bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disciplinary measures applied to convicted persons serving imprisonment under the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and their classification
Authors: Sleptsov Igor'
Published: September 2020

Based on the analysis of the system of penalties provided for by the Penal legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which can be applied to convicts serving imprisonment for violation of the order and conditions of serving a sentence, organizational and legal aspects of their application and taking into account existing theoretical developments, the author of the article attempts to classify them. The author concludes that all penalties provided for by the Penal legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which can currently be applied to convicts serving imprisonment, are of a one-time nature and are not associated with long-term changes in the conditions of convicts’ detention. Their classification was based on the following criteria:

categories of convicts to whom such measures can be applied, i.e. the degree of universality of their application (universal, limited-universal, specific and special penalties);

belonging to a particular branch of law (general, which in addition to penal legislation are provided for in other branches of law, and special penalties applied only to persons deprived of their liberty);

the level of misconduct of a convicted person serving a sentence of imprisonment (penalties applied for a single disciplinary offense; penalties that are a reaction to the continued negative behavior of the convicted person; penalties applied to convicted persons who have committed malicious violations of the established procedure for serving a sentence).
Sulfur isotopes (δ34S) in Arctic marine mammals: indicators of benthic vs. pelagic foraging
Authors: Szpak P , Buckley M
Published: September 2020

Consumer tissue stable carbon isotope compositions (δ13C) are well established indicators of benthic and pelagic foraging in marine ecosystems. Stable sulfur isotope compositions (δ34S) are also potentially useful in this regard but have not been widely utilized outside of estuaries and salt marsh ecosystems. To test the ability of δ13C and δ34S to reflect benthic and pelagic foraging, we analyzed the stable carbon, nitrogen (δ15N), and sulfur isotope compositions of bone collagen from walrus (an obligate benthic feeder) and ringed seal (a mixed benthic/pelagic feeder) sampled from across the North American Arctic. Both had relatively low δ34S values compared to those typically observed in marine consumers. These data suggest an important role for benthic microalgae in coastal marine food webs in the Arctic. At all of the 10 locations where both taxa could be sampled, walrus had lower δ34S values than ringed seal, suggesting that this measurement is a useful indicator of benthic and pelagic foraging in nearshore Arctic environments. Contrary to expectations, there were no consistent differences in δ13C between walrus and ringed seal at any of these sites, suggesting that this measurement may not always be best interpreted in light of benthic vs. pelagic foraging, particularly when comparisons are made across trophic levels. When the foraging ecology of a consumer is unknown, our data suggest that δ34S may be a more sensitive indicator of the relative importance of benthic and pelagic prey in the diet than δ13C.
Correlation of Lipid Parameters and Markers of Insulin Resistance: Does Smoking Make a Difference?
Authors: CIBIČKOVÁ Ľ. , KARÁSEK D. , LANGOVÁ K. , VAVERKOVÁ H. , ORSÁG J. , LUKEŠ J. , NOVOTNÝ D.
Published: September 2020

Insulin resistance associated with dyslipidemia enhances cardiovascular risk. Several atherogenic indexes have been suggested to give more precise information about the risk. The aim of our study was to estimate, which atherogenic index correlates better with parameters of insulin resistance. Furthermore, we compared the parameters of lipid metabolism and insulin resistance between smokers and non-smokers. In our cross-sectional study we enrolled 729 patients with dyslipidemia which were divided into two groups – non-smokers (586) and smokers (143). We measured lipid profile, parameters of insulin resistance (fasting glycemia, insulin, HOMA-IR, C-peptide, proinsulin) and calculated atherogenic indexes – atherogenic index of plasma (log (TAG/HDL-C), AIP), ApoB/ApoA1 index and nonHDL-C. AIP was found out to show stronger correlations with parameters of insulin resistance (p<0.001, correlation coefficients ranging between 0.457 and 0.243) than other indexes (ApoB/ApoA1 or nonHDL cholesterol). AIP correlated with parameters of insulin resistance both in smokers and non-smokers, but after adjustment (for age, body mass index, waist circumference) persisting only in non-smokers. Smokers had a wider waist circumference and a proatherogenic lipid profile. Smoking increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. AIP can be used in daily praxis for predicting insulin resistance in patients with dyslipidemia, predominantly in non-smokers.
The Response of Hepatic Transcriptome to Dietary Cholesterol in Prague Hereditary Hypercholesterolemic (PHHC) Rat
Authors: VLACHOVÁ M. , HECZKOVÁ M. , JIRSA M. , POLEDNE R. , KOVÁŘ J.
Published: September 2020

To understand the pathogenesis of hypercholesterolemia in Prague hereditary hypercholesterolemic (PHHC) rat, we analyzed the response of hepatic transcriptome to dietary cholesterol in PHHC and control Wistar rats. Male PHHC and Wistar rats were fed chow (C), 5 % fat (palm kernel oil) (CF) or 1 % cholesterol + 5 % fat (CHOL) diet for three weeks. Hepatic transcriptome was analyzed using Affymetrix GeneChip arrays. No differences were found in the effect of both control diets (C and CF) on lipid metabolism and gene expression of 6500 genes. Therefore, these data were pooled for further analysis. Dietary cholesterol induced accumulation of cholesterol and triacylglycerols in the liver in both strains and hypercholesterolemia in PHHC rats. However, there were no differences in response of hepatic transcriptome to CHOL diet. On the other hand, several genes were found to be differently expressed between both strains independently of the diet. Two of those genes, Apof and Aldh1a7, were studied in more detail, and their role in pathogenesis of hypercholesterolemia in PHHC rats could not been corroborated. In conclusion, the hypercholesterolemia in PHHC rats is due to physiological response of hepatic transcriptome to dietary cholesterol in different genetic background.
Penguatan Pembukuan Kegiatan Pendanaan Renovasi Rumah Untuk Penanggulangan Rumah Kumuh Di BKM Sasono Mulyo, Keluahan Rejomulyo Semarang
Authors: Durya Ngurah Pandji Mertha Agung , Pratiwi Ririh Dian
Published: September 2020

Jurnal Penelitian dan Pengabdian ini, dibuat untuk mengidentifikasi permasalahan pengelolaan keuangan CSR dimasyarakat, sekaligus  dimaksudkan untuk memperkuat pembukuan yang ada di kegiatan kolaborasi infrastruktur, diwilayah BKM Kelurahan Rejomulyo.  Penguatan khususnya pada kegiatan pengembangan dan renovasi RTLH, yang didanai oleh CSR PT SMF.  Permasalahan diidentifikasi, selanjutnya dilakukan penguatan, melalui pemahaman kembali konsep-konsep dasar akuntansi.  Hal ini penting terkait dengan tansaksi yang yarus dicatat, dan kewajiban untuk melaporkan laporan keuangan. Penguatan diberikan oleh Tim Dosen Pengabdian Masyarakat UDINUS, kepada pemanfaat dana infrastruktur. Dimulai dengan penguatan konsep-konsep pembukuan, selanjutnya diharapkan dapat dioperasionalkan pada kegiatan pembukuannya.Penguatan selanjutnya, merupakan diskusi-diskusi yang diarahkan untuk pembentukan model pembukuan, yang dapat mengantisipasi kebutuhan program maupun masyarakat pemanfaat. Tim  selanjutnya memberikan masukan tentang Bagaimana seharusnya pembukuan dapat dilakukan oleh KSM, sehingga dapat terbentuk Laporan Keuangan yang transparan dan akuntabel
‘No longer clad in corduroy’? The Glasgow University Irish National Club, 1907–1917
Authors: Catháin Máirtin Ó
Published: September 2020

Unique among university clubs in Britain, the Glasgow University Irish National Club emerged before the first world war among mainly second generation, Scots-born Irish students to assist in the campaign for Irish home rule. It was a useful adjunct to the home rule movement and helped the Irish and mainly catholic students at the university carve out a niche for themselves firstly within the institution and thereafter in wider society. This reflected a growing Irish catholic middle class desirous of playing a greater role in Scottish public life during a time of great transition for the Irish in Scotland.
Pathological anatomy of thyrotoxic liver
Authors: Orlinskaya N. Yu. , Elkanova A. B.
Published: September 2020

The work was performed on experimental material. An experimental model of thyrotoxicosis in laboratory animals, white male rats, was obtained by daily administration оf l-thyroxine at a dose of 1.6 mg per 1 kg of body weight. The duration of the experiment was 45 days. 67 mature rats weighing 250–300 g were selected for the experiment. Rats were removed from the experiment after 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 45 days. As a control, we used 22 rats that were not injected with L-thyroxine. The level of thyroid hormones in the blood of rats was determined by enzyme immunoassay. A macroscopic study was performed and the size and mass of the rat liver were determined. For histological examination, pieces of liver tissue were taken, and they were fixed in 10 % buffered formalin for 10 days. Histological preparations were prepared by the standard method, using histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical studies. The results of the study showed that in experimental thyrotoxicosis, the level of thyroid hormones increases: T3 (triiodothyronine) equals 21.37 ± 0.03 mmol/l, 4.75 ± 0.02 mmol/l in the control; T4 (thyroxine) equals 2.55 ± 0.03 mmol/l, 1.80 ± 0.03 mmol/l in the control. Macroscopic examination revealed a 2-fold increase in the size and weight of the liver. Histological examination revealed widespread interstitial edema of the liver stroma, dystrophic and destructive changes, necrosis of hepatocytes, formation of cavities, thinning and atrophy of the liver beams, lymphocytic infiltration. The immunohistochemical study shows a decrease in Ki-67 expression level to 1.8 % compared to the control (5.0 %), which indicates a decrease in reparative processes in the liver.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in liver diseases: promising direction in gastroenterology
Authors: Tikhankova A. V. , Borsukov A. V. , Buyeverov A. O. , Bezmenova T. S.
Published: September 2020

The article presents the results of the diagnostic effectiveness of non-invasive methods for assessing the state of the liver parenchyma, such as liver elastography (transient, strain and 2D shear waves) and the current trend in medical imaging contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). 25 people aged 31 to 72 years with chronic viral hepatitis B and C were examined. All patients underwent multiparametric ultrasound examination of the liver: ultrasound in B-mode, color Doppler’s mapping of liver vessels, elastography (transient, strain and 2D shear waves), CEUS with 1,0 ml of the contrast agent and subsequent analysis of contrast parameters in the arterial, portal and late venous phases. The liver biopsy was used as a reference method, which was performed after receiving voluntary informed consent in 100 % of cases.
TATA KELOLA KOLABORATIVE DALAM KEBIJAKAN PUBLIK DARI PERSPEKTIVE PENANGANAN COVID -19 DKI JAKARTA
Authors: Rivelino Rivelino , Ginting Arwanto Harimas
Published: September 2020

This research focuses on the urgency of collaboration between the central government and the regions in handling it. The aim is to find out how the collaboration of the DKI Jakarta government in dealing with Covid-19. This research is intended to find out the collaboration carried out by the stakeholders in handling covid-19 in Indonesia conducted by the central government and the regional government of DKI Jakarta. In this study, the sampling technique chosen by the author is using purposive sampling technique. Data validation is done by using the Triangulation method. To guarantee the validity of the data collected in this study, the author uses a source triangulation technique, which synchronizes similar data from several data sources whose information is extracted. Overall, in the three stages of the collaborative governance process in handling covid-19 disease in Jakarta there are five criteria for the success of a network or collaboration in governance that has been fulfilled namely Networked Structure, Commitment to a Common Purpose, Distributive Accountability / Responsibility, Information Sharing, and Access to Authority. This shows that the collaborative governance process in DKI Jakarta in handling covid-19 has not yet been running optimally and effectively.
PERUBAHAN TRADISI KAMOMOOSE DI KECAMATAN LAKUDO KABUPATEN BUTON TENGAH: 1940-2017
Authors: Fatma Siti , Hasni Hasan Aslim
Published: September 2020

This study aims to describe: (1) the background of the birth of Kamomoose in Lakudo District, Central Buton Regency (2) the change in the Kamomoose tradition in Lakudo District of Central Buton Regency in 1940-2017. The method used in this study was a historical method with stages of work, namely; (1) Selection of topics, (2) Gathering of sources, (3) Verification of sources, (4) Interpretation of sources, (5) Historiography (history writing). The results showed that: (1) The Kamomoose tradition was born in the District of Lakudo due to the presence of limbo ano gau (outgoing speech) or vows from someone's mouth. The tradition began in the 1940s and has become an annual event to date. This tradition was preserved as local culture, alms for the construction of mosques, as well as a place to strengthen friendship between the people. (2) The implementation of the Kamomoose tradition consisted of several stages. First, the preparation stage, namely the determination of the time and place of implementation, participants who would follow the Kamomoose tradition, and the tools and materials to be used. Second, the implementation phase. But today, there has been a change in the Kamomoose tradition. First, the change in the Kamomoose tradition arena in 1951-2017. Secondly, the change in fosambu (dissipated) material in the Kamomoose tradition in 1970-2017.Third, the change in the process of carrying out the Kamomoose tradition. Fourth, changes in the values ​​and objectives of the Kamomoose tradition in Lakudo District of Central Buton Regency.

Keyword: History, change, tradition, Kamomoose
Chemical and Spectroscopic Parameters Are Equally Sensitive in Describing Soil Organic Matter Changes After Decades of Different Fertilization
Authors: Šimon Tomáš , Madaras Mikuláš
Published: September 2020

The composition and dynamics of soil organic matter (SOM) are decisive factors in soil quality. In this work, total organic C (Ctot), hot water extractable C (Chwl), and aliphatic and aromatic SOM components detected by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were determined to evaluate SOM quantity and quality in soil samples taken between 2004 and 2017 from 13 field experiments established in different soil and climatic conditions of the Czech Republic. In addition, the C pool index (CPI), lability index (LI), C management index (CMI), and SOM decomposition index (DI) were assessed. Treatments were selected as follows: Unfertilized control (Nil), mineral fertilized treatment (NPK), farmyard manured treatment (FYM), and organic and mineral fertilized treatment (FYM+NPK). Both organic and combined fertilization significantly increased soil Ctot, Chwl, CPI, LI, CMI, and labile aliphatic SOM components (FTIRaliph) in most of the experiments compared to unfertilized treatments (p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, the highest content of recalcitrant aromatic SOM components (FTIRarom) and increased DI were determined in majority of unfertilized soils. Our results show that: (1) fertilization regimes increased both labile and total C pools; the highest increase was nearly uniformly observed for NPK+FYM treatment; (2) SOM chemical and FTIR spectral detection had equal sensitivity to the changes; and (3) none of the parameters or indices tested can be used as a stand-alone SOM quality descriptor.
The Effects of Organic and Mineral Fertilization on Soil Enzyme Activities and Bacterial Community in the Below- and Above-Ground Parts of Wheat
Authors: Amadou Abdoulaye , Song Alin , Tang Zhi-Xi , Li Yanling , Wang En-Zhao , Lu Yu-Qiu , Liu Xiong-Duo , Yi Keke , Zhang Bin , Fan Fenliang
Published: September 2020

Bacterial community and soil enzymatic activity depend on soil and management conditions. Fertilization is an important approach to maintain and enhance enzyme activities and microbial community diversity. Although the effects of fertilizer application on soil microbial community and related parameters are explored, the effects on the soil microbiome associated with those of wheat plant organs, including those associated with roots and spikelets, are not well-known. Therefore, in this study, by using a sequencing approach, we assessed the effects of inorganic fertilizers, manure, and biochar on soil enzyme activities, bacterial community diversity and structure in the bulk soil, rhizosphere, roots, and spikelet of wheat (Triticumaestivum L.). For this, different treatment biochar (BC), manure (OM), low mineral fertilizer (HL), high mineral fertilizer (HF), and no fertilizer (FO) were used for the enzyme activities and bacterial community structure diversity tested. The result showed that organic amendment application increased total nitrogen, soil available phosphorus, and potassium compared to inorganic fertilizer and control, especially in the rhizosphere. Enzyme activities were generally higher in the rhizosphere than in the bulk soil and organic amendments increased activities of acid phosphatase (AcP), β-1,4-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG), and phenol oxydase (PhOx). Compared with soil and rhizosphere, bacterial diversity was lower in wheat roots and evenlower in the spikelet. From the bulk soil, rhizosphere to roots, the fertilization regimes maintained bacterial diversity, while organic amendment increased bacterial diversity in the spikelet. Fertilization regimes significantly influenced the relative abundances of 74 genera across 12 phyla in the four compartments. Interestingly, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria (Citrobacter, Pantoea, Pseudomonas, and unclassified Enterobacteriaceae) in the spikelet was decreased by increasing inorganic fertilizer and further by manure and biochar, whereas those of Actinobacteria (Microbacterium and an unclassified Microbacteriaceae) and Bacteroidetes (Hymenobacter and Chitinophagaceae) were increased. The results suggest that potential bacterial functions of both roots and above-ground parts of wheat would be changed by different organic amendment regimes (manure and biochar).
Erratum: Shao-Yu Liu and Yu-Cheng Wang. A Study of Applying Fuzzy Theory in Simulation-Based Education. Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 1989
Authors:   Applied Sciences Editorial Office
Published: September 2020

We wish to make the following correction to the published paper [1] as Affiliation 2 is incorrect[...]
SOH Estimation of Lithium-Ion Battery Pack Based on Integrated State Information from Cells
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Fan Wenhui , Li Shixiang , Li Xinjun , Wang Lizhi
Published: September 2020

Accompanied by the development of new energy resources, lithium-ion batteries have been used widely in various fields. Due to the significant influence of system performance, much attention has been paid to the accurate estimation and prediction about health status of lithium-ion batteries. In a battery pack, the structure connection causes sophisticated interaction between cells, or between the cells and the pack. Therefore, the degradation of any cell is the result of the deterioration of conjoint cells, and a rapid degradation speed for any individual cell can lead to the accelerated degradation of others beyond expectation, which is one of the primary reasons why the State of Health and life cannot be calculated precisely. To solve this problem, a novel method based on integrated state information from cells has been proposed to estimate status of packs, considering about the degradation effect that cells contribute to the corresponding pack. Using this method, the interactive relationship was described in the form of a neural network in order to mine the effect from the inter-degradation between cells. It was proven that the novel method had better performance than a method based only on the degradation indicators from battery packs.
Ultrasonic Deicing Efficiency Prediction and Validation for a Flat Deicing System
Authors: Shi Zhonghua , Kang Zhenhang , Xie Qiang , Tian Yuan , Zhao Yueqing , Zhang Jifeng
Published: September 2020

An effective deicing system is needed to be designed to conveniently remove ice from the surfaces of structures. In this paper, an ultrasonic deicing system for different configurations was estimated and verified based on finite element simulations. The research focused on deicing efficiency factor (DEF) discussions, prediction, and validations. Firstly, seven different configurations of Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) disk actuators with the same volume but different radius and thickness were adopted to conduct harmonic analysis. The effects of PZT shape on shear stresses and optimal frequencies were obtained. Simultaneously, the average shear stresses at the ice/substrate interface and total energy density needed for deicing were calculated. Then, a coefficient named deicing efficiency factor (DEF) was proposed to estimate deicing efficiency. Based on these results, the optimized configuration and deicing frequency are given. Furthermore, four different icing cases for the optimize configuration were studied to further verify the rationality of DEF. The effects of shear stress distributions on deicing efficiency were also analyzed. At same time, a cohesive zone model (CZM) was introduced to describe interface behavior of the plate and ice layer. Standard-explicit co-simulation was utilized to model the wave propagation and ice layer delamination process. Finally, the deicing experiments were carried out to validate the feasibility and correctness of the deicing system.
Separating Landslide Source and Runout Signatures with Topographic Attributes and Data Mining to Increase the Quality of Landslide Inventory
Authors: Lai Jhe-Syuan
Published: September 2020

Landslide sources and runout features of typical natural terrain landslides can be observed from a geotechnical perspective. Landslide sources are the major area of occurrences, whereas runout signatures reveal the subsequent phenomena caused by unstable gravity. Remotely sensed landslide detection generally includes runout areas, unless these results have been excluded manually through detailed comparison with stereo aerial photos and other auxiliary data. Areas detected using remotely sensed landslide detection can be referred to as “landslide-affected” areas. The runout areas should be separated from landslide-affected areas when upgrading landslide detections into a landslide inventory to avoid unreliable results caused by impure samples. A supervised data mining procedure was developed to separate landslide sources and runout areas based on four topographic attributes derived from a 10–m digital elevation model with a random forest algorithm and cost-sensitive analysis. This approach was compared with commonly used methods, namely support vector machine (SVM) and logistic regression (LR). The Typhoon Morakot event in the Laonong River watershed, southern Taiwan, was modeled. The developed models constructed using the limited training data sets could separate landslide source and runout signatures verified using the polygon and area constraint-based datasets. Furthermore, the performance of developed models outperformed SVM and LR algorithms, achieving over 80% overall accuracy, area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic, user’s accuracy, and producer’s accuracy in most cases. The agreement of quantitative evaluations between the area sizes of inventory polygons for training and the predicted targets was also observed when applying the supervised modeling strategy.
All-Organic, Low Voltage, Transparent and Compliant Organic Field-Effect Transistor Fabricated by Means of Large-Area, Cost-Effective Techniques
Authors: Lai Stefano , Casula Giulia , Ricci Pier Carlo , Cosseddu Piero , Bonfiglio Annalisa
Published: September 2020

The development of electronic devices with enhanced properties of transparency and conformability is of high interest for the development of novel applications in the field of bioelectronics and biomedical sensing. Here, a fabrication process for all organic Organic Field-Effect Transistors (OFETs) by means of large-area, cost-effective techniques such as inkjet printing and chemical vapor deposition is reported. The fabricated device can operate at low voltages (as high as 4 V) with ideal electronic characteristics, including low threshold voltage, relatively high mobility and low subthreshold voltages. The employment of organic materials such as Parylene C, PEDOT:PSS and 6,13-Bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)pentacene (TIPS pentacene) helps to obtain highly transparent transistors, with a relative transmittance exceeding 80%. Interestingly enough, the proposed process can be reliably employed for OFET fabrication over different kind of substrates, ranging from transparent, flexible but relatively thick polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates to transparent, 700-nm-thick, compliant Parylene C films. OFETs fabricated on such sub-micrometrical substrates maintain their functionality after being transferred onto complex surfaces, such as human skin and wearable items. To this aim, the electrical and electromechanical stability of proposed devices will be discussed.
A Small Study of Bacterial Contamination of Anaerobic Digestion Materials and Survival in Different Feed Stocks
Authors: Russell Lauren , Whyte Paul , Zintl Annetta , Gordon Stephen , Markey Bryan , de Waal Theo , Cummins Enda , Nolan Stephen , O’Flaherty Vincent , Abram Florence , Richards Karl , Fenton Owen , Bolton Declan
Published: September 2020

If pathogens are present in feedstock materials and survive in anaerobic digestion (AD) formulations at 37 °C, they may also survive the AD process to be disseminated in digestate spread on farmland as a fertilizer. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, Enterococcus faecalis and Clostridium spp. in AD feed and output materials and survival/growth in four formulations based on food waste, bovine slurry and/or grease-trap waste using International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or equivalent methods. The latter was undertaken in 100 mL Ramboldi tubes, incubated at 37 °C for 10 d with surviving cells enumerated periodically and the T90 values (time to achieve a 1 log reduction) calculated. The prevalence rates for Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, Enterococcus faecalis and Clostridium spp. were 3, 0, 5, 11 and 10/13 in food waste, 0, 0, 2, 3 and 2/3 in bovine slurry, 1, 0, 8, 7 and 8/8 in the mixing tank, 5, 1, 17, 18 and 17 /19 in raw digestate and 0, 0, 0, 2 and 2/2 in dried digestate, respectively. Depending on the formulation, T90 values ranged from 1.5 to 2.8 d, 1.6 to 2.8 d, 3.1 to 23.5 d, 2.2 to 6.6 d and 2.4 to 9.1 d for Salmonella Newport, Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, Enterococcus faecalis and Clostridium sporogenes, respectively. It was concluded that AD feed materials may be contaminated with a range of bacterial pathogens and L. monocytogenes may survive for extended periods in the test formulations incubated at 37 °C.
Colorimetric Diagnostic Capillary Enabled by Size Sieving in a Porous Hydrogel
Authors: Guzman John Mello Camille C. , Hsu Sheng-Min , Chuang Han-Sheng
Published: September 2020

Handy and disposable point-of-care diagnostics facilitate the early screening of severe diseases in resource-limited areas. To address urgent needs in inconvenient sites, a simple colorimetric diagnostic device equipped with a capillary tube with porous hydrogel and immunocomplex particles was developed for the rapid detection of biomarkers (16 min). In this device, probe particles attach to capture particles (dp = 40 µm) and form sandwiched immunocomplexes in the presence of target biomarkers, and a red color progressively emerges when the sandwiched immunocomplex particles are blocked by the porous hydrogel embedded inside the glass capillary. Colorimetric aggregation was recorded using a smartphone and analyzed with imaging software. The limit of detection reached 1 ng/mL and showed a maximum of 79% accuracy compared with that obtained through a conventional spectrophotometric technique. The level of a diabetic retinopathy (DR) biomarker, lipocalin-1 (LCN-1), was measured in 1 µL of a human tear sample and used in testing the practicability of the proposed device. All healthy subjects showed lower intensity levels than the other diabetic counterparts (proliferative DR or nonproliferative DR patients), implying the potential of this device in clinical applications. Overall, the diagnostic device facilitates point-of-care-testing and provides a low-cost (~1 USD), compact, and reliable tool for early diagnosis in resource-limited areas.
One-Pot, In-Situ Synthesis of 8-Armed Poly(Ethylene Glycol)-Coated Ag Nanoclusters as a Fluorescent Sensor for Selective Detection of Cu2+
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyuan , Zhang Guanghua , Wei Gang , Su Zhiqiang
Published: September 2020

Fluorescent nanomaterials, such as quantum dots, have developed rapidly in recent years and have been significantly developed. Herein, we demonstrate a facile, one-pot, and in-situ synthesis strategy to obtain fluorescent silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) coated with eight-armed poly (ethylene glycol) polymers (8PEG-AgNCs) via a direct gel-mediated process. During the synthesis, ammonium (NH3) served as the crosslinker for the gel formation via a amine-type Michael addition reaction. This hydrogel can be used as a template to synthesize AgNCs using its volume-limiting effect. The in-situ generation of AgNCs takes place inside the nanocages of the formed gels, which guarantees the homogenous distribution of AgNCs in the gel matrix, as well as the efficient coating of PEG on the nanoclusters. After the degradation of gels, the released 8PEG-AgNCs nanohybrids showed strong blue fluorescence and exhibited long-term stability in aqueous solution for nearly one year. Results showed that the fabricated sensor revealed excellent fluorescent sensitivity for the selective detection of Cu2+ with a detection limit of 50 nM and a wide linear detection range of 5–100 μM. It is proposed that the greater cross-linking density leads to smaller gel pores and allows the synthesis of AgNCs with fluorescent properties. These results indicate that this novel hydrogel with certain biodegradation has the potential to be applied as a fluorescent sensor for catalytic synthesis, fluorescence tracing in cells, and fluorescence detection fields. Meanwhile, the novel design principle has a certain versatility to accelerate the development and application of other kinds of metal nanoclusters and quantum dots.
Worker 4.0: The Future of Sensored Construction Sites
Authors: Calvetti Diego , Mêda Pedro , Chichorro Gonçalves Miguel , Sousa Hipólito
Published: September 2020

The digitalization of the construction industry (CI) has the aim—among others—to raise the bar of overall productivity. The craft workforce is very relevant on the overall value-chain. Therefore, a boost in this dimension impacts the entire sector. There is a gap in proper methodologies to measure and model productivity. Construction 4.0 novelties provide new approaches for its evaluation and progress. This communication presents a review of workforce productivity assessment and delivers methods focusing primarily on craft workers motion monitoring. Products and services opportunities from Construction 4.0 in the spectrum of craft workforce management include support by embedded sensors for data collection that allow near real-time monitoring. The work developed led to the systematization of a framework to standardize craft workers’ motion productivity. The craft workforce motion productivity framework, Worker 4.0, tenders nine processes integrated on a flowchart to streamline task processes assessment and mechanization level. It also sets up a two-handed/two-legged chart system to model craft workers’ activities and operations. The contributions to the body of knowledge are substantiated on the framework creation with the ability to model and assess craft workforce performance. This approach is meant to serve as base point for different stakeholders focusing on skills, efficiency, mechanization and productivity improvements.
Howard Flack and the Flack Parameter
Authors: Watkin David John , Cooper Richard Ian
Published: September 2020

The Flack Parameter is now almost universally reported for all chiral materials characterized by X-ray crystallography. Its elegant simplicity was an inspired development by Howard Flack, and although the original algorithm for its computation has been strengthened by other workers, it remains an essential outcome for any crystallographic structure determination. As with any one-parameter metric, it needs to be interpreted in the context of its standard uncertainty.
Impacts of Climate Change on the Water Resources of the Kunduz River Basin, Afghanistan
Authors: Akhundzadah Noor Ahmad , Soltani Salim , Aich Valentin
Published: September 2020

The Kunduz River is one of the main tributaries of the Amu Darya Basin in North Afghanistan. Many communities live in the Kunduz River Basin (KRB), and its water resources have been the basis of their livelihoods for many generations. This study investigates climate change impacts on the KRB catchment. Rare station data are, for the first time, used to analyze systematic trends in temperature, precipitation, and river discharge over the past few decades, while using Mann–Kendall and Theil–Sen trend statistics. The trends show that the hydrology of the basin changed significantly over the last decades. A comparison of landcover data of the river basin from 1992 and 2019 shows significant changes that have additional impact on the basin hydrology, which are used to interpret the trend analysis. There is considerable uncertainty due to the data scarcity and gaps in the data, but all results indicate a strong tendency towards drier conditions. An extreme warming trend, partly above 2 °C since the 1960s in combination with a dramatic precipitation decrease by more than −30% lead to a strong decrease in river discharge. The increasing glacier melt compensates the decreases and leads to an increase in runoff only in the highland parts of the upper catchment. The reduction of water availability and the additional stress on the land leads to a strong increase of barren land and a reduction of vegetation cover. The detected trends and changes in the basin hydrology demand an active management of the already scarce water resources in order to sustain water supply for agriculture and ecosystems in the KRB.
A Retrospective of Materials Synthesis at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI)
Authors: Conder Kazimierz , Furrer Albert , Pomjakushina Ekaterina
Published: September 2020

The availability of high-quality and well characterized materials is a key factor for condensed-matter research [...]
Shear Deformation Helps Phase Transition in Pure Iron Thin Films with “Inactive” Surfaces: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Ruan Ting , Wang Binjun , Xu Chun , Jiang Yunqiang
Published: September 2020

In a previous study, it was shown that the (111)fcc, (110)fcc and (111)bcc free surfaces do not assist the phase transitions as nucleation sites upon heating/cooling in iron (Fe) thin slabs. In the present work, the three surfaces are denoted as “inactive” free surfaces. The phase transitions in Fe thin films with these “inactive” free surfaces have been studied using a classical molecular dynamics simulation and the Meyer–Entel potential. Our results show that shear deformation helps to activate the free surface as nucleation sites. The transition mechanisms are different in dependence on the surface orientation. In film with the (111)fcc free surface, two body-centered cubic (bcc) phases with different crystalline orientations nucleate at the free surface. In film with the (110)fcc surface, the nucleation sites are the intersections between the surfaces and stacking faults. In film with the (111)bcc surface, both heterogeneous nucleation at the free surface and homogeneous nucleation in the bulk material are observed. In addition, the transition pathways are analyzed. In all cases studied, the unstrained system is stable and no phase transition takes place. This work may be helpful to understand the mechanism of phase transition in nanoscale systems under external deformation.
GTN Model-Based Material Parameters of AZ31 Magnesium Sheet at Various Temperatures by Means of SEM In-Situ Testing
Authors: Henseler Thorsten , Osovski Shmuel , Ullmann Madlen , Kawalla Rudolf , Prahl Ulrich
Published: September 2020

Magnesium alloys are primarily associated with complex forming mechanisms, which yield ductility at high temperatures. In sheet metal forming, high triaxiality stress states that favor the ductile damage mechanisms of void formation and growth are known to malleable metals. The formulation of coupled damage models has so far failed, due to the incomplete experimental determination of damage parameters for magnesium AZ31 thin sheet. A quantitative investigation was conducted to determine the ductile damage behavior of twin-roll cast, hot rolled, and annealed AZ31 thin sheet. Results on the mechanisms of void nucleation-, coalescence- and growth-rate were established at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 350 °C. In-situ tensile tests were carried out in a scanning electron microscope with three different specimen types: Simple tension specimens, notched specimens for high triaxiality stress state testing, and shear specimens. Through a comparative analysis of local strains measured by digital image correlation and local void volume fractions determined through post-mortem analysis of specimen cross-sections, GTN (Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman) model-based material parameters were determined by experiment, representing a novel departure in the magnesium research landscape. The procedure developed in this context should also be transferable to other metals in the form of thin sheets.
Serological Tests for SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus by Commercially Available Point-of-Care and Laboratory Diagnostics in Pre-COVID-19 Samples in Japan
Authors: Lyu Zhaoqing , Harada Sassa Mariko , Fujitani Tomoko , Harada Kouji H.
Published: September 2020

The number of COVID-19 patients in Japan is considered low, compared with U.S. and European countries. However, recent serological survey reported that several percent of population showed IgG positive to SARS-CoV-2. Specificity in the assays might influence the estimate, and possibility of overdiagnosis should be investigated. Serological tests for SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus were performed in pre-COVID-19 sera in Japan (400 healthy subjects in 2012–2015). Lateral flow assay (LFA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed 1.5% (6/400) and 1.75% (7/400) IgG positives, respectively. Among those false positive samples, only one sample was positive in both LFA and ELISA (0.25%; 95% CI: 0.006–1.39%). Possible bias from pooling method was examined by Monte Carlo method and the possibility was unlikely at low false positive rate. Previous surveys might overestimate COVID-19 seroprevalence in several populations of Japan. These false positives could be excluded by combination of different diagnostics. Nonetheless, the result of seroprevalence should be carefully interpreted in less prevalent areas.
Minimum Entropy Generation Rate and Maximum Yield Optimization of Sulfuric Acid Decomposition Process Using NSGA-II
Authors: Sun Ming , Xia Shaojun , Chen Lingen , Wang Chao , Tang Chenqi
Published: September 2020

Based on the theory of finite-time thermodynamics (FTT), the effects of three design parameters, that is, inlet temperature, inlet pressure, and inlet total mole flow rate, of a tubular plug-flow sulfuric acid decomposition reactor on the total entropy generation rate (EGR) and SO2 yield are analyzed firstly. One can find that when the three design parameters are taken as optimization variables, the minimum total EGR and the maximum SO2 yield of the reference reactor restrict each other, i.e., the two different performance objectives cannot achieve the corresponding extremum values at the same time. Then, the second-generation non-dominated solution sequencing genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is further used to pursue the minimum total EGR and the maximum SO2 yield of the reference reactor by taking the three parameters as optimization design variables. After the multi-objective optimization, the reference reactor can be Pareto improved, and the total EGR can be reduced by 9% and the SO2 yield can be increased by 14% compared to those of the reference reactor. The obtained results could provide certain theoretical guidance for the optimal design of actual sulfuric acid decomposition reactors.
Understanding Student Behavior in a Flipped Classroom: Interpreting Learning Analytics Data in the Veterinary Pre-Clinical Sciences
Authors: Dooley Laura , Makasis Nikolas
Published: September 2020

The flipped classroom has been increasingly employed as a pedagogical strategy in the higher education classroom. This approach commonly involves pre-class learning activities that are delivered online through learning management systems that collect learning analytics data on student access patterns. This study sought to utilize learning analytics data to understand student learning behavior in a flipped classroom. The data analyzed three key parameters; the number of online study sessions for each individual student, the size of the sessions (number of topics covered), and the first time they accessed their materials relative to the relevant class date. The relationship between these parameters and academic performance was also explored. The study revealed patterns of student access changed throughout the course period, and most students did access their study materials before the relevant classroom session. Using k-means clustering as the algorithm, consistent early access to learning materials was associated with improved academic performance in this context. Insights derived from this study informed iterative improvements to the learning design of the course. Similar analyses could be applied to other higher education learning contexts as a feedback tool for educators seeking to improve the online learning experience of their students.
Teacher Recruitment and Retention: A Critical Review of International Evidence of Most Promising Interventions
Authors: See Beng Huat , Morris Rebecca , Gorard Stephen , Kokotsaki Dimitra , Abdi Sophia
Published: September 2020

Background: A raft of initiatives and reforms have been introduced in many countries to attract and recruit school teachers, many of which do not have a clear evidence base, so their effectiveness remains unclear. Prior research has been largely correlational in design. This paper describes a rigorous and comprehensive review of international evidence, synthesising the findings of some of the strongest empirical work so far. Methods: The review synthesises a total of 120 pieces of research from 13 electronic databases, Google/Google scholar and other sources. Each study is weighted by strength of evidence. Results: The strongest evidence suggests that targeted money can encourage people into teaching but does not necessarily keep them in the teaching profession. The money needs to be large enough to compensate for the disadvantages of working in certain schools and areas, and competitive enough to offset the opportunity costs of not being in more lucrative occupations, and its effect is only short-term. Conclusions: Continuing professional development (CPD) and early career support could be promising approaches for retaining teachers in the profession, but the evidence for them is weak. There is no evidence that any other approaches work, largely because of the lack of robust studies.
Novel Fault Identification for Electromechanical Systems via Spectral Technique and Electrical Data Processing
Authors: Ciszewski Tomasz , Gelman Len , Ball Andrew
Published: September 2020

It is proposed, developed, investigated, and validated by experiments and modelling for the first time in worldwide terms new data processing technologies, higher order spectral multiple correlation technologies for fault identification for electromechanical systems via electrical data processing. Investigation of the higher order spectral triple correlation technology via modelling has shown that the proposed data processing technology effectively detects component faults. The higher order spectral triple correlation technology successfully applied for rolling bearing fault identification. Experimental investigation of the technology has shown, that the technology effectively identifies rolling bearing fault by electrical data processing at very early stage of fault development. Novel technology comparisons via modelling and experiments of the proposed higher order spectral triple correlation technology and the higher order spectra technology show the higher fault identification effectiveness of the proposed technology over the bicoherence technology.
Parametric Design to Maximize Solar Irradiation and Minimize the Embodied GHG Emissions for a ZEB in Nordic and Mediterranean Climate Zones
Authors: Manni Mattia , Lobaccaro Gabriele , Lolli Nicola , Bohne Rolf Andre
Published: September 2020

This work presents a validated workflow based on an algorithm developed in Grasshopper to parametrically control the building’s shape, by maximizing the solar irradiation incident on the building envelope and minimizing the embodied emissions. The algorithm is applied to a zero-emission building concept in Nordic and Mediterranean climate zones. The algorithm enables conducting both energy and environmental assessments through Ladybug tools. The emissions embodied in materials and the solar irradiation incident on the building envelope were estimated in the early design stage. A three-steps optimization process through evolutionary solvers, such as Galapagos (one-objective) and Octopus (multi-objective), has been conducted to shape the most environmentally responsive ZEB model in both climates. The results demonstrated the replicability of the algorithm to optimize the solar irradiation by producing an increment of solar incident irradiation equal to 35% in the Mediterranean area, and to 20% in the Nordic climate. This could contribute to compensate the additional 15% of emissions due to the higher quantities of employed materials in the optimized design. The developed approach, which is based on the parametric design principles for ZEBs, represents a support instrument for designers to develop highly efficient energy solutions in the early design stages.