bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of sustainable research excellence with a global perspective on infectious diseases: Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Gabon
Authors: Ramharter Michael , Agnandji Selidji T. , Adegnika Ayôla A. , Lell Bertrand , Mombo-Ngoma Ghyslain , Grobusch Martin P. , McCall Matthew , Muranaka Riko , Kreidenweiss Andrea , Velavan Thirumalaisamy P. , Esen Meral , Schaumburg Frieder , Alabi Abraham , Druml Christiane , Mordmüller Benjamin , Köhler Carsten , Kremsner Peter G.
Published: January 2021

Medical research in sub-Saharan Africa is of high priority for societies to respond adequately to local health needs. Often enough it remains a challenge to build up capacity in infrastructure and human resources to highest international standards and to sustain this over mid-term to long-term periods due to difficulties in obtaining long-term institutional core funding, attracting highly qualified scientists for medical research and coping with ever changing structural and political environments. The Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL) serves as model for how to overcome such challenges and to continuously increase its impact on medical care in Central Africa and beyond. Starting off as a research annex to the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné, Gabon, it has since then expanded its activities to academic and regulatory clinical trials for drugs, vaccines and diagnostics in the field of malaria, tuberculosis, and a wide range of poverty related and neglected tropical infectious diseases. Advancing bioethics in medical research in Africa and steadily improving its global networks and infrastructures, CERMEL serves as a reference centre for several international consortia. In close collaboration with national authorities, CERMEL has become one of the main training hubs for medical research in Central Africa. It is hoped that CERMEL and its leitmotiv “to improve medical care for local populations” will serve as an inspiration to other institutions in sub-Saharan Africa to further increase African capacity to advance medicine.
Application of radar data assimilation on convective precipitation forecasts based on water vapor retrieval
Authors: He Zhixin , Wang Dongyong , Qiu Xuexing , Jiang Yang , Li Huimin , Shu Aiqing
Published: January 2021

Based on a short-time heavy rainfall in Anhui and the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model, the water vapor in the initial field of the model is retrieved using the statistical relationships of the reflectivity factor from the Doppler weather radar with the relative humidity and hydrometeor. Three-dimensional variational (3DVAR) assimilation method is used to assimilate the radar reflectivity factor and radial velocity, and then the impact of assimilating retrieved water vapor on the analysis and forecast of the torrential rain is assessed. The results show that, after assimilating the retrieved water vapor, the water vapor field in the model is significantly improved. The water vapor content in the middle layer of the model in the analyzed field is increased, corresponding well with the convective region. Meanwhile, the precipitation distribution during this weather process is successfully simulated. The mesoscale characteristics are better presented by the imageries of radar reflectivity factor, and false echoes are partially reduced. Besides, the prediction of short-time heavy rainfall regions is closer to the actual observations. After assimilating the retrieved water vapor, the simulated one-hour accumulated rainfall is closer to the actual observation, and the fraction skill score (FSS) is higher.
Local convergence of tensor methods
Authors: Doikov Nikita , Nesterov Yurii
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we study local convergence of high-order Tensor Methods for solving convex optimization problems with composite objective. We justify local superlinear convergence under the assumption of uniform convexity of the smooth component, having Lipschitz-continuous high-order derivative. The convergence both in function value and in the norm of minimal subgradient is established. Global complexity bounds for the Composite Tensor Method in convex and uniformly convex cases are also discussed. Lastly, we show how local convergence of the methods can be globalized using the inexact proximal iterations.
The roles of histone deacetylases in kidney development and disease
Authors: Liu Hongbing
Published: January 2021

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are important epigenetic regulators that mediate deacetylation of both histone and non-histone proteins. HDACs, especially class I HDACs, are highly expressed in developing kidney and subject to developmental control. HDACs play an important role in kidney formation, especial nephron progenitor maintenance and differentiation. Several lines of evidence support the critical role of HDACs in the development and progression of various kidney diseases. HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) are very effective in the prevention and treatment of kidney diseases (including kidney cancer). A better understanting of the molecular mechanisms underlying the role(s) of HDACs in the pathogenesis and progression of renal disease are likely to be of great help in developing more effective and less toxic selective HDAC inhibitors and combinatorial therapeutics.
Tensor-Free Proximal Methods for Lifted Bilinear/Quadratic Inverse Problems with Applications to Phase Retrieval
Authors: Beinert Robert , Bredies Kristian
Published: January 2021

We propose and study a class of novel algorithms that aim at solving bilinear and quadratic inverse problems. Using a convex relaxation based on tensorial lifting, and applying first-order proximal algorithms, these problems could be solved numerically by singular value thresholding methods. However, a direct realization of these algorithms for, e.g., image recovery problems is often impracticable, since computations have to be performed on the tensor-product space, whose dimension is usually tremendous. To overcome this limitation, we derive tensor-free versions of common singular value thresholding methods by exploiting low-rank representations and incorporating an augmented Lanczos process. Using a novel reweighting technique, we further improve the convergence behavior and rank evolution of the iterative algorithms. Applying the method to the two-dimensional masked Fourier phase retrieval problem, we obtain an efficient recovery method. Moreover, the tensor-free algorithms are flexible enough to incorporate a priori smoothness constraints that greatly improve the recovery results.
Asynchronous session subtyping as communicating automata refinement
Authors: Bravetti Mario , Zavattaro Gianluigi
Published: January 2021

We study the relationship between session types and behavioural contracts, representing Communicating Finite State Machines (CFSMs), under the assumption that processes communicate asynchronously. Session types represent a syntax-based approach for the description of communication protocols, while behavioural contracts, formally expressing CFSMs, follow an operational approach. We show the existence of a fully abstract interpretation of session types into a fragment of contracts that maps session subtyping into binary compliance-preserving CFSMs/behavioural contract refinement. In this way, on the one hand, we enrich the theory of session types with an operational characterization and, on the other hand, we use recent undecidability results for asynchronous session subtyping to obtain an original undecidability result for asynchronous CFSMs/behavioural contract refinement.
N-myristoyltransferase proteins in breast cancer: prognostic relevance and validation as a new drug target
Authors: Mackey John R. , Lai Justine , Chauhan Utkarsh , Beauchamp Erwan , Dong Wei-Feng , Glubrecht Darryl , Sim Yie-Wei , Ghosh Sunita , Bigras Gilbert , Lai Raymond , Berthiaume Luc G.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

N-myristoyltransferases 1 and 2 (NMT1 and NMT2) catalyze the addition of 14-carbon fatty acids to the N-terminus of proteins. Myristoylation regulates numerous membrane-bound signal transduction pathways important in cancer biology and the pan-NMT inhibitor PCLX-001 is approaching clinical development as a cancer therapy. The tissue distribution, relative abundances, and prognostic value of the two human NMTs remain poorly understood.

Methods

We generated and validated mutually exclusive monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific to human NMT1 and NMT2. These mAbs were used to perform immunohistochemical analysis of the abundance and distribution of NMT1 and NMT2 in normal breast epithelial samples and a large cohort of primary breast adenocarcinomas from the BCIRG001 clinical trial (n = 706).

Results

NMT1 protein was readily quantified in normal and most transformed breast epithelial tissue and was associated with higher overall histologic grade, higher Ki67, and lower hormone receptor expression. While NMT2 protein was readily detected in normal breast epithelial tissue, it was undetectable in the majority of breast cancers. Detectable NMT2 protein correlated with significantly poorer overall survival (hazard ratio 1.36; P = 0.029) and worse biological features including younger age, higher histologic grade, lower hormone receptor expression, higher Ki67, and p53 positivity. Treatment of cultured breast cancer cells with PCLX-001 reduced cell viability in vitro. Daily oral administration of PCLX-001 to immunodeficient mice bearing human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenografts produced significant dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition in vivo.

Conclusions

These results support further evaluation of NMT immunohistochemistry for patient selection and clinical trials of NMT inhibition in breast cancer patients.
Controlled-release N fertilizer to mitigate ammonia volatilization from double-cropping rice
Authors: Tian Chang , Zhou Xuan , Ding Zheli , Liu Qiang , Xie Guixian , Peng Jianwei , Rong Xiangming , Zhang Yuping , Yang Yong , Eissa Mamdouh A.
Published: January 2021

Controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer (CRNF) can effectively enhance crop yields and raise the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer in agroecosystems. In the present study, the volatilization of NH3was determined by airflow enclosure chamber technique after the application of different CRNF rates in double-cropping rice fields in southern China for continuous 3 years. The early and late season rice (ESR and LSR) were cultivated each year. The results showed that the total NH3volatilization losses ranged from 25 to 56 kg N ha−1in ESR and from 32 to 61 kg N ha−1in LSR. The loss of N to the total applied N ranged from 12 to 29% in ESR and from 12 to 27% in LSR. The application of CRNF significantly reduced the cumulative NH3volatilization losses by 20–43% for ESR and by 20–32% for LSR compared with conventional urea application. CRNF in LSR was less effective to reduce NH3volatilization than that in ESR. Furthermore, the application of 80% of N rate in the form of CRNF gave higher grain yield and apparent nitrogen recovery efficiency (ANRE) than that of application of 100% of N rate from conventional urea. CRNF can effectively reduce NH3volatilization, and increase rice yield and ANRE. Considering higher price of CRNF, the application of CRNF at lower (20% applied N) rate than conventional urea in LSR may be a reasonable fertilization strategy for improving N use efficiency, environment effectiveness, and sustaining the development of rice production systems in double-cropping rice.
Restoration-mediated alteration induces substantial structural changes, but negligible shifts in functional and phylogenetic diversity of a non-target community: a case study from a soda pan
Authors: Boda Pál , Bozóki Tamás , Krasznai-K. Eszter Á. , Várbíró Gábor , Móra Arnold , Csabai Zoltán
Published: January 2021

Stream macroinvertebrates, as non-target organisms, may face with either a single or a complex stressor during a restoration treatment. We quantified the structural, phylogenetic, and functional responses to both single (water retention) and complex (water retention and grazing) stressors and analysed how the ecological quality changes, in order to reveal the potential unwanted consequences in a soda pan restoration. Species composition has been restructured and taxonomic diversity decreased significantly as a response to the complex stressor, while they did not change under the single stress. Neither the single nor the complex stressor influenced the phylogenetic diversity. Functional diversity showed mainly no or reversible changes. Changes in diversity metrics induced changes in Ecological Quality Ratios, but the ecological state decreased only under the complex stressor. Our results suggest that different facets of alpha diversity (taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic) are complementary and provide different information about community assembly against different stresses. We can support the opinion that taxon, phylogenetic and functional diversity are proper metrics in their own way to assess the impact of stress, but it is necessary to apply them together. Ecological knowledge of this paper could be considered throughout future conservation planning and enhance restoration success in aquatic environments.
Preparatory effects of problem solving versus studying examples prior to instruction
Authors: Hartmann Christian , van Gog Tamara , Rummel Nikol
Published: January 2021

The Productive Failure (PF) approach prompts students to attempt to solve a problem prior to instruction – at which point they typically fail. Yet, research on PF shows that students who are involved in problem solving prior to instruction gain more conceptual knowledge from the subsequent instruction compared to students who receive the instruction first. So far, there is no conclusive evidence, however, that the beneficial effects of PF are explained by the attempt to generate one’s own solutions prior to instruction. The literature on example-based learning suggests that observing someone else engaging in problem-solving attempts may be an equally effective means to prepare students for instruction. In an experimental study, we compared a PF condition, in which students were actively engaged in problem solving prior to instruction, to two example conditions, in which students either observed the complete problem-solving-and-failing process of another student engaging in PF or looked at the outcome of this process (i.e., another student’s failed solution attempts). Rather than worked examples of the correct solution procedure, the students observed examples of failed solution attempts. We found that students’ own problem solving was not superior to the two example conditions. In fact, students who observed the complete PF process even outperformed students who engaged in PF themselves. Additional analyses revealed that the students’ prior knowledge moderated this effect: While students who observed the complete PF process were able to take advantage of their prior knowledge to gain more conceptual knowledge from the subsequent instruction, prior knowledge did not affect students’ post-test performance in the PF condition.
Does the BioBLU 0.3f single-use scale to the BioFlo® 320 reuseable bioreactor on a matched volumetric oxygen mass transfer coefficient?
Authors: Olughu Williams , Galbraith Duncan , Paget Cillian , Ruscoe Steve , Smith Josh , Mason Alison
Published: January 2021

The volumetric oxygen mass transfer coefficient ($$k_{l} a$$

k
l

a

) is an essential parameter in aerobic high-cell density fermentation where the availability of oxygen to growing microorganisms is a limiting factor. Bioprocess teams looking to scale-up/down between the Eppendorf BioBLU 0.3f single-use vessel and the BioFlo® 320 reusable vessel bioreactors may find it challenging using a matched $$k_{l} a$$

k
l

a

. The maximum $$k_{l} a$$

k
l

a

of the BioFlo® 320 reusable bioreactor was 109 h−1, which was approximately twice that of the BioBLU 0.3f single-use vessel. The results here show no overlap in $$k_{l} a$$

k
l

a

values when both bioreactors were compared and thus conclude that scalability based on $$k_{l} a$$

k
l

a

is not viable. The maximum $$k_{l} a$$

k
l

a

of the Eppendorf BioBLU 0.3f single-use reported here was 47 h−1 compared to that of the manufacturer’s value of 2500 h−1, indicating a 53-fold difference. This discrepancy was attributed to the incompatible sulfite addition method used by the manufacturer for estimation.
A MECS redistribution algorithm for SDN-enable MEC using response time and transmission overhead
Authors: Wu Runze , Ao Xiang , Fan Bing , Hu Hailin
Published: January 2021

The software-defined networks-enable mobile edge computing (SDN-enable MEC) architecture, which integrates SDN and MEC technologies, realizes the flexibility and dynamic management of the underlying network resources by the MEC, reduces the distance between the access terminal and computing resources and network resources, and increases the terminal's access to resources. However, the static distribution relationship between MEC servers (MECSs) and controllers in the multi-controller architecture may result in unbalanced load distribution among the controllers, which would degrade network performance. In this paper, a multi-objective optimization MECS redistribution algorithm (MOSRA) is proposed to decrease the response time and overhead. A controller response time model and link transmit overhead model are introduced as basis of an evolutionary algorithm which is proposed to optimize MECS redistribution. The proposed algorithm aims to select an available sub-optimizes individual by using a strategy based coordination transformation from Pareto Front. That is, when the master controller of the MECS is redistributed, both of the network overhead of the MECS to the controller and the response time of the controller to the MECS processing request are optimized. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate that the MOSRA can solve the redistribution problem in different network load levels and different network sizes within the effective time, and has a lower control plane response time, while making the edge network plane transmission overhead lower, compared with other algorithms
.
Partitioning Behavior and Interfacial Activity of Phenolic Acid Derivatives and their Impact on β-Lactoglobulin at the Oil-Water Interface
Authors: Bock Alina , Steinhäuser Ulrike , Drusch Stephan
Published: January 2021

Proteins are able to stabilize dispersed food systems due to their amphiphilic nature, acting as emulsifiers. Their interfacial properties can be influenced by different methods, including the formation of protein-phenol nanocomplexes. In this study, the interfacial behavior of phenolic compounds and protein-phenol nanocomplexes was first characterized according to the oil-water partitioning behavior of phenolic acid derivatives according to their molecular structure and its impact on interfacial tension. The influence of the phenolic compounds on protein film formation and its properties by dilatational rheology was then evaluated. The most phenolic acid derivatives are predominantly present in the aqueous phase. Despite their hydrophobic benzene body, weak interfacial activity was observed depending on their chemical structure. This result supports possible protein-phenol nanocomplex formation in the aqueous phase and possible interactions at the oil-water interface. Protein-phenol nanocomplexes showed decreased interfacial adsorption properties and decreased viscoelastic interfacial behavior, depending on the expansion of the delocalized π-electrons in the phenol.
Synthesis of novel pregnane-based 20-carboxamides via palladium-catalysed aminocarbonylation
Authors: Mikle Gábor , Zugó Alexandra , Szatnik Erzsébet , Maxim Anita , Mahó Sándor , Kollár László
Published: January 2021

20-Carboxamidopregnene derivatives, such as 3β-acetoxy-5α-pregn-20-ene-20-carboxamides and 5α-pregn-20-ene-20-carboxamides were synthesized from the widely accessible 3β-acetoxy-pregn-5,16-dien-20-one (PDA) using selective hydrogenation, hydrazine and iodoalkene formation, as well as palladium-catalysed aminocarbonylation. The 20-iodo-20-ene derivatives, obtained from the corresponding 20-keto derivatives via their hydrazones, served as substrates. 23 new 20-carboxamides were obtained using variousN-nucleophiles ranging from simple primary amines to α-amino acid esters. The novelty of this methodology lies in the application of facile, moderate or high-yielding reactions to obtain otherwise hardly accessible steroidal 20-carboxamides of pharmaceutical importance. In other words, instead of the enzymatic or synthetic degradation of e.g., sterols or cholanic acids, functionalization of the basic skeleton (a ‘building-up’ approach) was used.
The role of managerial characteristics in FX risk management: Who increases risk?
Authors: Hecht Andreas
Published: January 2021

We examine the impact of managerial characteristics on the choice of risk-decreasing and risk-increasing/-constant strategies. Using unique data on firm-, year-, and currency-specific FX exposure before and after hedging with corresponding hedging instruments, we are able to measure how much a CEO has been involved in risk-increasing/-constant strategies over several years. We provide evidence that firms where the CEO has an MBA degree and is older are more likely to engage in risk-increasing/-constant strategies. In addition, we find that a CEO’s affiliation to the owner’s family seems to reduce the amount of derivatives a firms uses, while hedging short tends to increase derivative volumes.
The Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for the Management of Non-union Fractures
Authors: Andersen Christian , Wragg Nicholas M. , Shariatzadeh Maryam , Wilson Samantha Louise
Published: January 2021

Purpose of Review

The treatment of non-union fractures represents a significant challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. In recent years, biologic agents have been investigated and utilised to support and improve bone healing. Among these agents, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an emerging strategy that is gaining popularity. The aim of this review is to evaluate the current literature regarding the application and clinical effectiveness of PRP injections, specifically for the treatment of non-union fractures.

Recent Findings

The majority of published studies reported that PRP accelerated fracture healing; however, this evidence was predominantly level IV. The lack of randomised, clinical trials (level I–II evidence) is currently hampering the successful clinical translation of PRP as a therapy for non-union fractures. This is despite the positive reports regarding its potential to heal non-union fractures, when used in isolation or in combination with other forms of treatment.

Future recommendations to facilitate clinical translation and acceptance of PRP as a therapy include the need to investigate the effects of administering higher volumes of PRP (i.e. 5–20 mL) along with the requirement for more prolonged (> 11 months) randomised clinical trials.
Effects of Plastic Waste Materials on Geotechnical Properties of Clayey Soil
Authors: Hassan Hussein Jalal Aswad , Rasul Jabar , Samin Maleaha
Published: January 2021

Recently, the use of plastic products, such as polyethylene (PE) bottles and polypropylene (PP), has been significantly increased, which may lead to many environmental issues. Therefore, it is important to find methods to manage these waste materials without causing any ecological hazards. One of these methods is to use plastic wastes as soil stabiliser materials. In this study, PE and PP have been used in the form of fibres. The effect of the stabilisation was evaluated through carrying out standard laboratory tests. These tests have been conducted on natural and stabilised soils with four fibre contents (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) of the soil weight. The tests included the standard compaction test, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test, and resilient modulus (Mr) tests. In all these tests, the fibre content was added in two lengths, which were 1.0 cm and 2.0 cm. Laboratory test results revealed that the plastic pieces decrease maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC) of the stabilised soils, which are required for the construction of embankments of lightweight materials. In addition, there was a significant improvement in the UCS of soils by 76.4 and 96.6% for both lengths of PE fibres and 57.4% and 73.0% for both lengths of PP fibres, respectively. Results of the CBR tests demonstrated that the inclusion of plastic fibres in clayey soils improves the strength and deformation behaviour of the soil especially with 4% fibre content for both lengths 1.0 cm and 2.0 cm, respectively, to a figure of 185 to 150% for PE and PP, respectively. Furthermore, the results of the Mr tests demonstrated that the mechanical properties improved to an extent. For an increase in fibre content, the resilient modulus increased by about 120% at 4% fibre content for PE. However, for PP, improvement in resilient modulus declined at 3% fibre content. Therefore, for soil stabilisation with fibre material, optimum fibre content shall be sought.
A note on different types of product of neutrosophic graphs
Authors: Mohanta Kartick , Dey Arindam , Pal Anita
Published: January 2021

Fuzzy set and neutrosophic set are two efficient tools to handle the uncertainties and vagueness of any real-world problems. Neutrosophic set is more capable than fuzzy set to deal the uncertainties of a real-life problem. This research paper introduces some new concept of single-valued neutrosophic graph (SVNG). We have also presented some different operations on SVNG such as rejection, symmetric difference, maximal product, and residue product with appropriate examples, and some of their important theorems are also described. Then, we have described the concept of total degree of a neutrosophic graph with some interesting examples. We have also presented an efficient approach to solve a decision-making problem using SVNG.
Surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithm for expensive constrained multi-objective discrete optimization problems
Authors: Gu Qinghua , Wang Qian , Xiong Neal N. , Jiang Song , Chen Lu
Published: January 2021

Surrogate-assisted optimization has attracted much attention due to its superiority in solving expensive optimization problems. However, relatively little work has been dedicated to addressing expensive constrained multi-objective discrete optimization problems although there are many such problems in the real world. Hence, a surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithm is proposed in this paper for this kind of problem. Specifically, random forest models are embedded in the framework of the evolutionary algorithm as surrogates to improve approximate accuracy for discrete optimization problems. To enhance the optimization efficiency, an improved stochastic ranking strategy based on the fitness mechanism and adaptive probability operator is presented, which also takes into account both convergence and diversity to advance the quality of candidate solutions. To validate the proposed algorithm, it is comprehensively compared with several well-known optimization algorithms on several benchmark problems. Numerical experiments are demonstrated that the proposed algorithm is very promising for the expensive constrained multi-objective discrete optimization problems.
Strategy and Future Prospects to Develop Room-Temperature-Recoverable NO2 Gas Sensor Based on Two-Dimensional Molybdenum Disulfide
Authors: Agrawal Abhay V. , Kumar Naveen , Kumar Mukesh
Published: January 2021

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a hazardous gas with acidic nature, is continuously being liberated in the atmosphere due to human activity. The NO2 sensors based on traditional materials have limitations of high-temperature requirements, slow recovery, and performance degradation under harsh environmental conditions. These limitations of traditional materials are forcing the scientific community to discover future alternative NO2 sensitive materials. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has emerged as a potential candidate for developing next-generation NO2 gas sensors. MoS2 has a large surface area for NO2 molecules adsorption with controllable morphologies, facile integration with other materials and compatibility with internet of things (IoT) devices. The aim of this review is to provide a detailed overview of the fabrication of MoS2 chemiresistance sensors in terms of devices (resistor and transistor), layer thickness, morphology control, defect tailoring, heterostructure, metal nanoparticle doping, and through light illumination. Moreover, the experimental and theoretical aspects used in designing MoS2-based NO2 sensors are also discussed extensively. Finally, the review concludes the challenges and future perspectives to further enhance the gas-sensing performance of MoS2. Understanding and addressing these issues are expected to yield the development of highly reliable and industry standard chemiresistance NO2 gas sensors for environmental monitoring.
Solution-Processed Transparent Conducting Electrodes for Flexible Organic Solar Cells with 16.61% Efficiency
Authors: Wan Juanyong , Xia Yonggao , Fang Junfeng , Zhang Zhiguo , Xu Bingang , Wang Jinzhao , Ai Ling , Song Weijie , Hui Kwun Nam , Fan Xi , Li Yongfang
Published: January 2021

Nonfullerene organic solar cells (OSCs) have achieved breakthrough with pushing the efficiency exceeding 17%. While this shed light on OSC commercialization, high-performance flexible OSCs should be pursued through solution manufacturing. Herein, we report a solution-processed flexible OSC based on a transparent conducting PEDOT:PSS anode doped with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (CF3SO3H). Through a low-concentration and low-temperature CF3SO3H doping, the conducting polymer anodes exhibited a main sheet resistance of 35 Ω sq−1 (minimum value: 32 Ω sq−1), a raised work function (≈ 5.0 eV), a superior wettability, and a high electrical stability. The high work function minimized the energy level mismatch among the anodes, hole-transporting layers and electron-donors of the active layers, thereby leading to an enhanced carrier extraction. The solution-processed flexible OSCs yielded a record-high efficiency of 16.41% (maximum value: 16.61%). Besides, the flexible OSCs afforded the 1000 cyclic bending tests at the radius of 1.5 mm and the long-time thermal treatments at 85 °C, demonstrating a high flexibility and a good thermal stability.
Lotus Leaf-Derived Gradient Hierarchical Porous C/MoS2 Morphology Genetic Composites with Wideband and Tunable Electromagnetic Absorption Performance
Authors: Pan Fei , Liu Zhicheng , Deng Baiwen , Dong Yanyan , Zhu Xiaojie , Huang Chuang , Lu Wei
Published: January 2021

Inspired by the nature, lotus leaf-derived gradient hierarchical porous C/MoS2 morphology genetic composites (GHPCM) were successfully fabricated through an in situ strategy. The biological microstructure of lotus leaf was well preserved after treatment. Different pores with gradient pore sizes ranging from 300 to 5 μm were hierarchically distributed in the composites. In addition, the surface states of lotus leaf resulted in the Janus-like morphologies of MoS2. The GHPCM exhibit excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance, with the minimum reflection loss of − 50.1 dB at a thickness of 2.4 mm and the maximum effective bandwidth of 6.0 GHz at a thickness of 2.2 mm. The outstanding performance could be attributed to the synergy of conductive loss, polarization loss, and impedance matching. In particularly, we provided a brand-new dielectric sum-quotient model to analyze the electromagnetic performance of the non-magnetic material system. It suggests that the specific sum and quotient of permittivity are the key to keep reflection loss below − 10 dB within a certain frequency range. Furthermore, based on the concept of material genetic engineering, the dielectric constant could be taken into account to seek for suitable materials with designable electromagnetic absorption performance.
Present and Future of Phase-Selectively Disordered Blue TiO2 for Energy and Society Sustainability
Authors: Luo Yongguang , Lee Hyoyoung
Published: January 2021

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has garnered attention for its promising photocatalytic activity, energy storage capability, low cost, high chemical stability, and nontoxicity. However, conventional TiO2 has low energy harvesting efficiency and charge separation ability, though the recently developed black TiO2 formed under high temperature or pressure has achieved elevated performance. The phase-selectively ordered/disordered blue TiO2 (BTO), which has visible-light absorption and efficient exciton disassociation, can be formed under normal pressure and temperature (NPT) conditions. This perspective article first discusses TiO2 materials development milestones and insights of the BTO structure and construction mechanism. Then, current applications of BTO and potential extensions are summarized and suggested, respectively, including hydrogen (H2) production, carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) reduction, pollutant degradation, microbial disinfection, and energy storage. Last, future research prospects are proposed for BTO to advance energy and environmental sustainability by exploiting different strategies and aspects. The unique NPT-synthesized BTO can offer more societally beneficial applications if its potential is fully explored by the research community.
Hierarchical Magnetic Network Constructed by CoFe Nanoparticles Suspended Within “Tubes on Rods” Matrix Toward Enhanced Microwave Absorption
Authors: Xu Chunyang , Wang Lei , Li Xiao , Qian Xiang , Wu Zhengchen , You Wenbin , Pei Ke , Qin Gang , Zeng Qingwen , Yang Ziqi , Jin Chen , Che Renchao
Published: January 2021

Hierarchical magnetic-dielectric composites are promising functional materials with prospective applications in microwave absorption (MA) field. Herein, a three-dimension hierarchical “nanotubes on microrods,” core–shell magnetic metal–carbon composite is rationally constructed for the first time via a fast metal–organic frameworks-based ligand exchange strategy followed by a carbonization treatment with melamine. Abundant magnetic CoFe nanoparticles are embedded within one-dimensional graphitized carbon/carbon nanotubes supported on micro-scale Mo2N rod (Mo2N@CoFe@C/CNT), constructing a special multi-dimension hierarchical MA material. Ligand exchange reaction is found to determine the formation of hierarchical magnetic-dielectric composite, which is assembled by dielectric Mo2N as core and spatially dispersed CoFe nanoparticles within C/CNTs as shell. Mo2N@CoFe@C/CNT composites exhibit superior MA performance with maximum reflection loss of − 53.5 dB at 2 mm thickness and show a broad effective absorption bandwidth of 5.0 GHz. The Mo2N@CoFe@C/CNT composites hold the following advantages: (1) hierarchical core–shell structure offers plentiful of heterojunction interfaces and triggers interfacial polarization, (2) unique electronic migration/hop paths in the graphitized C/CNTs and Mo2N rod facilitate conductive loss, (3) highly dispersed magnetic CoFe nanoparticles within “tubes on rods” matrix build multi-scale magnetic coupling network and reinforce magnetic response capability, confirmed by the off-axis electron holography.
Laser Synthesis and Microfabrication of Micro/Nanostructured Materials Toward Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Zhao Lili , Liu Zhen , Chen Duo , Liu Fan , Yang Zhiyuan , Li Xiao , Yu Haohai , Liu Hong , Zhou Weijia
Published: January 2021

Nanomaterials are known to exhibit a number of interesting physical and chemical properties for various applications, including energy conversion and storage, nanoscale electronics, sensors and actuators, photonics devices and even for biomedical purposes. In the past decade, laser as a synthetic technique and laser as a microfabrication technique facilitated nanomaterial preparation and nanostructure construction, including the laser processing-induced carbon and non-carbon nanomaterials, hierarchical structure construction, patterning, heteroatom doping, sputtering etching, and so on. The laser-induced nanomaterials and nanostructures have extended broad applications in electronic devices, such as light–thermal conversion, batteries, supercapacitors, sensor devices, actuators and electrocatalytic electrodes. Here, the recent developments in the laser synthesis of carbon-based and non-carbon-based nanomaterials are comprehensively summarized. An extensive overview on laser-enabled electronic devices for various applications is depicted. With the rapid progress made in the research on nanomaterial preparation through laser synthesis and laser microfabrication technologies, laser synthesis and microfabrication toward energy conversion and storage will undergo fast development.
An Apple Extract Beverage Combined with Caffeine Can Improve Alertness, Mental Fatigue, and Information Processing Speed
Authors: Ward-Ritacco Christie L. , Wilson Alissa R. , O’Connor Patrick J.
Published: January 2021

The psychological effects of low-dose caffeine combined with polyphenols from apples have rarely been explored scientifically yet synergistic effects are plausible. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over experiment was used to test the psychological effects of apple extract beverages combined with 10, 20, 37.5, and 75 mg caffeine. Comparisons were made to both a placebo drink that was artificially sweetened and colored to mimic the test beverages and a positive control drink with 75 mg caffeine but without apple extract. Compared to placebo, it was hypothesized that dose-dependent improvements in cognitive performance, mood, and motivation would be realized after consuming the beverage with apple extract containing added caffeine. Outcomes were assessed before, 60 to 110, and 125 to 175 min post-beverage. The positive control beverage resulted in more serial seven subtractions, greater motivation to perform cognitive tasks, and reduced feelings of fatigue (all p < .005). The study found that psychological effects (i) were not observed for beverages containing apple extract and 10 or 20 mg caffeine, (ii) of the apple extract beverage containing 75 mg caffeine generally mimicked the effects of the positive control drink and significantly increased serial seven processing speed, and (iii) of the apple extract beverage containing 37.5 mg improved feelings of alertness and mental fatigue. In sum, effects of apple extract combined with caffeine were not dose-dependent; the apple extract beverage containing 75 mg caffeine improved information processing speed and the apple extract beverage with 37.5 mg caffeine improved feelings of alertness and mental fatigue.
The First Cathedral on America’s Pacific Coast
Authors: Hernández Mora Iosvany , Martín Juan G. , Aram Bethany
Published: January 2021

New research dispels the idea that Panamá Viejo was initially founded one-half mile from the site of its visible present-day ruins. The archaeological and historical evidence, subjected to interdisciplinary analysis, demonstrates that the city remained on the same main plaza next to its natural port from its founding 500 years ago until its destruction in 1671. The data reconsidered and newly uncovered also suggest reasons for previous misinterpretations of the city’s early foundational history. Unlike many colonial cities and towns, Panamá Viejo did not move during its first century of existence. However, its main church, which became the bishopric’s cathedral in 1524, did relocate after 1541. The new evidence establishes and confirms the original location of the first cathedral on America’s Pacific Ocean to the south of Panamá Viejo’s main plaza and explains its move to an elevated, rocky area on the eastern side of the same plaza over 20 years later. Excavations undertaken in 2018 have confirmed the original building’s location a mere 50 m from the visible ruins of the cathedral, the tower of which remains a symbol of Panamanian identity today.
One-flow synthesis of tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol using homo- and heterogeneous Lewis acids
Authors: Bloemendal Victor R. L. J. , Spierenburg Bram , Boltje Thomas J. , van Hest Jan C. M. , Rutjes Floris P. J. T.
Published: January 2021

Continuous flow chemistry holds great potential for the production of biologically relevant molecules. Herein, we present an approach for the continuous synthesis of cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol in a one-flow system. The designed route consists of a reaction cascade involving Friedel-Crafts alkylation, subsequent ring opening and cyclisation in up to 45% yield. The reactions were successfully performed using both hetero- and homogeneous Lewis acids in continuous flow and provide yields that are similar to comparable batch processes.

Graphical abstract
A robust-filtering method for noisy non-stationary multivariate time series with econometric applications
Authors: Kunitomo Naoto , Sato Seisho
Published: January 2021

We investigate a new filtering method to estimate the hidden states of random variables for multiple non-stationary time series data. This helps in analyzing small sample non-stationary macro-economic time series in particular and it is based on the frequency domain application of the separating information maximum likelihood (SIML) method, developed by Kunitomo et al. (Separating Information Maximum Likelihood Estimation for High Frequency Financial Data. Springer, New York, 2018), and Kunitomo et al. (Japan J Statistics Data Sci 2:73–101, 2020), and Nishimura et al. (Asic-Pacific Financial Markets, 2019). We solve the filtering problem of hidden random variables of trend-cycle, seasonal and measurement-errors components, and propose a method to handle macro-economic time series. We develop the asymptotic theory based on the frequency domain analysis for non-stationary time series. We illustrate applications, including some properties of the method of Müller and Watson (Econometrica 86-3:775–804, 2018), and analyses of some macro-economic data in Japan.
Detecting Anomaly and Its Sources in Activities of Daily Living
Authors: Yahaya Salisu Wada , Lotfi Ahmad , Mahmud Mufti
Published: January 2021

To support the independent living and improve the quality of life for the increasing ageing population, system for monitoring their daily routine and detecting anomalies in the routine is required. Existing anomaly detection systems are unable to identify the sources of the abnormalities, thereby hindering the development of adaptive monitoring systems with reduced false prediction rate. In this paper, an approach for identifying the sources of abnormalities in human activities of daily living is proposed. Anomalies are detected by modelling the existing activity data representing the usual behavioural routine of an individual to serve as a baseline model. Subsequent activities deviating from the baseline are then classified as outliers or anomalies. An ensemble of one-class support vector machine, isolation forest, robust covariance estimator and local outlier factor is utilised for the anomaly detection achieving an accuracy of$$98\%$$98%. The proposed approach for identifying anomaly sources is based on the concept of similarity measure using distance functions. Two methods for measuring the pairwise distance of the features of the activity data termed as one vs one similarity measure and one vs all similarity measure are proposed. Experimental evaluation of the proposed approach on activities of daily living datasets has shown the credibility of the proposed approach for utilisation in an in-home monitoring system.
Effective Data Sharing as a Conduit for Advancing Medical Product Development
Authors: Karpen Stephen R. , White J. Kael , Mullin Ariana P. , O’Doherty Inish , Hudson Lynn D. , Romero Klaus , Sivakumaran Sudhir , Stephenson Diane , Turner Emily C. , Larkindale Jane
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Patient-level data sharing has the potential to significantly impact the lives of patients by optimizing and improving the medical product development process. In the product development setting, successful data sharing is defined as data sharing that is actionable and facilitates decision making during the development and review of medical products. This often occurs through the creation of new product development tools or methodologies, such as novel clinical trial design and enrichment strategies, predictive pre-clinical and clinical models, clinical trial simulation tools, biomarkers, and clinical outcomes assessments, and more.

Methods

To be successful, extensive partnerships must be established between all relevant stakeholders, including industry, academia, research institutes and societies, patient-advocacy groups, and governmental agencies, and a neutral third-party convening organization that can provide a pre-competitive space for data sharing to occur.

Conclusions

Data sharing focused on identified regulatory deliverables that improve the medical product development process encounters significant challenges that are not seen with data sharing aimed at advancing clinical decision making and requires the commitment of all stakeholders. Regulatory data sharing challenges and solutions, as well as multiple examples of previous successful data sharing initiatives are presented and discussed in the context of medical product development.
ELETTORI INDECISI, ELETTORI FLUTTUANTI: CHE
VOLTO HANNO I «BILANCIERI» DEL VOTO? I CASI
ITALIANO E FRANCESE
Authors: Barisione Mauro
Published: January 2021

Introduzione

In un sistema d'alternanza, un tipico
esito elettorale è quello in virtù del quale il
partito o la coalizione vincente accede alle
funzioni di governo grazie ad un margine di voti
esiguo, sufficiente tuttavia a fare la differenza
rispetto alla coalizione avversaria e, magari,
rispetto al proprio risultato delle elezioni
precedenti. Se, tuttavia, i punti percentuali che
una coalizione acquista (o perde) da un'elezione
all'altra sono attribuibili a una pluralità di
fattori (dal ricambio generazionale degli
elettori, alla multidirezionalità dei flussi di
voto, al peso di volta in volta variabile
dell'astensionismo) più complessi di quelli
rilevabili con una semplice operazione algebrica
(del tipo: «35% all'elezione e, 40% all'elezione
e2, uguale 5% di nuovi
elettori»), resta però assai plausibile che le
differenze percentuali tra una coalizione e
l'altra ad un dato scrutinio possano essere
determinate dal comportamento di una minoranza di
elettori «marginali». E ciò è tanto più plausibile
quanto più decisivi si rivelano quei seggi
aggiudicati alla coalizione vincente, collegio per
collegio, sulla base di pochi voti di scarto,
sovente frutto di scelte effettuate da elettori
rimasti indecisi fino all'ultimo momento.
LE ELEZIONI DEL 2001 E LA «MOBILITAZIONE DRAMMATIZZANTE»
Authors: Mannheimer Renato
Published: January 2021

Introduzione

Le elezioni politiche del 2001 sono state caratterizzate dalla presenza
di un fenomeno che pare segnare una cesura rispetto alle consultazioni
precedenti, e può aver avuto anche una certa importanza, sia pure con
modalità differenziate, nel contribuire a formare il risultato. Lo
denomineremo provvisoriamente «mobilitazione drammatizzante» pro o contro
Berlusconi. Quest'ultima è in buona misura legata al modo in cui si è
manifestata e sviluppata la comunicazione pre-elettorale e si è di
conseguenza formato il «clima» che ha caratterizzato il periodo precedente
il voto.