio (BCR) of ₦1.89k implying that the enterprise is profitable even with little capital invested into it. A positive gross margin (₦73,600) and net farm income (₦57,600) was also obtained indicating a profitable sweet potato production enterprise. The study concluded that with the values of all the performance indicator used, sweet potato enterprise could be said to be profitable, and profitability can still be increased under improved management practices.
PEDOLOGICAL STUDY OF HILLY SOILS DEVELOPED ON BASEMENT COMPLEX TERRAIN IN MINNA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Okoli, D. C.  , Yakubu, M.  , Lawal, B. A.  , Abdulkadir, A.  
Published: April 2023

A pedological characterization of hilly soils developed on basement complex terrain was carried in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. The site was delineated into three physiographic units (positions) and designated as summit, shoulder and foot slope. Two modal profile pits were excavated in each unit to permissible depths, giving a total of six (6) profiles. The soil samples were analysed in the laboratory following standard analytical procedures. Particle size analysis showed dominance of sand over other mineral fractions irrespective of the physiographic units. Silt was next to sand in dominance and clay particle was the least in particle size. Bulk density increased with increasing soil depth in all the physiographic positions while porosity decreased down the profiles. Soil reaction (pH) ranged from moderately acid to slightly acidic in all the terrains. Organic carbon, total nitrogen and available P decreased with the increased in soil depth in all the landforms. Calcium and Magnesium were moderate while Potassium rated high in the sampled soils. The mean Na in the sampled soils rated low to moderate. Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) in the soils rated moderate while percentage base saturation (BS) rated high. The soils are non- sodic and the electrical conductivity (EC) values are low. Thesoils of summit and shoulder were classified as Typic Paleustalfs while the footslope soils were classified as Typic Paleudalfs. The soils were classified as Plinthosols when correlated with WRB for soil resource.
Attenuating Effect of Some Antioxidants on Caffeine Induced Spermatotoxicity and Mutagenicity in Male Albino Rats
Authors: Offiong J. I. , Uno U. U. , Ekaluo U. B. 
Published: April 2023

Background and Objective: Infertility is one of the major health problems in life and has been linked to several factors; therefore different approaches are required to address the problem. This study investigated the attenuating potential of some antioxidants: Cellgevity, Max one, purslane and Vitamin C on caffeine induced spermatotoxicity in male albino rats.
Location and duration of Study: This study was carried in the Department of genetics and Biotechnology, University of Calabar, Calabar and lasted for sixty five days.
Methodology: Sixty sexually matured male albino rats were randomly divided into ten groups consisting of two rats in three replicates using completely randomized design (CRD). Group one served as control and received water and feed only. Group two were given 200 mg/kgBw of Cellgevity, group three received 200 mg/kgBW of Max one, group four received 100 mg/kgBW of Vitamin C, group five received 200 mg/kgBW of caffeine, group six received 200mg/kgBW of purslane, group seven received 200 mg/kgBW of caffeine and 200 mg/kgBW of Cellgevity, group eight received 200 mg/kgBW of caffeine and 200 mg/kgBW of Max one, group nine received 200mg/kgBW of caffeine and 200 mg/kgBW of purslane, group ten received 200 mg/kgBW of caffeine and 100 mg/kgBW of vitamin C. Administration was done orally and lasted for 65days. The rats were sacrificed after administration using chloroform anaesthesia. Testes and epididymes were processed for testes and epididymal weights as well as sperm profile.
Results: The results showed that caffeine significantly (p<0.05) negatively affected all the parameters studied. The sperm profile significantly reduced in caffeine treated animals. However, Cellgevity, Max one, purslane and Vitamin C attenuated the effect of caffeine in all the parameters evaluated by increased the sperm viability, sperm motility, sperm count and reduced sperm head abnormalities and mutation index in the combination groups.
Conclusion: Results show that Cellgevity, Max one, purslane and Vitamin C have the potential to attenuate spermatotoxicity caused by caffeine in albino rats.
Auditory neuropathy in mice and humans with Friedreich ataxia
Authors: Rance Gary , Carew Peter , Winata Leon , Sale Phillip , Delatycki Martin , Sly David 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACTObjectiveRecent studies have found that human Friedreich ataxia patients have dysfunction of transmission in the auditory neural pathways. Here, we characterize hearing deficits in a mouse model of Friedreich ataxia and compare these to a clinical population.MethodsSixteen mice with a C57BL/6 background were evaluated. Eight were YG8Pook/J animals (Friedreich ataxia phenotype) and eight wild‐type mice served as controls. Auditory function was assessed between ages 6 and 12 months using otoacoustic emissions and auditory steady‐state responses. At study end, motor deficit was assessed using Rotorod testing and inner ear tissue was examined. Thirty‐seven individuals with Friedreich ataxia underwent auditory steady‐state evoked potential assessment and response amplitudes were compared with functional hearing ability (speech perception‐in‐noise) and disease status was measured by the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale.ResultsThe YG8Pook/J mice showed anatomic and functional abnormality. While otoacoustic emission responses from the cochlear hair cells were mildly affected, auditory steady‐state responses showed exaggerated amplitude reductions as the animals aged with Friedreich ataxia mice showing a 50–60% decrease compared to controls who showed only a 20–25% reduction (F(2,94) = 17.90, p < 0.00). Furthermore, the YG8Pook/J mice had fewer surviving spiral ganglion neurons, indicating greater degeneration of the auditory nerve. Neuronal density was 20–25% lower depending on cochlear region (F(1, 30) = 45.02, p < 0.001). In human participants, auditory steady‐state response amplitudes were correlated with both Consonant–Nucleus–Consonant word scores and Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale score.InterpretationThis study found degenerative changes in auditory structure and function in YG8Pook/J mice, indicating that auditory measures in these animals may provide a model for testing Friedreich ataxia treatments. In addition, auditory steady‐state response findings in a clinical population suggested that these scalp‐recorded potentials may serve as an objective biomarker for disease progress in affected individuals.
Ultrasmall Coordination Polymer Nanodots Fe‐Quer Nanozymes for Preventing and Delaying the Development and Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Gui Siyu , Tang Weiwei , Huang Zhihao , Wang Xinchen , Gui Siyin , Gao Xiang , Xiao Duncheng , Tao Liming , Jiang Zhengxuan , Wang Xianwen 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most prevalent type of retinal vasculopathy and the most widespread cause of preventable blindness in adults. Excessive increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and vascular endothelial growth factor are major initiators and drivers of DR progression, respectively. However, current DR treatment options remain limited, particularly for early DR. Nanotechnology‐mediated antioxidant strategies are gaining increasing popularity to treat ocular diseases. Quercetin has excellent ROS scavenging efficiency but poor stability and low bioavailability in physiological environments. In this study, ultrasmall Fe‐Quer nanozymes (NZs) formed by coupling quercetin with low‐toxic iron ions are reported that can mimic the activities of three important antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, thereby exhibiting excellent water dispersion and efficient ROS scavenging ability. In vitro and in vivo assays validate the effects of Fe‐Quer NZs against inflammation, oxidative stress damage, microvascular leakage, and angiogenesis, particularly their vascular protective effect in early DR. Transcriptomic analysis further reveals a potential multitarget‐specific therapeutic mechanism of Fe‐Quer NZs against DR. These observations open avenues for Fe‐Quer NZs, composed of molecules of a natural product and metal ions with artificial NZ activity, as microvascular protective agents for DR and other ROS‐related diseases.
Fabrication of Architectured Biomaterials by Multilayer Co‐Extrusion and Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Vellayappan Muthu Vignesh , Duarte Francisco , Sollogoub Cyrille , Dirrenberger Justin , Guinault Alain , Frith Jessica E. , Parkington Helena C. , Molotnikov Andrey , Cameron Neil R. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTissue engineering benefits from advances in 3D printing and multi‐material assembly to attain certain functional benefits over existing man‐made materials. Multilayered tissue engineering constructs might unlock a unique combination of properties, but their fabrication remains challenging. Herein, a facile process is reported to manufacture biomaterials with an engineered multilayer architecture, via a combination of co‐extrusion and 3D printing. Polymer filaments containing 5, 17, or 129 alternating layers of poly(lactic acid)/thermoplastic polyurethane (PLA/TPU) are produced, and explored for their use in fused deposition modeling (FDM) to fabricate scaffolds for cardiomyocyte culture. The co‐extruded filaments exhibit a layered architecture in their cross‐section with a continuous interface, and the integrity and alignment of the layers are preserved after 3D printing. The 17 alternating layers PLA/TPU composites exhibit excellent mechanical properties. It is envisaged that the multilayered architecture of the fabricated scaffolds can be beneficial for aligning cardiomyocytes in culture. It is found that the 17 alternating layers PLA/TPU significantly improve cardiomyocyte morphology and functionality compared to single phase materials. It is believed that this biomaterials fabrication scheme, combining a top‐down and bottom‐up approach, offers tremendous flexibility in producing a broad class of novel‐architectured materials with tunable structural design for tissue engineering applications and beyond.
Flexible Organic Electronic Ion Pump Fabricated Using Inkjet Printing and Microfabrication for Precision In Vitro Delivery of Bupivacaine
Authors: Cherian Dennis , Roy Arghyamalya , Bersellini Farinotti Alex , Abrahamsson Tobias , Arbring Sjöström Theresia , Tybrandt Klas , Nilsson David , Berggren Magnus , Svensson Camilla I. , Poxson David J. , Simon Daniel T. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe organic electronic ion pump (OEIP) is an on‐demand electrophoretic drug delivery device, that via electronic to ionic signal conversion enables drug delivery without additional pressure or volume changes. The fundamental component of OEIPs is their polyelectrolyte membranes which are shaped into ionic channels that conduct and deliver ionic drugs, with high spatiotemporal resolution. The patterning of these membranes is essential in OEIP devices and is typically achieved using laborious microprocessing techniques. Here, the development of an inkjet printable formulation of polyelectrolyte is reported, based on a custom anionically functionalized hyperbranched polyglycerol (i‐AHPG). This polyelectrolyte ink greatly simplifies the fabrication process and is used in the production of free‐standing OEIPs on flexible polyimide (PI) substrates. Both i‐AHPG and the OEIP devices are characterized, exhibiting favorable iontronic characteristics of charge selectivity and the ability to transport aromatic compounds. Further, the applicability of these technologies is demonstrated by the transport and delivery of the pharmaceutical compound bupivacaine to dorsal root ganglion cells with high spatial precision and effective nerve blocking, highlighting the applicability of these technologies for biomedical scenarios.
Protocol in Evaluating Capacity of Zn–Mn Aqueous Batteries: A Clue of pH
Authors: Yang Hang , Zhang Tengsheng , Chen Duo , Tan Yicheng , Zhou Wanhai , Li Li , Li Wei , Li Guangshe , Han Wei , Fan Hong Jin , Chao Dongliang 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn the literature, Zn–Mn aqueous batteries (ZMABs) confront abnormal capacity behavior, such as capacity fluctuation and diverse “unprecedented performances.” Because of the electrolyte additive‐induced complexes, various charge/discharge behaviors associated with different mechanisms are being reported. However, the current performance assessment remains unregulated, and only the electrode or the electrolyte is considered. The lack of a comprehensive and impartial performance evaluation protocol for ZMABs hinders forward research and commercialization. Here, a pH clue (proton‐coupled reaction) to understand different mechanisms is proposed and the capacity contribution is normalized. Then, a series of performance metrics, including rated capacity (Cr) and electrolyte contribution ratio from Mn2+ (CfM), are systematically discussed based on diverse energy storage mechanisms. The relationship between Mn (II) ↔ Mn (III) ↔ Mn (IV) conversion chemistry and protons consumption/production is well‐established. Finally, the concrete design concepts of a tunable H+/Zn2+/Mn2+ storage system for customized application scenarios, opening the door for the next‐generation high‐safety and reliable energy storage system, are proposed.
Saddle‐Shaped Third Component with Out‐of‐Plane Electrostatic Dipole for Realizing High‐Performance Photovoltaic Donor Terpolymers
Authors: Hao Sheng , Xu Xiaopeng , Yu Liyang , Peng Shaoqian , Xia Jianlong , Xie Yuan , Duan Chunhui , Wu Hongbin , Li Ruipeng , Peng Qiang 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTerpolymer fabrication is an effective methodology for molecular engineering and generating high‐performance organic photovoltaic materials to construct highly efficient polymer solar cells. Modification of the polymer PM6 by incorporating a third component resulting in the formation of a ternary copolymer is reported to outperform PM6 in achieving enhanced device performances. However, one of the major challenges in constructing high‐performance terpolymers is to counter the molecular disorder caused by the backbone entropy induced by the third moiety. In this work, double B←N bridged bipyridine (BNBP) is used as the third component, which possesses a strong out‐of‐plane electrostatic dipole owing to the saddle‐shaped B←N fused ring structure. The out‐of‐plane dipole moment introduced in the modified PM6 terpolymer can be used as a means for tuning and optimizing the nanostructures of the blended films. The prepared PM6‐BNBP‐4 blend polymer with 4% of the benzodithiophene dione monomers replaced by BNBP results in excellent power conversion efficiency of 19.13%. This work demonstrates that the out‐of‐plane electrostatic dipole moment in saddle‐shaped molecules is valuable for achieving high‐performance organic photovoltaic donor materials.
Effects of Structure Defects on Thermal Transport at the Graphene–Water Interface
Authors: Zhang Xingli , Chen Hao , Qiao Degao , Yang Ming 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe graphene microchannel heat sinks have attracted extensive attention due to its high cooling efficiency in microelectric devices. The interfacial thermal resistance (ITR) between graphene as the bottom layer of microchannel and water is one of the key factors of its good working performance. In this paper, the impacts of structure defects in graphene surfaces on ITR of the graphene–water interface are investigated using molecular dynamic simulations. The results indicate that graphene layer with different types of structure defects shows different variation trends of ITR as the defect concentration or temperature increases. A peak ITR reduction of nearly 30% is generated with the Stone‐Wales defect of 2%. Finally, the density of phonon states and interfacial binding energy analysis are performed to verify the correctness of the simulation results. The present work expands the understanding of structure defects effect on thermal transport in graphene microchannel.
Regiospecific Formal [3+2] Annulations of α‐keto Sulfines and N‐Substituted Thioureas
Authors: Dong Jun , Chang Wei , Chen Youwei , Huang Xingcai 
Published: April 2023

AbstractA series of 2,4‐dithiohydantoins were synthesized regiospecificlly from various phenacyl sulfoxides bearing 1‐methyl‐1H‐tetrazole and N‐substituted thioureas in moderate to excellent yields. The proposed mechanism involved the generation of α‐sulfines from sulfoxides through thermolytic elimination, carbonphilic attack of sulfines by substituted thioureas, and dehydration condensation. The current method provides a safe strategy for the preparation of 2,4‐dithiohydantoins.