bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broadband low-frequency sound insulation performance of quasi-zero stiffness local resonant acoustic metamaterial plate
Authors: Xu Qiang-Rong , Shen Cheng , Han Feng , Lu Tian-Jian ,   State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China,   State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China,   Department of Function and Structure, Shanghai Aircraft Design and Research Institute, Shanghai 201210, China
Published: August 2021

For realizing the effective broadband insulation of sound at low frequencies, a novel local resonant acoustic metamaterial plate having quasi-zero stiffness is proposed. Based on the classical mass-spring local resonance model, a metastructure is constructed by introducing additional inclined springs with negative stiffness. First, the normalized equivalent stiffness of the quasi-zero stiffness structure is derived from the perspective of dynamics. Then, by employing the method of equivalent medium, a sound insulation model of the metastructure is established theoretically. For validation, numerical simulations as well as experimental measurements are carried out. It is demonstrated that in the positive (equivalent) stiffness regime, increasing either the stiffness ratio or pre-compression can significantly reduce the local resonance frequency of the metastructure, which exhibits the great insulation performance around the local resonance frequency. For a typical example, the proposed metastructure can achieve a transmission loss of 30 dB around 10 Hz. In contrast, within the negative stiffness regime, the metastructure does not exhibit local resonance, thus avoiding sound insulation valley caused by the “coincidence effect”. Compared with traditional materials or similar metamaterials, the proposed metastructure has significant advantages in sound insulation (e.g. more than 30 dB drop over a wide frequency band of 53－1500 Hz). By analyzing the equivalent mass density, reflection coefficient, and acoustic impedance ratio of the metastructure, the physical mechanism behind its superior insulation performance is further explored. The equivalent mass density changes from positive to negative and tends to infinity at the insulation peak. The insulation peak is attributed to a nearly perfect total reflection of sound wave caused by impedance mismatch, while the insulation valley is caused by low-frequency “coincidence effect” originating from the local resonance band gap. The using of the quasi-zero stiffness local resonance to achieve low-frequency broadband sound insulation overcomes the disadvantages of traditional metamaterials such as reduced stiffness or additional mass, thus becoming vastly attractive for constructing low-frequency broad band sound insulation structures.
OPENPOLAR.NO
Authors: Abu-Alam Tamer , Aspaas Per Pippin
Published: August 2021

In this episode, we discuss the new service Open Polar: The Global Open Access Portal for Research Data and Publications on the Arctic and Antarctic (openpolar.no). Presenting only freely available documents on the Arctic and Antarctic, Open Polar is a thematic search engine that can be a useful tool for both researchers and decision makers. Tamer Abu-Alam explains the reasons for filtering out all research documents that are not available in open access, thereby promoting open science. Of the 1,8 million records currently included in Open Polar, approx. 22,5 percent are research datasets, which makes the service unique.
First published online August 30, 2021.
Ciprofloxacin reduces tenocyte viability and proteoglycan synthesis in short-term explant cultures of equine tendon
Authors: James Stuart , Schuijers Johannes , Daffy John , Cook Jill , Samiric Tom
Published: August 2021

Fluoroquinolones are an effective, broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat an array of bacterial infections. However, they are associated with an increased risk of tendinopathy and tendon rupture even after discontinuation of treatment. This condition is known as fluoroquinolone-associated tendinopathy, the underlying mechanisms of which are poorly understood. While many factors may be involved in the pathophysiology of tendinopathies in general, changes in tenocyte metabolism and viability, as well as alteration of proteoglycan metabolism are prominent findings in the scientific literature. This study investigated the effects of ciprofloxacin, a common fluoroquinolone, on cell viability, proteoglycan synthesis, and proteoglycan mRNA expression in equine superficial digital flexor tendon explants after 96 h treatment with between 1–300 µg/mL ciprofloxacin, and again after 8 days discontinuation of treatment. Ciprofloxacin caused significant reductions in cell viability by between 25–33% at all dosages except 10 µg/mL, and viability decreased further after 8 days discontinuation of treatment. Proteoglycan synthesis significantly decreased by approximately 50% in explants treated with 100 µg/mL and 300 µg/mL, however this effect reversed after 8 days in the absence of treatment. No significant mRNA expression changes were observed after the treatment period with the exception of versican which was down-regulated at the highest concentration of ciprofloxacin. After the recovery period, aggrecan, biglycan and versican genes were all significantly downregulated in explants initially treated with 1–100 µg/mL. Results from this study corroborate previously reported findings of reduced cell viability and proteoglycan synthesis in a whole tissue explant model and provide further insight into the mechanisms underlying fluoroquinolone-associated tendinopathy and rupture. This study further demonstrates that certain ciprofloxacin induced cellular changes are not rapidly reversed upon cessation of treatment which is a novel finding in the literature.
The distribution of benthic amphipod crustaceans in Indonesian seas
Authors: Arfianti Tri , Costello Mark John
Published: August 2021

Amphipod crustaceans are an essential component of tropical marine biodiversity. However, their distribution and biogeography have not been analysed in one of the world’s largest tropical countries nested in the Coral Triangle, Indonesia. We collected and identified amphipod crustaceans from eight sites in Indonesian waters and combined the results with data from 32 additional sites in the literature. We analysed the geographic distribution of 147 benthic amphipod crustaceans using cluster analysis and the ‘Bioregions Infomaps’ neural network method of biogeographic discrimination. We found five groups of benthic amphipod crustaceans which show relationships with sampling methods, depth, and substrata. Neural network biogeographic analysis indicated there was only one biogeographic region that matched with the global amphipod regions and marine biogeographic realms defined for all marine taxa. There was no support for Wallaces or other lines being marine biogeographic boundaries in the region. Species richness was lower than expected considering the region is within the Coral Triangle. We hypothesise that this low richness might be due to the intense fish predation which may have limited amphipod diversification. The results indicated that habitat rather than biogeography determines amphipod distribution in Indonesia. Therefore, future research needs to sample more habitats, and consider habitat in conservation planning.
Accumulation of macronutrients and productivity of potato with foliar application of biofertilizer
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Uberlândia Brazil, Pinheiro Araújo Lucas , Camargos Oliveira Roberta ,   Universidade Federal de Uberlândia Brazil, Quintao Lana Regina Maria ,   Universidade Federal de Uberlândia Brazil, QUEIROZ LUZ JOSÉ MAGNO ,   Universidade Federal de Uberlândia Brazil, Apolinário Guimarães João Paulo ,   Universidade Federal de Uberlândia Brazil, Oliveira Alves Erlani ,   Universidade Federal de Uberlândia Brazil
Published: August 2021

The addition of organic compounds to fertilizers has shown positive effects on plant metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the macronutrient accumulation and productivity of potato with the use of biofertilizer (BF) applied to the leaves. A 2×7 factorial plot with a plot subdivided in time and ten replications used two forms of fertilization: a chemical fertilizer with conventional NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium: control) and conventional fertilizer plus biofertilizers (BF); evaluations were performed 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81 and 91 days after planting (DAP) using the Jelly cultivar. The BF increased the maximum N, K, Ca and Mg accumulations in the leaves, especially N and K, with the period of greatest accumulation occurring between 62 and 66 DAP. The accumulations of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in the tubers accelerated from 71 DAP. At the end of the cycle (e.g., 91 DAP), the increases in the nutrient accumulations of N, P, K and Ca were between 30 and 64% higher for the BF application, the Mg accumulations doubled and the S accumulations exhibited no differences between the evaluation periods. For the leaves, the following decreasing sequence of maximum accumulation was observed: K>N>Ca>Mg>S>P. For the tubers, the following decreasing sequence was obtained: K>N>P>Ca>Mg>S. The use of biofertilizers caused higher productivity of tubers of greater caliber and soluble solids contents in the cv. Jelly potato tubers.
Factors that influence French consumer satisfaction in the preference for Chilean avocados (Persea Americana Mill.)
Authors:   University of La Serena, Cabana Ricardo
Published: August 2021

Most avocados consumed in France come from Peru or Chile. French suppliers vary based on the season; however, Chile is the main supplier of avocados during the winter season. The aim of this study is to analyze the key variables that influence French consumer satisfaction in the preference for Chilean avocados.This is substantiated using an exploratory multivariate analysis, which was performed on a causal model comprised of endogenous constructs: perceived extrinsic and intrinsic quality, perceived risk and perceived value. The sample consists of 346 French consumers of Chilean avocados in supermarkets of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The main results show that the risk perceived by French consumers can only be related to the perceived extrinsic quality of the product. On the other hand, both perceived intrinsic and extrinsic quality are directly related to perceived value. Finally, it is concluded that French consumer satisfaction in the preference for Chilean avocados can be explained by the variables perceived intrinsic quality, perceived extrinsic quality and perceived value.
Пероральный инсулин, или Как обмануть желудок, "Природа"
Authors: Валуев Л.И. , Валуев И.Л.
Published: August 2021

В настоящее время в мире насчитывается более 420 млн больных сахарным диабетом, и многим из них для поддержания оптимального уровня глюкозы в крови необходим инсулин. Самый распространенный способ его введения — инъекции, которые пациент должен делать несколько раз в день. Это не только травматично и неудобно, но и несет определенные риски. Поэтому во многих лабораториях мира ведется поиск альтернативных, неинвазивных, способов доставки инсулина. Очевидно, что самый привлекательный и физиологичный из них — пероральный (в виде таблеток или растворов). В статье рассматриваются его преимущества и ограничения, а также обсуждается новая стратегия лечения сахарного диабета, основанная на использовании разбавленных растворов инсулина и подкрепленная результатами экспериментов, в которых удалось добиться гипогликемического эффекта.
Палеонтологическая топонимика Шпицбергена, "Природа"
Authors: Рогов М.А.
Published: August 2021

Названия ископаемым организмам нередко присваиваются по тем или иным топонимам, но иногда бывает и наоборот, местности называют в честь окаменелостей. В основном такие топонимы сосредоточены в труднодоступных регионах, где «палеонтологические» названия присваивали природным объектам их первопроходцы — геологи и палеонтологи. Шпицберген — один из регионов, наиболее богатых палеонтологическими топонимами. Подробно рассмотрена история названия «Криоцерасовый склон», также приведены сведения о других аналогичных топонимах архипелага.
A Study on Performance of Regulated Markets in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Surender S. , Balaji P. , Ashok K. R.
Published: August 2021

The aim of the paper is to study the performance of regulated markets in TamilNadu . Regulated markets are essential for regulating and monitoring the financial and economic system thereby reducing market charges and providing facilities to producers and sellers in the market. At present in Tamil Nadu 284 regulated markets are functioning under 23 market committees to ensure fair prices to farmers produce. The primary data were collected by structured questionnaire to study the constraints faced by the farmers in regulated market and also the brain storming session were conducted between market committee, farmers, traders, FPO’s(Farmer Producer Organisation), etc.. to improve the efficiency of regulated market. The secondary data were collected from District market committees. The tools used in this study are Percentage analysis and Garett ranking method. The results shows that nearly 80 to 90 percent of Market fee collected outside, for the sale and purchase of notified agricultural produce would be affected due to the farm bill 2020 and this problems can be fairly rectified by some alternative measures or models in which market shops construction, Primary processing centres, etc.. will improve the performance of the regulated market. The major constraints faced by the farmers was high transportation cost.
Anaerobic Decolorization of Sulfonated Azo Dyes by Sulfate Reducing Bacteria
Authors: Sreelekshmi V. , Vincent Salom Gnana Thanga
Published: August 2021

Aim: The present study was done to find out ability of sulfate reducing bacteria to reduce sulfonated azo dyes found in the textile effluent.

Study Design: Isolate Sulfate reducing bacterial strains from dye contaminated soil samples, inoculate and incubate dye supplemented media under static anaerobic condition and measure the decolorization using UV-VIS spectrophotometer.

Place and Duration of Study: The samples were collected from Travancore textiles Nemom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Laboratory analysis were performed at Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India. The study was done for a period of six months.

Methodology: The isolated sulfate reducing bacterial (SRB) strains were screened to test the tolerance to selected sulfonated azo dye Direct blue 71. The decolorization assay was done in Postgate media and an aliquot of samples (3mL) were withdrawn periodically, centrifuged at 10,000rpm for 15min. The supernatant was used to assay azo dye reduction by measuring residual absorption at the wavelength 594 nm of the Direct Blue 71. Results were compared with the uninoculated control. The optimization of physicochemical conditions for effective decolorization of the selected bacterial strains was studied at different environmental conditions (pH, temperature, concentration and added co-substrates such as sodium acetate, lactate and mannitol). The biodegradation of sulfonated azo dye was assessed by characterizing the metabolites formed after degradation by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). FT-IR analysis revealed only decolorization had occurred without degradation of the dye during the short incubation period of one week.

Conclusion: Degradation of azo dyes and other recalcitrant compounds by obligate anaerobes such as sulfate reducing bacteria is a slow process. Hence, extension of incubation period is necessary for the effective and complete degradation of the dye by SRB.
Prevalence of Dysphagia in Children with Cerebral Palsy”: A Multicenter Study in Lahore
Authors: Kanwal Fiaz , Masood Fahad , Iftikhar Nayab , Afzal Farjad , Mubarak Sabah
Published: August 2021

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of dysphagia in children with cerebral palsy.

Materials and Methods: A sample of 105 children with cerebral palsy age between four and sixteen years, were selected from cerebral palsy centers in Lahore. Out of these children almost all were with spastic cerebral palsy. Data was collected by using a questionnaire filled by the caregivers of children with cerebral palsy. This questionnaire constitutes questions regarding swallowing difficulty of CP child and their eating & feeding patterns to determine the prevalence of dysphagia.

Results: Result indicated that out of 105 children’s caregiver with cerebral palsy 36(34.3%) responded affirmatively that their children have swallowing difficulty and 69(65.7%) responded negatively that their children have no swallowing difficulty.

Conclusion: The findings suggested that prevalence of dysphagia in children with cerebral palsy is 34.3% in Lahore city.
Hierarchical Bayesian Model for Assessing Extreme Daily Rainfall Through Combining Climatic and Topographic Information
Authors: Lee Jeonghoon , Won Jeongeun , Choi Jeonghyeon , Kim Sangda
Published: August 2021

Frequency analysis of the annual maximum rainfall time series is essential for designing infrastructures to provide protection against local floods and related events. However, the results of the frequency analysis obtained are ambiguous. In this study, we aimed to develop a spatial hierarchical Bayesian model framework through combining the climatic and topographic information. To confirm the applicability of the proposed method, the results of at-site frequency analysis and regional frequency analysis using the index flood method were compared in the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam region. Furthermore, a hierarchical Bayesian model was developed, in which the parameters of the generalized logistic distribution comprised relatively simple covariate relationships upon considering the possibility of expansion into various probability distributions and more complex covariate structures. The uncertainty of this model was analyzed using the coefficient of variation of rainfall quantile ensemble. The results confirmed that the regional frequency analysis using the hierarchical Bayesian model combined with the climatic and topographic information could provide an accurate estimate of extreme daily rainfall with relatively good agreement with the estimate at a specific site, but is a more reliable approach.
Numerical Study on Extent of Hazardous Area for Sonic Jet Release Using Equivalent Leak Diameter
Authors: Choi Seung-Ho , Choi Hyoung Gwon
Published: August 2021

In this study, three-dimensional K - E turbulence numerical simulations were conducted to analyze the extent of hazardous area for the sonic jet leakage of flammable gas. Incompressible fluid flows were simulated based on an inlet boundary condition estimated using the theory of “equivalent leak diameter” to prevent the direct simulation of sonic flows near the leakage hole. Numerical simulations of 20 methane leakage scenarios providing the lower explosive limit contour showed shapes of the hazardous area with a maximum height of approximately 12-14 times larger than the maximum width, owing to convection. The extents of hazardous area determined using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were approximately 5%-10% lower than the results obtained with 1 m over based on IEC 60079-10-1. For scenarios in which quantitative data were not calculated using IEC 60079-10-1 due to low release rates, CFD provided quantitative data for the extent of hazardous area, showing nonlinear relationships with the pressure and diameter of leak holes.
Field Application for Evaluating Vertical Stress of Soil in Multilayered Ground
Authors: Kim Jiseong , Im Eun-Sang , Kang Gichun
Published: August 2021

In the west coast and the coast of Busan, at several locations, an overconsolidated layer exists above the soft ground. For soft ground with an upper overconsolidated clay layer, significant errors exist between the design and the actual settlements in the field. For multilayered ground, although Boussinesq's theory is applied, significant errors still exist. In this study, ground settlements in the overconsolidated clay layer were predicted using the Burmister and Hirai method. Based on comparisons with field measurements, it was confirmed that the accuracy could be increased by more than 90%.
Evaluation of the Detection Ability of New Infrasound Networks Installed by Korea Meteorological Administration
Authors: Min Kyungmin
Published: August 2021

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) installed infrasound networks in Cheorwon and Yanggu. These networks have been operated for detecting infrasound generated from artificial explosions, such as those due to North Korea's nuclear tests, and from natural phenomena such as the volcanic eruption of Mt. Baekdu. Currently, the KMA is simultaneously performing infrasound analysis and seismic wave analysis to discriminate between natural and artificial earthquakes. To efficiently perform the discrimination and analysis of artificial earthquakes, three infrasound networks were expanded in the West Sea and northern Gyeonggi-do Gyodong-do, Paju, and Yeoncheon. In this study, 22 cases of artificial earthquake events that occurred in North Korea in January 2020 were analyzed to test the analysis capabilities of the three newly installed infrasound networks. The results of the analysis confirmed that the newly installed infrasound networks exhibited a higher infrasound detection rate than the existing Cheorwon and Yanggu infrasound networks. The Cheorwon and Yanggu observation networks are being planned for relocation and installation due to aging and poor site conditions. The use of the new infrasound network is expected to improve the detection rate and analysis accuracy with respect to artificial earthquakes. Furthermore, it is expected to enhance the detection capability of infrasound generated from various physical phenomena such as nuclear tests performed by North Korea and volcanic eruption of Mt. Baekdu.
Estimation of Flood Discharge in Complex Basins and Assessment of Downstream Conveyance in Development Areas
Authors: Keum Hojun , Kim Haksoo , Ko Taekjo
Published: August 2021

The rainfall-runoff characteristics of urban and rural areas differ. Hence, major domestic design standards recommend using the rural basin rainfall-runoff models (the unit hydrograph method) for rural areas and the urban rainfall-runoff models (time-area method) for urban areas when estimating the amount of floods. Further, the guidelines for consultations on disaster impact assessment in Korea describe the selection of rainfall-runoff models according to basin types such as urban and rural areas. However, in complex watersheds where rural and urban basins coexist, the type of rainfall-runoff model is selected based on the modeler’s (or business operator’s) experiences rather than model selection guidelines. This study aims to analyze the impacts of uncertain design standards on disaster impact assessment in Korea. To this end, the parameters for each model (the unit hydrograph method, time-area method) were optimized using the measured datasets. The accuracy of the models was evaluated, as well as the appropriateness of flood reduction measures based on whether there was an assessment of downstream conveyance in development areas. The results of this study are expected to contribute to improving the reliability of the evaluation of flood reduction measures by assessing the accuracy of results in hydrological modeling and supplementing the uncertain flood estimation guidelines.
Water Rights Related to Water Supplies and Uses
Authors: Kim Tae Jin
Published: August 2021

As human development and urbanization progress, concepts of water rights for water use have been applied to water consumption for managing human life. The water cycle can be divided into natural and artificial water cycles, whereas water rights can be divided into water supply and water use rights for humans and nature. In this paper, the relationships between the river act, dam construction act, sanitary act, sewerage act, forest resource act, and other acts and water rights corresponding to water-right categories and government ministries are summarized and organized. In addition, the legal inclusive scope and redefinition of water rights are proposed. The results of this study can be applied to river and reservoir engineering models based on water rights in residential areas.
Applicability of Heat Index for Effective Heatwave Response
Authors: Kang Ji Yoon , Park Bong-Chur , Heo Jongbae , Kim Keewook
Published: August 2021

Damage caused by heatwaves has been increasing recently worldwide. As climate change led by global warming progresses, heatwaves are projected to cause the most damage. Thus, it is very important to issue an appropriate heatwave advisory so that one can be prepared for it. Considering that the degree of heat experienced by people differs depending on the difference in humidity between regions with similar summer temperatures, it is necessary to evaluate whether the issuance of a heatwave warning using only the daily maximum temperature is appropriate. This study intends to examine the applicability of the heat index considering both temperature and humidity for effective heatwave response. First, the agreement between the occurrences of heatwaves and heat-related illness, where the occurrence is decided by the daily maximum temperature and daily maximum heat index, was evaluated. The results show that when the daily maximum heat index was applied as a criterion for issuing a heatwave warning, the coincidence with the occurrence of heat-related illness was more than two times higher than when the daily maximum temperature was applied. Next, on evaluating the prediction accuracy of the heat index according to the prediction-related leading time, the accuracy of the heat index was noted to be higher than that of the temperature for all the leading times; the highest accuracy was shown at the leading time of 10 hours (NSE = 0.7196; CORR = 0.8698). Based on the results of this study, it is necessary to consider using a heat index that contains both temperature and humidity elements to issue a heatwave warning. Furthermore, to establish regional standards for heatwave warnings, the relationship between heatwave characteristics and meteorological factors should be first analyzed using long-term data from various observation points.
Analysis of Crown Fire Transition and Spread over Various Pine Trees Using Wildland–Urban Interface Fire Dynamic Simulator
Authors: Kwon Kyeongnam , Kim Sungyon , Lee Sunjoo , Kwon Chungeun , Seo Kyunngwon , Im Seongkyun
Published: August 2021

The crown fire of various pine trees was investigated using a wildland–urban interface fire dynamics simulator (WFDS). The effects of wind speeds and the spatial distances between fuels on crown fire ignition and spread were investigated. The average 30-year values of atmospheric conditions in March and April were used as the reference conditions to represent the climatic conditions for the wildfire season. As the wind speed increases, crown fire initiation is promoted, and the intensity and spread rate of the crown fire increase. The effects of the spatial distance on the crown fire depend on the wind speed and fuel conditions. The results show that a computational fluid dynamics tool using physics-based models, such as the WFDS, can predict the crown fire ignition and spread behaviors for domestic pine trees. However, further studies are required for other vegetation and domestic atmospheric conditions to validate the applicability of the WFDS on domestic fuels.
Case Study on Prediction of Temperature in Compartment Considering Fire Conditions in Buildings
Authors: Cho Gyuhwan , Ahn Jaekwon
Published: August 2021

Current fire resistance standards for major structural members of buildings require uniform fire resistance performance (in hours). However, buildings may be vulnerable to various local-fire conditions, depending on the industry or business, so it is necessary to examine their differences through simulations. In this study, the existing room corner test (KSF ISO 9705) and simulation results were compared to verify the reliability of the simulations. Next, the similarity of the results was identified. Simulations of actual buildings were performed based on local-fire conditions, and it was verified that the temperature varies by location. Based on the results, it is necessary to focus on performance-based fire resistance design rather than the specification-based design, which requires uniform fire resistance performance in hours. Simulation case studies should be conducted to reflect the diversity of the fire and structural member conditions.
Analysis of Flame-Retardant Performance Based on Wood Density and Flame-Retardant Treatment Method
Authors: Cha Minwoo , Lee Semyeoung
Published: August 2021

For this study, four types of wood with different densities (spruce and low-, medium-, and high-density fiberboards) were selected from wood widely used as materials in real life, particularly in architectural interiors. For each wood type, flame-retardant paints (water- and oil-based) and flame-retardant liquids were applied two to five times using three flame-retardant treatment methods (roller, brush, and spray) to test the flame-retardant performance. For the four types of wood specimens with different densities, their flame-retardant performances and ignition times were compared and analyzed according to the applied flame-retardant paint (water- and oil-based) and liquid, treatment method, and frequency at which a specific paint was applied. These results can be used as empirical data on changes in flame-retardant performance based on density of wood and flame-retardant treatment method.
Relationship between impaired work function and coping behaviors in workers with low back pain
Authors: Sakai Kosuke , Nagata Tomohisa , Nagata Masako , Kajiki Shigeyuki , Fujino Yoshihisa , Mori Koji
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to clarify the relationship between work functional impairment levels and three coping behaviors of workers with low back pain, which were about seeking medical attention, taking over-the-counter drugs, and taking self-care.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study on 14 Japanese companies in 2016. Work function impairment was measured using the Work Functioning Impairment Scale. Logistic regression analyses were conducted for the three coping behaviors and odds ratios (ORs) calculated for work functional impairment levels.

Results

We analyzed 2232 subjects; 226 were women and 790 worked on production lines. 688 workers had sought medical attention, 436 had taken over-the-counter medication, and 1225 had engaged in self-care. Those seeking medical attention were associated with severe work function impairment compared with no work function impairment (adjusted OR = 2.84, 95% confidence interval: 1.82–4.45, p < .001). We observed a trend for the association between over-the-counter drug use with high levels of work function impairment (adjusted OR: 1.19 for low, 1.35 for moderate, 1.65 for severe). There was no apparent relationship between self-care and the degree of work functional impairment.

Conclusion

In workers with low back pain, severe work functional impairment may promote medical attention and over-the-counter medication use, but it would not encourage self-care, such as stretching or exercise. Therefore, workplaces need to provide special support to help them take care of themselves. Therefore, it is desirable to provide good support for self-care in the workplace.
In Situ Fabrication of Freestanding Single‐Atom‐Thick 2D Metal/Metallene and 2D Metal/ Metallene Oxide Membranes: Recent Developments
Authors: Ta Huy Q. , Mendes Rafael G. , Liu Yu , Yang Xiaoqin , Luo Jingping , Bachmatiuk Alicja , Gemming Thomas , Zeng Mengqi , Fu Lei , Liu Lijun , Rümmeli Mark H.
Published: August 2021

In recent years, two‐dimensional (2D) materials have attracted a lot of research interest as they exhibit several fascinating properties. However, outside of 2D materials derived from van der Waals layered bulk materials only a few other such materials are realized, and it remains difficult to confirm their 2D freestanding structure. Despite that, many metals are predicted to exist as 2D systems. In this review, the authors summarize the recent progress made in the synthesis and characterization of these 2D metals, so called metallenes, and their oxide forms, metallene oxides as free standing 2D structures formed in situ through the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning TEM (STEM) to synthesize these materials. Two primary approaches for forming freestanding monoatomic metallic membranes are identified. In the first, graphene pores as a means to suspend the metallene or metallene oxide and in the second, electron‐beam sputtering for the selective etching of metal alloys or thick complex initial materials is employed to obtain freestanding single‐atom‐thick 2D metal. The data show a growing number of 2D metals/metallenes and 2D metal/ metallene oxides having been confirmed and point to a bright future for further discoveries of these 2D materials.
Digital agriculture platforms: Driving data‐enabled agricultural innovation in a world fraught with privacy and security concerns
Authors: Runck Bryan C. , Joglekar Alison , Silverstein Kevin A. T. , Chan‐Kang Connie , Pardey Philip G. , Wilgenbusch James C.
Published: August 2021

Digital agriculture is often heralded as the next major wave of innovation in food and agriculture. Driven by big data, the intention is that digital agriculture will transform the entire research and development pipeline across agricultural value chains throughout the developed and developing worlds. Yet, issues concerning data quality, interoperability, intellectual property ownership and data privacy present considerable challenges to this vision. Digital agriculture platforms, which support data sharing, analysis, interoperability, and public and private sector collaboration, are one approach to address this challenge, but as a new research domain, there is a lack of conceptual clarity around what constitutes a “digital agriculture platform”. Here, we use a “bottom up” and “top down” analysis approach to develop a taxonomy of the digital agriculture landscape. Then, we select a set of digital agriculture platforms for in‐depth analysis across a set of technical and use requirements. While digital agriculture will remain a constantly evolving landscape with varied technologies and application areas, this presents a first attempt to characterize this landscape and establish a common vocabulary for understanding digital agriculture platforms.
Early Cretaceous abietoid Pinaceae from Mongolia and the history of seed scale shedding
Authors: Herrera Fabiany , Shi Gongle , Bickner Maya A. , Ichinnorov Niiden , Leslie Andrew B. , Crane Peter R. , Herendeen Patrick S.
Published: August 2021

Premise

Seed cones of extant Pinaceae exhibit two mechanisms of seed release. In “flexers” the cone scales remain attached to the central axis, while flexing and separating from each other to release the seeds. In “shedders” scales are shed from the axis, with the seeds either remaining attached to the scale or becoming detached. The early fossil history of Pinaceae from the Jurassic to Early Cretaceous is dominated by flexing seed cones, while the systematic information provided by shedding fossil cones has been overlooked and rarely integrated with data based on compression and permineralized specimens. We describe the earliest and best‐documented evidence of a “shedder” seed cone from the Aptian–Albian of Mongolia.

Methods

Lignite samples from Tevshiin Govi locality were disaggregated in water, washed, and dried in air. Fossils were compared to material of extant Pinaceae using LM and CT scans.

Results

Lepidocasus mellonae gen. et sp. nov. is characterized by a seed cone that disarticulated at maturity and shed obovate bract–scale complexes that have a distinctive ribbed surface and an abaxial surface covered with abundant trichomes. The ovuliferous scale has ca. 30–40 resin canals, but only scarce xylem near the attachment to the cone axis. Resin vesicles are present in the seed integument. Phylogenetic analysis places Lepidocasus as sister to extant Cedrus within the abietoid grade.

Conclusions

The exquisite preservation of the trichomes in L. mellonae raises questions about their potential ecological function in the cones of fossil and living Pinaceae. Lepidocasus mellonae also shows that a shedding dispersal syndrome, a feature that has often been overlooked, evolved early in the history of Pinaceae during the Early Cretaceous.
Carers’ experiences of the National Disability Insurance Scheme workforce: A qualitative study informing workforce development
Authors: Hurley John , Hutchinson Marie
Published: August 2021

The Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) requires a skilled workforce capable of assessing the diverse needs of service participants and providing tailored services accordingly. There is currently limited evidence regarding workforce capabilities to inform training and curriculum design, particularly from the perspectives of carers. This paper reports findings from a longitudinal qualitative study exploring the lived experiences of regional carers following their engagement with the NDIS workforce. This paper aimed to foreground the experiences of carers and identify regional workforce development priorities to benefit both carers and service participants. Seventy‐two carers living in regional New South Wales were interviewed three times between November 2018 and November 2019. The insights provided by carers highlighted workforce expertise, nontechnical skills and service availability as key drivers of either helpful or unhelpful experiences. Interpersonal values, empathy and advanced communication microskills enabled the planning and coordinating workforce to undertake holistic and effective planning. Similar values and relationship‐building capabilities were pivotal for the workforce translating assessments into delivering support and interventions. Findings also highlight NDIS provider organisations can best support carers through better recruitment, retention and training strategies.
Redox‐Divergent Construction of (Dihydro)thiophenes with DMSO
Authors: Liu Heng , He Gu‐Cheng , Zhao Chao‐Yang , Zhang Xiang‐Xin , Ji Ding‐Wei , Hu Yan‐Cheng , Chen Qing‐An
Published: August 2021

Thiophene‐based rings are one of the most widely used building blocks for the synthesis of sulfur‐containing molecules. Inspired by the redox diversity of these features in nature, we demonstrate herein a redox‐divergent construction of dihydrothiophenes, thiophenes, and bromothiophenes from the respective readily available allylic alcohols, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and HBr. The redox‐divergent selectivity could be manipulated mainly by controlling the dosage of DMSO and HBr. Mechanistic studies suggest that DMSO simultaneously acts as an oxidant and a sulfur donor. The synthetic potentials of the products as platform molecules were also demonstrated by various derivatizations, including the preparation of bioactive and functional molecules.
Construction strategies and thermal energy storage applications of shape‐stabilized phase change materials
Authors: Yan Jiahui , Hu Dechao , Wang Zhiqiang , Ma Wenshi
Published: August 2021

Phase change materials (PCMs) are usually used in latent thermal energy storage systems to address the mismatch between heat energy supply and demand, due to their high energy storage density, high‐latent heat, and almost constant temperature during phase change process. However, the low‐thermal conductivity of PCMs and severe leakage during phase change limit their practical applications. Thus, extensive efforts have been devoted to constructing shape‐stabilized PCMs (SSPCMs). In this review, recent advances of the construction strategies and thermal energy storage applications of SSPCMs are summarized. Especially, the microencapsulated PCMs, SSPCMs based on porous scaffolds, as well as their potential applications are highlighted. Finally, the future perspectives and remaining challenges in this research field are prospected.
Amphiphilic copolymers of dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate with controlled hydrophilicity for antialgal activity
Authors: Mushtaq Shehla , Abbas Muhammad Asad , Nasir Habib , Mahmood Azhar , Iqbal Mudassir , Janjua Hussnain A. , Malik Qamar , Ahmad Nasir M.
Published: August 2021

Biofouling due to algae mass attachment has detrimental effects on the performance and economy of many manufacturing processes. In consideration of this, present research is focused to mitigate such effect through the development of environmentally benign active antialgal cationic amphiphilic copolymers of poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA). The copolymers compositions were synthesized to tailor various characteristics to control surface biofilm formation and antialgal activities were determined through suspension assay. Biofilm formation ofDictyosphaerium sp. algae on the synthesized copolymers of different surface energies was ascertained by measuring chlorophyll A content and percent adhesion of algae. The copolymers antialgal performance enhanced with increase in PDMAEMA concentration as it exhibited the lowest contact angle as well as adhesion and minimum chlorophyll A contents. Algal adhesion on the surface of materials was also observed by optical microscopy. The copolymers with higher concentration of DMAEMA resulted in greater hydrophilicity which exhibited low adhesion ofDictyosphaeriumalgae due to possibility of stronger hydration effect and wettability as evident from their lower water contact angle. The developed benign cationic polymers of PDMAEMA and PMMA with varying compositions can lead to important breakthrough in the subject area of antialgal research in several manufacturing processes.
Effect of oligomers from epoxidized soybean oil and sebacic acid on the toughness of polylactic acid/bamboo fiber composites
Authors: Song Xinyu , Zhang Caili , Yang Yang , Weng Yunxuan
Published: August 2021

The application of bamboo fibers (BFs) to reinforce the impact strength of polylactic acid (PLA) is attractive because of its low cost and high specific strength. However, the main disadvantages of PLA/BF composites are their low compatibility and poor interfacial adhesion caused by different surface energies. In this work, a bio‐based compatibilizer is used to modify PLA/BF composites with a BF content up to 30 wt%. First, sebacic acid (SA) and epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) are reacted to obtain ESO‐SA oligomers with different branching and crosslinking structures. Next, ESO‐SA is incorporated into a PLA/BF composite through dynamic vulcanization, and fully bio‐based PLA/BF/ESO‐SA ternary composites are prepared. Compared to the PLA/BF composite without ESO‐SA addition, the impact strength of PLA/BF/16ESO‐SA12 increases from 5.8 to 14.55 KJ/m2. The toughening mechanism results confirm that the chemical structure of ESO‐SA is the key indicator of the toughening efficiency.
Prudent Practices in ex situ Durability Analysis Using Cyclic Voltammetry for Platinum‐based Electrocatalysts
Authors: Agrawal Khantesh , Naik Adarsh Ajith , Chaudhary Saroj , Parvatalu Damaraju , Santhanam Venugopal
Published: August 2021

Platinum (Pt)‐based electrocatalysts are at the vanguard of research initiatives to meet activity and durability targets for promoting large‐scale adoption of fuel cell vehicles. Ex situ characterization of electrocatalyst activity and durability using cyclic voltammetry (CV) has a steep learning curve. Thus, many researchers who do not receive formal training in electrochemistry are left unsure how to proceed. Herein, we identify and compile prudent practices for reliable assessment of ECSA values with examples from our research on nanoscale catalytic films formed by the self‐terminating electrodeposition of Pt. Starting with a conceptual framework to understand typical features in the CV of reversible redox couples, we present prudent practices in acquiring CV data aimed at nonelectrochemists. We then highlight specific features related to ECSA computation from Pt CV. Finally, we suggest safeguards that help avoid missteps and achieve repeatable results while conducting ex situ durability tests that extend over days.
Pressure‐Induced Phase Transition, Jahn‐Teller Suppression, Optical and Electronic Property Evolutions in Ruddlesden‐Popper Perovskites Rb2CuCl4‐xBrx
Authors: Liu Ke , Li Chen , Wen Ting , Jiang Dequan , Jiang Zimin , Ma Yingying , Wang Yonggang
Published: August 2021

Transition‐metal containing halides with Ruddlesden‐Popper (RP) perovskite structures have received extensive attention owing to their emerging and anisotropic photoelectric functionalities. Among them, A2CuX4 (A=alkali metal or organic cations, X=Cl, Br, I) series are particular, because of the Jahn‐Teller distortion of Cu2+ sensitive to external stimuli such as temperature and pressure. In this article, we report the structure evolution and physical property responses of RP perovskites Rb2CuCl4‐xBrx (x=1, 2) to external pressure. Dramatic structural phase transitions from orthorhombic to monoclinic occur around 3.0 GPa in both materials regardless of their distinct compositions. Structure analyses reveal the suppression and final vanishing of the Jahn‐Teller distortion of Cu2+ cations under compression and crossing the phase transition, respectively. Rb2CuCl4‐xBrx perovskites exhibit abrupt bandgap narrowing (from reddish‐brown to black) along with the structural phase transition, and an overall bandgap narrowing of 75% up to ∼27 GPa but still keeping semiconductive. During the compression processes, the resistances of Rb2CuCl4‐xBrx have been greatly reduced by 5‐orders of magnitude. Moreover, all of the pressure‐induced phenomena in Rb2CuCl4‐xBrx perovskites are reversible upon decompression and no obvious difference is observed for the pressure responses between [CuCl4Br2] and [CuCl4(Cl,Br)2] coordination environments. The impact of pressure on the structural and physical properties in two‐dimensional Rb2CuCl4‐xBrx provides in‐depth understanding on the structure design of functional halide perovskites at ambient conditions.
Photolabile Protecting Group‐Mediated Synthesis of 2‐Deoxy‐Glycosides
Authors: Li Xiaoqian , Ma Zhi , Liu Rongkun , Hurevich Mattan , Yang You
Published: August 2021

Main observation and conclusion

A green and efficient photolabile protecting group (PPG)‐mediated glycosidation approach for the synthesis of 2‐deoxy‐glycosides is reported. By employing ortho‐nitrobenzyl carbonate (oNBC) as PPG, N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF)‐modulated SPhosAuNTf2‐promoted glycosidation with per‐oNBC‐protected 2‐deoxy‐glycosyl ynenoates affords the 2‐deoxy‐glycosides with moderate to excellent α‐selectivities presumably depending on the reactivities of the acceptor alcohols. Based on the PPG‐mediated glycosidation approach, oligosaccharides with three to six oNBC groups are effectively achieved. The multiple oNBC groups in the 2‐deoxy‐glycosides are completely cleaved by irradiation at 365 nm, resulting in the desired 2‐deoxy‐glycosides in an efficient manner without affecting the common alkyne, alkene, azide functional groups and the traditional protecting groups on the aglycones.