bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pro/Anti-vaxxers in Brazil: a temporal analysis of COVID vaccination stance in Twitter
Authors: de Sousa Andre Mediote , Becker Karin
Published: November 2021

Collective imunization is critical to combat COVID, but a large portion of the population in many countries refuses to be vaccinated despite the availability of vaccines. We developed a temporal analysis of pro/against stances towards COVID vaccination in Brazil using Twitter. We summarized the main topics expressed by pro/anti-vaxxers using BERTopic, a dynamic topic modeling technique, and related them to events in the national scenario. The anti-vaxxers were prevalent throughout 2020, expressing concerns about mandatory vaccination with a strong political bias. The pro-vaxxer movement significantly increased by late 2020 with the begging of immunization and became prevalent in 2021. This group expresses joy and anxiety to get vaccinated and criticisms towards the Federal Government.
Low-Cost Machine Learning for Effective and Efficient Bad Smells Detection
Authors: Figuerêdo J. S. L. , Sarinho V. T. , Calumby R. T.
Published: November 2021

Bad smells are characteristics of software that indicate a code or design problem which can make information system hard to understand, evolve, and maintain. To address this problem, different approaches, manual and automated, have been proposed over the years, including more recently machine learning alternatives. However, despite the advances achieved, some machine learning techniques have not yet been effectively explored, such as the use of feature selection techniques. Moreover, it is not clear to what extent the use of numerous source-code features are necessary for reasonable bad smell detection success. Therefore, in this work we propose an approach using low-cost machine learning for effective and efficient detection of bad smells, through explicit feature selection. Our results showed that the selection allowed to statistically improve the effectiveness of the models. For some cases, the models achieved statistical equivalence, but relying on a highly reduced set of features. Indeed, by using explicit feature selection, simpler models such as Naive Bayes became statistically equivalent to robust models such as Random Forest. Therefore, the selection of features allowed keeping competitive or even superior effectiveness while also improving the efficiency of the models, demanding less computational resources for source-code preprocessing, model training and bad smell detection.
Europarecht
Authors: Bieber Roland , Epiney Astrid , Haag Marcel , Kotzur Markus
Published: November 2021

Sie wollen sich auf eine Prüfung im Europarecht vorbereiten? Oder sich einen Überblick über eines der spannendsten und vielfältigsten Rechtsgebiete verschaffen? Dann ist das Buch „Europarecht. In Fragen und Antworten“ genau das Richtige für Sie! 400 Fragen führen Sie durch die zentralen Bereiche des Rechts der Europäischen Union. Testen Sie Ihr Wissen!

Das Unionsrecht ist stark rechtsprechungsgeprägt. Aus diesem Grund werden die Entscheidungen des EuGH besonders berücksichtigt, zu den meisten Fragen die Leitentscheidungen nachgewiesen, zahlreiche Fragen den Fällen nachgebildet, die der EuGH zu entscheiden hatte und am Ende jeder Antwort weiterführende Hinweise gegeben.

Die 6. Auflage berücksichtigt den aktuellen Stand zum Brexit sowie künftige Perspektiven für die EU, den Green Deal, bis hin zu einem gemeinsamen Haushalt für die Eurozone.

Die ideale Ergänzung des Lehrbuchs von Bieber/Epiney/Haag/Kotzur (14. Auflage, 978-3-8487-6181-4), „Die Europäische Union“!
Updating the Signal-to-cutoff Level to Reduce Anti-hepatitis C Virus False Positivity
Authors: Oztürk Servet , Ağalar Canan
Published: November 2021

Background: Anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) is the only screening test being used in the diagnosis of hepatitis C. In this study, we examined anti-HCV positivity rates in our hospital. Objectives: The aim of administering the anti-HCV test was to distinguish patients with hepatitis C infection from false positivity in patients with reactive results. Methods: The anti-HCV tests were performed at Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. The patients were evaluated retrospectively in terms of age, gender, anti-HCV titer, the clinic for which the examination was requested, the reason for the examination, and the history of hepatitis C. Results: In this study, 511 patients who had two negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results were evaluated as false positive cases and enrolled. The cut-off value was found to be 7.5 IU/ml, with the highest sensitivity of 94.4% and specificity of 94.5% (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.982). The lowest anti-HCV titer (5.2) was from patients without acute hepatitis, who were HCV-RNA positive and diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C. Conclusions: It may be more appropriate to report anti-HCV cut-off value of 0 - 5 as negative, 5 - 7.5 as borderline, and > 7.5 as positive. Working with a more acceptable cut-off level with a greater number of tests can help identify patients with asymptomatic HCV infection. Also, it can possibly reduce the cost due to a decrease in the number of PCR tests administered.
O Método Dinheiro na Economia da Filosofia do Dinheiro
Authors: Marques Francisco Felizol ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: November 2021

Being neither the object nor the purpose of the Philosophy of Money, money is rather the materialization and prolongation of an epistemology proposed by Simmel. His relativism, already with ontological implications later developed in his concept of individuality, aims to immunize the knowledge against skeptical attacks. Founding knowledge for not found it, for not base it on a untried, substantial and petrified truth, makes it self-sustains, placing circumstantially in mutual and dynamic dependence all its contents. Money, the reciprocity objective linker of the most unlikely contents in its continuons movement, already imperfectly with the future attributes of the Simmelian life, is the Philosophy of Money's method. Money enables and explains the variety of topics treated there; it is, more than etymologically, the path (Analytical Part) to the purpose (Synthetic Part) of this book and even philosophy: wider stand, by the interdependence of things, the whole.
Consideraciones Filológicas a Propósito del “Genio” en Kant
Authors: Marques Ubirajara Rancan de Azevedo ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: November 2021

To clarify the definition of “Genius” which Kant employs in the § 46 of the Critique of Judgment is the motto of the considerations of the present article about the meaning of the “innate” in the transcendental philosophy.
A Autoridade da Lei e a Força do Direito
Authors: Volpato Dutra Delamar José ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: November 2021

The article presents the Hobbesian connection between natural law and civil law, and denies that it involves a complete renounce of natural right. Therefore, the article sustains the permanence of a residual natural right, even after the birth of the Leviathan, without for that reason incurring in an insurmountable instability for the sovereign.
A Presença do Trágico na Teodiceia de Leibniz
Authors: Dimas Samuel ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: November 2021

Leibniz strives to conciliate the liberty of divine law and the cosmic order with the freedom of human action, affïrming that all good and bad events compete to bring about the consummation of God’s plan for Creation. The tragic imperfection of its parts, which reflects in the misery of evil deeds, converts into the perfection of the whole through the action of divine providence. The evil and the suffering destined by the consequent will of God, which results from the competition of all the particular individual wills, represent the means to a greater good, predestined by the prior will of God. All are predestined to eternal salvation with many destined to eternal condemnation.
The Origins of the Transcendental Subjectivity
Authors: Lorini Gualtiero ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: November 2021

Scholars are prone to emphasize A.G. Baumgarten’s foundation of aesthetics as a discipline in its own right and Kant’s use of Baumgarten’s Metaphysica as a handbook for his lectures on metaphysics. Nonetheless there are some further and deeper reasons for Baumgarten to mark a division between the so called Leibnizian-Wolffian tradition and the Kantian transcendental revolution. The goal of this paper is to take into account these reasons and to analyze them in order to show that they are rooted in psychology as it is treated in Baumgarten’s Metaphysica. The paper’s aim is to highlight Baumgarten’s methodological approach, that is, the use of Leibnizian doctrines, which are exposed through the Wolffian order. The radical originality of this procedure can be adequately assessed only by virtue of its Kantian development.
Considerações sobre a presença da natureza-morta na arte contemporânea
Authors: Corrêa Milena Regina Duarte , Moreira Altamir
Published: November 2021

Este artigo baseia-se na dissertação de mestrado do(a) autor(a), a respeito da presença das naturezas-mortas na arte contemporânea. Tem objetivo de examinar como a natureza-morta da história da arte ultrapassa a cronologia do tempo e marca sua presença na contemporaneidade. A partir de uma abordagem metodológica baseada na pesquisa bibliográfica e no estudo iconográfico proposto por Georges Didi-Huberman, o texto apresenta uma análise comparativa entre imagens de diferentes tempos, através dos seguintes elementos: persistência dos motivos, persistência das formas, comunicação e novidade. Dessa forma, conclui-se que, as naturezas-mortas sobrevivem à história e adaptam-se na arte contemporânea de forma contestadora e plural, produzindo outros significados, além dos anteriores e convencionais.
Circuits for integrating learned and innate valences in the insect brain
Authors: Eschbach Claire , Fushiki Akira , Winding Michael , Afonso Bruno , Andrade Ingrid V , Cocanougher Benjamin T , Eichler Katharina , Gepner Ruben , Si Guangwei , Valdes-Aleman Javier , Fetter Richard D , Gershow Marc , Jefferis Gregory SXE , Samuel Aravinthan DT , Truman James W , Cardona Albert , Zlatic Marta
Published: November 2021

Animal behavior is shaped both by evolution and by individual experience. Parallel brain pathways encode innate and learned valences of cues, but the way in which they are integrated during action-selection is not well understood. We used electron microscopy to comprehensively map with synaptic resolution all neurons downstream of all mushroom body (MB) output neurons (encoding learned valences) and characterized their patterns of interaction with lateral horn (LH) neurons (encoding innate valences) in Drosophila larva. The connectome revealed multiple convergence neuron types that receive convergent MB and LH inputs. A subset of these receives excitatory input from positive-valence MB and LH pathways and inhibitory input from negative-valence MB pathways. We confirmed functional connectivity from LH and MB pathways and behavioral roles of two of these neurons. These neurons encode integrated odor value and bidirectionally regulate turning. Based on this, we speculate that learning could potentially skew the balance of excitation and inhibition onto these neurons and thereby modulate turning. Together, our study provides insights into the circuits that integrate learned and innate valences to modify behavior.
Individual variations in ‘brain age’ relate to early-life factors more than to longitudinal brain change
Authors: Vidal-Pineiro Didac , Wang Yunpeng , Krogsrud Stine K , Amlien Inge K , Baaré William FC , Bartres-Faz David , Bertram Lars , Brandmaier Andreas M , Drevon Christian A , Düzel Sandra , Ebmeier Klaus , Henson Richard N , Junqué Carme , Kievit Rogier Andrew , Kühn Simone , Leonardsen Esten , Lindenberger Ulman , Madsen Kathrine S , Magnussen Fredrik , Mowinckel Athanasia Monika , Nyberg Lars , Roe James M , Segura Barbara , Smith Stephen M , Sørensen Øystein , Suri Sana , Westerhausen Rene , Zalesky Andrew , Zsoldos Enikő , Walhovd Kristine Beate , Fjell Anders
Published: November 2021

Brain age is a widely used index for quantifying individuals’ brain health as deviation from a normative brain aging trajectory. Higher-than-expected brain age is thought partially to reflect above-average rate of brain aging. Here, we explicitly tested this assumption in two independent large test datasets (UK Biobank [main] and Lifebrain [replication]; longitudinal observations ≈ 2750 and 4200) by assessing the relationship between cross-sectional and longitudinal estimates of brain age. Brain age models were estimated in two different training datasets (n ≈ 38,000 [main] and 1800 individuals [replication]) based on brain structural features. The results showed no association between cross-sectional brain age and the rate of brain change measured longitudinally. Rather, brain age in adulthood was associated with the congenital factors of birth weight and polygenic scores of brain age, assumed to reflect a constant, lifelong influence on brain structure from early life. The results call for nuanced interpretations of cross-sectional indices of the aging brain and question their validity as markers of ongoing within-person changes of the aging brain. Longitudinal imaging data should be preferred whenever the goal is to understand individual change trajectories of brain and cognition in aging.
Polygamous breeding system identified in the distylous genus Psychotria: P. manillensis in the Ryukyu archipelago, Japan
Authors: Watanabe Kenta , Shimizu Akira , Sugawara Takashi
Published: November 2021

Distyly is a genetic polymorphism composed of long-and short-styled flowers in a population. The evolutionary breakdown of distyly has been reported in many taxa, and mainly involves a shift toward monomorphism or dioecism. However, a shift toward monoecism has not been reported in distylous species. Psychotria (Rubiaceae), one of the world largest genera, consists of distylous species and their derivatives. In our preliminary study, however, we identified some monoecious individuals in a population of Psychotria manillensis. To understand the breeding system and reproductive biology of P. manillensis, we investigated floral traits, open fruit set, and flower visitors, and performed hand pollination and bagging experiments in five populations of Okinawa and Iriomote islands, Ryukyu Islands, Japan. The populations of P. manillensis were composed mainly of monoecious individuals (54%), followed by female (30%), male (14%), and hermaphroditic (2%) individuals at the time of flower collection. Of the collected flowers, 93% were functionally unisexual (male or female), whereas only 6.5% were perfect (hermaphroditic). However, some individuals changed sex mainly towards increasing femaleness during the flowering period. Moreover, 35% of the studied plants changed their sexual expression over the years. P. manillensis showed self-compatibility and no agamospermy. The fruit set under open pollination varied among populations and years (1.8–21.9%), but it was significantly higher than that of auto-selfing (0.68–1.56%). Wasps and flies were the main flower visitors and probably the main pollinators of the species. In conclusion, P. manillensis was revealed to be polygamous, involving monoecious, female, male, and hermaphroditic individuals. This is the first report of the polygamous breeding system not only in the genus Psychotria, but also in all heterostylous taxa.
Developing an Effective Employee Performance Appraisal System
Authors: Emmanuel E. Nnanna , John O. Ugha
Published: November 2021

This study focuses on developing an effective employee performance appraisal system and employees’ perception of justice with the appraisal outcome. The study tries to identify the various techniques used in the appraisal process, the error(s) associated with each technique, all known metrics of performance measurement, and best ways of capturing appraisal data. This study is imperative in view of the fact that most existing appraisal system limit staff performance to competence only. The current system uses generic ratings for all workers irrespective of their job roles and do not employ biometrics in the appraisal process. Leveraging on the potentials of information and communications technology (ICT) helps to harmonize all issues embedded in the current appraisal system. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources in order to elicit information from stakeholders. Some hypotheses were adopted. Questionnaires were also used to help in data collection from both stake holders and workers in general. Hypothesises were tested using chi-square with degree of freedom (d.f.) = (n-1) = 4 and level of significance (α) is 0.05. Pie chart was also use in the analysis. Results show that there is a high level of perception of injustice with the present appraisal system by stakeholders. Result also shows that existing appraisal systems limits workers performance to competence only. It was revealed that an effective appraisal system should be technology-driven. Technology-driven employee performance appraisal system utilizes all known matrices of performance measurement in the appraisal process. This approach to workers appraisal would bring about transparency and efficiency in the system. It would also bring about wide participation in the appraisal process. Furthermore, it would create room for increased productivity, proper monitoring of workers performance and increased workers satisfaction.
La entonacion de las frases declarativas e interrogativas absolutas en catalan en el corpus inducido de AMPER, un estudio preliminar
Authors:   Universidad de Barcelona (España), Romera Barrios Lourdes
Published: November 2021

En este trabajo se lleva a cabo el análisis de la entonación de frases declarativas neutras e interrogativas absolutas del catalán obtenidas utilizando un corpus inducido (DTC). El estudio se realiza en el marco del proyecto AMPERCAT (Contini y otros, 2002; Fernández Planas, 2005). Las realizaciones de habla semiespontánea son comparadas con las obtenidas mediante eli- citación textual en el corpus fijo de AMPER y otros estudios prosódicos del catalán (Prieto y otros, 2015). El contorno nuclear mayoritario para las declarativas neutras es L*L%, mientras que para las interrogativas se dan diferentes contornos: dos con final descendente (H+L*L% y ¡H+L*L%) y dos con final ascendente (L*H% y H+L*LH%).
Incidental specialised vocabulary acquisition: a case of incidental medical terms acquisition from students’ perspective
Authors:   Jazan University, Saudi Arabia, Ghobain Elham Abdullah
Published: November 2021

This study observes a particular group of students learning medical terms (MT) implicitly through studying medical subjects. That is, based on the policy followed in the context of the study, students shall not receive any deliberate terms instruction. This paper investigates their experiences and attitudes towards acquiring MT in such a situation. Students’ acquisition and proficiency, hypothesizing a positive relationship between the two constructs, are self-assessed through pre- and post-test surveys. The surveys included 114 and 95 students in each phase, respectively. Prior to the surveys, focus group discussions were conducted, according to which the questionnaire was developed. A statistical correlational Pearson test was done to examine the relationship between students’ proficiency and incidental terms acquisition. The results indicated a significant negative relationship between the two constructs tested. The study also tested the effect of time on increasing acquisition through conducting a paired independent t-test between the two sets of data. The results found that a more extended period was significant to incidental acquisition. Overall, through comparing the means, modes, and medians in the two phases (pre- and post-test), the findings reveal an increase in the students’ terms acquisition volume. However, students seem not to favour the approach and still advocate explicit instruction for technical terms.
Estudio comparativo de habilidades lingüísticas y lectoras entre un grupo de niños con trastorno específico del lenguaje y un grupo de niños con dislexia
Authors:   Universidad de Chile, Chile, Bascuñán Vidal Javiera , Carreño Dittus Marisol ,   Universidad de Chile, Chile, Collao Pinto Isadora ,   Universidad de Chile, Chile, Hernández Zavala Paula ,   Universidad de Chile, Chile, De Barbieri Ortiz Zulema ,   Universidad Santo Tomás, Chile
Published: November 2021

La lectura es un proceso fundamental del aprendizaje escolar. Esta requiere un grupo amplio de habilidades; entre ellas, habilidades lingüísticas como la conciencia fonológica y vocabulario, y habilidades lectoras en sí mismas, como la decodificación y comprensión lectora. Existe un grupo que presenta dificultades de la lectura, los niños con dislexia, y otro grupo que se ha identificado de riesgo para el aprendizaje lector, los niños con trastorno específico del lenguaje (TEL). Existen diversos estudios y teorías que han buscado relación entre ambos cuadros. Objetivo: Determinar y comparar el desempeño de niños hispanohablantes con TEL y dislexia en habilidades lingüísticas y lectoras, y determinar el impacto de estas habilidades en el proceso lector. Métodos: La muestra está compuesta por 55 niños de 2.° básico, 31 con TEL y 24 con dislexia. Las habilidades linguísticas evaluadas fueron conciencia fonológica y vocabulario, y para las habilidades lectoras se evaluó decodificación y comprensión lectora. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que tanto las habilidades lingüísticas como las lectoras se encuentran descendidas en ambos grupos. El grupo con dislexia presenta un rendimiento significativamente menor en habilidades lectoras, mientras que, en habilidades lingüísticas, no se observan diferencias significativas. Además, se halló correlación positiva entre conciencia fonológica y decodificación y esta última con comprensión lectora en ambos grupos. Solo en el grupo con TEL la conciencia fonológica se correlaciona con comprensión lectora; en cambio, en el grupo de niños con dislexia esta relación se da solo con decodificación. Conclusiones: Los resultados de este estudio pueden orientar a establecer que ambos cuadros no son totalmente diferentes dado que poseen manifestaciones similares especialmente en el rendimiento de las habilidades lingüísticas y en la relación de estas con la lectura. Sin embargo, la diferencia está dada fundamentalmente por las habilidades lectoras donde el grupo de niños con dislexia presenta un rendimiento inferior al de los niños con TEL.
Mejora del proceso de aprendizaje de la escritura mediante las rutinas del pensamiento
Authors:   Universidad de Alicante, España, Gutiérrez-Fresneda Raúl , Gilar Corbí Raquel ,   Universidad de Alicante, España
Published: November 2021

La adquisición de la escritura requiere de la intervención de procesos cognitivos de gran complejidad, lo que origina dificultades en su aprendizaje desde las primeras edades. La puesta en común de los conocimientos, ideas e hipótesis personales que va construyendo cada estudiante a través de propuestas que potencien la reflexión cognitiva sobre el proceso de construcción de la escritura puede ser una estrategia de gran utilidad para el dominio de este aprendizaje. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar el efecto que la intervención de un programa centrado en el desarrollo de las habilidades que favorecen el acceso al sistema de la escritura mediante dinámicas que potencien la capacidad de pensar a través de las rutinas de pensamiento presenta en el proceso de adquisición de la escritura. Se empleó un diseño cuasi-experimental de comparación entre grupos con medidas pretest y postest. En el estudio participaron 356 estudiantes con edades entre los 5 y 6 años. Los resultados ponderan el valor potencial del programa y apoyan el desarrollo de modelos de enseñanza que integren las habilidades del pensamiento en la práctica del aula para la mejora del sistema de la escritura en los primeros niveles escolares
Individual differences in risk perception and misperception of COVID‐19 in the context of political ideology
Authors: Weil Audrey M. , Wolfe Christopher R.
Published: November 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has been characterized by misinformation, politicization of public health, and extreme differences in risk assessment. In two studies, we sought to understand factors that contribute to differences in people's understanding of the virus and associated risks. We found that conservative participants reported higher levels of acceptable risk, have lower risk estimates of activities, and endorsed more misinformation. Participants with personal health risk factors rated COVID‐19 risks as higher, more reflective participants had lower acceptable risk levels, and impulsive participants endorsed more misinformation. In our second study, we also found that reflective participants were more likely to wear a mask, get vaccinated, and maintain social distancing, and that participants judged arguments about COVID‐19 measures largely based on the claim rather than supporting reasons. By clarifying these individual differences, public health experts can more effectively create targeted interventions for at risk populations, and be better prepared for future outbreaks.
Feasibility of T2 Mapping of the Sacroiliac Joints in Healthy Control Subjects and Children and Young Adults with Sacroiliitis
Authors: Francavilla Michael L. , Serai Suraj D. , Brandon Timothy G. , Biko David M. , Khrichenko Dmitry , Nguyen Jie C. , Xiao Rui , Chauvin Nancy A. , Gendler Liya , Weiss Pamela F.
Published: November 2021

Objective

To assess the feasibility of T2 mapping for evaluating pediatric SIJ cartilage at 3 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Healthy control subjects and adolescents with sacroiliitis underwent a 3T MRI dedicated pelvic protocol that included a T2 mapping sequence consisting of multislice, multiecho acquisition. Healthy control subjects were prospectively recruited from our primary care practices as part of a larger imaging study, whereas adolescents with sacroiliitis were recruited specifically for this study. Regions of interest (ROIs) were hand‐drawn by a senior pediatric radiologist twice and a radiology fellow twice to calibrate and test reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). T2 relaxation time between control subjects and cases was compared using univariate linear regression. We tested the association of T2 relaxation time in adolescents with sacroiliitis with patient‐reported outcomes and the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada sacroiliac joint (SIJ) inflammation and structural scores using Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results

Fourteen subjects were evaluable (six control subjects: median age 13.7 years [interquartile range (IQR): 12.2‐15.5], 67% male patients; eight cases: median age 17.4 years [IQR: 12.5‐20], 88% male patients]. Acquisition time for T2 mapping sequences was approximately 6 minutes, and segmenting the ROI for each SIJ took approximately 3 minutes. The intrarater and inter‐rater ICCs were 0.67 and 0.46, respectively, indicating good to fair reliability. There was a trend, albeit statistically insignificant, in longer median T2 relaxation time in cases (43.04 ms; IQR: 41.25‐49.76 ms) versus healthy control subjects (40.0 ms; IQR: 38.9‐48.6 ms). Although not statistically significant, cases with longer T2 relaxation time tended to occur with poorer patient‐reported outcomes. Correlations with the SIJ inflammation and structural lesion scores were weak.

Conclusion

T2 mapping of the SIJ cartilage in children was feasible and reliable. Larger controlled and longitudinal assessments are needed to assess the validity and utility of these measurements for routine clinical practice and trials.
Transformation of Quasi‐2D Perovskite into 3D Perovskite Using Formamidine Acetate Additive for Efficient Blue Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Ding Weigang , Liu Hongli , Zhang Shuai , Qiu Dingding , Li Xianggao , Wang Shirong
Published: November 2021

Perovskite films have emerged as candidates for light‐emitting diodes on accounts of excellent optical properties and low cost. Construction of quasi‐2D perovskite films by incorporating organic ammonium is an effective method to manufacture a pinhole‐free film with high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). However, excess organic ammonium hampers carrier mobility through forming insulating capping layer and facilitates the formation of alow‐dimensional perovskite (n =1 andn =2) phase that accelerates non‐radiative recombination, resulting in poor performance of light‐emitting diodes. In this work, formamidine acetate is added into the quasi‐2D perovskite to modulate the optical and electrical properties of the perovskite films (CsFA‐Ac). Acetate ions are in favor of washing away excess ammonium and formamidine ions are beneficial to increase the formation energy of low‐dimensional (n =2) phase. As a result, the quasi‐2D perovskite is transformed into 3D perovskite. The PLQY of the obtained CsFA‐Ac perovskite films is boosted to 59.9% and carrier mobility is enhanced to 47.3 cm2 V‐1 s‐1. Blue perovskite light‐emitting diode based on the CsFA‐Ac film is endowed with a prominent EQE of 8.8% (average 7.0%) at 477 nm. This work demonstrates a strategy for the development of efficient perovskite light‐emitting diodes.
Activating MoS2 Nanoflakes via Sulfur Defect Engineering Wrapped on CNTs for Stable and Efficient Li‐O2 Batteries
Authors: Li Deyuan , Zhao Lanling , Xia Qing , Wang Jun , Liu Xiaomeng , Xu Haoran , Chou Shulei
Published: November 2021

Developing efficient cathode catalysts can largely promote the application of Li‐O2 batteries (LOBs). In this work, the core‐shell MoS2−x@CNTs composite is synthesized via a hydrothermal method with annealing and NaBH4 reduction post‐processing, of which the defective MoS2 nanoflakes are homogeneously coated on the 3D carbon nanotube (CNT) webs. It is found that it delivers superior bifunctional catalytic activities toward both oxygen reduction and evolution reactions for LOBs. On the one hand, the charge re‐distribution on MoS2 nanoflakes with sulfur vacancies can be effectively constructed by the surface engineering strategy, remarkably boosting the kinetics of Li‐O2 catalysis. On the other hand, the conductive and high surface area CNT network can facilitate mass transfer and provide enough free space for composite cathodes, accommodating the volume changes caused by the reversible formation and decomposition of discharge products during cycling. More importantly, the unique core‐shell architecture can not only enable fully covering of defective MoS2 nanoflakes on CNT surfaces to avoid the contact between CNTs and electrolyte, distinctly suppressing side reactions, but also realize the exposure of more active sites to fulfill their catalytic properties. This work provides an insightful investigation on advanced catalysts and holds great potential for catalyst structural engineering in LOBs.
High‐Temperature Thermal Transport in Porous Silica Materials: Direct Observation of a Switch from Conduction to Radiation
Authors: Neuhöfer Anna M. , Herrmann Kai , Lebeda Flora , Lauster Tobias , Kathmann Christoph , Biehs Svend‐Age , Retsch Markus
Published: November 2021

Efficient thermal insulation at high temperatures poses stringent requirements on suitable materials. Low density, porous inorganic structures with pore sizes in the sub‐micrometer range are of particular interest for such materials to control heat conduction. Simultaneously, thermal radiation has to be suppressed, which depends on the optical properties of the constituents. Here, the authors demonstrate a direct observation of the transition from a conduction dominated to a radiation dominated thermal transport mechanism for the case of particulate silica materials at temperatures reaching up to 925 °C. A detailed analysis of the radiative transport through bulk silica as well as solid and hollow silica particles is provided. Optical transparency at high temperatures is the driving force, whereas surface wave modes barely contribute, particularly in case of the insulating particle packings. The existing analytical framework of laser flash analysis is extended to qualitatively describe the radiative and conductive heat transport by two independent diffusive transport models. The analysis provides a better understanding of the challenges to fabricate and analyze efficient thermal insulation materials at high operating temperatures, where multiple heat transport mechanisms need to be controlled.
Atomic Visualization and Switching of Ferroelectric Order in β‐In2Se3 Films at the Single Layer Limit
Authors: Zhang Zhimo , Nie Jinhua , Zhang Zhihao , Yuan Yuan , Fu Ying‐Shuang , Zhang Wenhao
Published: November 2021

2D ferroelectrics have received wide interest due to the remarkable quantum states of emerging physics at reduced dimensionality, associated with their exotic properties in high‐performance and nonvolatile functional devices. Here, by combing molecular beam epitaxy synthesis and scanning tunneling microscopy characterization, two metastable phases of layered In2Se3 films: β′‐ and β*‐In2Se3 are reported, which develop different types of in‐plane spontaneous polarizations, thus resulting in different striped morphologies. The anti‐ferroelectric order in β′‐In2Se3 and ferroelectric order of β*‐In2Se3 are identified, respectively, down to the 2D limit by comprehensive investigations of structural and spectroscopic signatures, including the lattice distortion, the spatial profile of images, the formation of domain structure, and the electronic band‐bending by polarization charges at edges. The ferroelectric switching between those two phases are further controlled via applying an electric field generated from the scanning tunneling microscopy tip in a reversible manner. The intriguing tunability between the (anti‐)ferroelectric orders in the 2D limit provides a promising platform for studying the interplay between electronic structure and ferroelectricity in van der Waals materials, and promotes potential development of miniaturized transistors and memory devices based on electric polarizations.
Customized Luminescent Multiplexed Quick‐Response Codes as Reliable Temperature Mobile Optical Sensors for eHealth and Internet of Things
Authors: Ramalho João F. C. B. , Dias Lília M. S. , Fu Lianshe , Botas Alexandre M. P. , Carlos Luís D. , Carneiro Neto Albano N. , André Paulo S. , Ferreira Rute A. S.
Published: November 2021

The need to sense and track in real time through sustainable and multifunctional labels is exacerbated by the COVID‐19 pandemic, where the simultaneous measurement of body temperature and the fast tracking of people is required. One of the big challenges is to develop effective low‐cost systems that can promote healthcare provision everywhere and for that, smarter and personalized Internet of things (IoT) devices are a pathway in large exploration, toward cost reduction and sustainability. Using the concept of color‐multiplexed quick response (QR) codes, customized smart labels formed by two independent layers and smart location patterns provide simultaneous tracking and multiple synchronous temperature reading with maximum sensitivity values of 8.5% K−1in the physiological temperature range, overwhelming the state‐of‐the‐art optical sensor for healthcare services provided electronically via the internet (eHealth) and mobile sensors (mHealth).
Impact of increased APP gene dose in Down syndrome and the Dp16 mouse model
Authors: Sawa Mariko , Overk Cassia , Becker Ann , Derse Dominique , Albay Ricardo , Weldy Kim , Salehi Ahmad , Beach Thomas G. , Doran Eric , Head Elizabeth , Yu Y. Eugene , Mobley William C
Published: November 2021

Introduction

People with Down syndrome (DS) are predisposed to Alzheimer's disease (AD). The amyloid hypothesis informs studies of AD. In AD‐DS, but not sporadic AD, increased APP copy number is necessary, defining the APP gene dose hypothesis. Which amyloid precursor protein (APP) products contribute needs to be determined.

Methods

Brain levels of full‐length protein (fl‐hAPP), C‐terminal fragments (hCTFs), and amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides were measured in DS, AD‐DS, non‐demented controls (ND), and sporadic AD cases. The APP gene‐dose hypothesis was evaluated in the Dp16 model.

Results

DS and AD‐DS differed from ND and AD for all APP products. In AD‐DS, Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels exceeded AD. APP products were increased in the Dp16 model; increased APP gene dose was necessary for loss of vulnerable neurons, tau pathology, and activation of astrocytes and microglia.

Discussion

Increases in APP products other than Aβ distinguished AD‐DS from AD. Deciphering AD‐DS pathogenesis necessitates deciphering which APP products contribute and how.
The cross‐linked hyperbranched polyamide‐amines: The preparation and its adsorption for Pb(II)
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhu Sining , Xi Chen , Shen Yongqiang , Xiang Yanhong , Zhang Fan
Published: November 2021

In order to prepare a new adsorbent material for the treatment of waste water containing Pb(II), hyperbranched polyamide‐amines (H‐PAMAMs) were prepared via one‐pot method, then the H‐PAMAMs were crosslinked by epichlorohydrin. The crosslinked hyperbranched polyamide‐amines (C‐H‐PAMAMs) were prepared and characterized. The selective adsorption of coexisting ions shows that the C‐H‐PAMAMs have high adsorption capacity and selectivity for Pb(II). The adsorption characteristics and mechanism of the C‐H‐PAMAMs for Pb(II) were systematically investigated. The results of batch adsorption experiments showed that the maximum Pb(II) adsorption capacity was 180.83 mg/g at pH 4.0 and 318 K. The adsorption process on the C‐H‐PAMAMs was well described by the Langmuir model, which indicated the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed that the adsorption mechanism of the C‐H‐PAMAMs for Pb(II) was the synergistic chelation of COO and CONH. Four adsorption/desorption recycling tests showed that the the C‐H‐PAMAMs still had a high adsorption capacity for Pb(II).
Determining the best flame retardant for rigid polyurethane foam—Tris(2‐chloroisopropyl) phosphate, expandable graphite, or silica aerogel
Authors: Thong Ya Xuan , Li Xiaodong , Yin Xi Jiang
Published: November 2021

Although rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) have great thermal insulating properties such as its low density, low thermal conductivity, and high compressive strength, they have limited usage because pristine PU foams are highly flammable. Therefore, in order to have widespread applications, much attention has been invested in the discovery and study of a vast number of flame retardants. In this work, analysis on the physical, chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties of RPUF composites prepared with industrially‐used flame retardants, namely tris(2‐chloroisopropyl) phosphate (also known as TMCP or TCPP) and expandable graphite (EG), together with the highly promoted silica aerogel, was performed. Taking into account the overall performance, it was found that EG was the best among the three flame retardants investigated.
Halloysite/cellulose derivatives‐based bionanocomposites for controlled naproxen delivery
Authors: Borges de Macedo Julia , Bonametti Olivato Juliana , Marini Juliano , Aenishanslin Juliana , Pianaro Sidnei Antônio , Colerato Ferrari Priscileila
Published: November 2021

Bionanocomposites are biocompatible, biodegradable, low‐toxicity materials inorganic/biopolymer‐based, carrying drugs for controlled delivery. The development of novel materials aiming to improve drug efficacy and reduce its toxicity is a continuous focus of the pharmaceutical industry. In this work, we report the development of an innovative controlled naproxen delivery system. The bionanocomposites are composed of naproxen‐loaded halloysite and ethylcellulose/hydroxypropylmethylcellulose blends produced by the spray drying technique. Chemical modification in the halloysite nanotubes was performed, aiming to improve the ionic interactions with the naproxen. The bionanocomposites drug‐load efficiency and interactions were characterized by physicochemical analysis. We also evaluated the naproxen release and its transport mechanism. Results show an efficient drug loading into halloysite, varying from 70% to 90%. Moreover, the naproxen release was delayed up to four times (compared with raw naproxen), that is, 48 h from nanotubes by Fickian diffusion, and sustained for 60 h from (bio)nanocomposites. The naproxen release from bionanocomposites occurred by several processes as diffusion, polymer swelling, and erosion. Furthermore, no drug was released at simulated gastric fluid, which may reduce the undesirable gastrointestinal effects. The developed bionanocomposites are potential for clinical applications for controlled drug delivery, as naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory, commonly prescribes chronic disease treatment.
Examining the determinants of acceptance and use of mobile contact tracing applications in Brazil: An extended privacy calculus perspective
Authors: Fox Grace , van der Werff Lisa , Rosati Pierangelo , Takako Endo Patricia , Lynn Theo
Published: November 2021

Mobile contact tracing applications have emerged as a potential solution to track and reduce the transmission of viruses such as Covid‐19. These applications require the disclosure of potentially sensitive personal information thus generating understandable implications for personal privacy. This research aims to determine the factors driving acceptance of these applications, with acceptance represented by three distinct variables, namely usage intentions, willingness to disclose personal data, and willingness to rely on health advice. The study examines the influence of perceived privacy, social influence, and benefits on acceptance of contact tracing applications among a sample of 1,114 Brazilian citizens. The study leverages social contract theory to demonstrate the importance of perceived control and perceived surveillance in the formation of individuals' perceptions of privacy. Integrating privacy calculus theory with social contract theory to include reciprocity and social influence, our findings suggest that perceived privacy, reciprocal benefits, and social influence all positively influence individuals' intentions to download or continue the use of contact tracing applications, while intentions to disclose information are influenced by adoption intentions, perceived privacy, and reciprocal benefits and individuals' willingness to rely on contact tracing applications for health advice is influenced by reciprocal benefits and disclosure intentions.
Kalksteinmehl als Betonzusatzstoff – Vorschlag für die Anrechenbarkeit auf den Zementgehalt und Potenzial zur CO2‐Reduktion im Betonbau
Authors: Herget Christian , Müller Anna , Proske Tilo , Rezvani Moien , Graubner Carl‐Alexander
Published: November 2021

Um die mit der Betonindustrie verbundenen CO2‐Emissionen deutlich zu reduzieren, ist ein verstärkter Einsatz von Betonzusatzstoffen zur Reduktion des Zementklinkergehalts des Betons anzustreben. Eine Anrechenbarkeit von Betonzusatzstoffen Typ II für die Berechnung des äquivalenten w/z‐Werts und den Nachweis des Mindestzementgehalts ist bereits über den k‐Wert‐Ansatz in DIN EN 206‐1 bzw. DIN 1045‐2 normativ geregelt. Durch eine Erweiterung des Ansatzes auf Kalksteinmehle könnte ein Anreiz geschaffen werden, den Zementklinkergehalt im Beton weiter abzusenken und somit die CO2‐Emissionen deutlich zu reduzieren. Obwohl Kalksteinmehl als Betonzusatzstoff Typ I nahezu inert ist, besteht aufgrund physikalisch‐mechanischer Effekte ein gewisser Beitrag zur Festigkeitsentwicklung von Beton. Nachfolgend wird auf Grundlage von Ergebnissen langjähriger Forschungsarbeiten eine potenzielle Anrechenbarkeit von Kalksteinmehl, basierend auf dem Prinzip der vergleichbaren Leistungsfähigkeit nach DIN EN 1992‐1, für Betone vorgestellt. Als Ergebnis wird für Kalksteinmehl ein k‐Wert von 0,15 bei der Berechnung des Wasserzementwerts sowie eine volle Anrechenbarkeit auf den Mindestzementgehalt vorgeschlagen.
The use of social referencing to teach safety skills to toddlers with autism
Authors: Couger Kathryn , Peterson Pamela , MacDonald Rebecca
Published: November 2021

Social referencing is a chain of behavior where the presence of an ambiguous stimulus evokes a gaze shift from the stimulus to another individual. The other individual's facial expression signals either the availability of reinforcement or punishment. The purpose was to teach two toddlers with autism to discriminate between safe and dangerous stimuli through a social referencing chain. Participants were trained using differential reinforcement and least‐to‐most prompting to gaze shift from an item inside of a lunchbox or a bin to an adult, and to respond differentially based on the adult's facial expression. Results showed acquisition of both the discrimination between safe and dangerous stimuli and the maintenance of a social referencing chain in the presence of unfamiliar stimuli. These findings are discussed as they relate to the implications of teaching socially valid safety skills to toddlers with autism.
Green synthesis, structure feature and energy transfer of yellow‐emitting (Y,Gd)2O2SO4:Dy phosphors
Authors: Yang Xiaolong , Lu Bin , Wang Xinyuan , Sakka Yoshio
Published: November 2021

A green chemical precipitation route was used to yield a hydrated basic sulfate precursor upon calcination at 1000°C into a series of (Y,Gd)2O2SO4:Dy particles. The phosphors exhibited characteristic Dy3+ emissions from 4F9/2→6HJ (J = 15/2, 13/2, 11/2) transitions under ultraviolet light excitation; the quenching concentration of Dy3+ was determined to be 2.5 at.%. Substitution of Gd3+ for Y3+ led to an additional strong sharp band at ~277 nm (8S7/2→6IJ transition of Gd3+) in the photoluminescence excitation spectra, upon which the (Gd0.975Dy0.025)2O2SO4 phosphor achieved a ~2.8‐fold higher photoluminescence intensity via an effective energy transfer from Gd3+ to Dy3+ compared with the 354 nm excitation of Dy3+. Both the photoluminescence and photoluminescence excitation intensities of (Y,Gd)2O2SO4:Dy phosphors increased with rising Gd3+ concentration and calcination temperature in the range 750–1000°C. A higher Gd3+ concentration slightly prolonged the effective fluorescence lifetime.
Plastic Extrusion Process Optimization by Digital Twins
Authors: Sarishvili Alex , Just Daniel , Moser Kevin , Wirsen Andreas , Diemert Jan , Jirstrand Mats
Published: November 2021

Continuous plastics compounding processes are highly complex from a physicochemical point of view and correspondingly difficult to optimize. Model‐based digital twins suitable for this purpose require complex simulation approaches, trained personnel and input variables that are difficult to determine. However, data‐based digital twins, which are in principle suitable for this purpose, often fail because of the enormous trial effort which is required to generate a sufficiently large database. To overcome this problem this paper describes a hybrid approach for generating the necessary database for a data‐based digital twin. By intelligent combination of real experiments, adaptation of the physical‐chemical process model to these few experimental data and subsequent data cloud generation with the adapted process model results in a sufficient data base for the digital twin.
An Olefinic 1,2‐α‐Boryl Migration Enables 1,2‐Bis(boronic esters) via Radical‐Polar Crossover Reaction
Authors: Zhang Feng , Liao Shangteng , Zhou Lu , Yang Kai , Wang Chenglan , Lou Yixian , Wang Cece , Song Qiuling
Published: November 2021

Comprehensive Summary

A radical‐induced 1,2‐α‐boryl migration through radical polar crossover reactions has been described. In this work, in situ formed vinyldiboron “ate” complexes from alkenyl Grignard reagent and diborylalkanes react with commercial radical precursors under light initiation. This three‐component process enables diborylation of alkene. This protocol features high atom economy, a broad substrate scope as well as good functional group toleration with mild conditions.